Sermons

Episode 166- Navigating Mental Illness in Marriage

February 3, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, John Elmore • Ephesians 5:28, Galatians 6:2, 1 Timothy 5:19–23, 1 Peter 5:7

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and John Elmore to discuss what it looks like to walk faithfully with your spouse through mental illness. With biblical clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom, John shares how he and his wife Laura have navigated OCD, stigma, treatment, and the call to love your spouse as yourself even when it is difficult. Discussion Questions: 1- When one of us is struggling emotionally or mentally, do we tend to fix, minimize, or walk alongside? How can we grow in being more present? 2- Are there areas where mental or emotional health struggles feel stigmatized or unspoken in our marriage? 3- How do we discern when to show compassion versus when to gently coach one another forward? 4- What fears do we carry about seeking outside help (therapy, medication, counseling)? Resources: https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/

Episode 357: How to Be Yourself

February 2, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

Many of us are so prone to changing who we are based on who we’re around. In this episode we talk about how we can stop pretending, and to be who God created us to be!

The Greatest Obstacle to Loving God

February 1, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • 1 John 4:16–19

JP’s sermon taught that many of us struggle to love God because we’re afraid, He’s disappointed in us. But God is love, and His perfect love removes our fear because Jesus already took our punishment. We don’t love God to earn love; we love because we’re already loved. God is love Perfect love casts out fears God loves you Life Group Discussion: When you think about God, do you naturally picture love or disappointment? Why? In what areas of your life do you need to let God’s love replace fear right now? What helps you remember God’s love when you mess up or feel unworthy?

Episode 165- More Than Parents: Marriage in Different Parenting Seasons

January 27, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Proverbs 22:6

Parenting introduces new pressures at every stage, but it doesn’t have to pull your marriage apart. In this episode, the MTR Team walk through four major parenting seasons and share how couples can stay united, intentional, and More Than Roommates at every stage. Discussion Questions: 1- Which parenting season are we currently in, and how is it impacting our marriage right now? 2- Do we feel like we’re truly on the same team—or unintentionally siding with our kids over one another? 3- How do our differences (personality, discipline style, love language) strengthen or strain our marriage? 4- What is one intentional habit we can reintroduce (or start) to protect our marriage in this season?

Episode 356: You Can Love the Bible! (feat. Amanda Bible Williams)

January 26, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode we talk to Amanda Bible Williams, one of the founders of She Reads Truth. They have put together a fantastic new resource called “The Bible is for You” that will help everyone love their Bible more. To learn to love the Word of God more, check out this episode!

Authentic Love for God

January 24, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • 1 John 5:1–5

When we believe in Jesus, our faith shows up in real ways: we love God’s people, walk in obedience, and live with confidence that Christ has already won the victory. Because of that faith, we don’t just survive the world around us, we live joyfully, grounded in who Jesus is and what He’s done. We Love His children We Obey His commands We are Victorious over creation We Enjoy faith in Christ  Life Group Discussion: Who is someone in your life that’s hard to love right now, and what might it look like to love them like Jesus does? Which of God’s commands do you find easiest to follow—and which feel the hardest right now? Where do you need to start believing that Jesus has already won, instead of living like you’re trying to win on your own? What spiritual habits help your faith feel alive and meaningful?

Episode 164 - How to DATE Your Spouse

January 20, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, John Elmore • Amos 3:3, Ephesians 5:33, 1 Corinthians 7:1–7, 1 Corinthians 13:1–7, Song of Songs 2:10

What if the difference between feeling like roommates and feeling deeply connected was as simple as dating your spouse again? In this episode, the team unpacks the powerful framework of DATE—Dialogue, Affection, Time, and Ephesians 5 (love and respect)—and how practicing it can transform your marriage in any season. Discussion Questions: 1- Which part of DATE do we currently do best? Which one do we tend to neglect? 2- How has busyness, kids, or phones affected our dialogue? 3- How can I love or respect you more clearly this week—in how I say things, not just what I say? 4- What would one simple, realistic date look like in our current season?

Episode 355: What Happens When We Sing (feat. Shane & Shane)

January 19, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

Shane and Shane have been writing songs for the church for years, and they’ve gotten to see how songs impact us. They’re convinced that we were made for worship! Their new daily devotional has helped thousands follow Jesus. To hear more, check out this episode!

Life Altering Love

January 18, 2026 • John Elmore • 1 John 4:7–10

Real love doesn’t start with us trying harder, it starts when we finally grasp how deeply God loves us through Jesus, even in our sin. When that love takes root, it changes everything: healed people love people, and a life transformed by grace becomes a life poured out for God and others. The command and capability to love Is from God The proof and purpose of God’s love in Jesus Remember your sin to rekindle your love Life Group Discussion: What “environmental inputs” (community, media, habits, worship, Scripture) are currently shaping your heart—for better or worse? Where might God be inviting you to love someone this week by laying down comfort, convenience, or control? How have you seen gratitude for God’s forgiveness deepen someone’s love, joy, or obedience (maybe even in your own life)?

Episode 163- Should Married Couples Ever Separate?

January 13, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Matthew 19:6, James 4:1–2, Genesis 2:24

Separation is often presented as a healthy solution when marriage feels hard—but is it really? In this episode, the More Than Roommates team explores what separation actually means, why it so often leads to divorce, when it may be necessary, and how couples can pursue healing and restoration with Biblical wisdom and community. Discussion Questions: 1- Why do you think separation so often leads to divorce rather than healing? 2- How does selfishness subtly show up in your marriage during hard seasons? 3- What role does community currently play in helping you protect and strengthen your marriage? 4- How could you better “water your own grass” in this season? Resources: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zejvmetu5pvb4u0lcvzmh?si=wylpqzwirhe04g32t0bcjw https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lwq2zaupxmw5wadmlrfli?si=3cxbzhrdqigzu6hshyy5nw https://open.spotify.com/episode/3i7ji84oboyt20ehpg729o?si=e5db0c3577e844c2 https://www.watermark.org/elders/marriage-divorce-remarriage

Episode 354: Can I Have Non-Christian Friends?

January 12, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

How do you handle friendships with people that don’t follow Jesus? How close can those people be to you? For help with your friendships, you won’t want to miss this episode!

What Keeps Us from Loving God?

January 11, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • 1 John 2:15–17

JP taught that access to God’s Kingdom means little if we don’t truly love Him. From 1 John 2:15–17, he showed that pleasure, possessions, and position apart from God pull our hearts away from loving Him. The pursuit of pleasure apart from God The pursuit of possessions apart from God  The pursuit of position apart from God Life Group Discussion: What desires or habits are shaping your appetite right now, and how are they affecting your love for God? What is something you want right now, and how can you tell if that desire is rooted in gratitude or coveting? In what situations do you find yourself most concerned with how others see you?

Episode 162- Joy in Marriage

January 6, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Nehemiah 8:10, Philippians 4:4–5, James 1:2, Hebrews 3:13, Psalm 27:13

Joy in marriage isn’t about perfect circumstances—it’s about a deep, Spirit-formed posture of the heart. In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and special guest Andrew Owen explore how biblical joy sustains marriages through hardship, disappointment, and everyday life, and how couples can actively choose joy together. Discussion Questions: 1- When you think about your marriage right now, would you describe it as joyful? Why or why not? 2- How would you define the difference between joy and happiness in your relationship? 3- What currently tends to rob joy in your marriage (fear, anxiety, unmet expectations, bitterness)? 4- How can you better encourage one another daily so your hearts don’t become hardened?

Episode 353: The Pressure to Perform (feat. Josiah Queen)

January 5, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

Josiah Queen is an artist that has found success at an early age. With songs like “The Prodigal” and “Dusty Bibles” he’s already selling out arenas in his young 20’s. We talk with him about what his journey has been like and how to stay grounded in God through all of it!

True Love Will Change Your Life

January 4, 2026 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Mark 12:28–34

Love always changes your life, and Jesus says the most important thing about you is not what you believe, but who you love, starting with God and flowing out to others. This year’s invitation is simple but weighty: sit in God’s love, let it reorder your priorities, and watch your love for Him grow into real, tangible love for people. This Command Is the Benchmark This Command Is a Blessing This Command Comes with a Barometer Life Group Discussion: What areas of your life (time, money, habits, relationships) most clearly reveal what you love the most? Where do you notice restlessness or dissatisfaction in your life, even when things are “going well” on the outside? Who is the hardest person in your life to love right now, and what makes that difficult?

Episode 161 - Looking back and Looking Ahead at New Years

December 30, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • 1 Samuel 7:12, Joshua 4, Lamentations 3:22–23

As the year comes to a close, join the More Than Roommates team for a short conversation about what it looks like to look back and look ahead as we all seek to be more intentional in our marriages. The MTR team reflects on what God's Word says about rememberance and how that applies to our marriages. Discussion Questions: 1- Start, Stop, Continue- as you apply that idea to your marriage, what do you want to focus on in this new year? 2- How have you seen God move in the last year? What are you grateful for? 3- What is a place in your life you are still waiting to see God move?

Episode 352: Sex by Design Part 2 (feat. Juli Slattery)

December 29, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

We continue our conversation with clinical psychologist, author, and speaker Juli Slattery about sex. She answers some of the most asked questions on the topic of sex. Don’t miss this really helpful discussion!

The Greatest Gift (Christmas Eve)

December 24, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda

Episode 160 - How to be Intentional during Christmas

December 23, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Romans 12:1–2

In the midst of a busy and often distracting Christmas season, this episode challenges couples to choose presence over just more presents. The More Than Roommates team offer practical, biblical encouragement to help you slow down, be intentional, and truly connect with your spouse and Jesus during the holidays. Discussion Questions: 1- When you think about this Christmas season so far, where have you been most distracted? Where have you felt most present? 2- What tends to pull your attention away from your spouse during the holidays (phones, stress, schedules, comparison, etc.)? 3- What does presence look like for you personally? What about for your spouse? 4- How can you intentionally create moments of connection in the days ahead—even if Christmas has already passed? Resources https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cdd6dhr7dibfzsxtkp26c?si=eb0da67cafe3453c

Episode 351: Sex by Design Part 1 (feat. Juli Slattery)

December 22, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

We get to speak to clinical psychologist, author, and speaker Juli Slattery about all things sex. She brings a wealth of knowledge to this subject and will help you wherever you’re at! Don’t miss this episode!

Does Your Life Glorify Christ

December 21, 2025 • John Elmore • Philippians 2:6–11, Luke 2:17

Pastor John Elmore reminded the church to grasp the gravity of Christmas, that Jesus, fully God and fully man, humbled Himself to come for us. He called listeners to receive Christ as the servant who willingly came to die and save sinners. Finally, he challenged believers to live transformed lives that glorify Jesus in everything we do and offering back to Him all that He has first given us.  Do you grasp the gravity of Christ? Have you received the gift of Christ? How will your life glorify Christ?  Life Group Discussion: What practices or rhythms help you slow down and truly reflect on the significance of the incarnation? Is there anything that makes it hard for you to ask Jesus for help or surrender control to Him? This week, what is one practical way you can “play your best for Him” in your everyday life?