Outside of Sunday

What if finding your purpose isn’t about discovering one big thing God wants you to do?

In this ‘Insights’ episode, we’re starting today by discussing the recent spectator ban at Saturday netball in Tauranga. Then Laura and I unpack what purpose really looks like for a Christian, reflecting on Ine-Marí Venter’s story of identity, netball and learning to glorify God through her sport. We explore why we can put so much pressure on ourselves to “figure out” our purpose, why purpose doesn’t equal importance, and why both Christians and people in the world can have such a d...

Click here for part 1!

In Part 2 of our chat with professional netballer Ine-Marí Venter, we dive deeper into her journey in professional sport, from the highs of representing South Africa at the Commonwealth Games to the disappointment of being benched, losing her contract and eventually reaching a point where she almost walked away from netball. Ine-Marí shares how God changed her why when it comes to netball, and how she has learned that her identity and worth cannot be found in her performance, selection or success.

We also chat about what it looks like to be...

In this Insights episode, Laura and I are going places we honestly never thought we’d go on the podcast...

Starting today by reacting to some intense videos from Abolitionists Rising and the discussion around abortion, conviction, compassion and the beautiful truth that forgiveness is found in Christ. Then we're unpacking our conversation with Ine-Mari Venter, particularly her incredibly honest story about pornography, masturbation, and finding freedom in Christ. 

This gets real, awkward and probably a little more personal than usual as we talk about sexual sin, lust, marriage, temptation and why Christians nee...

In this episode, I’m joined by professional netballer Ine-Marí Venter for a VERY honest chat about faith, netball, purpose and a secret struggle she carried for years.

Ine-Marí shares her journey growing up in a Dutch Reformed Church and not really understanding what it meant to have a relationship with God, before discovering a deep and personal faith in Christ. We chat about her professional netball journey, the disappointments and doubts she faced along the way, and how she came to realise that netball isn’t her purpose - it’s simply one of the ways she can...

Following our chat with Chantelle Baker, we're reflecting on what it means to navigate politics, disagreement and public controversy as followers of Christ.

In this episode, we share some of our own thoughts on what Scripture says about authority, forgiveness and righteous anger. We're also talking about the importance of listening and extending grace to those we disagree with.

Whether you agreed with everything discussed in our conversation with Chantelle or not, our hope is that this episode encourages you to love the person more than the politics, pursue truth with humility, and keep Jesus...

Click here to listen to part 1 or here to listen to part 2.

In Part 3 of our conversation with Chantelle Baker, we explore some of the most challenging experiences she's faced over recent years.

Chantelle reflects on her time reporting from Ukraine, the backlash that followed, and why she believes it changed her perspective on war and human suffering. She also shares why she chose to take legal action against the New Zealand Herald and Stuff, what motivated that decision, and what she hopes it will achieve.

The conversation finishes by looking at the...

The 2022 Parliament protest became one of the most significant and divisive events in New Zealand's recent history. But what was it like to be there?

In Part 2 of our conversation, Chantelle Baker shares her firsthand account of the protest, reflects on the media coverage and political response, and responds to some of the biggest claims surrounding those 23 days. We also discuss the importance of treating those we disagree with as human beings, the role of prayer and action for Christians, and how the events at Parliament eventually led Chantelle to travel to Ukraine.

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Chantelle Baker became one of New Zealand's most recognisable - and controversial - public figures during the COVID years. But behind the headlines, who is she really?

In Part 1 of this conversation, Chantelle reflects on life before the spotlight, what it's like being labelled a "conspiracy theorist," whether trust in the media and politicians can be restored, and how a Christian upbringing eventually led her back to God. She also shares the experiences that ultimately set her on the road to the Parliament protest.

In Part 2, Chantelle takes us inside the Parliament protest itself, sharing...

In this Insights episode, Laura and I reflect on Part 2 of our conversation with Paris Vashti, unpacking some of the questions that came up around healing, miracles, prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. We have an honest conversation about the tensions Christians often wrestle with - from being cautious because of counterfeits, to potentially missing out on biblical practices like prayer, laying on of hands and seeking God for healing.

We discuss the importance of holding onto Scripture, approaching spiritual gifts with humility, and trusting God even if we don't get the answer we are...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Paris, after sharing her own miraculous healing journey, Paris opens up about why some people experience healing while others continue to wait, what it looks like to trust God through suffering, and why she believes Christians should continue praying boldly and believing that God still moves today.

Paris also shares remarkable stories of healing she's witnessed firsthand, the heart behind her Yesterday, Today and Forever project, and why she's unashamed to share her faith publicly. The episode finishes with a powerful encouragement to carry the name of Jesus into everyday life...

In this Insights episode, we reflect on the huge response to our recent conversation and social media content with Henare Whaanga, and why it's so important to weigh everything against Scripture and truth rather than assumptions.

We also unpack Paris Vashti's testimony about one comment that left her believing she was worshipping God "wrong" for years. It leads us into a deeper conversation about what biblical worship really is, why our words carry so much weight, and how we can honour God both online and in everyday life.

Whether you're navigating disagreements, wrestling with worship...

Growing up as a pastor's kid, Paris Vashti loved Jesus - but after one  comment at a Christian conference, she spent years believing she was "worshipping wrong." What followed was a long battle with fear, insecurity, and feeling unable to freely worship God.

Later, chronic migraines turned her world upside down. After years of daily pain, hospital visits, scans, and unanswered questions, Paris reached the end of herself. With nowhere else to turn, she cried out to God - and what happened next changed everything.

In this episode, Paris shares her powerful testimony of freedom, h...

This week Laura and I tackle a couple of topics we've genuinely been wrestling with. We discuss Brian Tamaki's suspended firearms licence, what role Christians should play in politics, and whether we're called to fight for our beliefs—or faithfully suffer for them.

We also reflect on part two of my conversation with Henare Whaanga, including his thoughts on Matariki, Māori culture, and why Christians need to think carefully about the traditions we embrace. I'd love to hear your thoughts, but above all, my prayer is that this episode encourages you to seek the Lord, search His...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Henare Whaanga, we move into some of the practical questions New Zealand Christians are wrestling with today.

Should Christians celebrate Matariki? What does Toitū te Tiriti actually mean? How should believers respond when they're expected to participate in Māori religious practices at work, school, or community events?

Henare also shares his own journey after returning to Christ, including a season where he rejected his Māori identity entirely, before discovering that following Jesus doesn't require abandoning your culture completely, rather, letting go of anything that conflicts with Him.

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Laura and I chat through a couple of topics that have been getting a lot of people talking lately: viral conversions and what it really means to keep Christ above culture.

We start by discussing Alex Reads Tarot's recent testimony and what the Bible shows us about genuine repentance. How should we respond when someone publicly professes faith? What do we do when people later walk away? Looking at examples from Scripture, we unpack why discernment matters and how we can celebrate what God is doing without jumping to...

Last year, I had the privilege of interviewing Henare at the Thinking Matters Conference. Clips from that conversation reached hundreds of thousands online, sparking passionate discussion from people on all sides. Recently, Henare joined me again to unpack some of the biggest questions surrounding Māori identity, Christianity, and colonisation - and to respond to some of the criticism.

In the first of this two-part conversation with Henare, we revisit some of the biggest objections raised by viewers. Together we explore whether Māori were forced to speak English, whether Christianity was simply a strategic tool of co...

In this special 200th episode of Outside of Sunday, Laura and I sit down for another Insights conversation as we reflect on some of the themes that surfaced in part two of Sonia Barrish's testimony and unpack a topic that keeps coming up again and again: our tendency to rely on ourselves instead of God.

We begin by talking about the recent backlash surrounding Israel Folau and the double standard Christians often face in today's culture. From there, we discuss why the more our world rejects Christianity, the more it risks losing some of the very things...

In this episode of Outside of Sunday, Sonia continues her testimony by sharing the frightening reality of severe sleep deprivation and the mental and physical toll it took on her life. As her health rapidly declined, she experienced terrifying blackouts, medical intervention, and a season of being completely stripped back.

Sonia opens up about what recovery looked like, how her family navigated this difficult time, and why she chose not to share her struggles publicly while she was in the thick of it. Through her suffering, she discovered a deeper dependence on God and now reflects on...

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura reflect on the recent conversations surrounding women in ministry and explore how Christians can hold differing convictions on secondary issues while still preserving unity and loving one another well. They discuss the importance of humility, the example of the early church, and why our love for fellow believers should be one of the clearest markers of our faith. They also share resources for those wanting to study the topic of women in ministry more deeply, reflect on Elisabeth Elliot's writings, revisit themes from Sonia's recent testimony, and discuss...

In this episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa sits down with Sonia from Urban Self Sufficiency, from transforming an ordinary suburban section into a thriving food-producing garden (that harvests over 500 kilograms of food each year!!) to raising a family with self-sufficiency at its heart, Sonia shares practical wisdom, honest reflections, and encouragement for anyone wanting to start where they are. She also opens up about growing up in poverty, the journey that led her to this lifestyle, how she came to faith in Christ, and why life at a slower pace has deepened her relationship with the Lord. This...

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura reflect on several conversations currently shaping the Christian space online. They discuss the recent abortion announcement from Jesse and Ashley Ridgeway, explore John Lennox's appearance on Diary of a CEO, and share reflections from Rebekah Heslop's powerful testimony. Along the way, they discuss friendship as a foundation for marriage, the appeal and dangers of psychics and horror movies, and how spiritual deception often works by mixing truth with lies.

With personal reflections, biblical insight, and thoughtful discussion, this episode encourages listeners to consider what it means...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Rebekah Heslop, we dive into an extraordinary love story that began long before either of them realised where it would lead. Rebekah shares how her husband pursued her for years, the terrifying allergic reaction that nearly took his life, and the final words he spoke before he stopped breathing.

We also explore Rebekah's cancer journey, the loss of her voice, and the remarkable way God met her in that season. Through suffering, healing, and unexpected lessons, Rebekah reflects on identity, true value, and what it means to trust God when life...

In this week's Insights episode, we reflect on Rebekah Heslop's testimony and the powerful biblical picture of adoption that runs throughout Scripture.

What does it mean to be adopted into God's family? Is adoption the whole story, or does Jesus offer us something even deeper? Join us as we explore being born again, the significance of baptism and communion, and the incredible privilege of becoming children of God through Christ.

0:00 - Coming up
0:41 - Welcome
1:07 - Christa shares about her Bible study girls' weekend away
1:57 - Injury from a competitive game
3:00...

In this episode - the first we are releasing from our South Island recording series - I sit down with Rebekah Heslop to hear her story. Rebekah was adopted at just 10 days old, she shared with us the internal feeling of rejection that followed her into adulthood, and into her radical return to Christ.

Even though Rebekah always knew she was adopted, loved and cherished by her adopted parents, she shares how she quietly wrestled with feelings of rejection and a deep curiosity about her birth parents. Eventually, she decided to search for them, hoping it might...

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura catch up after Christa’s South Island trip - reflecting on answered prayers, unexpected moments, and some of the stories from the road.

They also unpack the conversation sparked by Phylicia Masonheimer’s recent episode on women in ministry, diving into what it looks like to disagree as Christians without losing unity. From secondary issues and theological differences to Spirit, Truth, and learning to love one another well, this episode invites you into an honest, thoughtful, and grace-filled conversation - keeping Jesus at the centre.

...

In this solo episode of Outside of Sunday, I wanted to sit down and give you a bit of a life and podcast update - including why we’ve moved to one episode a week for a short season.

I'm talking about our upcoming South Island recording trip and the heart behind why we’re doing it. I also talk about the verse that has become such an anchor for me as we prepare for this new season of recordings.

If I’m honest, preparing for this trip has stretched me more than I expected. So in...

In this episode of Outside of Sunday, we sit down with Phylicia Masonheimer, founder of Every Woman a Theologian, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about faith and what it means to be a woman passionate about ministry.

Phylicia shares her powerful testimony - from growing up in a Christian home to walking through a hidden addiction at a young age, and ultimately finding true freedom in Christ. From there, the conversation opens up into the bigger questions many Christian women wrestle with: What is my role? Where do I fit? And how do I follow Scripture...

In this Insights episode, Christa and Laura unpack a topic many wives wrestle with - the difference between helping and nagging. With honesty and biblical insight, they talk through communication in marriage, checking our motives, and learning how to approach our husbands with wisdom and grace.

Along the way, they reflect on the freedom we have in Christ, the beauty of God’s design for marriage, and the importance of going back to Scripture for guidance - even in the hard or messy moments.

A real, practical, and hope-filled conversation for anyone wanting to honour Go...

In part two of Chantelle’s story, the journey continues through heartbreak, hard biblical questions, and the painful reality of a marriage falling apart. At the centre of this episode is a deep conviction Chantelle carried through it all: I made a covenant. She shares what it looked like to cry out to God in despair, seek to honour Christ in an unequally yoked marriage, and wrestle firsthand with what Scripture says when an unbelieving spouse wants to leave.

With honesty and wisdom, she offers encouragement for those walking through similar pain, before sharing how God continued wr...

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura open up a candid conversation about Christian dating - from boundaries to red flags, wedding jitters, and the deeper purpose of marriage itself. 

With wisdom, laughter, and a few vulnerable stories along the way, this episode invites you to think more deeply about relationships, purity, expectations, and what it means to pursue marriage with the word of God as our guide. Whether you’re dating, single, married, or helping your kids navigate relationships, this conversation has something for you.

Click here to watch this epi...

In this episode of Outside of Sunday, Chantelle shares a deeply personal testimony all about faith, love, and how things don’t always turn out the way we hope.

Chantelle grew up in New Zealand, came to know and love Jesus from a young age, and genuinely wanted to honour Him with her life. When she started a relationship with someone who didn’t know Christ, it was complicated - but over time, things seemed to change. He was showing interest in faith, coming along to church, pursued Bible school and promised to love Chantelle as Christ love...

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura open up a thoughtful and honest conversation around our response to biblical truth - do we love it, or resist it?

Reflecting on Julie Colbeth’s recent episodes, we revisits powerful moments and quotes that challenge the way we approach God, truth, and sincerity. From the tension between appearance and reality, to the danger of coming to God on our own terms, this episode explores what it means to truly know God as He is - not just as we’d prefer Him to be.

Th...

In this final episode of the Whispers of Grace takeover on Outside of Sunday, Julie leans into a confronting but necessary conversation around mistakes—and the way we approach God.

Looking at both Old and New Testament accounts, this episode gently but honestly exposes the danger of coming to God on our own terms. From Cain to Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah, and Ananias and Sapphira, we’re reminded that sincerity alone isn’t what God asks for - and that not every offering is accepted.

As these stories unfold, a deeper truth begins to surface: God’s...

In this third takeover episode of Outside of Sunday, Julie Colbeth from Whispers of Grace continues her powerful teaching series - this time turning to the heart of ministry.

Drawing from the Old Testament priesthood and the ordination process in Exodus, Julie unpacks how ministry with God has always been rooted in something deeper than what we do - it flows from grace, and connection with God.

From the clothing of the priests to the anointing oil and sacrificial offerings, this episode beautifully reveals how these practices point forward to Jesus - and...

In this second takeover episode of Outside of Sunday, Julie Colbeth from Whispers of Grace continues her four-part teaching series - this time exploring the method behind how we serve God.

Following on from 'Motivation', this episode shifts the focus from why we serve to how we serve - and it might not look the way you expect.

This episode gently challenges the way we view our gifts, reminding us that God is intimately acquainted with all we carry - and He delights in using it for His glory.

With encouragement to stay...

In this special takeover episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa hands the mic over to Julie Colbeth from Whispers of Grace for the first of a four-part teaching series - and it couldn’t come at a better time.

As Christa takes a break over the school holidays, Julie brings a rich and grounding message on motivation - the heart behind why we serve.

Looking at the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and the Israelites, Julie reminds us that we are all called and equipped by God for His purposes. But beyond what we...

In this episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura reflect on the resurrection of Jesus and some of the powerful moments that happened straight after it. From Mary Magdalene being the first to see the risen Lord to why Thomas is often labelled “the doubter”, this conversation gently explores what faith really looks like - especially when questions and doubts are part of the journey.

They also talk about the incredible way God ordained events throughout the Bible, how faith and intellect don’t have to be in conflict, and why the resurrection still matters deeply today...

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura sit down to talk about Easter - the beauty of it, the weight of it, and the suffering of Jesus at the centre of it all. From Good Friday to the reality of what crucifixion actually involved, they reflect on what Jesus willingly endured and why it matters so deeply for us today.

Along the way they talk about the meaning of the blood of Jesus, the striking reminder that we are Barabbas, and how our constant rebellion and failing keep pointing us back to our...

In this Insights episode of Outside of Sunday, Christa and Laura reflect on Part 2 of Stacy’s testimony and the deeper conversations that came out of it. From Laura’s honest postpartum journey to the difference between real wisdom and superficial advice, this episode moves gently through some of the harder but important truths that often don’t get spoken about.

Together, they talk about the value of children, what it means to carry pain while still recognising God’s blessing, and why true justice isn’t always what the world thinks it should be. The conversation then turns...

In Part 2 of Stacy’s story, the conversation takes an unexpected turn. What began as a story of teenage pregnancy and abortion becomes a powerful testimony of God’s grace, redemption, and healing.

Stacy shares how, now married with 3 children, she unexpectedly fell pregnant again - but this time, everything was different. She then looks back and shares about coming to Christ, only to learn just months later about the shocking child abuse carried out by her partner. In the midst of heartbreak and deep brokenness, and through the faithful discipleship of others who walked her through the...