The Locker Room

Back by popular demand, Coach Mike Swider joins us to talk about what it really takes to endure when life gets hard. This conversation gets into resilience that isn’t hype, but forged over time, how faith anchors you in pressure, and why quitting quietly is often the biggest battle. We also talk fatherhood, responsibility, and becoming the kind of man who stays when things get difficult.Coach Swider is a respected figure in college football, having spent over two decades as the head coach at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Serving from 1997 to 2021, he became known not only for his success on the field but for his unwavering commitment to character, faith, and leadership beyond the game.During his 35 years at Wheaton, including 24 as head coach, he amassed 209 career wins with a win percentage over 80%. But what truly set his coaching apart was his dedication to building a program rooted in integrity, humility, accountability, and servant leadership. These weren’t just ideals—they defined the culture, shaping a program as committed to spiritual growth as it was to athletic excellence.His vision extended far beyond winning games. His goal was to develop young men into leaders—men prepared to make a lasting impact in their families, communities, and the world. His legacy stands as a powerful example of what a Christ-centered life and leadership can produce over time.

This week we sit down with WCSG Program Director Brittany Riva and Crossraods Student Ministries Director Molly Vedders to unpack Sunday’s sermon and explore why the gospel can feel so offensive- especially to those deeply rooted in religious systems. Together, we talk about the difference between true surrender and spiritual pride, why grace disrupts performance-driven faith, and how to discern subtle religious tendencies in our own hearts. Preacher: Rod VanSolkemaText: Acts 22Sermon Link: ⁠CLICK HERE⁠

We sit down with Crossroads Pastor of Multiplication Jason Botbyl and his wife Julie, along with Crossroads Tech Director Charlie, to reflect on what God has been doing through the Saturday night service and the ongoing work of multiplication at Crossroads.Using Acts 20 as our backdrop- the emotional farewell of Paul to the Ephesian elders- we explore the beauty and difficulty of sacred goodbyes in the life of the church. Moments of sending are never easy, yet they are often the places where God’s faithfulness, mission, and love become most visible.Together we talk about what God has been stirring in this season of ministry for them; the tears and joy that come with gospel-centered sending; how multiplication reflects the heart of the Good Shepherd; and why faithful goodbyes are often the best beginnings.

In the pursuit of God’s Kingdom here on earth, weariness can come and go as a reality for the Christian. This week we sit down with our associate pastor Nate and is wife Jana, along with Crossroads worship pastor RJ to press into a discussion around the text of Acts 18. Through the journey of the Apostle Paul and the personal confrontation he has with his own weariness, we explore the elements of encouragement he discovers in Corinth and unpack how these same truths are accessible and available to the Christ follower today.

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like... Lily and Karl's Story. Lilly was raised in a genuine Christian home who walked through childhood trauma, years of anxiety, spiritual torment, and ultimately, profound freedom in Christ. From sexual abuse and the suicide of a close friend to a decade-long battle with fear and spiritual oppression, Lily shares how she learned that being a child of God doesn’t make you immune to spiritual attack—it puts you on the front lines of it.Through Scripture, community, and Freedom in Faith Ministries she grew in her understanding of the authority she had in Christ. Lily discovered what it means to “take back ground” the enemy had stolen and to reclaim her identity, no longer defined by fear but by Christ.The episode also features Karl, a filmmaker with a decades-long calling to tell “Kingdom Stories,” who shares how God orchestrated the timing, relationships, and vision that led to Lily’s story being told through film and podcast. In a beautiful picture of divine alignment, Karl and Lily both attended Crossroads, sitting only about ten feet from each other—yet they didn’t know one another. All the while, God was preparing both of them: Lily to be set free and to share her story, and Karl to be ready to tell it.Rooahk Films: Rooahk is a digital platform using visual storytelling to showcase the movement of God, working with the Holy Spirit to speak into people’s lives. On our YouTube channel you'll find short films, podcast conversations and more, where we observe people's real life experiences, exploring how their lives have been transformed.Freedom in Faith Ministries: Serving the Greater Grand Rapids community and beyond by bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to those who are hurting through biblical counseling.