Shows
Church is MessyChurch Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Sex, Judgment, and ChurchIn this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea tackle one of the most uncomfortable passages in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 5. They discuss a shocking situation in the Corinthian church where a man was sleeping with his stepmother, and the congregation was doing nothing about it.Rick and Svea explore the tension between creating a church where people feel safe in struggling with sin while still maintaining biblical standards. They unpack what it means to address sin within the church versus judging those outside it, and why Paul's instruction to "hand this man over to Satan"...
2026-02-1847 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Church in the Wild - We Are the TempleIn this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea dive into Paul's letter to the Corinthians, exploring how the early church struggled with the same tribal divisions we see today. Using a clever Jelly Roll analogy, Rick illustrates how easily Christians can align themselves with personalities and influencers rather than keeping Jesus as their foundation.The conversation tackles the tension between theological knowledge and spiritual maturity, the danger of evaluating Jesus through the lens of our preferred tribe rather than the other way around, and what it means to truly be the temple of God. Rick...
2026-02-1137 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Answering Your QuestionsDuring the month of December Rick and Svea turn the microphone around and answer your questions on the podcast. Do you have a questions you'd like them to address? Email your questions to podcast@autumnridge.church.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro01:55 Send your questions for the podcast to podcast@autumnridge.church03:18 QUESTION 1: What advice or insight would you give on silencing or at least quieting the questions of "Is God real?" or "Did Jesus really die for us?"06:10 An unexpected answer: lean in to those doubts and questions. Jude 22: Be merciful to those who doubt.09:52...
2025-12-0356 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Acts of Leadership week 6Rick and Svea spend much of the episode discussing Paul's warning to the church leaders in Ephesus as found in Acts 20:17-38: watch out for the wolves among you.A warning from Rick about this episode: It may contain meandering conversation with points of lucidity in a forest of discontinuity and convoluted word salads, but it has been fun.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro03:21 Serving is leading and leadership.06:35 The genius of Scripture: the same passage allowed Rick to pivot the emphasis in response to immediate needs...
2025-11-0542 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Acts of Leadership week 3Pastor Caleb Smith joins Rick and Svea to dig into the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro and Rick's Boundary Waters adventures.03:50 Week three of Acts of Leadership: what jumped out of this week's passage?07:43 Caleb's process in seeing discipleship in this passage.14:16 Who you are is a greater contribution than what you do.17:42 The Quadrants: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, unconscious competence.24:53 Jesus followers should be the most curious people around.31:11 Applying to whom do we look for leadership, self leadership, and others looking to us for...
2025-10-1541 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Loving Our EnemiesIn today's episode Rick and Svea have a discussion about loving our enemies and hating our enemies.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro - A Sunday afternoon gone wrong.04:05 An illustration from Rick's Sunday experience.06:11 Two visions: Love your enemy or hate your enemy.08:23 What does it look like to love your enemy?09:55 Paying a price for loving our enemy is a testing point. Not engaging in hero worship when someone says they forgive their enemy.14:42 The pressure to define "who is my brother" and "who is my enemy" devolves into who is human and who...
2025-09-2432 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: A Response to the Assassination of Charlie KirkWe begin a new season of Church Is Messy on a very serious note: A response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro - welcome back after Rick's sabbatical.01:46 A renewed sense of identity as a part of sabbatical.08:05 The assassination of Charlie Kirk.10:09 An email we received.12:22 We're a church that values questions - from everybody.14:40 Something Rick would do differently if he could.15:36 Rick's intent in the weekend services.16:40 At least three broad categories of people regarding Charlie Kirk among those who attend Autumn Ridge Church.19:55 Sunday morning is...
2025-09-1748 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Take Truth Seriously and Give Grace RelentlesslyIn this continuing series of looking at the mission, vision, and values of Autumn Ridge Church, Rick and Svea turn their attention to values one and two: Take truth seriously and give grace relentlessly.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro02:10 Eight values at Autumn Ridge Church. Why do we have them?05:14 Values one and two: 1) take truth seriously and 2) give grace relentlessly.06:45 We happily place ourselves underneath the authority of Scripture - even if it means we're out-of-step with culture.08:28 Is it possible our understanding of truth could change?11:39 What does it look like for followers...
2025-07-2334 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Our Mission, Vision and ValuesRick and Svea kick-off a five-part series on the Mission, Vision, and Values of Autumn Ridge Church.Topics discussed in this Episode:0:00 Intro02:47 Why does Autumn Ridge have a mission statement? Knowing why we say "Yes" and "No" to various opportunities.04:02 Most of life's hurts happen when we live in contradiction to our purpose.07:10 Our vision: communicating the kind of church we desire to be.09:15 Why is it important we have a vision statement?12:18 Digging in: Every single word in our MVV has been labored over and is important.12:23 Our Mission - Disciple vs follower of...
2025-07-0931 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Holy Lit - the Bible as Holy LiteratureRick and Svea discuss the three major goals of the summer's Holy Lit series.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro02:46 Holy Lit - three goals03:05 Goal one: Uncomplicate our relationship with the Bible.09:59 If you have a simplistic understanding of the Bible you're going to have a more complicated relationship with it.12:01 Goal two: Energize our engagement with the Bible.15:33 Goal three: Expand our ability to understand the Bible.16:48 Series thesis: This is a backstory to the story of the Bible.19:36 Why is this important? Aligning with truth.24:46 The Bible is overwhelming, I don't even know...
2025-06-0429 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Loaded Questions - How do I not feel like a failure?Pastor Caleb Smith joins Rick and Svea to close the Loaded Questions series. They discuss success and failure and how society's framework for success is at odds with the Gospel's framework for success.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro00:57 Reflecting on the Loaded Questions series.04:42 What was it like preparing to speak on failure?06:20 Svea to Caleb: Did your definitions of success and failure change or grow as a part preparing for this message?09:46 Embracing the tension of the gospel's framework of success and the inescapable realities of life.17:17 The rich, young ruler: a case study...
2025-05-2842 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Loaded Questions - Can I believe and still have doubts?Rick and Svea have a robust conversation about doubt. They talk about the connection with doubt, faith, and belief. Are there unsafe questions to ask? They also discuss the role of community in removing doubt.Resources:A. J. Swoboda's book, After DoubtTopics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro02:31 Summary of what Svea learned about herself, doubt, and Jesus in preparing for this message.09:58 1 Corinthians 4: 20 - The kingdom of God isn't a matter of talk but of power.12:38 What is doubt?18:00 What do we mean when we talk about faith or belief?23:40 Is it...
2025-05-2148 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Loaded Questions - Is our church a welcoming place for the LGBTQ Community?This we we certainly live up to "church is messy." If time allows, we would encourage you to watch the sermon before listening to this podcast. We're also providing a number of resources on the topic of sexuality.Resources:Sermon Video URL: https://youtu.be/DidFo1xj9owCenter for Faith, Sexuality and Gender (https://www.centerforfaith.com)Greg ColesPreston SprinkleRebecca McLaughlinChristopher YuanSam AllberryJackie Hill PerryMark YarhouseThree sermons by Jon Tyson:The Controversial Jesus | Jesus and the Gay Community – Jon Tyson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqF0MwqjuBU&t=37sThe Controversial Jesus | Jesus, Ge...
2025-05-0747 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Loaded Questions - how do we know what's true?Rick and Svea answer your questions about truth.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:58 Loaded Questions takes on a different format from other messages06:38 Why does truth matter?10:51 Is it possible for Christianity to be true and other religions to be true?15:05 How can we know Scripture is true?19:06 In Scripture is it possible the authors were biased?22:48 What do I need God for?24:43 How can you discern if what you're hearing is from God or the devil?26:48 Do you obtain knowledge at all? How do the disciples know they saw Jesus?31:49 How do we know...
2025-04-3044 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - Something to Boast AboutRick and Svea finish off the series on Galatians mostly focusing on burdens, loads, and pride.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro03:26 A LOT of diverse topics to cover is Galatians 6.04:44 What resonated with Svea that she wasn't able to cover in this passage?05:41 Carrying our own load and bearing each other's burdens.11:40 God isn't calling you to fix the people who sinned against you.17:21 I'm responsible for what I contribute, now necessarily how other people respond.20:01 How do you tell the difference between someone caught in sin and someone doing something you don't like?22:00 Presenting...
2025-04-1648 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - Free and FruityToday Rick and Svea contrast works of the flesh with fruit of the Spirit.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro02:21 "Don't bite and devour each other..."04:50 Defining ourselves by obeying rigid rules or religious structures invites comparison on who is and isn't achieving and breeds pride.06:09 How might Jesus has told the parable of The Good Samaritan to Autumn Ridge Church?08:16 If the Gospel stops messing with us, we're changing it; it's not changing us.11:09 Paul was writing to believers, not unbelievers. Works of the flesh happen within church people.13:38 We don't conquer works of the...
2025-04-0927 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - Cutting RemarksToday Rick and Svea look at the allure of certainty instead of clarity, creating environments where litmus tests are the norm vs being in Christ. Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:46 Crawford Loritts was at Autumn Ridge Church.03:31 Back into Galatians. Svea says it's a difficult book.05:06 Gravitating toward environments and activities where we feel significant.08:34 Getting into the shoes of a typical Galatian man.11:29 Giving in to the allure of certainty instead of clarity.13:25 Putting so much emphasis on circumcision.15:55 Modern-day litmus tests to see if we're in the "in crowd."16:43 We are people of...
2025-04-0235 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - Good NewsWelcome to episode 100! Today, as they discuss Galatians chapter 4, Rick and Svea dig into having everything in Christ but living as though we have nothing. Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro00:38 Episode 100: Where did the name "Church Is Messy" come from?03:15 Galatians 4, we've been given everything in Christ but it's so easy for us to live as though we have nothing.06:33 A specific example of how we get it wrong: conflict.17:21 Paul leans in on conflict.18:43 Adoption: the irrevocable security we have in our standing with God.
2025-03-1939 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - RagamuffinsToday Rick and Svea acknowledge Galatians is a difficult book to understand, especially if we don't have an understanding of the Old Testament. They talk about tools to help gain understanding and spend some time discussing "the law".Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:32 Galatians is a hard book to get through and understand. Use tools like The Bible Project or The Message to help understand the deep content of Galatians.09:05 Looking at Galatians 3, an understanding of the Promise, the law, and Jesus' role in them is crucial.11:02 Understanding "the law."13:29 Misconceptions about the law.22:42 Galatians...
2025-03-1239 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - Fluency or GibberishIn this episode Rick and Svea dig really deep into gospel fluency vs gospel gibberish. The gospel isn't just trusting Jesus for salvation, it's trusting Jesus for and with the rest of your life.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro00:57 Garrison Keillor and fake spring.02:29 "You foolish Galatians..."04:49 The Christian life is NOT trusting Jesus for salvation and then living the rest of your life doing things on your own and following rules.10:40 The problem with trusting in something or someone other than the Holy Spirit to fill the various "holes" in our lives.14:52 Digging in...
2025-03-0536 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - UndividedIn week two of our Galatians study Rick and Svea discuss conflict, the freedom we have in Jesus, and gospel fluency.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:40 Answering your questions: Does Galatians give a hierarchy of how we should relate to other people?07:16 Galatians chapter 2.09:33 Addressing conflict with other Jesus followers.15:53 The intersection of conflict, freedom in Christ and gospel fluency.18:52 The framework of gospel fluency.20:13 A summary of the gospel.24:05 Practical hand-holds to gospel fluency.27:35 Accepting and loving people vs endorsing practices contrary to the gospel.30:54 Explaining behaviors and lifestyles contrary to the gospel to...
2025-02-2438 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Galatians - Make It CountAs we kick of our new series on the book of Galatians, Rick and Svea discuss false gospels and answer a listener question.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro03:23 Whose approval are you seeking?06:37 An example of appropriate and missing the gospel.10:03 The specific problems the Galatian church faced - adding to the gospel.14:10 We're all trying to reflect Jesus, not each other.17:41 How do we discern legalistic practices vs healthy practices in our own life?22:03 The progressive gospel and the regressive gospel: current, deadly false gospels.28:06 Listener question: How do we balance loving people without...
2025-02-1937 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: The Lion's Share - Faithful and GenerousToday Rick and Svea talk about their own struggles with greed and simplicity and the New Testament framework of faithful giving and generous giving.Bible passages referenced in today's episode:1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:13 This message pushed Rick to wrestle down his own contentment.03:56 Simplicity: a corollary to contentment.05:16 Svea fell back into the trap of not practicing simplicity this past week.07:16 Rick confronting greed as he's excited about his new hobby of hunting.08:34 The practice of generosity - a tangible expression of love.09:28...
2025-01-2926 minChurch is MessyChurch is Messy: The Lion's Share - the False Promise of the Prosperity GospelToday Rick and Svea dig deep into the essence of the prosperity gospel, it falsehoods, and the various expressions of the prosperity gospel.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:47 Intro to the prosperity gospel.02:50 The real essence of the prosperity gospel.03:42 Live Q&A after most Saturday services (when Rick preaches).04:22 From the Q&A session last weekend: what is the fallout of the prosperity gospel?06:01 The year was 2013.14:48 The ditch: manipulation vs. grace.17:55 Why do we obey God?20:07 Different expressions of the prosperity gospel.20:41 Health and Healing prosperity gospel,26:13 The inverse: the poverty gospel,28:24 The...
2025-01-2541 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: The Lion's Share - More than EnoughIn the first half of the episode Rick and Svea share where their vulnerabilities lie regarding money. In the second half they dig into contentment.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:12 Rick's history with Football.04:25 Rick and Svea wrestle through how calendars and money demonstrate who or what has our hearts.07:05 Svea talks about being vulnerable to finding security in money.11:32 Rick talks about his primary vulnerability comes through the satisfaction and significance money can bring.13:48 This series reveals deep soul issues and the opportunity we have to invite God into those spaces.14:52 Svea and her...
2025-01-1532 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: The Lion's Share - Just EnoughIn this episode, Rick and Svea unpack some of the ideas behind "Just Enough."Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro00:27 Review of 202404:45 The Lion's Share.07:37 The tension and awkwardness of a money message series.08:20 Wanting for people not from people.12:53 Resisting the temptation to sit the series out.15:00 The topics this series will cover.16:07 Just enough.18:23 Do I find significance, security, or satisfaction in what I have or who I have?23:06 The challenge: what is "just enough"?33:41 The emphasis Jesus put on the motivations of our heart.
2025-01-0838 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Jonah Week 6 - Unrelenting GraceRick and Svea close out Jonah talking about traps, windows and mirrors, God's judgement in the Old Testament, and how we can apply the themes of Jonah to life after elections (this episode was recorded on Election Day, 2024). Ultimately, it boils down to this week's sermon topic: Unrelenting Grace.Topics discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:22 Election Day banter.02:46 A pastoral encouragement about election anxiety.05:09 Keep looking up - keep your eyes fixed on God.07:06 The early Church.09:53 Like Jonah, we all have traps we fall into when we find our security, significance, or satisfaction in something...
2024-11-0633 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Jonah Week 5 - God's Compassionate LoveThe roles are reversed: Rick asks Svea about her message on Jonah and we get insight into what didn't make it into the message this past week.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro01:33 Believing God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love at the heart level banishes fear, heals hurts, and melts anger.04:00 How do you recognize the real ugliness and brokenness in the world that touches our lives, remember who God is and what we're like in him in such a way we are not angry people?08:12 What was left on the...
2024-10-3030 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Jonah Week 4 - FreedomRick and Svea grapple with a number of important themes from Jonah this week:God's provisionJonah is full of biblical parallelsObedienceTopics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro00:59 Lots of fun aspects and different connections in the text a more casual reading may miss. (Such as the fish in Jonah switches from masculine to feminine in Hebrew.)04:25 The fish: tomb or womb?05:51 Did Jonah's view of the fish change in retrospect? God's provision may look different than we're expecting.07:21 Two rabbit trails: the fish-historical narrative vs parable vs satire and womb-God's compassion.10:06 Parallel between Jonah's fish and...
2024-10-2336 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Jonah week 3 - RepentanceRick and Svea make light of finally getting to "the whale" and how this is often given the lion's share of the messaging about Jonah when it's really an insignificant element of the story. This week's episode drips with challenges to go deeper and looking at what the text is actually saying.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro01:33 Svea is struck by how many of us grew up with a child-like level of understanding of the book of Jonah.05:00 For many the focus of the book is on a very small part of the story...
2024-10-1629 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Jonah Week 2 - The LineThis week Rick and Svea look at Jonah 1:1-16. Jonah acts as an enemy of God and yet God shows him grace. They draw out a number a parallels between Jonah and Jesus and how they differ in their motivation.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro01:42 Where is the line?06:51 Rick gets honest - some of his backstory.10:29 God sets his heart on his enemies and loves his enemies like a son.11:41 Jonah acts as an enemy of God but God shows him scandalous grace. 18:14 Jonah is the entire Bible in miniature.20:17 Jonah goes down in t...
2024-10-0936 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: A Question from Jonah Week 1In the weekend message introducing the book of Jonah, Rick stated there are two common views to interpreting the story of Jonah: historical narrative or primarily parable. In this episode Rick and Svea discuss a question posed to them: Does Jesus' reference to Jonah in Matthew 12, when foretelling his own death and resurrection, support a particular interpretation of Jonah?Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro01:04 Our unity isn't based on everyone agreeing on everything. Our unity is based on inclusion in Christ. It's okay to have different understandings on a variety of topics and still maintain...
2024-10-0221 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Intro to JonahRick and Svea introduce us to the book of Jonah and its timeframe in history. This is a book filled with comedy and satire; in many ways hundreds of years before its time, and yet is has profoundly important questions and themes it wants us to deal with.Note: this episode was recorded prior to the first message being given.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 Intro.02:20 Background of the book of Jonah - it's like the arc of the entire Bible condensed into a few chapters.05:01 Synopsis of Jonah.08:33 The focus: are we aligned...
2024-09-2534 minChurch is MessyChurch is Messy: Living Like the Elect Before an ElectionIn this episode Rick and Svea try to bring light, not heat to the discussion of politics.Svea recommends watching the message on which this episode is based before listening to the podcast.Find the video here: https://youtu.be/KHN2c6-z-OwTopics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:09 Discussion of Politics and Churches and Church Leaders04:46 Rick's goal as a pastor is to teach people how to think about politics and how to align with the Bible.06:12 How do we reconcile the idea that everyone is trying to do their best with...
2024-09-1847 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Ghosted Series Questions and RecapWelcome to a new season of Church Is Messy! Rick and Svea kick the season off with a bang and delve into a number of questions and topics related to our recently completed series, Gifted, on the Holy Spirit.Topics discussed in today's episode:00:00 Intro and Rick and Svea's Summer Highlights and Lessons Learned.05:53 Recap of the Ghosted message series and a summary of the topics: including what is the Holy Spirit's role in spreading the Gospel, what is the Spirit's role in our own faith, what about spiritual gifts, and what is God's will for...
2024-09-0459 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Bonus Episode - Spiritual FormationRick and Svea discuss a topic about which they both feel passionate: spiritual formation. What is it? How is it different than discipleship? Is it even a biblical term? Listen and catch the vision for why they're so excited about spiritual formation.Want to take your next step? Check out our classes: https://autumnridge.churchcenter.com/groups/classes-studies?Topics in this Episode:00:00 Intro00:59 What is spiritual formation and how is it different from discipleship? Spiritual formation includes things that form us other than discipling under Jesus.02:56 How does the Practicing the Way class help...
2024-08-1430 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Bonus Episode - PoliticsWhat are two topics we've been told to avoid talking about if we don't want an argument? Religion and Politics. Rick and Svea dive head-first into the issue of politics. Take a look at the list of topics below and you'll see there isn't much they didn't touch on.Be sure to check out the resources so you can be informed as you make your own determination about how to proceed as an ambassador of Christ in the arena of politics.Additional Resources:Church Politics PodcastThe Ballot and the BibleAnd CampaignThe After Party
2024-07-1740 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Bonus Episode - Sunday School for Grown Ups DiscussionIn this bonus episode between seasons, Rick and Svea discuss large recurring themes in familiar Old Testament stories. A lot of the discussion revolves around the content of the Bible being so amazing and such a big deal, God communicated it in the best way possible for all communities, all generations, and all cultures with everything in these stories pointing us to Jesus, the Gospel, and life in him.Topics in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:43 The ethos of the series: a deep dive into incredible, familiar, overlooked stories that are often perceived as childish.02:38 The Bible stories...
2024-06-2646 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: The Lost Words of Jesus Week 3Pastor Caleb Smith joins Rick and Svea on today's episode. They dig into what is perhaps one of the most debated stories Jesus ever told, The Parable of the Dishonest Manager in Luke 16.Show Notes00:00 Intro Rick's story from the gym trying a new workout and being less than shrewd03:13 Many preachers skip this parable because it can throw people off, but Caleb was excited to study and preach this passage. 05:03 Discussion of reading the Bible through the original, intended audience's perspective07:40 There is some cutting room floor content that didn't make it i...
2024-05-2935 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: The Lost Words of Jesus Week 2Today's TopicRick and Svea discuss one of Jesus' most famous stories, The Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro - Rick's late caffeine morning.01:39 Talking about the word, "Lost."04:21 Love requires we be sensitive about the language we use, especially around those who have not yet come to faith in Jesus. We shouldn't be motivated by proclaiming, we should be motivated by people hearing - and hearing our intent.08:48 The crowd who heard this story by Jesus and with whom they may...
2024-05-2242 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: The Lost Words of Jesus Week 1Rick and Svea reverse roles today. He puts Svea in the "hot seat" as they discuss the genius of the stories in Luke 15:1-10. In these parables, Jesus simultaneously speaks to, and shows compassion toward, two groups of people who viewed themselves as being at opposite ends of the spectrum.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro01:14 Mother's Day is this weekend. Svea has a lot of "mom labels."04:29 Getting into the Lost Words of Jesus series - parables of lost things. Jesus really knew his audience. How did Svea get into studying the...
2024-05-1530 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Run to WinRick and Svea talk about Rick's last weekend message about focusing in on our mission.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro00:50 What was the purpose of this past sermon? Why was it applicable to our church? 01:23 Discussion of changes in our church and in other churches - post-COVID, senior pastors, men and women in leadership, worship service options, etc. 05:15 The Bible and the Gospel require change and surrendering of preferences in many ways.08:29 All that we are and all that we have is based on Jesus, and we are grounded on the principle of...
2024-05-0839 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Love Is The Agenda - FosteringOn this episode, Pastor Otis Hall joins Rick and Svea in the studio to continue the weekend’s discussion on James 1:27 and how that verse can propel us into action to care for our society’s most vulnerable.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro01:17 We looked at a passage in James that gave us insight into the fostering world.02:26 James 1:27 is about having a passion for compassion for all vulnerable people. Jesus did this numerous times throughout the gospels.05:14 The Jewish community at the time was focused on doing things for the vulnerable, but...
2024-05-0133 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Welcome Home - Single Life and DatingToday's TopicRick and Svea talk about singleness, dating, and loneliness. They discuss Jesus and his singleness, guarding against being defined by another person, and not choosing a path that leads away from Jesus.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro.00:52 Nerding out on church history.04:58 Fighting against alienating singles - Svea's experience.06:02 Feeling the anti-gospel pull toward homogeneity and seeing the world as we are.08:24 Looking at Hagar: an outcast seen by God and our fundamental need to be seen.09:28 Being single isn't the problem; being alone is...
2024-04-1738 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: Welcome Home - MarriageToday, Rick and Svea examine Ephesians 5 and what Paul says (and doesn’t say) about marriage, our presuppositions, and our culture. By applying this chapter to all relationships, what can the family of believers learn about the gospel way of life?Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro00:42 Welcome to new listeners02:40 Church should be a comfortable, restful, and safe place - a family06:55 What could single people take away from a message on marriage08:44 All of the Christian life is meant to put others first - mutual submission is a command to all be...
2024-04-1043 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: 1 Timothy 61 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 6Rick and Svea swap chairs as Svea preached the message on 1 Timothy 6 this week and Rick asks her clarifying questions.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro and recap of the message.02:54 Discussion of what slavery was like in the NT times.08:57 Not every single verse in the Bible points to how the world is "supposed to be" but Scripture engages culture where it is and inform us on what it looks like to follow God in the reality of life's situations.10:17...
2024-03-2037 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: 1 Timothy 5:17-251 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 5:17-25Today, we live up to “Church Is Messy” as we dive into the topic of accountability. How do we rightly hold people accountable? How do we respond when we’re being held accountable? How do we respond to anxiety-producing situations? Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a little messiness.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro01:13 Overview of “Church is Messy” name and concept.02:20 How do we hold others and leaders accountable within a local church?06:30 How is Autumn Ridge lead...
2024-03-1335 minChurch is MessyChurch is Messy: 1 Timothy 5:1-161 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 5:1-16While the first half of 1 Timothy 5 is often viewed as a tutorial on caring for widows, this week Rick and Svea discuss what may be surprising themes this section is dripping with: leadership in challenging situations and what confrontation in the way of Jesus looks like.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro.01:03 Svea: I’ve always read the chapter from a widow’s perspective.04:39 Surprised by the biblical confrontation and leadership themes in 1 Timothy 5.08:49 What kind of disposition will help us t...
2024-03-0632 minChurch is MessyChurch is Messy: 1 Timothy 4In this episode, Pastors Rick Henderson and Svea Merry discuss 1 Timothy 4 and the issues of church leadership, reliance on the Spirit vs our conscience, understanding spiritual growth, and primary and second issues of Christianity. 00:27 Intro - Recap of the series, intro to 1 Timothy 4, and transitioning from 1 Timothy 301:28 If people watch us progress in our faith, relationships, or leadership, they will see us changing from one way to another. 03:26 1 Timothy 3 has qualifications for church leaders, but how do we handle growth while balancing minimum requirements for leadership? 08:31 If no one is perfect and every leader is still progressing, like Tim...
2024-02-2843 minChurch is MessyChurch Is Messy: 1 Timothy 31 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 3In this discussion on 1 Timothy 3, Rick and Svea answer your questions about our attitudes toward leaders who taught us something we now disagree with, the interpretation that is inherently connected to Bible translation, specific words and phrases in 1 Timothy 3, and leaning into our own shortcomings as we look at the qualifications of leaders.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro.01:33 Rick's most interesting things from 1 Timothy in order: understanding the gospel, studying the Bible for all it's worth, and then men and...
2024-02-2146 minChurch is MessyChurch is Messy: 1 Timothy 2:11-151 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 2:11-15Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 2:11-15. Rick and Svea dive into the differences of interpretation, a brief history that brought us to this discussion, and a recognition that men and women are different.Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Intro.01:43 Context: 1 Timothy 2:11-15.03:47 Navigating differences of interpretation.10:19 The Bible IS clear on the essentials we must agree on.13:08 Do research.18:20 Punched in the brain the "The Question."20:23 How has this issue become so enmeshed with liberalism and feminism?23:05...
2024-02-1452 minChurch is Messy1 Timothy Week 21 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 2:1-10Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 2:1-10. Rick and Svea tackle embracing humility and mutual submission and the far-reaching implications of the gospel for men and women.Additional Resourceshttps://autumnridge.church/1-timothy/Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Welcome and Introduction.01:00 The challenge and conviction about not praying for those in authority.03:10 How does praying for those in authority play out?04:37 Embracing humility and submission "resets" and recalibrates us.06:31 What does it look like to pray with thanksgiving...
2024-02-0733 minChurch is Messy1 Timothy Week 11 Timothy Message Series1 Timothy Chapter 1Join us for an in-depth discussion on 1 Timothy 1. Rick and Svea dig into living the gospel, dealing with false teaching, and our tendencies to add to or subtract from Scripture.Additional Resourceshttps://autumnridge.church/1-timothy/Topics Discussed in this Episode00:00 Welcome and introduction.01:56 1 Timothy Series and the thesis: "We teach what we know but reproduce who we are."03:15 Purpose and context of 1 Timothy and its overarching message of living the gospel.06:56 What is the ice cream, ketchup, and mustard gospel?09:34 Paul instructed Timothy on...
2024-01-2935 minChurch is MessyLove Is the AgendaToday Rick and Svea share the studio with Pastor Otis Hall. In the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:1-9), they discuss shifting the focus to looking for the desired result: a good harvest, not just from the perspective of sowing the seed.NOTE: This is the last episode of 2023. Rick and Svea will be back behind the microphones in January 2024 for a new series, Devoted.Message Scripture Passages:Mathew 9:35-38; Mathew 13:1-9; Mathew 13:18-23Topics Discussed Today:00:00 Intro01:14 Otis’s background in plant science and molecular genetics--pre-ministry02:04 Otis’s long-term experience of be...
2023-11-1531 minChurch is MessyDear Church: The Church in PhiladelphiaSo far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey.UNEXPECTED MESSAGE:• It’s better to have no church than an unloving church.• It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it. • It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus. • It’s possible for a church to wrongly value staying together over staying faithful. • It’s possible for everyone but Jesus to be convinced that a church is alive and well.• A church...
2023-11-0142 minChurch is MessyDear Church: The Church in ThyatiraSo far in this series, we’ve looked at the unexpected messages to four churches in modern-day Turkey.It’s better to have no church than an unloving church.It’s better to let a church suffer than to prevent it. It’s possible for a church to stand up for Jesus while standing against Jesus.It’s possible for a church to wrongly value staying together over staying faithful. Rick and Svea discuss how gospel fluency (and define what it is) helps to understand what was going on in Thyatira.Message Scripture Passage:Revelation 2...
2023-10-1825 minChurch is MessyDear Church: The Church in EphesusRick and Svea kick off the new "Dear Church" series with a discussion about symbolism in the Book of Revelation and move on to the difficult topic of a loveless church. Rick then casts a vision for what he thinks a loving church exemplifies.Message Scripture Passage:Revelation 1:17-2:7Series Thesis:KNOWING the truth doesn’t change anything. SUBMITTING to the truth changes everything.Topics Discussed Today:00:00 Intro00:40 The start of our small group season and the benefit of group study03:21 What is the church or...
2023-09-2734 minChurch is MessyHow to be a Church of All CulturesDuring the Preseason message series the mission, vision, and goals of Autumn Ridge Church have come up repeatedly. In this episode Rick and Svea dissect the Autumn Ridge Vision, "We want to be a church of all cultures where curious, skeptical, and hurting people love to attend." They talk about practical steps to help achieve this aspiration.Topics in the episode:00:00 Intro.01:23 Our mission and vision.03:03 What we don't talk about much.03:41 Some questions about our vision.06:25 Why are we talking about this?09:23 History of multi-cultural churches in the US.11:17...
2023-09-0622 minChurch is MessyMasterpiece: The Art of PeacePastor Paul McDonald joins Rick and Svea as their discussion closes out the Masterpiece series.About the Masterpiece seriesTheme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10Series Thesis: We are good works of art created to do the art of good works.Resources for this episodeWatch the message at: https://youtu.be/Fv_sGUSjkXgListen to the message at: https://arcsermons.transistor.fm/episodes/masterpiece-the-art-of-peaceWatch all of the Masterpiece me...
2023-08-1031 minChurch is MessyMasterpiece: The Art of LoveBob Ross, air conditioning, adversity, and pruning. What do all of these have in common? Rick and Svea have a very practical conversation about the latest installment in our Masterpiece series, The Art of Love.About the Masterpiece seriesTheme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10Series Thesis: We are good works of art created to do the art of good works.Resources for this episodeWatch the message at: https://youtu.be/5b...
2023-07-2634 minChurch is MessyMasterpiece: The Art of PatienceThis week Rick and Svea give us a two-for-one. In the first half of the episode, Rick and Svea delve into the area of women in (church) leadership. In the second half, they have a heart-felt talk on Svea's sermon about patience. In her message, Svea showed how Jesus modeled patience even when he knew his remaining time on Earth could be measured in hours.About the Masterpiece seriesTheme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10Se...
2023-07-1935 minChurch is MessyUnity in WorshipIn this episode, Rick and Svea discuss unity in the church and the challenges that come cultural or stylistic preferences, particularly in regard to styles of worship music.This episode is an extension of a message preached at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester, MN on July 2, 2023. Watch the original message.See Romans chapter 11 to read the primary Bible passage discussed in this episode.
2023-07-0530 minChurch is MessyMasterpiece: The Art of GentlenessAbout the Masterpiece seriesTheme Verse: For we are God’s handiwork [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10Series Thesis: We are good works of art created to do the art of good works.Resources for this episodeListen to the message at: https://churchismessy.transistor.fm/episodes/masterpiece-the-art-of-gentlenessWatch the message at: https://youtu.be/HJwA2i30s-0Topics Discussed in this episode00:00 Intro00:55 Recap of Rick's sermon on Gentleness, part of Autumn Ridge Church's Masterpiece Series03:55 Is gentleness a feminine qu...
2023-06-2837 minChurch is MessyThe Plan for Worship at Autumn Ridge ChurchIn this special episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea follow up an email that was sent to the Autumn Ridge congregation on June 20, 2023 about the plan for the worship services. Rick gives greater detail to many of the topics introduced in the email.Here are a list of topics and the times in today's podcast:00:00 Intro01:20: What is going on with weekend services and worship styles at our church?02:05: What was our church's approach to making this decision?11:00: Our worship service survey and what it revealed13:15: Our church's history with...
2023-06-2144 minChurch is MessyYour Questions Answered and Open, Loving ConversationsRick and Svea begin by answering questions that have come in recent weeks. They also talk in detail about open and loving ways to share the gospel with other people.
2023-05-3153 minChurch is MessyHe Gets Us: RebelRick and Svea close out the He Gets Us series looking at the scandalous love of Jesus for those who were on the fringes.
2023-05-2443 minChurch is MessyHe Gets Us: StruggleRick and Svea look at the struggles of life and the example we have in Jesus in dealing with struggle and hardship.
2023-05-1029 minChurch is MessyHe Gets Us: OutrageToday Pastor Otis Hall joins Rick and Svea on the podcast to discuss questions people had after Otis' message on outrage and appropriate responses to the situations that may cause outrage, anger, and indignation.
2023-05-0334 minChurch is MessyHe Gets Us: CompassionToday Rick and Svea discuss compassion and Jesus' example that compassion was always accompanied by some form of action.You can view the full message that is the basis for today's discussion at: https://youtu.be/PH3M47DhQ0s
2023-04-2629 minChurch is MessyHe Gets Us: AnxietyWas Jesus anxious? Did Jesus worry? In this episode we look at the difference between anxiety and worry. Realizing God is both sovereign and intimately personal can keep us from worry. Pastors Rick and Svea unpack these ideas today.
2023-04-1929 minChurch is MessyMinistry Reflections with Pastor Rick HendersonToday Pastor Svea Merry asks Pastor Rick Henderson to reflect on his first three years at Autumn Ridge Church.
2023-04-1245 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: Shepherds and SheepIn this final episode discussing the 1 Peter series, Rick and Svea answer a number of question from their congregation. Topics include dealing with leadership in church, being humble leaders, spiritual forces, and more. Plus Rick gives a detailed account of an experience he had with demonic forces during a recent trip to Guinea, West Africa and calls listeners to take 1 Peter 5:8-9 seriously.Watch the 1 Peter 5 sermon here: https://youtu.be/gnRbbtwTW08
2023-03-2953 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: Warrior, Secret Agent, or AmbassadorRick and Svea continue their discussion on 1 Peter chapter 3.
2023-03-2234 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: Check Your AttitudeRick and Svea discuss practical ways to live out Peter's words of encouragement in 1 Peter chapter 4.
2023-03-2236 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: Bring It HomeRick and Svea discuss 1 Peter chapter 3 and how it helps us follow Jesus. Our identity, thoughts, and actions can all be shaped by this incredible passage.
2023-03-0851 minChurch is Messy(Bonus) 1 Peter: Landmines Part 2(Bonus Episode) Rick and Svea further discuss 1 Peter chapter 2 and elaborate on several important concepts from the last episode.
2023-03-0319 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: LandminesRick and Svea continue to discuss 1 Peter chapter 2 and how God's love in us causes us to engage culture.
2023-03-0156 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: The FavoriteRick and Svea explore questions that dig below the surface and help us to discover our true identity in Christ.
2023-02-2235 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: Perfectly SecureIn week two of the 1st Peter series, Rick and Svea continue the discussion on our identity in Christ and how it drives our activity.
2023-02-1528 minChurch is Messy1 Peter: Stand FastAfter a two-month break, Pastors Rick and Svea jump into a new season of Church Is Messy. This week Autumn Ridge started a new message series on the book of 1 Peter. Rick answers questions and digs deeper into the concepts of election and our identity in Christ.
2023-02-0837 minChurch is MessyRegifting: Your Questions AnsweredIn this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea discuss listener questions from the Regifting series.
2022-11-1651 minChurch is MessyRegifting: Shields DownSvea and Rick have a vulnerable conversation about vulnerability.
2022-11-0930 minChurch is MessyRegifting: Good GriefRick and Svea discuss grief and the interplay of emotional maturity and spiritual health.
2022-10-2631 minChurch is MessyRegifting: Into the BorderlandsIn this week's episode Pastor Rick and Pastor Svea explore the freedom found in limits
2022-10-1930 minChurch is MessyChristian NationalismRick and Svea discuss Christian Nationalism in this episode of Church Is Messy.
2022-10-1230 minChurch is MessyThe Nicene CreedRick and Svea answer questions they've received about some of the theology of the Nicene Creed.
2022-10-0525 minChurch is MessySacred Series 2022: OrthodoxyToday we're exploring orthodoxy and unity in the church, some controversial theological topics, tools for maintaining unity, and why Rick is the way he is.
2022-09-2140 minChurch is MessyBeing a Church of All CulturesListen in on a discussion between pastors Otis Hall, Rick Henderson, and Svea Merry as they discuss what it means to be a church of all cultures.
2022-07-2029 minChurch is Messy_____ Bless the USAFrom Pastor Rick's Independence Weekend message: Is the USA a Christian nation? Was it ever a Christian nation?
2022-07-1326 minChurch is MessyLook Up: SeesawRick and Svea discuss the story of Rahab and how when the city of Jericho was "melting with fear" she chose to trust God and look up.
2022-06-2224 minChurch is MessyLook Up: BurnoutLooking at the story of Elijah in 1 Kings, Rick and Svea discuss how God brings refreshment to a man utterly spent.
2022-06-1526 minChurch is MessyChurch IS MessyRick Henderson and Svea Merry have a very candid conversation about the real messiness of scandal rocking our own church and the scandals rocking churches as a whole.
2022-05-251h 10Church is MessyNeighboring (Part 2): A Wee Little ManExecutive Pastor Otis Hall joins Rick and Svea as we continue our conversation on Neighboring.
2022-05-0436 minChurch is MessyEaster - Was Jesus' Resurrection a Real Event?Was Jesus' resurrection a real, historical event? Pastor Rick dives deep into the Easter message.
2022-04-2032 minChurch is MessyThe Great Divide (Part 4): For Goodness SakeIn our most recent message, Rick asked, "Can we be moral and do good without God?" On today's episode, we dive deeper into that debate.
2022-04-0638 minChurch is MessyThe Great Divide (Part 3): Can We Trust the BibleSHOW NOTESRick's recommendation on where to start reading the Bible: John or LukeIs God a Moral Monster by Paul CopanEhrman ProjectThe Holy Post PodcastPsalm 51Daniel 2
2022-03-3042 min
Living Hope ChurchDesperate Need - PDFWhat does it take to believe, really believe? What would you endure to believe that completely? How thankful are we for our suffering? Our Trials? (Story copyright Rick Henderson)
2014-10-1200 minLiving Hope ChurchDesperate Need - AudioWhat does it take to believe, really believe? What would you endure to believe that completely? How thankful are we for our suffering? Our Trials? (Story copyright Rick Henderson)
2014-10-1237 min
Living Hope ChurchShadows of 3:16 - Unchurch - PDFYou've never heard church like this before! Okay, we are learning as to recording. But it is the integration of the forms of worship - one might say intermingeling - that draws in those who attends and makes them truly participants. It can also reduce the "super speaker" false image and return the focus to Christ. I am sold out to this shared ministry service format. Please contact me if you have any questions! Rick.Henderson@yahoo.com
2014-09-0600 minLiving Hope ChurchShadows of 3:16 - Unchurch - AudioYou've never heard church like this before! Okay, we are learning as to recording. But it is the integration of the forms of worship - one might say intermingeling - that draws in those who attends and makes them truly participants. It can also reduce the "super speaker" false image and return the focus to Christ. I am sold out to this shared ministry service format. Please contact me if you have any questions! Rick.Henderson@yahoo.com
2014-09-0658 min