Know and Follow Podcast

Zach Perry is a software engineer at Oracle who helps build the massive data centers powering today's AI boom — and he's also the husband of GCC's own Avery Perry. In this episode, we get technical for a bit, unpacking what cloud computing and AI actually are and why data centers need so much power and water, before shifting into something deeper: what it looks like to follow Jesus in a highly secular, results-driven industry. Zach shares his own story of feeling called into tech, and how he tries to represent Christ to coworkers from around the world who may have never heard the gospel. Whether you're raising a future computer scientist or just wondering how faith fits into a life shaped by AI, this conversation offers real, grounded perspective.

• Understand what cloud computing actually is and why companies like Oracle are racing to build massive data centers
• Discover how AI has reshaped the daily work of software engineers, shifting them from writers of code to managers of it
• Hear Zach's honest take on the ethics of AI, including questions about job displacement and human value
• Learn how quietly doing excellent work opens doors to share Christ that words alone never could
• See what it looks like to be a light among coworkers from unreached people groups without ever leaving the U.S.
• Get practical encouragement for parents or students wondering if a kid might be wired for a career in tech
• Walk through Zach's own story of calling, from four high schools in three years to landing at Oracle

• Freecodecamp.org — mentioned as a starting point for students or parents curious about learning to code

Zach Perry is a software and infrastructure engineer at Oracle, where he works on scale manufacturing for the GPU racks that power data centers supporting today's AI industry. He studied computer science at Haverford College and grew up in a Christian home. Zach is married to Avery Perry, GCC's assistant communications director, and the two are currently moving back to Pennsylvania from Seattle.

Title:

Called to the Church: Hunter Grant's Year in Ministry

Episode Summary:

Hunter Grant joined Grace Community Church as our very first pastoral resident — and after ten months learning from every corner of the ministry, he's stepping into his first full-time pastoral role at Bethany EC Church in Creswell. In this conversation, Hunter reflects on what seminary doesn't prepare you for, why he walked away from a future in IT to pursue ministry, and what it really looks like to be called by God into pastoral work. Whether you're exploring ministry yourself or just curious about what pastors actually do all week, this one's worth your time.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What GCC's pastoral residency program actually looks like day to day — and why it exists
• Why Sunday is only about 10% of a pastor's actual role, and what fills the rest of the week
• How Hunter sensed God redirecting him away from a career in IT and toward ministry
• What changed in Hunter when he stopped telling himself he "just wasn't an organized person"
• How the residency connects future pastors with real ministry networks before they step into a role
• Why slowing down and sitting under experienced leaders is often the wisest first step for young ministers
• What Hunter and his wife Emma need prayer for as they enter a new season of life, ministry, and parenthood

Key Quotes:

"The biggest lesson I learned throughout this residency is that I cannot do this alone. Pastoral ministry can only be done through the power of Christ working through me." — Hunter Grant

"I went to orientation and felt completely empty — I could tell the Spirit was not in agreement. I remember weeping that night, and I applied to Huntington University and just told the Lord, 'If this is your will, I'll go.' I got an acceptance letter before I even woke up the next morning." — Hunter Grant

"Sunday is like 10% of the role. Being here full time, you really get to see the calling on the pastor's life and the shepherding that they do." — Hunter Grant

"It's a long-term investment. Almost every other job — you don't just jump right in. You're always sitting under someone for an extended period of time. I don't think ministry should be any different." — Hunter Grant

"Even to the very end, people came up and said, 'We stood up the first time you came on stage to pray for you, and we still pray for you every night.' That's something I think we'll never forget." — Hunter Grant

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• GCC Pastoral Residency Program — Grace Community Church's hands-on ministry training program, now welcoming three residents in the coming year
• Bethany EC Church of Creswell — Hunter's new church home, where he'll serve as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults

About the Guest:

Hunter Grant grew up in Ohio in a family catering business, competed at the state level in computer coding, and once expected to build a career in IT. God had other plans. After a clear sense of calling the summer after high school graduation, Hunter enrolled at Huntington University to study youth ministry. His senior year, he connected with Grace Community Church through his now-wife Emma, and was invited to become GCC's inaugural pastoral resident. Over the course of ten months, he rotated through nearly every ministry department at GCC — from pastoral care to communications — and completed the EC denomination's pastoral assessment process. Hunter begins his role as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at Bethany EC Church of Creswell on June 1st. He and Emma are also expecting their first daughter.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

Title:

Cooking, Creating, and Trusting God with Drew & Bethany Kramer

Episode Summary:

Drew and Bethany Kramer are the husband-and-wife team behind A Simple Palate, a food blog and YouTube channel that has been bringing scratch cooking and genuine community to people across the world for over a decade. In this conversation, they open up about what it really looks like to build something together as a couple, how faith has shaped every major decision in their business, and why stepping out in fear — especially into a camera — turned out to be one of the greatest acts of obedience in their lives. If you've ever felt called to something but couldn't quite bring yourself to start, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How Bethany went from a quiet food blog to a thriving YouTube channel — and why she almost didn't do it
• What the rise of AI-generated search results did to their income, and how God used that crisis to reshape their priorities
• Why Drew left a stable web design career to join the business full time — and the year of prayer that led to that decision
• How "Breakfast with Jesus" keeps them grounded and protects them from making numbers and income into idols
• What working together as a married couple actually looks like day to day — the rhythms, boundaries, and unexpected joys
• Why they chose long-form video over short-form content, and what they believe it offers a distracted world
• Practical encouragement for anyone who feels called to create, share, or start something new — but is still waiting

Key Quotes:

"I just felt compelled in my heart that God was calling me to something more, and I was terrified to step into that. And once I did step out, I realized what a tremendous blessing God had for me on the other side." — Bethany Kramer

"We committed everything to the Lord. We just said, Lord, we trust you. No matter what — I can quit, I can let all this go. And it was an act of complete surrender." — Bethany Kramer

"Every morning we bring our requests to the Lord — our pride, whatever we're dealing with, seeking praise from people. We just bring it and say, Lord, please make my heart right. We call it Breakfast with Jesus." — Bethany Kramer

"You have to do it scared. You have to do it fearful. But you're not alone — you have the Lord. And if God is calling you to that, he will make a way." — Bethany Kramer

"One life will soon be passed, but only what's done for Christ will last. Whatever you do in this life, do it all for the glory of God — because that's all that will last." — Drew Kramer

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• How Mission Church transformed a former school building into a hub for community outreach.
• The unexpected ways God uses prior professional experience—like retail management—for ministry purposes.
• Why removing barriers to access, such as income verification or zip code restrictions, is central to their mission.
• How a "lean" season for the pantry was resolved through a specific call to prayer and community generosity.
• Practical strategies for families to incorporate food donations into their regular grocery routines.
• The importance of local churches being faithful to their unique calling rather than comparing themselves to others.

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts welcomes back Shelby Nauman, the CEO of Tenfold, to discuss the complex realities of housing insecurity in Lancaster County. Shelby shares the story of the temporary low-barrier shelter and explains why homelessness is a growing challenge that extends far beyond the city limits. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how local organizations are working to move people through homelessness toward long-term stability and how the community can support these efforts.

• How Tenfold provides a broad spectrum of services, from homelessness prevention to first-time homebuyer assistance.
• The critical role of low-barrier shelters in providing life-saving warmth and transition services during the winter months.
• Why homelessness is increasingly affecting older adults over age 65 due to the current housing market and fixed incomes.
• The distinction between "city" and "county" homelessness and why rural housing insecurity is often less visible.
• Creative housing solutions being explored in Lancaster, including home-share programs and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
• How eviction prevention and financial counseling can stabilize families before they lose their homes.

• Tenfold: An organization focusing on housing stability, financial education, and homelessness resources.
• TLC (Transitional Living Center): A shelter program referred to for those committed to taking next steps toward stable housing.
• Coalition for Sustainable Housing: An advocacy group working on zoning changes and increasing housing inventory.
• Chestnut Housing: A nonprofit providing rental housing for households experiencing homelessness.
• Office of Aging Home Share Program: A matching service that pairs older homeowners with individuals in need of affordable housing.

Shelby Nauman serves as the CEO of Tenfold, a Lancaster-based organization dedicated to sparking clinical and systemic change in the housing sector. She is a member of the Grace Community Church congregation and is a leading advocate for sustainable housing and eviction prevention within the Lancaster community.

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Lenea Detore, an occupational therapist and the founder of the Caring Cup. They discuss her mission to launch a nonprofit coffee shop in Lancaster County specifically designed to employ and support adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Listeners will learn how the community can bridge the gap for individuals who lose access to school-based services at age 21 and how to create environments where everyone feels they belong.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Identify the "cliff" many adults with disabilities face when school-based services cease at age 21.
• Understand the distinction between for-profit models and nonprofit employment that prioritizes life skills over efficiency.
• Explore how sensory-friendly environments, such as dimmed lighting and reduced noise, empower employees to succeed.
• Discover the importance of individualized vocational assessments to match tasks with an individual's specific sensory seeking or avoiding needs.
• Recognize the need for "resource hubs" that help families navigate the complex landscape of government aid and community support.
• Learn about the upcoming physical location and "campus" for disability services planned for Leacock Township.

Key Quotes:

"One mother said to me one time, 'the bus stops coming and the child is forgotten.' Meaning that at age 21, the child no longer goes to school or the adult at that point with disabilities can no longer go to school." — Lenea Detore

"I wanted a job that is out in the community interacting with their peers, interacting with other members of the community and trying to find their passion." — Lenea Detore

"I want this to be a place where you feel unjudged completely and welcome to have those behaviors and a staff member who is educated can try to help you." — Lenea Detore

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

Christian Entrepreneurship with Jordan Britton

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Jordan Britton, the owner of Britton Coffee Co., to discuss his transition from full-time ministry to business ownership. Jordan shares the authentic and often difficult story of launching a coffee trailer during the pandemic and how that struggling venture eventually grew into a thriving chain of shops. Listeners will gain insight into how financial freedom and business excellence can be powerful tools for ministry and community impact.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to navigate the transition between vocational ministry and the secular workforce.
• The importance of "spirit-led stubbornness" when facing business challenges and initial financial loss.
• How to view the employer-employee relationship as a primary mission field for grace and compassion.
• The practical benefits of pursuing debt-free living and financial freedom to increase personal generosity.
• How to remain adaptable and trust in God’s providence when seasons of life change abruptly.
• Strategies for managing "lifestyle creep" and maintaining a heart focused on kingdom service.

Key Quotes:

"I just loved that idea that you could go and find the person who ultimately has the power to make something right if you ever had an issue. And so that's why we did it. I wanted people to know like we were proud to stand behind it." — Jordan Britton

"I think often times we really put ourselves and by extension God into a box... I think more often than not, it's just like God has wonderfully and beautifully made me. I am talented and gifted—all of that is not a prideful thing if I don't remove God from the equation." — Jordan Britton

"The real ministry that happens here, by and large, is with our employees... What we want is compassion and grace and kindness and to be there for others as much as we want someone to be there for us." — Jordan Britton

"The only reason at this point now to continue to start [new shops] is the idea that I can be absurdly generous, both with money but also with my time." — Jordan Britton

Resources Mentioned:

• Britton Coffee Co.: Visit their locations in York and Adams County.
• Social Media: Follow @BrittonCoffeeCo on Facebook and Instagram.
• Things I Want My Kids to Know That I Sometimes Forget: A book by Jordan Britton, available on Amazon.

About the Guest:

Jordan Britton is the owner of Britton Coffee Co., a growing chain of coffee shops in York and Adams County. Beginning with a renovated horse trailer four years ago, Jordan and his family have expanded the business to include multiple brick-and-mortar locations, an in-house bakery, a coffee roasting operation, and a donut kitchen. Jordan is passionate about community revitalization, doing his own renovations on dilapidated buildings, and using his business to practice radical generosity.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

In this episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Kendall Keeler from Serve Now to explore how God is working around the world through local churches and indigenous Christian leaders. Kendall shares his journey into global missions, how Serve Now partners with believers in over 30 countries, and why discipleship in a heart language is essential for gospel growth. This conversation offers a compelling vision for missions that is relational, empowering, and deeply rooted in partnership.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What makes Serve Now’s global missions approach different from traditional models
• Why empowering local Christians leads to sustainable gospel impact
• The hidden challenge of discipleship materials not existing in heart languages
• How translation work helps pastors grow without Westernizing their faith
• The story behind Serve Now’s partnership with churches like Grace Community Church
• How water projects, microenterprise, and education flow out of discipleship
• Why generosity and perspective grow when we partner with the global church

Key Quotes:

“We don’t send American missionaries. We empower the Christians who already live within these countries.” — Kendall Keeler

“Most of the pastors we partner with don’t have access to biblical training or Christian resources like we do.” — Kendall Keeler

“If you imagine trying to follow Jesus without access to discipleship materials, it changes how you view the global church.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

“Don’t underestimate what God can do with the bread and fish that you place in His hands.” — Kendall Keeler

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

Episode Summary:

In Episode 21 of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Wes Kauffman, a local entrepreneur and co-owner of several businesses including FASTSIGNS, Rolling Suds, and a global talent staffing firm. Wes shares his story of faith, hard work, and calling—from repairing cameras at Perfect Image to leading a growing team of over 300 employees. Together, they talk about vocation, stewardship, and the sacred value of work—how Christians can live out their faith in the marketplace with integrity, purpose, and creativity.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Wes’s journey from photography repair to franchising shaped his entrepreneurial calling
• The difference between owning a business and leading with a servant’s heart
• Why “discontentment” can sometimes signal a God-given drive to create and serve
• What it means to see the marketplace as part of God’s kingdom work
• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs—from teens to career professionals
• How faith and business leadership can work hand in hand through culture and care for people
• Why Christians should be innovators and creators who build for the good of others

Key Quotes:

“Entrepreneurship is not for everybody—it’s hard work. But for those called to it, it’s a way to serve God and others through creativity and perseverance.” — Wes Kauffman

“We’re not just supposed to sit around. God gave us time and talents. So why not spend them for the good of the world around us?” — Pastor Addison Roberts

“Culture is who we are. We want to be nice guys who love people, work hard, and grow something big together.” — Wes Kauffman

“Your place in the marketplace is just as important as leading in a church—because you’re building relationships and showing the gospel through how you live.” — Wes Kauffman

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

In this heartfelt episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with his wife, Alyssa Roberts, a licensed professional counselor, to talk about the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism. Drawing from their own family’s journey with their daughter Ella, they open up about the emotional process surrounding diagnosis, the lifelong role of caregiving, and the spiritual perspective that sustains them along the way. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend of a family affected by disability, this conversation offers empathy, understanding, and hope.

• What parents often experience during the pre-diagnosis and diagnosis stages of autism
• How feelings of grief and relief can coexist when receiving a diagnosis
• Why shame and stigma can affect parents of children with disabilities—and how to overcome them
• How puberty, social development, and jobs present unique challenges for children on the spectrum
• Ways churches and communities can better support families affected by disability
• The importance of viewing disability through a gospel-centered lens of dignity and eternal hope
• Practical encouragement for parents to find community and remember that they’re not alone

Episode Summary

In Part 2, Pastor Addison continues the conversation with Brad and Kate Aldridge—marriage and family therapists and hosts of Still Becoming One—moving from purity-culture impacts to practical parenting. How do we start age-appropriate conversations about bodies, desire, and boundaries? What do we do when kids bring tough news home? The Aldridges offer warm, gospel-centered guidance for building an ongoing dialogue that forms character, protects kids, and keeps your relationship strong.

Content note: This episode discusses sexuality, identity, social media, and online safety. Parents may want to preview for younger listeners.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Start sooner than you think: Begin body and safety conversations in early childhood (ages 4–5) and introduce basic sex education by ~age 8, in age-appropriate ways.
• Use better language: Replace “good touch/bad touch” with clear contextual rules about “areas that are just for you,” and who may help (parents/doctors with a parent present).
• Secrets vs. surprises: Teach kids that the family doesn’t keep secrets; surprises are time-limited and celebratory—this helps prevent grooming.
• Normalize questions: Create an open-door policy—kids can ask about any term they hear and get a calm, truthful answer from you (not the internet).
• Body changes & identity: Expect discomfort during puberty; talk about identity without fear, affirming personality and interests without redefining gender biblically.
• Attraction vs. lust: Help teens understand the difference; attraction is normal, while lust “consumes” and dehumanizes.
• When hard news lands: Lead with love and calm. If a teen is sexually active (or there’s a pregnancy scare), communicate values, discuss consequences, and keep connection.
• Online safety & sextortion: Tell kids you’re a safe first call—no mistake will cost them your love. Discuss posting, DMs, and what to do if pressured for images.
• Model marriage health: Your capacity to talk about desire, limits, and intimacy shapes your kids’ expectations more than any single “talk.”

Key Quotes

• “There isn’t one talk—there are a hundred little talks.” — Brad & Kate Aldridge
• “Attraction is normal; lust wants to consume a person.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Lead with kindness and gentleness—your emotions are yours to manage, not your teen’s.” — Kate Aldridge
• “You get one chance to model a healthy marriage for your kids. That modeling matters.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

Parent Playbook: Practical Steps

• Make it safe to ask anything: Promise honest answers and no shame.
• Teach “secrets vs. surprises” early: Report any “secret” an adult requests.
• Clarify body boundaries: Who can help with private areas, and when.
• Discuss attraction/desire: Desire is God-given; talk about self-control and respect.
• Have dating guidelines: Consider allowing dating while kids are still at home so you can coach and debrief.
• Address social media: Ask curious questions about posts (“What was your goal with this photo?”) and talk through risks.
• Prepare for crises: If sextortion or a pregnancy scare happens, respond first with love, then problem-solve together.
• Do your own work: If sexuality conversations feel uncomfortable, seek growth so you can lead with clarity and grace.

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Purity Culture and Marriage with Brad & Kate Aldridge (Part 1)

Register for our marriage conference at https://gccws.net/marriage

Episode Summary

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Brad and Kate Aldridge, licensed marriage and family therapists and hosts of the Still Becoming One podcast. Brad and Kate share their perspective on how messages from purity culture continue to shape Christian marriages today. This candid conversation explores the unintended consequences of youth group illustrations, unspoken fears, and unrealistic expectations carried into marriage. Listeners will gain encouragement, clarity, and practical tools to move toward healthier intimacy rooted in God’s design.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What purity culture is and how it developed in response to the sexual revolution.
• Why fear-based teaching created shame around desire and intimacy.
• How illustrations like “the rose” or “the band-aid” still impact Christian marriages.
• Why many couples struggle to express healthy sexual desire and expectations.
• How purity culture’s gender messaging placed uneven burdens on women and men.
• Why acknowledging and affirming desire is essential for a thriving marriage.
• How Scripture and the language of “fasting” can provide a healthier framework.

Key Quotes

• “The heart of purity culture was good, but it often led to fear-based teaching.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Desire itself isn’t bad—God actually designed you that way.” — Kate Aldridge
• “We told teens: turn desire off until marriage, then magically turn it back on. That doesn’t work.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Purity culture put a lot of pressure on women to carry responsibility for men’s behavior.” — Kate Aldridge
• “Faithfulness is not about delivering a perfect product to your spouse, but practicing self-control and love in advance.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Episode Summary

In this follow-up conversation, Pastor Addison Roberts continues with Pastor Kevin Lance, Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church, to explore how families can navigate the world of social media and online platforms. From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok, Discord, Reddit, and even video games, Pastor Kevin shares both the risks and opportunities these platforms present. This second part equips parents to set boundaries, ask good questions, and engage their kids with wisdom and faith in today’s digital landscape.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What parents need to know about popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
• Why cultivating algorithms matters and how content can spiral quickly.
• How apps like Discord and Reddit open both positive and dangerous conversations.
• Why video games should be treated like movies—with attention to storylines, worldviews, and content.
• How to use tools like Common Sense Media and CPYU to evaluate apps, games, and media.
• Ways to keep open communication with kids while protecting them from harmful influences.
• How biblical stewardship and family convictions shape wise technology use.

Key Quotes

• “Most social media apps don’t have your kid’s best interests in mind.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Treat video games the same way you would movies—know the content and set boundaries.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “If your kid is on a platform, you should be on it too, so you understand it.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Open communication with your kids is the best safeguard against digital dangers.” — Pastor Kevin Lance

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Episode Summary

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Pastor Kevin Lance, Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church, to talk about developing a tech plan for your family. With four kids from elementary through high school, Pastor Kevin shares practical wisdom about introducing phones, setting boundaries, and keeping conversations open. This first part focuses on navigating smartphones and building intentional family practices that guide kids toward healthy technology use. Parents will come away with encouragement and concrete ideas to help their families thrive in a tech-saturated world.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Why creating a family tech plan matters today.
• How to decide when—and how—to give your child a phone.
• The role of conversation, conviction, and clear expectations.
• Why stewardship—not ownership—is a biblical approach to tech.
• How to handle boredom without defaulting to screens.
• Practical boundaries: screen time, app limits, and device-free spaces.
• How open communication prepares kids to handle online risks.

Key Quotes

• “Being intentional as a parent is harder, but it’s worth it.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Your phone is not your own—it’s a gift and a responsibility.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Conversation, conviction, and resolve are the foundation of healthy tech use.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “There’s nothing our kids can do that will make us love them less—but we still set boundaries to protect them.” — Pastor Kevin Lance

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

This episode contains sensitive themes, including abuse, miscarriage, and addiction. Listener discretion is advised, especially for families with young children listening together.

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Evelma Plastino to hear her remarkable testimony of God’s transforming grace. Evelma shares her journey from a childhood marked by abuse, alcoholism, and broken relationships to finding salvation at the age of 48. Her story is one of hope, healing, and the power of Jesus to change even the most difficult circumstances. Listeners will be encouraged to keep praying, keep trusting, and never give up on those who seem far from God.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How Evelma’s early years of abuse and addiction shaped her struggles and decisions.
• The turning point when she cried out to God at 48 and encountered the Holy Spirit.
• Why mentors, community, and discipleship were vital to her new life in Christ.
• How she persevered through reading challenges to learn and love Scripture.
• What serving in prison ministry has taught her about hope and redemption.
• Encouragement for families praying for prodigal loved ones to return to Jesus.
• Practical ways to trust God’s timing and surrender loved ones to His care.

Key Quotes

• “It took 48 years before I became a believer.” – Evelma Plastino
• “I was sitting on my couch crying out, ‘If there’s somebody real…’—and the Holy Spirit moved all around me.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Everybody needs a mentor… even when we think we’re strong, we still need that other person.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Keep praying. Keep trusting. Pray, trust, repeat.” – Evelma Plastino
• “God said, ‘Give me the children and let them be… I will get these children.’” – Evelma Plastino

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

In this inspiring episode, Pastor Addison Roberts welcomes Josh March—owner of Empower Training Systems and leader of Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM). They dive into the heart behind EFM, a free Saturday workout and devotional gathering open to the entire community. Josh shares how faith and fitness intersect, dispelling common myths and encouraging listeners to take small, meaningful steps toward better health. Whether you're just starting out or looking for new motivation, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical encouragement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Empowered Fitness Ministry integrates faith and fitness every Saturday
• Why small, consistent habits matter more than major overhauls
• How fitness can be fun, approachable, and customized for all levels and ages
• The power of community and accountability in sustaining health goals
• Common misconceptions about starting a fitness routine—and how to overcome them
• Why proximity matters when choosing a gym or workout location
• How a deeper "why" can transform your motivation for health and fitness

Key Quotes

• “Fitness isn’t about athletics or aesthetics—it’s about being functional for life.” – Josh March
• “We believe fitness is a celebration of our bodies and caring for our temples.” – Josh March
• “Even the people who are super committed—if they try to make a huge, sweeping change, it doesn't last.” – Josh March
• “Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.” – Josh March
• “You don’t have to overhaul your life. Just start with something as small as a walk or a daily vitamin.” – Josh March

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM):

• Free community workout every Saturday at 9:00 AM
• Hosted at Empower Training Systems in Willow Street
• Includes a 15–20 minute devotional and time for prayer
• Open to all ages and fitness levels—modifications and coaching provided
• Next session is Saturday, July 19 at 9:00 AM—come join us!

Contact / Connect:

• Learn more about Empower Training Systems by visiting in person or connecting through Grace Community Church
• Talk to Josh or one of the coaches before or after a Saturday session
• No sign-up required—just show up and sign a waiver

About the Know and Follow Podcast

In this episode, Pastor Addison sits down with Josh March—military service member, chaplain assistant, and leader of Empowered Fitness Ministry—to explore how faith and military service can work hand in hand.

Josh shares his powerful journey from the fitness world to the Air National Guard, how God used basic training to reignite his faith, and what it's like to minister on the front lines.

Whether you're considering military service or simply curious about how God calls people into unexpected spaces, this conversation offers honest insights and practical encouragement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why Josh felt compelled to serve in the military after 9/11
• How basic training unexpectedly reignited his relationship with God
• What a chaplain assistant does—and why it matters
• The story behind Josh’s call to seminary and pastoral training
• Why military service can be seen as an act of love from a Christian perspective
• Practical advice for those considering military service, including how to explore options wisely
• The unique spiritual needs of servicemembers and how the church can be present for them

Key Quotes

• "Military service is an act of love. You're literally saying, 'I'm willing to take that risk so others don't have to.'" – Josh March
• "Basic training stripped everything away—but I had my Bible and a cross from my grandfather. That grounded me." – Josh March
• "Someone has to be there in those hard moments. As Christians, we can be a presence of hope and peace." – Josh March
• "I told God, 'You have to make it abundantly clear.' A week later, the education benefits changed—and I knew." – Josh March
• "Before you talk to a recruiter, talk to someone who’s served. You’ll get the real story without pressure." – Josh March

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Episode Summary:
In this moving episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Paul Hoffman, a missionary serving in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, alongside his wife and large adoptive family. Paul shares how their ministry, a children’s home for medically vulnerable and abandoned kids, grew from a personal adoption story into a Christ-centered mission of sacrificial love. Listeners will be both challenged and encouraged by Paul’s raw stories, missional insight, and unwavering faith. This is a conversation about the Gospel made visible through daily acts of service, resilience, and radical hospitality.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How a single adoption led to a life-altering ministry in Bolivia

• What everyday life looks like in a children’s home with 19 kids

• The reality of serving in a country with minimal social safety nets

• Why fostering is becoming the future model of their ministry

• What it means to embody the works of Jesus through practical care

• How American visitors—regardless of skill—can encourage global workers

• Ways the church can offer prayerful and tangible support to missionaries

Key Quotes:

"To Jesus, we all look like the kids we care for—helpless and needing grace." —Paul Hoffman

"Doing what Jesus does has enabled me to preach to people who never would have listened before." —Paul Hoffman

"We didn’t know the full path—God called us as we went along." —Paul Hoffman

"Sometimes people in the church ask, ‘Why aren’t you doing more in the tambourine ministry?’ instead of seeing the value in caring for disabled orphans." —Paul Hoffman

"Every time someone from the U.S. visits, it reminds our team that they are doing something that matters." —Paul Hoffman

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

Support & Stay Connected:

• Follow on Facebook: Casa de Los Osos

• To support financially: Reach out to Grace Community Church for partner info (a church in New Jersey processes donations)

• Prayer needs: healing for children like Jesús, strength for their team, and guidance as they transition to foster care models

• Short-term trip interest: Ideal for nurses, OTs, and anyone who loves children

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Maryanne O’Neil, a foster and kinship care parent from Grace Community Church, in honor of Foster Care Awareness Month. Maryanne shares how her family stepped into foster care unexpectedly but wholeheartedly, welcoming baby Chloe into their home. From the challenges of trauma-informed care to the deep joys of adoption, this conversation explores how Christians can embody the gospel by supporting vulnerable children—and those who care for them.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What kinship care is and how it fits into the foster care system

• How Maryanne’s family was called—unexpectedly—into foster care

• Why community support can make or break a foster parent’s experience

• Tangible ways you can support foster families, even if you can’t foster

• The emotional realities of saying goodbye to a foster child

• How foster care reflects the gospel's call to love the least of these

• Why being trauma-informed is essential for supporting children in care

Key Quotes:

“Foster care is not for everyone—but everyone can do something.” — Maryanne O’Neil
“She came to us on a rainy day with no hat, no socks, and a half can of formula. But God knew she was meant for us.” — Maryanne O’Neil
“If foster families don’t have support, they may only step forward once.” — Maryanne O’Neil
“There has never been an accidental adoption—every adoption is a choice, just like God chose us.” — Pastor Addison Roberts
“The impact you make on a child today can shape the rest of their life, even if you don’t see it right away.” — Maryanne O’Neil

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:
Organizations & Services:

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Josh Marcroft, Young Adult Pastor at Grace Community Church, for a deep and relatable conversation about the spiritual habits that form our everyday lives. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by their teaching from GCC’s Staff Spiritual Renewal Day, they explore the powerful influence of both intentional and unintentional practices. Whether it’s the pull of social media or the quiet call to abide in Christ, this episode helps listeners examine what's really discipling them—and how to make space for better rhythms. If you’ve ever felt spiritually scattered or digitally drained, this conversation is for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How everyday thoughts and habits disciple us—whether we notice it or not

• What Philippians 4:8 teaches about the power of thinking well

• How modern digital platforms shape emotions, decisions, and desires

• Practical ways to abide in Christ through ancient and modern spiritual practices

• Why reading and praying the Psalms is a timeless way to connect with God

• How to use liturgical tools like Every Moment Holy and the Examen prayer for reflection

• The surprising connection between silence, identity, and the intrinsic value of people

Key Quotes:

“Jesus didn’t just give his disciples ideas about life. He gave them ways of life.” – Josh Marcroft

“The question isn’t ‘Are you being discipled?’ but ‘What is discipling you?’” – Addison Roberts

“If you don’t read good books, you’ll read bad ones. If you don’t think rationally, you’ll think irrationally.” – C.S. Lewis (quoted)

“Social media platforms aren’t neutral—they are shaping your habits, emotions, and attention.” – Addison Roberts

“We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.” – Marshall McLuhan (quoted)

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

Spiritual Practices & Tools:

In this episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Brie Taylor, site director for Bible2School at Pequea Elementary in the Penn Manor School District. Taylor explains how this innovative release-time program provides free elective Bible classes to elementary school students during their lunch and recess hours. She shares her personal journey to ministry, from praying for gospel presence in schools while waiting in her son's kindergarten line to eventually leading the program at her children's school. The conversation explores how Bible2School operates across all seven Penn Manor elementary schools through volunteer efforts, church partnerships, and community support. Taylor highlights the program's impact on students, including the surprising fact that 40-50% of participating children come from unchurched families, and shares touching stories of how biblical teachings have affected students' daily lives.

Want to volunteer?

In this episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Brad Aldrich, a Christian licensed marriage and family therapist who shares insights from his 20+ years of counseling experience. The conversation explores the value of professional marriage counseling, how couples can cultivate spiritual intimacy despite different faith expressions, and why many couples wait too long to seek help. Aldrich discusses key transition points in marriage that often create stress, including having children and becoming empty nesters, while offering practical advice on maintaining connection through intentional time together. The conversation also addresses how "purity culture" messaging has impacted Christian couples' intimacy and provides thoughtful guidance for developing healthier perspectives on sexuality within marriage.

In this episode of Know and Follow, Pastor Addison sits down with Julie Baum from Align Life Ministries to discuss their mission to champion the sacredness of human life and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Julie shares how Align supports women and families through pregnancy services, post-abortion care, and strategic partnerships. She recounts powerful stories of lives changed, God's provision through challenging times, and how the ministry stands as a beacon of hope and practical support. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about how faith shapes their approach, this episode is packed with inspiring insights.