Rev. Cort Gatliff has conversations about faith, culture and following Jesus in everyday life. Episodes will feature pastors, authors, theologians, lay people and others to help us think through questions relevant to our common life together as church members and believers. Produced by South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
How Much Should Christians Give? with Sandy Willson
What should Christians do with their money? How much should we give? Is the biblical tithe of 10% still relevant for Christians today? And why does Jesus talk so much about money in the first place?
In this episode of Common Life, Cort Gatliff sits down with longtime pastor Sandy Willson for a practical conversation about money, generosity, and Christian discipleship. They talk about why pastors shouldn’t shy away from preaching about money, why our possessions so easily become idols, the biblical case for tithing, giving to the local church versus other organizations, and what sacrificial generosity actually does to us spiritually.
Sandy also reflects on his own practice of giving and what he has learned from decades of pastoring people about the relationship between generosity and spiritual maturity.
7 Oct 2026
Facing Death as Christians
Death is one of the few realities every human being must face—and one of the realities our culture is least comfortable talking about.
In this episode of Common Life, Revs. Cort and Abby Gatliff talk about what it means to approach death as Christians. They explore why human beings live with the knowledge of our own mortality, how our culture tends to deny, defy, or befriend death, and why Christianity offers a different way.
The conversation moves from philosophers Martin Heidegger and Ernest Becker to Scripture’s description of death as our “last enemy,” and ultimately to the Christian hope of resurrection. Cort and Abby also discuss some of the practical ways the church can help us learn to die well: talking honestly about death, preparing wills and funeral plans, and gathering around Word and Sacrament.
1 Oct 2026
Meet Our Stewardship Co-Chairs
October is stewardship season at South Highland, and this year’s theme is Faithful & Fruitful.
In this episode of Common Life, Cort Gatliff sits down with Stewardship Co-Chairs Garland and Anne Stansell for a conversation about God’s faithfulness through more than four decades of marriage, work, family, and ministry—and what financial stewardship has looked like through changing seasons of life.
22 Sept 2026
Embracing Our Limits with Kelly Kapic
What does it mean to be human—and why do we have such a hard time accepting our limits?
On this episode of Common Life, Cort Gatliff sits down with theologian and author Kelly Kapic to talk about the goodness of being a creature. They discuss why we often confuse human limitation with sin, what suffering taught Kelly about dependence and humility, and how our limits are meant to draw us toward God and one another.
5 Jun 2026
A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent
This Sunday, we're beginning a new summer sermon series through the Psalms of Ascent, a collection of ancient songs that God's people sang as they made their way up to the temple in Jerusalem.
These psalms trace the lifelong journey of faith, giving voice to our fears, hopes, struggles, and joys along the way.
In this episode of Common Life, Pastors Cort and Abby sat down to explore what the Psalms of Ascent are and why they continue to resonate with Christians today. They also discuss the biblical theme of pilgrimage, the importance of singing together as God's people, and what it means to follow Jesus as travelers whose true home lies beyond this world.
16 Apr 2026
Welcoming Iron City with Isaac Adams
In this episode of Common Life, Rev. Cort Gatliff sits down with Isaac Adams, lead pastor of Iron City Church, for a conversation about ministry in Birmingham and Iron City’s upcoming move to begin worshiping in SHPC’s sanctuary on Sunday afternoons. This conversation explores what it means to welcome another congregation for a season and how different churches can serve the same gospel mission in our city.
11 Nov 2025
Ministry in Transition with Jim Truesdell
In this episode of Common Life, Cort talks with former South Highland Associate Pastor Rev. Dr/ Jim Truesdell about faithfully navigating major transitions in both life and ministry. In addition to serving at South Highland, Jim’s ministry has taken him to Mississippi, South Asia, and Pakistan. Now, he is transitioning roles once again to serve as the senior pastor of a Presbyterian church in Athens, Alabama.
3 Sept 2025
Walking the Camino with Sean of the South
In this episode, Cort chats with Sean Dietrich, also known as Sean of the South, about his recent journey walking the Camino de Santiago. Sean shares stories from the trail as well as the spiritual insights that have continued to transform him and his prayer life. They also talk about Sean’s new novel, Over Yonder, which comes out October 7, 2025, and is available for preorder on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
6 Aug 2025
Discovering Ephesians with Frank Thielman
In this episode of Common Life, Cort sits down with New Testament scholar Frank Thielman to discuss the themes, background, and enduring relevance of the book of Ephesians for the church today. They cover the historical and cultural background of the Ephesian church, the theological emphases of Paul’s letter, and what to expect in this upcoming sermon series.
2 Jul 2025
Raising Kids in the Faith with Ann Roth
In this episode of Common Life, Cort talks with Ann Roth, South Highland’s Director of Children’s Ministry, about the importance of children's ministry and how it shapes the spiritual health of the church. They discuss the need for congregational support for both the children and their parents, and the importance of prayer and mentorship in nurturing kids’ faith.
Jeremy Moore Music
6 Jun 2025
The Problem of Evil with Collin Hansen
Author Collin Hansen talks with Cort about his new book, “Where is God in a World with So Much Evil?” They discuss Christianity’s unique response to the problem of evil and the hope the Gospel offers in the midst of suffering.
20 May 2025
Understanding the Book of Proverbs with Mark Gignilliat
In this episode of Common Life, theologian Mark Gignilliat joins Cort to explore the book of Proverbs. They discuss the nature of wisdom, the need for wisdom in navigating everyday life, and how Proverbs can enrich the life of the local church.
6 May 2025
Engaging with the Season of Easter with Wesley Hill
In this conversation, Cort Gatliff and theologian Wesley Hill explore the significance of Easter as a season rather than just a single day. They discuss the challenges of engaging with the Easter message in a polarized cultural context, the importance of presence in pastoral care, and the theological implications of the resurrection. Wes shares insights on preaching Easter sermons, the tension of living in a world that often feels like a 'cosmic Holy Saturday,' and the hope found in the resurrection amidst suffering and death. The conversation also touches on the need for a deeper understanding of the resurrection and its implications for Christian life and ministry.
24 Apr 2025
Navigating Faith and Grief with Jacky Gatliff
In this inaugural episode of Common Life, Cort Gatliff talks with Rev. Dr. Jacky Gatliff and explores the intersections of faith, grief, and ministry. Jacky shares her journey through various ministry contexts, her passion for grief care, and the importance of understanding grief as a complex, non-linear experience. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to create supportive environments for those grieving and offers practical advice for individuals looking to support friends in their grief. The episode also highlights the unique grief associated with losing a mother and introduces the “Memory in the Mirror” event (May 2025) designed to help women navigate this specific loss.
Keywords: grief, ministry, Christian life, support, loss, healing, church care, spiritual formation, bereavement, faith
Links:
New Hope Grief Care
Memory in the Mirror info and registration
Jeremy Moore music
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