In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent Wall Street Journal article about elite colleges requiring students to engage with opposing viewpoints and challenges the church to do the same. He emphasizes Matthew 5:9, calling Christians to be peacemakers who prioritize understanding people over “winning” arguments. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to practice listening, validating others’ perspectives, and building meaningful dialogue while standing firm in the truth.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the story of Ohio State coach Ryan Day and the power of second chances, urging listeners not to be quick to write people off. He connects this to James 1:19, emphasizing patience, listening, and the possibility of redemption, both in personal relationships and in culture. Pastor Zach challenges us to reconsider who we may have prematurely judged or “canceled” and encourages reaching out to restore connection and potential.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the hidden dangers of social media and how foreign actors and divisive content can manipulate and divide us. He reminds listeners, drawing on 1 Peter 5:8, that the true enemy is spiritual, and urges discernment, prayer, and reflection before engaging online. Pastor Zach encourages turning our focus toward God and restoration in our relationships rather than being consumed by the toxicity of the Internet.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the pressure of perfection in our culture and how it stifles growth, creativity, and personal progress. Drawing on Matthew 11:28, he reminds listeners that Jesus offers rest from cultural expectations and the need for validation, freeing us to embrace the messiness of life. Pastor Zach encourages us to lean into God’s voice, take risks, and grow without fear of imperfection.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks how our constant phone-checking is draining our focus and reshaping our brains in ways similar to addiction. He connects this cultural habit to the biblical practice of fasting, arguing that smartphones—not food—are the modern master we need to step away from. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to build a rhythm of “digital fasting” so we can refocus our attention on God.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: can we stop murder before it happens? Using Baltimore’s Safe Streets program as an example, he explores how “credible messengers” intervene in communities to prevent violence and break cycles of harm. Pastor Zach connects this to Jesus’ call for Christians to be salt and light, showing that through neighborly love and action, we can actively push back against decay and danger in our world.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: did we discover a cure for loneliness? Drawing on a Stanford study, he explains that loneliness often stems from cynicism about others, not a lack of people, and that highlighting kindness and empathy can help people connect. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to speak well of others and share stories of goodness, showing how Christians can be redemptive and help lonely people experience real community.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks the question: do we ever leave high school? Using the recent trend of cigarette smoking among Gen Z as a starting point, he explores how we’re all influenced by culture, celebrities, and social media, often in ways that are spiritually harmful. He encourages listeners to stop chasing “cool” and instead anchor their lives in Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of guidance, purpose, and healthy influence.

Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!