The Tell Me More crew kicks off a new semester at First Baptist Arlington with Luke back in the studio, a fresh staff structure, and a renewed focus on “the path of life”—the narrow road of discipleship to Jesus. After some light banter and life updates (including a whale-watching trip to Monterey and a memorable Pebble Beach outing), the conversation turns to heavier, timely themes: cultural polarization, how everyday decisions can escalate or de-escalate conflict, and why the church’s most urgent work is still making disciples.

From there, the group unpacks Sunday’s sermon emphasis on formation: the world is constantly shaping people (often through “spooky algorithms,” surveillance capitalism, and parasocial online influence), so following Jesus requires intentional counter-formation through spiritual practices and community. They explore what “flourishing” means biblically—distinct from prosperity or ease—highlighting that faithful discipleship can include suffering, persecution, and sacrifice, while still being a life marked by God’s presence, purpose, and fruitfulness. A vivid story about “Umaru,” a persecuted evangelist in West Africa, anchors this definition of flourishing.

The episode closes with practical next steps for listeners: Midweek programming is starting (kids, students, Perspectives, care groups, and more), and the church is launching daily Bible readings/devotional guides delivered by email to help members stay rooted on “The Jesus Way.”

First Baptist Arlington, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Dr. Dennis Wiles gather around the mic to unpack Flourishing.

In this episode, the team reflects on the first Sunday of New Year and Dr. Wiles’ sermon, Designed to Flourish! -by discussing their theme of "flourishing together" and their upcoming study of the Book of John.

The Tell Me More podcast hosts return for 2025 with excitement about their church's new focus on "flourishing together." Drawing from the powerful imagery of a super bloom in Death Valley, they illustrate how God can bring extraordinary life from seemingly barren places. This becomes their central metaphor for the year - that under the right spiritual conditions, people who seem dormant can experience incredible growth and transformation.

The discussion centers on their upcoming study of the Book of John, which contains rich imagery about abiding, gardening, and spiritual fruitfulness. They emphasize that true flourishing isn't about material prosperity or the absence of pain, but about experiencing God's goodness even in difficult circumstances. The hosts share their partnership with the Global Flourishing Study and their commitment to intentional discipleship. They believe that consistently putting oneself in the right spiritual conditions - through Bible study, community, and faithful obedience - will bear fruit over time, not just in individual lives but in ways that bless everyone around them.