Sermons

Episode 180- Should We Cut Them Off? A Biblical Look at the "No Contact" Trend

May 12, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, John Elmore • Exodus 20:12, Matthew 18:15–16, Romans 12:10–18

Going no contact with family is trending — but is it biblical? In this episode the MTR team walk through the counsel of Scripture — from leaving and cleaving to the ministry of reconciliation — to help couples navigate in-law conflict with honesty, boundaries, and biblical wisdom. They dig into what Scripture actually says about honoring parents, setting boundaries, and pursuing reconciliation even when it's hard. Discussion Questions - Have there been moments in our marriage where you felt we weren't on the same team when navigating conflict with family or in-laws? What did that feel like, and how can we get more aligned? - Is there any relationship in our family system — parents, siblings, in-laws — where we've been avoiding a hard conversation? What has kept us from having it? - Where do we land on the spectrum between full contact and no contact in difficult relationships? Are we erring too far in either direction? - John mentioned keeping a shared note about how he and Laura want to be grandparents and in-laws one day. What values do we want to write down about how we hope to show up for our kids when they're married? - Romans 12:18 says, "As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." What is one practical thing that depends on you right now in a strained relationship that you could own? Resources https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xqbbjmw7tk89y0lby90ve?si=fc63119c0b8f4d87 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rwaqopfsxnve5brslrrpg?si=b41622d232104562

Episode 371: How to hear God’s voice (from BeSo Live)

May 11, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In our first episode from BeSo Live, we answer the question that our attendees most wanted answered. They asked, “How do you hear God’s voice from your own thoughts?” If you want to grow in your understanding of God’s voice, this episode is for you!

Big Q&A

May 10, 2026 • John Elmore, Jonathan Pokluda

Episode 179- 9 Keys to a Strong "Empty Nest" Season of Marriage

May 5, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Hosea 4:6, Galatians 6:9, Ephesians 5:25

The empty nest season can either expose distance in your marriage or become one of its most life-giving chapters. In this episode, Derek, Andrew, and Gabrielle unpack 9 practical ways to reconnect, rebuild, and thrive when the kids leave home. Whether you are in this season or want to have a marriage that prepares for it, listen now so you can thrive when kids leave the home! Discussion Questions: - If our kids left home tomorrow, would we feel close… or like strangers? Why? - When was the last time we intentionally learned or grew in our marriage? - What’s something fun we could start doing together again? - Are we serving together anywhere? If not, where could we start? - Is there anything we’ve avoided talking about (sex, finances, conflict)? - Where do we need to give each other more space—or more connection? - What would it look like for me to “draw a circle around myself” this week?

Episode 370: Blessed are the Spiraling (feat. Levi Lusko)

May 4, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode we get to talk to pastor and author, Levi Lusko, about his new book “Blessed are the Spiraling”. He shares with us about how God used a uniquely difficult season in his life. Many times God does His best work in the hardest times!

How Do We Know If We Are Living in the End Times?

May 3, 2026 • Zac White

Episode 178- Kids: Burden or Blessing? A Biblical Vision for When to Have Kids

April 28, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Genesis 1:28, Psalm 127:3–5, Matthew 28:18–20, Matthew 18:3–4

When it comes to having kids, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a biblical framework. In this episode, the More than Roommates team explores how couples can navigate timing, fear, and cultural pressures by seeking God, aligning as a couple, and pursuing wise counsel. Discussion Questions: - Do we truly believe children are a blessing, or have we adopted cultural views that see them as a burden? - What fears (financial, personal, family history) might be influencing our timeline? - Have we clearly sought God together in prayer and Scripture about this? - Who are the wise, godly voices speaking into this decision for us? - If we’re waiting, are we still actively giving our lives away for the Kingdom?

Episode 369: Becoming Like Jesus (feat. Matt Chandler)

April 27, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode we talk to pastor and author, Matt Chandler, about his new book "Becoming Like Jesus". The path to holiness is oftentimes not a straight line. We talk with Matt about how God uses the ups and downs of life to shape us into the likeness of His Son!

Big Questions Around Prayer

April 26, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda

Matthew 6:5–13, James 1:6–7, James 4:3, James 5:16–18, Philippians 4:6–7, Psalm 34:4, Luke 11:13, Psalm 66:18, 1 Peter 3:7, 2 Corinthians 12:7–9, Proverbs 15:22, Romans 8:16, 2 Timothy 3:16, John 10:27 Prayer isn’t about performing or getting perfect answers, it’s how you build a real relationship with God, who already knows your needs but still wants you to come talk to Him. Even when prayers feel unanswered, God is at work shaping you, and you learn to recognize His voice through His Word, His Spirit, and people around you. We pray because it builds our relationship with God God is often using what we’re asking Him to change to change us We discern God’s voice using His Word, His Spirit, and His people  Life Group Discussion: What tends to get in the way of you consistently praying, busyness, doubt, distraction, or something else? Can you think of a time when something you prayed for didn’t change, but you did? What was different in you afterward? When you feel unsure if something is from God or just your own thoughts, which of the three, Scripture, prayer, or community, do you tend to rely on most? Which do you neglect?

Episode 177- Discovering Your Communication Type ft. Jason VanRuler

April 21, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough

Jason VanRuler joins More than Roommates to discuss his book "Discovering your Communication Type." This episode dives into how your communication style and attachment patterns are shaping your marriage—often without you realizing it. By understanding how you and your spouse are wired, you can stop repeating the same conflicts and start building deeper connection. Discussion Questions: 1- Which communication type do you think you are? What about your spouse? 2- Where do your differences help your marriage? Where do they create tension? 3- Do you tend to avoid hard conversations or over-address them? Why? 4- How did your family growing up shape the way you communicate now? 5- Which attachment style do you most relate to (secure, anxious, avoidant)? 6- What’s one small communication habit you can practice this week? Resources Instagram (@jason.vanruler) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370426/?bestformat=true&k=discovering%20your%20communication%20type&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-v2_k0_1_21_de&crid=13zpd4zq9trgy&sprefix=dsicovering%20your%20comm

Episode 368: You Are Not Your Job Title

April 20, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, nate

While our jobs are important, they are not our identity. How do we balance a desire to succeed in our job, without being obsessed with our job? We do our best to help you develop a healthy work ethic in this episode!

Soteriology: The Study of How God Saves People

April 19, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda

Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Luke 16:19–31, John 5:28–29; 10:28–29, Revelation 20, Hebrews 6:4–6, Ephesians 2:8–9, Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:1, 38–39; 1:19–21; 10:14, Matthew 7, Acts 17:27 JP teaches that when we die, our eternity is determined by what we do with Jesus, and that true salvation cannot be lost because God secures it. He also urges believers to share the gospel, since it’s the only way people can be saved. When we die, we will be with God or separated from God depending on if we trusted in Jesus Salvation comes from being born of Christ and cannot be lost Someone must respond to The Gospel to be saved  Life Group Discussion: What emotions or questions come up when you think about heaven, hell, and judgment? Do you tend to live more out of fear of losing salvation or confidence in God securing it? Why? Who in your life might God be calling you to have a gospel conversation with this week, and what’s holding you back?

Episode 176- Navigating the Family Unfriendly Culture ft. Tim Carney

April 14, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Proverbs 22:6, Romans 12:1–2

Is our culture working against your marriage and family? Tim Carney, author of Family Unfriendly, joins the podcast to unpack why birth and marriage rates are falling — and what families can do to push back. From the "travel team trap" to helicopter parenting to radical individualism, this conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging for couples who want to build a family that is countercultural and God-honoring. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1- Are there any activities or commitments in our family schedule that are pulling us apart more than they're bringing us together? What would it look like to simplify? 2- Tim says we communicate what we value by how we spend our time. What does our current schedule communicate to our kids — and to each other? 3- How intentional are we about cultivating a community around our family? Are we taking more than we're giving in our church or neighborhood? 4- In what ways have we bought into a hyper-individualistic mindset — even subtly — in how we approach our marriage or parenting? 5- What is one small, countercultural step we could take this month to make our family more connected — to each other, to our church, or to our neighbors? 6- If you have or plan to have kids: how are we thinking about unstructured play and sibling relationships as building blocks for who our children become? RESOURCES https://www.amazon.com/dp/006323646x/?bestformat=true&k=tim%20carney%20family%20unfriendly&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-v2_k0_1_17_de&crid=34bjjo855ncxg&sprefix=tim%20carney%20family https://www.amazon.com/away-game-christian-parents-navigating/dp/0830788360/ref=sr_1_1?crid=bgm3bm27kkqm&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.bw8hformks6lfktsrynginiongdowcyxouapokkcrn-cvyeoanie92q09tjenvxz6yrp6jguimyvqe8bnpcyrieqifu7uscd3qqftpv0gwjox_w07arfeehyn5akmrk0kxujlzwyjz9sovnjmeywuhpsewf06e9jooldedxw1e6gclyy8l3kcukuijyaqusulswismkbx51y7gy0a9vnpv76mb7xore4qkoozhrxo9a.g2rz2ptewnu4ipe-c4tgyx6wavtewrr3jstnngfhgms&dib_tag=se&keywords=away+game+book&qid=1775750511&s=books&sprefix=away+game+boo%2cstripbooks%2c160&sr=1-1 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zqsuax06sntdiypz4mxg1?si=51d22d3299e14c50

Episode 367: Eyeing the Impossible (feat. Shannon Bream)

April 13, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

Fox News host and author, Shanon Bream, has just released a new book called “Nothing is Impossible with God”. She shares about how the stories in the Bible help give us faith today. Shanon even shares her own stories of God doing the impossible!

If God Is Good, Why Is There Evil and Suffering?

April 12, 2026 • John Elmore

Genesis 1:27, Genesis 3:1–24, Romans 8:20–21, 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Job 1:21, 2 Corinthians 1:3–6, Genesis 50:20 Suffering exists because real love requires real choice, and our broken world is the result, but God hasn’t left us in it. He meets us in the pain and uses it to shape us, redeem us, and point us to Jesus. The Root of Suffering: Free will  The Role of Suffering: Our Sanctification The Redemption of Suffering: Message of Salvation  Life Group Discussion: Where do you most often feel the tension between believing God is good and experiencing real pain or brokenness? Can you think of a time when something difficult actually shaped your character or deepened your faith? How have you seen God use someone else’s pain or story to impact your life?

Episode 175- How Criticism Kills Intimacy featuring JP & Monica Pokluda

April 7, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Jonathan Pokluda • Psalm 51:10, Philippians 4:8

Jonathan and Monica Pokluda join Derek and Gabrielle for a refreshingly honest conversation about marriage — the cycles, the conflict, and the slow, hard work of choosing to love. Together they unpack why criticism kills intimacy, how gratitude can transform your marriage faster than correction ever could, and what it practically looks like to encourage the change you desire in your spouse. Discussion Questions - In what ways have you slipped into a coaching or correcting posture with your spouse? What might it look like to lay that down? - Are there ways you hold back affirmation from your spouse for a reason that sounds spiritual but may actually be creating distance? - JP said "criticism is the enemy of intimacy." Do you agree? Where has criticism shown up in your marriage, and what has it cost you in closeness? - JP said to pray daily that your love and attraction for your spouse would grow. How intentional is your prayer life for your marriage? What would it look like to make that a daily practice? - Monica talked about looking back with gratitude when you feel stuck in a cycle — noticing how conflict looks different than it did 10 years ago. Where have you seen real growth in your marriage that you might be taking for granted?

Episode 366: Revival in Iran (feat. David Nasser)

April 6, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

David Nasser is a leader in the American church, but he was born in Iran. He gives us an inside look into where Iran has been, where it is now, and where he hopes it goes in the future. You’re going to be moved by this episode!

Easter Sunday

April 5, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • 1 Corinthians 15:1–11

The resurrection proves Jesus defeated sin and death, making the Gospel the most important truth in history. When you truly trust it, not just know about it, it saves you and changes your life. This Gospel SAVES YOU This Gospel STANDS UP TO SCRUTINY   This Gospel CHANGES YOU for ministry Life Group Discussion: Why is the resurrection essential to our salvation—not just the cross? What evidence for Jesus’ resurrection do you find most compelling, and why? How has understanding God’s grace changed the way you live or view your relationship with Him?

Good Friday

April 3, 2026 • Nate Hilgenkamp

Episode 174- AI and Your Marriage

March 31, 2026 • Dale Wallace, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Genesis 11:1–9, Hebrews 10:24–25, Matthew 10:16

AI is changing everything—including how we think, feel, and connect. In this episode, we explore the real risks and redemptive opportunities of artificial intelligence in marriage, and how to stay grounded in biblical wisdom in a rapidly shifting world. Discussion Questions - Where are we most tempted to choose convenience over connection? - Have we ever gone to technology instead of each other for emotional support? - What guardrails should we put on AI/phone usage in our marriage? - How can we use tools like AI to be more intentional—not less? - Who has authority in our lives when we need wisdom—AI, culture, or God? Resources: - http://asklyte.ai - https://more-than-roommates.vercel.app/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Episode 365: Modeling Faithfulness (feat. former top model Jon Passavant)

March 30, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode we talk to former top model, Jon Passavant, about how to navigate faithfulness in a difficult workplace. When you’re surrounded by people not following Jesus, how do you keep your standards? You won’t want to miss his stories!