Crowd Church Talks
Series: Becoming Whole | Genesis | Philippians | Origin | What does the Bible say about? | Mark’s Gospel | Alpha Course Online
Facing The Unfaceable
What do you do when life hits hard and God doesn't step in the way you expected? Ade Birkby takes us to the Garden of Gethsemane — an industrial olive press, not a peaceful park — and shows us a Jesus who was honest about his anguish, cried out to God with everything he had, and then chose to walk towards the cross when escape was right there. This Easter talk explores why God isn't a shelter from hardship but promises to be with us through it, why unmet expectations drive people from faith, and how community and one-day-at-a-time trust can carry us through.
You Don't Need Money to Leave a Legacy
Dave Connolly challenges the assumption that legacy requires wealth. Drawing from Proverbs, the stories of Timothy, Ruth, and his own experience, he argues that the most lasting inheritance is built through consistent faith, honest relationships, and the stories we pass down. John Birch adds powerful personal testimony about unconditional love, and the Conversation Street discussion tackles generational trauma, mentoring, and legacy without children. The message is start building now, with what you have.
When Your Wealth Defines Your Worth — Money, Value, and What God Actually Thinks
Will Sopwith explores what the Bible actually says about wealth and poverty in Part 4 of Crowd's money series. Using the contrasting stories of John D. Rockefeller and St. Francis of Assisi, he unpacks why money has become a false measure of human worth — and why God sees things very differently. Drawing on research into privilege, cognitive bandwidth, and the empathy-eroding effects of wealth, Will makes a case that is both challenging and quietly hopeful. Net worth, it turns out, doesn't change your worth.
Your Money Has a Grip on You
Why does giving feel like losing? Matt Edmundson unpacks the monkey trap of money — how our grip on what we have keeps us stuck. Drawing on Paul's letters to the Corinthian church, the story of the widow's two coins, and his own journey through debt and freedom, Matt explores what happens when grace — not guilt — becomes the foundation of generosity. Featuring honest conversation about whether comfort kills the adventure of giving, and why generosity reaches far beyond your wallet to your time, talent and tongue.
When Work Feels Like All You Are
Mike Harris challenges two cultural myths about work: that it's just a means to earn money, or that it defines who you are. Drawing from Genesis, he argues that work existed before the fall and was always meant to be an act of worship — creating order, beauty, and service for God's glory. The real question isn't what you do, but who you're doing it for.
When Enough Is Never Enough
Pete Farrington opens a new series on money by arguing that Jesus treats wealth as a rival master competing for our loyalty — not a neutral tool. Drawing on Matthew 6, 1 Timothy 6, and Psalm 49, this session challenges us to examine whether money serves us or masters us, and to see ourselves as stewards rather than owners of everything we hold. Conversation Street adds personal stories of trusting God through financial uncertainty, and honest reflection on the everyday tension between enjoying what we have and not being owned by it.
Dating isn't shopping
In this Crowd Church conversation, Sharon introduces the idea of "covenant dating" — an ancient framework built on shared values, character revealed in the mundane, and the wisdom of community. She also shares the moment she turned down someone she was genuinely attracted to, and why she's never regretted it.
When Submission Feels Dangerous And Why Authority Was Meant to Protect You
The word "submission" triggers strong reactions — and often for good reason. Dave Connolly explores why biblical submission was never designed to suppress or control, but to protect and bless. From marriage and church leadership to government and community, discover what healthy authority looks like, how to spot when it's gone wrong, and why the thing we're most tempted to run from might actually be the safest place to be.
When Opening Your Door Feels Risky
Dan Orange challenges our overcomplicated view of hospitality in this Becoming Whole talk. From Abraham running to meet strangers to the paralysed man's roof being ripped apart, scripture shows that genuine welcome rarely happens in perfect conditions. With practical wisdom from Conversation Street — including the brilliant concept of "fridge rights" — discover why the best hospitality is simple, why receiving matters as much as giving, and why sometimes all we need to do is not walk past.
Loving Your Neighbour, Even When You Don't Like Them
What do you do when the person you're called to love is the last person you'd choose to help? Mike Harris unpacks the Good Samaritan story with uncomfortable honesty, admitting he's nowhere near where he wants to be. Discover why Jesus chose an enemy as his hero, how costly love was built into God's design from the beginning, and practical ways to let God change your heart toward difficult people. This isn't about trying harder—it's about receiving more.
Real Friends Are Rare. And Worth It.
We have more friends than ever, but feel more alone than any generation before us. Matt Edmundson explores what true friendship actually looks like - the kind forged through time, grace, and covenant. Drawing from Jesus's friendship with Peter and his own experience of friendships that survived (and one that didn't), discover why real friends are rare, and absolutely worth pursuing.
Everyone Needs a Father, So Who Wants to Be One
We're drowning in podcasts, opinions, and experts telling us how to live — yet we've never felt more lost. Matt Edmundson unpacks Paul's observation that we have "countless guides but not many fathers." The difference? Guides offer influence without investment. Fathers know your name, walk with you for life, and genuinely cheer when you surpass them. Through personal stories of spiritual fatherhood and practical wisdom from Conversation Street, discover why what we really need isn't more content — it's more dads.
When Following Jesus Alone Leaves You Empty (Why Christian Community Matters)
Ever feel like you're doing all the right spiritual things but still running on empty? Matt Edmundson explores why faith was never meant to be a solo journey. Using the powerful analogy of two lungs - our relationship with God and our relationship with community - discover why the early church devoted themselves to koinonia and what that looks like for us today. With honest stories about church hurt, practical tips for building connection, and zero guilt trips about getting it perfect.
Your Faith Feels Like It Should Be More (What Real Discipleship Looks Like)
Mark Buchanan draws a powerful distinction between pupils who collect knowledge and disciples who develop Christ's character. Drawing on Jesus' selection of his unlikely twelve disciples, Mark challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity to a radical commitment. Featuring honest conversations about busyness, hard seasons, and what discipleship actually looks like in practice - from one-to-one relationships to peer groups to life-on-life proximity. No programmes, just the invitation to go as radical as you dare, then push a bit harder.
How to Shape Grandchildren Who Will Remember Your Faith and Legacy
Dave Connolly unpacks the story of Lois, Eunice, and Timothy - three generations where a grandmother's sincere faith shaped her family's future. This wasn't a perfect family, but authentic faith rippled through messy circumstances to create a lasting legacy. Discover how grandparents today can shape grandchildren through genuine relationships rather than religious performance, practical stories of God's faithfulness, and intentional presence that values connection over control. From working with other grandparents to writing your story before it's too late, this message offers hope for leaving a faith legacy worth catching.
When Your Sibling Gets Everything
Sibling rivalry doesn't end at 18. Mike Harris unpacks the often-overlooked older brother in the Prodigal Son story—the one who did everything right but felt invisible. Through honest conversation about favouritism, resentment, and comparison, discover how understanding your true identity as God's beloved child transforms even your most complicated family relationships. Because grace isn't just for the wayward - it's for the faithful who feel overlooked, too.
When Your Parents Won't Let Go
Honouring parents sounds straightforward until real life gets messy. Jenny Mariner unpacks the difference between childhood obedience and lifelong honour, tackling tough questions about controlling, absent, and boundary-setting parents. Discover why the biblical command to honour isn't about perfection or performance, but about finding peace in accepting your parents' limits whilst creating healthy relationships. With honest stories from teaching, parenting, and personal family dynamics, this is practical wisdom for navigating complicated family relationships with grace.
#44 Biblical Motherhood And Why It Looks Different To What You May Think
Sharon Edmundson challenges cultural narratives that leave women feeling like they can't win. Through four biblical principles and three practical roles, she shows how motherhood reveals God's character. From honest stories about mum guilt to addressing childlessness and complicated parent relationships, this conversation offers grace-filled wisdom for wherever you are in your motherhood journey - whether as a daughter, a mother, or somewhere in between.
#43 The Biblical Father and the Roles of Prophet, Priest and King
Will Sopwith unpacks three biblical roles that transform fatherhood: prophet, priest, and king. Moving beyond cultural stereotypes of absent or useless fathers, discover what Scripture actually says about your distinct role as dad. From managing exhaustion and work pressures to navigating your kids' choices and your own failures, this honest exploration offers hope and practical wisdom for fathers at every stage. Because it's never too late to step into the father your kids actually need.
#42 What If You're Wrong About Being Right? (Conflict Resolution in Marriage)
Wrestling with conflict in your marriage or relationships? Matt Edmundson challenges our cultural obsession with being right, exposing how we've forgotten how to communicate. Discover the biblical framework that transforms winners and avoiders into people who value connection over correctness - plus practical wisdom on handling phones, political differences, and the "we're not compatible" excuse.