Church is Messy

Rick Henderson and Svea Merry
  • 4.6 (19)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Church is messy podcast recorded at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester, MN

  1. 23h ago

    Church Is Messy: Psalm 58 - Wisdom in Wicked Psalms

    In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea reflect on Svea’s recent message from Psalm 58—one of the imprecatory psalms, where God’s people cry out for divine justice against evil and oppression. They talk about why passages like this can feel uncomfortable, violent, or hard to reconcile with Jesus’ command to love our enemies. Svea shares how studying Psalm 58 helped her recover a deeper appreciation for parts of Scripture many people tend to skip over. Rather than seeing these psalms as permission to seek revenge, Rick and Svea explore how they teach us to bring even our darkest, most honest thoughts and emotions to God. The conversation also touches on the difference between honesty and endorsement. The psalms give language for pain, anger, fear, and longing for justice—not so we can nurture revenge, but so we can surrender those desires to God. Rick and Svea discuss how Jesus fulfills these psalms through the cross, where mercy and justice meet, and how followers of Jesus are called to pursue what is right without taking vengeance into their own hands. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to read difficult parts of the Bible with curiosity, humility, and trust—looking for Jesus even in passages that feel prickly, dark, or unsettling. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 — Intro01:58 — Backstory: How Svea Chose This Psalm05:29 — How to Read Difficult / "Prickly" Passages of Scripture13:49 — Honesty With God & the Value of Dark Psalms23:19 — Listener Question: How Are Imprecatory Psalms Fulfilled in Jesus?27:02 — Peter's Story Arc as a Picture of Transformation

    32 min

  2. May 27

    Church Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Don't Flirt

    In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea continue the 1 Corinthians series by unpacking Paul’s teaching on idolatry, allegiance, wisdom, and life with people who do not share our faith. The conversation begins with a look at how modern idolatry often shows up less through statues and temples and more through the things we rely on for security, significance, and satisfaction. Rick and Svea discuss what it means to give Jesus our full allegiance—not as an accessory we reach for when life gets hard, but as Lord over every part of life. They also explore Paul’s practical instructions about eating food sacrificed to idols and what those instructions teach us today. Rather than living in fear of guilt by association, followers of Jesus are called to love people well, remain clear about their allegiance to Christ, and pursue wisdom in messy relational situations. Along the way, Rick and Svea talk about learning from the lives of others, the importance of wise counsel, the difference between avoiding compromise and avoiding people, and how Jesus was never afraid to be present with people others misunderstood or rejected. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 — Intro01:37 — Overview of the sermon's two parts04:07 — Learning from others' experiences (Paul's use of Israel's stories)08:01 — "Imitate me as I imitate Christ"09:57 — Total allegiance to Jesus vs. treating Him as an accessory11:43 — Modern idolatry: security, significance, and satisfaction14:32 — Meat sacrificed to idols — navigating the flowchart17:34 — Relational application: being with people in messy situations19:18 — "Avoid the appearance of evil" — does it apply here?22:39 — Guilt by association — Jesus as the model25:06 — A real-world question about what to do when a friend of another faith prays before a meal

    28 min

  3. May 20

    Church Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Run to Win

    Rick and Svea reflect on Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9 about running “in such a way as to get the prize,” exploring what it means to live with courage, focus, and love. They talk about how sharing faith doesn’t have to be driven by pressure, guilt, or argument, but can flow naturally from love for people and a desire to share what Jesus has done in our lives. Through stories about hunting, cross-cultural mission, ordinary acts of kindness, and the impact of kids ministry, they reframe “witness” as something deeply relational: noticing people, honoring them, moving at their pace, and sharing what we’ve experienced. They also offer a practical path forward: pray for someone by name, prepare by growing in confidence and skill, and participate with your church family in ways that help others see the love of God. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 – Intro03:17 – Self-awareness, introspection, and knowing your mission04:21 – Developing habits of courage and dealing with fatigue06:51 – Harvard study on love and human flourishing08:52 – Evangelism through invitation & relationship (1 Corinthians 9)13:13 – Overcoming anxiety and guilt around evangelism16:00 – What it means to be a "witness"18:14 – Story of Pastor Matthew Matai22:22 – Practical everyday evangelism — "there you are" vs. "here I am"24:17 – Pray, Prepare, Participate framework28:42 – Serving in kids ministry as a form of witness30:17 – Closing — "God's love often has human fingerprints"

    31 min

  4. May 13

    Church Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Food Fight

    Rick and Svea talk about modern-day idolatry—not necessarily bowing before statues, but looking to accomplishments, relationships, finances, status, or other good things to tell us we are enough. They reflect on the freedom that comes from knowing our deepest identity and security are found in Christ, not in what we achieve or what others think of us. The episode also explores Paul’s words that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Knowledge matters, but Christian maturity is not measured by how much we know. It is measured by how we love—how we love Jesus and how we love others in the way we have been loved by him. Rick and Svea then discuss what it means to lay aside our rights for the good of someone else. That kind of self-limiting love is not people-pleasing, manipulation, or being a doormat. It is a voluntary choice to seek another person’s good, especially when someone is vulnerable or newer in their faith. As Rick puts it, the goal is not to live to please people, but to live to love them. The conversation closes by returning to the foundation underneath it all: when the Lord is our shepherd, we lack nothing. Because our worth and security come from Christ, we are free to love others from a place of abundance rather than fear. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro02:04 Visiting Another Church03:57 Sermon Recap: Food Sacrificed to Idols (1 Corinthians 8)04:52 Modern Idolatry09:29 The Lord Is My Shepherd / I Lack Nothing (Psalm 23)11:42 Knowledge vs. Love16:39 Setting Aside Rights for Others20:00 Alcohol as a Case Study22:34 People-Pleasing vs. Truly Loving People27:16 Wrapping Up: Loving from Abundance

    30 min

  5. Apr 29

    Church Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Slavery and Singleness

    In this episode of Church Is Messy, Svea sits down with Pastor Caleb Smith to unpack a challenging passage from 1 Corinthians dealing with slavery, singleness, marriage, and what it means to find true security in Christ. Caleb reflects on the importance of reading Scripture in its original context, helping listeners understand the complexities of first-century slavery and Paul’s deeper message about resisting the temptation to build our identity and security on status, relationships, or life circumstances instead of Jesus.  The conversation also becomes deeply personal as Caleb shares about the ongoing health challenges he’s been navigating over the past several months and how those struggles have forced him to wrestle with what it looks like to trust Jesus when life feels uncertain. Together, Caleb and Svea explore how following Jesus doesn’t mean using faith as an excuse for impulsive life changes, but learning to remain grounded in Christ’s presence and faithfulness no matter what season of life we’re walking through. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 — Intro02:00 — Update on Caleb's health 05:18 — Approaching the passage (1 Corinthians 7) — slavery and singleness07:25 — First-century slavery vs. American slavery11:34 — How some have used Jesus/marriage/family as an institution of bias or oppression13:00 — The church's neglect of single people14:37 — Paul's core point: don't use Jesus as an excuse to change your circumstances 19:12 — Don't seek security in human institutions21:30 — Svea's personal story — her first husband's cancer death23:39 — Paul's authority and approach in 1 Corinthians 7:25–4025:00 — Caleb's personal application — finding security in Jesus through health challenges

    32 min

  6. Apr 22

    Church Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Married Life

    In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea continue their walk through 1 Corinthians by tackling a topic that’s often misunderstood: sexuality in marriage. They name two common extremes: treating sex as a tool for control or treating it as something spiritually suspect. Instead, they point to a better vision, seeing it as a good gift meant to be expressed within a marriage marked by trust, humility, and covenant love. The conversation keeps coming back to this idea: marriage isn’t about getting what you want, it’s about seeking the good of the other. That kind of love doesn’t come naturally; it takes intentional trust, owning your part when things are off, and choosing humility even when it’s hard. They also get practical, offering wisdom for real-life marriages—especially when things feel strained. From setting healthy communication rhythms to pursuing counseling without shame, the goal isn’t perfection, but movement toward healing and wholeness. Ultimately, this episode reframes love in a powerful way: we don’t pursue this kind of relationship because it always “works,” but because it’s good and because it reflects the kind of people we’re becoming in Christ. RESOURCES:Message manuscript and outline: https://autumnridge.church/message-notes-church-in-the-wild-wk16-married-life/Message video: https://autumnridge.church/video/church-in-the-wild-wk-16-married-life/ Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 Intro03:24 Weaponizing vs. Spiritualizing Sexuality in Marriage05:23 Covenant vs. Conquest: A Vision for Marriage10:38 Trust, Humility & Owning Your "Piece of the Pie"15:19 The Importance of Professional Counseling16:48 Practical Advice for Marriages in Difficulty19:15 Shared Mission, Adventure & Fun in Marriage20:59 Healing from Trauma & Abuse22:22 "We Don't Do This Because It Works — We Do It Because It's Good"25:30 Spiritual Headship & Ephesians 5

    30 min

  7. Apr 15

    Church Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Sex and the Resurrection

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea return to 1 Corinthians—specifically chapter 6—to tackle the complex and often uncomfortable topic of sexuality. They explore how the Corinthian church was shaped by its culture, where distorted views of the body and sex were normalized, and connect that to how modern culture similarly “disciples” us today. The conversation highlights a biblical vision of sexuality as something good, sacred, and deeply connected to our spiritual lives—not separate from them. Rick and Svea clarify that while the Bible may not function like a rulebook, it consistently points to God’s design: faithful, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman in the covenant of marriage, while honestly portraying the brokenness that deviates from it. They also emphasize that people’s views of sexuality are often shaped by early experiences they didn’t choose, but through Jesus, there is always an opportunity to move forward without shame and pursue a better way. The episode underscores that our bodies matter—that we are “temples of the Holy Spirit”—and that how we live physically reflects our faith. Ultimately, the discussion calls listeners to be aware of the cultural “algorithms” shaping them, to take formation seriously, and to embrace a higher, more holistic vision of sexuality and the body—one rooted in grace, intentionality, and following Jesus.  Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - Easter Sunday reading of 1 Corinthians 15 02:26 - Sexuality in the Corinthian church / prostitution as cultural norm 04:32 - Greek philosophy: the body as disposable 06:19 - How the Bible addresses sexuality (descriptive vs. prescriptive) 07:49 - Polygamy in the Old Testament 09:14 - God's original design for sexuality (Genesis ideal) 10:53 - God's positive view of sex (Proverbs 5, Song of Solomon) 14:08 - How we're introduced to sex shapes how we define it 14:47 - Sexuality class icebreaker story (doctorate program) 17:49 - Sexual "algorithm" — cultural formation & overcoming shame 19:03 - Church's stance on cohabitation / following Jesus in sexuality 20:57 - The body as temple of the Holy Spirit 25:24 - Sexual habits in singleness and their impact on marriage 27:09 - Honoring God with all physical habits (drink, rest, Sabbath) 29:29 - Wrap-up & preview of next week (marriage)

    30 min

  8. Apr 1

    Church Is Messy: Church in the Wild - Be Silent

    Rick and Svea unpack a challenging (“rugged”) passage from 1 Corinthians 14, focusing on orderly worship, spiritual gifts (like speaking in tongues), and a difficult line about women in the church. Rather than avoiding tension, they model how to engage it—encouraging listeners to interpret unclear passages through what’s clear, use context, and patiently wrestle toward understanding.  The conversation moves beyond the text into formation: following Jesus means honesty, not performance. They challenge “performative spirituality”—using religious language or practices to impress rather than connect—and call the church to authenticity, humility, and clarity, especially for the sake of those still exploring faith. Ultimately, the episode centers on being a church that is clear, welcoming, and distraction-free in its worship—where everything we do helps people see Jesus, not us. Topics discussed in this episode: 00:00 - Intro01:25 - 1 Corinthians 14: Orderly Worship & Speaking in Tongues 02:29 - How to Interpret Difficult Passages06:10 - Emotional Honesty When Reading the Bible07:25 - Rick's Personal Bible Study Method10:09 - Vulnerability & Authenticity in Church Community13:47 - Performative Spirituality17:47 - Personal Experiences with Charismatic Worship19:47 - Order vs. Freedom in Worship23:03 - Sermon Prep: Manuscript vs. Extemporaneous Preaching25:02 - Clarity, Jesus, and the Purpose of Scripture30:38 - Being a Good Ambassador at Easter

    33 min
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4.6
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Church is messy podcast recorded at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester, MN

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Henderson and Svea Merry
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Rick Henderson
  • Show Website
    Church is Messy

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