Connexus Church Audio Podcast

What happens when your calling leads you out of church ministry and into entrepreneurship? In this Made for Mondays bonus episode, Connexus Church Lead Pastor Jeff Brodie sits down with Justin and Sarah Piercy—former Connexus staff and now the creators behind Daddy Got Coffee. They share their powerful story of discerning God’s leading in leaving full-time ministry to launch a business rooted in faith, integrity, and kingdom purpose. From faith-filled risk-taking to finding God’s presence in everyday work (even roasting coffee beans!), this honest conversation is for anyone wondering how faith and vocation truly intersect.  If you’re trying to figure out what’s next in your career—or wondering if God cares about your work—this episode will inspire and encourage you. 

“What do you do?” It’s a question we often ask to try to figure out someone’s identity. But should work and identity be connected? Whether you're chasing success or dreading failure, it’s easy to let your work define your worth. But that kind of pressure will break you. In part two of Made for Monday, we’ll unpack how the Gospel frees you from proving yourself—and gives you a title no promotion ever could.

You weren’t made for a meaningless Monday. In part one of the series, we’re rewinding to the first job description in history. Why was work created, what changed, and how can it be meaningful for you again? You’ll leave with a whole new reason to show up on Monday.

In this powerful message from Carey Nieuwhof, we dive deep into The Risk of Real—the challenge of showing up authentically in community where people are the problem and people are God’s solution. Drawing on Scripture and lived experience, Carey explores why we often struggle with honesty, vulnerability, and real relationships, and how Jesus transforms brokenness into belonging. Carey references a music clip by Johnny Cash Hurt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI 

Have you ever trusted the wrong people and ended up hurt? You’re not alone. Join us as Luke Crawford unpacks what happens when community goes sideways—and why it’s still worth the risk. Sharing his own story and insights from Galatians 6, Luke speaks directly to people who feel burned by past relationships, betrayed by friends, or crushed under silent shame. What if the very place you were wounded—community—is the place you could actually be healed? If you’ve kept people at a distance but quietly crave connection, healing, and purpose. Don’t let shame, pain, or comparison keep you stuck. There’s another way forward—and it starts with being real.

It's easier to scroll than to share, and safer to stay quiet than to open up. In a culture that values independence, many of us end up feeling alone. This three-week series invites you to step beyond the surface and into authentic community the kind that challenges and supports you. Real connection takes courage, but it's where God meets us, and it's always worth the risk.

What if your biggest struggles could become your greatest strengths? In week 3 of the series ‘The Problem Of Life’, pastor and author  Mark Clark shares a fresh perspective on how God can take the painful, messy parts of our lives — and use them for good. If you’ve ever felt like life’s setbacks have sidelined you, or wondered how your story could matter, this message is for you. Mark unpacks why life’s interruptions might actually be the moments that shape you most — and how hope, strength, and purpose are closer than you think. You are not alone. Your struggles don’t have to define you — they can prepare you for something greater.

What if the reason life feels so overwhelming is because we’re trying to carry a weight we were never meant to bear? In this message, author and pastor Mark Clark explores why we struggle when we try to control everything — and how real freedom begins when we realize we’re not meant to be God. Mark invites you to rethink control, success, failure, and what it really means to flourish in life. Even if you’re skeptical about faith or unsure about God, this message will make you stop and think: what if surrendering actually leads to a fuller, freer life? Whether you’re exploring Christianity for the first time or just curious about deeper meaning, this could be the start of a bigger conversation. Get ready for an honest look at why we flounder — and how you can finally start to flourish.

Why do we feel like there’s something missing — even when life seems full? In this first message of The Problem of Life series, pastor and author Mark Clark digs deep into what it really means to be human — and why life without God leaves us restless, anxious, and unsatisfied. Mark shares honest stories, big questions, and surprising insights about the ache inside all of us for something more — something eternal. Even if you’re skeptical about Christianity, you’ll find yourself challenged to rethink what it means to truly flourish — and why our search for meaning is incomplete without God. Come explore the ache, the hope, and the deeper story you are part of.

Easter isn’t just a celebration of something that happened in the past; it’s a reminder of a present‬ and powerful reality: Jesus didn’t just rise—he reigns. In Matthew 28, we see how the resurrection‬ shocked even Jesus’ closest followers and sparked a movement that changed the world.‬ Whether you’re curious, cautious, or committed, there’s something here for you to explore.‬

Ready to flip the way most of us think about failure, pain, and hopelessness. At first glance, Jesus’ death looked like the end of the story — brutal, unjust, and tragic. But what if it wasn’t just a tragedy… what if it was actually a turning point? Think about the moments when life feels most broken — maybe something deeper is happening. What if the events surrounding Good Friday were about trust, hope, and a different kind of King who didn’t come to take power, but to give His life for the sake of others. If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or just wondering if there’s something more, this message is for you. Maybe today could be a step toward a different kind of hope — the kind that doesn’t depend on life going perfectly, but on someone who gave everything for you.

What a day to celebrate the public declaration of people’s faith in Jesus and how he continues to write new stories of transformation in many lives! Baptism is also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ and how, when we enter into a relationship with him, he changes us from the inside out.

In this bonus episode, Jeff Brodie sits down with Dr. Gary Chapman, the bestselling author of The Five Love Languages, to explore how to handle conflict and criticism the Jesus way. As part of our “Triggered” series at Connexus Church, Dr. Chapman shares profound insights into the intersection of love languages, conflict resolution, and meaningful apology. Jeff & Dr Chapman talk about: Why criticism can hurt so deeply How your primary love language impacts how you give and receive criticism Practical ways to communicate hard truths in relationships—especially in marriage The five apology languages and how they transform broken moments into growth opportunities When to seek outside help for recurring relational conflict. Whether you’re navigating tension in your marriage, friendships, or leadership, this conversation is filled with timeless, practical wisdom grounded in grace and love. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs encouragement today. You are never alone.

“I’ll forgive, but I won’t forget.” Sound familiar? We act like forgiveness is some favour we give to‬ someone who deserves it, but Jesus tells a different story. What if holding onto bitterness is‬ actually hurting you more than them? What if forgiveness is less about what they did and more‬ about setting yourself free? Jesus doesn’t just command forgiveness—he shows us how to do it‬ in a way that brings freedom instead of resentment.‬

Someone’s talking about you. Maybe it’s unfair. Perhaps it’s even true. Either way, the criticism stings. So, what now? Defend yourself? Clap back? Let it ruin your week? Jesus was constantly criticized, but he never let it control him. How do you handle people who are against you? Let’s talk about how Jesus would handle criticism.

You know you should say something. The issue is growing, and silence isn’t fixing it. But the last time you confronted someone, it went south—fast! So what do you do? Stay quiet? Blow up? Avoid them forever? Jesus gives us some clear direction on hard conversations. If you’re tired of conflict ruining relationships, this message is for you.

You know that moment—the one where things start getting heated. Your heart rate goes up, your mind races, and you’re ready to explode or shut down. Some people fight to win, while others avoid conflict like the plague. But what if neither of those approaches works? Jesus shows us that conflict isn’t something to fear—it’s something to handle wisely. And when done right, it can make relationships stronger, not weaker.