Praise God, Let's Go!

Spence Shelton

A new podcast designed to encourage and equip all listeners for real-life discipleship. In each episode, Pastor Spence and guest hosts dive headfirst into the cultural and spiritual conversations shaping our world.

  1. Sep 24

    The Return of Christ: Hope Beyond the End Times

    Jesus is coming back, and while Christians hold different views on the details of His return—including amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennialism—we can agree on the hope at the center: Christ will return and make all things new. In Season 2, Episode 4 of Praise God, Let's Go!, Pastor Spence Shelton and Pastor Scott Urbanek explore these end-time perspectives and why the timing of Christ’s return isn’t meant to fuel speculation, but to shape how we live today—with hope, faithfulness, endurance, and urgency. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Praise God, Let's Go Podcast 00:57 - No One Knows When Jesus Returns 05:06 - Christ's Return and Victory are Certain 08:48 - Three Millennial Views of the Return of Christ 17:38 - Hope in Christ's Return Fuels Endurance 27:36 - Post-podcast HAVE QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR SPENCE?  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/viewform?ts=698ccc60&edit_requested=true WANT MORE? For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com.  SHOUTOUT Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode.  Research & data: Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Charissa Coleman, Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith  Editing & production: Erik Button  DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

  2. Sep 10

    You Belong Here: What Membership Actually Means

    What if belonging to a church became more than showing up on Sunday, but a covenant that carries the mission forward? In Season 2, Episode 3 of Praise God, Let’s Go!, Pastor Spence Shelton and Pastor Scott Urbanek dig into what Scripture actually says about church membership—from Paul's picture of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 to the early church's practice of counting and caring for its own by name. Our prayer is that Charlotte would be filled with committed members who carry the mission forward together!  CHAPTERS 00:00 - Praise God, Let's Go Podcast 01:38 - Church Membership is Biblical, not Bureaucratic 12:36 - Why Church Membership Truly Matters 25:27 - Membership Clarifies Church Mission and Responsibility 33:42 - We are Sent Together As Christ’s Church Body 35:41 - Post-podcast HAVE QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR SPENCE?  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/viewform?ts=698ccc60&edit_requested=true WANT MORE? For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com.  SHOUTOUT Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode.  Research & data: Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Charissa Coleman, Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith  Editing & production: Erik Button  DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

  3. Aug 27

    Vision: Charlotte a Dormant Volcano

    What if Charlotte became known not simply as a city with many churches, but as a city that sends people out to share the gospel with the world? In Season 2, Episode 2 of Praise God, Let’s Go!, Pastor Spence Shelton and Pastor Scott Urbanek reflect on how God moved through the planting of Mercy Church—to reinforce the work already happening and awaken people for the mission of the gospel. Our prayer is that Charlotte would become one of the greatest sending hubs for the gospel in America! CHAPTERS 00:00 - Praise God, Let's Go Podcast 01:00 - Why We Planted Mercy in Charlotte 08:46 - Charlotte's Idols Fuel Deep Loneliness 19:07 - Charlotte as a Gospel Sending Hub 26:21 - Reaching Youth Fuels Generational Gospel Change 29:49 - Multicultural Vision 34:12 - Post-podcast HAVE QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR SPENCE? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/viewform?ts=698ccc60&edit_requested=true WANT MORE? For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com. SHOUTOUT Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode. Research & data: Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Charissa Coleman, Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith Editing & production: Erik Button DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

  4. Aug 13

    How to Thrive Spiritually This School Year

    As we head into a new school year, how do we thrive spiritually - not just survive the busyness? In Season 2, Episode 1 of Praise God, Let’s Go!, Pastor Spence Shelton and Pastor Scott Urbanek share practical ways for students and parents to keep Jesus at the center, from building a daily rhythm of Scripture and prayer to prioritizing church, godly friendships, serving, and intentional family time. Whether you're heading to high school, college, or navigating a busy school year as a parent, this episode will encourage you to build your calendar around your faith - not squeeze your faith into the margins. HAVE QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR SPENCE? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60 RESOURCES "Surviving Religion 101" by Michael Kruger "10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity" by Rebecca McLaughlin "The Good News Family Devotional” by Michael and Melissa Kruger WANT MORE? For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com. SHOUTOUT Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode. Research & data: Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Charissa Coleman, Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith Editing & production: Erik Button DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

  5. Jul 9

    What Does the Bible Really Say About Same-Sex Attraction?

    In this episode of Praise God, Let's Go!, Pastor Spence and Pastor Scott discuss what the Bible teaches about same-sex attraction, identity in Christ, and God's design for sexuality. Together, they offer practical wisdom for faithfully following Jesus in today's culture. HAVE QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR SPENCE? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60 RESOURCES Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25; Leviticus 20:13, Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 22:29; Matthew 19; Mark 7; Romans 1; 1 Corinthians 6. Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? by Rebecca McLaughlin https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/spiritual-homecoming-lgbt-people/ WANT MORE? For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com. SHOUTOUT Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode. Research & data: Matthew Esposito, Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith Editing & production: Erik Button DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

  6. May 21

    How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?

    ​​Mercy Church Pastors Spence Shelton and Scott Urbanek discuss the question "how could a good God allow suffering?" They talk about how suffering is part of living in a broken world and why following Jesus does not guarantee an easy life, but does promise that Christ is with us in the middle of it. This conversation points listeners to the hope and trust found in God’s sovereignty, even when life doesn’t make sense. HAVE QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR SPENCE? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60 RESOURCES Pastor Spence's quote, "The Christian is always facing basically three enemies at once: the sinful flesh, the fallen world, and the devil himself," has been used by many pastors from several denominations. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis Member Care - https://mercycharlotte.com/members/ WANT MORE? For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com. SHOUTOUT Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode. Research & data: Matthew Esposito, Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith Editing & production: Erik Button DISCLAIMER This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

  7. May 8

    Pastor Allan is Here!

    Mercy Church Pastors Spence Shelton and Scott Urbanek are joined by Mercy Nairobi Church Pastor Allan Waruhiu and talk about why short-term trips matter and how God often uses them as a catalyst for long-term discipleship and mission. HAVE QUESTIONS FOR PASTOR SPENCE? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60  RESOURCES Short-Term Trips - https://mercycharlotte.com/short-term-trips/  Serve Teams - https://mercycharlotte.com/serve-teams/  Mercy Nairobi - https://www.mercynairobi.com/  WANT MORE? For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com.  SHOUTOUT Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode.  Research & data: Matthew Esposito, Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Chris Smith  Editing & production: Erik Button  This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

  8. Apr 30

    Does the Man on the Island Go to Hell?

    Pastor Spence Shelton and Pastor Scott Urbanek discuss the question of the “man on the island,” looking at what the Bible teaches about God’s justice, our need for salvation, and the urgency of sharing Jesus. Question for Pastor Spence? Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60  Resources: The State of Theology - https://thestateoftheology.com/ Sign up for short-term trips. https://mercycharlotte.com/short-term-trips/  For more content, follow Spence Shelton on Instagram at @PastorSpenceShelton. We would love for you to visit Mercy Church! For more information about our campuses, visit https://mercycharlotte.com.  Thank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode.  Research & data: Matthew Esposito, Michele Templeton Content & marketing: Laura Goodyear Video & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith  Editing & production: Erik Button  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and spiritual encouragement purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to legal, medical, financial, mental health, or other licensed professional services. Listeners should seek qualified professionals for advice specific to their individual circumstances. Mercy Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of any third-party resources, organizations, or individuals referenced in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

About

A new podcast designed to encourage and equip all listeners for real-life discipleship. In each episode, Pastor Spence and guest hosts dive headfirst into the cultural and spiritual conversations shaping our world.

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