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.

Episodes

  1. 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. LewisMember 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. SHOUTOUTThank you to our production and editing team for putting together this episode. Research & data: Matthew Esposito, Michele TempletonContent & marketing: Laura GoodyearVideo & Audio capture: Ian Sarmiento, Chris Smith Editing & production: Erik Button DISCLAIMERThis 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.

    39 min
  2. 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.

    42 min
  3. 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.

    33 min
  4. Apr 16

    We Have Everything…So Why Aren’t We Happy?

    Pastor Spence Shelton & Pastor Scott Urbanek discuss what makes Christianity good for you and for the world around you.  Ask Pastor Spence Questions? Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60⁠  Statistics Referenced: Disciple-Making Teams (DMTs) - https://mercycharlotte.com/missions/ World Happiness Report - https://www.worldhappiness.report/History Notes: In 2011, Campus Crusade for Christ changed its name in the United States to Cru. In 2013, Presbyterian Hospital was rebranded as Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. 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.

    42 min
  5. Mar 27

    Worth the Wait

    Mercy Church ​​Pastor Scott Urbanek, Immanuel Church Pastor Keith Burney, and Mercy member Allison Bell discuss singleness and dating in front of a live audience at Mercy’s Worth It Weekend. In this bonus episode, they encouraged the audience to stop rushing what God is writing - their love story is too important to microwave! Question for Pastor Spence? Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60  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: 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.

    31 min
  6. Mar 19

    It’s Not About You: God’s Design for Marital Intimacy

    Pastor Spence Shelton, Pastor Scott Urbanek, and Courtney Shelton discuss the biblical framework for sex. Question for Pastor Spence? Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60 References: The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller Sex in a Broken World: How Christ Redeems What Sin Distorts by Paul David Tripp Sex Begins in the Kitchen by Kevin Lehman 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.

    27 min
  7. Mar 4

    Babies & Boardrooms | Has Biblical Womanhood Become Confused?

    Topic: ​​Pastor Spence Shelton, Pastor Scott Urbanek, and Courtney Shelton discuss 3 threats to modern biblical womanhood and the solutions for addressing them. Soul Work: Women - use your words to encourage. For married women, use your words to encourage your husband. For single women, use your words to build up your people or your church community. Ask Pastor Spence Question: How do husbands encourage their wives to be godly women?Question for Spence? Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60 Statistics Referenced:Correction to Sunday’s sermon on who wrote Proverbs 31 - NOT SolomonBook: Nice by Sharon Hodde Miller 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. 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.

    45 min
  8. Mar 3

    Threats to Godly Manhood

    Title: Threats to Godly Manhood | Praise God, Let’s Go!Topic: Pastor Spence Shelton and Pastor Scott Urbanek discuss three threats to biblical manhood and the importance of fighting for biblical masculinity in today’s culture. Soul Work: Husbands: Name one character trait you genuinely admire in your wife + one specific physical/appearance affirmation, and tell her this week.All men: Encourage one brother—name one Christlike trait you see and speak it out loud.How to do that: Send a voice text, call them, text them, and say,“I have been encouraged by seeing _________ in your life.” Ask Pastor Spence Question: How do I pick the person I’m going to marry?Question for Spence? Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60 Statistics Referenced:Check out our church plant in Charlotte launching Fall 2026: https://oasisclt.org/Robert Lewis: Quest for Authentic Manhoodhttps://www.statista.com/chart/16959/share-of-the-internet-that-is-porn/https://www.ecarebehavioralinstitute.com/blog/porn-addiction-statistics/https://www.barna.com/research/porn-in-the-digital-age-new-research-reveals-10-trends/Proven Men & Women Group: For more information, email provenmen@mercycharlotte.com Proven Men is a ministry for men who are struggling with sexual sin. This 13-week, gospel-centered group study will help you uncover the process of breaking free from addiction and learn how to deal with temptation and setbacks without guilt and shame. Personal accountability, encouragement, and biblical truth are vital in your healing and growth. With the help of a like-minded support network and the truth of God’s Word, freedom is possible! Interested in joining a group at Mercy? Email us using the button below.The Meaning of Marriage by Tim KellerFighting Shadows by Jon TysonFor 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. 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.

    37 min
  9. The Book About The Talk

    Mar 3

    The Book About The Talk

    Thanks for listening to Praise God, Let's Go! Tune in as Pastor Spence and Pastor Scott discuss their hopes for Mercy Church as we dive into the book of Song of Solomon sermon series and answer the question, "What does it mean when we say God is Love?" Topic: ​​What is the Song of Solomon and why should Christians study this book of the bible? Tune in as Pastor Spence and Pastor Scott discuss their hopes for Mercy Church as we dive into this series on relationships.  Soul Work: Read the book of Song of Solomon. Ask Pastor Spence: What does it mean when we say “God is Love”? Listen to this week’s sermon at https://mercycharlotte.com/sermon_series/ Have a question for Pastor Spence? Submit it here! Question for Spence? Submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19QweXVvO2F8oLeb5zltZwb5AmA30v_D2hqByxqpYe8E/edit?ts=698ccc60 Statistics Referenced: https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/the-sharp-decline-in-transgender https://www.barna.com/trends/marriage-divorce-trends-2025/ https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/08/31/half-of-u-s-christians-say-casual-sex-between-consenting-adults-is-sometimes-or-always-acceptable/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22378837192&gbraid=0AAAAA-ddO9FGH8p3_FHSt2UFQB2P0URVx Mercy Charlotte Series - Mercy Charlotte Series Archive - Mercy Charlotte graphsaboutreligion.com The Sharp Decline in Transgender Identification Among Young Adults What the latest data say about Gen Z, gender identity, and a post-pandemic correction. https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/the-sharp-decline-in-transgender Barna Group New Barna Data on Marriage and Divorce Trends A new Barna study highlights five marriage and divorce trends shaping today’s families—and how leaders can respond with care and compassion. Est. reading time 1 minute https://www.barna.com/trends/marriage-divorce-trends-2025/ Pew Research Center Half of U.S. Christians say casual sex between consenting adults is sometimes or always acceptable 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.

    26 min

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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