This season on the Next Steps Podcast, we're entering into Advent together. We will explore what Advent is, why it matters, and how to celebrate it. We’ll also hear from worship leaders as they guide us through the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

In this first episode, we're asking the most basic question: What is Advent? Hosts Christian Eggers and Tiffany Malloy talk through the meaning and history of Advent, the themes behind the candles and wreath, and why this season of waiting matters for our spiritual growth. You'll also hear simple ways to celebrate Advent at home, along with a few helpful tools and resources to get started.

Resources

Books

• Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal: An Advent Christmas Devotional | Rich Villodas
• Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas | Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Annie Dillard, Thomas Merton, C. S. Lewis, Henri J. M. Nouwen
• Fullness of Time | Esau McCaulley, Emilio Alvarez, Tish Harrison Warren, Emily Hunter McGowin, Fleming Rutledge, Wesley Hill, Amy Peeler

Advent Reading Plans

• Practices of Advent | Blackhawk Church (PDF | YouVersion)
• Christmas Countdown: Reading Plan & Advent Ornaments | Blackhawk Kids

Other

• The Advent Project | Biola University
• Advent Conspiracy | Blackhawk Church

This season on the Next Steps Podcast, hosts Chris Kopp and Tiffany Malloy go deeper into Greater Things, our series on Colossians. Together, they’ll explore what true spiritual growth looks like and how God invites us into greater things through Christ.

In this bonus episode, Tiffany and Pastor Charles Yu take a closer look at the household codes in Colossians, a passage that’s often misunderstood without the right historical background. Charles unpacks how first-century households functioned and why Paul addressed them the way he did, and together they explore how this section fits into the message of Colossians and what it means for us today. If you’ve ever wrestled with this passage or wondered how to interpret it faithfully, this conversation is for you.

Resources:

• The Rise of Christianity: How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries | Rodney Stark
• Greater Things Resource Page
• The Hub | Blackhawk Church
• Podcast Transcript - ESPAÑOL | 中文

Have questions or topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at podcast@blackhawkchurch.org.

This season on the Next Steps Podcast, hosts Chris Kopp and Tiffany Malloy go deeper into Greater Things, our series on Colossians. Together, they’ll explore what true spiritual growth looks like and how God invites us into greater things through Christ.

In this final episode of this series, Tiffany and Chris share their own rules of life and talk about how intentional rhythms help us grow with God. They walk through the practices, habits, and heart-postures that shape their daily lives and offer practical encouragement for creating a rule of life of your own.

Resources

• Rule of Life Guide | Practicing the Way
• Rule of Life builder | Practicing the Way
• Rule of Life - Website | Book
• Greater Things Resource Page
• The Hub | Blackhawk Church

Wesley Band Questions:

1. How is it with your soul?
2. What are your struggles and successes?
3. How might the word and spirit be speaking in your life?
4. Do you have any sin that you want to confess?
5. Are there any secrets or hidden things you would like to share?

Have questions or topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at podcast@blackhawkchurch.org.