Faithelement Conversations

The Underdog

For the session to be discussed on January 26, 2025
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
Jaye Peabody Smith

In this episode we discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating individual gifts within the context of Christian community, emphasizing that every member’s gift is vital to the body of Christ. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, the undervaluation of non-traditional gifts in church settings, and the role of different communities, including the neurodivergent community, in enriching church life. Jaylyn shares a reflection on ho...

Turning Wine into Water

For the session to be discussed on January 19, 2025
John 2:1-11

David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
Jaye Peabody Smith

This episode features a discussion of John 2:1-11, where Jesus turns water into wine. We share personal wedding stories and delve into the deeper meanings of this miracle. We explore the themes of abundance, divine extravagance, and transformation, contrasting the scarcity mindset of the world with Jesus’ message of overflowing grace and joy. The conversation touches on the symbolic significance of the six st...

Comes to Us, Stands with Us

For the session to be discussed on January 12, 2025
Luke 3:15-22

David Cassady
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
Jaye Peabody Smith

In this episode we explore the significance of baptism through a discussion of Luke 3:15-22, focusing on Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. We highlight the noteworthiness of Jesus standing with sinners and the transformative power of baptism. The conversation delves into topics such as the inclusivity of baptism, its physical and spiritual elements, and how baptism is less about church rituals and more ab...

Having an Epiphany!

For the session to be discussed on January 5, 2025
John 1:10-18

David Cassady
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
Jaye Peabody Smith

This episode focuses on the concept of epiphany and the profound meaning of ‘the Word becoming flesh.’ We reflect on the incarnation of Christ, its implications for understanding God, and the intimate, abiding presence of Jesus in various aspects of life. The conversation emphasizes the continuous relevance of Jesus’ presence and challenges listeners to reconsider their understanding of faith and proximity to God.

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Christian Clothes

For the session to be discussed on December 29, 2024
Colossians 3:12-17

Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
Jaye Peabody Smith

This episode features a discussion on Colossians 3:12-17. We share our personal favorite articles of clothing before diving into the ‘Christian clothes’ mentioned in the passage, which encourage virtues like compassion, kindness, and love. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embodying Christ’s love in our daily lives and interactions, particularly in challenging or divisive contexts. We reflect on the metaphorical ‘clothing’ of love, peace, and humility, underscoring how these...

Longing for the Light of Living Love

For the session to be discussed on December 22, 2024
Luke 1:39-55

Nikki Hardeman
Daniel Glaze
David Adams
Jaye Peabody Smith

In this episode of the podcast, the team explores the themes of love and time in the context of Luke 1:39-55. They reflect on personal experiences of love during the Advent season, discussing the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. The conversation delves into the story of Mary and Elizabeth, highlighting the sacred bond between these mothers and the significance of...

Jubilant Joy

For the session to be discussed on December 15, 2024
Philippians 4:4-7
Zephaniah 3:14-20

David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Jaye Peabody Smith
Daniel Glaze
David Adams

In this episode for the third Sunday of Advent the discussion navigates personal reflections on joy, its significance during tough times, and theological perspectives, emphasizing that joy can coexist with grief and anxiety. The hosts also discuss cultural and theological nuances of joy, drawing from personal experiences, biblical passages, and historical contexts of early Christian traditions.

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Path of Peace

For the session to be discussed on December 8, 2024
Luke 3:1-6

David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
Jaye Peabody Smith
Daniel Glaze
David Adams

This episode focuses on themes of peace during the Advent season, guided by Luke 3:1-6. The episode introduces the new voice of Reverend Dr. J. Peabody Smith, learning about her background as a therapist, professor, and executive pastor. The hosts discuss personal practices for fostering peace and reflect on the complex nature of peace, contrasting peacemaking with peacekeeping. They explore the biblical message in...

A Thrill of Hope

For the session to be discussed on December 1, 2024
Jeremiah 33:14-16

David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams
Daniel Glaze

In this episode, we discuss the significance of hope during the Advent season through the lens of Jeremiah 33:14-16. As we reflect on the first Sunday of Advent, we explore the changing world, technological advancements, and climate awareness as sources of hope. The conversation touches on the nature of hope as a virtue, the reluctance to voice hope due to fears of vulnerability, and the power of...

Christ the King

For the session to be discussed on November 24, 2024
2 Samuel 23:1-7

David Cassady
Nikki Hardeman
David Adams

This episode explores Second Samuel 23:1-7 in relation to Christ the King Sunday and the Thanksgiving season. The conversation delves into various facets of gratitude, the symbolic significance of Christ the King Sunday marking the end of the Christian year, and personal and communal reflections on the passage. Additionally, the hosts acknowledge recent changes and the importance of adapting, expressing gratitude during liminal periods, and the parallels between personal Thanksgiving experiences...