In this episode of Tell Me More, host Katy Reed Hodges sits down with worship pastors Michael Glenn and first-time guest Aaron Tomes to explore the stories and convictions shaping worship at First Baptist Arlington. Aaron shares the powerful calling that led him into worship ministry, the unusual joy of leading a thriving classic service, and how God has used seasons of rebuilding in every church he has served.

The conversation also turns deeply personal as Aaron recounts meeting his wife Allison on a music mission trip, her call to international education, and their journey raising six children with intentional discipleship at home. Together, Katy, Michael, and Aaron reflect on prayer, spiritual protection, forgiveness in marriage, and what it means for families to model Christlike love so that children grow up wanting to follow Jesus for themselves.

Join hosts Katy Reed Hodges, Luke Stehr, and Dr. Dennis Wiles as they explore what it truly means to be "Pentecostal people" during the season of Eastertide. This episode tackles the big theological questions: What is Eastertide and why does it matter? How do we understand Pentecost as central to Christ's redemptive work? And how do we interpret the Book of Acts without falling into spiritual complacency? Dr. Wiles makes a compelling case that Pentecost represents far more than a historical event—it's the inauguration of the "new temple era" where the Holy Spirit empowers the church to advance God's kingdom globally. Whether you're wrestling with the role of spiritual gifts in today's church or wondering why Western Christianity feels spiritually flat, this conversation challenges you to expand your vision of what God is doing in the world.

The hosts dig deeper into a critical tension: How do we embrace the full reality of God's supernatural work without claiming that everything in Acts should happen today? Through personal stories of mission work and exposure to the global church, Dr. Wiles reveals how Western secularism has trapped us in a "two-dimensional" view of life, cutting us off from the spiritual reality that brothers and sisters around the world experience daily. This episode is an invitation to read Scripture with fresh eyes, recognize the cosmic salvation history unfolding around us, and step into the dynamic, Spirit-empowered life that Jesus promised. Listen in as the team discusses church announcements, including exciting camp opportunities for students, and discover why understanding Pentecost matters for your faith today.

In this special Easter episode of Tell Me More, hosts Dennis Wiles and Katy Reed Hodges reflect on a meaningful Holy Week at First Baptist Arlington, beginning with a lighthearted staff Easter egg hunt that becomes a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made Easter worship possible. From there, they journey through the week's spiritual highlights, Palm Sunday, the Arlington Prayer Breakfast, and a particularly moving Good Friday service where Dennis shifted communion to a more personal, individual experience. Standing alone in the sanctuary on Saturday morning, Dennis posted: "The cross is silent. The tomb is full, and we wait", capturing the profound significance of that liminal space before resurrection. As Dennis reflects on preaching his 43rd consecutive Easter sermon, he shares a haunting story about an elderly pastor who lost his voice: "Sadder still is to wake up with the voice and no desire." That captures the deep gratitude for both the privilege and calling to proclaim resurrection hope.

The conversation celebrates the vibrant Easter worship experiences across both services, with particular awe for how Aaron Toms and the music team have transformed the congregation's engagement with classical worship, making it alive, full of youth and energy, and decidedly not "just for old people." But the theological heart of Easter rests in one remarkable detail from John's gospel: Mary Magdalene, a woman once labeled as demon-possessed, becomes the first person to encounter the risen Jesus and the first carrier of the resurrection message to the world. This detail speaks volumes about God's upside-down kingdom and adds profound credibility to the account. Everyone must humble themselves and depend on grace working through unexpected vessels.

Rather than letting momentum fade after Easter Sunday, Dennis and Katy are intentionally embracing the liturgical season of Eastertide, the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost. Connected to the church's vision of intentional discipleship, this season will focus on being shaped by the Holy Spirit, something Dennis believes many Baptists have inadvertently neglected. The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners not to coast into summer, but to stay engaged with daily Bible readings, sermons, and resources as the church explores what it truly means to live in the power and presence of the Spirit, because He lives, not just in Scripture, but in everyday life.

Join hosts Katy Reed-Hodges, Luke Stehr and Dr. Wiles as they explore the richness and profound meaning of Holy Week. In this episode, they discuss the history and traditions of Holy Week in the Christian calendar, share what Holy Week looks like at First Baptist Arlington, and dive deep into what it means to abide in Christ and live life on the vine—drawing from John 15.

The conversation touches on fascinating theological territory, including how Easter became Christianity's most significant celebration, the differences between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian Easter calculations, and the remarkable story of Pope Gregory's meridian line in Rome used to determine Easter's date. But more importantly, the hosts explore the spiritual heart of this sacred week: the transformative power of maintaining a living connection with Jesus beyond Sunday morning worship.

Through personal stories—including a hilarious exchange about not owning cows in Texas—and thoughtful reflection on the disciples' perspective during Holy Week, this episode reminds listeners not to miss the spiritual significance of these days. The hosts emphasize that bearing fruit in the Christian life isn't primarily about external works or behavior, but about the internal transformation that flows from an authentic, ongoing relationship with Jesus.

Whether you're looking for resources to deepen your Holy Week experience (like the Easter Now app or daily Bible readings), practical ways to invite others to celebrate Easter, or simply a refreshing reminder of what it means to stay "plugged in" to Jesus throughout your week, this episode offers both nourishment and challenge.

Perfect for anyone seeking to move beyond surface-level Christianity and into a more intimate, Spirit-empowered walk with Christ.

Here at First Baptist Arlington we are nearing the end of the Lenten season. In this episode of Tell Me More, Katy Reed Hodges and Dr. Wiles are diving into the theological and emotional depth of John 14 as they prepare for Holy Week.

They explore the unique structure of John's Gospel, noting how John condenses three years of Jesus's ministry into the first 12 chapters, then dedicates chapters 13-20 to just one week—the most important week since creation. The conversation centers on the intimate setting where Jesus tells his closest followers, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me" (John 14:1).

Katy and Dr. Wiles emphasize how we often run "roughshod" through this familiar passage without considering the disciples' perspective. Here were fishermen who had watched Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, cleanse the temple, and intellectually dominate the religious scholars—and suddenly he's telling them he's leaving. They discuss Thomas's honest questions and Philip's request to see the Father, highlighting Jesus's profound response: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). They encourage listeners not to miss the depth and mystery of this passage as we approach Holy Week, urging us to slow down and truly imagine what these men must have felt in that upper room.

Key Discussion Points

• The Structure of John’s Gospel:
  • The hosts note how John condenses three years of ministry into the first 12 chapters, while dedicating chapters 13–20 to just one week.
  • They compare this to the "Lenten pace," where the focus intensifies as Easter approaches.
• The "Upper Room" Atmosphere:
  • The dialogue centers on the disciples' confusion and fear. After seeing Jesus's power (cleansing the temple, raising Lazarus), they are blindsided by his announcement that he is leaving.
  • They highlight the humanity of figures like Thomas and Philip, who ask honest questions about where Jesus is going and how they can follow.
• "The Jesus Way":
  • The Pastor discusses his recent sermon theme, reflecting on Jesus's statement: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
  • They contrast the "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do) movement with a focus on "The Jesus Way"—living a life modeled after Christ’s character and relationship with the Father.
• Church Life & Community:
  • The hosts share updates on the "Welcome Home" center and the importance of lay leadership and committees within First Baptist Arlington.
  • They reflect on the beauty of the "tapestry of service" provided by church members who are deeply invested in the ministry.

Personal Anecdotes

• Ferry Follies: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to lighthearted stories about ferry rides. Katie shares a "naïve" 2009 road trip through Canada involving accidental ferry hops, while the Pastor recounts a recent family trip to Crystal Beach and Galveston, including a mishap with a locked Airbnb and a single key.
• Grandparent Names: They share a laugh over modern grandparent names like "Mimi," "Poppy," "Christy," and "Boyd."

Hosted by Katy Reed Hodges, Luke Stehr, and Dennis Wiles, this episode of Tell Me More trades the usual sermon recap for a candid reflection on their experience at Ascent.

After a brief, lighthearted start about Saint Patrick’s Day, the conversation centers on what made Ascent so meaningful: deep friendships, thoughtful moments of prayer and encouragement, and a shared sense of calling. Each host reflects on their experience—Luke on building ministry relationships, Katy on witnessing others step into their calling, and Dennis on seeing decades of vision and prayer come to life.

They describe Ascent as a humble, collaborative movement rooted in historic Christian faith, not a denomination, but a space for partnership and shared learning across churches and cultures. The episode highlights how these relationships—especially with global partners—are reshaping their understanding of mission as something mutual rather than one-sided.

Overall, it’s a warm and hopeful conversation about connection, calling, and joining God in a bigger story beyond any one church.

Join Chelsea Judkins, Tanner Watson and Brian Sepulveda as they talk all things Encounter Weekend, FBCA and more.

Katy Reed Hodges and Curt Grice kick off this week’s Tell Me More with a lively (and very un-scripted) conversation about Ash Wednesday—why it matters, how FBCA prepares the ashes, and what it means to practice repentance in a way that’s thoughtful, Baptist, and deeply formative (including a sweet at-home moment as Katy and her husband help their boys understand: “God loves me.”).

Then they shift into a rich walk through John 6: the feeding of the 5,000 (and then some), Jesus’ abundance, the crowd’s mixed motives, and the hard words that follow—where many walk away, but the disciples stay because, as Peter says, “You have the words of eternal life.”

Along the way, Katy highlights key life-of-the-church moments coming up at FBCA (youth Encounter Weekend, ordination/licensing, and congregational votes), while Curt offers pastoral and theological insights on Jesus’ authority, presence, and refusal to be molded by public expectations.

Warm, funny, and full of depth—this episode points us again to the powerful, good Jesus.