As we spend the start of 2021 focussing on Jesus, we're taking the time on Going Deeper to talk to people about their stories of encountering Jesus, and the difference that has made in their lives. Today, Jo chats with Ps Grant Gehrke, the new Family Pastor at Riverlife, about his journey to being on staff, and his own encounters with Jesus that have profoundly changed his life. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Podcast: Grant & Kelly Gehrke - Family on M...
Mar 10, 2021•35 min•Season 8Ep. 31
We launch into 2021 officially as Jo catches up with Riverlife Senior Pastor John Robertson about his heart for 2021: breakthrough that flows from fixing our eyes on Jesus alone. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Podcast: Ps John Robertson - Vision 2021 Podcast: Ps Scott McKinnon - History Makers #3: Josiah Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church , and find...
Feb 24, 2021•33 min•Season 8Ep. 30
This time, we are taking a look at John Mark Comer's "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry". Jo is joined by Aimee Cowan and Scott McKinnon, as they unpack the book, what they learned, and why the book is an important invitation in this chaotic season we find ourselves in! Our next book club book will be "How To Pray" by Pete Greig. The episode will air on April 22. Why not read it and join in the conversation? Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Purchase: John Ma...
Feb 03, 2021•55 min•Season 8Ep. 29
Welcome to our Summer Sessions! Every Australian Summer, we feature sessions from conferences and events we've held that you probably haven't heard! This episode, we bring you Ps Charles Stock's message from Life to Love Conference 2019. This is part 1 of his message. Come back next episode for part 2! Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Podcast: Episode 1 of Charles' message Podcast: Episode 2 of Charles' message Web: Iris Global - Support them here Podcast: G...
Jan 20, 2021•22 min•Season 8Ep. 28
Welcome to our Summer Sessions! Every Australian Summer, we feature sessions from conferences and events we've held that you probably haven't heard! This episode, we bring you Ps Charles Stock's message from Life to Love Conference 2019. This is part 2 of his message. Make sure you've listened to part 1, and come back next episode for part 3! Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Podcast: Episode 1 of Charles' message Web: Iris Global - Support them here Podcast:...
Jan 13, 2021•31 min•Season 8Ep. 27
Welcome to our Summer Sessions! Every Australian Summer, we feature sessions from conferences and events we've held that you probably haven't heard! This episode, we bring you Ps Charles Stock's message from Life to Love Conference 2019. This is part 1 of his message. Come back next episode for part 2! Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Web: Iris Global - Support them here Podcast: Going Deeper - Embrace Adventure w/ Charles & Anne Stock Links: Riverlife P...
Jan 06, 2021•38 min•Season 8Ep. 26
There's been a lot to talk about in 2020 across the three podcasts across the Riverlife network. We've heard from some incredible guests, discussed a range of topics, and even launched a new podcast in the process! Join our producer, Tim, as he sits down with Jo, Scott, Nick (from The Round Table), and Alex (from Bible Streams) to talk about all the highlights from 2020 and to look ahead to 2021. As is now a yearly tradition with Riverlife Podcasts, there will also be bloopers. Here's to another...
Dec 30, 2020•1 hr 7 min
Join Scott and Jo as they take a look at the way Christmas fulfils the promises of the Old Testament in so many amazing ways and also draws us forward into the hope that Jesus brings us all at Christmas. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Book: Andreas Köstenberger & Alexander E. Stewart - The First Days of Jesus Social: Riverlife Facebook (for Wednesday morning weekly devotions) Podcast: Going Deeper - The Victory of the Atonement Easter Special Web: The ...
Dec 23, 2020•38 min•Season 8Ep. 25
In this special Christmas episode, we bring to you a wonderful message from our Christmas 2019 preaching series. We feature guest speaker Karen Wilson speaking from her experience with Baptist World Aid, and she encourages us to encounter God and then not shut up about Him! Karen is an amazing speaker, pastor and leader, with a global ministry and a calling to influence and motivate people to live their life fully for Jesus. She has worked at a global level for Baptist World Aid, and is currentl...
Dec 16, 2020•39 min•Season 8Ep. 24
There's no new episode this week, but Jo gives us a little sneak peek into next year and a fun new idea! In the mean time, why not listen to one of our other podcasts? Other Podcasts from Riverlife Church: The Round Table - listen to the new series of our Young Adult podcast, by YAs for YAs, talking about things that matter to YAs. Listen to the new series, 'Biblical Perspectives' Bible Streams - a podcast all about getting deep into scripture. Take a listen to our new series on the Psalms . Get...
Dec 09, 2020•3 min
Join Senior Pastor John Robertson and host Jo Leutton as they reflect on the good news of God's work at Riverlife in 2020. Hear some clips from our thanksgiving services, and get yourself encouraged by what God has been doing amidst the chaos of this past year! He is good, so give thanks to Him! We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers in our church family that make all the ministry and transformation of lives happen! God bless you, and we love you! Resources/Links mentione...
Dec 02, 2020•35 min•Season 8Ep. 23
Continuing our focus on prayer, Jo catches up with passionate pray-er and Riverlife staff member Claudine Hawkins, about how to being and continue to cultivate a passionate prayer life that draws us closer to God in our daily walk with Him. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Book: Pete Greig - How to Pray Book: St Athanasius - The Life of St. Anthony Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church ,...
Nov 25, 2020•34 min•Season 8Ep. 22
Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian life, and as we spend the next few weeks focussing on prayer, we wanted to bring you a fascinating conversation with Brian Heasley, the International Director of 24/7 Prayer. Brian Heasley, the International Prayer Director of 24/7 Prayer, joins us to share his heart for reviving and renewing the rhythms of prayer in the contemporary church. He speaks from years of experience as a pastor, explaining why prayer must be a practice for all believers. Join us...
Nov 18, 2020•25 min•Season 8Ep. 21
Reading the Bible can be simple, but oftentimes we are faced with words, ideas and language that isn't instantly accessible, particularly in the Old Testament. This episode of Going Deeper features a sneak peek of our most recent Bible Streams episode, "Our Heart Songs 2: Hebrew Poetry with Robert Alter". Jo and Alex Walker (Bible Streams host) speak with world-renowned author and literary expert Robert Alter on how to read Hebrew poetry. Enjoy this snippet from their conversation. From Bible St...
Nov 11, 2020•26 min
Many Christians in western cultures may feel the inconvenience of restrictions like COVID, but we should be careful to not mistake this of persecution. Join Ps Robyn Robertson as she talks to Mike Gore, CEO of Open Doors, and Helen Berhan, an Eritrean Christian who loves Jesus, worship, and has survived persecution. Join them on a virtual field trip to the toughest places on earth to live out the Christian faith. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Web: Open Do...
Nov 04, 2020•46 min•Season 8Ep. 20
Justice is a central element to the life of Jesus and His Kingdom people. For some, the call of justice on them means getting low, going into dark places, and setting captives free. Jo and guest host Pastor Robyn Robertson speak with International Justice Mission Investigator Mark (not his real name), about the job of an undercover investigator, the heart for justice that God's people can carry, and how to make a difference where each one of us are placed by the Lord. Resources/Links mentioned i...
Oct 28, 2020•43 min•Season 8Ep. 18
Cultivating a heart of prayer and worship reflects Jesus's desire for His church to be a house of prayer for all the nations. Yet, we are faced with so much noise and distraction that it can be hard to find time to behold the face of God. Jo speaks with Josh Yeoh, a pastor, worship leader and songwriter from Riverlife Church in Singapore, about cultivating a life of prayer and worship that transforms us and blesses the place the God has planted us. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or he...
Oct 21, 2020•45 min•Season 8Ep. 18
Art and it's creation can be one of those wonderfully unknown things. Where does inspiration come from? How does each different artist recieve it, and translate that into what the rest of us get to experience? For Brett and Leah Shaw, that process is intrinsically tied to their relationship with Jesus and how the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding them. Brett and Leah talk with Jo and Scott about life, creativity, faith and New Year's Day. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for...
Oct 14, 2020•47 min•Season 8Ep. 17
This episode features a special interview, where Ps Robyn Robertson joins Bianca Bryson from International Justice Mission (IJM), and Matt Darvas from Micah Australia. Both of these advocates for justice discuss with Robyn how the church can engage with issues of justice in this COVID-19 period. As you'll hear, there's plenty to consider, and there's practical ways you can get involved. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Web: International Justice Mission | Fr...
Oct 07, 2020•35 min•Season 8Ep. 16
Our world is in chaos, and so many of our cultural reference points are dislocated. So how do we find them again? Jo & Scott catch up for a second time with Toby Thomas, an Ordinand with the Church of England at Hackney Church in East London. As a neo-liturgist, Toby seeks to help people be formed and discipled through their experience of church and suggests to us that these ancient forms and rhythms give us references points in the chaos of our times. This is the second part of our conversa...
Sep 30, 2020•35 min•Season 8Ep. 15
Our world is in chaos, and so many of our cultural reference points are dislocated. So how do we find them again? Jo & Scott catch up for a second time with Toby Thomas, an Ordinand with the Church of England at Hackney Church in East London. As a neo-liturgist, Toby seeks to help people be formed and discipled through their experience of church and suggests to us that these ancient forms and rhythms give us references points in the chaos of our times. Resources/Links mentioned in this episo...
Sep 23, 2020•36 min•Season 8Ep. 14
So many God-opportunities happen throughout our lives. So often they are invitations to find God in the midst of unusual, difficult or unsettling circumstances. Rich Wilson joins Jo and Scott to talk about how God got his attention and, through a group of passionate young people, started a movement for University students, seeing God break into situations and circumstances. And yet, in the middle of it all, we keep walking and following the call of God on our lives. Can we accept God's invitatio...
Sep 16, 2020•39 min•Season 8Ep. 13
The People of God are a prophetic people by nature! Dr Kim Maas joins Jo and Scott in this two-part episode to talk about the role and nature of the church to speak out the word of God to each other and the world. Kim's doctoral research is in the prophetic nature of the church, healthy guidelines for practising hearing God's voice, and how each one of us can learn and grow in discerning the voice of God, first through scripture and the Holy Spirit. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or h...
Sep 09, 2020•57 min•Season 8Ep. 12
The People of God are a prophetic people by nature! Dr Kim Maas joins Jo and Scott in this two-part episode to talk about the role and nature of the church to speak out the word of God to each other and the world. Kim's doctoral research is in the prophetic nature of the church, healthy guidelines for practising hearing God's voice, and how each one of us can learn and grow in discerning the voice of God, first through scripture and the Holy Spirit. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or h...
Sep 02, 2020•39 min•Season 8Ep. 11
In this episode, Jo and Scott interview a long-time friend of Riverlife, Joel Wiseman, to discuss new rhythms, spiritual disciplines, and the creative process amidst the change. Joel Wiseman is the Associate and Worship Pastor at Dayspring Church in Sydney, Australia. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Web: Dayspring Church Spotify (these songs are featured in this episode): 'III Days' by Dayspring Worship Spotify: Joel Wiseman on Spotify Youtube: 'Room For Yo...
Aug 26, 2020•51 min•Season 8Ep. 10
As Christians, are we allowed to have doubts? With a belief system based on faith in Christ, is there room for doubt and questioning this faith? In this episode, Jo and Scott are joined by Alex Stark, a speaker, and apologist with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) to discuss this topic of doubt. Alex was born and raised in Brisbane where he responded to the gospel message in his youth. After completing his undergraduate degree in theology at Malyon Theological College, Alex was offe...
Aug 19, 2020•39 min•Season 8Ep. 9
The intersection of faith, wellness and the brain might just hold keys to make us healthier, and allow us to grow in intimacy with God. Jo and Scott talk to Dr Jerome Lubbe, a functional neurologist (amongst many other things), about God's most amazing creation, the human body, and God's plans for how you were designed to function best. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Web: ThriveNeuro Web: WholeIdentity Book: The Brain-Based Enneagram by Dr Jerome Lubbe (Am...
Aug 12, 2020•43 min•Season 8Ep. 8
Sometimes, people and conversations are just too tasty not to share! Jo and Scott recently hosted Dr Andrew Dunstan on the Bible Streams podcast, and they talked through why theology is important to doing church well and being a dedicated disciple of Jesus! Here are some of the best parts! Want to hear more of our Bible Stream podcasts? Get them here: iTunes Stitcher Android Spotify Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. For more info and how you can help, pl...
Aug 05, 2020•22 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Photographer, filmmaker, and Anglican Pastor, Toby Thomas joins Scott and Jo to talk about creativity, faith, music, art and beauty, and how each of us can engage our creativity as worship. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Book: 'Walk Humbly' by Samuel Wells Book: 'A Creative Minority' by Jon Tyson Video: Sneak peek of 'The Rescue' a film by Toby Thomas Social Media: Toby Thomas on Instagram Social Media: Hackney Church Social Media: C3 NYC on Instagram Soci...
Jul 29, 2020•41 min•Season 8Ep. 6
The world and the way we gather is in a state of constant change, yet God is good, and the future in Him is always bright! Senior Pastor of Riverlife, John Robertson, joins Jo and Scott to talk about what we've learned and what we're looking forward to! Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper: Website: Riverlife Website & Registration Website: Riverlife Online Website: Riverlife on YouTube Website: Digital Resources Social Media: Riverlife on Facebook Social Med...
Jul 22, 2020•30 min•Season 8Ep. 5
