Larissa joins Sarah and Rich once again as they continue their conversation on prayer. Many believers would agree that some of the most powerful moments of prayer and closeness with God often come during seasons of difficulty. Scripture is full of prayers born out of hardship, many of them being expressions of lament.

In this episode, Rich highlights Psalm 13 as a model of lament: it begins with a raw complaint, moves into a heartfelt petition, and concludes with a declaration of trust in who God is, even in the midst of pain. He reminds us that this is not only something believers can do, but something we should do. Bringing our grief, confusion, and sorrow honestly before God is both deeply biblical and deeply healing.

Rich and Larissa open up about their own experiences of lament, past and present, and how God has met them in those moments. While lament is not a step we can skip on the path to healing, it is often one of the most transformative parts of the journey. This real and vulnerable conversation offers encouragement and practical insight for wherever you are in life and in your own prayer journey.

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Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop

Larissa Holland's testimony on The Stories Collective, Episode 82

Aaron Holland's (Rich & Larissa's son!) testimony on The Stories Collective, Episode 138

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If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Today on Resident Strangers, Steve, Rich, and Sarah tackle a topic that continues to stir deep discussion in the church—women in ministry.

Right out of the gate, Steve clarifies that spiritual gifts are not tied to gender. In the same way, he says, the use of those gifts within the church should not be restricted by gender. Rich builds on that thought, reminding listeners that every follower of Christ is called into full-time ministry, a theme they’ve unpacked in previous episodes.

Sarah, however, notes that this conversation remains necessary because culture still struggles with how to approach it. Steve then turns to Scripture, pointing to 1 Corinthians 14:34 and 1 Timothy 2:12, which two passages often cited in this debate. He poses the critical question: Are these verses addressing roles or offices? According to Steve, understanding that distinction makes all the difference.

Meanwhile, Sarah presses into what it actually means for a woman to teach and how believers should respond when she does.

This episode dives deep into a nuanced and often emotional conversation. So, as you listen, stay open, thoughtful, and ready to wrestle with the Word.

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Learn how to read & study the Bible this fall with Rich Holland, starting October 19th

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

In today’s episode, Rich and Steve take a big picture look at different church leadership structures. Leadership within the church can vary widely from one congregation or denomination to another, and even individual churches often interpret these structures in unique ways.

Most of what we understand about church leadership comes from the New Testament. In Acts, we see both the rapid spread of the church and the development of formal leadership offices, primarily elders (or bishops) serving as overseers, and deacons. Steve highlights the important distinction between an office and a role, noting that the word “pastor” actually appears only once in the New Testament. He and Rich unpack how “elder” and “pastor” are often used interchangeably and what that means for church leadership today. They also explore how every believer, whether in a leadership position or not, shares the same call to live faithfully.

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Learn how to read & study the Bible this fall with Rich Holland, starting October 19th

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Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.