The Well - Abundant Life Church

How does faith come alive when you stand where Scripture happened? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman take you through Israel and the Holy Land, showing how biblical truth is rooted in real history and biblical archaeology. From the Garden of Gethsemane and Caiaphas' palace to Caesarea Philippi and Megiddo, they share how walking where Jesus prayed, taught, was crucified, and rose again turns faith into sight. 

They discuss what the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about the reliability of the Bible, why Israel's restoration as a nation matters for B...

Are there still prophets today, and do curse words really matter? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Chad Glover and host Les Norman explore the power and responsibility of words in the life of a believer, and what it means to prophesy in our modern context. They unpack the difference between the gift of prophecy and the office of a prophet, with examples from both the Old and New Testaments. 

Pastor Chad shares how words can edify, exhort, and comfort, or inflict deep wounds, and why careless language matters. Listeners will learn practical steps for s...

Why did God allow the serpent in the garden, and what does Adam's story teach men about spiritual leadership? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman explore Genesis 3 and the cost of "quiet failure," when men shrink back from leading and their families feel the impact for generations. 

Pastor Phil explains the difference between condemnation and conviction, why past mistakes don't have to define your future, and how God's design for free will, love, and grace points to Jesus, the "Second Adam." 

This episode encourages men to reject pa...

How do we find hope, healing, and truth in a culture wrestling with identity and brokenness? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper talks with Jessica Rose as she shares her detransition story and what Missouri's Amendment 3 means for families. 

Jessica went through gender dysphoria, trauma, and a transgender transition before coming to faith in Christ. She opens up about her breaking point, her encounter with Jesus through the love of believers, and the church's role in her healing. Together, they discuss Amendment 3, how parents can love well without compromising their convictions, and what i...

When culture treats moral issues as political, how should Christians respond? Pastor Phil Hopper and guest co-host Kyle Worsham discuss Missouri Amendment 3, the biblical value of human life, abortion, IVF, and how believers can speak with conviction and compassion.  

They also address questions about salvation for children and people with special needs, offering biblical perspective, practical encouragement for Missouri voters, and hope and healing for anyone affected by abortion. 

📌 Episode Mentions: 

At birth, Melissa Ohden survived a failed saline-infusion abortion—and at age 14, she learned the truth about her life. As Missouri Amendment 3 continues to shape conversations about abortion, Pastor Phil Hopper and Pastor Chad Glover sit down with Melissa—author, and the founder and CEO of the Abortion Survivors Network— for a conversation about forgiveness, reconciliation, and how Christians can support those impacted by abortion.

This episode offers real stories, practical next steps, and encouragement for anyone touched by abortion—whether a survivor, parent, or advocate. It is a beautiful reminder that God is still “knitting” redemption into every s...

What does it look like to follow Jesus when the hardest person in your life is your spouse—or the parent who raised you? 

On this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Chad Glover and host Les Norman answer listener questions about marriage, faith, forgiveness, and healthy boundaries. They discuss being unequally yoked, loving a spouse who does not share your faith, and navigating the pain caused by a parent’s addiction or harmful choices. 

Whether you are navigating an unequally yoked marriage, working through family wounds, or learning to forgive a parent, this episode offers b...

Have a hard Bible question you’ve never been able to ask? In this listener Q&A episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper sits down with host Pastor Chad Glover to answer hard questions about salvation, Calvinism vs. Arminianism, predestination, and how to interpret challenging passages of Scripture.

As Pastor Phil explains what it means to be “Calvin-ish,” the conversation turns to bigger questions about God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and how to approach difficult passages of Scripture. From Pharaoh’s hardened heart to Israel, Zionism, and the 144,000 in Revelation, the discussion invites you to think deep...

Does God exist, and how can you know He is real? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman launch the “Ask Anything” series by exploring the evidence for God, the reliability of the Bible, the identity of Jesus Christ, and the purpose of life.

Pastor Phil examines how faith, reason, science, and creation point to a Creator, while explaining why artificial intelligence cannot answer life’s deepest spiritual questions. You’ll also hear why Christians trust Scripture, why the resurrection is central to faith, and why Jesus is the only way to G...

Why does Israel matter in biblical prophecy, and what should Christians believe about Zionism and replacement theology? 

In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper sits down with Amir Tsarfati, founder of Behold Israel, to examine God’s promises to Israel through the Abrahamic Covenant and Scripture’s teaching on Israel, the Church, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Together, they address misconceptions about Zionism, growing hostility toward the Jewish people, and the dangers of replacement theology. 

This conversation will help you read the Bible with greater clarity, approach current events with discernment, and stand...

How do we let God reset the dislocated parts of our lives — and what happens when we don't? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Chad Glover and host Les Norman dive into Nehemiah 8 to explore internal dislocation and the joy of restoration.

Pastor Chad shares how preaching and biblical community work together to reveal and heal our "dislocations," and why responding to Scripture with awe and obedience matters more than surface-level application.

This episode challenges believers to recognize the dislocated places in their own lives and lean into Scripture and biblical community for he...

If God is sovereign and already in control of everything, why bother to pray? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman explore the difference between God's foreknowledge and predestination, using the examples of Hezekiah and Nehemiah to show why prayer remains powerful and necessary.

You'll see how personal decisions can genuinely change outcomes, and how revival begins with personal repentance rather than blaming outside circumstances. This episode will challenge you to align your heart with God's plan and pursue a deeper prayer life. Take a real step toward revival, praying...

What does it take to multiply hope and build gospel-centered community in today’s world? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman sit down with Pastor Stephen Summit, the Northland Campus Pastor, to explore the biblical call to make disciples and the vision behind Abundant Life’s newest campus launch. From creating a portable church at Liberty Middle School to leadership development and livestream worship, discover how faith, purpose, and community come together to reach more people with biblical truth. Be encouraged to take your next step in God’s mission through prayer...

Bible obedience—not cultural approval—is what makes us stand firm in a culture that shifts. In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Chad Glover and Les Norman explore why churches die, the dangers of compromising God's Word, and the true marks of spiritual success—even amid scars from suffering. 

If you're seeking purpose in pain or wondering how to stay faithful in a post-truth culture, this honest, hope-filled conversation will encourage you to bear the marks of Jesus daily—because faithfulness, not success, is what lasts.

📌 Episode Mentions:

Galatians, James 1:23–25...

What if real biblical community isn’t something you find, but something you forge? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Chad Glover and host Les Norman talks about a biblical blueprint for forming authentic Christian relationships. Centered on Galatians 6:1–10, they explore how true community moves beyond “church shopping” into grace-filled commitment, accountability, and humility.

You’ll gain practical insights, encouragement, and biblical truth to help individuals, families, and anyone seeking a deeper walk with God resist isolation, embrace Christ-centered community, and live out their faith with courage and impact.

📌 Episode Mentions:

Scripture: Ga...

Can Christians drink alcohol? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman address one of the most debated issues in the church today. Referencing 1 Corinthians 6:12 and Galatians 5, they  show why Scripture permits liberty yet clearly warns against drunkenness and a life ruled by the flesh. 

They discuss how to distinguish personal convictions from doctrine, navigate the tension between legalism and “anything goes mentality,” and practice healthy accountability in areas like alcohol and entertainment. If you’ve wrestled with what freedom in Christ should look like in everyday decisions, this episode offers biblical...

In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Chad Glover and host Les Norman explore the difference between defending personal preferences and standing firm on true spiritual convictions. They unpack Christian liberty, humility, and authentic love, showing how biblical convictions unite while unchecked preferences divide. 

Using practical tools like the “Corinthian grid,” they help listeners filter decisions through questions of wisdom, love, and God’s glory, inviting ongoing repentance and growth in Christlike character.

📌 Episode Mentions:

Scripture: Galatians 5

📌 Supplemental Resources:

Galatians Sermon Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list...

How do we recognize false teaching in today’s world, and why does it matter? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman examine Paul’s urgent warnings in the Book of Galatians about the dangers of false teachers and how those same challenges persist in our culture today. They explore what marks a false teacher, the impact of internet-fueled confusion, and why biblical literacy is more important than ever before.

Pastor Phil shares how subtle distortions can lead entire generations away from the truth, using real examples from politics and soci...

In this timely episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman dive into the controversial topic of Christian nationalism. They clarify what it is, what it is not, and how Christians can engage in faith and politics with a biblical worldview. 

Pastor Phil unpacks how religious convictions have always shaped American culture and laws, from the Mayflower Compact to the Constitution. He illustrates America’s Judeo-Christian roots while acknowledging the expanding religious diversity of today.

The conversation distinguishes Christian nationalism from Christian activism and patriotism, warning listeners not to confuse active eng...

Are you caught in the performance trap—measuring your worth by what you do or achieve? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Chad Glover and host Les Norman unpack freedom in Christ, exploring why so many of us feel pressured to earn acceptance, both from others and from God. The conversation invites you to break free from the cycle of striving and embrace the gift of grace.

Using the biblical story of Isaac and Ishmael, they contrast life by the law and life by grace. Listeners are encouraged to truly rest in Jesus rather than fa...

How did the early church decide which books belong in the Bible? Why was circumcision such a dividing issue for the Galatians? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper tackles these two big questions and others about the early church. 

Pastor Phil Hopper unpacks the cultural and doctrinal tensions of the early church, showing how Old Testament signs pointed to New Testament realities—especially the “circumcision of the heart.” He also walks through how the biblical canon was formed, what standards were used to recognize Scripture, and why some writings were excluded or labeled apocryp...

In Part 2 of this episode on Israel, Pastors Phil Hopper and Chad Glover tackle a big question: What is a Christian’s responsibility toward modern Israel? They unpack the Abrahamic covenant, God’s promises to the Jewish people, and key moments in church history. The conversation also addresses conspiracy theories, common claims about the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, and how to view current events through a biblical rather than merely political lens, encouraging believers to pray with wisdom and discernment.

📌  Other references discussed include:

In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastors Phil Hopper and Chad Glover tackle a big question: What is a Christian’s responsibility toward modern Israel? They unpack the Abrahamic covenant, God’s promises to the Jewish people, and key moments in church history. The conversation also addresses conspiracy theories, common claims about the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, and how to view current events through a biblical rather than merely political lens, encouraging believers to pray with wisdom and discernment.

📌 Episode Mentions:

How does abiding in Christ kindle a passion for the lost? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Vance Pitman joins Pastor Phil Hopper and Les Norman to talk about what it means to live on mission every day. Their conversation stirs listeners to move beyond programs and embrace evangelism as the natural fruit of abiding in Christ.

Discover practical ways to become a bold witness, overcome evangelism fears, and engage in authentic spiritual conversations wherever you go. The speakers challenge common misconceptions about evangelism, emphasizing that it’s not about having a special gift but le...

How can moms leave a spiritual legacy that truly lasts? In this episode of The Well Podcast, host Les Norman is joined by Pastor Chad Glover and his wife, Chelsea, for a conversation on the eternal impact of biblical motherhood. Together, they explore practical ways moms can love God, love their husbands, and selflessly shape their children’s faith for generations to come.

Listeners will hear honest conversation about the sacrifices of motherhood, learning to find identity in Christ instead of productivity, and how a strong marriage builds a strong family. The conversation also addresses single women an...

When your faith feels like it’s cracking, what do you do with your questions? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastors Chad Glover and Jonathan Clark talk honestly about faith deconstruction, Christian doubt, spiritual questions, and church hurt. They explore why so many young adults are walking away from church, how events like 9/11 and COVID-19 have intensified faith crises, and why simply suppressing doubt doesn’t work. 

They invite you to bring your hardest questions to God and His word. Drawing from Galatians, they explain how we sometimes need to “lose faith” in legalism and deconstru...

Religion complicates what God made simple. In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and Les Norman walk through Galatians to show why God hates religion but loves redemption. They unpack how legalism and modern-day Judaizers add rules, rituals, and lists to the work of Christ, pulling believers back under a yoke of bondage. You’ll hear how to spot religious hypocrisy, why so many are deconstructing religion rather than Christianity, and how to take honest spiritual inventory in your own life. 

Pastor Phil also answers listener questions on just war, Matthew 26:32, and whether today’s ten...

Is there such a thing as a just war—and can Christians support military action today? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil and Les process the recent U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran through the lens of Scripture, history, and current events so you can think biblically about war, justice, and government.

You’ll hear about:

In this episode of The Well Podcast, Host Les Norman and Pastor Phil Hopper unpack why the Book of Galatians is more relevant than ever for Christians navigating faith in 2026. Discover how false doctrine spreads in today's digital age and learn how to recognize and stand firm against modern distortions of the gospel.

Expect insightful answers to questions like: What does it mean to “contend for the faith” in a digital era? How do spiritual disciplines reflect true acceptance in Christ? And what does “Jesus plus nothing equals everything” really mean for your salvation?

Whether you’re s...

Jesus’ resurrection changes everything for us—and it’s not built on a pagan myth or an Internet rumor. In this episode of The Well, Pastor Phil Hopper joins Les Norman to clear up the confusion around the origins of Easter and remind us that our hope is anchored in the empty tomb. 

Walking through Palm Sunday, Peter’s denial, and his transformation into a bold witness, this conversation encourages believers who feel like they’ve failed Jesus that His grace has the power to restore everyone. The same risen Jesus who changed Peter’s story is still changin...

How do motives and mindset shape generosity? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman dive into the meaning of the Parable of the Talents and how it applies to believers today. 

When Jesus spoke about "talent" in the parable, He was referring to a large sum of money, not just a natural ability. Everyone has a different measure of resources and opportunities, but what matters most is faithfulness with what God has given, not how much you have. Spiritual maturity is reflected in how we think about and steward our f...

What warnings does the Bible share about the love of money? In this episode of The Well Podcast, host Les Norman and Pastor Chad Glover dive into 1 Timothy 6 to unpack the biblical perspective on wealth, stewardship, and generosity. Through engaging storytelling, practical wisdom, and personal experience, they reveal how money is neither good nor evil. It's simply a tool in our hands, and it’s our heart posture that truly matters.

The conversation brings clarity to the dangers of greed, the importance of contentment, and how to escape a scarcity mindset. They discuss the biblical call to ho...

Pastor Phil Hopper sits down with Pastor Jonathan Clark to discuss how to tithe and the biblical principle of giving our first fruits. They unpack why our giving isn't just about what we can afford—it's about trusting God with the best and first of what we have. Through personal stories, practical insights, and a look at both Old and New Testament teachings, they explore how generosity shapes our hearts, grows our faith, and impacts our families and communities.

The conversation centers around biblical generosity lessons both men learned from the faithfulness of their parents and other be...

How can faith flourish in the most challenging places? In this powerful episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper is joined by missionaries Ken and Carrie Liles to discuss their ministry to the Iranian people both inside Iran and across the diaspora. Against the backdrop of recent events and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the conversation dives into personal stories of courage, persecution, and miraculous revival.

Hear the remarkable testimony of Iran’s underground church, considered one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world, despite severe persecution. The stories shared in the episode demonstrate ho...

How does your relationship with money reveal the true desires of your heart? Les Norman and Pastor Phil Hopper dive into biblical principles of tithing, offerings, and financial stewardship. Discover not just what the Bible teaches about giving, but why God cares about our finances at all.

In this episode, you’ll learn about…

Be inspired to make the “great exchange”—living with...

The road to abundance is paved with surrendered steps, not shortcuts.

How can Christian community help believers experience freedom from spiritual strongholds? In this episode of The Well Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper and host Les Norman acknowledge the realities of spiritual strongholds, subtle sins, and the enemy’s strategies to keep us from the abundant life. They explore how Satan uses seemingly “acceptable” sins—like gossip, gluttony, overspending, and pride—to keep believers from living triumphantly.

The conversation reflects on how hidden struggles, secrecy, and shame can create spiritual strongholds, and why confessi...

How does the biblical worldview impact a Christian’s response to immigration? Can we live an abundant life in a world marked by chaos and division? In this episode of The Well Podcast, co-host Les Norman and Pastor Phil Hopper address pressing questions and offer hope to believers amid confusion and division.

The conversation offers a biblical framework for understanding the government’s role in immigration and the believer’s call to submit to the authority God has established. Pastor Phil discusses how to balance compassion and justice toward foreigners and refugees, emphasizing the tension between upholding laws a...

Jadon Moore joins Pastor Phil Hopper and Les Norman to share his story about stepping out in faith when it’s risky, costly, and scary. They talk about bold faith and standing on God’s Word, even when it’s not popular. 

Together, they discuss the difference between recklessness and obedience, drawing insight from the example of the Israelites crossing the Jordan in Joshua 3. You’ll hear Jadon’s testimony—from preaching an uncompromising gospel and facing backlash, to choosing God over people pleasing while navigating early ministry challenges, family pressure, and stepping into the unknown.

This conver...

Discover how Jesus heals generational sin and breaks family cycles in this powerful episode of The Well Podcast. Host Les Norman sits down with Pastor Bart Cox and Pastor Phil Hopper to talk about Bart’s faith testimony of growing up in a home marked by abuse and alcoholism. Bart and Les reflect on their similar childhood experiences and how Christ brought forgiveness, freedom, and hope to heal their painful father wounds. 

The conversation addresses anger, bitterness, and the lies that keep men stuck, plus biblical truth on forgiveness, identity, and biblical manhood. 

If you’re str...

You end up where you’re going, not where you intended or promised to go. Living by faith and overcoming fear requires intentional decisions. Pastor Chad Glover and host Les Norman unpack how everyday choices shape your spiritual destination, moving you closer to or farther from God’s promises.

Learn why faith is the currency of the kingdom of God, how doubt causes you to question God’s promises, and why the enemy doesn’t need to be creative if he can keep you stuck in fear. Discover the difference between living by fear and living by faith, a...