When the world tells us to avoid pain and chase comfort, God calls us to something different—strength in weakness, hope in trials, and a perspective that looks beyond this life. In 2 Corinthians 4, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes shows how even though our bodies wear out, God is renewing us daily on the inside. Hardships may feel heavy, but compared to the eternal glory waiting for us, they are light and temporary.  In this episode you’ll learn: How to find strength in weakness. How to view hardships through the lens of eternity. How to stay encouraged when life feels overwhelming.

In week one of Upside Down, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes uncovers how God’s way often flips the world’s values on their head. True confidence isn’t built on self-promotion but on the Spirit of God working through us. The good life isn’t about striving harder—it’s about trusting deeper and letting Christ’s power be enough. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the values of God’s kingdom turn the world’s wisdom upside down. How real confidence doesn’t come from self but from the Spirit’s work within us. What it looks like to move from trusting in yourself to fully depending on God.

In this week’s message, Guest Speaker, John Barrett, walks us through God’s response to Job. Instead of giving Job answers, God reveals His character—showing His power, wisdom, and love. Job moves from asking “Why?” to humbly trusting the Lord, and we’re invited to do the same when we face suffering. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why God answered Job with questions instead of explanations How suffering can deepen our understanding of God’s character The shift from hearing about God to truly knowing Him (Job 42:5) Three ways to respond to hardship: trust God, walk in humility, and surrender fully

In this message, Guest Speaker, Sean Wainerdi, continues our study through Job by looking at the painful question: Why does God allow suffering? Through Job’s story, his friends’ misguided answers, and real-life examples, we’re reminded that God’s wisdom and perspective are far greater than ours—and He is always at work for good, even when we can’t see it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Job’s friends’ explanations for suffering fell short The importance of presence over easy answers when comforting others How God’s perspective is higher and His wisdom broader than ours How Joseph’s story and the Cross reveal God’s power to bring good out of suffering

In this message, guest speaker Pastor Brad Franklin dives into the book of Job, exploring one of life’s hardest questions: How do we make sense of senseless pain? Brad unpacks the tension between suffering and God’s goodness, showing how Job’s ancient declaration—“I know that my Redeemer lives”—points us to Christ as our ultimate hope. Whether you’re in the middle of heartache, still carrying the memory of it, or walking with someone through it, this message will remind you that God is trustworthy in every season. In this episode, you’ll discover: The deeper meaning behind Job’s words: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Why having a “reason” for pain isn’t enough—and what actually sustains us through suffering. Real-life stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope in the face of unimaginable loss.

Why does God allow suffering—and what if He never tells us why? In this kickoff to the Book of Job, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes explores what happens when life falls apart and the answers don’t come. Job loses everything, yet his faith holds—not because he gets an explanation, but because he encounters God in a deeper way. In this episode, you’ll learn:1. Why seeing God is better than understanding everything2. How trials expose where our faith truly lies3. What it looks like to worship through pain This message will challenge your perspective on suffering—and encourage you to trust God, even when you don’t understand.

As we wrap up our Unleashed series through the book of Acts, Pastor Bret walks us through Acts 20—Paul’s final words to the Ephesian elders before heading to Jerusalem. In what feels like a farewell speech, Paul reminds us what it looks like to live a life fully surrendered to Christ: humble, honest, bold, and eternal-minded. It’s a sobering but inspiring call to examine where our loyalties lie—are we clinging too tightly to this life, or are we willing to finish the race God has set before us? In this episode, you’ll learn: Why serving the Lord, not people, is key to enduring trials with purpose. How humility, compassion, and boldness shape effective ministry. What it means to not “shrink back” from the whole counsel of God. Why Paul’s mindset ("I do not account my life of any value") can transform the way we follow Jesus.

In this message from Acts 17, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through Paul’s visit to Athens—a city overflowing with idols, philosophies, and spiritual confusion. Rather than debating or blending in, Paul boldly shares the truth of who God really is: the Creator, the Sustainer, and the One who calls all people to repentance. Through this encounter, we see how the same spiritual hunger that filled ancient Athens still exists today—and how the Gospel speaks directly to it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why starting with God—not ourselves—is essential to understanding life and faith How ancient philosophies like Epicureanism and Stoicism still show up in modern culture What true repentance means, and why God’s patience is a gift we shouldn’t ignore This message is a reminder that the good news of Jesus is timeless—and powerful enough to change any heart.

In this episode, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through Acts 16, where the gospel first crosses into Europe—and nothing goes according to plan. From a detour directed by the Holy Spirit to a divine encounter by the riverbank, we witness how God uses unexpected people and painful trials to build His church in Philippi. Whether it’s Lydia, a successful businesswoman, a demon-possessed slave girl, or a Roman jailer, we see how the gospel changes lives in every class and circumstance. Even when Paul and Silas end up beaten and in prison, their worship echoes through the jail—and it’s in that moment of darkness that God moves powerfully. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why God sometimes redirects our plans, and how His "no" can lead to a greater "yes." How divine appointments—like meeting Lydia and the jailer—can change everything when we're ready to share. What it looks like to rejoice and trust God, even in suffering, knowing He’s working through every trial.

In this episode, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes continues the Unleashed series through the book of Acts, focusing on Acts 12 and the miraculous story of Peter’s imprisonment and deliverance. As persecution intensifies against the early church, we see how the power of earnest prayer unleashes God’s miraculous work—proving that nothing can stop the gospel. Brett challenges listeners to reexamine the strength of their own prayer life and trust in God’s perfect timing. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why prayer is the church’s most powerful weapon against spiritual opposition, and how God works through earnest, united prayer. How God often answers prayers at the last moment—not to discourage us, but to grow our faith, trust, and endurance. That the gospel breaks chains—just as Peter was set free, God still delivers people today from spiritual bondage through the power of Jesus.

This week, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through the dramatic conversion of the Apostle Paul in Acts 9—a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for God’s grace. Once a violent persecutor of Christians, Paul encounters the risen Christ, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and becomes one of the most influential voices in the New Testament. In this episode, you'll discover: What Paul’s transformation teaches us about God’s power to change lives How every believer’s story—dramatic or not—is a testimony of grace Why God’s calling always comes with purpose and a mission How your own spiritual transformation can be a witness to others The same Spirit that changed Paul now works in us. Are you letting your life reflect the difference Christ has made?

This week kicks off our new series in the book of Acts, where Pastor Bret Avlakeotes unpacks the birth of the Church and the power behind its global impact. Acts is not just history—it’s the continuation of what Jesus began, now carried out by His people through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Jesus told the disciples to wait before going out How the promise of the Father—the Holy Spirit—transformed fearful followers into bold witnesses What it looks like to stay in step with the Spirit rather than lag behind or rush ahead Why the gospel message is not manmade, but the power of God that continues to change lives Whether you're waiting on God, needing courage, or wondering where you fit in the mission—this message will remind you that the same Spirit who empowered the first believers is alive in you.

This week, Pastor Bret unpacks David’s years on the run from Saul—a 15-year journey marked by fear, injustice, and exhaustion. Despite being pursued, betrayed, and nearly defeated, David continually placed his trust in God instead of taking vengeance into his own hands. His story is one of endurance, obedience, and deep faith. In this episode, you’ll learn: How God faithfully provided for David in his most desperate moments Why David refused to harm Saul, choosing faith over retaliation How David’s ultimate testimony points to Jesus as our rock, refuge, and salvation David’s long road to the throne wasn’t easy, but through it all, God proved trustworthy. His story invites us to trust Jesus—the true cleft in the rock—who offers safety, strength, and peace in every storm.

As we continue our new series, David, Pastor Bret unpacks the tension in Saul following David’s victory over Goliath.While David’s courage brings deliverance to Israel, it also stirs up something dark in King Saul—a heart consumed by jealousy, insecurity, and self-focus. This message takes us inside the contrast between a heart aligned with God and one driven by pride. In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why celebrating the success of others reflects a heart aligned with God• How a self-centered mindset leads to insecurity, bitterness, and spiritual blindness• Why keeping your eyes on the Lord is the only way to guard your heart and walk in freedom David may have defeated Goliath, but the real battle was in Saul’s heart—and it’s a battle we still face today.

This week, Pastor Bret kicks off our new series, David, by diving into David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16.After Saul’s failure as Israel’s first king, God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem with a new mission: anoint a new king. But instead of choosing someone impressive by the world’s standards, God picks David—a young shepherd completely overlooked by everyone, even his own family. Why? Because God sees what no one else does: the heart. In this episode, you’ll be challenged to consider:• What’s defining you—your past, your pain, or your calling?• How to move on when God says it’s time.• Why God values your heart more than your success or image.• What it means to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for God’s purposes. David’s story begins in obscurity, but his heart for God sets everything in motion. The same can be true for you.

This Mother’s Day, Kiki Anderson shares a powerful message from Luke 15—a story not just about a rebellious son, but about the radical grace of a Father who welcomes him home.Whether you relate to the younger son who’s wandered far, or the older son who’s been close but hardened, Jesus invites us all back to the heart of God. In this episode, you’ll be reminded that:• You can’t out-sin the grace of God.• The Father sees you, knows you, and still runs toward you.• Coming home isn’t about fixing yourself first—it’s about receiving what Jesus already paid for. No matter where you find yourself today, the message is the same: stop striving, stop running, and come back to the Father.

This week, Pastor Nathan leads us through Local Outreach Weekend, reminding us that loving our neighbor is more than a feeling—it’s a calling.We hear stories of transformation from local ministry partners and reflect on Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. True compassion, we’re reminded, often interrupts our schedules—but that’s exactly where God calls us to act. When we follow Jesus, we don’t just walk past the brokenness—we step into it with mercy, generosity, and love.So the question remains: when God puts someone in your path, how will you respond?

Welcome to the Spring Hills Podcast, the Year in the Word edition! Each week, our pastors will sit and discuss the daily readings to give us more insights about God's Word.   Host: Garett Elliott Guest: Zack Talbert

Welcome to the Spring Hills Podcast, the Year in the Word edition! Each week, our pastors will sit and discuss the daily readings to give us more insights about God's Word.   Host: Bret Avlakeotes Guest: Kiki Anderson

In this episode, Pastor Zack Talbert unpacks one of the most transformational encounters in the Gospels—when Jesus meets Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector, in the city of Jericho.With just a week left before His crucifixion, Jesus goes out of His way to seek and save someone everyone else had written off. Zacchaeus climbs a tree hoping to catch a glimpse of Jesus—but instead, Jesus stops, looks up, and calls him by name. In this episode, you will: • Discover how Jesus seeks out those who feel disqualified or too far gone.• Reflect on what true repentance and life transformation looks like.• Be challenged to move from being part of the crowd to fully following Christ. Jesus didn’t come just to be admired—He came to transform. The question is: are you just watching from the crowd, or are you ready to come down from the tree?