Sermons - Harris Creek

Harris Creek

Finishing Well

September 23, 2026 • Nate Hilgenkamp • 1 Timothy 4

Following Jesus isn’t about starting strong or checking spiritual boxes, but about staying faithful and running through the finish line. We finish well by practicing our faith, intentionally pursuing intimacy with Jesus, and using our influence to help others follow Him. To finish well, we practice our faith To finish well, we pay attention to our intimacy with Jesus To finish well, we persist in making disciples Life Group Discussion: What spiritual practices are you consistently doing right now, and which ones have you let slide? Why? What helps you genuinely enjoy being with Jesus rather than simply checking a box? Who are the people God has placed in your everyday sphere of influence right now?

Episode 199- Dealing with Jealousy in Marriage

September 22, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8

Jealousy can show up in marriage through insecurity, comparison, past experiences, or even legitimate concerns about trust and boundaries. In this episode, Derek, Andrew, and Gabrielle talk honestly about where jealousy comes from, how to distinguish between facts and the stories we create in our minds, and how to build greater security through communication, healthy boundaries, reassurance, and finding our identity in Christ. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS When does jealousy tend to show up most often in our marriage? When I feel jealous, what fear or insecurity might be underneath it? What is something I have recently treated as a fact that may actually have been a story I created in my head? Are there any behaviors or boundaries in our marriage that would help each of us feel more secure? Are there any past experiences or family-of-origin issues that affect the way I respond to jealousy today? How can we become more secure in Christ rather than asking our spouse to be our ultimate source of security? What is one practical boundary we could agree on together to protect our marriage?

Episode 390: Don't Let That Hold You Back | feat. Annie F. Downs

September 21, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

This week we sit down with author and podcaster Annie F. Downs to talk about her new book, Don't Let That Hold You Back, stepping into the dreams God has placed in your heart, and why the enemy works overtime to keep you from them. Annie opens up about her engagement, choosing not to have kids, and what it means to finish your name well. Pick up her new book wherever books are sold — you're going to love it! https://a.co/d/06ofEkVN

Finishing Well

September 20, 2026 • Nate Hilgenkamp • 1 Timothy 4

Episode 198- Communicating Needs to Your Spouse

September 15, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Philippians 2:3–4, Philippians 4:19, Proverbs 13:12

Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott tackle a listener question: how do you tell your spouse what you need when it might feel selfish, even though it's genuine? They dig into the difference between needs and wants, why timing and tone matter as much as the ask itself, and how humility on both sides changes the whole conversation. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The episode draws a line between a "need" and a "want", with a maybe a third category of "desire" in between. Where do you two tend to disagree on that line? Can you each name one current desire that you haven't clearly voiced yet? - Gabrielle shared that when Cooper expressed a need, her first instinct was to interpret it as "I'm failing him." Do you ever hear a request from your spouse and translate it into criticism? What would it look like to take the request at face value instead? - Philippians 2:3-4 was used to reframe the question from "how do I get my needs met" to "how do I meet my spouse's needs first." Practically, what's one need of your spouse's you could intentionally meet this week without being asked? - Where do you expect your spouse to just "know" something instead of communicating it directly?

Episode 389: Pretending God Is Real — Until He Wasn't | feat. Brian Guan

September 14, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

This week we sit down with Brian Guan, a content creator from New York City who went viral for going around pretending to be a Christian — and ended up actually becoming one. Just 12 days into his faith, Brian joins us live to talk about what happened when an experiment became real, the convictions he's already wrestling with, and what it looks like to follow Jesus when you're starting from scratch. This one is refreshing, honest, and a whole lot of fun!

Healing Relationships

September 13, 2026 • John Elmore • Romans 8:6, Ephesians 4:32—5:1, Colossians 2:13–14, Matthew 5:23–24, Proverbs 6:2–5

Healthy relationships don’t happen by following our natural instincts, but by staying close to the Holy Spirit and letting Him lead us toward life and peace. Because we’ve been forgiven, we’re called to forgive others, and because we’ve been redeemed, we’re called to own our wrongs, seek forgiveness, and make things right. Follow the Spirit for healed relationship Forgiven people forgive people The Redeemed right their wrongs Life Group Discussion: What does stay “close enough to touch” the Holy Spirit look like in your daily life? Is there someone you’re holding onto unforgiveness toward? What makes it difficult to release that debt to Jesus? What makes admitting “I was wrong” and asking, “Will you please forgive me?” so difficult?

Episode 197- Marriage Hot Takes

September 8, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • 1 Peter 3:7, Ephesians 5

Warning, these takes are for fun and intentionally provocative! Listen and debate with us as Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott debate some controversial marriage hot takes, from separate beds and changing your last name to birthdays, sexual intimacy, date nights, prayer before marriage, and whether a healthy marriage is really 50/50. Discussion Questions - Which of the hot takes from this episode did you agree or disagree with most and why? - Do you have any hot takes? - Do you ever find yourself keeping score in marriage? Where? - How comfortable are we talking openly about sex and sexual intimacy? Why or why not? - What helps each of us feel more emotionally and physically connected before intimacy? - How important are birthdays and anniversaries to each of us? Do we communicate those expectations?

Episode 388: Are You Actually a Christian? | feat. Granger Smith

September 7, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

This week we sit down with country music artist turned pastor and author Granger Smith to talk about his new book Poison the Well — and the question he asks almost every single day: are you actually a Christian, or have you just checked the box? Granger shares how his own faith unraveled and was rebuilt from the ground up, why he's passionate about sharing the gospel with Christians, and what it really means to follow Jesus beyond an altar call. Pick up Poison the Well wherever books are sold! https://a.co/d/0hQWM5I7

Harris Creek | 11a |

September 6, 2026

Breaking Free From Sin

September 6, 2026 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Psalm 32, 1 John 1:7, James 5:16

Freedom from sin comes when we take inventory, confess, and repent, bringing what’s hidden into the light. When we turn toward Jesus, we find forgiveness, healing, and joy. Take inventory of sin Confess your sin Repent of your sin Life Group Discussion: What is something you tend to avoid acknowledging or looking at honestly in your own life? Why? How does knowing that God responds to confession with forgiveness change the way you view your sin? What’s the difference between simply feeling sorry for your sin and actually turning from it?

Episode 196- Sharing the Load in the Newborn Season

September 1, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Ephesians 6:12, James 4:1

The newborn season can make marriage feel more like a business partnership than a relationship, with endless tasks, exhaustion, and competing expectations creating resentment between husband and wife. In this episode, we talk about sharing responsibilities, carrying the mental load, extending grace, serving one another, and remembering that your spouse isn't the enemy and you’re on the same team! Discussion Questions for Husband & Wife - Are there any household responsibilities where resentment is starting to build? - Do we have a clear understanding of who owns which responsibilities, or are we expecting each other to read our minds? - What is one thing I could take off your plate this week? - What part of the mental load do you feel like I don't fully see or understand? - When we disagree about responsibilities, do we tend to assume the best about each other or assume selfish motives? - What is one thing we could do this week just for fun—not because it needs to get done?

Episode 387: How to Make the Most of Your Singleness

August 31, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode, a listener calls in with a question a lot of single Christians are quietly asking — am I supposed to be spending this season preparing for marriage, or is that missing the point entirely? JP, Kathy, and Nate unpack what it actually looks like to embrace singleness as a daughter of God rather than just a waiting room for a relationship. If you're single and trying to figure out what this season is for, this one's for you!

Surrender To God

August 30, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • Romans 7:18–25, Psalm 103:2–5, Proverbs 3:5–6

JP reminds us that freedom begins when we stop trying to fight sin and our struggles in our own strength and surrender to God. Through Romans 7, we’re reminded of three simple truths: I can’t, God can, and I trust Him, because the God who forgives, heals, redeems, and renews us is also trustworthy with every part of our lives. I can’t God can I trust Him Life Group Discussion: Where are you most tempted to rely on your own strength instead of admitting, “I can’t”? Psalm 103 says God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, and renews. Which of these do you most need to believe right now, and why? What area of your life is hardest for you to fully trust God with?

Episode 195- Intimacy After Having a Baby

August 25, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Philippians 2:3–4, Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, Song of Songs 8:7

The newborn season can leave couples exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to find the time or energy for intimacy, but it doesn't have to mean losing connection with one another. In this episode, we talk about spiritual, emotional, and physical intimacy and how husbands and wives can pursue one another, give grace, and stay connected while navigating the chaos of a new baby. Discussion Questions: 1. Which type of intimacy (spiritual, emotional, or physical) has been hardest for us to maintain in this season? Why? 2. What is one thing I could do that would help you feel more seen, known, and cared for right now? 3. What rhythms or “little rituals” could we create to protect our emotional connection, even when we don't have much time? 4. How has our relationship with God changed since entering the newborn season? Where do we need to pursue Him together more intentionally? 5. Are there ways either of us has been viewing intimacy primarily through the lens of our own needs? What would it look like to “outdo one another in showing honor”? 6. How can we communicate honestly about physical intimacy without either spouse feeling pressured, rejected, or ashamed? 7. What is one thing about our marriage in this season that we can choose to be grateful for? 8. Instead of trying to get back to the way our marriage was before kids, what might God be inviting us to build in this new season?

Episode 386: Raised in the Woods, Survived a Serial Killer & Finding Hope | feat. Kelsey Vandermyde

August 24, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

This week we sit down with Kelsey, who grew up deep in the mountains of Montana with no electricity, no running water, and a father convinced the world was ending. From polygamy and mountain lions to a serial killer staying in their cabin, Kelsey's story is one of the wildest you'll ever hear. JP and the crew don't see eye to eye with Kelsey on everything when it comes to faith — but that's exactly what makes this conversation worth having. Come for the crazy story, stay for the honest and gracious dialogue!

How We Help Everyone Follow Jesus

August 23, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • Ephesians 4:11–16

Church isn’t something we consume, it’s a family where we help one another follow Jesus by engaging the lost, equipping the saints, and empowering members for service. JP challenges us to pursue those far from Jesus, grow in spiritual maturity, and use our God-given gifts to serve His Church. At Harris Creek we ENGAGE the lost At Harris Creek we EQUIP the Saints At Harris Creek we EMPOWER members for service Life Group Discussion: JP said we are representatives of the Truth. How does the way you live either point people toward or away from Jesus? What is the difference between simply knowing more about God and actually becoming more like Jesus? How does viewing church as a place where we do ministry through people, not just to people change the way you think about being part of the Church?

Episode 194- Family and Community in the Newborn Season

August 18, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Hebrews 10:24–25, Galatians 6:2–5

Parenthood was never meant to be happen in isolation. But, what do you do when "help" isn't helpful? And how do you know if it's them or you? In the 3rd episode of the "marriage in the newborn season" series, we discuss how to invite community into your marriage, establish healthy boundaries with family, ask for help without shame, and raise your children alongside others. Discussion Questions - Why is it difficult to ask for help? - What practical help would bless us most during this season? - What boundaries do we want to establish with parents, in-laws, and visitors? Is there anything unfair in our boundaries? - How can we stay connected to our church and life group instead of isolating ourselves? - Who are the trusted people we want speaking into our marriage and parenting? - Are we receiving help with humility—or expecting it with entitlement? How can we practice gratitude?

Episode 385: What's Next?

August 17, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode JP, Kathy, and Nate get honest about where the next generation is headed and what the church needs to do about it. They dig into phone addiction, the hunger for real community, and why revival might already be happening right in front of us. Don't miss this one!

Episode 193- Pregnancy and Postpartum and Your Marriage

August 11, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • John 10:10, Philippians 2:3–8, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 4:2–3

Pregnancy and the first three months after bringing home a baby can be some of the sweetest and hardest days of your marriage. In this second episode of our "marriage in the newborn season" series, we talk honestly about pregnancy, postpartum recovery, sleep deprivation, serving one another, and how husbands and wives can protect their marriage while navigating the and "fourth trimester." Discussion Questions for Couples - What fears or anxieties do we each have about pregnancy or the postpartum season? - How can we better communicate our needs instead of expecting each other to read our minds? - What are practical ways we can serve one another during the first 90 days? - What rhythms (prayer, check-ins, date nights, etc.) do we want to protect after baby arrives? - How can we intentionally guard against resentment and entitlement? - What words of encouragement do we each need to hear more often in this season?

Episode 384: Reckless Love, Church Hurt & Outsinging the Angels | feat. Cory Asbury

August 10, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

This week we sit down with worship artist Cory Asbury — live from the tour bus — to talk about his journey through church hurt, online criticism, and what it looks like to come out the other side still singing. Cory opens up about the story behind "Reckless Love," his new song Prodigal God, and why he's done being cautious with his faith. If you've ever felt beaten up by the church or beaten down by the noise of social media, this episode is for you!