A Little Better

In a culture deeply divided along ideological lines, it’s easy for Christians to find themselves caught up in the same tribalism, anger, and anxiety that dominate the evening news. But is that how God intended public life to look? This week on A Little Better, Calum Shaw sits down with Matt Sones for Part 1 of a vital conversation: How Should Christians Be Involved in Politics? Together, they step away from the shouting matches of partisan platforms to examine what scripture actually commands of us as citizens of an earthly state who hold a primary allegiance to the Kingdom of God.In this episode, they unpack the first of six principles for a healthy political engagement as a Christian. Chances are, they aren’t what you’d expect. If you want to move past the anxiety of modern politics and step into a lifestyle of unshakable hope and love for your neighbor, this episode is for you.LINKS & RESOURCESCompanion PDF Guide: pages | spreadsSubmit a Question: Got a question you want answered on the show? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/faT1hp7kngFv1NkA6

What is the true purpose of government, and how should Christians engage with political powers?In this second episode of the Christians and Politics series, Calum Shaw and Matt Sones dive into one of the most tension-filled topics of our time: the relationship between the Kingdom of God and earthly governments.Every day, we are pulled by competing loyalties. We pay taxes, follow laws, and participate in a political system, yet our ultimate allegiance belongs to a completely different Kingdom—one led by Jesus, whose blueprint for power and authority looks nothing like human politics. This creates a natural, ongoing struggle for believers: How do we live as faithful citizens of our country while keeping our hearts entirely devoted to the Kingdom of God?Is it possible to engage in politics without losing our way, or should we pull back entirely?In this episode, we tackle the big questions:The Purpose of the State: Why does government exist, and what is it fundamentally designed by God to do?The Temptation to Withdraw: Should Christians completely pull away from earthly politics to focus solely on God’s Kingdom?The Divine Order: What is the actual role of earthly governments within God’s grand, global design?The Breaking Point: How do Christians respond when a government becomes corrupt, evil, or fails to live up to its purpose?Whether you are trying to navigate your own political anxieties, feeling exhausted by the cultural divide, or simply looking for a grounded, biblical perspective on citizenship, this conversation will challenge you to re-examine where your ultimate loyalty lies.LINKS & RESOURCESCompanion PDF Guide: Single | SpreadsSubmit a Question: Got a question you want answered on the show? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/faT1hp7kngFv1NkA6

In our final bonus episode of The Deliverer, Nate Bantle and Drew Kaschner reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between from the Egypt trip. Tune in to hear the tense moments, the unexpected lessons, and how they learned the lessons of the series they were about to teach on.Sunday’s Message

Less than half of Americans have a passport. Much less travel transatlantically. For Javi, this was his first time out of the country. How does someone who hasn’t experienced a foreign country’s culture and food do on an intense filming trip? Let’s just say hummus is a takeaway. Sunday’s Message

Can God really use a cat? In this episode, videographers Drew and Meg share their take on their trip to Egypt. What did it take to capture the beautiful scenery of The Deliverer?Sunday’s Message

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a "holding pattern," waiting for a breakthrough that feels like it’s never coming?In this episode of the A Little Better podcast, host Calum Shaw and Nate Miller dive into the uncomfortable reality of the wilderness season. You know those moments where you don’t have the answers, but somehow, things resolve in the most unexpected way.Together, they explore:The Theology of Waiting: Why does God often use wilderness seasons to prepare us?The Meaning of 40: From Moses to Jesus, why does Scripture use this number to signify a full period of preparation?Finding Purpose in the Pain: How God uses our most difficult circumstances to shape our character and prepare us for what’s next.Faithfulness in Limbo: Practical ways to maintain your faith when you are in a situation that feels like it’s going nowhere."God often teaches us the things we need to learn in the place we don’t want to be." Whether you are currently facing a "visceral, real wilderness" or looking back at how past struggles prepared you for your present, this conversation will offer perspective on trusting God’s timing.Sunday’s Message

"Doing the right thing the wrong way is still the wrong thing."We’ve all been there—feeling like we’ve put in the time, done the work, and are ready for the next step, only to be met with silence or a roadblock. It’s easy to grow weary of waiting.In today’s episode of A Little Better, Calum Shaw, Drew Karschner, and Taylor Benedict explore the story of Moses—a man with a righteous cause but, at times, a reckless heart. We discuss why we rush to be "great" without embracing the preparation, how to distinguish between God’s strength and our own, and how to manage our desires when it feels like it’s just not our time... yet.Listen in as we learn how to wait well and discern God’s timing in our livesSunday’s Message

We often think of God’s deliverance as a booming voice or a parted sea, but the story of the Exodus begins in a much quieter way: with the courage of two midwives, a desperate mother, and a reed basket in the Nile.This week on A Little Better, host Calum Shaw, Drew Karschner and guest Katy Bantle dive into the opening chapters of the Moses story. We explore the archaeological mystery of the Pharaohs, the significance of the Tribe of Levi, and the profound "basket moments" every leader and parent eventually faces—that terrifying point where you must let go of what you love and trust the current of God’s providence.Sunday’s Message

What happens in the silence between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?What were the disciples feeling while Jesus was in the tomb?And one of the biggest theological questions of all… did Jesus actually go to hell?In this episode of A Little Better, Calum Shaw is joined by Drew as we continue the Four Days series and step into the most overlooked day of the resurrection story — Saturday. It’s a day filled with grief, confusion, trauma, silence, and questions that still matter today.We talk honestly about loss, the weight of grief that doesn’t disappear overnight, and what Scripture actually says about where Jesus was while the world waitedSunday’s MessageJoseph of ArimatheaVirginia Tech on Bystanders PTSDGavin Ortlund video on Jesus going to hellGospel Coalition Article on The Apostle’s CreedJack’s PlaceGlitter by Patrick DroneyTruth in the Details: The Report of Pilate to Tiberius as an Authentic Forgery

We talk a lot about Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but what about Thursday and Saturday. This episode kicks off our Easter series, looking at the Four Days that changed the world. Drew Karschner and Calum Shaw look at the three times Jesus was betrayed by His closest friends on Maundy Thursday. What can we learn from the mistakes of the disciples and the long suffering of Jesus as he endures their denial and betrayal despite their best efforts?Sunday’s MessageResources:Adam Young Podcast on Attachment styles

This week on A Little Better, Calum Shaw covers all the controversial topics in Titus 2 with Jason DeGraff. Does it condone slavery? Are women just to be stay-at-home mothers? Should we still listen to what a fallen pastor taught?Paul is underscoring the need for good teaching. More than just having good teaching on a Sunday morning by the pastor, we all need to be teaching one another. Specifically, we need to remind people of the grace we have received from Jesus.Sunday's MessageResources:Kevin Spacey InterviewSlavery in the Bible: Answering Atheist CritiquesWhat does the Bible say about women pastors?What does the Bible say about women and ministryShould Wives Submit to Their Husbands? (Part I) | Ephesians 5:22-24Why and How Should a Wife Submit to her Husband? (Part II) | Eph. 5:22-23Should a Wife Submit to Her Husband EVEN When He's Not Treating Her Right? | Ephesians 5:22

This week on A Little Better, we start a new series on the book of Titus. A small letter in the New Testament written by Paul to his “fixer”, Titus. The church Paul planted is in some trouble–it started to drift theologically. The question is, how do they fix it? How do you motivate a congregation back to the sound teaching Paul left them with? The answer isn’t fearmongering. Calum is joined by Nate Miller, our Webster Campus Pastor, as they discuss eldership, leadership, accountability, and most importantly, grace.Why Motivating People Doesn't Work…and What Does by Susan FowlerDesigning Experiences by J. Robert Rossman, Mathew D. Duerden