New Work Fellowship Podcast

Phones Down, Faith Up: Fighting Loneliness Together

Josh Hensley, Paxton Redd, Michael Shearon, and Cliff Hines unpack the joy and ripple effects of Friend Day—from calmer service flows to a packed-and-powerful Lakeside Baptism night. The team laughs through “iconic friend duos,” then pivots to the deeper truth behind the fun: Jesus is the Friend who chooses, changes, and cares—and He’s inviting us into more than religion; He’s inviting us into relationship.

They also name the ache many feel right now: loneliness. The crew challenges families to nudge kids (and ourselves) toward real-life community—phones down, presence up—and offers practical ways to walk as friends of Jesus, not just fans. Finally, they preview the When in Rome finale (Romans 16—“leadership is partnership”) and the tag-team, three-week membership series Invited & Wanted (Know • Grow • Go).

 

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FRIEND DAY 2025 - One of the Best Things in Life Is Friendship (8/24/25)

Friend Day 2025 - "One of the Best Things in Life Is Friendship" - John 15:12-17

All throughout Scripture we see the beauty of friendship—David and Jonathan shared a loyal bond that stood firm through trials, Mary and Elizabeth encouraged one another in their faith, and Jesus Himself walked closely with His disciples as friends. These examples point us to the greatest invitation of all: to be a friend of Jesus, to know Him personally, and to walk in relationship with God. And once you are a friend of Jesus, you are no longer just a friend—you are part of God’s family. In two weeks, we’ll begin a new membership series called Invited and Wanted, because that’s exactly what you are in Christ—welcomed, loved, and assured that YOU belong.

Why Community is Better Than Vienna Sausages

This week on Beyond Sunday, hosts Evan Ryan, Paxton Redd, Michael Shearon, and Josh Hensley bring a mix of laughter and depth as they unpack Romans 15 and the importance of Christian community. The conversation kicks off lightheartedly with a fun game on unusual names for groups of animals—everything from a “flamboyance of flamingos” to a “parliament of owls”—before turning toward the deeper truth of what it means to be the body of Christ.

The hosts reflect on Steve Buttram’s sermon, highlighting the three C’s of Christian community: Covenantal, Communal, and Continuous. They share personal stories of finding fellowship, the dangers of isolation, and the transforming power of unity, forgiveness, and commitment in the church body. Looking ahead, they preview a huge weekend at New Work Fellowship with Friend Day—expected to surpass Easter attendance—and Lakeside Baptism at Linton Beach, where 18 baptisms are already scheduled. This episode will encourage listeners to lean into community and be part of the exciting things God is doing.

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WHEN IN ROME - Living in Harmony (8/17/25)

When in Rome - "Living in Harmony" - Romans 15:1-7

Faith is lived out in community. Building upon the principle unpacked in Romans 14 regarding agreeable disagreement, Paul takes it a step further. We are to focus on how we might build up others. And as always, Paul points us to the example of Christ - who did not serve himself or please himself. The path to complete harmony is paved with patience and mutual commitment with a clear focus on God and His greater purpose. It's not about me!

The Non-Essential Showdown

This week on the Beyond Sunday podcast, Josh Hensley welcomes the “dream team” — Alicia Lancaster, Justin Eshenbaugh, and Michael Shearon — for a fun and thought-provoking mix of laughs, food debates, and serious faith discussion. They kick things off with the game Essential Truth or Personal Preference, weighing in on everything from pineapple on pizza and ketchup on steak to flip-flops in the pulpit.

The conversation then shifts to Justin’s sermon from Romans 14, unpacking how to navigate disagreements in the church. The team discusses knowing the difference between core biblical truths and personal convictions, yielding sacrificially to protect unity, and correcting humbly with love and relationship. Real-life examples from ministry and family life make the principles practical. They also preview upcoming events, including Steve Buttram’s message on community, Friend Day with lakeside baptisms, and the women’s Going Beyond simulcast with Priscilla Shirer.

THE ESSENTIAL LIST

 

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WHEN IN ROME - When We Disagree, Agree in This (8/10/25)

When in Rome - "When We Disagree, Agree in This" - Romans 14

We are told in verse 1 of Romans 14 to accept the weak; make allowances for the weak. That means my personal convictions and opinions are not scriptural authority - keep it between yourself and God. Give room for differences, and most importantly, don't tear apart the work of God.  How often have we all seen churches ruptured by differences of opinion? We should not tell others what they "ought" to be doing based on our personal convictions. Likewise, we should not ignore God's prompting when we are doing something in violation of our personal convictions. Can you follow your convictions when the crowd is going the opposite direction?

Don't Copy-Paste the World

This week on Beyond Sunday, Josh is joined by Paxton, Chaney, and Michael for a fun and thought-provoking episode. Things kick off with “Romans Remix”—a creative (and hilarious) game rephrasing Romans 1–12 into modern slang. But beneath the laughs, the team wrestles with the deeper message of Romans 12 and what it truly means to live a life fully surrendered to Jesus.

They share personal stories of surrender, discuss how transformation happens beyond surface-level change, and challenge listeners to evaluate who's really "on the throne" of their hearts. It’s a powerful reminder: if it’s all about Jesus, then everything in us should reflect that.

 

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WHEN IN ROME - The Purpose of It All: Transformation (8/3/25)

When in Rome - "The Purpose of It All: Transformation" - Romans 12:1-2

This is the crux of it all. The first word in this chapter is, "Therefore," which is a way of saying...Everything I've said up to here is all for this purpose! Paul pleads with the readers to give our bodies as a sacrifice - a living sacrifice. Is it too much to give to God our bodies? That is often the thing we want to hold back. Listen to the slogans of our age, "My body, my choice," "You do you, I'll do me." And when we give him our bodies, Paul pleads that it be a holy sacrifice. And it is a sacrifice that is to be put to work. Your body AND the gift of the Spirit who is in you and gifts you. And while you are giving your body to the Lord, also be sure to take care of His body, the church. You are a part of it, and everything that happens in you, to you, because of you has an impact in His body.

We’re All Bad… and That’s Good News

This week’s Beyond Sunday podcast brings together father/daughter duo, Steve and Hannah Buttram, with Michael Shearon, and Paxton Redd for a lively, heartfelt conversation. The crew kicks off with a hilarious discussion on unexpected food combinations (peanut butter and pickles, anyone?) before diving into Sunday’s sermon from Romans 10. The passage reveals Paul’s deep longing for Israel’s salvation and challenges us to examine the difference between legalism and genuine relationship with Christ.

 

The team explores the burden of responsibility we share as believers to spread the gospel — not just pastors, but every follower of Jesus. They unpack the Great Commission, the dangers of legalism and cheap grace, and practical ways to share Christ in everyday life. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories from mission trips, insights into transformation through surrender, and a preview of what’s ahead in Romans 12.

 

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WHEN IN ROME - The Longing of My Heart (7/27/25)

When in Rome - "The Longing of My Heart" - Romans 10:1-17

What do you long for? What moves you? Where have you planted your affection? Paul opens his heart in Romans 10. Don't miss the power of his words, "The longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved." Paul didn't just have his three. Paul had his nation! These were his people. Is that the heart we have? Who are your three? Are you praying daily? Are you inviting? These needs to be at the heart of every believer and every church. This has to be our heart as a church, for our city, for our family, for the flock God has entrusted to us.