Central Podcast

107. Introducing Gabby and What's Next in Children's Ministry

June 27, 2024 • Hannah McNeill, Gabby Brandner, Chelsea Smith

From aspiring to drive an ice cream truck to leading the next phase of Children’s Ministry here at Central, meet Gabby Brandner! We discuss the things we love about kids—their openness, their ability to live in the moment, their imagination, and the way they think and ask questions. Children are a vital part of the kingdom of God. God is already working in children and is using them to show restoration and hope to the world. For us at Central, that means that our kids are included in our community and that they reflect God’s character. A good question for us is—how is this community together reflective of God? And that includes our kids. Listen in on the conversation! Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Mic Biesboer, Chelsea Smith, Gabby Brandner

106. Elder Highlight: Meet the McCarrells!

May 22, 2024 • Hannah McNeill, Jamie McCarrell, Kristin McCarrell

They are fans of glamping and nicknames, but what you’ll notice most about the McCarrells is the intentionality with which they live and how they serve the church. When they came here in 2005, they met God in a way that they’d never met him before, and their lives are different for it today. Jamie appreciates the creative ministries happening at Central, such as reaching the marginalized community by meeting their needs and showing them Christ. And he also loves seeing how God has led Central to explore new and innovative ways to include young people and women in ways that highlight their giftedness. His main hope for Central? That all who walk through these doors can grow, learn, and seek God more fully. Listen to the conversation here. Speakers: Hannah McNeill; Jamie, Kristin, Lincoln, & Ivy McCarrell

105. Elder Highlight: Meet the Nashes!

May 14, 2024 • Michael Nash, Anita Nash, Hannah McNeill

They’ve been here almost 10 years, and as soon as they walked in the door that first Wednesday night, they had some instant connections to mission work and college friends. The Nash family quickly came to love the community involvement here, and they found in Central a place to serve and for their girls to grow in their faith. Michael is known for his compassion, and he brings to this leadership a gift for listening to and connecting with people. He is excited about the present and what God is already doing through Central. And as we look to the future of this community, we look not to create new things but to align ourselves better with what God is already doing. May we have the eyes to see where God is already working and join him in that work. Speakers: Hannah McNeill; Michael, Anita, Kelsey, and Jenna Nash

104. Elder Highlight: Meet the Richardsons!

May 9, 2024 • Hannah McNeill, Doug Richardson, Mandi Richardson

If you have a soft spot in your heart for skating, this is the episode for you! We learn some great things about Doug (“Alexa, play Pitbull.”) while also getting a look into what Central means to the Richardsons. By growing up here and watching faithful leadership of the past, this church is deeply embedded in this family and has formed them in the way of humble servanthood. As we look toward the future, Doug is excited for both the history and people here but also the future opportunities with people that aren’t just like him and how we as a church can continue in this direction of making everyone feel welcome. Speakers: Hannah McNeill; Mic Biesboer; Doug, Mandi, Sloan, & Sy Richardson

103. What’s the next thing for our 2024 Seniors?

April 30, 2024 • Hannah Green, Hannah Shepherd, Gracie Robertson

It’s both really exciting and a little scary for our senior class as the end of the school year draws to a close. Today’s episode features 3 Hannahs, 3 lefties, and 3 seniors entirely born and raised here at Central. The joy coming from these seniors is evident, and they each have a unique heart for service. From dreaming of being a teacher, a vet, and one other profession (listen to find out), the experiences that they’ve had with their faith community are shaping their way forward and what they intend to pursue after high school. It is obvious how God has been at work in each of these young women! Listen to the conversation at http://www.amarillocentral.org/media. Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Hannah Green, Gracie Robertson Hannah Shepherd

102. Elder Highlight: Meet the Tidwells!

April 17, 2024 • Hannah McNeill, Mark Tidwell, Carrie Tidwell

It was a personal invitation that helped bring them to Central, and you’ll quickly pick up on Mark’s excitement for God’s people and his hopes for Central. From a passion for the local church to ice cream every night, there’s a lot to love about Mark and Carrie. If you haven’t met them yet, allow us to introduce you! Throughout our conversation, we’re reminded that we lead out of our stories—out of our flaws and weaknesses—and that there is a real tension between planning and leading versus surrendering to God’s plan and his guidance. Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Mark Tidwell, Carrie Tidwell, Mic Biesboer

101. What do we do with Revelation?

February 22, 2024 • Hannah McNeill, Greg Dowell, Mic Biesboer

Baldness, talking donkeys, and dragons—this is what we find in God's Word! There are a multitude of mysterious things in Scripture, and Revelation is a book of the Bible that, honestly, leaves us with more questions than answers. So what do we do with Revelation? Have a listen to some of our thoughts and questions, as well as a special opportunity for you to engage with these Scriptures. Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Greg Dowell, Mic Biesboer

100. SPECIAL: Challenges to Racial Diversity in Churches

January 17, 2024 • Hannah McNeill, Kendall Dean, Ian McLoud

SPECIAL EPISODE: Hannah McNeill and Mic Biesboer interview Kendall Dean and Ian McLoud on the challenges they have faced in bringing diversity into a church context. They discuss their stories of what they experienced, what happened next in their faith, and how there's hope as we move forward to racial healing. Today's conversation is hosted by Central Church of Christ and the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action. This is a longer episode, but we pray that the conversation is encouraging and insightful. We hope you'll hang around to listen!

99. Witnessing Joy in Kenya: A Mission Report

October 18, 2023 • Greg Dowell, Gracie Robertson, Tiffani Robertson

“This is something I want to shape my life around.” That’s the response Gracie had when asked how she was impacted by her trip to Kenya. Central sent a team to Kenya this summer, and they got to witness the joy of the people in Kenya—the love and acceptance they have for others. How is God moving in Kenya? Listen to how this Central team had a chance to participate in what God is doing across the world. Speakers: Greg Dowell, Tiffani Robertson, Gracie Robertson, Hannah McNeill

98. A Trip to Colombia: Mission Report

October 10, 2023 • Hannah McNeill, Steve Cearley, Lanny Newton

In a city of around 11 million people, Byron and Sandra Cana are leading some of the mission work we support, and this summer Central sent a team of 9 people to visit them in Bogota, Colombia (specifically in Suba). In today’s episode, we discuss some observations about the culture in Bogota, witnessing the church interact with their community, and the church being able to put down permanent roots with newly purchased property. Listen to this episode for this year’s mission report on the trip to Colombia. Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Steve Cearley, Lanny Newton

97. A Theology of Fun

October 5, 2023 • Mic Biesboer, Hannah McNeill

We take our beliefs and our faith very seriously. But sometimes as Christians, we take ourselves a little too seriously. We don’t usually think about fun as part of living a faithful life. What does it mean to understand the intersection of faith and fun? As Jesus states in John 10:10, how can we have life to the fullest? Pursuing a life of fullness requires not just joy but enjoyment. If all of your life is driven by purpose, you’re missing out on the fullness of life. Listen to the conversation here. Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Mic Biesboer

96. Emptiness Leads to Spiritual Fullness

September 27, 2023 • Hannah McNeill, Tim McMenamy, Mic Biesboer

Do you ever say no to yourself? Fasting is a practice of self-denial to find space to attend to God. The emptiness we experience during fasting creates the space for God to act in us—that’s where the practice becomes spiritual. Where do we see fasting in Scripture? What is a wise way to enter into the practice of fasting? The point of any spiritual practice is to get in tune with the heart of God. And there is the deeper experience of doing this as the people of God by fasting together as a collective practice. Listen to the conversation and consider joining us in our fast on October 4. Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Tim McMenamy, Mic Biesboer

95. Life Means More With Worship

September 20, 2023 • Kevin Schaffer, Hannah McNeill

Why do we worship the way we do? How can we view daily life as worship? In today’s episode you will hear a portion of the “More to Life” series where Kevin Schaffer shares some of his heart for worship as well as some things he’s learning about the history of worship. As we consider how we worship, these words from Jack Reese tell us some important truths. “Christian worship is not about our personal satisfaction. Worship is about lordship. It’s about surrender.” He also says, “Worship is God’s initiative, not ours. God is not our audience. We are God’s. The question is whether or not we are listening, seeing, responding.” Think about how you worship as you listen to this episode.

94. Find Your Joy – Lori's Story

September 11, 2023 • Lori Stone, Hannah McNeill

It began in 2014 with small symptoms, lot of doctor visits, and not many answers, and not long after, Lori was unable to walk. In today’s episode, you’ll hear Lori Stone’s story in her own words as she shares her experience with us. God kept saying to Lori, “Find your joy,” and we’re so glad He did. Even with chronic pain and limitations within her body, God has given Lori ways to create beautiful things and find purpose from God in her struggles. Have a listen!

93. How to Seek Racial Healing

August 8, 2023 • Hannah McNeill, Jerry Taylor, Mic Biesboer

As a church, we are taking an honest look at racial healing. What is our part in bringing about racial unity? How do we as Christ-followers interact with others in the world who are different from us? Leading us into the topic is Dr. Jerry Taylor of ACU. While many people approach the topic of race from a cultural, political, or social position, as Christians we don’t begin there. Dr. Taylor shares that being attuned to the voice of God and the work of Jesus and the Spirit within us will lead us into the place where we can listen to others and engage in the work of racial healing. “It is possible for us to care about each other and to have some impact on each other’s lives. We can be human beings helping each other repair the broken places of our souls.” Sit in on our conversation with Dr. Taylor as he provides insight on the spiritual journey that enables us to reach across racial boundaries. Mark your calendar for August 20th when Dr. Jerry Taylor will be the guest speaker for our Faith Forum, leading us in 3 sessions that Sunday. Faith Forum is a safe place to discuss relevant topics and have open conversation, and we’re excited to engage this topic together. Learn more here: http://www.amarillocentral.org/faith-forum. Speakers: Hannah McNeill, Jerry Taylor, Mic Biesboer, Greg Dowell

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