Crowd Church Talks
Series: Becoming Whole | Genesis | Philippians | Origin | What does the Bible say about? | Mark’s Gospel | Alpha Course Online
#33 Emotional Resilience and How To Bounce Back Stronger
Discover what emotional resilience really means beyond motivational clichés. Dave Connolly unpacks Paul's powerful testimony in 2 Corinthians 4, revealing that true strength isn't about never breaking—it's about carrying extraordinary treasure in ordinary, cracked clay jars.
Learn why acknowledging struggles rather than masking them is essential for genuine resilience, how having a mission bigger than yourself fuels perseverance, and the liberating difference between healed scars and open wounds.
This honest exploration challenges the "performance gospel" that keeps us isolated in our struggles and offers a hope with substance, not wishful thinking, but confident expectation based on who God is.
#32 Rediscovering the Power of Sabbath for Body and Soul
In our badge-of-honour busy culture, the ancient practice of Sabbath offers a radical alternative. Far more than just "having Sundays off," true Sabbath is a God-designed rhythm of rest that nurtures our whole being. This week’s service explores the biblical foundations of the Sabbath, debunks common misconceptions, and examines how intentional rest can transform our mental health in an increasingly connected world. With practical tips for implementation and real-life examples from our church family, discover why Sabbath isn't just another commitment to squeeze in—it's a life-giving gift that reminds us we're loved for who we are, not what we produce. Perhaps the real question isn't whether you have time to Sabbath, but whether you can afford not to.
#31 Biblical Hope That Transforms Mental Wellbeing
In this week’s Crowd talk, Will Sopwith explores how biblical hope differs from mere wishful thinking. Through the remarkable story of the 2010 Chilean mining disaster, he illustrates how hope becomes most powerful in our darkest moments.
Unlike the fleeting optimism our culture often promotes, biblical hope functions as "an anchor for the soul" – steady and unmovable regardless of circumstances. Will shows how this transformative hope can grow through suffering, become a daily discipline, and sustain us even on those inexplicable "black dog days" when motivation vanishes.
Discover practical ways to cultivate authentic hope and how community carries us when our personal reserves are depleted.
#30 How to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life
Can a Christian still battle negative thought patterns? This week, Sharon unpacks what true mind renewal looks like - a process far deeper than self-help techniques. Discover the biblical framework for transforming your thinking and why many believers still struggle despite years of faith.
Through real-life stories and practical wisdom, learn how to partner with the Holy Spirit to rewire destructive thought patterns. This isn't about trying harder but allowing God to update your mental "software." If you've felt trapped by the same fears, insecurities or harmful beliefs, this honest exploration offers genuine hope for lasting freedom.
#29 Mental Well-Being Through Cultivating the Mind of Christ
Ever wondered how Jesus slept peacefully during a raging storm while experienced fishermen feared for their lives? This thought-provoking blog explores how cultivating "the mind of Christ" transforms our mental well-being. Not through positive thinking or changed circumstances, but through accessing God's perspective via the Holy Spirit. Discover the profound difference between worldly calm and biblical "shalom" – a deep-seated wholeness that transcends our situations. Through personal stories, practical steps and honest conversations about 3am anxieties, learn how to replace fear-based thought patterns with God's truth. Perfect for anyone seeking authentic peace that doesn't depend on perfect circumstances.
#28 How Biblical Thankfulness Rewires Your Brain & Transforms Mental Health
Biblical thankfulness goes far beyond positive thinking or toxic positivity. In this week’s livestream, we explore the neurological science behind gratitude and how it physically rewires your brain for improved mental health. Learn why giving thanks "in" all circumstances (not "for" them) creates a foundation for wholeness that transcends your situation. Through five practical disciplines, find out how genuine thankfulness anchored in God's unchanging character—not your changing circumstances—can transform your entire outlook on life. A refreshingly honest look at cultivating gratitude that works in both good times and challenging seasons.
#27 How to Rewire Your Anxious Mind
In this week’s services, we look at anxiety through a biblical lens, discover how Jesus himself navigated overwhelming worry in Gethsemane. Beyond the well-worn "be anxious for nothing" platitude, we unpack practical strategies for transforming anxious thoughts through prayer, mindfulness and intentional focus. Learn why feeling anxious isn't sinful, how to shape worries into prayers, and experience the peace that "surpasses all understanding" even when circumstances remain unchanged. Perfect for anyone seeking authentic Christian approaches to mental wellbeing in our information-overloaded world.
#26 Letting Go of the Past and Finding Freedom in Christ
In this week’s service, Pastor Dave Connolly explores the liberating power of "forgetting what lies behind" from Philippians 3. Using the compelling analogy of marathon runners who stumble when looking backwards, Dave challenges us to fix our gaze firmly on Jesus rather than our past hurts and disappointments. Through practical wisdom and biblical truth, he dismantles cultural messages like "follow your heart" that keep us trapped, offering instead a vision of actively letting go while pressing forward. This isn't about denying painful experiences but choosing to release their power over us. Whatever you're facing today, Jesus stands ready, not just at the finish line but alongside you, coaching and believing in you every step of the way.
#25 The Power of Forgiveness
Discover the transformative power of genuine forgiveness in this thought-provoking exploration by Sharon Edmundson. Moving beyond common misconceptions, Sharon dispels myths about what forgiveness truly means while sharing her personal journey through anger and hurt. Through Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant, we uncover the beautiful exchange at the heart of the gospel – our immeasurable debt paid in full. The talk offers practical tools for processing forgiveness, including a simple five-column worksheet to guide you from identifying hurts to releasing debts. Whether you're wrestling with deep wounds or everyday slights, this honest conversation provides a roadmap to the radical freedom that comes when we choose to let go.
#24 What We Learned About Biblical Wholeness And Where We Go Next
After exploring Genesis, we're jumping back into our "Becoming Whole" series with fresh energy. Matt recapped our journey through spiritual health – our identity in Christ, Christ living in us, abundant life, purpose, the fruit of the Spirit, and spiritual disciplines. Now we're ready to climb higher into the branches of soul health, exploring our mind, will, and emotions. With the trunk of our tree strong, we're positioned to tackle forgiveness, letting go of the past, and building emotional resilience. Biblical wholeness isn't self-improvement—it's receiving God's transformative work in every area of our lives.