New Work Fellowship Podcast

Hold On—Hope Is Still Working

In this episode, Josh Hensley, Steve Buttram, Michael Shearon, and Kevin Lee engage in a powerful and deeply personal discussion. The team starts with a lighthearted trip down memory lane, sharing the childhood movies that scarred them for life (we’re looking at you, Little Monsters and Poltergeist). But the tone quickly shifts as they unpack Kevin’s sermon from Romans 8, reflecting on how God works through suffering and how the Spirit intercedes in our weakness.

The group shares real stories of painful seasons, the long waits in the “desert,” and the quiet comfort of knowing God is near even when there are no words left to pray. A quote from Tim Keller sparks conversation about how even our groans are heard by God, and Kevin offers a reminder that while God may not cause everything, He can work in everything. They close with exciting updates on New Work’s mission efforts, a look ahead to Friend Day and Lakeside Baptism on August 24, and a joyful sendoff as Kevin heads into sabbatical.

 

ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US

WHEN IN ROME - The Promise for When Life Is Hard (7/13/25)

When in Rome - "The Promise for When Life Is Hard" - Romans 8:26-30

What can we say? Life is hard. We all face struggles. Paul talked about suffering (ours and in the world) just prior to these verses. He speaks of "groaning" - and yes, life does have a groaning quality. In fact, the longer we live, the more acquainted with grief and groaning we become. But, there is a glorious day coming! And in the meantime, God is at work even in the suffering, hardship, and groaning. There is good that comes from the bad. So what are we to do in the hardship? Get to know the Holy Spirit; practice prayer; trust the goodness of the heavenly Father; invest yourself in the relationships of brothers and sisters; look forward, not backward.

No Condemnation, No Problem?

This week, Josh Hensley is joined by Paxton Redd, Tate Wells, and summer youth intern Chase Duncan as they unpack the rich truths of Romans 8:1–11. Together, they explore what it means to live in the Spirit—freed from condemnation, empowered by Christ’s righteousness, and transformed from the inside out. The group reflects on how easy it is to feel unworthy of grace, yet how powerfully freeing it is to grasp that Jesus did all the work.

 

Along the way, Paxton leads a fun Bible limerick game, Chase previews his Wednesday night student message on “magnifying the cost” of temptation, and they all look ahead to this Sunday’s sermon on Romans 8:28, where Kevin will preach “The Promise for When Life is Hard.” With Kevin’s sabbatical approaching, the team encourages prayer for rest and renewal. They also highlight the impact of Wednesday nights at New Work—for all ages, with spiritual growth, community, and even a “triple chicken sandwich” or two.

 

👉 ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US

WHEN IN ROME - Life in the Spirit (7/6/25)

When in Rome - "Life in the Spirit" - Romans 8:1-11

There is no condemnation. What an amazing statement! And it is that Spirit indwelling of the believer that gives us not only freedom from sin and death, but also direction for living. The more we allow the Spirit of God to direct our thinking, the more life and peace we will experience. This promise is ultimately revealed when the Spirit of God raises us from death. Jesus was the first of the resurrection, but He will not be the last!

Where Faith and Ice Cream Collide (with Eva Self)

Hosted by Michael Shearon, Justin Eshenbaugh, Josh Hensley, and special guest Eva Self, this week’s episode blends summer fun with deep spiritual insight. They kick things off with a hilarious and surprisingly educational game called Scoop or Spoof, challenging everyone to guess which outrageous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors are real. (Spoiler alert: “Holy Chipotle Fudge” didn’t make the cut.)

 

But the heart of the episode is a powerful conversation on helplessness and grace. Justin reflects on his recent sermon from Romans and the reality that we are truly helpless without Christ. Eva shares part of her testimony, her journey through paralysis, and the profound ways God has continued to fill her life with purpose. The team unpacks how feelings of helplessness can become divine moments of surrender and strength—and how even parents can’t save their kids from the testimony God is writing in their lives.

 

ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US

WHEN IN ROME - The Struggle is Real (6/29/25)

When in Rome - "The Struggle is Real" - Romans 7:14-25

Many of us feel trapped by sin, as if something within us is pulling us in the wrong direction. This internal struggle between our desires and what we truly need can be overwhelming—even the apostle Paul expressed deep frustration with it. Yet, we are not without hope. Just like a hero coming to the rescue, Jesus is the answer to our struggle and the one who sets us free.

The Friend You Didn’t Earn

In this dynamic and heartfelt episode of Beyond Sunday, Josh welcomes Communications Pastor Justin Eshenbaugh, Middle School Pastor Evan Ryan, and elder—and real-life American Ninja Warrior—Marc Namie. With humor and honesty, the team reflects on Kevin’s sermon from Romans 5, “A Friend Unlike Any Other,” exploring how God’s grace surrounds us: beyond us, before us, and behind us. Their game, New Work Ninja: Would You Rather Edition, creatively puts endurance, leadership, and spiritual grit to the test—bringing laughter and insight into the challenges of ministry life.

 

Marc shares powerful moments from his journey, from American Ninja Warrior to raising four athletic kids, and gives testimony to how grace shaped him through pride, disappointment, and God’s redirection. The episode wraps with each host offering vulnerable, personal stories of encountering grace in real life—cheating in homeschool, repeated water spills, traffic stops, and parenting mishaps—all pointing back to the truth that grace is not earned, but freely given through Jesus. Whether you feel too far gone or simply need a reminder, this conversation is a warm, encouraging call to receive grace and live it out daily.

 

👉 ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US

WHEN IN ROME - A Friend Unlike Any Other (6/22/25)

When in Rome - "A Friend Unlike Any Other" - Romans 5:1-11

The good news is found in Jesus, who replaces sin’s shame with God’s glory and empowers us through the Holy Spirit to grow amid struggles. At just the right time, He gave the perfect gift—rescuing us from God’s wrath. Jesus, the friend of sinners, has made us friends of God.

Drop Your Megaphone and the Rocks

This week on Beyond Sunday, Josh Hensley is joined by Steve Buttram, Cliff Hines, and special guest Chase Duncan—our newest intern at New Work. The team kicks things off with a challenging (and occasionally uncomfortable) round of “Over It or Into It,” exploring everyday habits that can become idols—like binge-watching TV on Sabbath, obsessing over gear, or reading Christian books more than the Bible. Their honest, often funny, and sometimes convicting responses set the stage for a deeper dive into Sunday’s sermon on Romans 1.

 

The heart of the conversation centers on the tension between truth and love. They unpack Michael Shearon’s message about how God’s anger is righteous, how idolatry breeds immorality, and how God will eventually give us over to what we worship. Steve vulnerably shares about loving his son while not affirming his lifestyle—a moving example of agape love without compromise. The episode ends with a powerful reminder: everyone is welcome at New Work, but the Gospel always calls us to transformation. It’s a full episode—humble, bold, and full of grace.

 

👉 ASK A QUESTION - TELL A STORY - CONNECT WITH US

WHEN IN ROME - It Really Is Good News (6/15/25)

When in Rome - "It Really Is Good News" - Romans 1:18-23

God is relentless in His love and purpose for our lives. His wrath is not against people but against sin and death. Those who lead others into sin face His judgment, yet even His wrath is expressed as "God abandoned them"—not out of spite, but as a heartbreaking act of letting go when someone chooses to reject Him. Like a loving parent, God does not force Himself on anyone. He has revealed His truth through creation, Scripture, and ultimately through Jesus. If we reject Him, He lets us go—but the good news is, there is a Savior, and a Father who loves us with a fierce, unwavering love.