As a follower of Jesus Christ, the journey of faith can be messy. It can be complex, even confusing. Yet the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, is full of hope and life. If you're asking—how do I apply the hope and grace and wisdom of scripture to my very messy, complex, confusing, even hard real life—then this podcast is for you!
Hosted by Luke Ahrens, pastor of Vertical Church, Life Between Two Ditches will be a helpful tool in your faith journey as Pastor Luke shares his thoughts and has interesting, helpful, even inspiring conversations about how to daily walk and live by faith. We will find answers and insights from Scripture to the tough questions of real life.
The first season of Life Between Two Ditches is starting on September 11th with new episodes every Wednesday.
Spreading Joy to Complicated Families: Christmas Conversations
In this heartfelt and practical episode of Life Between Two Ditches, Pastor Luke and Claire Bauer dive into the challenge of sharing the Good News with family during the Christmas season. With the holidays often bringing complicated dynamics and difficult conversations, they discuss how to initiate meaningful gospel conversations in a way that’s both respectful and loving. From identifying the right moments to navigating sensitive topics, Pastor Luke and Claire share helpful tips and personal insights on how to spread joy, peace, and hope to our loved ones, even when family dynamics are less than perfect. Whether you're trying to find the right time to share or looking for ways to engage spiritually, this episode offers encouragement and wisdom for bringing the light of Christ into your family’s holiday season.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
27 Nov 2024
The Church Planter's Journey: From Dream to Reality, Part 2
Pastor Bryan Nass continues his conversation with Pastor Luke, diving deeper into the journey of church planting. After reflecting on the pivotal moments that led to his calling, Bryan opens up about the crucial process of preparation and spiritual formation that took place in the seasons leading up to the launch of his new church. He shares the challenges and moments of doubt that tested his faith, and how trusting in God’s timing and remaining faithful to the process helped shape him into the leader he is today. Bryan's story is a powerful testament to the importance of patience, perseverance, and allowing God to work in us before He works through us. Whether you're considering church planting or simply seeking encouragement in your own walk with God, this episode will inspire you to stay faithful, even when the journey feels uncertain.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
20 Nov 2024
The Church Planter's Journey: From Dream to Reality, Part 1
This week, Pastor Luke sits down with Bryan Nass who recently planted a new church just weeks ago. Bryan opens up about his personal story—how he received his calling into ministry, the difficult moments he faced, and the perseverance it took to truly ascertain God's direction for his life. He shares how a mentor’s challenge led him to consider the possibility of becoming a church planter, despite the uncertainties. Hosted by an experienced pastor who planted a church in 2010, this episode offers a powerful reminder of the importance of staying faithful and trusting God's timing, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Enjoy part one of this two-part series on The Church Planter's Journey.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
13 Nov 2024
Spiritual Leadership in Marriage
In this episode, Pastor Luke dives deep into 1 Peter 3:7, where husbands are called to live with their wives in an understanding way, honoring them as co-heirs of the grace of life. With practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement, Pastor Luke offers guidance on how husbands can become more intentional and invested in their marriages—approaching their role as spiritual leaders with care, empathy, and respect. Whether you're newly married or have been together for years, this episode will inspire you to cultivate a stronger, more spiritually grounded relationship with your wife.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
6 Nov 2024
Faithful Reads: Top Picks from Vertical Church Staff
In this episode of Life Between Two Ditches, our church staff shares their top book recommendations of the year—covering a diverse range of genres from history and fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction. Each book has been carefully chosen for its ability to inspire, challenge, and enrich your life journey. Tune in as our team dives into why these titles hold personal significance and how they can encourage growth, deepen your understanding, and refresh your soul. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just looking for your next great book, this episode offers valuable insights to help you grow in faith and knowledge.
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Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
30 Oct 2024
Worship Philosophy & Practice at Vertical Church, Part 2
In this engaging continuation, Pastor Luke and Pastor Matt Rickly delve deeper into the art of selecting songs for worship. They unpack the criteria that guide their choices, discussing how to balance congregational engagement with theological depth. Listeners will gain insight into the intentional process of curating a setlist that not only resonates with the community but also elevates the worship experience. Tune in as they explore the impact of song selection on worship dynamics, share practical tips for song evaluation, and reflect on the transformative power of music in leading hearts toward God. Whether you’re a worship leader or an enthusiastic participant, this episode will inspire you to think critically about the songs that shape your worship gatherings.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
23 Oct 2024
Worship Philosophy & Practice at Vertical Church, Part 1
In this episode, Pastor Luke sits down with Matt Rickly, the worship pastor at Vertical Church. They dive into Matt's journey as a worship leader, exploring his background and the passion that fuels his ministry. Together, they discuss how he plans and prepares for services at Vertical Church, highlighting the philosophy and practical routines that guides his approach. Tune in as they share insights on their partnership in ministry, the vital role of the Holy Spirit in their preparation, and discover how they strive to create a meaningful worship experience each weekend.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
16 Oct 2024
Biblical Guidance for Influencing the Election
In this episode, we dive into the intersection of faith and politics, exploring how a biblical perspective can inform our expectations and strategies as we approach the upcoming election. Pastor Luke discusses key scriptural principles that guide our civic engagement, the importance of setting realistic expectations for candidates and outcomes, and practical ways to maximize our influence in our communities. This conversation will provide actionable advice to navigate this election season with purpose and integrity. This episode will empower you to engage thoughtfully and effectively in the democratic process.
Join Pastor Luke in praying for seven critical items in this election season.
Pray for:
1. Truth to dominate. Pray for truth and transparency to be held in high regard. And ask the Lord to expose spin, cover ups, and falsehood. Pray for these imperfect candidates (which includes all men and women) to acknowledge their lies and falsehood, seek forgiveness for their sinful choices, and choose to speak truth and live in truth.
2. The Hearts of all candidates. Pray for the grace of God to be poured out on the hearts of all of our potential leaders, knowing that God’s kindness leads men and women to repentance (Romans 2:4). Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Good News of Jesus Christ to their hearts.
3. Esthers and Daniels. Regardless of who wins the presidential race and other elections, much of the governing will be handled by secondary appointed leaders. Scripture shows us the power of courageous secondary leaders such as Esther and Daniel, who will have tremendous opportunities to influence the future course of our nation. Ask God to raise up many Esthers and Daniels to serve under those who are elected in November.
4. Humility. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).” Pray for our future leaders to humble themselves before the Lord and not be found arrogantly setting themselves up against the Lord, publicly or privately (Psalm 2:1-2). Pray for God to use each leader to “do justice, and to love kindness, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).”
5. Wisdom. Ask the Lord to give wisdom to our nation as we go to the polls and choose thousands of leaders at many levels of government. Pray for God to give supernatural wisdom to our future leaders as they prepare to face many highly complex issues, both internationally and domestically.
6. Military veterans and families. Ask the Lord to cause our newly elected leaders and those they appoint to fully care for our military veterans and their families, especially those emotionally and physically scarred as a result of their courageous service on behalf of our country.
7. Spiritual healing. Ask for God to give us leaders who can grasp the precarious spiritual condition of our nation. Pray for these leaders to turn to God as the source of hope in broken communities, simmering racial divisions, and the political atmosphere of antagonism. Pray for our nation to see Christ as the hope for healing and lasting peace.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
9 Oct 2024
4 Rhythms in Gospel-Centered Parenting, Part 2
Continuing the discussion on parenting, Luke invites Jeremiah to share points three and four of what gospel-centered parenting looks like based on Deuteronomy 6:4. These ideas from God's Word will challenge and bless every parent and family who embraces them. Listen in and be encouraged.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
2 Oct 2024
4 Rhythms in Gospel-Centered Parenting, Part 1
Parenting is challenging.
Having kids really has a way of exposing our selfishness as parents.
Because of these challenges, we can be tempted to be too authoritarian or too permissive in how we raise our children.
On today's episode, Pastor Luke speaks with Pastor Jeremiah Canfield about how God has designed faithful parenting. Using Deuteronomy 6:4 (the Shema), Jeremiah describes how God has designed parents to be living models for their children to love God, to love God's Word, and to love the things that honor the Lord. As fathers themselves, Luke and Jeremiah offer a rich conversation, Part 1, on Gospel-centered parenting.
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Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
25 Sept 2024
Sharing Jesus Through Authentic Conversation
Pastor Luke sits down with Claire Bauer who is passionate about sharing her faith in Christ. Claire came to know the Lord when she was a college student at The Ohio State University through the ministry of CRU. She has developed a heart and practical ways of sharing the gospel through having real yet spiritual conversations with friends, family, and neighbors. She shares stories and methods that will bless every listener.
Here are some pocket questions as you take a step of faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to engage in spiritual conversations:
Do you have a spiritual background? What was that like for you? Have your beliefs changed as you’ve gotten older?
You said you have some church background, from your experience what do you think the central message of Christianity is?
What do you think God is like? Why do you think that?
As you are curious about other people’s beliefs, listen well and seek to understand where others are coming from; there are often open doors to share the gospel!
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Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast).
18 Sept 2024
Faith in the Midst of a Cancer Journey, Part 2
On battling a stage four cancer diagnosis, Pastor Luke and his wife, Jensine, continue the conversation from episode one. Jensine also provides an update on her status and how she is responding to ongoing treatment. Listen as they describe their story, part two, on this week's edition of Life Between Two Ditches.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast).
11 Sept 2024
Faith in the Midst of a Cancer Journey, Part 1
Joining on today’s episode is Pastor Luke’s wife, Jensine, who, for the last few years, has been battling a stage four cancer diagnosis. As a married couple, Luke and Jensine have responded differently to the ups and downs of this journey; but their faith in the Lord has brought them deep, abiding peace and courage to face the challenges before them. Listen as they describe their story, part one of two episodes, in this first ever edition of Life Between Two Ditches.
Life Between Two Ditches is a Podcast from Vertical Church in Columbus, Ohio.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have a question you'd like to hear addressed, please submit a question to our mailbag. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
28 Aug 2024
Introducing Life Between Two Ditches
As a follower of Jesus Christ, the journey of faith can be messy. It can be complex, even confusing. Yet the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, is full of hope and life. If you're asking—how do I apply the hope and grace and wisdom of scripture to my very messy, complex, confusing, even hard real life—then this podcast is for you!
Hosted by Luke Ahrens, pastor of Vertical Church, Life Between Two Ditches will be a helpful tool in your faith journey as Pastor Luke shares his thoughts and has interesting, helpful, even inspiring conversations about how to daily walk and live by faith. We will find answers and insights from Scripture to the tough questions of real life.
The first season of Life Between Two Ditches is starting on September 11th with new episodes every Wednesday.
Ask Pastor Luke your question and we may address it on a future episode. (https://www.verticalchurch.life/podcast)
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