Loneliness isn't a moral failure — it's a human experience, and it may be more widespread than we realize. In this episode of Awaken to Grace, Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III take an honest, compassionate look at isolation and loneliness as real barriers to receiving and sharing God's grace. Drawing from the Psalms of lament, the theology of the Trinity, and the witness of the early church, the conversation explores why we're hardwired for community, how to take small but meaningful steps toward connection, and what it looks like when the local church becomes a genuine remedy for one of our generation's most pressing epidemics.

Show Notes:

• 0:11 — Introducing loneliness as an obstacle to grace
• 4:49 — Solitude vs. loneliness: a critical distinction
• 9:15 — The Psalms of lament as a language for isolation
• 12:44 — Hardwired for community: the theology of the Trinity
• 19:09 — Corporate worship as a first step out of isolation
• 21:44 — Moving people from the crowd to community

For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org.

Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Worry and fear can feel overwhelming — but you don't have to navigate them alone. In this episode of Awaken to Grace, Brian Myers is joined by Derrick Scott III and special guest Rev. Justin LaRosa, an ordained deacon and licensed clinical social worker, for a compassionate, hope-filled conversation about moving from fear to faith. Together they explore how to name anxiety without shame in faith communities, what Scripture says about God's peace, and practical tools — from silence and scripture-anchoring to body care and confession — that help us face anxious times with courage. This episode also addresses the critical role congregations play in creating space for mental health honesty and pointing people toward the care they need. Note: This episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If anxiety is persistent or disrupting daily life, seeking support from a licensed professional is a wise and faithful step.

For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org.

Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this episode, Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III explore service as a means of grace — not an optional add-on to faith, but the very shape of it. Drawing on John 13, Matthew 25, James 2, and Wesley's theology of works of mercy, the conversation traces how serving others moves us from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, challenges our privilege and ego, and ultimately forms us in the likeness of Christ. From the foot-washing table to the food pantry, they offer a practical framework for discovering your unique calling to serve — and remind us that sometimes, the most sacred act is simply taking out the trash.

• 0:11 — Service as a Wesleyan means of grace
• 4:48 — John 13: Jesus's foot-washing as a paradigm shift for leadership
• 10:14 — Personal Sanctification: Why we need those we serve
• 13:08 — The Savior Complex: How service transforms the servant's heart
• 22:00 — Finding Your Calling: Gifts, burdens, place, and rhythm
• 27:13 — Opening the Door: Faithful service in the small, disruptive moments

For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org.

Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.