In this episode of the Afterwards Podcast, Alex and Noel talk about the message from Acts 7 and how Stephen’s boldness, forgiveness, and faith in the face of death challenge believers today. Noel explains how Stephen’s sermon before the Sanhedrin exposed Israel’s history of resisting God’s work, connecting it to how the church today must fight comfort and remain open to being sent out. They discuss Riverview’s history of church planting, the tension between nostalgia and next-generation ministry, and how forgiveness—like Stephen’s final prayer—is about releasing others even when they don’t repent. The episode ends with a call to consider participating in church planting and a reminder that humility and forgiveness keep us from getting in God’s way.

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