New Work Fellowship Podcast

Mouthful of Spiders, Heart Full of Hope

In this episode, Josh Hensley, Evan Ryan, Michael Shearon, and Paxton Redd wrap up the series on sin and suffering with a lively round of “Would You Rather: Mildly Suffering Edition,” sharing cringey scenarios like popcorn kernels, spider mouths, and misnaming church members (on accident, of course). The game sets the stage for a vulnerable, honest conversation about how suffering challenges our faith but also gives us opportunity to reflect Christ, grow in hope, and testify to God’s goodness—especially when we feel most broken.

Michael recaps his message on John 9, unpacking three biblical reasons we may suffer: because of sin (ours or others’), to reveal God's glory through our story, and to help us truly see what matters. The team tackles hard questions like “Is there really a heaven?” and encourages listeners not to isolate in pain, but to trust in God’s purpose even when the ‘why’ isn’t clear. They close with a passionate look ahead to the new sermon series in Romans, inviting everyone to read, reflect, and walk through the book together this summer.

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

BEFORE YOU GO - It Shouldn't Be This Way (6/1/25)

Before You Go - "It Shouldn't Be This Way" - John 9:1-11

Evil and suffering are undeniable realities—but so is goodness. While we all witness pain in our lives, we also encounter moments of beauty, joy, and awe. Instead of asking, 'Is God good?', perhaps the deeper question is, 'How could anyone doubt that a good God exists, even in a world with suffering—and even with the reality of hell?'

WD-40 Won’t Fix This One

This week, Evan returns to the mic alongside Michael, Josh, and Steve for a packed episode filled with laughter, late nights, and life-changing truth. The crew opens with stories from a marathon weekend of graduation ceremonies and Project Grad—highlighting community impact, ministry hustle, and Evan and Hannah pulling an unexpected all-nighter. Michael hilariously explains why he opted for marriage over ministry on Friday night, and Josh celebrates Tate Wells stepping into his new role as Worship Associate. The team then plays “Real Fix or Fake Hack,” an over-the-top DIY guessing game that compares quirky household fixes to our often-misguided attempts to fix sin ourselves.

Transitioning into Sunday’s sermon discussion, Michael and Josh unpack Kevin’s message on the reality of brokenness. Michael reminds us that sin isn’t just “out there” but rooted deep in each of us. Steve presses into how culture often celebrates what God calls sin, not because it’s right—but because we’re afraid to confront what’s wrong inside. The team explores the dangerous progression of sin: from tolerance to celebration to spiritual numbness. But they also point to the unrelenting grace of Christ. Josh and Evan reflect on the prodigal son, noting that God runs to meet us when we turn back—no shame, just open arms. The episode wraps with Michael offering a preview of this coming Sunday’s message, where he’ll tackle the age-old question: If God is good, why is there so much suffering?

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

BEFORE YOU GO - Who Says? Does Sin Really Matter? (5/25/25)

Before You Go - "Who Says? Does Sin Really Matter?" - Genesis 3-11; Romans 3, 7; Hebrews 9:22, 10:10

Sin ruptures relationship with God Almighty, our Creator - the One who gave us breath. Sin ruptures the relationships between people whom God created and gave breath. And sin ruptures society, virtually taking on a mind of its own, as society and institutions serve the purposes of sin.  In the end, God is not the only one who is left lamenting the condition of the after effects of unchecked sin. Sin is ultimately a turning away from God, from His character, and from His truth.  All of us carry the taint of sin, have sinned, and are accountable for sin. Sin is not old fashioned; it is not out of date; sin ultimately does the work of death. Without sin, there would be no death.  Sin is real; so real in fact, that it was sin that required that Jesus, God in the flesh, had to die a real death...for the purpose of setting us free. When we choose to sin, we are personally condemning and condoning Jesus' death on the cross.

Atoms, Elbows, and Atonement.

This week, Josh, Cliff, Michael, and Justin gather around the table for an episode that mixes curiosity, theology, and a bit of controversy. The conversation is sparked by Michael’s message on how Christ holds all things together—down to the atoms—and the surprising scientific depth he brought to the pulpit. The team reflects on Colossians 1 and how this passage doesn’t just describe Jesus as Creator, but as the Sustainer—the glue, the gravity, the force keeping all creation intact.

To explore the tension between belief and understanding, they engage in a game called Real Science or Totally Fake?—not just for laughs, but to surface a bigger point: what we believe about the nature of reality is ultimately answered in Christ. From discussions about molecules and laminin to the cosmic scope of Jesus’ role, the hosts explore the bridge between science and faith, showing how both point to the same sustaining Savior.

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

BEFORE YOU GO - Who Is Jesus? (5/18/25)

Before You Go - "Who Is Jesus?" - Colossians 1:15-20

Paul admonishes his readers to "stay true to the Lord." And when we are true, the result is we don't have to worry about anything because we pray about everything and because of that, we can always be full of joy. Jesus makes all the difference in how we live. So what does the Bible tell us about who Jesus is? He is God in the flesh. He is the embodiment of every promise of God. He is the Word of God. He is the way to Life. He is the conquerer of sin. As Jesus himself declared, "He is the way, the truth, and the life."

Origin, Identity, Destiny… and a Triple Chicken Sandwich

In this heartfelt episode of the Beyond Sunday podcast, Michael and Josh are joined by Adam and Kathy Glover, seasoned Christian counselors and beloved members of New Work Fellowship. The episode opens with humor around Josh’s milestone birthday and then gently shifts into deep and sacred ground—discussing identity, healing, and walking in freedom from shame. The Glovers reflect on their counseling philosophy, personal stories of redemption, and how understanding our God-given origin, identity, and destiny shapes spiritual and emotional health.

The team also plays a fun “Marriage Mythbusters” game, debunking popular clichés with biblical truth and humor. Later, the conversation turns candid as Kathy shares her experience with abortion and the healing journey that followed, offering raw encouragement to anyone wrestling with past mistakes. This episode is powerful, real, and saturated in grace—and it reminds us all that we are redeemed, restored, and not alone.

 

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

 

*Disclaimer- This episode deals with sensitive topics of pregnancy and abortion. Listener discretion advised.

BEFORE YOU GO - Who Am I? (5/11/25)

Before You Go - "Who Am I?" - Genesis 1:26-28, 2:7; Psalm 8:4-6; Colossians 2:6-7

Just like Adam and Even in the Garden, so too the work of. God's creation of humanity continues to this very day. Just as He first breathed the first breath of life into Adam, so too, God the creator, continues to breathe in each of us His breath of life. Apart from His breath, there is no life. This is why it is so important that we confess in faith and receive the Holy Spirit - who is called the breath of God. And when we receive Him, we have Him forever! We are created in the image of God and are to reflect the glory of God. We are to point others to God. Therefore, our identity is not tied up in a feeling, anxiety, temptation, or a sin that compels us - our identity is in God who orchestrates the tiniest detail of our lives. You are NOT an accident; you were created in the image of God himself, and you exist for HIS purpose. Because of who He is and what He has done, you are destined for eternity when you trust Him and His word and put your life in His hands.

The One with the Worship Dad and the Love Songs

In this week’s Beyond Sunday, Josh is joined by Paxton, Michael, and the legendary Paul Goodman—one of New Work’s original worship culture builders and long-time elder. The team dives into an unforgettable round of "Bible or Breakup Ballad?"—a lyric guessing game that blurs the line between Song of Solomon and Shawn Mendes, complete with coffee wagers and surprise reveals. Their hilarious and heartfelt reflections remind us just how moving, misunderstood, and musically rich the Bible can be.

Then, the focus shifts to Paxton’s message from the “Before You Go” series, walking through the "Four C’s" that build our confidence in Scripture’s truth: Continuity, Content, Consistency, and Correctness. The conversation gets real about wrestling with doubt, bad theology we may have inherited, and the Bible’s prophetic power. With insightful stats on prophecy fulfillment, personal stories of rediscovery, and Paul’s encouragement about revival among the youth, this episode is both intellectually stirring and spiritually uplifting.

 

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

BEFORE YOU GO - Is the Bible True? (5/4/25)

Before You Go - "Is the Bible True?" - 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Ephesians 5:26 declares that what makes the church beautiful is the thorough washing of the Bride (of Christ) by the Word of God. Proverbs 4:23, tells us to guard our heart—because it is prone to evil.So the way you do that is by a thorough washing of the mind in the scriptures.

Fidelity to the Word of God is not foolish and mindless following—it is the humble awareness that truth is bigger than my mind, my feelings, and my investigation. Be loyal to the Word for it is the pathway to personal transformation: Romans 12:2.