Ever feel like there's no room for people like you? Like you're standing outside looking at a closed door? What if the Christmas story we learned—the cold stable, the heartless innkeeper—isn't quite right?In this final part of our Nativity series, Matt Edmundson unpacks the real context of the Christmas story. Through the Greek word 'kataluma', Palestinian home layouts, and Middle Eastern hospitality culture, we discover something surprising: this isn't a story about rejection. It's a story about making room.[02:30] The Story We Think We KnowMary and Joseph arrive exhausted. No room anywhere. A grumpy innkeeper. Jesus born in a stable. It's in every Christmas card and school play. But the word translated 'inn' actually means 'guest room'—the same word Luke uses for the upper room at the Last Supper."The nativity isn't a story about no room. It's a story about making room."What we discover:Why first-century readers understood this completely differentlyHow Palestinian homes were actually arrangedWhy turning away David's descendant would have shamed the whole villageThe community that gathered to help, not rejectKey takeaway: Jesus was born into a crowded family home where people squeezed up to make space—not cold rejection.[11:00] The Shepherds and the Open DoorThe shepherds weren't romantic figures—they were social outcasts. Many rabbis considered them unclean. Yet they were the first invited to meet Jesus."They didn't wait in the fields hoping someone would come find them. They didn't assume the invitation wasn't really for people like them. They went to Bethlehem. They knocked on the door. And when they arrived? The door opened."What we explore:Why the 'wrong' people got the first invitationWhat the shepherds did that we often don'tHow wonder and curiosity open doorsKey takeaway: The invitation was real, even for people who had every reason to doubt it.[14:00] The Problem of Preemptive RejectionMatt shares his own story of wandering away when football teams were being picked, pretending he wasn't feeling well, making sure he was never standing there waiting to be last."You can't build real relationships on a lie. The acceptance was never for the real me. It was for a version of me that never existed."What resonates:Why self-protection becomes self-fulfilling prophecyHow we pre-decide our own rejectionThe exhausting work of performing for acceptanceWhat happens when we drop the actKey takeaway: By protecting ourselves from rejection, we guarantee we'll never belong.[21:00] What Happens When You KnockMatt reflects on the community in North Carolina who welcomed him when he first explored faith—people who opened their homes and made room at their tables."Jesus made room for us by taking our place. The cross is where rejection landed on him, not on us."The hope offered:A God who makes room for usWelcome that cost Jesus everythingFrom tolerated guests to friendsAn open door waiting for anyone who knocksKey takeaway: The door is open—not because we've earned it, but because Jesus paid the price to keep it open.Your Next StepStop wandering away - Notice when you're removing yourself before anyone can include youStart simple - Tell God you're curious. Ask him to show you if any of this is realFind a table - Is there a community where you could stop hovering at the edges?Drop the performance - What would...
When you picture the nativity, who comes to mind? Mary and Joseph? The wise men? There's one character who carried the whole journey and never gets a mention in the credits.In this Christmas talk, Ade Birkby makes the case for the most overlooked member of the Christmas story: the donkey. Before you dismiss it as quirky, what he shares might just change how you think about service, success, and what really matters in our age of 'main character syndrome'.Journey with us through:[03:40] Why the donkey deserves a second look[11:30] Three traits worth learning: dependability, obedience, humility[17:30] Applying this to real life[23:00] Conversation Street: putting it into practice[03:40] The Unsung HeroThe nativity donkey carried Mary on a journey of 75-90 miles through rough terrain. Four to seven days of hard, unglamorous work. And when the job was done? It stepped back into the background."The donkey did the hard work. As far as we can tell from scripture, it did not complain, didn't make a big deal about it. And when his task was complete, they stepped back into the background."What we explore:Why donkeys are actually highly intelligentBiblical symbolism of donkeys as humility and peaceThe contrast with today's 'main character syndrome'Key takeaway: Faithful, unglamorous service often matters more than visible achievement.[11:30] Three Traits Worth LearningAde unpacks three characteristics from the donkey that we could all learn from.Dependability - "Whoever can be trusted with very little, can also be trusted with much." (Luke 16:10)Obedience - "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15) - genuine obedience comes from love, not fear.Humility - "God opposes the proud, but shows favour to the humble." (James 4:6)"What are you doing when no one is watching?" - Matt Fraser, 5x CrossFit ChampionKey takeaway: These aren't glamorous traits, but they're the ones that build genuine character.[19:30] The Christmas Charity ProblemChristmas sees record numbers of volunteers. But what about the rest of the year?"Most of our work is done by the people who are working with those charities all year round. The rest of the year, there is nowhere near the same interest."Key takeaway: What does our seasonal generosity say about our dependability and humility as a culture?[23:00] Conversation StreetWho are the 'donkeys' in your life?The discussion turned to those who do unglamorous work without recognition—cleaners, chair-setters, tea-and-coffee volunteers, partners holding things together at home. The suggestion: write a handwritten note this Christmas to someone who does the unseen stuff.Main character syndromeJosh admitted he's suffered from it. Matt reflected on how autobiographies only capture highlights—never the 90% of life that happens in between. It's the regular stuff that makes the biggest difference.What's your equivalent of putting the chairs out?Matt shared making the bed 350 days a year—never asked, never thanked, just the right thing to do. Ade shared becoming his wife Sonia's primary carer and now doing all those little things he used to take for granted.Consistency beats intensitySmall, bite-sized nuggets of consistency build up over time. Ten minutes daily in the Bible beats an ambitious hour-a-day plan that falls apart. The basics, done consistently, are really powerful.Visit:
Planning the Nativity - Dan OrangeHow much planning does your Christmas take? The time off work, the presents, the family arrangements, the food. Now imagine planning 700 years in advance.In this talk, Dan Orange draws surprising parallels between our Christmas traditions and God's extraordinary preparation for the first Christmas. From prophecies through Isaiah centuries before the event to stars positioned at creation for the Magi to follow, discover the meticulous love behind the nativity story - and what it means for your life today.[03:00] Christmas Planning ChaosDan shares his experience of Christmas in a large family - 28 people around the table, hiring the village hall, a 'military operation' of organisation."When I was asked to do a talk about Christmas, I was struck by God's planning - so many things that he brought together for the original Christmas."What we explore:The parallels between our Christmas traditions and God's preparationWhy familiarity with the nativity can breed spiritual sleepwalkingLooking at invitations, carols, guests, decorations, presents, and the feastKey takeaway: God's planning makes our most elaborate preparations look like a last-minute dash to the shops.[05:00] God's 700-Year InvitationWhen we send Christmas cards, we might post them weeks early. But God's invitation came through Isaiah 700 years before the event."How about 700 years before the event you tell someone what's going to happen? Now that's planning."What we discover:Isaiah's prophecy naming Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of PeaceMicah identifying Bethlehem as the birthplaceOver fifteen Old Testament prophecies pointing to this momentKey takeaway: God wasn't improvising. He was orchestrating.[10:00] When Heaven Couldn't Stay QuietFor the announcement, God sent angels - including Gabriel, 'the one who stands in the presence of God.'"Whenever the Bible talks about an angel visiting, the most common first words seem to be 'do not be afraid.' Which to me says it was an imposing, impressive sight."What we explore:Why angels weren't the gentle figures we put on Christmas treesThe multitude of heavenly hosts breaking into songMary's Magnificat - possibly the first Christmas carolKey takeaway: Heaven simply couldn't keep quiet about this event.[17:00] A King in a Cattle ShedEverything had been prepared - prophecies, angels, songs. And yet, no room at the inn."It doesn't matter where he was born. Jesus is God's son. His lineage is the same. The fact that he was born with the cattle is neither here nor there."What we learn:Why humble beginnings don't diminish royal identityThe significance of Zechariah's words about small beginningsWhat this means for our own identity as God's childrenKey takeaway: Your circumstances don't define your identity - your Father does.[19:00] Decorations Written in the StarsGod put stars in place on day four of creation - ready for the Magi to follow centuries later."Perhaps it was a collection of stars, perhaps planets aligning. Or perhaps it could have been something we've never witnessed since or ever will again."What we discover:How creation itself was prepared for ChristmasTheories about the star - planetary conjunction, supernatural phenomenonThe wise men's gifts telling the whole story: gold, frankincense, myrrhKey takeaway: Whatever the star was,...
How many podcasts have you listened to this week? How many experts have told you how to live? We're drowning in guides. And yet somehow, we've never felt more lost.In this honest conversation, Matt Edmundson explores Paul's observation to the Corinthian church that feels uncomfortably relevant today: "You have countless guides in Christ, but you do not have many fathers." Not more content. Not more opinions. More dads.Matt shares his own story of spiritual fatherhood with Dave Connolly, including a fork-in-the-road conversation in 1995 that changed everything. Plus, the beautiful moment of walking his spiritual daughter Jen down the aisle at her wedding.[03:00] The Problem with Information OverloadResearch shows that beyond a certain point, more information actually makes our decisions worse. Psychologists call it "analysis paralysis." We have access to more wisdom than any generation in history, and yet..."None of them know my name. They're not invested in my life. They won't be there when the advice doesn't work out. They offer influence without investment."What we explore:Why information overload is a major source of stressThe difference between guides and fathersWhat Paul meant by "countless guides"Key takeaway: We don't need more opinions. We need more dads.[11:00] What Makes Spiritual Fatherhood DifferentMatt shares a quote that captures the essence: "When my father died, I realised he was the only man on the planet who wanted me to be better than him.""A therapist helps you become functional, then you graduate. A coach helps you reach your goal, then you move on. But a spiritual father? They walk with you for life."What we explore:Different goals: self-actualisation vs ChristlikenessWhy permanency matters in discipleshipThe power dynamic that Jesus subvertsKey takeaway: The goal isn't a better you. It's Christlikeness.[15:00] Not Control, But ReleaseThe idea of spiritual fathers has been weaponised in some church contexts. Matt addresses this directly and explains what healthy spiritual fatherhood looks like."A spiritual father isn't above you. They're ahead of you — walking a few steps in front on the same path. And their job is to help you catch up, not keep you behind."What we explore:Warning signs of controlling relationshipsWhat "releasing" looks like practicallyDave Connolly's approach: "You can hear God just as well as I can"Key takeaway: It doesn't matter what decision you make, they'll still be there. That's what makes it fathering and not controlling.[27:00] Conversation StreetDoes a spiritual father have to be older than you?Not necessarily. It's about maturity and being further down the track in specific areas. Paul told Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth." Someone younger might be further ahead in a particular aspect of faith.What about biological and spiritual fathers?They don't have to be different people. But spiritual fathers can complement biological fathers beautifully. Will shared that his son now talks about someone as a spiritual father — and there's no competition. It's the beauty of God's bigger family.How do we protect against spiritual control?The warning signs: when you're not allowed to think for yourself, can't disagree, questioning gets you ostracised. A true spiritual father is releasing. They'll give their opinion but won't manipulate you with it.Join the conversation at crowd.churchhttps://crowd.church/talks/everyone-needs-a-father-so-who-wants-to-be-one
Do you ever do all the "right" Christian things and still feel like something's missing? Like you're somehow gasping for air even though your spiritual lungs should be working just fine?In this honest conversation, Matt Edmundson explores the topic of koinonia - the Christian community - and asks what happens when we try to do faith with only one lung.Journey with us through:[03:00] The early church in Jerusalem - what 3,000 new believers actually did[07:00] Understanding koinonia - more than just hanging out[09:00] The two lungs of faith - why both are essential[14:00] Why Christian community has a different foundation[17:00] When church has hurt you - honest talk about toxic communities[20:00] Matt's personal story of community showing up[29:00] Conversation Street - practical wisdom from the community[09:00] The Two Lungs of FaithMatt shares an analogy that helps make sense of why we can feel empty despite an active prayer life and regular Bible reading."My relationship with God and my relationship with the community are equally essential to living the abundant life Jesus calls us to."What we explore:The first lung - your relationship with God through ChristThe second lung - koinonia, this divine fellowship with othersWhy wrong attitudes, consumer mindsets, and past hurts can collapse the second lungWhat happens when both lungs start working togetherKey takeaway: Both lungs are meant to work together. That's the design.[14:00] Why Christian Community is DifferentSo what's wrong with gym classes or book clubs? Nothing. But Christian community has a different foundation."Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people. In his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us."What we discover:How the cross demolishes barriers between peopleThe Ethiopian widow and Galilean fisherman - unlikely familyLiving from the overflow of favour already receivedWhat makes koinonia audaciously differentKey takeaway: The foundation changes how the whole thing works.[17:00] When Church Has Hurt YouMatt addresses the elephant in the room - churches fail at this all the time."I didn't want to need anyone. I didn't want to be vulnerable. I didn't want to risk being hurt again. Independence felt like strength."Honest talk about:Toxic, judgmental, and cliquey church experiencesMatt's own journey of wanting to leaveWhy walking away doesn't always solve the problemFighting for what community is meant to beKey takeaway: The failure of churches around community doesn't invalidate God's design.[29:00] Conversation StreetHow do we actually do community in a digital age?Anna observed that our modern world keeps us digitally connected but physically separate. Sharon and Matt shared how they've had lodgers for almost their entire 27-year marriage. But this isn't for everyone - the key is knowing yourself and finding what works for you.What if nobody invites me?Matt talked about how the default is waiting for someone else to make the first move. Rather than waiting, you can start it yourself. His football example: when Liverpool play, he texts a WhatsApp group and they come round. 90% of conversation is football. But 10% isn't.How do we take relationships deeper?Anna highlighted the difference between breadth and depth. Her advice: start small, ask one or two people for coffee, take the pressure off. Most of the time when you invite someone, they're delighted to say yes.For more information about this
Do you get that nagging feeling your faith should be...more? Not more religious activity or more church programmes, but something deeper, something that actually changes how you live Monday to Friday?Mark Buchanan challenges how we think about discipleship with an uncomfortable truth: simply attending church does not make you a disciple. Saying a prayer 15 years ago does not make you a disciple. Reading the Bible occasionally does not make you a disciple. So what does?In this refreshingly honest conversation, Mark draws a powerful distinction between pupils who collect knowledge and disciples who develop Christ's character. Using Jesus' selection of his unlikely twelve disciples, he explores what radical commitment looks like in real life - including honest discussions about busyness, hard seasons, and what changes when you move from cultural Christianity to genuine discipleship.[06:00] Pupils vs Disciples - A Distinction That Changes EverythingMark starts with a comparison that stops you in your tracks.A pupil attends an institution to acquire knowledge. A disciple joins a community to develop character - specifically, the character of Jesus.What we discover:Pupils attend at set times with holidays; disciples sign up for an all-day, every-day thingPupils learn from different teachers; disciples learn everything from one teacherJesus chose his twelve based not on their knowledge or position, but on who he knew they would becomeWhy a motley bunch of fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot shaped the history of the entire planetKey takeaway: Jesus is looking at you right now saying, I know who you can be. I know what is in you.[10:00] What Jesus Actually DemandsMark unpacks Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 8:34 with uncomfortable honesty.We are basically saying as a disciple, I do not get to call the shots anymore. I cannot be a disciple and get my own way all the time. I cannot be a disciple and find it convenient all the time. I cannot be a disciple and play it safe.Real talk about:Why baptism creates a clear line: before (not following Jesus) and after (following Jesus)The submission required to obey everything Jesus commandedWhy we have to deny ourselves and take up our cross dailyThe promise that matters most: Surely I am with you always, right to the very end of the ageKey takeaway: Being a disciple is about following without questioning, and that is difficult - but you are not doing it alone.[17:00] The Real Test of DiscipleshipMark takes us to John 13:35 where Jesus reveals the surprising test of true discipleship.By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. What an interesting acid test to apply. Only disciples of Jesus could love the other disciples that they are taking this journey with.Why this matters:The test is not memorising scripture or knowing doctrine perfectlyJesus' twelve were a motley crew with different personalities - some lovable, some difficultYet they found friendship, relationship, and love because they followed the same LordPeople found this strangely attractive and felt safe joining this unlikely communityKey takeaway: The love that comes from being a disciple is the powerhouse that draws others to Christ.[22:00] Conversation Street - When Faith Is Not ConvenientAnna Kettle gets brutally honest about the reality of following Jesus through different seasons.I have definitely had seasons of life where it has been very exciting and I have been passionate about my faith, and seasons where I have been very discouraged and life has been hard, and I...
Shaping Grandkids Who'll Remember YouEver wonder if you'll be remembered? Not just as "Grandma" or "Grandad" who gave good presents, but as someone who actually shaped lives, who passed on something worth catching?In this honest conversation, Dave Connolly unpacks the story of Lois - an ordinary grandmother whose sincere faith rippled through three generations so powerfully that Paul wrote about it in 2 Timothy. This wasn't a perfect family with everything sorted. Eunice married outside the faith, Timothy's father was absent, and the household faced real complexities. Yet somehow, a grandmother's authentic walk with God changed everything.Dave shares vulnerable stories including his own parenting regrets, weekly rhythms with his five grandchildren, and the powerful impact of telling 'miracle stories' about God's provision. You'll discover why sincere faith matters more than perfect parenting, how to shape grandchildren without controlling them, and practical ways to leave a legacy that outlasts you.Journey with us through:[06:00] Lois, Eunice, Timothy: Three generations of sincere faith[12:00] What made Lois's influence last across generations[20:00] Legacy and intentional investment in grandchildren[38:00] Finding grace despite parenting failures[48:00] Regrets about not asking grandparents more questions[54:00] Why writing your story matters[08:00] Sincere Faith That Carries You ThroughDave unpacks what Paul meant when he described Lois's "sincere faith" in 2 Timothy 1:5. This wasn't religious performance or perfect theology - it was an authentic, tested, genuine relationship with Jesus."Sincere faith in my experience has been the thing that carries you through life. A sincere faith. Because you're talking about a real faith, one that you have a personal saviour, personal relationship, personal walk."What we explore:Why authenticity matters more than perfection in passing on faithHow Lois influenced despite her daughter's choicesThe difference between religious routine and genuine relationshipWhat it means for faith to "live" in someoneKey takeaway: Sincere faith isn't inherited like property - it's caught through relationship and example.[16:00] Second Chances as GrandparentsWith refreshing honesty, Dave shares how being a grandparent feels like getting a second go at things you feel you did poorly as a parent."If I said to men, write down all the things you do really well as a dad, you could give them a large stamp and there'd still be space on it. But if I said what you do really poorly, you could give them a roll of wallpaper."Real talk about:Carrying guilt about past parenting failuresWhy grandchildren are God's blessing, not replacementsHow finding grace changes everythingThe privilege of investing in the next generationKey takeaway: Don't concentrate on your failures - address them, ask God to strengthen you, and move forward with grace.[22:00] Miracle Stories and Tea Time TraditionsDave shares how he and his wife Julie deliberately tell their grandchildren what they call "miracle stories" - real encounters with God's faithfulness over the years."They love these stories. They want to know more and more and more. Not fairy tales or Joe Bloggs' story, but things, God encounters that Julie and I have had with God over the years."Practical ideas:Weekly "one good, one bad" at tea time to create space for prayerTelling the same stories repeatedly - children need repetitionCreating simple traditions like throwing stones in waterLetting...
When Your Sibling Gets EverythingDo you ever replay conversations with your parents, mentally counting all the times they mentioned your sibling versus you? Or felt that hot flush of resentment when your brother gets praised for doing what you've been doing faithfully for years?This week at Crowd Church, Mike Harris—one of five siblings himself—explored sibling relationships through one of Jesus' most famous stories. But instead of focusing on the wayward younger brother, Mike zeroed in on the older brother: the faithful one, the reliable one, the one who did everything right... and still felt invisible.In this honest conversation, Mike unpacks the toxic dynamics of favouritism, the exhaustion of being the responsible sibling, and what happens when comparison steals your joy. Through biblical sibling rivalries that go spectacularly wrong (Cain and Abel, Joseph, Jacob and Esau), he reveals how God doesn't airbrush family dysfunction but engages with it honestly.Journey with us through:[03:45] The Bible's messy family album[08:20] The older brother's complaint[14:30] 'This son of yours'—when resentment breaks family bonds[24:10] The father's surprising response[33:50] Conversation Street: navigating sibling rivalry[47:30] Jesus as the perfect older brother[08:20] The Older Brother's ResentmentMike reads the older brother's bitter complaint when he discovers his wayward brother is getting a party:Look, all these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him.What we discover:Why the older brother's resentment feels completely justified from his perspectiveThe significance of 'this son of yours' instead of 'my brother'How comparison transforms service into 'slaving'The pain of doing everything right and still feeling invisibleKey takeaway: The older brother isn't irrational—he's been faithful, reliable, obedient. Yet his brother gets celebrated whilst his loyalty goes unremarked.[24:10] What You Already PossessThe father's response reveals something the older brother couldn't see:My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.Mike unpacks this powerful truth:Everything the father has belongs to the older brother. He's always been there. He's always had access to everything. He's got intimacy with his father. He's got the relationship. But he can't see it because he's too busy looking at what his brother's getting.What this means:The older brother's problem wasn't having less—it was not recognising what he possessedHis father's constant presence, unlimited resources, unconditional love were always availableComparison blinds us to the richness right in front of usMeasuring our lives against siblings steals joyKey takeaway: When we're too busy watching what others receive, we miss what we already freely have.[33:50] Conversation Street - Dealing With Sibling RivalrySeveral people shared their experiences with sibling rivalry and reconciliation.How do we practically manage these visceral feelings?Mike's honest response: "It's really hard." But he pointed to recognising our true identity as children of the King, co-heirs with Christ. When we understand our position in God's family, it alters how we view earthly family dynamics.We have to humble ourselves. We have to say, 'Actually, I'm going to forgive.' Even if they haven't asked for...
When Your Parents Won't Let GoHow do you honour difficult parents? What does biblical respect look like when your mum won't accept you're an adult, or your dad's choices have caused genuine hurt?Jenny Mariner brings twelve years of teaching teenagers and raising two young children to this honest exploration of one of the Bible's most challenging commands. She unpacks the crucial difference between childhood obedience (temporary) and honour (permanent), offering practical wisdom for navigating complicated family dynamics with grace.In this conversation, we explore:Why learning obedience as children shapes our entire livesThe shift from obeying parents to honouring them as adultsWhat honour actually looks like in practiceSetting healthy boundaries without dishonoring parentsHandling controlling, absent, or abusive parentsFinding peace by accepting your parents' limits[03:00] Why Childhood Obedience Actually MattersJenny shares a powerful story from her teaching years about a student who wouldn't obey anyone, constantly wandering corridors and disrupting others."This child is not learning how to function in society. That is what learning obedience when you are young is about - none of us get to do whatever we want all the time."What we discover:God is a God of order, not chaos - Genesis shows this clearlyNo society has ever successfully run on anarchyLearning obedience helps us trust our parents, which helps us trust GodChildhood is where we learn our place in society and relationshipsKey takeaway: Obedience isn't about crushing personality - it's about learning that healthy societies need structure.[08:00] The Critical Shift - Obedience to HonourJenny makes the crucial distinction many of us miss about what changes when we become adults."The overall key point in a nutshell is that obedience is important in childhood and honour remains a permanent obligation throughout our lives - whatever the dynamics in your family."Understanding the difference:Exodus 20 says "honour" not "obey" your parentsIt's the only commandment with a promise attached - long lifeAs adults, you're responsible for your own choicesBut honour doesn't end when childhood doesKey takeaway: You don't have to obey your parents as an adult, but you're still called to honour them.[14:00] What Honour Actually Looks LikeJenny gets practical about what honouring parents means in everyday life."Honouring in the Bible is about treating someone with proper respect and value. It's about saying, you are my parent. You birthed me, you raised me. You did your best, even if actually your best was inadequate."Practical ways to honour:Speaking about them with care and respectSeeking their wisdom (without blind obedience)Regular communication - Jenny schedules specific days her mum sees the kidsUsing technology for distance relationshipsProviding emotional and practical support as they ageKey takeaway: Honour is active, not passive - it requires intentional choices about how we treat our parents.[24:00] Healthy Boundaries Are BiblicalJenny challenges the false idea that honouring means having no boundaries."Despite everything I've said about honour and communication and respect and care, it is okay, it's biblical to have healthy boundaries."Real talk about boundaries:Genesis talks about leaving mother and father to become one with your spouseIf parents are overbearing, boundaries protect your marriageBoundaries create...
Biblical Motherhood And Why It Looks Different To What You May ThinkEver feel like women can't win? Too focused on motherhood or not focused enough? This week, Sharon Edmundson explores what the Bible actually says about motherhood - and it challenges both the Pinterest-perfect pressure and the career-first narrative.In this honest conversation, Sharon shares four biblical principles that ground motherhood in something bigger than cultural expectations, and three practical roles that show how motherhood reveals God's character. From vulnerable stories about mum guilt to addressing childlessness and difficult parent relationships, this message offers grace-filled wisdom for wherever you are in your motherhood journey.[08:00] When Cultural Messages Leave You ExhaustedSharon names the reality: "We are seen as either being too focused on motherhood or not focused enough, and it can be exhausting."She shares stories from her own life - friends with complicated relationships with their mothers, friends desperate for children but unable to have them, and her childhood friend Jane who spent years wondering about her birth mother after being adopted."Whatever your motherhood story looks like - whether you're honouring the mum who raised you, grieving the one that you wish you had, or figuring out how to be the mum your kids need - God's grace is big enough for you too."What we explore:Why neither the 'perfect mother' nor 'career is everything' narrative satisfiesHow cultural pressure creates impossible standardsWhy God's perspective on motherhood is refreshingly differentThe reality that motherhood touches all of us in different waysKey takeaway: You don't have to choose between the Pinterest-perfect mother or the career-focused woman - God offers a third way.[08:00] Four Biblical Principles That Change EverythingSharon walks through foundational truths from Scripture that transform how we view motherhood:Principle 1: Motherhood is God's Good Idea"God could have designed humans to just appear, fully formed. No nappies, no sleepless nights, no teenage years. But he didn't. He chose the messy, relational way. Why? Because He's relational."Principle 2: Children Are a Blessing, Not a BurdenSharon unpacks Psalm 127's imagery of children as arrows: "Warriors don't just keep their arrows permanently in their hand. They aim them, they release them, and they trust them to hit their target."Principle 3: God Gives Children Value"There's a God-given dignity in motherhood. But it is not the underlying basis of our value or our worth. Our value is in that we are made in God's image. So a woman without children is as valuable as a woman with children."Principle 4: Motherhood Isn't the Most Important Thing"If we make children the most important thing in our lives, we're putting them in God's place, and they aren't designed to handle that kind of pressure."Key takeaway: These principles free you from cultural pressure whilst giving motherhood profound purpose.[16:00] Three Roles That Reveal God's HeartSharon explores three specific roles mothers play:Authority Exercised Through Serving"If you're a parent of small children or teens and you're trying to be their friend, you might be missing part of your purpose as a parent. They don't need you to be their friend. They need you to take your God-given role of authority over them for their good."But she quickly adds: "God's way of doing things is that authority is about serving."Love Characterised by DelightSharon gets personal about seeing a photo of her child in a giraffe costume: "You...
Ever park outside your house and just breathe, steeling yourself for whatever chaos awaits inside? Maybe you've scrolled through hundreds of photos of your kids and felt simultaneously overwhelmed by the challenge and grateful beyond words for the privilege.In this refreshingly honest conversation, Will Sopwith explores what the Bible actually says about fatherhood. From that first nerve-wracking drive home with a newborn to navigating teenage years and beyond, Will shares the brilliance and the mess of raising three children. But more than swapping war stories, he unpacks three biblical roles that change everything about how fathers understand their calling.You'll discover why culture's mixed messages - from the useless male stereotype to treating dads as optional extras - miss what Scripture reveals about your distinct and vital role. Whether you're exhausted from working long hours, questioning every parenting decision, or feeling like you've already messed it up beyond repair, there's hope and practical wisdom here.[08:00] When Culture Gets Fatherhood WrongWill points out something striking from his years in a Facebook group called This Dad Can. So many young men struggle to find their role, feeling sidelined by the more recognisable role of motherhood.Fatherhood feels a little bit like an optional extra, perhaps nice if you have it, but you know, understandable if you don't. Billy Graham once said a good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.What we discover:Why the new man who just shares chores isn't the full pictureHow the useless male stereotype damages fathers and familiesThe challenge of finding your role beyond being a co-parentWhat the Bible says that challenges modern assumptionsKey takeaway: Scripture doesn't lump mothers and fathers together under generic parenting advice - God has something specific to say about fatherhood.[12:00] Father as Priest - Standing in the GapA priest represents the people to God, literally standing between them. For fathers, this means taking responsibility for your children before God.The priest applies their own faith on behalf of the people where the people's faith is not up to it. We have an example in Mark 9 of a father bringing his epileptic son to Jesus because the son was powerless to bring change for himself.Practical insights:Thanking God for your children specificallyPraying for their growth, healing, protection, forgivenessBridging the gap until they develop their own relationship with GodWhy this role continues through their whole lifeKey takeaway: You're not waiting for your kids to sort themselves out spiritually - you're actively standing between them and God on their behalf.[15:00] Father as Prophet - Living Out God's TruthA prophet represents God to the people. In our context, fathers represent God to their children through how they live, not just what they say.As anyone raising children or young adults knows, the representation we give is often more our actions than our words. We are on display constantly around our kids, often at our most unguarded moments.What this looks like:Teaching them about God and leading worship at homeShowing them a close, all-access lived example of following JesusDemonstrating that God is love who created and sustains usModelling that following Jesus isn't about perfection but about being lovedKey takeaway: The alignment between your words about God and your actions is critical - your kids are watching everything.[19:00] Father as...
Ever tried to disagree with someone who is absolutely convinced they are right? It is exhausting, isn't it? And if we are honest, we have all been that person at some point.In this week's livestream, Matt Edmundson tackles conflict in relationships - not just marriage, but friendships, work, and increasingly in our everyday interactions. He explores why we have moved from disagreeing with ideas to fundamentally hating people, and how Christians can demonstrate that another way is possible.Matt identifies two camps most of us fall into: the Winners who must be right at any cost, and the Avoiders who keep peace but lose intimacy. Drawing from Ephesians 4, he unpacks six biblical principles that transform how we handle disagreement - from complete transparency to dealing with anger quickly, watching our words, getting rid of bitterness, being genuinely kind, and remembering how much we have been forgiven.You will hear vulnerable stories about Matt's own journey learning to value relationships over being right, plus practical wisdom from Conversation Street on handling phone addiction, political differences, and the modern excuse of we are just not compatible.[03:00] We Have Forgotten How to CommunicateMatt opens with a challenging observation: we are living in extraordinary times where we no longer just disagree with ideas - we fundamentally hate people. It is called affective polarisation.James says everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. But we have completely flipped that script. We are quick to speak, slow to listen, and really, really quick to become angry.What we explore:How Proverbs 18:2 calls out those who delight in airing opinions without seeking understandingWhy we may think we are being humble but are actually just delivering verdictsThe cultural shift from dialogue to tribal warfareHow this affects relationships at every levelKey takeaway: If you have already decided you are right before the conversation starts, you are not having a conversation - you are delivering a verdict.[08:15] The Winners: Right But AloneMatt explores the first camp - those who approach every disagreement like a battle that must be won with facts, logic and evidence.You might win the argument completely, but something breaks between you. Your logic might be airtight, but you have lost the person. You are right, but you are alone.Honest insights from Matt's business experience:Why running a company requires a certain amount of egoCreating a board with equal votes specifically to get pushbackFinding disagreements deeply annoying but also very helpfulLearning to see conflict as opportunity rather than battleKey takeaway: In marriage especially, you may gain the argument but lose the person when winning becomes your goal.[12:45] The Avoiders: Peace But No IntimacyThe second camp avoids conflict entirely - do not rock the boat, keep things pleasant, peace at any cost.While you are avoiding the conflict, you are also preventing the connection. The things that matter most go unspoken. Hurt and resentment build quietly, like mould behind a wall you cannot see until the damage is catastrophic.What happens when we avoid:You withdraw emotionally, even if just a little bitYou become more like roommates than life partnersOne day something small triggers an explosionYour partner is blindsided because they had no idea things were buildingKey takeaway: Biblical love does not demand you win, but it also does not allow you to hide.[17:20] Six...
When She Leads and He Follows (Biblical Marriage Roles)Ever written off Christianity because you assume biblical marriage is oppressive? Or maybe you're a Christian who feels awkward defending what the Bible teaches about marriage roles? Join Matt Edmundson for an honest conversation that challenges cultural caricatures whilst unpacking what Scripture actually says.In this refreshingly honest message, Matt tackles Ephesians 5 head-on - yes, the bits about headship and submission that make everyone uncomfortable. But instead of religious jargon or defensive posturing, he demonstrates how these instructions were radically counter-cultural in the Greco-Roman world and remain revolutionary today. You'll discover why mutual submission changes everything, how biblical headship is about wearing a crown of thorns rather than gold, and what happens when both spouses compete to put each other first.Journey with us through:[03:00] Why we struggle with biblical roles[08:00] Submit one to another[12:00] Headship isn't a crown of gold[18:00] Real life examples that work[22:00] What the research actually shows[28:00] Your questions answered in Conversation Street[03:00] Why We Struggle With Biblical RolesMatt addresses the elephant in the room: have we connected 1950s stereotypes to biblical teaching and become ashamed of both? He shares the story of when he and Sharon decided she'd stay home with the kids - not because the Bible demands it, but because they felt God's leading. People's reactions revealed the cultural assumption that someone has to lose."We've bought into the assumption that someone fundamentally has to lose. That Sharon somehow lost by staying home with the kids. But that's not biblical thinking at all."What we explore:Why marriage roles become zero-sum games in our cultureThe difference between biblical teaching and cultural stereotypesHow relationships shift from serving to scorekeepingWhy we feel we have to apologise for biblical rolesKey takeaway: When we approach marriage asking "What am I losing?" someone will always lose. But that's not what the Bible teaches.[08:00] Submit One to AnotherMatt unpacks Ephesians 5, starting with the crucial first line that changes everything: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This is mutual submission - both husband and wife submitting to each other."Submission doesn't mean passively giving up all your rights and becoming a doormat. It means to willingly yield, to give way, to serve one another out of reverence for Christ."Real talk about:What submission actually means (not what culture says it means)Why wives submit to their own husbands, not to men generallyHow submission is about actively seeking the other's goodWhy both partners asking "How can I put you first?" transforms marriageKey takeaway: Biblical submission is the exact opposite of asking "What am I getting out of this?" It's about both spouses putting the other first.[12:00] Headship Isn't a Crown of GoldThe verse that makes everyone squirm: "The husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church." But Matt demonstrates this isn't about power or hierarchy - it's about modelling Christ."Biblical headship isn't about wearing a crown of gold. It's about wearing a crown of thorns. Christ's headship over the church wasn't about dominance or control. It was about grace and sacrifice."Discover:Why headship means dying to self, not getting your wayHow "love your wives as Christ loved the church" changes everythingWhat servant leadership actually looks like in...
Is Marriage Outdated or Just Misunderstood?IntroWhat makes marriage different from just living together? Beyond saying it's "sacred before God," what's the real difference? This week at Crowd Church, Matt Edmundson shares his journey from broken thinking about marriage to discovering God's beautiful design for covenant commitment.Growing up with divorced parents, Matt genuinely wondered if marriage was just an expensive party for something that wouldn't last. But through studying scripture on covenant for two years, everything changed. Discover why marriage isn't outdated - it's timeless, and why the problem isn't the institution but that we've forgotten what it actually is.[03:00] What Makes Marriage Different?The statistics tell a revealing story - in 1970, seven out of ten UK adults were married. Today it's four out of ten, predicted to drop to three out of ten by 2050. But we haven't stopped wanting committed relationships. We've just substituted marriage with cohabitation, which has increased 144% in the last 30 years."The problem isn't that marriage itself is broken. My thinking about marriage was what was actually broken."What we discover:Why culture says marriage is outdated and unnecessaryHow living together has replaced marriage in many mindsWhy the "test drive before you buy" analogy misses the pointWhat Matt's broken thinking about relationships looked likeKey takeaway: The problem isn't that marriage is broken - it's that we've forgotten what marriage actually is.[08:00] God's Blueprint: Leave, Hold Fast, Become OneAt the dawn of time, God gives the original blueprint for marriage in Genesis 2:24. In this tiny verse, we discover three powerful truths about biblical marriage."Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."Biblical marriage means:Leave - putting your spouse above all other human relationships, even parentsHold fast - bonding permanently like super glue, not "let's see how it goes"Become one flesh - two separate people becoming one unified wholeKey takeaway: Marriage requires leaving your old way of living and choosing to put your spouse first in everything.[12:00] The Challenge of Biblical SexualityMatt shares honestly about his struggle with biblical teaching on sex. At 18, driven by testosterone and cultural messaging, the idea that sex before marriage was wrong seemed completely outdated."God, I can believe all this gospel stuff - just don't ask me to stop having sex before marriage, because I'm not going to do it."What changed everything:Understanding that sex is the ultimate covenant actRecognising you make covenant promises with your bodySeeing that casual sex is impossible when you understand covenantComing to a place of surrender, knowing God had a better planKey takeaway: Sex isn't just physical pleasure - it's covenant-making that binds you to one person for life.[15:00] For Those in Complicated SituationsNot everyone's situation is straightforward. Maybe you've recently come to faith and you're living with someone you love. Perhaps you've bought a house together. Maybe your partner isn't yet a Christian."When Jesus met people in complicated situations, he didn't condemn them. He showed them a better way and gave them grace for the journey."Practical guidance:Don't hide it from God - He's not shocked by your circumstancesHave honest conversations with someone you...
What Makes Someone a Friend of GodEver wonder if the Creator of the universe actually wants to know you personally? Dave Connolly explores how the God who created galaxies doesn't just want our worship - he wants our friendship.In this refreshingly honest conversation, Dave challenges religious assumptions and reveals what it means to move from being God's servant to becoming his friend. Through biblical examples of Moses and Abraham - ordinary people with flaws who became God's friends - discover that friendship with the divine isn't about perfection but about trust and authentic relationship.[03:00] When "Friend" Became Just Another WordDave helps us reclaim what real friendship actually means in a world of Facebook friends and social media followers."True friendship requires investment. Friends are people you spend time with, people you're walking through life with. You can't have friendship without relationship."What we discover:Why modern culture has diluted the meaning of friendshipHow genuine friendship requires consistent investment over timeThe difference between acquaintances and true friendsWhy friendship survives distance when built on solid foundationKey takeaway: Real friends support you through loss, challenge you when needed, and invest in the relationship consistently.[08:00] Biblical Models of Divine FriendshipDave explores how Scripture gives us compelling examples of humans who became friends with God - Moses, Abraham, David and Jonathan."Thus, the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." - Exodus 33:11Biblical insights:Moses spoke with God face to face despite his limitationsAbraham was called "friend of God" based on his trust, not perfectionThese weren't perfect people - they had flaws and made mistakesGod chose to relate to them as friends, not just subjectsKey takeaway: God's friendship isn't reserved for the perfect - it's offered to those who trust his character.[12:00] From Servants to FriendsJesus revolutionised the relationship between divine and human, moving his disciples from servants to friends."I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:15The transformation includes:Moving from following commands to understanding purposesBeing invited into intimate knowledge of God's heartSharing in God's plans rather than just obeying ordersExperiencing two-way relationship rather than one-sided serviceKey takeaway: Jesus doesn't just want our obedience - he wants to share his life and purposes with us.[18:00] What Divine Friendship Looks LikeDave outlines the practical characteristics of friendship with God that mirror healthy human relationships."I believe friendship with Jesus can be characterised by love, trust, forgiveness, honesty, and loyalty. What I receive from him, I should be freely giving to others."Practical aspects:God's support is constant - he never leaves or abandons usHe accepts us exactly as we are, exactly where we arePrayer becomes natural conversation rather than formal dutyHis faithfulness remains steady even when we don't feel his presenceKey takeaway: Friendship with God transforms both how we relate to him and how we treat others.[28:00] Conversation Street: Real Questions About Divine Friendship"How is being God's friend different from just being his follower?"The discussion revealed that...
Why God Chose to Adopt You (And Why it Changes Everything)Ever feel like you're not quite enough for God? Matt Edmundson kicks off our relationships series by tackling the most fundamental relationship of all - our relationship with God as Father.In this foundational message, Matt unpacks why the Bible uses adoption language to describe our relationship with God, revealing how Roman adoption was actually more secure than natural birth. Through personal stories about fatherhood and honest conversation about earning God's approval, discover what it means to be permanently, irrevocably his.[07:00] Why Adoption Language MattersMatt shares his initial bias against adoption as "second best" and how meeting adoptive families at Frontline Church began changing his perspective."I felt like adoption was second best. Like God was saying, well, you're not my real children, but I'll take you anyway."What we discover:Paul's use of "spirit of adoption" in Romans 8:15"Abba" means daddy, dad, pops - intimate family languageThe difference between earning status and receiving itWhy understanding context changes everythingKey takeaway: God chose adoption language intentionally - it's not about being second best but about being deliberately chosen.[14:00] Roman Adoption Was DifferentMatt reveals the shocking truth about adoption in Paul's time - it was more permanent than natural birth."Romans had a saying: 'Adopting an adult heir, the father could see what he was getting.' They weren't taking chances on a baby who might not survive."Revolutionary insights:Romans adopted adults, not babiesYou could legally disown natural children but never adopted onesAdoption involved seven witnesses and complete authority transferOnce adopted - permanent, irrevocable, foreverKey takeaway: Adoption was the most secure family relationship available - that's why God chose this language.[20:00] Stop Performing, Start LivingMatt gets personal about trying to earn God's approval through faith levels, emotions, knowledge, or works."Monday morning's business crisis - you're still his child. That relationship falling apart - you're still his child. That failure you can't forgive yourself for - you're still his child."Practical application:Stop performing for acceptance you already haveStop fearing rejection that literally cannot happenFight from your place, not for your placeRomans 8:38-39 - nothing can separate usKey takeaway: Security frees you to live without constantly questioning the relationship.[28:00] Conversation Street: The Choice in AdoptionWill asks why God chose to adopt everyone, leading to deep discussion about choice and commitment."There are actually two parties in Roman adoption. The adopter and the adoptee. As adults, the adopted person had to make a conscious choice."Community insights:Adoption requires mutual choice - not just God choosing usConscious decision to leave old family, accept new identityCan happen young or old, instantly or over timeBut there must be that deliberate choiceKey takeaway: Entering God's family involves conscious decision from both parties.[35:00] The Cost and the ExchangeAnna addresses what it costs to be adopted into God's family."The cost is also your life, you know, saying to God, I want to have a relationship with you and I'm willing to give you every part of my life in exchange for all that you offer me. The exchange by my reckoning is a pretty good...
Feeling trapped by debt, circumstances, or cycles you can't break? In this honest conversation, Sharon Edmundson explores the Year of Jubilee - God's radical 50-year reset system where debts were cancelled, people were freed, and everyone got a fresh start. From her own struggles with inner darkness despite outward success, to discovering how Jesus transformed this ancient practice into everyday freedom, Sharon offers hope for anyone who feels permanently stuck.You'll discover why God built liberation into the very structure of society, how this applies to modern debt slavery, and practical steps for your own jubilee reset. Whether you're drowning financially, relationally, or spiritually, this message reveals that freedom isn't just possible - it's promised.[03:00] The System That Sounds Too Good to Be TrueSharon starts with an incredible scenario - imagine the government cancelling all your debts tomorrow."Three and a half thousand years ago, God designed exactly this kind of system for an entire nation, and it wasn't a one-off. It happened every 50 years like clockwork."What we explore:The radical nature of the Jubilee systemHow it prevented permanent poverty cyclesWhy ancient "slavery" was different from what we thinkBuilt-in hope for desperate situationsKey takeaway: God's response to suffering wasn't to blame people but to build hope into society's structure.[08:00] Why People Get TrappedSharon gets honest about debt and circumstances, including Matt's early business disasters."I often joke that I married Matt and his debt - bucketloads of enthusiasm for business, but a teacup's worth of wisdom, and the teacup is a bit generous."Real-life understanding:Multiple reasons people end up in debtHow systems can be loaded against peopleThe cycle of poverty and desperationProtection built into God's lawKey takeaway: The Bible recognises that debt and poverty aren't always someone's fault.[15:00] When External Freedom Isn't EnoughSharon's most vulnerable moment - having everything but being internally broken."For many years, looking at my life from the outside, you'd think I was doing well... and yet inside I was a mess. My inner world was full of darkness."Personal breakthrough:The difference between external and internal slaveryHow Jesus takes Jubilee deeperFrom once-in-a-lifetime to everyday freedomThe meaning of "it is finished"Key takeaway: Jesus offers internal freedom that has positive knock-on effects in every area of life.[19:00] Your Personal Jubilee ResetThree practical areas Sharon challenges us to examine honestly."I don't think God's calling us to lobby Parliament for a new Jubilee law, though honestly, it might not be the worst idea. But I do think he's inviting us into our own personal jubilee moments."Practical application:Where are you with God? (receiving vs earning forgiveness)What relationships need jubilee? (who to forgive or make amends with)How are you using what you've got? (money, influence, skills)One thing to try this weekKey takeaway: Jubilee isn't just about getting set free - it's about becoming people who help others find freedom too.
The Unleavened Life: Finding Freedom by Carrying LessEver tried Marie Kondo's decluttering method only to find yourself back where you started? Pete Farrington explores something deeper than organising your wardrobe.Drawing from the ancient Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pete reveals why true freedom isn't about having less stuff - it's about identifying what's spiritually mastering your heart. From his own struggles with phone habits to Jesus's encounter with the rich young man, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone feeling weighed down by life's accumulations.Pete doesn't promise easy answers or spiritual minimalism. Instead, he asks the uncomfortable question: what good things in your life might be robbing you of superior joy in Christ?[03:00] Beyond Marie Kondo - What Decluttering Can't FixPete challenges surface-level solutions to life's overwhelm."Almost everything we do and create and strive for is an attempt to satisfy a hunger that we don't really want to admit is actually a hunger for something we've never tasted."What we explore:Why decluttering apps and calendar clearing don't address spiritual hungerThe difference between minimalism and biblical simplicityHow our burnout and overconsumption are symptoms, not the diseaseC.S. Lewis on "the echo of a tune we have not heard"Key takeaway: You can treat the symptoms without addressing the deeper spiritual hunger that drives them.[08:00] The Superior Joy TestPete introduces a better question than "does this spark joy?""Ask the Holy Spirit: 'Does this rob me of superior joy in Christ? Does this aid or hinder me in following Christ? Has this good gift actually started to master me?'"Biblical wisdom:Why good things can become hindrances if they take God's placeThe apostle Paul's principle: "I will not be mastered by anything"How Jesus identified the rich young man's spiritual leavenMoving from self-transformation to Spirit-led discernmentKey takeaway: The question isn't whether something is good or bad, but whether it's mastering you.[15:00] Pete's Phone ConfessionPete gets honest about his own struggle with constant digital input."I've been very convicted about how quick I am to wonder about what's this person's take on this recent event? And to go down these rabbit holes... It's actually hindering my prayer life."Real-life application:Recognising the instinct to fill quiet moments with noiseHow good content (podcasts, sermons) can crowd out prayerThe difference between being informed and being masteredUsing empty moments for conversations with God insteadKey takeaway: Even good things can hinder your relationship with God if they're taking up space meant for Him.[18:00] From Affliction to FreedomPete explains the beautiful symbolism of unleavened bread in Jewish tradition."At the beginning of Passover, it's called 'bread of affliction' - representing the Israelites' suffering in Egypt. Later in the meal, it becomes 'bread of freedom' - the food they carried as they left slavery behind."Hope for the journey:How Jesus embodies both the suffering and the freedomWhy we don't earn freedom through declutteringThe cross as the place where we lay down our hindrancesCelebrating the freedom Jesus has already wonKey takeaway: True freedom...
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Chaos - Finding Peace in Uncertain TimesDrowning in negative news? Exhausted by constant uncertainty? You're not alone. Ade Birkby brings a refreshingly honest perspective on how biblical wisdom can help us navigate chaotic times without denying reality.In this thoughtful conversation, Ade shares sobering statistics about our media consumption (57 hours a week!) and its impact on our mental health. But rather than just highlighting the problem, he unpacks three ancient principles that offer genuine hope for anxious times. Through his personal journey with his wife's chronic illness, he discovers how uncertainty can become a place of unexpected peace.From the Feast of Tabernacles to Philippians 4:8, explore practical ways to filter what shapes your mind, embrace your true citizenship, and find rest that actually restores rather than stresses.[03:00] The Negative News ProblemAde reveals the shocking reality of how much negative media we consume and its impact on our mental health."Six plus hours of exposure to bombing-related media actually gave more acute stress than living through the bombings in person."What we discover:Why do we spend 57 hours a week consuming media (nearly half our waking hours)How negative bias in media affects our mental healthThe University of California study on media trauma vs real traumaWhy current global events feel so overwhelmingKey takeaway: We have more control over our peace than we think - starting with what we choose to consume.[08:00] Biblical Framework for UncertaintyThree principles that completely flip how we can approach chaotic times."Our earthly citizenship is finite. Heavenly citizenship is eternal, so our earthly struggles are going to be short-lived by comparison."Practical wisdom:Viewing uncertainty through eternal perspective (Philippians 3:20)The Philippians 4:8 filter for mental consumptionHow being "ambassadors for Christ" changes everythingWhy context matters more than circumstancesKey takeaway: We're not permanent residents of chaos - we're ambassadors from somewhere better.[11:00] Ancient Holidays vs Modern Holiday StressExploring Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) and what we've lost in our approach to rest."The word holiday comes from holy day, and the function of these things were to be a living experiential reminder of God."Biblical rest principles:Simple dwelling in booths vs over-scheduled holidaysCommunity focus vs social media pressureGratitude for provision vs financial stressSeven days of intentional simplicityKey takeaway: True rest is about simplicity and community, not escape and consumption.[16:00] Living It Out - Ade's Personal JourneyAde shares how he and his wife are applying these principles through her chronic illness."We have to acknowledge that, you know what? This could be it for our earthly lives... but we recognize this is short in terms of our days here on earth, but not in heaven."Real-life application:Dealing with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and uncertaintyChoosing positive focus over news obsessionFinding joy in simple, observational experiencesHow biblical principles help in the hardest circumstancesKey takeaway: These aren't just theories - they're tested truths that work in the deepest...
Ever felt like your carefully planned rest just... vanished? Matt Edmundson knows that feeling intimately.Two months ago, Matt should have been at his annual lake house retreat. Instead, he was in an NHS hospital room, learning his wife Sharon had melanoma. In that moment, all those carefully crafted rhythms - the conference, the planned escapes - evaporated. But what Matt discovered next might change how you think about rest, holidays, and finding God in the unexpected.From glamping tents with log burners (yes, really) to ancient festivals that knew something we've forgotten, this conversation explores why two weeks can't fix what fifty weeks create - and what God's threefold rhythm offers instead. No perfect circumstances required, just honest faith for disrupted plans.[05:00] When Escape Plans EvaporateMatt shares the moment his summer rhythm fell apart - and why that might have been exactly what he needed."How could you leave in a situation like that? I needed to be present, not just for medical appointments, but for all those conversations that needed to happen between those."What we explore:Why we've made rest something we escape toThe brutal statistics about UK holiday stressHow achievement-based rest actually exhausts usWhy 61% of workers don't take full annual leaveKey takeaway: When life disrupts our plans, God might be writing something better.[10:00] God's Threefold RhythmDiscover the ancient pattern that prevents burnout rather than just treating symptoms."God's threefold rhythm isn't about rigid schedules. What if the purpose is creating space for divine appointments - even in a hospital waiting room?"Biblical wisdom:Daily work with purpose (not just grinding)Weekly Sabbath for rest (fiercely protected)Seasonal festivals throughout the yearHow Leviticus offers sustainable patternsKey takeaway: These aren't escapes from life but divine appointments woven into life.[17:00] Divine Appointments in Unexpected PlacesMatt and Sharon's glamping experience reveals how sacred moments can happen anywhere."We didn't know anybody there. I didn't have to answer questions or check email. We just got to be. It was a divine appointment."Real-life discovery:Finding rest without perfect circumstancesWhy gratitude transforms perspectiveThe Hebrew concept of moed - appointed timesHow crisis clarifies what truly mattersKey takeaway: Divine appointments aren't limited to perfect circumstances or planned retreats.[22:00] Gratitude in the DisruptionThe surprising emotion Matt feels most through this difficult season."The overwhelming sense I feel right now is gratitude. Not because of the cancer - let me be clear - but I'm grateful for God's presence in the midst of it."Practical hope:Giving thanks in all circumstances (not for all)How gratitude doesn't deny difficultyFinding God's presence in hospital waiting roomsWhy celebration happens in community, not isolationKey takeaway: Sacred rhythms that no circumstance can steal.About Matt Edmundson: Pastor at Crowd Church Liverpool and business owner who's learned that divine appointments can happen anywhere - from lake houses to hospital chairs. His honest exploration of faith during difficult seasons offers hope for anyone whose plans have been disrupted.