This week on Tell Me More, we welcome a dynamic duo—Curt Grice and Luke Stehr—for a thoughtful and energizing conversation about Sunday’s sermon, “The Engaged Church.”

Drawing from Acts 11:19–30 and 13:1–3, Curt and Luke unpack what it means for the Church to live as God’s global community—His new temple—and how we’re called to step into His Great Plan of Redemption with availability, faith, and purpose.

Together, we explore the inspiring example of the Church at Antioch, highlighting the characteristics of a truly engaged church:

Centered on the Gospel

Marked by God’s presence, grace, and gladness

Diverse, relational, and welcoming

Growing and disciple-making

Responsive to teaching and the Spirit’s leading

Generous, adventurous, and full of faith

Curt and Luke also reflect on how God’s power shows up when His people say “yes,” and how our own church—since 1871—has been stepping into its potential by remaining faithful to The Jesus Way.

Whether you missed the sermon or want to dive deeper, this episode will encourage you to consider what engagement looks like in your own walk and in the life of our church family.

In this week’s episode of Tell Me More, host Ryan Chandler sits down with Dr. Dennis R. Wiles and Ashley Berryhill to talk about Engagement Month at First Baptist Church of Arlington — a season that celebrates living as a sent people. Together they discuss what it means to live missionally every day, highlight the church’s local and global partnerships, and share exciting opportunities for engagement trips in 2025.

Dr. Wiles also offers a rich theological reflection on what it means to be the Church — tracing his own spiritual formation, the evolution of his understanding of ecclesiology, and how this shapes FBCA’s focus on discipleship and transformation leading into 2026.

From the legacy of missions to the calling of the global church, this conversation reminds us that the Church isn’t just an organization — it’s the living, growing body of Christ in the world today.

🎙️ Featuring:

• Ryan Chandler, Minister to Young Adults and Young Families
• Ashley Berryhill, Global Engagement Minister
• Dr. Dennis R. Wiles, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Arlington

💡 Highlights:

• What “Engagement Month” means for FBCA’s mission identity
• Upcoming global and youth engagement trips
• Dr. Wiles on how our understanding of the Church shapes discipleship
• The role of the Spirit in launching the early Church and sustaining ours today

It’s Engagement Month at FBCA, and the team goes deep on what “everyone to everywhere” actually looks like. Luke, Katy, and Dr. Wiles swap stories from Sunday’s multi-language communion (Arabic, Spanish, English), celebrate a campus bursting with nations and flags, and spotlight the behind-the-scenes leaders who make global engagement tangible—like Sarah & Ryan Pursley (fresh back from 8 years in Slovenia).

You’ll hear how a $1,400 motorbike and a few goats can catalyze 15–20 churches in West Africa, why short-term trips change how you follow Jesus at home, and how FBCA is building polycentric partnerships (everyone…to everywhere). Dr. Wiles shares a moving encounter with Umaru, a Fulani church planter, and the crew previews a month full of ways to jump in—from local partner fairs to next year’s trip lineup.

Listen in as Luke Stehr, Katy Reed Hodges, and Dr. Dennis R. Wiles unpack FBCA’s Engagement Month with moving stories and practical next steps for joining the “everyone to everywhere” mission.

In this week’s episode of Tell Me More, Luke, Katy, and Dr. Wiles dive deeper into Sunday’s sermon, “I Want to Know What Love Is!” based on 1 Corinthians 13. Together they unpack what true, Christ-centered love looks like—love that is foundational, powerful, enduring, and more than just a feeling.

The conversation explores why love is essential to human flourishing and how it connects to FBCA’s 2025 theme, Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ. They also touch on this fall’s focus, “It Is Not Good to Be Alone,” and discuss how close relationships are vital to spiritual and emotional well-being.

Plus, don’t miss their updates on what’s happening in the life of the church and how you can stay involved in Flourishing in the Church and all of our ministries.

Tune in, be encouraged, and discover how love—real, enduring love—shapes our life together in Christ.

In this week’s episode of Tell Me More, Katy and Dr. Wiles dive deeper into what’s happening in the life of our church and unpack Sunday’s message, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

Drawing from Matthew 5:13–16, Dr. Wiles explores what it means to live as salt and light—to bring influence, inspiration, and truth into our relationships and communities. God created us for connection, and through those connections, we find purpose: helping others know God, experience God, and serve God.

Katy and Dr. Wiles talk about the importance of faithful presence—showing up with love and hospitality in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. They reflect on how friendship, not argument, is often the bridge to faith in a world that’s lost its spiritual language.

Tune in for an encouraging and practical conversation about being inclusive, invitational, and intentional in every relationship. Because when we live out the love of Jesus where we are, every day can truly be a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Join hosts Luke Stehr, Katy Reed Hodges, and Dr. Dennis Wiles for an inspiring conversation about what it means to be part of a spiritual family. In this episode, the team dives deep into Dr. Wiles' powerful Sunday sermon on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, exploring how the early Corinthian church's struggles with unity and status mirror challenges we face in our faith communities today.

Dr. Wiles shares fascinating historical context about the competitive individualism that plagued ancient Corinth and draws compelling parallels to modern church life. The hosts discuss practical ways to break down social barriers and build authentic relationships within the church body, emphasizing how every member—regardless of status or gifts—plays a vital role in God's mission.

This week on Tell Me More, hosts Dennis Wiles, Katy Reed Hodges, and Ryan Chandler sit down to talk about Dr. Wiles’ sermon, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” from 1 Samuel 18–20. Together, they explore the power of Christian friendship—how love, unity, loyalty, and intimacy shape our lives and strengthen the church.

From the story of David and Jonathan to the challenges of loneliness in our culture today, the conversation is both thoughtful and fun. You’ll hear reflections on how friendships sustain us, how they reflect Christ’s love, and why acting like friends takes intentional effort. Plus, the hosts share personal stories and invite you to consider how you can cultivate deeper, life-giving friendships.

Whether you’re looking for encouragement, laughter, or a reminder of the beauty of community, this episode will give you plenty to think about—and a nudge to reach out to a friend today.

In this episode of Tell Me More, hosts Dr. Dennis Wiles and Katy Reed Hodges sit down with special guest Chris Backert, Senior Director of the Ascent Movement. Together, they unpack Ryan Chandler’s recent sermon, explore the vision behind the Ascent Network, and discuss how this partnership is shaping the future of missional work both locally and globally.

It’s an informative and deeply thoughtful conversation that highlights the importance of collaboration, discipleship, and innovation in advancing the mission of the Church.