Change. Often it is something we don't welcome. However, it is something we cannot avoid. So, if we can't prevent it, how do we navigate it? On tonight's episode of The Link, Pastor Chris is joined by Pastor Doug Schmidt to talk about change and how to finish different seasons of life well. Resources: Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud - https://tinyurl.com/yc2rvdv6 New Year Same Fear: The Fear of Change by Trevor Cole - https://tinyurl.com/2p88wfm3...
May 17, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 11
A multi-billion dollar industry is single-handedly destroying our nation and world. We're talking about the porn industry. How is this industry skewing our view of men and women? And how can we overcome our struggle in it? On this episode of The Link, we sit down with author and pastor Ray Ortlund to answer these questions and more. Resources: "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund - https://tinyurl.com/2p8z35yx...
May 10, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 10
What comes to mind when you think of a spiritual leader in your home? Well, your answer might vary based on the composition of your home. While the makeup of each of our homes may look different, we know there are valuable truths that apply to each of us. On this episode of "The Link," Pastor Chris is joined by Lauren Frith and Fikre Prince to talk about what it looks like to be a spiritual leader in your home, no matter what stage of life you are in! Resources: Thirty-One Days of Prayer for Kid...
May 03, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among those ages 10-34. The realities we learned coming out of the pandemic and many social stressors make matters worse. If things continue as they are, suicide can quickly become the number one cause of death among young people. So, what can we do about it? Can we make a difference? On this episode of The Link, Pastor Chris is joined by Dr. Daniel Emina, a licensed psychiatrist and the associate director of the Amen Clinics, to have a conversation a...
Apr 26, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 8
What is trauma and how do we even begin to understand it? On this episode of The Link, Pastor Chris sits down with Elizabeth Strong and Nathan Richards, two licensed professionals to talk about this very topic. We want to start the conversation and learn ways we can identify trauma, process it, and help find healing. We hope you'll join us for this very important conversation.
Apr 19, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 7
On our latest episode of The Link, Pastor Chris is joined by Pastor C.T. Eldridge and Dr. Ravae Wilson for a conversation about how men and women can work together. When you think broadly about how women and men can work together from the home, workplace, and church, those dynamics can often be marred by confusion or competition. But what does it look like when the biblical worldview shapes it? We are going to discuss all that and more! You won't want to miss this great conversation! Resources: ...
Feb 22, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 6
On this episode of The Link, we are having a critical but sensitive conversation: church hurt. Many people have left the church because they have been hurt or wounded by people in the church or church leadership. So, what do you do when the very people that God called you to live in covenant community with are the very ones who hurt you? Pastor Chris is joined by Ellie Schupra and Brent Bailey for this important conversation. Resources: "I Forgive you" by Wendy Alsup - https://tinyurl.com/bddsv9...
Feb 15, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Family comes in many different shapes and sizes, and each is unique. On this episode of The Link, we will continue our conversation about families looking at a different type of family unit: adoptive families. Pastor Chris is joined by Yodit Brooks, Alicia Ley, and Maggie Dunn for a great conversation about the joys and pains of adoption and how we can dispel some of the myths surrounding it. Resources: House of Providence - www.thehofp.org Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange - www.mare.org The ...
Feb 08, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Family. We all have one. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and each is unique. On this episode of The Link, we will talk about a specific type of family unit: blended families. Pastor Chris is joined by Ron Deal. Ron is one of the most read and viewed experts on blended families in the country. We hope you'll tune in for a great conversation about the joys and pains of blended families and how we can encourage and equip those in blended families. Resources: Family Life Blended Podcas...
Feb 01, 2022•21 min•Season 3Ep. 3
What comes to mind when you hear the words "social media influencer"? We live in a world where influence comes at us from every angle. How do we navigate through the messages we see daily, and what are some of the pitfalls of this new era of influencers? Pastor Chris is joined by Shanna Craig, Pat McIlrath, and Mary Reed for a conversation about the influence of social media, both the good and the downfalls. Parents, this is a good one for you as you navigate through the influencer generation wi...
Jan 25, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Tune in to a special edition of The Link, where Pastor Chris is joined by apologist Abdu Murray and Woodside Dearborn Campus Pastor Dave Carlson for an insightful conversation on an emerging phenomenon in the Christian Church: deconstructing one’s faith. What exactly does deconstruction mean? And what should you do with your own doubts and questions about Christianity? Watch now for the answers to these important questions and more. Resources: What's Behind the Deconstruction Movement? - Chris B...
Jan 18, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Many call this time of year the most "wonderful time of the year." And because of what it means, it truly is. Jesus, our Savior, was born. But why did He have to come? Why do we need a Savior? When sin entered the world, brokenness followed. So, what does it mean to live in a fallen world? How do we navigate a joyous season when tragedy surrounds us? Pastor Chris is joined by Pastor Jeff Keith and Pastor Jeremy Writebol to help us as we navigate the answer to the question, "Why Evil?"
Dec 21, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 30
On this special edition of The Link, we are celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month! September 15-October 15 is set aside to honor and celebrate the culture and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. Today we want to take some time to celebrate the role and achievements of Latino communities and churches throughout church history! Eli Garza and Felix Quinones join Pastor Chris for a great conversation about the advancements and impact of the Gospel, the influential role women ...
Sep 28, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Father's day for many is a time of celebrating the wonderful dad's in our lives. But for many, it can also be a time of struggle or pain. On tonight's episode of The Link, Pastor Chris sits down with Caleb Jones and Jeff Keith to talk about the joys and pains of fatherhood, the example of fatherhood God provides, and encouragement for those who may be hurting this Father's Day. We hope you'll join us! Resources: The Love of the Father: Part 2 - https://tinyurl.com/k2s9chf4 Grace Based Parenting ...
Jun 15, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 28
We live in a culture that loves to imitate others. Whatever the latest celebrity or influencer is doing, using, wearing--we want it. But when it comes to looking up to someone, what does God call us to? The answer is being imitators of Christ, and one avenue for that is through discipleship. Tonight, Pastor Chris sits down with Gina Holm and Tom Gitter to discuss the importance of investing in others and being poured into by those who are not imitating culture but Christ. Resources: Global 100 -...
Jun 08, 2021•26 min•Season 2Ep. 27
This past year has been a whirlwind for so many families. The stress of the past school year makes it hard to muster up the energy to plan anything, let alone summer activities. On tonight's episode of The Link, Pastor Matt Uitti sits down with three incredible kids to talk about all things summer! Our kid panel shares how you, as parents and grandparents, can maximize your time with your family! Maybe your dinner table is as chaotic as our round table discussion, but that doesn't mean there sti...
Jun 01, 2021•16 min•Season 2Ep. 26
The things we often wished we knew in our 20s usually end up turning into lifelong lessons. On tonight's episode of The Link, guest host Shanna Craig sits down with Scott Crosby, Beth LaPonsie, and Chris Brooks to discuss the importance of maximizing your single & dating years and our need for continued Christ-centered friendships. They also share about how to avoid the comparison trap in a world where everything is online. While this may be a conversation about what our panelists wish they ...
Apr 29, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 25
One of the significant conversations of late in our country and culture has been around our brothers and sisters here in America of Asian descent. A recent study of 16 major cities has revealed a 150% increase in hate and violent crimes against Asian Americans. Joining Pastor Chris is Bo Cheng and Pastor Jonathan Kwon to discuss how the perfect love of Christ reconciles us one to another and how we can bear witness to our neighbors, co-workers, and friends of the power of the Gospel to speak to ...
Apr 29, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Spring is in the air! This is an exciting new season marked by the celebration of Easter! Grocery store shelves are filled with jelly beans, Easter baskets, and of course, the beloved Reese's Eggs. But Easter is so much more than bunnies and baskets. On tonight's episode of The Link, joining Pastor Chris are three incredible individuals from our Woodside Kids and Students family! They will be sharing about the real meaning of Easter and why we celebrate! Be sure to share this episode on your fee...
Apr 29, 2021•11 min•Season 2Ep. 23
On today's episode of The Link, we explore the answers to the question, "Why are so many Christians leaving the faith?" and how should respond when that happens. Recently, there have been so many stories of pastors, friends, or even family members who were once shining lights of the faith, who now would deny that God even exists. What do we do when this touches us personally whether with someone we love or a member of our church family? Answering these questions and more alongside Pastor Chris B...
Apr 29, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 21
On this special edition of The Link, Pastor Chris Brooks has the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Mark DeYmaz, author of Multi-Ethnic Conversations and Pastor of Mosaic Church of Arkansas, for a conversation about transforming our minds, attitudes, and actions to embrace one another in the midst of cultural change. This discussion includes answering questions like, "who is my neighbor?" and "what do these conversations mean in light of the Gospel?" We hope you'll join us for this special convers...
Apr 29, 2021•28 min•Season 2Ep. 20
On tonight's episode of The Link, Pastor Chris and the panel have an important discussion on what it means to live a generous life in a me-centered culture. We know that God calls us to be countercultural, so how do we do that with our finances or time? Ben Kelley and Matt Mancinelli join Pastor Chris to share their joys and struggles on their journey through generosity and what God has taught them about Himself along the way. Resources: The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn - https://tinyurl.c...
Apr 29, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 22
February is Black History Month, and on tonight's episode of "The Link" we want to take some time to talk about the origin of Black History Month and celebrate the contributions of African and African American's in advancing the Gospel and the church. Joining Pastor Chris is Dr. Eric Moore and Pastor Jacob Ley for an incredible conversation. As always, we have resources available if you'd like to learn more or read through some of the works by individuals mentioned throughout the episode. We've ...
Feb 23, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 20
What comes to mind when you hear the word forgiveness? Maybe two other words come to mind, "I'm sorry." These two words can bring a tremendous amount of healing. However, when we think about forgiveness, there are a lot of different layers to it. For instance, what if the person who wronged you isn't seeking forgiveness or the person you wronged is unwilling to extend it? Senior Pastor Chris Brooks, Pastor Rob Bentz, and Taylor Schepper discuss all this and more on tonight's episode of The Link!...
Feb 16, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Dating has evolved over the years—from the days of courting and chaperoned dates to meeting someone online. In tonight’s episode of The Link, we will talk about the all-important, yet sometimes awkward, topic of dating. Joining Pastor Chris is Taylor Lehman, Emily Neuroth, and Patrick McIlrath to discuss how we navigate dating in a social media world. How do I know I am dating the right person? Or how to have a God-honoring relationship in a sex-driven world? Whether single or married, you won’t...
Feb 09, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Yesterday we took the time to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This sparked a desire for us here at the Link to have a conversation about legacy. What kind of legacy do we want to have or to leave? And what kind of legacy does God call us to as believers? Joining Pastor Chris for this conversation is Dr. Dan Stewart and Micah Williams to dive deep into what it means to have a God-honoring legacy. Check it out! Resources: Ways to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin...
Jan 26, 2021•20 min•Season 2Ep. 16
This past Sunday was Sanctity of Life Sunday for us here at Woodside. It's a time when we celebrate one of the great Scripture messages; our God is a God of life. He values, loves, and protects life at all stages. Today, Pastor Chris and panel members Laura Farrugia and Brad Smith want to continue the conversation about the importance of celebrating and fighting for the lives of the unborn, marginalized, and caring for those who have experienced heartache and loss as it relates to the Sanctity o...
Jan 26, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 17
We want to take you behind the scenes at the Link! Take a moment and hear Pastor Chris's heart in wanting to create this series. The Link is available on Facebook, YouTube, and wherever you stream your favorite podcast! Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share! We'll see you next Tuesday, Jan 19th at 6pm with a brand new episode of The Link!
Jan 12, 2021•3 min•Season 2Ep. 15
On Tonight's episode of The Link, we are welcoming the arrival of Christmas! While this Christmas season may look different from years past, the sentiment is still the same. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we wanted to have a special conversation about the meaning of Christmas with our most favorite guest yet! Joining Pastor Chris are three amazing kids from our Woodside family, Jack Frith, Poppy Kelly, and Danny Neubauer. We hope you'll tune in to this heartfelt conversation, filled wit...
Dec 15, 2020•12 min•Season 2Ep. 14
The Christmas season is upon us, and as many would say, “it is the most wonderful time of the year!" However, for some, it is a season filled with anxiety. In tonight's episode, Pastor Chris and panel have a critical conversation about a struggle that is so real to so many people, the reality of anxiety. Joining him are John Opalewski and Makayla Czeder to help answer questions like, what is it? And how do I know if I have it? As well as give practical advice on how to cope with the daily battle...
Dec 08, 2020•25 min•Season 2Ep. 13
