This week on Cultivate, we dove into questions around what it means for a church to have structure, tradition, and accountability—especially as a non-denominational congregation. Charlie and Abigail unpacked the differences between denominational and non-denominational churches, exploring how history, theology, and culture shape local faith communities. From grocery store analogies to the story of The Grove’s roots, they shed light on why some find non-denominational models unfamiliar, and how healthy leadership and elder boards offer needed accountability. We also considered the role of podcasts and online content in our spiritual growth, discussing the importance of belonging to a church where you are truly known. The episode wrapped up with a thoughtful look at why the church is called the Bride of Christ, drawing from the rich metaphorical language Jesus and Paul use to describe our relationship with Him. Join us as we reflect on how our church experiences, influences, and questions can help us follow God faithfully in daily life.

This week in our Elijah series, we discussed the highs and lows of following God, through the lens of Elijah’s journey in 1 Kings 18 and 19. Mark helped us unpack the dramatic mountaintop moment of Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal, where God’s power was displayed through fire and the promise of rain fulfilled. Yet, just after this victory, Elijah experienced deep fear and despair—reminding us that even great faith is not immune to disappointment. We explored how exhaustion, unmet expectations of God, and isolation can lead to spiritual lows, and how God responds with care, rest, and gentle presence rather than condemnation. Through practical stories and Elijah’s encounter with God’s whisper, we saw the importance of honest self-reflection, Sabbath rest, and leaning into community. Whatever season you’re in, Elijah’s story invites us to reconsider our view of God and others, and to keep trusting—even when faith feels hard. We hope you’ll take time this week to reflect on where God may be whispering in your journey.

Questions:  

1.  How does your heart respond to this part of the story...when this mighty person of faith is so incredibly depressed?

2.  One issue has to be the physical exhaustion that prevents him from seeing things clearly.  Do you find yourself in this place often?  What does it do for your view of God that He meets Elijah with room service and a nap?

3.  When the conversation finally happens...Elijah says that he has "been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts".  He has done what he thinks he was supposed to.  What about this view and the situation he is in might be causing the sadness?

4.  Elijah also says "the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” What do we learn about his sadness from this view?

5.  What are God's answers to these statements from Elijah?  What do we learn about God from His response?

6.  What do you learn about your own battles with despair from this story?

This week on Cultivate, Charlie and Abigail kicked off a Q&A conversation exploring big questions about the church—what it is, why we gather, and how ancient practices fit in our modern world. We imagined what it would be like if Peter and Paul showed up to a Sunday service, reflecting on how they might react to our worship, teaching, and technology. Drawing from passages like Hebrews 10 and themes throughout the New Testament letters, we discussed how gathering together is not just tradition, but a biblical call meant to shape our faith and keep us grounded in truth.

We also dove into what it means to belong—why membership matters, what responsibilities we have as churchgoers, and how submitting to leadership can help us grow. This episode is full of practical wisdom on living out faith in community, embracing both the challenges and joys of being part of the church. Consider how you connect with others in your faith journey, and where you might take a next step toward deeper community.

This week in our Elijah series, we discussed one of the Old Testament’s most dramatic showdowns—Elijah versus the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. Charlie Loften walked us through the divided kingdom of Israel and the rise of syncretism, as the nation wavered between following God and embracing other local deities. We examined how Elijah boldly challenged the false prophets, calling on God to demonstrate His power before the people. Through this story, we explored the implications of worshipping “watered down” versions of God versus following the one true God, and how Elijah’s courage models the kind of bold faith we’re called to in our own lives. Whether you’re wrestling with questions about faith in today’s culture or just wondering what it looks like to stand firm in your beliefs, this episode invites you to reflect on repentance, commitment, and the reality of God’s singular power. Listen in and consider: where do you need to take a stand or turn back to God today?

This week on Cultivate, we took a deep dive into the topic of baptism—why it matters, what it means, and why it’s been so controversial throughout church history. Charlie and Abigail explored the difference between infant baptism and believer’s baptism, tracing their origins in Scripture and church tradition. Drawing from passages in Acts and discussions on original sin, we learned how baptism has shifted from a ritual for repentant believers to a practice full of symbolism, community promises, and sometimes, fears about salvation. We also addressed common questions: Is baptism essential to our faith? Is it a command or a meaningful symbol? And what about the different ways churches baptize—dunking or sprinkling? Throughout the conversation, Charlie and Abigail encouraged us to focus on the heart behind the practice, rather than getting caught up in legalism or fear. Listen in and consider what baptism means for your own faith journey—and how our traditions continue to shape the ways we live out what we believe.

This week in our “Elijah” series, we looked at what it means to have faith in the Provider and Giver of life—even when the creek runs dry. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah faces drought and dependence, yet God provides through a surprising source: a widow who also finds herself in desperate need. Together, they learn that God’s provision often flows through community and mutual trust, not just miracles.

When tragedy strikes and the widow’s son dies, doubt rises—but God meets her pain with power, showing that He alone brings life from death. Through their story, we’re reminded that faith isn’t about ease; it’s about trusting the One who sustains us in every season.

As you reflect this week, consider where God might be inviting you to trust His provision again—through community, through waiting, or even through the places that feel most uncertain.

This week on Cultivate, we dove into the often-overlooked but deeply important topic of ecclesiology—the study of the church. Charlie and Abigail (a.k.a. “Bagel”) explored why practices like communion and baptism have sparked such strong debates throughout church history. Drawing insight from Jesus’ words at the Last Supper (“This is my body”), we discussed how Christians have understood communion—from mystical and sacramental traditions to more symbolic approaches common in Baptist and non-denominational churches. We unpacked the differences between transubstantiation, consubstantiation, and other beliefs, and reflected on how each perspective shapes not only our worship but our sense of spiritual connection and community life.

Along the way, we talked about how these theological nuances show up in real church services (yes, even down to bread and grape juice choices!), and how the way we share in communion or baptism can help us find deeper meaning in following Jesus together. We invite you to reflect on your own experiences and consider what these practices mean for your faith journey today.

This week in our “Elijah” series, we explored how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Almost nothing is known about Elijah before he suddenly appears on the scene in 1 Kings 17—a “nobody from nowhere” who becomes one of the most significant prophets in Scripture. Pastor Charlie walked us through Elijah’s bold confrontation with King Ahab, stepping into a political and spiritual climate that was far from easy. What emerges is a man of powerful faith—one that doesn’t lead to comfort, but often into challenge and hardship.

Through Elijah’s story, we see the tension between a strong faith and a difficult life, and yet we’re reminded that God’s presence and power are what make ordinary obedience extraordinary. As you listen, consider where God might be inviting you to trust Him in your everyday life—and how faith that stands firm, even in difficulty, can shape history in ways you may never see.

This week on Cultivate, we dove into the rich history and diversity of the church in our ongoing ecclesiology series. Charlie and Abigail traced the journey from the early church in Acts, through the rise of structures like bishops and councils, all the way to the denominational splits that shape our Christian landscape today. We examined how gatherings shifted from small groups of believers following Jesus to established institutions, discussing moments like the rise of the Pope, the Great Schism, and the Protestant Reformation. Biblical passages from Acts and letters to Timothy helped ground our conversation about church roles like elders, deacons, and pastors. Along the way, we considered why these structures matter—not just as history lessons, but for how we relate to Christianity and community today. Whether you’re curious about denominations or what it means to belong to "the church," this episode offers helpful context to reflect on your own connection with God’s people. Take time to consider where you see yourself in the unfolding story of the church.

This week in our Unity series, we discussed what it really means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom—together. Guest speaker Mark guided us through Matthew’s gospel, highlighting Jesus’ teaching on the “kingdom of heaven” and why our primary allegiance is to Christ, not ourselves or our smaller circles. Mark shared stories from his own ministry and explored how, even in moments of conflict or difference, the call of Jesus is to gather and unify, not to scatter. We considered how phrases like “kingdom” and “unity” connect to our modern lives, where individualism often wins out over togetherness. Mark challenged us to seek unity as an identifying mark of following King Jesus, looking for what we share in Christ rather than what separates us. No matter our background or differences, being part of God’s global family shapes the way we love, serve, and connect. Reflect this week on how you can be a “gatherer”—bringing others in and letting kingdom unity shape your everyday life.

Questions:

1.  In what way is thinking of Jesus as KING different than how you normally picture Him?

2.  What about the idea of ONE KINGDOM is helpful in our pursuit of unity?

3.  What does it look like to be a gatherer instead of a scatterer?

4.  When are you most tempted (like the disciples in Mark9) to disapprove of someone that Jesus approves?

5.  What would it look like for you to actively embrace citizens of the KINGDOM in distant places?

6.  What other steps are you encouraged to take as a result of this series?

This week on Cultivate, we continued our deep dive into ecclesiology—the study of what it means to be the church. Charlie and Abigail tackled some big questions: What really defines a local church? How do biblical principles guide our methods and traditions? Pulling from passages like Matthew 28:19–20, Ephesians 4:11–13, and Acts 2:42, we explored how baptism, teaching, fellowship, and serving are central to the church’s mission. The conversation also addressed how different structures and traditions develop, and how we can hold to core biblical truths while staying flexible about non-essential details, like service formats or leadership roles. If you’ve ever wondered why churches do what they do—or wrestled with the difference between core theology and church customs—this episode is for you. We invite you to reflect on how the church’s mission shows up in your own life, and to join us in looking for ways to live out faith in community, wherever you are.

This week in our Unity series, we discussed the challenge of finding true unity in a world full of divisions—be they racial, cultural, political, or economic. Pastor Charlie walked us through Acts 10 and the pivotal encounter between Peter and Cornelius, showing how deeply-ingrained tribalism can blind even well-meaning believers to God’s heart for inclusion and togetherness. We reflected on Jesus’ vision for His followers: not showing favoritism or placing our identity in any tribe other than Him. Instead of letting secondary differences become barriers, we’re invited to model unity in diversity and deal honestly with our implicit biases. The message emphasized that real unity means loving one another well, especially across lines of disagreement, and letting Jesus—rather than our tribal identity—define us. As you listen, consider where you might be holding onto tribal thinking and how you can pursue the kind of unity that reflects Christ’s love to the world.

This week on Cultivate, we kicked off a new series on ecclesiology—exploring what “the church” truly is and why it matters. Charlie and Abigail dug into the popular and biblical definitions of church, clarifying the difference between the universal (capital “C”) Church and local churches. Drawing from Jesus’ words in passages like Matthew 16 (“on this rock I will build my church”), we discussed how church isn’t just about a building or a Sunday service, but about a called-out community on mission together.

We unpacked the Greek word ekklesia, meaning an assembly or gathering of people with a purpose, and wrestled with what really distinguishes a church from other Christian ministries or small groups. Through honest questions and personal experiences, we explored how being part of the church can shape our understanding of faith, belonging, and following Jesus in everyday life.

We encourage you to reflect on what “church” means for you, and how you can live out your faith both inside and outside Sunday gatherings.

This week in our Unity series, we discussed what it truly means to be united as followers of Jesus, especially during turbulent times in our culture. Drawing from Acts 15 and Romans 14, Charlie explored the foundations of Christian unity—anchored in who Jesus is and what He accomplished for us on the cross. We looked at the early church’s struggles over essential and nonessential beliefs, learning how to distinguish core convictions from personal preferences. With practical metaphors and biblical wisdom, we considered how our “theological house” is built and why it’s crucial to show grace when we disagree on less central matters. Charlie encouraged us to model Christ-like love and unity—to be a community where diverse perspectives don’t divide but instead strengthen our witness to a watching world. As you reflect this week, consider: what really holds us together, and how can we bring hope and kindness in moments of division? We invite you to engage these questions and journey deeper into unity with Christ and one another.

This week on Cultivate, we wrapped up our series exploring the Holy Spirit by tackling some of the big questions Christians often wrestle with: How do we truly know God’s Spirit is with us? What does it look like to grow in faith and live by the Spirit day to day? Abigail Boone and Pastor Charlie discussed how spiritual growth is a blend of God’s work and our own intentional actions. Drawing from Galatians 5, they unpacked the difference between the “fruit of the Spirit”—like love, joy, and peace—and spiritual gifts, clarifying how everyone in Christ is invited to reflect God’s character, not just certain personalities or giftings. They also highlighted the power of community in discerning God’s voice, and reminded us that our feelings are real data, but don’t always reveal the whole truth. Whether you’re new to faith or looking to grow deeper, this episode encourages thoughtful reflection on your daily walk with God—and invites you to consider how the Spirit might be shaping your own life.

This week in our Unity series, we discussed the challenges and beauty of living out genuine unity in the church. Charlie walked us through several key passages—Luke 22:24–26 and 1 Corinthians 1 and 12—to show that relational divisions aren’t a new problem for followers of Jesus. From the disciples arguing about who was the greatest to early church members aligning with different leaders, we saw how comparison and pride quickly make differences feel like divisions. But Paul and Jesus both point us to a better way: serving, focusing on Christ over our camps, and recognizing our diverse gifts as intentional and valuable to the body. Charlie encouraged us to shift from comparing to serving, and to let our differences strengthen rather than separate us. This message is a practical call to resist comparison and choose unity, whether in our own church or among fellow believers everywhere. Take some time this week to reflect: How can you celebrate and serve alongside those who are different from you?

In this week’s Cultivate episode, we continued our pneumatology series with a special Q&A on the Holy Spirit. Abigail brought both practical and theological questions—covering everything from the Spirit’s role in the Old Testament to what it really means to be baptized in the Spirit. Charlie unpacked the difference between baptism and filling, explained how Jesus related to the Spirit in His earthly life, and explored how the Spirit works in conviction, empowerment, and transformation. We also touched on the charismatic/evangelical debate, the role of spiritual disciplines in learning to hear God’s voice, and why humility is essential for living a Spirit-filled life. If you’ve ever wondered how the Spirit works in salvation, daily guidance, or the broader church, this conversation brings both clarity and encouragement.

This week in our Unity series, we dug into the question: what is oneness? Mark helped us see that unity is not simply a nice idea but a powerful, God-given reality that the church is called to live out. Using illustrations from team sports, Psalm 133, and Romans 12, he showed how unity is both good and pleasant, life-giving, and rooted in humility. We also looked at Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where He ties the credibility of His message to the unity of His followers. Unity becomes the visible evidence that the gospel is true. This message challenged us to see life not as an individual pursuit but as a team effort—learning to rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and pursue peace as far as it depends on us. True oneness means living sacrificially, honoring others above ourselves, and letting our shared salvation shape how we treat one another.

In this week’s Cultivate episode, we continued our pneumatology series by exploring the differences between evangelical and charismatic traditions, particularly in how they understand the work of the Holy Spirit. Charlie and Abigail broke down how evangelicals tend to emphasize the authority of Scripture and the universal baptism of the Spirit, while charismatics often emphasize personal spiritual experiences and gifts such as tongues. We discussed how these perspectives shape worship, discipleship, and the way churches view maturity in Christ. Charlie also shared his “friendly evangelical” approach—holding firmly to Scripture while respecting the meaningful experiences of charismatic brothers and sisters. This conversation invites us to wrestle with how the Spirit moves, the role of spiritual gifts, and how to disagree as family in Christ without division.

This week in our Unity series, we opened with Paul’s words in Ephesians 4 and explored what it means to live as one body in Christ. Charlie challenged us to see unity not as something we must achieve but as something already true because of the Spirit within us. We were reminded that humility, gentleness, and patience are essential for living out our calling as one church. Even when disagreements arise, we are invited to “fight like family,” not enemies, recognizing that what binds us together is greater than what divides us. This message calls us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace so that the world may see Christ’s love through us.

How do we know we are already unified?

Why doesn’t our experience match the truth?

How can we work to experience unity?

What does that work require from us?