Locker Room - A Southland Christian Church Podcast

Southland Christian Church

Welcome to Locker Room, a Southland Christian Church podcast for men. When you think about the kinds of conversation that happen in locker rooms you probably think about vulgar, childish and demeaning language. In this podcast we are redeeming men's conversations by talking about the right things in the right ways.

  1. 4D AGO

    Big Words: Battle, with Matt Robison

    In our walk following Jesus, we have enemies. But our enemy is not only Satan and demons. We have another enemy that is even closer. If you want to know the other big enemy standing in the way of what God wants to do in your life…take your finger and touch your chest. It's you. It's our flesh. We all have an inclination to buck against authority and rebel against God. We see it rooted in Adam and Eve's disobedience. It manifests itself as selfish desires, inclinations toward evil, and an inability to perfectly follow God's will. We're locked in an internal struggle between doing what we want and doing what is right, requiring spiritual rebirth through Christ for transformation. For the Godly man, it's an internal struggle between doing what we want and what is right, requiring spiritual rebirth through Christ for transformation. Our guest this week, Matt Robison has a powerful story from the trenches, fighting the battle of drug and alcohol addiction. Matt shares how choices and circumstances led him to the bottom, and how by trusting in God and the Holy Spirit for each step—even after relapses—he has retaken ground in both his own life and that of his family. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Opening: Where are you winning this week? Discussion: Matt talks about the difference of recovery being between abstinence and healing. Why is it so important to distinguish between the two? Matt talks about doing good things out of a faulty performance mindset. What's the danger in doing good things out of a performance mindset? Read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. What sticks out to you about how God responds to Paul's weakness? Matt touches on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing addiction. Why is it so important to address all three instead of just one? Matt mentions a common belief especially amongst men: "I have to perform to be valuable." When have you felt this way? Where does that belief come from? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. It's really hard when your heart is broke, your mind is sick, and your soul is covered with shame." What part of you feels most broken right now, and how is that affecting your relationship with God? "Jesus is more interested in the wounds behind the sin than he is in the behaviors." We often focus on stopping sinful behaviors while ignoring the deeper wounds underneath. What would it look like to bring those wounds from the past to Jesus, instead of just trying harder to change? What's a habit in your life that keeps you from God's best? What's a sin that the enemy is using to blanket you in shame with? What is your next step of obedience?  Resources  AA…AA's are everywhere.  We have AA's that meet at three of our campuses—NIC, LEX & GEO.  Please reach out and we'll help you get connected to them if you're interested.  There's also a Christian Recovery Program at a lot of churches all over our city, all over the country called Celebrate Recovery. That's a great Christian program that's making a huge impact.   We also have a long list of guys that are in our church that have battled alcohol addiction and they're sober and would be honored to walk beside you, share their story and help you in any way that they can.  Book by John Ortberg, called Steps (A guide to transforming your life when willpower isn't enough).    If you're interested in another podcast on addiction, I had one of the men in our church named Mike Mueller on.  Locker Room episode, Southland Men:  Mike Mueller (The View From Rock Bottom)—March 28th, 2025.    Wrap Up  If this podcast has encouraged you—we'd love to hear from you.  If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step, want to get in touch with Matt Robison…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.   As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about. Thanks for listening.  Get after it!  We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.

    1h 20m
  2. JAN 30

    Big Words: Discipleship, with Kevin Comp and Tim Hurd

    Today on the podcast we are talking about discipleship. This word is really important! It's important to Jesus, and it's plastered throughout the pages of the Bible. It's important to our church, and it should be important to us. Discipleship is the lifelong process of following Jesus, learning his ways, becoming more like him (Christ-like), and helping others do the same, involving deep commitment, spiritual growth, and active obedience to his teachings and mission.   DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Opening Questions What's something you would go back and tell your 18 year old self? Where are you winning this week? Discussion Questions "Jesus didn't climb on a cross to make us simple casual church goers." When did you realize following Jesus was more than attending church, and what actually changed in your life? What does 'dying to yourself' actually look like in everyday life, not just in theory? When have you ever realized you were calling the shots instead of Jesus? What exposed that and how did you respond? How does the image of a snare change the way you think about the seriousness of sin? Tim talks about how kids will either look at the Bible through the lens of the world, or they will look at the world through the lens of the Bible. He also mentions this is something we have to wrestle with as well. What helps you recognize when you're viewing life through the world's lens, instead of Scripture? And why does that matter? 7 Discipleship Markers Lordship of Christ Bible Engagement  Consistent Prayer Serving others Sharing your faith Transformational Community What has being in a Locker Room group revealed about your faith that you wouldn't have seen on your own? Trusted Obedience  What are you doing well?  Where are you winning in these 7 areas? What needs some work?  What steps is the Holy Spirit challenging you to take?  Wrap Up: If this podcast has encouraged you—we'd love to hear from you.  If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.   As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about.

    1h 25m
  3. JAN 23

    Big Words: Grace, with Ian Schweitzer and Gordon Walls

    God tells us from the very beginning that he is holy and he calls us to be holy. He also tells us sin leads to death. Here's the predicament our sin puts us in with God: He loves us. He's told us of the consequences of our sin. We've sinned. God loves us so much yet sin has to be paid for. God could simply punish us and He would be right if He did. God could turn and go back on what He said because he loves us, but then he wouldn't be just. God's attributes of love and justice seem to be at odds when it comes to our condition before Him. So God figures out a way to continue to be both loving and just. The answer is found in God sending his son to put on flesh, live a perfect life and then die in our place for our sin. The cross is where God's love and justice collide. Welcome back to Locker Room. This season we're going to tackle four important series. The four series are called Big Words, Marriage, Parenting and Southland Men. This week, Scott is joined by our guests Ian Schweitzer and Gordon Walls to open up a discussion about God's gift of grace, given to us all.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Opening Questions If you have been in a Locker Room Group before, share something that you've grown in since joining.  If this is your first time in a Locker Room Group, tell us what you're hoping to grow in through this group.  Tell the story of getting your driver's license or your first car. What did that freedom actually change for you? Discussion Questions  Most of us are wired to earn respect, success, and approval. How has that mindset shaped the way you think about God and salvation? What's hard about believing grace can't be earned? "Sometimes this idea of grace can seem too good to be true." Have you ever felt this way? In our parenting: the place our kids need to run to when they do something wrong is us. We have to help them understand over and over again that we're the right place, the safe place to run regardless of what they've done.  It's all dependant of their view of us as father.  How can we help our kids understand this? The same is true for us–it depends on our view of God the Father.  When you mess up–what your natural action–to run to God or run away from Him? Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Talk about the phrase, "Not your own doing." Everything in this world is conditional. What does it mean to you to know this grace He offers us is unconditional? Read Romans 6:1-4. How does this challenge the idea that grace gives us a free pass? The enemy lies and says, "You are not worthy. Don't share what you've done with anyone."  When have you seen this in your life and what does Jesus say in response? How does Gordon's story about the Auburn linebacker reinforce the importance of sharing the gospel with people? Who might God be asking you to show up for, even if you never see the impact? "The grace of God is dangerous. It's lavish, excessive, outrageous, and scandalous. God's grace is ridiculously inclusive. Apparently, God doesn't care who He loves. He is not very careful about the people He calls His friends or the people He calls His Church." -Mike Yaconelli, Messy Spirituality.   What blows you away about this quote? Is there anything else that spoke to you from this episode?  Where did the Holy Spirit challenge you? Additional Resources What's so Amazing about Grace by Philip Yancey Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli  Wrap Up: If this podcast has encouraged you, we'd love to hear from you.  If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.   As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about. Thanks for listening.  Get after it!  We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.

    1h 18m
  4. 11/21/2025

    Man of God, with Ross Barnette

    Every man listening has been invited by Jesus to follow Him, and be in relationship with Him. Jesus wants to be our Lord, Savior and Friend. This week on the podcast we will look at four characteristics we should have in our walk: We'll look at what it means to be fully devoted, responsible, intentional and resilient. Ross Barnette is our guest this week. Ross has been involved in leadership at Southland for many years and is currently one of our Elders.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Opening Question: Who is your favorite college basketball player of all time and why?  Where are you winning this week?  Ross (in talking about the people that impacted his life) said, "All had grace in common. They didn't treat me the way I deserve." What does it mean to treat someone in a way that they do not deserve?  Ross spoke about his story and how God was chasing him throughout his whole life. Look back in your own life. Is there anything you went through that was hard in the moment, but now--looking back--you can see how God was at work in that hard time?  Ross talked about the importance of structured times of prayer. Why is this important and what can you do to develop structured times of prayer in your life?  Scott and Ross talked about some practical ways a single man, a husband, and a dad can apply responsibility in their lives. Focus on the group you are in and talk about some takeaways you had.  Read Luke 14:25-35. How does this passage speak to the importance of being intentional about our walk with Jesus? What area of your life needs more intentionality? Your spiritual walk, marriage, kids, work, friendships, or health? What helps you stay resilient? What helps you stay in the fight when life gets hard instead of tapping out or checking out? Which Scripture from the episode (Phil 1:6, Gal 6:9, James 1:12, Hebrews 12, etc.) encourages you the most right now? Closing questions: Scott & Ross highlighted 4 characteristics of a man of God. Fully-devoted Responsible Intentional  Resilient Share with your LR Group men in your life that are great examples of these areas? How do you Jesus model these in the gospels and toward us? Of the four, which of these are you stronger at? Which of these 4 areas are you needing to grow? What are some ways/next steps that you can take to do grow? Was there anything else in the episode you resonated with? Are you feeling any prompting from the Holy Spirit? Key Scripture Philippians 1:6 (NIV) 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. James 1:12 (NIV) 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Wrap Up:  Need help or need to connect…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.   Who needs you to share this episode with them?

    1h 16m
  5. 11/14/2025

    Share Good News: Your Workplace is Your Mission Field

    Today on the the podcast, we're going to talk about how we can light up the darkness in a place where we spend at least 8 hours a day, 5-days a week: our work. Some of us are fortunate to work in a place where we can freely proclaim our faith. But for many of us listening, that may not be the case. You may have some other people you work with who are Christ-followers, but for the most part you know every day when you walk in, you're walking into an environment resistant or hostile to Jesus. You're playing an away game. Today's conversation with our three guests—Matt Hall, Yancey Marcum and Jordan Heflin— is about encouraging you to do what you can to walk into your workplace and see it as your mission field. DISCUSSION GUIDE Opening Questions: What comes to mind when you hear "your work place is your mission"  The guys talked through who all they interact with on a daily basis. Spend some time talking through who you interact with on a daily basis. The guys talk about what they do every day when they get up to get their mind right for work. What are some things you do in the morning to 'get your mind right'? "Our work is an opportunity for us to bring life, light, joy and hope into it regardless if we can utter a word about Jesus." What are some of the opportunities to share the gospel in your workplace?  5 components that Christ-followers should bring into their workplaces: Creation-Fulfilling  Excellence-Pursuing Holiness-Reflecting  Redemption-Displaying Mission-Advancing When you think about these five components together: Which one(s) are you either naturally or intentionally good at? Which ones challenges you? Which area do you need to work on?  Read Daniel 6:4-5. What sticks out to you? What does this passage add to our day to day lives?  "Preach the gospel and when necessary, use words." What does that look like for you? "Your job today is to positively impact everyone around you" What are some changes you need to make in order to better display the gospel without using words? Sharing your story: "The more you practice, the easier it becomes." Who are some people that can help you practice sharing your testimony?  After listening to this episode, Is there anything/anyone you think God is putting on your heart to move toward to pray for, serve and connect with?  "When he came there was no light; when he left there was no darkness!" When you read that quote, what comes to mind? Why is that God's heart for us? What has the Holy Spirit laid on your heart? What's your next step? Key Verses Colossians 3:17 (ESV) 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Matthew 9:35-38 (MSG) 35-38 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When He looked out over the crowds, His heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" He said to His disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!"      1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.   Wrap Up: If this podcast has encouraged you—We'd love to hear from you.   If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.   If you want to connect with Matt, Yancy or Jordan—email us and we'll connect you with them! As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about. Thanks for listening.  Get after it!  We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.

    1h 27m
  6. 11/07/2025

    Share Good News: The Power of Your Story, with Aaron Ross and Clay Mossbarger

    Jesus has changed the lives of most of us listening to this podcast. Your job is to talk about it; tell your story. Each of us needs to figure out ways to share our testimony. Your story is one of your greatest weapons!  Your testimony is simply God's rescue story in your life! And it doesn't matter what it is. Today on the podcast, Scott is joined by Aaron Ross and Clay Mossbarger. We'll get to hear each of their stories, and for those of us who haven't shared our story yet, we'll dive into how to do that, one step at a time. Outside of the Word of God and the Spirit of God, your story is one of your greatest weapons. There's power in your story. Tell it!   DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Opening Questions  Where are you winning this week? What are some of your favorite stories?  In what ways this week have you prioritized evangelism (loving lost & broken people with God's love)?  3 critical parts of our stories that make up our testimony:   What was your life like when you didn't live for Jesus? Talk about how your encounter Jesus and the power of the gospel. Talk about your new life in Christ. In your own words, explain why these 3 areas are critical in our story and important in how we share our story with others?  How does it make us "relatable"? 'That moment' What was that moment like for you? Why is remembering and sharing that moment with people so important?  What is a part of Clay's story that stuck out to you?  What stuck out about Aaron's story? "And I still need him today." Why is it so critical to remember this statement every single day? Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Reflect on what word or phrase sticks out to you? How does that word or phrase appear in your story? Biblical example of Testiomony–Paul: Acts 26:3-11…Paul's life before living for Jesus. Acts 26:12-16…Paul's conversion experience.  Acts 26:17-23…Paul's new life in Christ. Why is the power of our testimony one of our greatest weapons in engaging in gosple conversations? If you've done this, share about a time in your life when you were able to share your story with someone that didn't know Jesus?   What's your story?  What might Jesus be wanting you to share with people in your life that you care about?   Homework:  Take some time to write out your story in a way to share what God has done in your life.  Idea:  Take some time to write out your story (5 minutes) and then let's get back together in Group and let's read through and share our stories with one another.     Key Verses Acts 1:8 (NIV) 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!    Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT) 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) Revelation 12:11 (NIV) 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.   Next Steps If this podcast has encouraged you—We'd love to hear from you.   If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.   As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about. Thanks for listening.  Get after it!  We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.

    1h 12m
  7. 10/31/2025

    Practical Tools for Gospel Conversations

    In this series on the podcast, we're talking about the importance of living on mission and sharing the Good News with people in our lives that don't know Jesus. In this episode we'll dig deeper: providing insight and practical tools to help you understand how God has already armed us with way more than we ever realized. We can do this. We should do this. We must do this. Our hope is that the Holy Spirit will empower you to light up the darkness and share the greatest news on the planet.   DISCUSSION GUIDE Opening Questions Where are you winning this week? Did you get the chance this week to reach out to that person that came to mind during last week's episode? If so, how did that conversation go?  Who was the first person that helped you understand the gospel in a personal way? How did that impact you? Two ships were near, only one was responsive. Which ship are you? What are the next steps you need to take to be more like the Carpathia?  Read Romans 6:23 and John 14:6. How do these verses remind us of both the urgency and hope of the gospel? Scott talked about "unleashing the power of prayer." What's one name you can start praying for this week? What's one specific prayer you could pray for them? Be Curious… "It's not about trying to be interesting, it is about being interested." What's one way you could use curiosity to start a gospel conversation this week? How does finding commonality help you start a gospel conversation with that person? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 that he became "all things to all people." What does that look like in your life - at work, at home, or with friends? Where might God already be giving you common ground with someone who doesn't yet know Jesus? Scott reminded us that the Holy Spirit gives us the words when we open our mouths. How does this truth encourage us to share the gospel with others even when we don't always know the words to say? "Pain points create openings." When has God used pain in your life (or someone else's) to open a door for a gospel conversation? Who in your life might be "sending up flares" right now? Someone hurting, searching, and how could you respond? "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for."-Charles Spurgeon.   How does this quote resonate with you? How can that kind of urgency shape the way you live this week? What's one step of obedience you'll take to "share good news"? Key Verses: Romans 6:23 (ESV) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 14:6 (NIV) 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV) 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV) 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.   Extra Resources A Case For Christ.—Lee Strobel Mere Christianity—C.S. Lewis Get them the Bible   Wrap Up: If this podcast has encouraged you—I'd love to hear from you.   If you're wrestling with Christianity, interested in getting baptized or need help figuring out your next step…shoot us an email at lockerroom@southland.church.   As always…if this podcast has encouraged you—share it with a friend.  You never know how an episode like this can help those in your life that you care about. Thanks for listening.  Get after it!  We'll catch you next time on Locker Room.

    42 min
4.9
out of 5
328 Ratings

About

Welcome to Locker Room, a Southland Christian Church podcast for men. When you think about the kinds of conversation that happen in locker rooms you probably think about vulgar, childish and demeaning language. In this podcast we are redeeming men's conversations by talking about the right things in the right ways.

You Might Also Like