Open Door

As host, Greg introduces Brent, Matt, Rebekah, and Katie.   Matt shares first and talks about how previous generations took the approach of keeping their anxiety internal, whereas in our current generation, anxiety and struggling with anxiety is more of an external conversation that could be heightened by things like the pandemic and social media.   Rebekah, Brent, and Katie join the conversation by thinking through how to walk children through their anxiety as they learn and grow and take in new information. Rebekah voices how important it is to really listen to your children as they walk through their feelings and emotions, and both Matt and Katie articulate that it's necessary to let your children have their emotions and feelings even though your instinct as a parent might be to shield them from that.   Brent moves into some of the science behind anxiety, and shares how God instilled a fight-or-flight in us as His creation. He gives the Biblical example of Mary and Martha to show how worry can lead to us missing things from the Lord. Brent also shares how sin causes us to have a disconnect from God and each other, and can spiral into other psychological issues. Katie says that anxiety often points back to a desire for control.   Katie helps listeners think through "Is my anxiety beneficial or is it harmful?" by looking at three different things: Frequency, intensity, and length. Greg chimes in and says if you have anxiety before a job interview, that's normal, but if you’ve been in a new job for say 10 weeks and you still have lots of anxiety around that, your anxiety is a bigger issue and no longer beneficial. He also states that generally, we think of anxiety as something you experience in a certain season of life such as when you're a student or in college or a young adult. Rebekah adds that newness can often bring about anxiety.   Katie and Rebekah transition into talking about anxiety and stress as a new mom, and how it's easy to have an identify crisis as a new parent. In a similar vein, Brent and Matt speak into where they see anxiety show up in young adult men, especially when these men feel they're falling behind.   Rebekah then spends some time talking through unhealthy anxiety, and how it can grow when you don't seek help. She voices that anxiety can distort how you see yourself, others, and the world around you.   Greg brings the conversation back to what the Bible says about anxiety, so Brent references the anxiety of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Matt references 2 Corinthians 12.   For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org   

As host, Greg introduces Brent, Matt, Rebekah, and Katie. Matt shares first and talks about how previous generations took the approach of keeping their anxiety internal, whereas in our current generation, anxiety and struggling with anxiety is more of an external conversation that could be heightened by things like the pandemic and social media. Rebekah, Brent, and Katie join the conversation by thinking through how to walk children through their anxiety as they learn and grow and take in new information. Rebekah voices how important it is to really listen to your children as they walk through their feelings and emotions, and both Matt and Katie articulate that it's necessary to let your children have their emotions and feelings even though your instinct as a parent might be to shield them from that. Brent moves into some of the science behind anxiety, and shares how God instilled a fight-or-flight in us as His creation. He gives the Biblical example of Mary and Martha to show how worry can lead to us missing things from the Lord. Brent also shares how sin causes us to have a disconnect from God and each other, and can spiral into other psychological issues. Katie says that anxiety often points back to a desire for control. Katie helps listeners think through "Is my anxiety beneficial or is it harmful?" by looking at three different things: Frequency, intensity, and length. Greg chimes in and says if you have anxiety before a job interview, that's normal, but if you’ve been in a new job for say 10 weeks and you still have lots of anxiety around that, your anxiety is a bigger issue and no longer beneficial. He also states that generally, we think of anxiety as something you experience in a certain season of life such as when you're a student or in college or a young adult. Rebekah adds that newness can often bring about anxiety. Katie and Rebekah transition into talking about anxiety and stress as a new mom, and how it's easy to have an identify crisis as a new parent. In a similar vein, Brent and Matt speak into where they see anxiety show up in young adult men, especially when these men feel they're falling behind. Rebekah then spends some time talking through unhealthy anxiety, and how it can grow when you don't seek help. She voices that anxiety can distort how you see yourself, others, and the world around you. Greg brings the conversation back to what the Bible says about anxiety, so Brent references the anxiety of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Matt references 2 Corinthians 12. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org 

Greg starts the episode by asking the question, "Does the Bible offer practical ways to overcome anxiety?" Katie is quick to point out that there's not a "magic button" to turn anxiety on and off; instead, she says that we should learn how to respond to anxiety in our lives and not think of anxiety as the enemy. Brent adds to this and says that God has to become bigger than the object of our anxiety. Matt moves the conversation to the importance of knowing who God is - He is a God Who pursues us and He will not abandon us. Brent also brings up that God has adopted us and is a good Father to us just as He was to the Israelites. As the discussion moves toward the purpose of suffering, Katie brings up Psalm 55. Brent jumps in and references Viktor Frankl's Man Search For Meaning, and Greg mentions how our suffering might help us comfort someone else suffering. Rebekah uses Hebrews 11 and John 15 to show how faith in God can be an anxiety reducer. From there, the conversation moves into figuring out what to do when we feel God is being silent. Brent references what Crawford Lorrits calls "the gift of struggle." Greg brings up the difference between a stressful situation that is out of your control causing you anxiety, and a sin you are willfully committing causing you anxiety. Matt and Katie then discuss taking a leap of faith and trusting God even in uncertain times. Rebekah voices that she never promises anything in a counseling session related to an end goal; it's a process, not something that's fixed in a snap. Brent agrees and states that you have to commit to deep reflection and allow space for your spiritual life to grow. Brent then spends some time digging through Luke 12 Before Katie and Matt talk through some practical social anxiety tools. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org 

With a rise in depression in students, and the subject of depression being on a lot of people's minds these days, Greg and Fellowship's counseling department start their conversation on depression with Brent as he dives in with some statistics and facts about depression.   Matt joins and speaks into the expectations of perfection in teens and young adults, and how that can lead to anxiety and depression. Greg also mentions how young peoples' foundations can be shaken when they move away from home or are learning things for themselves instead of relying on their family unit. Katie brings up Instagram and how the social media platform can cause issues in depression and self worth if you let it.   From there, the team consider depression in adults, with Greg sharing that depression can hit adults in their forties and fifties because their options in life are getting slimmer. Matt says that he thinks some of it is a hope issue for people in that area of life; you have to redefine your goals, he says, so that your goals are based on the things God has for you, not the things you think you lost.   Rebekah tells listeners more information about depression and shares some Biblical passages about depression and darker periods of our lives. Matt also joins in and shares that depression can also lead to feelings of numbness. Brent references a book by Paul David Tripp.   This leads into Matt spending some time sharing the difference between sadness and clinical depression. He compares sadness to lamenting, and references the book of Jeremiah as an example. Matt and Katie also convey that emotions are often signals that there's something else going on at a deeper level, and it's not healthy to leave those untreated. Matt encourages listeners to watch out for certain signals and to seek help if they need it.   Greg closes with the story of Lazarus, and how God ordains seasons in our lives for our good, even when it may not feel like it at the time.   For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org 

Rebekah starts the conversation by sharing that depression can lead to loneliness, isolation, and loss of feelings, and how important it is to open up to someone in your life about these things. Katie jumps in and shares something she heard once: Be authentic with all, transparent with some, and vulnerable with few.   Greg then brings up how important it is for us to be honest with and know ourselves. Katie reminds listeners that the Gospel tells you who you are, nothing else does. Brent brings up that a blessing of middle age is that you've had enough time with yourself to start to learn who you are and what makes you feel healthy, including exercise.    On the flipside of this, Rebekah points out that depression can lead to you getting stuck on yourself. She references a book by Tim Keller about self-forgetfulness. Brent also says that depression can lead us to deepening our faith if we let it. He references some Scriptures that talk about this, a book by Chip Dodd, and another by Dr. Richard Beck.   Katie transitions into talking about finding hope in the midst of our circumstances, and how it's okay to bring our questions to God because He can handle them.   Matt then begins to discuss how to help people dealing with depression, and how to remind them that there can be a difference between reality and what their emotions are telling them is real. Rebekah emphasizes that listening to someone who's struggling with depression can be the best tool we have. Matt brings up a children's book that his son has that talks about listening. Brent also mentions that suggesting counseling to someone struggling with depression can be intimidating, but extremely helpful and loving. Rebekah brings up the story of Mary and Elizabeth as an example of how important it can be to minister and encourage someone going through something you went through.   For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org 

After Katie Neely introduces Matt Scheuneman, Tara Havely, and Kevin Huggins, the four jump right in to talking about grief. Kevin starts by explaining that grief is a signal emotion, and everyone experiences it differently. He talks specifically about the loss parents and divorced couples can feel. Matt and Katie talk about how you can feel multiple things at once, like sadness and happiness. Kevin and Matt transition to discussing miscarriages, and the grief that accompanies that. Matt mentions Lauren Morgan on Fellowship staff and Project Gabriel.  The four spend time responding to grief and loss in this current season around COVID. Matt then discloses the consequences of not dealing with grief and a loss. He shares that he feels there's been a reluctance by some to accept the losses during COVID. Matt says that we have to be willing to work through our grief, but we don't have to do it alone. He references C.S. Lewis' book 'A Grief Observed.' Kevin also brings up Jacob in the Old Testament and how he refused to be comforted and deal with his loss, and how detrimental it can be when we don't deal with our emotions. Tara brings up again that grief is so unique to each person, but there are some things we can do to grieve well. She mentions allowing ourselves to cry and inviting the Lord to mourn with us. Matt and Tara reference Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, and how Jesus weeps. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org 

Matt leads Katie, Tara, and Kevin into their discussion of loving family well during the holidays. Kevin begins by talking about expectations and anxiety. He references how we are told in Scripture that God is the only thing in our life that will never change; He is our constant. Matt jumps in and shares that we have to be careful to not remove all our hope when we remove some of our expectations. Katie discloses that when we put a lot of expectations on someone, we are putting pressure on that relationship. Kevin points out that Jesus had an expectation that His disciples would help Him in Gethsemane, but when they didn't meet that expectation, He was still able to hope and turn to God for His strength. Katie transitions into talking about the gap between our ideal self and our actual self. Kevin shares that we put expectations on ourselves that God doesn't even put on us; God expects us to yield to the Spirit, not do everything on our own. Kevin also asserts that we can't let social media or culture set our expectations. Katie conveys that disappointment shouldn’t be treated as an enemy but as an ally to help us see the better substitute. Kevin implores listeners to take our emotional needs to God because He is big enough for them. Tara chimes in and says it's important to lay our needs and desires at God's feet. She references Revelation 4 as a passage that has provided her comfort and allowed her to reset. The team wraps up by sharing that we get to chose how we respond to things like disappointment, so we need to look to God to show us how to respond. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org 

After an introduction of Katie Neely, Tara Havely, and Kevin Huggins by Matt Scheuneman, the four jump into talking about relationships with others around the holidays. Kevin expresses that conflict in a family is not necessarily bad, it's just part of the relationship. He goes so far to say that conflict can show you're doing something right, not something wrong; it shows that the relationship matters to you, or you wouldn't speak up. He brings up James 4. Tara responds to Kevin's words by sharing some tools to help you deal with conflict leading up to it, and questions to ask yourself before engaging. Katie jumps in and says that it's important to know yourself and know if you tend to avoid conflict or what your conflict style is. Kevin gives a great example of asking himself "What's my goal?" before starting the conflict with someone, and Katie gives an example of a time where she stepped away for 20 minutes during a conflict so she could come back in the right frame of mind. Katie starts the conversation about righteous conflict and when that is appropriate. She references a verse in Romans that tells us to live peaceably with each other, but also says that sometimes the most loving thing we can do for someone is to start a conversation that might lead to conflict, if we make the conversation about caring about their wellbeing. She makes the distinction of fighting with someone and fighting for someone. In their final thoughts, Tara reiterates that conflict can be a great opportunity if we let it, Katie encourages listeners to be courageous and speak in grace and truth, and Kevin reminds us to use the example of Jesus. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org 

Matt is joined by Katie Neely, Stacie Johnson, and Clark Stevens. After a brief introduction of everyone, Stacie starts the conversation about what it looks like to have a healthy relationship with someone, referencing David and Jonathan in the Old Testament, and Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Clark suggests that there is a difference between a healthy relationship and an emotionally healthy relationship; he states that the emotionally healthy relationship has to start at the individual level so that we can then have empathy and sympathy towards others, as well as humility. Katie shifts the conversation to talking about unhealthy relationships, and how those are self-serving. Instead, she reiterates, we need to look to Christ to fill our needs, not our friends. On this subject, Clark brings up James 4 and the idea of being perfect in a relationship to gain the other person's trust. Stacie references Psalm 139 as a tool to help listeners who want to have healthy relationships but don't. Katie adds that reminding ourselves of who God says we are in Him is a great way to seek significance from God instead of others. Clark also suggests using Colossians 3 as a helpful tool. Clark transitions to speaking into traumatic relationships, and how important it is to learn that God is our refuge and will never abandon us. Stacie conveys that it's necessary to admit when we've been hurt in a relationship, but to go to God with that pain because healing starts with Him. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

Katie and Matt are joined once again by Stacie Johnson and Clark Stevens as they discuss singleness. Clark first brings up what the Scriptures tell us about marriage and singleness. He mentions having a fulfilling life as a single man until his late 30's, but how this concept was puzzling to the world around him. Stacie chimes in, disclosing that only Jesus can complete you, not a marriage. You can and should be content and fulfilled in your life with Christ, she adds, regardless of your marital status. Matt expresses that it can be easy to think God is punishing you for something by making you single, but in fact it could just be in your best interest and His plan for your life for you to remain single. Stacie transitions to talking about ways to live as an emotionally healthy single person, things like making decisions based on going to the Lord, not going to your flesh. She references a book by Sam Allberry. Clark asserts how important it is to see men and women in your community as brothers and sisters in Christ instead of how the flesh wants us to see them. Matt moves into discussing how to speak in love to friends who are struggling with singleness. Clark reiterates that no matter if you're single or married, you have so much value to God and growing His Kingdom. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

Katie and Matt are joined once again by Stacie Johnson and Clark Stevens. The group jump right into their discussion of emotionally healthy marriages, with Clark setting up the conversation by explaining how marriage is designed to showcase God's glory and love. He references a study done by Annette Mahoney, as well as the importance of safety within a marriage and the knowledge that we can't have a healthy marriage without the strength of the Lord. Katie emphasizes that we'll never be perfect in our marriage, so it's important to have a marriage based in humility and forgiveness for when we mess up. Clark agrees and brings up a study by Frank Fincham about forgiveness. With that idea of forgiveness in mind, Matt asserts that we will never be the perfect husband or wife, but we can use our mistakes to highlight God's mercy and grace. Clark adds that realizing you'll never be perfect takes away a lot of negative expectations in a marriage, and sets both partners up with a need for Jesus. Clark brings up studies done by Scott Stanley and articles by John Gottman to help listeners see unhealthy patterns or reactions in a marriage. He also mentions Fellowship Church's Marriage Innovators class. The group transition to talking about the importance of friendship within a marriage. Clark discloses that having a friendship in marriage helps a couple stick together and preserve their marriage, just like a UCLA study found. He also reveals a technique to help with listening to the other person in a marriage. Katie expresses how important it is in a marriage to turn towards each other and be curious about where the other person's at, both spiritually and emotionally. Stacie takes time to offer advice to listeners who either have an emotionally unhealthy spouse, or are walking through an unhealthy marriage with a friend. The whole group is quick to point out that there's a difference between an emotionally unhealthy spouse or marriage and a marriage that isn't safe physically or mentally; they encourage anyone who is in an unsafe marriage to seek help. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

Katie and Matt are joined once again by Stacie Johnson and Clark Stevens. Matt and Katie both take a few minutes to set up the topic of sexuality before Clark discusses how we as humans are made in God's image, and that He gave us our sexuality as a gift and a way to glorify Himself when sex is kept pure in a marriage. Stacie breaks down what it looked like for her as a single woman to embrace the wholeness of who she was in Christ, and to honor Him with His gift of sexuality. Clark discusses how our culture distorts sexuality and sexualizes objects, making them idols to be worshipped. Matt agrees, and brings up the issue and struggle so many Christians have with pornography, for both men and women. Stacie mentions Fellowship's 2016 Worldview Conference where they talked about sexuality, and encourages listeners to watch some of the videos from this conference. Clark references the fruits of the Spirit, and how those play out in our sexuality as well; we as Christians have to seek to serve others, not receive self gratification. Stacie brings up several Biblical characters - like Boaz and Abigail - to show how their sexuality plays out in their stories. She then moves into giving examples of ways men and women can encourage and raise each other up without using sex. In their final thoughts, Clark emphasizes that no one is beyond the love and grace of God, no matter what they've done. For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org

Matt and Katie discuss the upcoming batch of episodes on Parenting.

Kristi references 1 Corinthians 13. Katie mentions a sermon series and book by Andy Stanley called Choosing To Cheat. She also mentions the importance of counseling. Find more about Kevin Huggins here. Find more about Kristi Landis here or find her on social media. Find more about Matt Scheuneman here or find him on social media. Find more about Katie Neely here or find her on social media.  

Blair brings up 2 Timothy 1:7. For more information on parenting an adolescent, check out this article or this article from The Gospel Coalition. Find more about Kevin Huggins here. Find more about Blair Benefield here or find him on social media. Find more about Matt Scheuneman here or find him on social media. Find more about Katie Neely here or find her on social media.  

Kevin quotes a verse in Ephesians and a verse in Matthew. Karen references Genesis 1:28, Ezra 10, Judges 2, and 1 Corinthians 7:17. Katie brings up Colossians 3. Find more about Kevin Huggins here. Find more about Karen Moore here or find her on social media. Find more about Matt Scheuneman here or find him on social media. Find more about Katie Neely here or find her on social media.  

Matt and Katie discuss the upcoming batch of episodes on the gifts of masculinity and femininity.

Katie and Matt are joined by Sarah Pattison and Makayla McCartney to discuss what it means to be made in the image of God as a female and being open, inviting and nourishing. Katie references Fully Alive by Larry Crabb as being a big influence on her for this conversation. Find more about Makayla McCartney here and find her on social media. Find more about Sarah Pattison here as well as her stationary store The Happy Envelope and find her on social media Find more about Matt Scheuneman here or find him on social media. Find more about Katie Neely here or find her on social media.  

Katie and Matt are joined by Sarah Pattison and Makayla McCartney to continue their discussion on what it means to be made in the image of God as a female and being open, inviting and nourishing. Katie references Fully Alive by Larry Crabb as being a big influence on her for this conversation. Sarah references Isaiah 48:12The group references John 15:5Makayla references You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith Makayla references Hebrews 4:12Makayla references a liturgy from Every Moment Holy Vol. 1. You can find it at The Happy Envelope!Find more about Makayla McCartney here and find her on social media. Find more about Sarah Pattison here as well as her stationary store The Happy Envelope and find her on social media Find more about Matt Scheuneman here or find him on social media. Find more about Katie Neely here or find her on social media.  

Katie and Matt are discussing the gifts embodied in maleness with JC Neely (Katie’s husband) and Jarrod Justice. JC is an associate lead pastor at Fellowship Church and Jarrod Justice is a licensed marital and family therapist with Haven Counseling Center in Knoxville, TN.Jarrod references the works of John Eldredge.Matt references the trailer for the film Dune. Jarrod references this Volkswagen ad. The films The Bourne Identity and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring are referenced. Find more about JC Neely here and find him on social media. Find more about Jarrod Justice here. You can also contact him here. Find more about Matt Scheuneman here or find him on social media. Find more about Katie Neely here or find her on social media.