The Link

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

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

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 Kids - https://biturl.top/zyIfq2
The Ology by Marty Machowski - https://biturl.top/maY3ay
Leading Little Ones to God by Marion Schoolland - https://biturl.top/umqiY3

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 about suicide and how understanding brain science and brain health can help us in the fight against it.

Resources:
The Suicide Solution by Dr. Daniel Emina - https://biturl.top/zAVVBr

Resources:
Woodside Student Ministries - https://tinyurl.com/wsallcampus
"The Teens Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices" by Jonathan McKee - https://tinyurl.com/y2qz7973
"From Social Media to Social Ministry" by Nona Jones - https://tinyurl.com/y4stb6tt
"Who are You Following" by Sadie Robertson Huff - https://tinyurl.com/4yppneza

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. 

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:
Jesus, Women, and the Church - https://youtu.be/Iq3rJZ0Gt3E
Better Together by Danielle Strickland - https://tinyurl.com/nu6r79km
HBR's 10 Best Reads on Women in Leadership - https://tinyurl.com/pp6ab9h5
Mixed Ministry by Sue Edwards & Kelley Matthews - https://tinyurl.com/2p8efmmm

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/bddsv9kj

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 Valleys and Mountains of Adoption by MaKenzie Johns - https://biturl.top/QVniYr

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 Podcast - https://tinyurl.com/2p9bv4br
"Preparing to Blend" by Ron Deal - https://tinyurl.com/yp2nsbkm
"The Smart Step-Family: by Ron Deal - https://tinyurl.com/48ctac9v
"3 Things I Wish I Knew About Blended Families" - https://biturl.top/nU7fey

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 with your kids! Tune in. You won't want to miss it!

Resources:
Woodside Student Ministries - https://tinyurl.com/wsallcampus
"The Teens Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices" by Jonathan McKee - https://tinyurl.com/y2qz7973
"From Social Media to Social Ministry" by Nona Jones - https://tinyurl.com/y4stb6tt
"Who are You Following" by Sadie Robertson Huff - https://tinyurl.com/4yppneza

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 Brooks: https://woodsidebible.org/whats-behind-the-deconstruction-movement/

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?" 

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 play, and how we as a church body can continue to reach the next generation of Hispanic and Latino Americans with the Gospel! Trust us when we say this is an episode you won't want to miss!
 
 Our team has also put together an excellent resource guide for you and your family. We've included a worship playlist in Spanish to listen to as well as a list of the best Latin American food in Metro-Detroit [and yes, we consulted the experts on this one]. We hope you'll enjoy and immerse yourself in this incredible culture! You can check it out here - https://tinyurl.com/uzdsjkkf 

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 - https://tinyurl.com/vb8ea2v9
Grace Based Discipline - https://tinyurl.com/vupk5347

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 - global 100 | Woodside Bible Church

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 still isn't room for meaningful conversations. We hope you enjoy tonight's episode!

Be sure to check out our newest blog "6 Ways to Maximize Summer with Your Kids" for other tips and tricks [https://tinyurl.com/5f6yzm22] and for all things Woodside Kids, head over to woodsidebible.org/kids. 

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 knew in their 20s, it is full of wisdom for all generations.

Resources:
5 Christian Books to Read if You Are Single or Dating - https://tinyurl.com/y9mxcw4e
What I Wish I Knew in my 20s - https://youtu.be/FKw7FNk3f9A

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 the areas of pain and hurt in our culture. Join us tonight for this very important discussion.

Resources:
The Asian American Christian Collaboration - https://tinyurl.com/56shav9r
Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People by Helen Zia - https://tinyurl.com/33why992
Prophetic Lament A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-chan Rah - https://tinyurl.com/udrxnzk7
The Gospel in Color Set: A Theology of Racial Reconciliation - https://tinyurl.com/5d9u7ab4

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 feed--it's one you won't want to miss!

Resources:
Easter Family Devotional - https://woodsidebible.org/easterfamilydevo
More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell - https://tinyurl.com/y8cx8k44

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 Brooks will be Pastor Dave Carlson, Brandon Cleaver, and Dan Trepod. You won't want to miss this conversation!

Resources:
Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin - https://tinyurl.com/4w5csu7x
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer - https://tinyurl.com/nptvax6w
Dealing with Doubt by Gary Habermas - https://tinyurl.com/fyh6serv
Why People Stop Believing by Paul Chamberlain - https://tinyurl.com/t9sxapnp

For Parents to read with their Kids:
The Jesus Story Book Bible - https://tinyurl.com/55sae97b