Vertical Ministries Podcast

These talks were recorded at the weekly gathering of college students in Waco, known as Vertical Ministries.

REAL SEX// Jonathan Pokluda

Jonathan Pokluda This week, we had the honor of hearing from Jonathan Pokluda (@jpokluda), who brought a bold, convicting message on sexual purity, marriage, and self-control. Speaking with clarity and compassion, JP challenged us to realign our view of sex with God's design and purpose. Main Points: Sex is a gift for your spouseSexual sin is never safeSelf-control starts when you're single His teaching reminded us that obedience in the area of purity isn’t just about following ru...

11-10
46:18

Faith vs. Fear//Nate Hilgenkamp

Nate Hilgenkamp on Faith vs. Fear At our final SUB Bowl of the semester, we welcomed a special guest—Nate Hilgenkamp from Harris Creek—to deliver a one-off message on faith vs. fear, drawn from Numbers 13. Nate walked us through the story of Israel in the desert, where spies were sent into Canaan and returned with drastically different perspectives—some paralyzed by fear, others moved by faith. His message challenged us to ask: What report are we believing?In seasons of uncertainty, will we r...

11-03
39:27

MISSIONS: NEIGHBORS & NATIONS// Our Heart for the Nations//Myles Olenski

We wrapped up the Missions: Neighbors & Nations series this week at the SUB Bowl, with a message from Myles Olenski titled “Our Heart for the Nations.” Drawing from Acts 1:8 and Acts 13:1–3, Myles unpacked three core movements of a mission-minded life: – Engage – stepping into relationships and spaces where the Gospel is needed – Empower – trusting the Holy Spirit to work through us in boldness and love – Equip – preparing and sending others to carry the mission further&nbsp...

10-20
43:58

MISSIONS: NEIGHBORS & NATIONS// God’s Heart for the Nations//Myles Olenski

Back from Fall Break, we gathered outside at the SUB Bowl to continue our Missions: Neighbors & Nations series. This week, Myles Olenski brought a sweeping message tracing God’s global heart from Genesis to Revelation. Teaching from Genesis 12:1–3, Matthew 28:18–20, and Revelation 7:9–17, Myles walked us through three key movements in Scripture: – Covenant (Genesis 12): God’s promise to bless the nations through Abraham – Commission (Matthew 28): Jesus sending us to make disc...

10-13
35:34

Missions, Neighbors, & Nations//Empowered by the Spirit// will bowden

This week, Will Bowden brought a powerful word centered on Acts and the call to live missionally in every sphere—Missions, Neighbors, & Nations. Teaching under the theme "Empowered by the Spirit," Will reminded us that the same Spirit who empowered the early Church empowers us today to bring the hope of Jesus into our everyday lives—across the street, across campus, and across the world. His message challenged us to open our eyes to the opportunities around us and to lean on the Holy Spir...

10-06
29:31

WHAT CHURCH ISN'T// Jeff Warren

e wrapped up the What Church Isn’t series with a powerful message from Jeff Warren—and he did not hold back. Jeff walked through how the Church is the place to discover: – Who we are – Whose we are – What we’re doing here His message was full of truth, clarity, and (as some would say) he was spitting bars.

09-29
38:01

WHAT CHURCH ISN'T// The Church Isn’t a Stage, It’s a Body// Myles Olenksi

This week on Fountain Mall, Myles Olenski continues our What Church Isn’t series with the message: “The Church Isn’t a Stage, It’s a Body.” Teaching from 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Myles challenges the idea that church is a performance. Instead, he reminds us that the Church is a body—where every part matters, where comparison fades, and where we’re all called to play a role. Speaker: Myles Olenski Series: What Church Isn’t Message: The Church Isn’t a Stage, It’s a Body Passage: 1 Corinthians...

09-22
38:34

WHAT CHURCH ISN'T/ Myles Olenksi

This week, Myles Olenski starts the What Church Isn’t series In the unique setting of worship in the round on Fountain Mall, Myles helps us reframe how we see the Church—not as a performance or platform, but as a living body where every person matters, belongs, and contributes. Whether you feel unseen, disconnected, or unsure of your role, this message is a reminder that you are a vital part of what God is doing. Speaker: Myles Olenski Series: What Church Isn’t Lean in—an...

09-15
40:19

MORE THAN A MONDAY// Deeper Into Satisfaction// Anna Webb

This week at Fountain Mall, Anna Webb closed out the More Than A Monday series with a message on Deeper Into Satisfaction, drawn from John 4. Anna taught on the story of the woman at the well, reminding us that everyone thirsts, but only Jesus satisfies. She challenged us to recognize our deep spiritual need, receive Christ’s fullness, and then tell others about the source of that living water. Speaker: Anna Webb Series: More Than a Monday Topic: Deeper Into Satisfaction Passage: John 4 Let t...

09-08
45:03

MORE THAN A MONDAY//Deeper Into Peace//Myles Olenski

We’re back in Waco Hall for round two, and this week Myles Olenski continues the More Than a Monday series with a message titled “Deeper Into Peace.” Teaching from Mark 4:35–41, Myles walks through the story of Jesus calming the storm and challenges us to recognize how peace isn’t found in circumstances but in the presence of Christ. If you're feeling overwhelmed or restless, this message will remind you where true peace begins. Speaker: Myles Olenski Series: More Than a Mo...

09-02
38:52

MORE THAN A MONDAY//Kylen Perry

The Lord is MOVING—and we’re celebrating His faithfulness as we kick off a new semester of Vertical! This week, we were honored to welcome Kylen Perry from @theporch, who brought an encouraging and challenging word as Baylor students returned to campus.

08-25
36:14

JAMES//Commitment//Myles Olenski

We’re excited to hear from Myles Olenski, who will walk us through James 5:12 and the call to commitment.

04-07
38:38

JAMES//Decision Making//Myles Olenski

This week, Myles Olenski takes us into James 4:13–17, unpacking what it means to trust God in our decision making. In a world where we constantly wrestle with uncertainty, Myles reminds us of three key truths: – We lack knowledge – We lack time – God lacks nothing

03-24
36:47

JAMES// tongue and our words//Connor Baxter

This week, we’re joined by Connor Baxter, lead pastor at Onward Community Church! Connor will be diving into James 3:1-12, unpacking the power of the tongue and our words—how they shape our lives, reflect our hearts, and impact those around us.

02-24
33:30

JAMES// Active faith //Trey Etter

This week we have a new guest speaker—Trey Etter from Columbus Avenue! Trey speaks on how to have an Active faith

02-17
41:11

JAMES// Favoritism//Marquise Cox

This week Vertical dives into James 2:1-7 with guest speaker Marquise Cox from Community Bible Church in San Antonio! We'll explore the topic of favoritism—how it distorts the image of Jesus, conflicts with the Gospel, and lacks the humility we’re called to model.

02-11
33:24

JAMES//Hear and Do //Anna Webb

this week our own Anna Webb speaks on Hearing and Doing in James James 1:19-27

02-03
46:27

JAMES//Trials and Temptations //Kam Coe

guest speaker Kam Coe from Harris Creek speaks on Trials…reveal faithproduce maturityrequire eternal perspectiveTemptations…are not from Godcome from withincan grow to sin

01-27
44:32

JAMES//Intro//Myles Olenski

To start off the new semester, Vertical is going over James and today myles reads thorough the whole book of James.

01-21
43:02

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