Dwell On These Things
This podcast is based on Philippians 4:8, encouraging listeners to focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute. It highlights positive stories and good things happening in Dwell Community Church and beyond. Dwell Community Church is a home church planting movement based in Columbus, Ohio. The podcast aims to provide a break from chaos by dwelling on uplifting content.
Episodes
Marian Guzzo and Mary Beth Gladwell: What Sustains a Lifelong Friendship
Abbey Merker interviews Marian Guzzo and Mary Beth Gladwell, friends since age 14 who met at an all-girls Catholic high school and became believers together in the 1970s. They discuss maintaining their friendship over six decades despite living in different cities, raising families separately, and serving in different home churches—meeting weekly for coffee, walks, and prayer, even when their mini
Uprooting your Family for Christ
Abbey Merker interviews Katie and Kim, who left Columbus four and a half years ago to help plant a church in a new city. They share their decision-making process—navigating prayer, counsel, fears, and flip-flopping convictions—and discuss the surprising realities of homesickness, team dynamics, and ministry changes they didn't expect. Both reflect on how being stretched in uncomfortable circumstan
New Akili Principal Morgan Zahler: Educating the Whole Child
Abbey Merker interviews Morgan Zahler, new principal at Akili High School, about her journey from intervention specialist to school leadership and her vision for educating students in Columbus. Zahler explains how academic struggles often stem from learning disabilities, environmental barriers, or learned helplessness—and how these struggles directly impact students' spiritual development and sens
Steve Bauer on Building God's Kingdom: Three Decades of Service
Dave Glover interviews Steve Bauer, who has overseen operations at Dwell Community Church for over three decades, about his transition from business to ministry and the surprising lessons learned along the way. Bauer reflects on major building projects from the Cleveland Avenue campus to Fourth Street and Oakland Park, sharing stories of God's providential timing and closed doors that led to bette
Niccole Williamson: Money, Debt, and Biblical Stewardship
Abby Merker interviews Nicole Williamson about navigating finances as a Christian, drawing from Nicole's journey of paying off over $100,000 in debt on a modest income. Nicole shares ten principles for simple living—from examining your heart's orientation toward money to practical strategies like meal planning and no-spend days—emphasizing that biblical stewardship is about more than extreme fruga
Mike Sullivan: Ministry, Multiplication, and Moving Forward
John Ross interviews Mike Sullivan, a long-standing member and sphere leader up for eldership at Dwell Community Church, tracing his journey from a 1982 house party to nearly 30 years of adult ministry leadership. Sullivan shares stories from leading home churches through revival seasons, pioneering urban ministry with low-income youth, and navigating the challenge of helping adult groups recaptur
Brian Adams: Staying Grounded When Life Gets Busy
Pat Reeder interviews Brian Adams about his 2016 workshop on staying spiritually grounded when life gets busy, exploring how to prioritize time with God and loving others amid competing demands. Adams reflects on how his approach has evolved over a decade—especially as a parent of three young kids—while maintaining core biblical principles like the greatest commandments and trusting God through li
Authenticity, Career, and Christ: What Christian Women Actually Want
Are women really losing interest in Christianity, or is something else going on? In this honest conversation, Keira Williamson, Kalyssa Deken and Abbey Merker discuss the cultural trends, false narratives, and real struggles affecting women's spiritual commitment—from "main character energy" to the tradwife stereotype. They share both the devastating losses and surprising breakthroughs they've exp
Serving & Winning Generation Z for Christ
Pat Reeder interviews Kathryn Akers and Doug O'Malley about their eight-plus years serving Generation Z at Dwell Community Church, examining both research data and firsthand ministry experience with high school and college students. They discuss Gen Z's strengths (love of prayer, thirst for justice, desire for authentic community), challenges (mental health struggles, social media effects, risk av
How a House Church Movement is Transforming the Ivory Coast
In this episode of Dwell on These Things, we explore how God is building a powerful house church movement in Ivory Coast and across West Africa. Jim Leffel shares firsthand stories of how a small, struggling network of churches grew into a thriving, disciple-making movement reaching tens of thousands through biblical, grassroots ministry. Speaker: Jim Leffel, David Pease
An Updated Outlet for Generosity
Brian Adams sits down with Shane Coulter to unpack the major shift in how Dwell Community Church fundraises for its life-changing student camps—Epic and Blowout. Speaker: Brian Adams, Shane Coulter
Keegan Hale & Greg Pilcher on Living a Life of Service
In honor of Keegan Hale, this special episode of Dwell on These Things features a brand-new introduction from Greg Pilcher, recorded just weeks after Keegan’s passing. Greg reflects on their decades-long friendship, the deep spiritual lessons they learned together, and the profound hope found in 2 Corinthians 5 as they both walked through serious illness.In this conversation—originally recorded in
Shepherding the Flock in the Age of AI
Pat Reeder, Ryan Lowery and Tim Nunn reflect on Dwell's long history of engaging new tech with discernment, wisdom, and Biblical ethics. From both Scripture and Dwell's history, theses guys talk through how we should utilize powerful, yet scary tools such as AI. Speaker: Ryan Lowery, Pat Reeder, Tim Nunn
Ongoing Hope and Resilience in the DRC
In this episode, David talks with Jim Leffel, one of Dwell’s Global Partnership Co-Directors, about what’s happening with our partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They discuss how local believers are facing war and hunger with incredible faith, and how a new microloan program is helping families move from short-term relief to long-term stability. Hear stories of courage, generosity, and h
Post CT Interview with Scott Risley
FULL TEACHING CAN BE FOUND AT dwellcc.org/teachings Tim Nunn and Alex Richards sit down with Scott Risley immediately after his Acts 8 teaching on the Ethiopian eunuch. Scott shares insights not only on Acts 8, but on the book as a whole. He also reflects on an interaction with a Dwell global partner just before the teaching—an encounter he felt empowered him to preach the Word. Speaker: Scot
How Should the Church View Singleness?
Abbey Merker, who recently taught the Dwell class “Theology of Singleness,” discusses some of the findings from her research on Christianity and singleness with Mateo Williamson. She argues from Scripture that singleness is a gift and addresses common cultural misconceptions surrounding the topic. Speaker: Abbey Merker, Mateo Williamson
The Story of Evidence Unseen
James Rochford and Ben Foust reflect on the beginnings of Evidence Unseen, an apologetics website created by James. What began as just a few articles quickly grew into a lifelong project—meeting a need within Dwell Community Church and reaching people around the world. Speaker: James Rochford, Ben Foust
Mission Accomplished: Two Decades on the Missions Field
Chris & Amy Gesler join the podcast to discuss their two decades of International missions experience in the country of Cambodia. Chris & Amy talk through challenges such as language barriers, supporting a family, and being away from home.To hear more about missions at Dwell Community Church, be sure to visit dwellcc.org/missions to learn more. Speaker: Chris Gesler, Amy Gesler, Dave
Faith in Flux: Recent Trends in Christianity
John Marriott, Ian Harber, and Michael Graham join together for a conversation on de-churching, deconstruction, and deconversion.
Speaker: Pat Reeder, Ian Harber, John Marriott, Michael Graham
Gavin Ortlund: Gen Z, YouTube, and Why Christianity Makes Sense
Gavin Ortlund joins Mike Sullivan on "Dwell on These Things" to discuss his YouTube page, trends he sees in the American Church, and some of his upcoming books. Speaker: Gavin Ortlund, Mike Sullivan
Building a Life of Prayer
In this episode of Dwell on These Things, Levi and Laura join Scott Risley to talk about the topic of prayer. Levi and Laura describe some of the new ways they are trying to encourage their Home Group to engage more in corporate prayer, and the three of them discuss how to develop a burden for a strong prayer life—not only in themselves, but also in the people they lead. Speaker: Scott Risley, Lau
Becoming a Lifelong Learner
How do we become lifelong learners of the Word? Pat Reeder and Chris Hearty discuss not only the resources at Dwell that make this possible, but also share insight on how to foster an attitude of growth in the area of spiritual knowledge. Speaker: Chris Hearty, Pat Reeder
Situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Part 2)
In this episode of Dwell on These Things, David sits down with Jim Leffel, Director of Global Partnerships at Dwell Community Church, to discuss the latest updates on the church’s relief efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jim shares how Dwell’s generosity has provided food for hundreds in Goma and the next phase of support in Bukavu. He also reflects on the incredible faith and sacrifice
Looking Back on Dwell's Summer Camps
This episode of Dwell on These Things recaps Epic and Blowout Camp, highlighting their spiritual impact on students, especially those from unchurched backgrounds. Many students committed their lives to God, experiencing faith as joyful and fulfilling. Shane Coulter and Quest Shannan share how camp activities, deep discussions, and powerful teachings helped students see God's love. Speaker: Shane C
Navigating Finances with Biblical Wisdom
This episode of "Dwell on These Things" explores how the Gift ministry equips and encourages people to steward their finances according to God's wisdom, moving beyond cultural norms and fears. Speaker: Daniel Branaghan, Josh Keegan, Mateo Williamson
A New Podcast from Dwell Community Church: The Word in Ten
Hey, welcome to another episode of "Dwell on These Things". On today's episode of "Dwell on These Things", we're featuring an episode from our new devotional podcast, "The Word in Ten". A couple of months ago, we had the idea of creating a smaller, shorter podcast to just give people quick insights into the word from some of our best teachers. And so we brought in Chris Risley for four kind of pil
Update from our Global Partner in Congo
Jim Leffel and Vinton Wisoba discuss the dire situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rebel forces have taken control of the cities of Goma and Bukavu, leaving thousands without access to food and basic resources. Vinton, the director of the Tunami Christian Fellowship, is working to secretly distribute food aid to hundreds of families through the network of house churches he has esta
The Story of Badlands Middle School Group
In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of how God is moving in the lives of Thomas, Sam, and their friends as they serve middle school students in their hometown of Hilliard, Ohio. Through stepping out in faith, facing challenges, and relying on God's power, they've seen God do remarkable things in building a vibrant community of young Christian workers.For more information on the Middle Sch
Biblical Backing for Building Habits
Dive into the biblical perspective on habits and self-control with Chris Risley, who shares her personal story of overcoming destructive patterns through God's grace. Chris covers the key differences between secular and spiritual approaches to habit formation, including the power of the Holy Spirit to bring lasting change. Chris and Brad talk practical tips for starting small, reducing friction, a
Radical Faith From Two Middle School Boys
Conrad Hilario and Bret McCallum walk through the ownership taken by their sons to go out of their comfort zone to reach their peers for Christ. Together they are rewarded for their faith by being a part of God's plan to teach others about him. Conrad and Bret explain the worthwhile sacrifices that they've made, and the joy it's brought to them and their families. Speaker: Conrad Hilario, Bret McC
The Culmination of Five Decades of Preaching
Gary DeLashmutt joins Mike Sullivan to discuss his book, Drawing Near to God, and the spiritual truths that emerged as he wrote it. Gary reflects on how recent health issues have drawn him closer to God and provided new perspectives on faith and trust. Speaker: Gary DeLashmutt, Mike Sullivan
Charitable Judgements
Liz Sweet shares some insightful tools and advice for how to give other people the benefit of the doubt in Biblical community. For more information on conflict resolution and peacemaking, you can visit dwellcc.org and navigate to our "Counseling Resources" Speaker: Liz Sweet
Keys to Explosive Home Church Growth
In this episode of Dwell on These Things, three Dwell Home Church Leaders discuss the explosive growth of their Home Churches that led to their groups having to plant their groups up to make room in their homes.
Chuck, Ethan, and Taylor explore the convictions they've developed through this process. They also discuss the many ways God worked in their lives and in their groups to mature them and p
The Powerful Prayer Meeting with Keira Williamson
Keira Williamson's Breakout Session from "XSI 2024: How Will They Hear?"
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2). Learn about the wonderful promises of prayer and how to have a vibrant and effective corporate prayer meeting.
Speaker: Keira Williamson, Chris Risley
God's Powerful Movement in the Dwell Free Clinic
Twice a month Dwell hosts a free clinic, offering medical, vision, and mental health care. The clinics also provide opportunities for spiritual growth through the teachings of Jesus Christ.For almost 20 years, Dwell Community Church has been serving Columbus through this clinic. Margo Shaw, Mark Reid, and Brad Oatney share their experiences and burdens as they've helped serve the community through
David Garrison: The Role of the West in Missions
David Garrison discusses and shares his experiences and insights from decades in the international missions field. Garrison emphasizes the importance of prayer, the centrality of the gospel in church planting movements, and the continued role of the western church in modern global missions.For more on David Garrison, you can check out his books, including "Wind in the House of Islam" Speaker: Davi
Sam Chan: Serving Christ in the Post-Christian West
Sam Chan from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and City Bible Forum talks about what it looks like to preach the gospel and serve others in what he calls a "Post-Secular World".
This podcast was recorded at XSI 2024: How Will They Hear? The Gospel here and Around the World
Speaker: Sam Chan, Pat Reeder
A Tribute to Randy Newman
A 2014 XSI teaching from the late Randy Newman. At the time of this death, he was the senior fellow for apologetics and evangelism with The C. S. Lewis Institute. He authored several books, including his most recent Questioning Faith; Questioning Evangelism; Unlikely Converts; and Bringing the Gospel Home. Having grown up in a Jewish home, Randy was a dedicated witness for Jesus Christ, afte
John 12: Why This Waste?
Mary anointing Jesus with the expensive perfume was viewed by the disciples as a waste, but Jesus viewed it as a beautiful thing. She dedicated everything she had to Jesus and He promised her generous deed would be remembered and discussed wherever the Gospel is preached. Speaker: Chris Risley
Gracehaven: God Moving in Dark Places
Scott Arnold and Jen Taber discuss the ways that God is moving through the Gracehaven Ministry, while sharing some barriers that they have faced along the way. Speaker: Scott Arnold and Jen Taber
Life Coaching: Developing Life Skills Among Low Income Students
Guests Chris Reeder and EJ Johnson discuss the vital role that the Life Coaching program has played in both of their lives, and where they’d potentially be without it. Speaker: Mike Sullivan, EJ Johnson, Chris Reeder
Principles of Personal Responsibility
The watchman's call from Ezekiel Chapter 33 tells us God's messengers are responsible to communicate truth but are NOT responsible to get someone to act on that truth. God Himself pursues us and others. What matters most is what we do now. Faithfulness is striving for impact, not for praise. Speaker: Brad DuFault
Reflections on Visiting India
Short Term Trip Members Scott Risley and Gloria McCallum share their experiences during their trip to India, and their insights on how God is powerfully moving among the ministries they visited. Speaker: Scott Risley and Gloria McCallum
John 2: Cleansing the Temple
The Temple was where God dwelled and where He met with man. Jesus is the fulfillment of the purpose of the Temple. Jesus is the union of the divine with the human. Through Jesus, we can meet God personally. Speaker: Brian Adams
Meet the Elders: Brian Runk and Chris Hearty
Dwell Elders Brian Runk and Chris Hearty describe their experience coming to Christ, God's transformative work in their lives, and their family lives. Speaker: Brian Runk and Chris Hearty
Putting Together a Bible Teaching
Dwell teacher and pastor Ben Foust discusses his thoughts and approach to teaching the Bible. He offers practical insight into teaching preparation, but also a mental and spiritual framework for preparation. Speaker: Ben Foust
A Biblical View of Two Issues: Race and Shame
Dwell's Brian Adams speaks with Trinity Evangelical Divinity School professors Dr. Fellipe do Vale and Dr. Te-Li Lau, who both spoke at the Xenos Summer Institute. They give their thoughts on how Christians can properly interact with the issue of race and the issue of shame. Speaker: Dr. Fellipe do Vale and Dr. Te-Li Lau
The Challenges and Joys of Missions Work Today
Dwell's Paul Alexander speaks with two missionaries from Dwell, exploring the challenges of working in a foreign culture, and how they have seen God work in them and through them. Speaker: Paul Alexander
Compassion with Truth in Today's Culture
Author Rebecca McLaughlin shares her thoughts on current cultural issues, stressing that, as Christians, we are not in the business of winning arguments, but in the business of winning people to the gospel. She says we must work to develop relationships, which will fill us with compassion for those who disagree and give us the chance to show Christianity's relevance in today's culture. Check out t
Ken Sande: The Gospel's Hope in Conflict
Dwell Pastor Scott Risley talks with the author of The Peacemaker, Ken Sande, about the powerful and practical resources Christians have to resolve conflict and, in his current Relational Wisdom 360 ministry, to prevent conflict in the first place. He shares the hope that nothing is impossible with Christ and that it's never too late to get on a better track in our relationships. Check out the vid
East-Side Church Plant
Joe McCallum explains how God brought about the nearly launched East-Side church plant and describes their team's goals and needs moving forward. For more information about how to financially support the East-Side or Orlando domestic church plant go to www.dwellcc.org/supportchurchplanting Speaker: Joe McCallum
Rethinking Church Planting
Mike Sullivan speaks with Nick Nye, Executive Director of For Columbus, about evolving American church planting strategies and with Dwell Elder Josh Benadum about plans for an upcoming church plant to Central Florida. Speaker: Mike Sullivan and Nick Nye
Starting a New Ministry
Guests Luke Walker and Sarah Fusner describe how God led them to start new ministries and they share lessons for those with similar calling. Speaker: Luke Walker and Sarah Fusner
Meet the Elders: Scott Risley and James Rochford
Dwell Elders Scott Risley and James Rochford describe God's transformative work in their lives, their burdens for the future direction of the church, and their family lives. Speaker: Scott Risley and James Rochford
Seasoned with Salt: Reflections on Speech Under Grace
Dwell Elder Bret McCallum discusses the ineffectiveness of modern policing of speech and describes how God worked to transform his own speech habits. Speaker: Bret McCallum
Reflections on Student Ministry
Joe Botti, the recently retired Director of Student Ministries at Dwell, reflects on God's goodness and lessons learned over three decades of working with students. Speaker: Joe Botti
Meet Brian and Mateo
New Dwell Student Ministries Coordinator Brian Adams and Pastoral Support Coordinator Mateo Williamson discuss their transitions into their new roles and how they've seen God at work. Speaker: Brian Adams and Mateo Williamson
Transitioning to Adult Ministry
Ryan and Jessie Lowery explain the recent migration of nearly 500 Dwell college ministry members to adult ministry and share advice on how to thrive through this significant transition. Speaker: Ryan and Jessie Lowery
Missions at Dwell
Dave Glover explains the evolution of missions strategy at Dwell Community Church and describe the great work that God is doing through its network of church planters and global partners. Speaker: Dave Glover
Mercy Medical Center
Dr. Tim and Marjie Benadum describe how God called them to cross-cultural church planting and explain how God is using the Mercy Medical Center in Phnom Penh to help thousands of Cambodians discover Jesus. Speaker: Dr. Tim and Marjie Benadum
Fountain of Hope with Joke van Opstal
Joke van Opstal, missionary and founder of Fountain of Hope, describes how God called her to serve in Cambodia and how God is currently using the organization to save and transform the lives of many. Speaker: Joke van Opstal
Lessons from the Third World Church
Clive Calver, author and former President of World Relief, argues that the Western Church has as much to learn from the Second and Third World Church as it has to offer. Speaker: Clive Calver
Urban Education: Harambee and Akili Christian School
Principals Alex Steinman and Ariana Adkins describe how God is changing the lives of urban students in their schools: Harambee Christian School and Akili Christian High School in Columbus, Ohio. Speaker: Alex Steinman and Ariana Adkins
Dr. Eric Mason: Urban Ministry
Dr. Eric Mason, author and pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, describes how God called him to ministry and explains his strategies for reaching, serving and discipling urban youths. Speaker: Dr. Eric Mason
Dr. Ed Stetzer: Racial Reconciliation
Professor Ed Stetzer of Wheaton College argues for the American church's involvement in racial reconciliation efforts and discusses recent research of effective initiatives across the country Speaker: Ed Stetzer
Sacrificial Service
Keegan Hale and Greg Pilcher join in to discuss a passage in John 12 where Jesus teaches, "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." Both share their personal experiences of this bold claim. Speaker: Keegan Hale and Greg Pilcher
The Xenos Summer Institute
Pat Reeder and Jim Leffel discuss the highlights, evolution, and impact of the Xenos Summer Institute, comparing it's inception in 1996 to next month's 26th annual event. Speaker: Pat Reeder and Jim Leffel
History of Dwell Community Church, Part 3
Dwell founders Dennis McCallum and Gary Delashmutt discuss the church's shift in focus to student ministry in the mid-90s and the movement of thousands of students that followed. They also describe the planning and work done to successfully pass the torch of Dwell leadership to a next generation of indigenous leaders in 2019. Speaker: Dennis McCallum and Gary Delashmutt
Meet the Elders: John Ross and Josh Benadum
In this episode, Dwell Elders John Ross and Josh Benadum discuss God's transformative power in their lives and share their vision for the future of Dwell Community Church. Speaker: John Ross and Josh Benadum
Dr. Jeff Gordon: Ending Life Well
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Gordon, a palliative care doctor and church planter in Pittsburgh, discusses working in a hospital during COVID and helping patients end their lives well. Speaker: Dr. Jeff Gordon
Female Christian Leadership with Elder Kate Mizelle
In this episode, Kate Mizelle, an elder at Dwell Community Church, shares her experiences of leading as a wife and mother and discusses the validity and importance of women serving in top-level roles in the church. Speaker: Kate Mizelle
History of Dwell CC, Part 2 - Growing Pains
After returning from seminary in California in 1976, Gary DeLashmutt and Dennis McCallum watched God grow their campus house Bible study to a group of 2000 over the next decade. In this podcast, both men describe the tensions and lessons learned as their grassroots, anti-institutional Bible study grows into an organized church. Speaker: Gary DeLashmutt and Dennis McCallum
History of Dwell CC, Part 1 - Birth of a Church
Dennis McCallum and Gary DeLashmutt, original founders of Dwell Community Church, discuss events that led them to give their lives to God and the formation of a uniquely non-traditional Bible study ministry on the Ohio State University campus in the early 1970s. Speaker: Dennis McCallum and Gary DeLashmutt
Situation in Haiti, August 2021 - Part 2
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Hubert Morquette, a Haitian ministry partner of Dwell Community Church. Dr. Morquette shares a perspective on the situation in Haiti that is uniquely first-person and Biblically hopeful. Speaker: Dr. Hubert Morquette
Situation in Haiti, August 2021 - Part 1
In this inaugural episode, we chat with Jim Leffel, the Global Partners Coordinator at Dwell Community Church. Jim discusses the current situation in Haiti, the roots of Haiti's poverty and instability, and what Dwell is doing to provide legitimate help to the people of Haiti. Speaker: Jim Leffel
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