Growing Together

Organic Church
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Step into a virtual garden of spiritual growth and community connection with the "Growing Together" podcast. This podcast is a nurturing space for individuals seeking to deepen their faith, cultivate relationships, and explore the boundless beauty of a shared spiritual journey. Each episode of "Growing Together" is a breath of fresh air, where Pastor Michael, Syd, Nic, Pastor Holly, and Pastor Roger try to navigate the twists and turns of life while staying rooted in faith. Their warm and inviting presence makes you feel like you're sitting in a cozy living room, engaged in a heartfelt conversation with old friends. Diving into topics ranging from personal growth and self-care to building resilient relationships and fostering a sense of community, the podcast aims to equip listeners with the tools to nurture their faith in all aspects of life. Through scripture readings, open discussions, and interviews with experts in various fields, "Growing Together" provides a holistic approach to spiritual development. Whether you're a lifelong believer, a seeker on the spiritual path, or simply someone curious about how faith can shape lives, "Growing Together" offers a welcoming haven for everyone. Tune in during your morning routine, while taking a leisurely stroll, or even during a quiet moment of reflection – the podcast fits seamlessly into your daily life. Join the "Growing Together" community and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and genuine connection. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, this podcast reminds us that nurturing our faith and cultivating meaningful relationships can lead to a life that's deeply fulfilling and spiritually abundant. Subscribe now to start your journey of growing together in faith and fellowship.

  1. 5D AGO

    Spring Into Spiritual Growth-Part 5: Fruits Of Our Labor

    Send us Fan Mail We made it!  The location has been chosen, the soil has been prepared.  The seed has been planted and we have made the commitment to nurture and protect our investment.  There's only one thing left to do!  Enjoy the fruits of our labor!  God delights in our joy when we plant our garden in honor of our faithfulness to his kingdom.  That joy is returned to us abundantly as a reward for our hard work and dedication.  This week, Nic & Dale can pat themselves on the back for a job well done as they present the final episode of the Spring Into Spiritual Growth series. There's not much to add here, and we wouldn't dare brag about our accomplishments.  You just have to listen to this podcast.  If you have been putting off your own quest for spiritual fulfillment, do not despair.  There's always tomorrow.  But why wait?  Let Nic & Dale give you the jump start you need right now with some wise counsel and a few laughs to brighten your horizons.  There's no need to request a refund or speak to customer service, it's all free and it's all right here at the click of a button.  So what risk are you really taking?   The Growing Together Podcast has only one mission, and that is to bring people closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Are you tired of listening to other podcasts with endless commercial interruption?  Are you discouraged that you usually have to pay extra to get all the goods?  Could you use a little more conversation and a little less of a sales pitch for merchandise?  Well, you wont find any of those distractions here.  If it says the episode is an hour plus long, the episode is just that;  all show and no filler.  We can't wait to have you along for the conversation.  Thank you for listening and have a blessed week!

    1h 9m

  2. MAY 14

    Spring Into Spiritual Growth-Part 4: Nurture & Protect

    Send us Fan Mail Well folks, we have hit the home stretch, but don't go away just yet.  Our quest for spiritual growth continues this week as Nic & Dale provide more insight into what it takes to make sure all your hard work doesn't go for naught.  This week's episode is an essential part of the growing process.  Maintaining your spiritual growth can be a daunting task in the world we live in, therefore, it is important that your efforts to nurture and protect are supported by wisdom and fortitude. Can you ever be one hundred percent certain that your faith will never be tested once you proclaim yourself Christian?  Is there ever a time in your life when you can let your guard down and assume that the enemy will never cross your path in the attempt to shake up your roots?  The answer is positively, no.  As the old saying goes, this is not a race, but a marathon.  Our journey through life as an active Christian means challenges will always test our best laid plans, and we must have the proper response to all things at all times. The Book of Ephesians tells us that we must always put on the full armor of God, everyday.  We must put it on.  Just as we wake up everyday and clothe ourselves in our favorite sweatshirt or pair of shoes, so we must also make the effort to dress our mind and body in the armor God provides for us.  The written word, read daily, is a one size fits all application that guarantees our protection against the forces of darkness at work all around us.  Can you see it? Sounds pretty serious doesn't it?  Maybe so, but don't worry.  There will still be plenty of laughs to be shared.  You can count on Nic & Dale to keep the conversation light.  You just never know what you might hear on this show.  There's only one way to find out.  Become a listener, and help spread the word to all corners of God's kingdom.  Have a great week everybody!

    58 min

  3. MAY 7

    Spring Into Spiritual Growth-Part 3: Planting The Seed

    Send us Fan Mail The Growing Together podcast continues to roll.   This week we celebrate our 150th episode as we expand our series on spiritual growth!  Join Nic & Dale as they discuss what is perhaps the most important step in the process.  You have found the right location and have prepared the soil well, now it's time to plant your seed. Dale is convinced his seed represents positive affirmation and self-worth; the realization that how you value yourself is rooted in God's wisdom and guidance, not on the superficial things we value in our early years.  Only the love of God can supply the growth necessary to transform the young self into a mature, productive adult capable of being an example for God's kingdom.  When others can see your light shine, it's because you have planted your seed well and have produced something pure and inspiring.  There's no shame that Dale cannot dunk a basketball, he's an all-star in God's kingdom. Nic believes his seed is that abiding faith one must possess that passes all other understanding in this topsy-turvy world we feel trapped in.  Fellowship is key, the word is truly essential, but faith is absolute.  Submitting to God's will is a by-product of understanding his word and applying it to our lives even in those times when we don't understand.  Faith is what makes that relationship a two-way street and lets God know you are truly invested in what he is trying to convey.  Faith holds strong when the storm is doing its worst to uproot everything you have worked so hard to create. This week's episode just might provoke some second-guessing; it may challenge you to look within yourself.  Is your relationship with God just a casual exchange when you need something to happen?  Do you only consider God when other people talk about him?  Are you satisfied to admire other people's work while your  garden lives only in your own mind?  Do other people see Jesus in your smile?  So many questions deserve appropriate answers.  God is waiting for you to plant that seed, for he is the vine and we are the branches!

    1h 4m

  4. APR 30

    Solo Act- Paul's Message To The Romans

    Send us Fan Mail The apostle Paul understood that, sometimes, you just have to get out there on your own and see what you can accomplish with only the Word to guide you.  On this edition of Growing Together, host Nicholas Affolter,  finds himself in a similar situation.  With no co-pilot available, he will have to rely on what has been stored up inside the spirit and go for it.  Fortunately, he knew right where to look for inspiration.  The Book of Romans is a great place to find solace in solitude and the result is a deep dive into the everlasting truth that Jesus Christ can free us all from our sin and the obstacles that hold us back. Have you been on a hopeless pursuit of happiness, finding yourself lost in the self-help section of your favorite bookstore?  Do you have a favorite chair or recliner that calls your name and suckers you in for a wasted night of death-scrolling or channel surfing?  Do you find that all the goals you set in your mind are sabotaged by the draw of more comfortable, yet pointless pursuits?  Paul covers this fatal flaw of mankind and explains to us that although we share these same weaknesses, they do not have to define us.  Christ is our one true solution to everlasting purpose and salvation.   The nature of sin that lives within us all is a powerful mixture of loathing, self-doubt, and overwhelming guilt that can control our body and mind to the point of a breakdown.  We can tell ourselves that we are unworthy of God's grace, so why bother?  It can reduce the self to mental and physical apathy, making even the most ordinary tasks seem insurmountable.  Have you ever been there?  Paul has. The Book of Romans reminds us that it is our spirit that decides our fate, not the sin forced upon us by a cruel and unfair world.  If our spirit is for the Lord then sin must retreat and die a slow death of its own.  Our natural bodies can never survive the harsh realities of this world, but our spirit will live on and on if it lives for the Lord.  It's time to tell sin to hit the road.  It has no place here.  It all starts with one simple statement: I choose to live for the Lord.  Paul was so confident in this belief that he was willing to travel thousands of miles to share it.  All it takes is one step for your journey to begin.  Let's go!

    1h 14m

  5. APR 23

    Spring Into Spiritual Growth-Part Two: Preparing The Soil

    Send us Fan Mail Last week we discovered the ideal location to begin our quest for spiritual growth.  This week, the quest continues as Nic and Dale dive into the next vital step.  Preparing the soil is an essential part of the growing process, and we will see to it that you have all the vital nutrients stored up and ready to mix in so that your spiritual roots grow deep and strong.   Nic & Dale impress upon their listeners that the word of God, straight from the written word, is the first and main ingredient necessary for success.  Yes, your soil will need plenty of water. However, be sure that the way you choose to receive the word is not watered down just to make it pleasing to the ear.  Get to know the word before putting your trust in the sermon of someone standing three feet above you.   Along the way, Nic and Dale will share personal stories of their own experiences as youths learning to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and what it meant to them when challenged as adults to be ever mindful of what enters the spiritual body and more important, keeping those things out that may contaminate the good soil we labor so hard for.   If you missed last week's episode, give it a listen, then jump right in to this one.  It's time to binge listen as they say.  It's all designed for one big hurrah.  We won't judge you; in fact, we encourage it.  Just this once.  And if you're feeling really spunky, please share our show with your friends and loved ones.  We are all growing together, and there's no better time to join what we've got going on here.  Thank you for listening!  We would love to hear from you in the comments!

    1 hr

  6. APR 16

    Spring Into Spiritual Growth-Part One: Location, Location, Location

    Send us Fan Mail Pastor Michael presented us with a profound question.  Easter season has come to an end.  What do we do now?  The fire and excitement we so much enjoy passes and what do we have to look forward to?  Yardwork?  The heat and humidity of a long summer?  Whatever the case may be, spring is here and and there's no excuse not to make the best of it.  That's where we come in.  Nic and Dale are here to keep your spiritual growth in full bloom as we dedicate ourselves to a series all about spiritual growth and commitment. As is said in the world of real estate, nothing is more important than location, location, location.  The decision to plant your feet and call it home is more important than any other, and wherever that may be it is vital to know that you have chosen a place where you can flourish and all the right elements are at the center of your world.  You want your home to be on solid ground.  You want your garden to be on fertile soil.  Therefore, you want your spirit to be centered on God so he can provide you with all the stability and vitality he has to offer.   Take a look at your surroundings.  What do you see?  Look down at your feet.  Are you rooted in God's grace and mercy?  Speak to those around you.  What do you hear?  Are you in fellowship with those that want to encourage your spiritual growth or are you feeling distracted and isolated?  Sometimes hard choices have to be made.  There is no growth without pain.  We certainly do not mean that you should lose valued friendships and family, but at some point a decision has to be made.  Are you going to live for God, or let others dictate how you worship?   Nic and Dale are here to encourage you to consider your spiritual growth.  If you came away from a passionate Easter message and are telling yourself you want more of that but just don't know what to do next.  This one's for you.  If you have  fallen away and need a little help getting back on track, have a listen.  Or, if you just need a little refresher to keep your growth on the right track, we got you.  Yes, growth is hard work, but it doesn't have to be a struggle.  It doesn't have to be a snooze.  You can have a good time getting your hands dirty, and we are proof of that.  Come along with us for the next five or six weeks and make your Spring a meaningful one.  You will not regret it.  Please don't forget to share with your friends and family.  They need a little love too.  Have a great week and keep your chin up!

    50 min

  7. APR 9

    A Sword To Pierce Her Heart: Mary At The Foot Of The Cross

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever considered the strength and fortitude it would take as a mother to follow a child to his appointed time of sacrifice and death?  Do you know what it's like as a mother to lose a child who's purpose in life was to risk their lives to protect others?  A woman's faith is embedded in her ability to bring life into the world and protect it with all the wisdom and power she can muster.  Perhaps there is no better example than Mary herself, the mother of The Savior of mankind. On this week's episode of Growing Together, we have a very special guest.  Our long time co-host and friend, Syd, returns to the show to join us on our last message for the Easter season!  Nic and Dale are getting a break this week, although still ever present, as Margie and Syd share their thoughts on motherhood and what it means to protect their children in the most extraordinary situations.  Their perspectives are deep and heartfelt, full of passion and fire as they share their love for their own children and what it would be like to have that relationship threatened. We learn that God's plan is never based on a whim.  Mary was chosen for her strength, wisdom, faith, and devotion.  Her qualifications did not rest on the simple fact that she was a virgin.  God knew his choice must be placed on a mother that could see the savior of the world through each stage of his life from beginning to end.  It had to be a woman who could not only nurse the child, but could stand up to him and voice her persuasion that the time was right for Jesus to reveal his purpose to the world.  She had to be able to set aside her own grief when the trial was upon him, and carry through by his side to his death on the cross.   Interesting questions are raised here.  Do women worship different than men?  Should women be appointed as pastors?  These and so much more are answered in this very important meeting of the minds on Growing Together.  Our mission is to bring people to Christ one episode at a time.  The great commission is a journey, and it doesn't have to be boring.  If you are looking for fresh perspectives with a down to earth feel, this is the show for you.  Give it a listen and we guarantee you will keep coming back to join us.  Have a great week!  Please share with a friend or loved one!

    1h 36m

  8. APR 2

    As The Rooster Crows: Peter And The Pitfalls Of Spiritual Denial

    Send us Fan Mail Do you feel spiritually sound within yourself until the moment arrives when you feel confronted to share your faith and choose to stay silent?  When God is calling on you to act, are you willing to be bold and proclaim your faith or let the opportunity pass you by?  Denial is something we can all struggle with, and nobody knows that better than Peter and his fellow disciples. Join Nic & Dale this week as they discuss all the pains and pitfalls of being weak in the flesh which often times can result in the denial of our most basic Christian principles.  Peter proclaimed he was willing to die beside Christ, and the other disciples were quick to second the emotion.  However, when faced with the harsh reality, they all chose to scatter and deny their Savior.  yet, they were not beyond reproach, and neither are we.  It is our desire to continue to move toward God despite our missed opportunities that makes us true followers of The Cross.   In this modern world we live in, surrounded by social media and the acceleration of AI, our independent thoughts are being exercised less and less.  We deny Christ our hearts and minds by filling it up with non-sense that keeps our brains on auto-pilot.  Mindless gratification prevents us from getting out there and fulfilling the great commission.  Denial can become a tool for self-worship, and whether the enemy is working on you or not, it's all the same to him that your treasured time on Earth is wasted and God's mission is put on hold in your life.   If you need some assurance that life doesn't have to be this way, that life is truly well spent when you are bold in Christ, this is a conversation you need to be a part of.  There is no better time than right now to re-examine your approach.  Are you an ambassador for Christ when given the opportunity, or will you deny Him at every hard turn?   Let us know what you think in the comments and please like and share.  Help us spread the word and become a part of the great commission!

    1h 35m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Step into a virtual garden of spiritual growth and community connection with the "Growing Together" podcast. This podcast is a nurturing space for individuals seeking to deepen their faith, cultivate relationships, and explore the boundless beauty of a shared spiritual journey. Each episode of "Growing Together" is a breath of fresh air, where Pastor Michael, Syd, Nic, Pastor Holly, and Pastor Roger try to navigate the twists and turns of life while staying rooted in faith. Their warm and inviting presence makes you feel like you're sitting in a cozy living room, engaged in a heartfelt conversation with old friends. Diving into topics ranging from personal growth and self-care to building resilient relationships and fostering a sense of community, the podcast aims to equip listeners with the tools to nurture their faith in all aspects of life. Through scripture readings, open discussions, and interviews with experts in various fields, "Growing Together" provides a holistic approach to spiritual development. Whether you're a lifelong believer, a seeker on the spiritual path, or simply someone curious about how faith can shape lives, "Growing Together" offers a welcoming haven for everyone. Tune in during your morning routine, while taking a leisurely stroll, or even during a quiet moment of reflection – the podcast fits seamlessly into your daily life. Join the "Growing Together" community and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and genuine connection. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, this podcast reminds us that nurturing our faith and cultivating meaningful relationships can lead to a life that's deeply fulfilling and spiritually abundant. Subscribe now to start your journey of growing together in faith and fellowship.

Information

  • Creator
    Organic Church
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Growing Together
  • Show Website
    Growing Together