Ever feel like you’re just drifting, trying to fill an ache with relationships, distractions, or substances, only to end up emptier than before? In this honest episode of Light Talks, host Ali sits down with 26-year-old, Jason Heil, as he opens up about his journey through a "dark place" where he chased worldly success—the house, the job, the relationships—only to realize that worldly achievements cannot fill a God-shaped hole. If you’ve ever doubted God, drifted from church, or wondered if you’re “too far gone,” this conversation is for you. Come hear how Jesus meets us right where we are—not after we clean ourselves up.

In this episode, we unpack things like:

• The Struggle with Surface-Level Faith: Why growing up in a religious environment doesn't always lead to a personal relationship with God.
• The Trap of Escapism: A look at how alcohol, pornography, and media are often used to numb feelings of emptiness and unwantedness.
• The Myth of the American Dream: Why having a stable job and a home can still leave you feeling miserable and searching for more.
• Redefining Repentance: Understanding what repentance really means (and why it’s freeing, not guilt-heavy).
• Forgiving Yourself vs. Accepting Forgiveness: Why the Bible focuses on God’s forgiveness rather than the psychological struggle of "forgiving yourself."
• Serving Two Masters: The challenge of trying to keep one foot in the world while trying to follow Christ.
• The Truth for the "Too Far Gone": Why no mistake is too big for the radical, transformative love of Jesus.

Download The Basics, by Pastor Mike Novotny, that was mentioned in this episode.

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Welcome back to Light Talks, where we’re kicking off Season 2 by bringing the tough, messy, and sometimes taboo questions of faith into the light. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or completely new to your faith journey, our host, Ali, a fellow “question asker”, is joined by Pastors Mike Novotny and Jared Oldenburg to dive into the real-life questions you’ve been asking. In this episode, the team avoids "black and white" legalistic traps to focus on rooting practical life choices in Scripture. From the lighthearted debates over church dress codes to deep-dives into overcoming shame and addiction, no topic is off-limits as we navigate what it means to follow Jesus in the real world. If you’ve ever thought, “Can I ask this?” — this episode is for you.

This episode will give you Biblical answers to the following questions:

• What should (or shouldn’t) you wear to church—and does God actually care?
• How can teenagers and young adults grow in their faith without feeling forced or fake?
• With so many Christian voices online, how do you know who to trust?
• Is it ever okay for Christians to swear, or does faith mean filtering every word?
• How do biblical teachings on discipline fit with modern ideas like gentle parenting?
• If Jesus teaches contentment, is it still okay to have ambition, goals, or career dreams?
• What’s the deal with speaking in tongues—is it real, biblical, or misunderstood?
• Where did evil and the devil come from if God created everything good?

Q&A Sunday at 922 Ministries:
We tackle questions like these during our annual Q&A Sunday services! Check out our most recent Q&A services here where Pastor Mike and Jared tackle even more questions!

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Tired of the “So…are you seeing anyone?” Holiday interrogations? Feeling like your relationship status defines your worth or purpose? You’re not alone. In this honest, hope-filled episode of Light Talks, host Ali sits down with Jarrod Pfarr, a 34-year-old educator who is unmarried, to unpack what it means to live fully and faithfully right where you are.

Together, they dive into what Scripture really says about singleness (hint: it’s not a waiting room), how to deal with awkward assumptions and unwanted advice, and how to guard your heart in a dating culture that often misses the mark. Discover how to find joy, purpose, and contentment in the now and remember that your identity isn’t “single” or “taken.” It’s “child of God.” Period. Listen and leave reminded that God’s grace is bigger than your relationship status.

This episode is jam packed with content. Here are some things to look forward to:

• Biblical View of Singleness: What Scripture—especially 1 Corinthians 7—teaches about devotion to God in singleness.
• Identity in Christ: Finding wholeness in Jesus rather than in a relationship status.
• Navigating Expectations: Handling pressure, assumptions, and exclusion single people often face in church and community life.
• Contentment & Growth: Wrestling with contentment, avoiding bitterness, and viewing singleness as a season of purpose.
• Dating Realities: Honest talk about challenges in today’s dating culture and how faith shapes the experience.
• Encouragement & Inclusion: How married friends and churches can intentionally include singles—and what to remember when feeling unseen.

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!

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Are you trying to figure out how to live out your faith when the rules aren't black and white? Join Ali, along with Pastors Michael Ewart and Steve Waldschmidt of 922 Ministries, as they tackle the real-world, rapid-fire questions that modern Christians face. The goal is not to create a rigid list of dos and don’ts, but to show how God’s word guides us in those complex gray areas where the world is super loud. This episode covers specific dilemmas that don't usually get a whole sermon, such as: "Can a Christian get a tattoo or do yoga?" or "Is it okay to watch R-rated movies or play violent video games?". In this episode you will be armed with a powerful, portable decision-making framework so you can discern what is Godly and good in every situation.

Here’s what we’ll cover!

• How to Make Godly Decisions in a Messy World
  Learn a five-step faith framework - God, Me, My Neighbor, Heart Check, and Wisdom - to guide everyday choices when the Bible doesn’t give a clear answer.
• Faith and Modern Culture
  Can Christians do things like yoga or buy lottery tickets without compromising their faith? The pastors unpack how to balance freedom and discernment.
• Personal Expression & Identity
  What about tattoos, piercings, or cosmetic enhancements? This discussion explores when self-expression becomes self-focus, and how to honor God with your body.
• Entertainment, Media, and Mental Health
  From Harry Potter to R-rated movies and violent video games, how do we filter what we watch, read, and listen to in a way that strengthens, not weakens, our faith?
• Relationships & Influence
  Is it possible to be friends with people who live differently, or even in open sin, without being pulled away from your faith? Hear practical wisdom on being “in the world but not of it.”
• Marriage, Divorce, and the Hard Realities of Love
  The pastors discuss one of the most difficult questions: Can a Christian remarry after divorce? They offer Biblical insight, grace, and encouragement for those walking through brokenness.
• Parenthood and Life Choices
  Should Christians use birth control or choose not to have kids? This topic digs into motives, stewardship, and how to trust God with big life decisions.
• The Power of Words
  Can Christians swear? Explore what Scripture says about language, influence, and how our words reflect our hearts, even in everyday conversations.

Our church also had 5 additional messages on these questions:

• Can a Christian Date or Marry a Non-Christian?
• Can a Christian Vote for that Political Party?
• Can a Christian Go to War?
• Can a Christian go to a Non-Christian School?
• Can a Christian Smoke Weed? Drink Alcohol?

Check out these messages from our “Can a Christian…?” series on our Youtube page or on streaming on your favorite podcast platform by searching 922 Ministries!

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!

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Loss is something most of us struggle to talk about, especially when it comes to miscarriage or infant loss. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Ali sits down with Theresa Kramer and Kim Fenske, two women who courageously open up about their journeys through grief, faith, and healing after the loss of their unborn children. Their honesty reveals not just the heartbreak of loss, but also the unexpected places where hope and God’s presence show up. If you’re new to faith or searching for answers in the middle of pain, this conversation reminds you: you are not alone, your grief is seen, and God is near to the brokenhearted.

Heads-up: This episode contains honest conversations about pregnancy loss, infant loss, grief, and infertility. These topics may be emotionally difficult or triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care, and give yourself permission to pause if needed.

What you’ll hear about in this episode:

• The raw emotions of miscarriage and stillbirth - what it really feels like.
• The truth that “there are no rules to grief.”
• Wrestling with God: anger, questions, and finding hope again.
• How faith and Scripture anchor us in the darkest places.
• The different ways men and women grieve, and how couples can walk through it together.
• The importance of community and what may actually help when someone is hurting.
• Practical wisdom: what to say (and not say) to those grieving.
• Why it’s okay to lament, and how God meets us in our brokenness.

Resources:

• Faith Walk Passages: Romans 8:28, Romans 8:26-27, Psalm 34:18 & 147:3
• Song Suggestions: “Praise You in the Storm” by Casting Crowns, “You Already Know” by JJ Heller, “Honest” by Leanna Crawford, “Who You Are” by JJ Heller
• Books: “Empty Arms” by Sherokee Isle, “Empty Cradle Broken Heart” by Deborah L. Davis, “Purposeful Grieving” by Dr. Stacy Hoehl
• Podcasts: Dr. John Delony Show - Episode Oct. 2, 2020 (start at 27 min. Mark to 33 min.)
• Other Resources: WELS Women’s Ministry Webinar - “Little Lives with Jesus” (from Oct. 10, 2024), Cradled in Christ - Jan 10th @ The CORE, Christian Life Resources

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!

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Two brothers. Two wild stories. One Savior. Alex and Eddie Valdivia grew up between Mexico and the U.S., chasing identity in all the wrong places - fights, anger, atheism, astrology, even cholo culture. Both found themselves restless, searching, and far from God. In this episode Pastor Mike sits down with Alex and Eddie to share the unfiltered journey of how Jesus broke through their confusion, doubts, and destructive choices to give them new life. Their stories aren’t polished - they’re messy, and yet extremely full of grace. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, felt like you didn’t belong, or wondered if God could actually change someone like you, this conversation will hit home.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The structural elements of a spiritual story: The back then, the but then, and the and now.

• Alex's identity shift from displaced youth to adopting the "cholo" blueprint and embracing atheism.

• Eddie's pursuit of wisdom through trendy mystical beliefs like the Law of Attraction and astrology.

• The chaotic conversion process, which began with alcohol, weed, and seeking God's wisdom.

• How modern philosophies borrowed knowledge from the Bible without giving God credit.

• The profound freedom found in Romans 5:8 (While we were still sinners, Christ died for us), even while still struggling with past sins.

• Advice on sharing faith with skeptical friends, just like these two were!

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!

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Let’s be real: porn is everywhere. Most people see it before they hit high school, half of Christians admit they’re hooked, and almost nobody is talking about it. The result? A generation quietly drowning in shame, secrecy, and isolation. In this unfiltered episode of Light Talks, Ali sits down with Pastor Mike Novotny and 24-year-old Payton Dahlke, who get brutally honest about their battles with pornography. From sneaking looks as kids to feeling like God could never forgive them, they share how confession, community, and God’s grace turned the story around. Join us for an unfiltered conversation that cuts through the silence, offering a path to healing and reminding us that no matter how deep the struggle with God, your story doesn't end there.

Note: This episode is honest but not graphic, though listeners with young ears around may want to use headphones.

In this episode, we tackle vital questions and topics including:

• The startling reality of pornography's prevalence in today's digital world, even within Christian communities.
• Vulnerable personal testimonies from Pastor Mike and Payton about their long-term struggles, from early exposure to adult challenges.
• The powerful grip of shame, pride, and the fear of judgment that keeps individuals isolated in their struggle.
• The subtle yet profound ways pornography can damage relationships and intimacy, even when it's not consciously intended.
• Practical, actionable steps for breaking free from this addiction, including how to become a "detective of your own temptation" to identify patterns and implement "guard rails”.
• The profound truth of God's forgiveness and unwavering love for sexually broken people, doubling down to remind listeners there is no condemnation for those who have faith in Christ.
• Guidance for loved ones on how to effectively support someone struggling with pornography, fostering an environment of grace and understanding.

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!

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Let’s dive into the unfiltered reality of marriage with Pastor Michael and Jenny Ewart - three decades, six kids, and a love story that started with a bold move to the heart of Russia. Michael, a seasoned marriage counselor, and Jenny, with her quick wit and authentic insight, share the lessons they’ve learned from both their victories and their “banana hook” moments. From the first-date butterflies to the seasons of silence, they speak into the miscommunication, unmet expectations, and emotional disconnect that can creep into any relationship - and how faith, intentionality, and choosing each other daily can turn things around. So grab your coffee (or your walking shoes) and join us for a vulnerable, hope-filled conversation that will leave you challenged, encouraged, and reminded that while marriage can be messy, it’s also one of the most beautiful adventures worth every bit of effort.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

• The "Death Spiral": Understanding the core needs of men and women and how a lack of fulfilling these can lead to a relationship's decline.
• Breaking the Cycle: How intentionally choosing to give what your spouse needs, even when they aren't, can reverse a downward spiral and cultivate a "life spiral".
• Positive Intent: Learning to assume the best motives in your partner, even when expectations aren't met.
• Emotional Mismatch: Practical strategies for managing heightened emotions in one partner and withdrawal in the other, aiming to meet in the middle for more productive conversations.
• "Did I Marry the Right Person?": Addressing this common thought during conflict and why commitment and choosing your spouse daily are key to building a lasting bond.
• Intentional Intimacy: Discovering meaningful ways to stay connected that don't always involve traditional date nights, especially when life is busy.
• Seeking Outside Help: Why bringing in a pastor, Christian friend, or counselor can be transformative for your marriage, especially before bad habits become deeply ingrained.

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!