Hope+: Hope Community Church Podcast

In this episode we welcome back Counsellor Shawn Groen as Dave, Misha, and Val sit down to talk about the role of anger in our journeys of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Shawn has a Masters of Divinity and is a registered Marriage and Family therapist at ⁠Sycamore Counselling Centre⁠. He's also a brother to Dave.

Time Stamp:

0:00~2:08 Intro

2:09~9:49 What is anger? And is it all bad?

9:50~12:46 When and how can anger become a problem?

12:47~34:43 Anger as a "secondary emotion"

34:44~43:26 How do you redeem anger?

43:27~End On the ground advice for high level conflict situations?

Romans 12:9-21

This week, Pastor Dave brings us God's Word on the difficulty of situations where reconciliation is not possible. But as far as it is possible, we are called to reflect the forgiving, humble heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 18:15-20 & Galatians 6:1-2

This week, Pastor Jonathan continues our sermon series on Forgiveness. What does it mean to be a light for the world? One practical way for the church is that it reflects God's goodness by being a community that seek forgiveness and reconciliation together.

We have been journeying through the topic of forgiveness through our recent sermon series. In this week's episode, Dave, Misha, Valerie, and Sid sit down to reflect a little more deeper into what this biblical concept means in our personal lives.

Time Step:

0:00~2:07 Introduction

2:08~20:27 Reflections/questions from this topic

20:28~35:38 Personal experiences?

35:39~38:33 Resources and concluding remarks

Matthew 18:21-35

This week, Pastor Dave continues our sermon series on Forgiveness. Jesus calls us to reflect his goodness and forgiveness that we are gifted with. Jesus offers an extravagant ethic on forgiveness which leads to life and freedom.

Matthew 6:12-15 & Luke 7:39-50

In this week's sermon, Pastor Sid starts our new series on Forgiveness.

It takes a lot of courage and strength to be able to forgive someone, and the good news is that God gives us the strength and also the freedom when we forgive as we have been forgiven.

Ephesians 2:1-10

He is risen!

This week, Pastor Dave reminds us of our identity, as people who join Jesus in the resurrection life, now and in the age to come.

That is the good news of Easter!

1 John 2:15-17

This week, Pastor Jonathan preaches on what the Bible tells us about our fight against "The World" and how normalized patterns of sin try and pull us away from God.

This sermon reflects on our dependence on the power of the resurrection as we continue our Good Fight heading into Easter.

(We ask for understanding as there were some technical difficulties with the audio for this week's sermon).

What does it mean to be single and part of the larger church family?

In this episode, Pastor Dave sits down with Melanie, Lydia, and Audrey to answer some questions on the topic of singleness.

Melanie, Lydia, and Audrey are members of our church and we thank them very much for their openness to share a part of their journey for us.

Time Stamp:

0:00~3:53 Intro

3:54~12:03 Experience of being single in the church

12:04~18:03 Key passages about singleness in the bible

18:04~30:03 Misconceptions about singleness

30:04~36:57 What are the gifts and challenges of being single?

36:58~47:48 Explicit/implicit messages from church about singleness

47:49~52:54 What is God teaching you through singleness about being the body of Christ?

52:55~end Concluding thoughts/reflections

1 John 1:5-2:2

This week, Pastor Dave continues our sermon series by reflecting on how we battle our flesh.

One of the biggest lies that we face about our spiritual fight is that we should keep our own sins and struggles a secret. Pastor Dave leads us to reflect on the importance of confession.

Galatians 5:13; 16-17

This week, Pastor Sid continues our sermon series on spiritual warfare.

He reminds us of how our fight against "the flesh," is about battling the lies that we live.

(The first 45 seconds of the audio may be a bit difficult to hear. We apologize for the technical glitch).

In this episode, Pastors Dave and Misha sit down with some of our youth to answer some deep questions about faith and life.

Zoey, Riyah, and Jacob are members of the youth group at our church.

Time Stamp:

0:00~00:50       Introduction

00:51~02:20    Question 1: "How do I know I am saved?"

02:21~04:24    Question 2: "Does God still perform miracles today?"

04:25~06:25   Question 3: "What are some ways to lead a non-Christian to faith?"

06:26~07:34   Question 4: "What if my Christian friends are not acting so Christian?"

07:35~09:37    Question 5: "Some tips for to stay connected to Jesus during hard times?"

09:38~13:12      Question 6: "Some daily practices to live out Christian life?"

13:13~16:03    Question 7: "Dating/Marrying a non-Christian?"

16:04~19:14    Question 8: "How do we honour God with some of our habits/hobbies?"

19:15~21:48    Question 9: "Is it okay to swear?"

21:49~25:16    Question 10: "Why infant/believer's baptism?"

25:17~28:08    Question 11: "What is spiritual warfare?"

28:09~30:12   Question 12: "Should we confess our sins?"

30:13~37:14   Question 13: "How do we seek balance in our lives?"

37:15~38:03  Question 14: "What does 'catholic church' in the Apostles' Creed mean?"

38:04~41:27    Question 15: "Where and what is heaven?"

42:18~ Ending

Ephesians 6:10-18

This week, Pastor Dave continues our reflection on our battle against Satan.

Pastor Dave sparks our imagination on how Satan may be deceitfully working in our culture today and how we can, by the power of the Spirit, stand against it.

Matthew 4:1-11

This week, Pastor Jonathan brings the good news as we witness to Jesus' own trials and temptations by the devil.

We are encouraged and empowered to face our daily challenges through our dependence and assurance that we are gifted with from God himself.

In this episode, Pastor Dave sits down with two campus ministers, Ed Gerber and Todd Statham, to have a conversation around campus ministry and the importance of holistic discipleship.

Rev. Dr. Ed Gerber is the University Chaplain & Director of Student Ministries at Trinity Western University. Rev. Dr. Todd Statham is the full time campus pastor at University of British Columbia Okanagan. Time stamp:

0:00~2:12 Intro

2:12~5:38 Why campus ministry?

5:39~10:32 University context

10:33~18:14 A typical day for a university  chaplain

18:15~21:19 Rabbit trail #1 (The value of ministry within an institution)

21:20~26:11 How are students doing with spiritual life on campus?

26:12~30:34 What are some common characteristics of students that do well on campus?

30:35~35:11 Rabbit trail #2 (Growing interest in spirituality among students?)

35:12~50:38  Fear of Deconstruction? Reconstruction?

50:39~59:29  Public vs. private university?

59:30~1:18:15 Advice for church leaders for discipleship and faith formation

1:18:16~ Concluding Remarks

Ephesians 2:1-10

This week Pastor Dave starts our new sermon series on spiritual warfare.

In this series, we get to reflect on our journeys to live for God against the powers of our flesh (sinful natures), the world, and the devil.

Galatians 5:26-6:18

"Boasting in the Cross and Serving in Love"

This week, Pastor Sid concludes our sermon series on the letter to the Galatians.

As Paul strongly encourages the Galatian church to focus on Christ as the beginning and end of our salvation and transformation, we are called to always focus on our Savior Jesus as well. In that way, we only boast in Christ, not anything or anyone else.

In this episode, Pastor Misha sits down with preachers Sid, Dave, and Jonathan to discuss the "behind the scenes" of preaching and preparing for a sermon.

Listen in to hear some of the thought process of the preachers at our church and what they "really" think about preaching.

"Walking in the Spirit"

Galatians 5

In this sermon, pastor Dave witnesses to the good news of how we are freed to live in step with the Spirit of God.

This freedom that we have been gifted with means that we are truly free to love and serve humbly; freed not to sin.

As we seek to live out this identity as freed people, we seek the Spirit's leading through prayer.

Galatians 4:1-7

"God's Children"

This week pastor Jonathan witnesses to the message of the gospel from Galatians about what it means to be children of God.

Only by God's grace, through faith, are we called his children and adopted into his family. That is a privilege and freedom gifted by God, not by anyone/anything else.

In this episode, Hope members James and Sarah sit down with pastor Dave to share their journey of suffering through cancer.

James and Sarah share the goodness and provision of God in their lives and how that has richly blessed them through a difficult journey.

God's Growing Family

For this week, pastor Dave unpacks the backstory of the promise and way of blessing that is mentioned in Galatians 3.

God's mission for restoration and making his global, multi-ethnic family was always the plan through Abraham. That's the promise that Paul wants the Galatian church to stay with.

Galatians 2:11-21

"The True Gospel"

The importance of us following and obeying the ways of Christ becausewe are saved is the heart of the gospel.

Through Galatians 2, pastor Sid reminds us that we don't follow and obey in order to be saved. We struggle with this tendency as we continue to journey through a "re-aligning" to the true gospel that is centered on the grace of God alone.

In this episode Dave, Misha, and Jonathan sit down to talk about the fascinating topic of new year's resolutions.

Part of the reflections include the value of goal-setting and being honest about some of the habits that shape our lives.

Part of the challenge and encouragement then is to name and be intentional about those habits, which can help us flourish in our day to day journeys of faith.

Galatians 1:1-10

This week, pastor Dave begins our new series on the letter to the Galatians: "Finding Freedom."

When Paul wrote to the Galatians concerning the true gospel, he was preaching Christ, not Christ plus something else.

Jesus is enough and that's the concern for Paul writing to the Christians in Galatia.

Luke 4:14-21

In this sermon, pastor Jonathan witnesses to the proclamation of the Year of the Lord's Favour.

As Jesus began his earthly ministry with the message of God's Kingdom being established through his life, word, and deed, we too are called to reflect the light of Christ for the world in darkness.

Luke 2:8-20

In this sermon, Pastor Dave witnesses to the gospel message of Christmas through the song of the Angels.

As the angels came to share the good news of Christ's coming, we are called to share the good news, like the shepherds, to those around us through our ordinary, everyday lives.

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:25-35

In this sermon, pastor Dave reflects on the core gospel message of advent: waiting.

In a culture of instant-gratification and living in the immanent frame, we are called to live as a people who wait in hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, through the shared life and ministry of the church.

Luke 1:57-80

In this sermon, pastor Sid leads us to reflect on Zechariah's Song in the gospel of Luke.

Jesus came to us in our darkness and showed us a path to peace. And so just as Zechariah's son, John the Baptist pointed to Christ as our savior, we also can point others to him.

In this special year-end podcast episode (also known as "Dave ruins Christmas"), some of our staff sit down to take a Christmas trivia quiz.

Many Christians have lots of assumptions about the Christmas narrative, and this episode reflects some of that reality.

If you would like, have pen and paper ready and participate in the quiz as you listen to Dave, Misha, Hilary, and Jonathan test their Christmas knowledge.

Luke 1:39-56

As we enter into our Advent season, pastor Dave begins our sermon series on the Songs of Luke's gospel.

The first song we reflect on is the song of Mary, where she professes her faith in a posture of waiting for God.

In this episode our discipleship coordinator Valerie Goutbeck-Frey sits down in a live interview with Dr. Rod Wilson.

Dr. Wilson is former president of Regent College and serves faithfully as a counsellor, writer, psychologist, teaching professor, among other responsibilities.

He sits down with Valerie to reflect and expand on his latest book, "Thank you, I'm sorry, tell me more."

He shares how these three phrases can impact our journeys as people living to be more Christ-like in our homes and communities.

0:00-17:00 Introductory reflections

17:01-26:32 "Thank you"

26:33-43:16 "I'm Sorry"

43:17-57:30 "Tell me more"

57:31-end Concluding remarks

Ruth 4:1- 22

In this episode, Pastor Sid concludes our series on the book of Ruth and how it ties in to the redemption story of Christ.

In the messiness of life, it is sometimes difficult to see hope, but that doesn't mean it's not there.

The gospel message from the story of the Ruth reminds us that "the best is yet to come." It is with this hope that we enter into the season of advent.

On November 12, Kayden Lunnin committed his life to Christ through the sacrament of baptism.

Pastors Dave and Jonathan sit down with Kayden to reflect on the experience and some of what Kayden shared through his baptismal testimony.

Kayden is a newcomer to the Christian faith and his testimony reflects the goodness of God and the transforming power of the gospel.

Ruth 3:1-18

In this sermon, pastor Jonathan invites us to reflect on the redeeming work of God through the honourable characters of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

God uses ordinary people, through all brokenness and shortcomings, for his will to redeem his people and creation.

Ruth 2

In chapter 2 of the book of Ruth, we get to witness to the kindness ("hesed") shown by Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, to Ruth and Naomi.

Through this narrative, Pastor Dave invites us to reflect on the ordinary acts of kindness that we show to one another, which God uses for his will and his Kingdom on earth.

In our recent sermon series, "Home Grown," we got to reflect and take an "audit" of our homes, which is a central place of discipleship.

And so in this episode, Dave, Misha, Valerie, and Sid sit down to reflect and share some take aways and challenges on the topics covered in this series: marriage, parenting, hospitality, money, and sabbath.

0:25-3:00 Introduction of conversation on sermon series

3:01-11:57 Main take aways from this sermon series

11:58-25:00 Challenges from the sermon series

25:01-end Concluding Remarks

Ruth 1

In this episode pastor Dave leads us in a new mini-series on the book of Ruth.

In this short Old Testament book, we get to witness to the goodness and guidance of God through the narrative of ordinary women and men.

Acts 20:25-31

Pastor Dave reflects on the calling of a minister and what it means to be a pastor as we celebrate the ordination of Jonathan Hwang as a minister of the Word.

Dave and Val sit down with counsellor Shawn Groen to talk about counselling, addiction, and how relationships are both the source of our pain and healing.

Shawn has a Masters of Divinity and is a registered Marriage and Family therapist at Sycamore Counselling Centre. He's also a brother to Dave.

0:00-4:02         Intro and maple syrup

4:03-15:54        Journey into counselling

15:55-26:10       Challenges of counselling

26:11-32:17       Lifegiving aspects of counselling

32:18-42:15       Most common issues dealt with

42:16-45:18       When should you go see a counsellor?

45:19-55:16       Counselling and Church

55:17-1:03:27   Giving advice and letting go of control

1:03:28-end      Concluding remarks

Luke 6:1-11

The Bible commands us to rest. So what does it mean to rest, to keep the sabbath?

Pastor Sid reminds us our identity in Christ, where we are given our worth and identity through the work of Christ.

"We can rest in His finished work."

In this episode, Pastor Dave and Jonathan sit down for phone call with Jordan Birch, a former member of Hope, about the topic of faith, finances, and stewardship.

This conversation follows up on the sermon by pastor Dave on Stewardship, which you can listen to here.

This episode is a rabbit-trail conversation about parenting from pastor Dave's sermon (If you missed it, listen to the sermon ⁠here⁠). How can we be more intentional about using technology as a tool instead of letting it negatively influence or pull us away from a healthy life?

Our youth pastor Misha, discipleship coordinator Valerie and pastor Dave sit down to discuss the topic of living well with technology as Christians.

Recommended reading:

0:00-12:43      Intro conversation about screens

12:44-16:16      Benefits of screens

16:17-34:29      Living well with phones

34:30-41:00    Living well with tv's

41:01-45:17    Sample rule of Life & wrap up conversation

1 Timothy 6:6-10; 17-19

As Christians, how are we called to steward our resources?

Are we able to discern when money moves from being a tool to an idol?

In this message, we'll see Paul's invitation to live with simplicity, gratitude, contentment, and generosity.

Luke 5:27-32

Jesus says that he came to call sinners to repentance, not for those who thought they were self-righteous. In other words, the "guest list" for his Kingdom banquet is full of sinners.

How do we reflect this love of God, inviting "sinners" to experience the power of restoration and healing?

God calls us to share his love through the ministry of hospitality, which is a call for us to acknowledge our own barriers and in turn invite those God places in our hearts.

Ephesians 6:1-4

Honor your parents in the Lord, instruct your children in the Lord. What does it mean to form a family around Jesus? What are the challenges that keep us from being Christ-like in our homes, when raising our children?

Pastor Dave brings us the good news of Jesus and our calling to form loving families in the midst of our brokenness.

In this episode, pastor Dave sits down with pastor Sid and Candy to talk about their 47 years of marriage, the challenges they faced together, and the steps they took towards healing and growth.

You can also find the sermon podcast for pastor Sid's message on marriage here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/hopecommunity/episodes/Message--Home-Grown-Deepening-Marriage-Vows-e29qil8

Ephesians 5:21-33

What sort of image of marriage does the Bible present for us? Reflecting on Ephesians, Pastor Sid reminds us the key theme of mutual submission, how we are called to reflect self-sacrificial love like Jesus did for his bride: the Church.

Matthew 22:34-39

Homes are places where we are shaped and formed the most. So the question to ask may be: "What kind of people are being formed in our homes?"

In this episode, Pastor Dave begins our new sermon series "Home Grown," where we get to reflect on the discipleship that happens in our homes.

Matthew 28:16-20

Commonly known as the "Great Commission" passage, pastor Dave concludes this sermon series, emphasizing the importance of discipleship.

The questions that should challenge usas we go are: "who are you being discipled by?" and "who are you discipling?"

Romans 12:1-2

What is the story of the world and how does it differ, or even contradict the biblical story?

This week, pastor Dave shares for us the crossroads of where we live and how it can pull us away from our faith journeys without us even knowing about it.

Genesis 1 & Revelation 21

The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created a good world. The Bible then continues to tell us the whole story of the world and how that same good, loving God calls us to be a part of his story of redemption.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

This week pastor Dave starts our new series on the Biblical Story.

The centre of our Christian faith is the gospel, the good news. Paul says that it is of first importance!

In this episode pastors Dave and Jonathan have a conversation about why this podcast ministry was started and what we can look forward to through this ministry.