Bonus: Preparing for a Holiday That Will Disappoint
Courtney and Melissa talk about the gap between our high expectations for the holidays and the disappointment we often feel in others or in ourselves. They discuss how to be pro-active in preparing our hearts to hope in the Lord rather than in perfection, how to bear the fruit of the Spirit while also meeting the practical needs of those around us, and how inviting nonfamily into family holidays can bring great blessing. Whether you are excited about Thanksgiving and Christmas or tired just thinking about them, listen to this conversation and be encouraged!Resources Mentioned: 6 Ways to Prepare for a Holiday That Will Disappoint (printable pdf) https://media.thegospelcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/10111351/6-Ways-to-Prepare-for-a-Holiday-That-Will-Disappoint-Printable.pdfThe Gift of All Gifts by Melissa KrugerUnto Us: 25 Advent Devotions about the MessiahThe Weary World Rejoices: Daily Devotions for AdventRelated Content:This Thanksgiving, Come to the TableHow Not to Gossip During the HolidaysPreparing for Advent Season DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. How have your expectations for the holidays changed over time?2. In what ways can unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment? What helps you hold your expectations in a healthy way?3. What’s one thing you’re especially looking forward to and one thing you anticipate may be challenging this holiday season?4. What rhythms or practices help you cultivate gratitude—both during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year?5. What conversations or interactions do you want to intentionally prioritize this holiday season, and what might that look like in practice?6. How can your church, small group, or family support those who are experiencing grief, loneliness, or unmet expectations this season?7. Which fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23) do you most want God to grow in you this holiday season, and why? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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48:42
When You Want to Change Your Husband
Melissa talks with Ann Wilson about the power of words in marriage and the importance of speaking life to one's spouse.Ann recounts a memorable turning point in her 45-year marriage when she realized her many attempts to help or “tweak” her husband were having the opposite effect than intended. They talk about recognizing that every marriage has peaks and valleys and give practical advice for getting through the hard seasons.Recommended Resources:How to Speak Life to Your Husband: When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him by Ann WilsonThe Meaning of Marriage by Timothy KellerRelated Content:The Deep Dish: Married for GoodTim and Kathy Keller on Marriage in Gospel FocusA Biblical View of MarriageDiscussion Questions:1. Share a bit of your story—if you’re married, how did you and your husband meet? If you’re single, what relationships or experiences have shaped your view of marriage?2. How have you seen yourself and your husband grow or change over the years?3. How has God used marriage (or relationships) as a tool to shape your character and deepen your walk with Christ?4. In what ways would you like to use your words more wisely, especially in prayer and in communication with your husband (or with others in your life)?5. How do you discern when to extend grace and overlook an offense versus when to gently address it? How can you communicate truth in love in those moments?6. What are some intentional ways you can encourage your husband, honor him, or “fill his tank” (or the “tanks” of others in your life) this week?7. How can your discussion partners pray for you and your marriage? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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53:59
Conversational Bridges to Evangelism
Melissa and Courtney talk with Becky Pippert about how to develop godly confidence to engage in evangelistic conversations with love. Becky tells stories about sharing her faith with her own parents and talks about how to go from a natural conversation to a spiritual one. She emphasizes the need to pray for opportunities, to rely on the Holy Spirit, and to be a good listener. Recommended Resources:Behold and BelieveStay SaltSeeker Bible studies: Uncovering the Life of Jesus and Discovering the Real Jesus Related Content:Inadequacy Is Compulsory in EvangelismLet’s Talk: Sharing Your FaithTalking About Jesus Without Sounding Religious Discussion Questions:1. How comfortable do you feel talking about your faith with others? How has your comfort (or discomfort) changed over time?2. What fears, hesitations, or uncertainties hold you back from sharing your faith with others?3. What examples of blessing others, participating in sustainable outreach, or engaging in evangelism can you think of? Which of these comes most naturally to you?4. What opportunities do you have to connect with people outside Christian circles? What would it look like to engage with people on “their turf” instead of making them come to yours?5. What common ground have you found with people who don’t yet know Jesus? How might your shared interests or experiences become a bridge to spiritual conversations?6. What role does prayer play in our evangelism? How could prayer become a more intentional part of sharing your faith?7. What next step would you like to take in sharing your faith with others? How can your discussion partners pray for you? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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58:03
Going to Church When It Hurts
Melissa and Courtney talk with Megan Hill about how God’s Word helps us understand the deep hurts that can come from God’s own people. They discuss why church hurt is so painful as well as why we shouldn’t run from church when we’ve been hurt. They talk about how to know when it might be right to leave a church and how to find comfort in God’s word. Listen to this episode if you’ve ever experienced church hurt or want to care for those who have.Recommended Resources:Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts by Megan HillRelated Content:Let’s Talk: Overcoming Church HurtUnderstand Church Hurt’s SourceWe’re Hurt, and Healed, in CommunityDiscussion Questions:1. When you hear the phrase “church hurt,” what comes to mind? How would you define it in your own words?2. What makes church hurt different from conflicts in other areas of life, such as work or friendships?3. How did the biblical examples of church hurt that were shared encourage or convict you?4. How can you come alongside those in your church who are healing from past hurt? In what specific ways can you pray for them?5. How would you discern whether it’s time to leave a church community? Who could you turn to for wise, godly counsel in that process?6. How does understanding God’s perfect justice equip you to encourage and reassure those struggling in the wake of church hurt? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Covetousness: The Sin Behind the Sin
Melissa and Courtney talk with Jackie Hill Perry about the sin of covetousness and why it’s so hard to recognize and admit. They discuss signposts that tip them off that they are coveting, the relationship between covetousness and other sins, and why we desire for others to covet what we have. Listen in if you want to get serious about putting to death the sin of covetousness in your own life.Recommended Resources:The Envy of Eve by Melissa KrugerHow to Deal With Dark Times by Tim Keller on Psalm 88Related Content:Cultivating Contentment in a Covetous WorldLet’s Talk: Battling DiscontentmentIs My Desire Sour? 4 Questions To ConsiderDiscussion Questions:1. Where in your life are you most tempted to feel discontentment?2. Describe a time when something you pursued or received left you unsatisfied? What did you learn from that experience?3. How did this discussion help you better understand the connection between covetousness and idolatry?4. What warning signs alert you that idolatry or discontentment may be creeping into your heart?5. In what ways have you seen God set “boundary lines in pleasant places” (Ps. 16:6) in your own life? What does this reveal about His sovereignty and love?6. What daily practices or rhythms could help you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment in Christ?7. How can your discussion partners pray for God to reshape your heart and desires as you grow in contentment? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Deep Dish is a new podcast from TGC hosted by Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor that invites women into deep conversations about the deep truths of God. These discussions (which are always better served up with a slice of deep-dish pizza!) will equip women to engage in richer discipleship relationships in their local contexts. Tune in for warm conversations among friends—including special guests along the way—to dig deeper into God’s Word and explore how it applies to every area of our lives.
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