When you hear the word justice, what comes to mind? For many of us, there are a lot of emotions that come alongside that word. For others, it energizes us and causes us to think about missions. On tonight's episode of the Link, joining Pastor Chris is Nate Knapper of The Joseph Project and Pastor Mark VanAndel of Hesed Community Church in Detroit for a conversation about understanding justice as an attribute of God and what it looks like lived out. To learn more about the Joseph Project visit ht...
Dec 01, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 12
It's Thanksgiving time! For many of us, Thanksgiving will look or feel different. Maybe it's the loss of a loved one or not all being able to gather together. But despite all the difficultly this year, we should remain thankful for God's goodness in our lives. Pastor Chris and panel members, Ryan Russell, Kelly McClelland, and Alex Armstrong discuss gratitude, hospitality, and how we can step outside our comfort zones and invite people into our lives who might be different from us. Happy Thanksg...
Nov 17, 2020•23 min•Season 2Ep. 11
How do we leverage the influence we can give or receive? Through Friendship. On tonight's episode of The Link, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is joined by Lauren Frith and Barrett Wimer to discuss the underestimated doctrine of Scripture of friendship. Join our panel for a great discussion on the importance of friendship and leveraging our influence to share and show the love of Christ. Resources: Holy in the Suburbs by Ashley Hales - https://tinyurl.com/yxz67a5a Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer...
Nov 10, 2020•33 min•Season 2Ep. 10
It's election week! On tonight's special Monday edition of "The Link," Pastor Chris and the panel have an essential conversation about honor Christ as we fulfill our civic duties. Dr. Jon Morales, Pastor Ryan Russell, and James Muffett of the Students Statesmanship Institute talk about navigating through earthly politics as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Resources: "Why the Church is Political" by Dr. Jon Morales - https://tinyurl.com/y4eltsv9 "Where Do You Pledge Allegiance?" by Pastor Chris B...
Nov 02, 2020•33 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Tonight, we hope you'll catch this replay of Part 1 of our conversation about God and Politics. Next week we'll be back with a brand new episode of The Link: A Conversation about God and Politics Part 2. Trust us, you won't want to miss it! What are the two things you are not supposed to talk about at the dinner table? Religion and Politics. Politics are a topic that can be profoundly Biblical, but unfortunately, in the wrong hands can be equally divisive. On tonight’s episode of The Link, joini...
Oct 27, 2020•36 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In tonight's episode, we want to have a critical conversation about something that affects all of our lives, digital technology. In March, as the pandemic set in, we all began living out of our homes, but what became very clear the way we consumed spiritual content changed, and how we connected as a church changed. Joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is Trevor Cole and Melaina Jaeger, members of Woodside's Marketing & Communication team, to talk about the importance of digital media in the ch...
Oct 20, 2020•24 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Is it okay to laugh in seasons of hardships? How can I have joy amid struggle? Pastor Chris, Pastor Dave Andersen, and Pastor Joe Crabb share the importance of laughter and joy in our lives on tonight's episode of The Link. While 2020 still is filled with uncertainty, tension, and struggles, we must remind ourselves where real joy comes from. Resources: Last Week's The Link "Finding Hope and Healing in Your Hurt" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIUexiiYSbs...
Oct 13, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 7
What do we do when we face the biggest tragedies in our lives? How do we overcome the immense pain and sorrow we may feel. 2020 alone has been a year full of hardships, loss, and unknowns. In tonight's episode of "The Link," Pastor Chris Brooks is joined by Billy Creech and Justine Miles for a conversation about loss, grief, and what it means to lament. Both Billy and Justine share their stories of loss and how they learned healing through the song of lament. Resources: "Learning the Song of Lam...
Oct 06, 2020•25 min•Season 2Ep. 6
On tonight's episode of The Link, guest host Shanna Craig, Director of Student Ministries at Woodside Troy, sits down with Pastor Chris Brooks, Kelly McClelland, and Ben Kelly to talk about life lessons, values, and simple practices they have learned along the way. Whether you're 20, 30, 40, or beyond, this episode shares the importance of friendship, faith, managing money, and so much more!
Sep 29, 2020•24 min•Season 2Ep. 5
On this special edition of The Link, joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks are two Woodside Missionaries, Ashley & Amos Miguel, who serve in Rome, Italy. Tonight, they’ll give us an update on how the Gospel is moving around the world, what it’s like serving in the mission field, and what the past six months have been like in Italy. For more information about Woodside’s Global 100, visit https://woodsidebible.org/global100/ To learn more about Ashley & Amos’ ministry in Rome, visit http://ww...
Sep 22, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Like it or not, we are back to school! This year has probably been the most different and unusual back to school season that any of us have ever experienced. In tonight’s episode joining Pastor Chris Brooks is his wife Yodit Brooks, Dr. Nicole Wilson, and Dr. Joe Cilluffo to discuss the joys and pains for parents, teachers, administrators, and kids. They will be answering some tough questions and encouraging us as we look to Jesus in this season. Resources: 8 Great Smarts: Discover and Nurture Y...
Sep 15, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 3
On today's episode of The Link, Pastor Chris tackles an important conversation about one of the vital segments of the body of Christ, women. So often, there are controversies surrounding women and what role they play. But what we must acknowledge is women are crucial members of the body of Christ, the church, our homes, and the world. With this in mind, it is important to have a conversation about God’s plan and purpose for women and some of the tension points surrounding this. Joining Pastor Ch...
Sep 08, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 2
We’re back today with a brand new season of The Link! In tonight’s episode, Pastor Chris Brooks is joined by Pastor EJ Swanson, Taylor Schepper, and Pastor Kevin Porbursky for a conversation centered around a phenomenon we are experiencing in culture that sadly has crept its way into the church. It’s called “Cancel Culture.” What is it? How do we navigate differences in opinions or beliefs? And what does God call us to as believers? Our panel discusses all this and more on today's episode of The...
Sep 01, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 1
We so often hear the phrase, “We must reach the next generation for Jesus.” While true, it is also essential that we listen to the next generation. On this episode of The Link, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks sits down with Pastor Joe Crabb, Lead Student Pastor, for a Generation Z conversation. Joining them are two incredible Gen Z individuals who are impacting their generation for Jesus, Alison Burke, a junior at Moody Bible Institute, and Micah Williams, a senior at Wayne State. In tonight’s conver...
Aug 11, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 20
There is a three-letter word that plagues humanity. It is a word that explains the problems we face, the pain we feel. It is a word that describes why things like racism and classism exist. It’s sin. On tonight’s episode of The Link, joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is Pastor Steve Zarrilli, Executive Pastor of Campuses, and Pastor Dan Stewart, Algonac Campus Pastor, for a conversation about the effects of sin and the cure for the brokenness in our world. What does this brokenness mean for us ...
Aug 04, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 19
We are wired for worship. God designed us that way. But if we aren’t worshipping Jesus, we are going to worship something or someone else. On today's episode of The Link, joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is Don Andersen, Executive Pastor of Missions, Lauren Frith, Training and Development Coordinator, and Ben Hixson, White Lake Campus Associate Pastor, for a conversation about the modern-day idols we can so easily entangle ourselves in. In this conversation, our guests discuss the importance o...
Jul 28, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 18
On the latest episode of the Link, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks discusses his favorite topic, the Bible. Joining him for this conversation is Matt Uitti, Central Kid’s Ministry Pastor, Jeremy Writebol, Plymouth Campus Pastor, and Misty Legler, Women’s Ministry Leader. Our panel will be discussing what it means to be a Biblical Christian, having a Biblical worldview, and what it means for you and your entire family to be people of the Word. They also give tips for all ages on how to begin, and cont...
Jul 21, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 17
As we look at all that is happening in our world, from pandemics to the economic crisis, it is crucial that we not only ask big questions but generational questions. Joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is a panel of millennial leaders from our church, Woodside Bible, for a brand new episode of The Link. Taylor Schepper, Collective Director, Eliseo Hernandez, Collective Groups Director, and Denzel Wright, Pontiac Campus Student Pastor, will be sharing how this moment in history and our church is b...
Jul 14, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 16
At this moment in history, the Church needs to have a distinct voice. As we study Scripture, we know that Christ didn’t shy away from discussing the important issues of His day, and His Church shouldn’t either. On today's episode of The Link, joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is Ret. Chief of Police, Charlie Craft and Ret. Detroit Police Chaplain, Pastor Stacey Foster. Charlie has a 39-year history serving in law enforcement, and Pastor Stacey has 21 years of experience as a Police Chaplain for...
Jul 07, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 15
What is the Sanctity of Life, and why is it a Gospel issue? On tonight’s episode of the Link, joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is Laura Farrugia, Executive Director at CareNet, Jesi Smith, Woodside Member, and Advocate, and Pastor C.T. Eldridge, Lapeer Campus Pastor for a conversation about the value of life. We live in a culture that does not always protect our children or value human life. So how do we navigate this? What does it mean to be Pro-Life from the womb to the grave? Pastor Chris a...
Jun 30, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 14
What are the two things you are not supposed to talk about at the dinner table? Religion and Politics. Politics are a topic that can be profoundly Biblical, but unfortunately, in the wrong hands can be equally divisive. On today's episode of The Link, joining Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is Jon Morales, Royal Oak Campus Pastor, Ryan Russell, Pontiac Campus Pastor, and James Muffett, Founder of the Students Statesmanship Institution for a conversation on how we as Christians can engage politics in ...
Jun 22, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul shares with believers how singleness is a gift from God. On today's episode of The Link, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks sits down with Pastor Jim Dahlke, Lake Orion Campus Pastor, Beth LaPonsie, Troy Campus Groups Director, and Daniel Park, Student Ministry Director for a conversation about understanding the gift of singleness through the lens of Scripture. Whether you are newly single, married, or anywhere in between, we hope you'll join us tonight for another exc...
Jun 17, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 12
On this episode of The Link, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is joined by Pastor Dan Stewart, Algonac Campus Pastor, Josh Miller, Lake Orion Campus Kid’s Ministry Director, and Tiffany Mensah, Author and Advocate for those who have been affected by Domestic Violence, for a conversation about the ins and outs of family systems, addressing topics such as unique family trees, parenting, and domestic violence in the home. Safety Resources: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence http://ncadv.org/ Mi...
Jun 09, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 11
How should Christians respond to reopening? Today's episode of The Link, Senior Pastor is joined by Pastor Doug Schmidt, Barnabas Ministries, Dr. Eric Moore, Pastor of Tree of Life Christian Fellowship and Professor at Moody Theological Seminary, and Pastor Steve Zarrilli, Senior Executive Pastor of Campuses at Woodside, for a conversation about church unity, what challenges the church is facing around the complexity of reopening, and how do we begin to reopen our lives being on mission for the ...
May 26, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 10
We hear the saying all the time, “50% of marriages end in divorce.” So, what do we do to prevent this? How can we create lasting, God-honoring marriages? In today's episode of The Link, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is joined by Les and Rhonda Morrison and Jim and Kelly McClelland to discuss how to navigate through the ups and downs of marriage, especially in seasons such as these. If you or someone you know is being abused, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1–800–799-SAFE or...
May 18, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 9
The shooting and death of Ahmaud Arbery has sparked an important, nation-wide conversation about race and the racial division plaguing our nation today. In this episode of The Link, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is joined today by Pastor Jacob Ley, Farmington Hills Campus Pastor, Pastor Chris Norman, Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA, and Steve Cato, City of Detroit discuss the importance of race reconciliation, education, and the church’s response. Hear their personal stori...
May 12, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 8
As we look forward to Mother’s Day, our Senior Pastor’s wife Yodit Brooks is joined by Anna Morales, Stephanie Writebol, and Maggie Dunn, founder of House of Providence, for a special edition of The Link dedicated to motherhood. Whether you’re a mom, caretaker, or spiritual mother, we know their personal experiences and encouragement will be a blessing to your heart. Another way our Woodside Family is excited to honor moms this Mother’s Day is by dedicating our participation in #GivingTuesday to...
May 05, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Senior Pastor Chris Brooks, is joined by Pastor Tim Holdridge, Detroit Campus Pastor, Dr. Sabrina Black, Clinical Director of Abundant Life Counseling, and Christy Schmidt, LPC at Great Lakes Psychology Group to discuss the very important topic of Mental Health. Ranging in topics from kids and students, to personal struggles, and ways to prioritize your mental health in this season and beyond. Our panel breaks down the stigma surrounding mental health and provides resources for you and your fami...
Apr 27, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Senior Pastor Chris Brooks is joined by Pastor Billy Creech, Romeo Campus Pastor, Blake Dennard, Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Somerset Collection, and Holly Roop, Social Media/Marketing Manager for Wahlburgers, to discuss how they have navigated through these tough economic times, served those in need, and ways we can support small businesses in our communities!
Apr 20, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In today’s special episode, Pastor Chris Brooks is joined by Mayor Bryan Barnett, Rochester Hills, and Ryan Kroge, Small Business Administrative Certified Lender, to discuss how can we survive and thrive during this current crisis economically and spiritually.
Apr 06, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4
