Southland Christian Church

What if the most intimidating parts of marriage are actually invitations from God to build something stronger, not scarier? And what if submission, sacrifice, and responsibility look far different than what culture assumes? This week on The Cutting Room Floor, the conversation gets honest and unavoidably practical as we dive into the marriage portion of the Toy Stories mega-series. Scott unpacks the beauty and weight of Ephesians 5, why this familiar passage deserves fresh eyes, and how men and women can step into their God designed roles with humility instead of fear. From the responsibility of headship to the strength behind the word "helper," from covenant relationships to the call for purity, this episode gives shape to what biblical marriage is meant to be and why it matters for everyone, married or not. Your challenge: Take an honest look at the posture of your heart this week. Where do you need to humble yourself, submit to Jesus, or take ownership in your home?  Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell ⸻ What We Discuss  Why familiar Bible passages can be the hardest to teach  Headship as responsibility, not dominance, and why it should drive men to their knees  The strength and dignity behind the biblical word helper (ezer kenegdo)  What submission actually means (and doesn't) in light of Jesus  Covenant vs. contract and why culture keeps confusing the two  The three paths back to honoring Jesus in relationships  Why gathering for worship matters more than we admit, and why men especially should lift holy hands  The importance of community when you're trying to grow, heal, or rebuild  Friendship as the often overlooked foundation of a lasting marriage ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Ephesians 5:21-33 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for marriage in a sermon on real roles versus interchangeable parts.

What if the very thing you're trying to avoid is the thing God wants to redeem? This week, Neil and Scott walk through the story of Ruth, a story filled with grief, loyalty, risk, and the surprising ways God works through ordinary obedience. Scott unpacks how Ruth's story confronts the lies culture sells us, reframes what submission truly means, and invites us to trust God with our whole lives, even the painful parts. The challenge: Ask yourself honestly: Do I really believe Jesus is who He says He is? Because if so, it changes everything, how we love, how we sacrifice, and how we lay down our lives every day. Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell What We Discuss: Why Ruth was chosen to close the Women series The surprising meaning behind the names in Ruth Why Naomi's bitterness resonates with so many of us The risky nature of Ruth's visit to the threshing floor Boaz as a picture of Jesus, the Kinsman Redeemer What "submission" actually means (and what it doesn't) How bitterness becomes an identity if left unchecked The reality of emotional vs. visual pornography Why repentance doesn't erase consequences The simple but costly call to die daily ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Proverbs 31:10-31 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being sacrificial versus self-serving.

What if nurturing isn't something you feel, but something you grow? This week on The Cutting Room Floor, Neil sits down with Scott, and Lydia to unpack the sermon on nurturing the kind of strength that builds others up. Lydia shares what it felt like to prepare a message many women receive with mixed emotions, and why turning to Scripture, not culture, is the only way to truly understand God's heart. Together, we explore what nurture is, what it isn't, why it matters, and how it reflects the very character of Christ. The Challenge: Don't wait to "feel ready." Take one step this week to nurture someone intentionally, sacrificially, and with the strength God supplies. Hosts: Neil Gregory, Scott Nickell, & Lydia Florence  ⸻ What We Discuss Why preparing this sermon required sitting with Scripture deeply How nurture is more than personality, it's cultivation The cultural confusion around womanhood and motherhood The biblical picture of strengthening others Why clarity is kindness in discipleship and teaching How Jesus Himself models perfect nurturing strength The lie that flourishing comes from self-reliance The beauty and cost of nurturing relationships A call for both men and women to move from consuming to contributing in the church ⸻  About Southland Christian Church  Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Proverbs 31:10-31 | Join us as Lydia Florence unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being nurturing versus domineering. 

What happens when we stop chasing approval and start living from design? In this week's episode of The Cutting Room Floor, Neil, Jess, and Jon unpack the conversation behind the sermon on modesty, a topic that's often misunderstood and sometimes avoided. Jon shares the deeper biblical meaning behind the word modest, why it's rooted in the nature of God, and how living a "well-arranged" life brings freedom, not restriction. Together they explore what it looks like to find order in the chaos, reclaim identity in Christ, and take one small step toward living with purpose and peace. This week, take one step toward being "well arranged." Whether it's your wardrobe, your words, or your work, ask God to help you bring order to what feels chaotic and let your life reflect His beauty and design. Hosts: Neil Gregory, Jess McKenney, and Jon Weece What We Discuss: The biblical meaning of "modesty" Why modesty is more about order than appearance How culture confuses freedom with pressure, especially for women The connection between modesty and identity in Christ Practical ways to take one step toward change The role of older women as examples of grace and wisdom Lessons from Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her "well-arranged" faith How dads can shape daughters' sense of worth and security  Why words matter as much as wardrobe  Finding peace and purpose in the midst of cultural chaos ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Proverbs 31:10-31 | Join us as Jon unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being modest versus manipulative.

When everything falls apart, will you still trust God? This week on The Cutting Room Floor, Neil and Scott sit down to unpack the message that almost didn't happen, one built in real time around the story of Hannah. From flight cancellations to last-minute rewrites, what emerged was a powerful reminder of humility, sacrifice, and the high calling women carry as image bearers of God. Scott shares what got left on the cutting room floor, including deeper insights into Samuel, the weight of infertility, and how modern lies of self-sufficiency aren't just failing men, they're failing women too. What are you still trying to control? Maybe it's time to hand it over to God.  Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell ⸻ What We Discuss:  What happens when your guest teacher gets stuck in Missouri  How Hannah models humility and strength in the face of hardship  Samuel's birth, his name, and his powerful legacy  Why Eli's sons were worthless and why that contrast matters The deep pain of infertility and the silence of unanswered prayers The cultural lie women are being sold, and why it's not working Why "read the rest of the story" is essential Bible wisdom How casting our cares on God requires humility and practice What it really means to surrender control ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

1 Samuel 1 | Join us as Scott Nickell unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being humble versus powerful.

What do you do when the person standing in the way of spiritual growth is you? This week on The Cutting Room Floor, our hosts unpack the final week of the men's portion of our Toy Story series with, Servant vs. Selfish, and why dying daily is the only way forward. Scott Hatfield joins Scott Nickell as they talk baptisms, cultural resistance to servant leadership, and the gritty, often unnoticed daily choices that shape a man's character.  The challenge? Die daily. Not once, not occasionally, but every single morning. Lay down your pride, your preferences, your comfort, and pick up a cross instead. Then do it again tomorrow. Hosts: Scott Hatfield and Scott Nickell  ⸻ What We Discuss: What a Greek word study on "ransom" reveals about Jesus' sacrifice Why servant leadership is a full-contact sport The difference between two kinds of tired What women are noticing and saying about this men's series How self-worship is being reinforced by 150 years of culture Scott's warning about pastors who deny substitutionary atonement What men must do as the women's series begins next week ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Philippians 2:1-11 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for manhood in a sermon on being a servant versus selfish. 

When the battle comes to your doorstep, are you the man in the arena or just another voice from the couch? In week three of Toy Stories, Scott Nickell sat down on The Cutting Room Floor to unpack what didn't make it into his sermon. From David's courage to Saul's passivity, from critics to shepherds, Scott walks through four pictures of masculinity we all live out and only one of them reflects Jesus.  This week's challenge: Ask yourself, "Who in my life is hurting because I'm not protecting them?" Then do something about it.  Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell What We Discuss: Four pictures of masculinity: the bully, the critic, the soft king, and the good shepherd  Why Saul's passivity was more dangerous than Goliath's strength  The overlooked influence of David's older brother What it means to be the "man in between" like Jesus  Warrior-poets and the power of tenderness + toughness  Why initiative is central to biblical manhood  Competence vs. calling: why courage matters more than skill  The power of stepping up, even when you've failed before  About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

1 Samuel 17 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for manhood in a sermon on being a protector versus tyrant. 

When it comes to manhood, are you living as a provider or just performing for the crowd? In week two of Toy Stories, Jon Weece sat down to unpack what didn't make it into his sermon, Provider vs. Performer. From Joseph's humility to David's restraint, and from his father's influence to his own lessons in leadership, Jon shares why meekness isn't weakness, it's strength under control.. This week's challenge: stop trying to impress, and start serving the people God has placed in your life. Hosts: Neil Gregory & Jon Weece What We Discuss: • Joseph & David as models of humility • Lessons from Jon's dad • The difference between pride and humility • Meekness as power under control • What to do if you didn't have a strong father figure • Handling criticism and compliments in leadership • The nine most important words: "I was wrong. I am sorry. Please forgive me." • Why serving is the simplest way to practice humility • Investing in younger men and discipling the next generation ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give 

Godly men aren't called to perform for approval but to provide through humility and love. In Philippians 2, Jesus shows that real strength is found in serving others, not seeking applause. This week, we'll learn how to lead like Christ by elevating others, taking risks in faith, and leaving people and places better than we found them.

What does real manhood look like in today's world? In this episode of The Cutting Room Floor, Neil sits down with Scott Nickell to dig deeper into week one of our Toy Stories series. Together they unpack what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon, everything from John Eldredge's Wild at Heart to the cultural pressure young men face to delay marriage and family. Scott challenges the myths of adventure and success, points us back to faithfulness in the everyday, and names the upstream issues that ripple through families and culture when men step back instead of stepping up. Where might God be calling you to stop being passive and take on responsibility? Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell What We Discuss: • Why conferences can't replace week-to-week discipleship • Every man's call to fight battles, live adventures, and rescue beauty, in real life, not just stories • The cultural drift toward delay (marriage, kids, commitment) • Faithfulness in "ordinary" callings • The impact of fatherlessness and passivity in the home • Practical steps for men to engage humbly and intentionally ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Philippians 2:1-11 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for manhood in a sermon on responsibility versus passivity. 

In this trailer for The Cutting Room Floor, we sit down to share the heart behind the podcast, why it exists, how it works, and why we think it'll be a meaningful tool for our Southland family. Every week, our teachers bring so much study, thought, and prayer into a message, but not everything can fit into Sunday morning. That's where this podcast comes in. It's a space for the stories, insights, and questions that didn't make it into the sermon but are still worth talking about. No script. No polish. Just honest conversation that helps us take a deeper look at God's Word together.  If you enjoy the conversation, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and we'd love for you to leave a comment or review. It helps us know how this podcast is making a difference.

The Impending Return of Jesus (2 Peter 3:1-14): Jesus' return is something we hope and long for, but it should also motivate us toward evangelism and holiness.