In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Matthew Harper, Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies and Program Director of Africana Studies at Mercer University. Matt is also a good friend, and it was a gift to have him join the conversation.

Matt is married to his wife Elizabeth, and together they have three children: Lillian, Charity, and Isaac.

Our conversation centers on Sabbath. We talk about Sabbath as a gift from God—a rhythm of worship, rest, and fellowship that our souls deeply need. While most of us agree Sabbath sounds good in theory, many struggle to consistently make room for it in the reality of busy schedules and constant demands.

Matt helps us explore why Sabbath is so difficult to practice, why it matters more than we often realize, and how reclaiming it can bring real fruit into our lives. He also shares some of his own Sabbath practices and the ways those rhythms have shaped his faith, family, and work.

This is an honest and practical conversation about slowing down, receiving God’s gift of rest, and learning to live within healthier, more faithful rhythms.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In this episode, we continue our focus on spiritual disciplines by exploring Bible Study with Larry Purvis. Larry shares practical tools, helpful principles, and personal insights that have shaped his approach to studying Scripture. Together, we reflect on the true aim of Bible study—not just gaining information, but experiencing transformation.

Recommended Resources:

Knowable Word by Peter Krol

https://wordtraining.org

https://www.seeingjesustogether.com/

https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In this episode of the New City Podcast, we explore the spiritual discipline of Bible study—not just as a practice of learning, but as a rhythm of transformation. Bible study helps us not only understand God’s Word, but be shaped by it. We talk about the difference between reading for information and studying for formation, and offer practical ways to build a habit of engaging Scripture regularly.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In this episode of the New City Podcast, Chris Wood joins the conversation to explore the heart of worship. We discuss how worship is much more than music—it’s a posture of life rooted in who God is and what He has done. There are also practical takeaways for how to develop the rhythm and discipline of worship in your own life.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Welcome back to the New City Podcast!

In this episode, our Music and Tech director shares a brief overview of worship—what it is, why it matters, and the key difference between idol worship and true worship. He closes the episode with a reflective reading from Psalm 139.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

This is a re-air of a previous episode with New City Elder, Mikey Walter. I've condensed that two-part conversation down, keeping some of the highlights in—moments that challenged and encouraged me.

As we focus on prayer as our spiritual discipline for the month of April, I hope this episode gives you space to reflect, practical ways to grow, and a deeper hunger to be with God.

Thanks for listening—and as always, we hope this helps you live more fully in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Christopher, New City’s Director of Operations, to explore what it means to live out our identity as missionaries in everyday life. Amanda shares how the missionary identity shapes her approach to work, relationships, and service, offering practical insights and encouragement for anyone seeking to live with intentional gospel purpose.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In this episode, we sit down with Jim and Melanie Talkington to explore what it means to live out our identity as servants in the Kingdom of God. Drawing from their own experiences in church life, family, and mission, Jim and Melanie offer practical wisdom and heartfelt stories about serving others with joy, humility, and purpose.

We talk about the challenges and beauty of serving when it's inconvenient, how Jesus modeled servant leadership, and why embracing a servant identity is central to following Him.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ