Hunger & Thirst

Grace Community Church
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity

Hunger & Thirst is a podcast from Grace Community Church in Crossville, Tennessee, built around honest conversations about the Bible, faith, and the questions people are actually asking. Some topics are difficult. Some are strange. Some simply deserve more time than we can give them on a Sunday morning. Hunger & Thirst creates space to dig deeper—exploring Scripture, theology, culture, and everyday life in a way that is conversational, understandable, and practical. Our goal isn’t to settle for the easy “church answer,” but to open the Bible, ask good questions, and grow together in knowing Christ and living out His Word. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” — Matthew 5:6

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    When God's Plan Looks Nothing Like Yours - Ep. 5

    What happens when God's calling for your life looks nothing like what you had planned? In Episode 5 of the Hunger & Thirst Podcast, host Josh Griffis sits down with longtime friend, Marine Corps veteran, and behind-the-scenes podcast producer Michael Kean for a powerful conversation about faith, redemption, surrender, and discovering God's purpose through life's unexpected challenges. Growing up in a difficult home environment, Michael shares how his childhood struggles, anger, and brokenness eventually led him through the doors of Grace Community Church. What began with a fight on his very first night in youth group became the beginning of a life-changing journey of experiencing the love, patience, and grace of Jesus Christ. Through the unwavering encouragement of youth leaders who refused to give up on him, Michael discovered that following Jesus wasn't simply about religion or avoiding punishment. It was about building a genuine relationship with a Savior who loved him despite his past. Years later, Michael found himself wrestling with God's calling once again. After believing he was destined to become a pastor, he began to realize that God had something entirely different in mind: serving faithfully behind the scenes, helping others fulfill their calling, and learning that true ministry isn't about recognition, but bringing glory to God. Together, Josh and Michael discuss the importance of spiritual mentorship, the impact of planting seeds of faith, overcoming feelings of inadequacy, and why sometimes God must redirect our plans to reveal His greater purpose. One powerful reminder stands at the heart of this conversation: You don't have to be qualified to be used by God. You simply have to be willing. Whether you're struggling to understand God's direction, feeling unqualified for what He's calling you to do, or walking through a difficult season of life, this episode is a reminder that God can use every part of your story for His glory. Sometimes the greatest impact happens when nobody is watching. Join us as we continue to hunger and thirst for more of God. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Michael Kean 05:15 – Michael's Childhood and Difficult Beginnings 07:30 – The Youth Leaders Who Refused to Give Up 18:40 – Finding a Church That Felt Like Home 23:40 – Experiencing the True Meaning of Grace 29:00 – Building a Foundation of Faith Through Youth Ministry 32:40 – The Moment Everything Changed: Giving His Life to Jesus 40:00 – Leading by Example and Learning from Our Mistakes 43:30 – When God's Calling Looks Different Than Your Plans 48:00 – Learning to Serve Behind the Scenes 51:30 – The Power of One Small Act of Faithfulness 54:30 – Planting Seeds and Trusting God with the Growth 60:00 – Learning from David and Paul: God Uses Imperfect People 69:00 – Why God Calls Us into Uncomfortable Places 72:30 – Final Encouragement and Closing Prayer

  2. Oct 22

    Leading the Next Generation to Follow Jesus: Why Your Example Matters - Ep.4

    What kind of impact can one faithful person have on the next generation? In Episode 4 of the Hunger & Thirst Podcast, Josh sits down with Pastor Sam Pharris of Grace Community Church for a conversation about faith, family, and the lasting influence of ministry. Once Sam’s youth group student, Josh now joins him at the table to reflect on the seeds planted years ago and how God continues to bring growth. Sam shares his journey from coming to faith as a teenager to serving as a teacher, coach, youth leader, and teaching pastor. Together, they explore what it means to lead authentically, make time for God, nurture faith at home, and support young people navigating the pressures of social media. They also discuss lessons from Judas, the hope found in Revelation, and learning to say yes when God calls you beyond your comfort zone. Whether you’re a parent, volunteer, ministry leader, or someone considering your next step of faith, this conversation offers a meaningful reminder: the time you spend investing in others matters. Notice the person who feels overlooked, trust God with the seeds you plant, and be willing to go after the one. Chapter Outline Meet Pastor Sam Pharris: His Faith and Ministry JourneyLessons and Memories from Youth MinistryStudying Scripture with IntentionPlanting Seeds of Faith in the Next GenerationAuthentic Leadership and Practicing What You PreachQuiet Time, Prayer, and Staying GroundedSaying Yes to God’s Call to PreachLessons from Judas: What Do We Want from Jesus?Finding Hope in RevelationReceiving Feedback and Depending on the Holy SpiritTaking the First Step of FaithThe Lasting Impact of Children’s MinistrySocial Media, Young People, and Strong RelationshipsMaking Time for Faith and FamilyTrusting God Through ChangeDon’t Leave Anyone Behind: Go After the OneClosing Prayer

  3. Oct 15

    Revival Isn't What You Think It Is - Ep. 3

    What does revival actually look like? Is it a weeklong church event, an emotional worship experience, or something much bigger? In this episode of Hunger & Thirst, Josh Griffis sits down with Pastor Jeff Evans to unpack the true meaning of biblical revival, why it matters, and whether we're witnessing a spiritual awakening in today's generation. From the 2023 Asbury Revival to historic movements that began with just a handful of people praying, Josh and Jeff explore how God uses ordinary people and simple acts of faithfulness to accomplish extraordinary things. But revival isn't just about large gatherings or thousands of people coming to faith. It begins with our own relationship with Jesus. Are we truly following Him, or are we simply going through the motions of Christianity? Together, they discuss spiritual complacency, the importance of prayer and Scripture, living out your faith beyond Sunday mornings, and what it means to make room for the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Revival isn't an event. It's an outcome. And it starts with a willingness to follow Jesus. Whether you're hungry for a deeper relationship with God or simply wondering what revival means, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to take the next step in your walk with Christ.

  4. Oct 8

    Could This Be Noah's Ark: Faith Meets Investigation - Ep. 2

    Could Noah’s Ark have actually been found? In this episode of Hunger & Thirst, Josh and Pastor Jeff explore the recent discoveries in Turkey, revisit the biblical story of Noah, unpack the mystery of the Nephilim, and talk about what archaeology can—and can’t—prove about Scripture. Along the way, they discuss doubt, apologetics, and why our faith ultimately rests not on what we uncover in the ground, but on Jesus.

  5. Oct 1

    Saying Yes to God: What's Your Fear Costing You? - Ep. 1

    In the first episode of Hunger & Thirst, Josh Griffiths sits down with Pastor Jeff Evans to talk about what can happen when your answer to Jesus is simply “yes.” From Jeff’s journey to faith and ministry to the fear, sacrifice, and unexpected opportunities that came along the way, they unpack what it really looks like to follow God when you don’t feel ready or qualified. h-t-episode-1 If God is calling you toward something uncomfortable, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to see the whole road—you just have to be willing to take the next step.

  • 5 Episodes

About

Hunger & Thirst is a podcast from Grace Community Church in Crossville, Tennessee, built around honest conversations about the Bible, faith, and the questions people are actually asking. Some topics are difficult. Some are strange. Some simply deserve more time than we can give them on a Sunday morning. Hunger & Thirst creates space to dig deeper—exploring Scripture, theology, culture, and everyday life in a way that is conversational, understandable, and practical. Our goal isn’t to settle for the easy “church answer,” but to open the Bible, ask good questions, and grow together in knowing Christ and living out His Word. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” — Matthew 5:6

Information

  • Creator
    Grace Community Church
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grace Community Church
  • Show Website
    Hunger & Thirst