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Starting Place is hosted by Elizabeth Woodson—author, Bible teacher, and seminary graduate—and is all about helping you grow. Through practical teaching and honest conversations with pastors, theologians, and everyday disciplemakers,...
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Starting Place is hosted by Elizabeth Woodson—author, Bible teacher, and seminary graduate—and is all about helping you grow. Through practical teaching and honest conversations with pastors, theologians, and everyday disciplemakers, we explore what Christians believe and how those beliefs shape a faithful, spiritually vibrant life. If you’re ready to grow deeper in your faith, this is the place to start—one meaningful conversation at a time.
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Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
14 MAY 2025 · In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Luke about what it looks like to walk with God through seasons of deep pain. Cheryl opens up about her journey during 2020—a year that tested her faith and relationships—and how she stayed anchored to truth. We talk about spiritual formation, navigating hurt in community, and learning how to stay with God when life gets hard. This conversation is rich, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone trying to hold on to their faith in the valley.
Main Takeaways:
- In hard seasons, lean into—not away from—community, worship, and honest reflection.
- We tend to cope with pain in various ways, often turning to unhealthy habits instead of God.
- Healing often begins when we bring our pain into the light with God and safe people.
- God is always near, even when we feel distant from him.
Guest Bio:
Cheryl Luke is a speaker, coach, podcast host, and seminary student pursuing her Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. She’s the visionary behind https://www.themosaiclife.org/, a nonprofit equipping leaders to live with intention and purpose. With decades of leadership experience, including her role as National Director for Cultural Communities with Celebrate Recovery, Cheryl is known for her ability to foster community, create space for healing, and empower people—especially people of color—through recovery and restoration.
Reflection Question:
How might remembering the goodness of God help you be resilient in a valley season?
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
7 MAY 2025 · In this episode, Elizabeth talks with Jill Barlow about how intentionality builds meaningful relationships and how community shapes spiritual growth. Jill shares honest reflections on starting over, facing disappointment, and finding hope when connection feels hard—reminding us that community can be a place of deep transformation.
Main Takeaways:
- Community requires intentionality, courage, and the willingness to initiate.
- Disappointment in relationships is common but can be a path to growth and grace.
- Spiritual formation happens in community, which reflects and refines us.
- If you are feeling lonely and disconnected, there is still hope for meaningful, family-like community.
Guest Bio:
Jill Barlow loves people, talking about theology, and being around a table with friends. Jill received her master's degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and currently serves as the Director of Community & Care at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on the East Side of New York. Jill is passionate about discipleship, mercy and leadership development in the local church. Her writing has been featured in https://deeply-rooted-magazine.myshopify.com/blogs/blog/rule-of-life?_pos=3&_sid=c2c0f0f0b&_ss=r, https://www.thevillagechurch.net/resources/articles?author=jill-barlow and https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-if-singleness-is-my-fairy-tale/.
Reflection Question:
What is one step you can take towards deeper relationships?
Recommended Resources
- Made For People - Justin Earley
Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
30 APR 2025 · In this episode, Elizabeth talks with Bible teachers and ministry leaders Courtney Doctor and Hunter Beless about what long-term discipleship looks like in real life. From friendship and mentoring to challenges and biblical wisdom, this conversation is full of insight for anyone wanting to stay faithful in making disciples.
Main Takeaways:
- How Courtney and Hunter’s friendship and mentoring relationship began
- The distinction between mentorship and discipleship
- Challenges and discouragement in disciple-making—and how to keep going
- Biblical keys to healthy discipleship relationships
- Practical encouragement for staying faithful in busy life seasons
Guest Bios:
https://hunterbeless.comand https://courtneydoctor.org are passionate Bible teachers who love helping women know and love God more through His Word. Hunter is the founder of Journeywomen and has authored several children's books. Courtney serves as Director of Women’s Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and is the author of From Garden to Glory and several Bible studies. They’re both wives, moms, and ministry leaders who care deeply about making theology accessible and life-giving. Together, they co-authored a new Bible study on Titus—perfectly tying into our discipleship conversation in today’s episode. Want to connect with them? Go to: http://www.hunterbeless.com/ OR https://courtneydoctor.org
Reflection Question:
Who is God calling you to disciple in this season?
Recommended Resources
- Titus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace, Courtney Doctor & Hunter Beless
- Growing Together, Melissa Kruger
- Mentoring, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
16 APR 2025 · In this episode, we continue our Church Mothers series by reflecting on the life of Hannah, a woman who teaches us how to wait well, stay rooted in prayer, and trust God in seasons of longing.
Main Takeaways:
- Hannah didn’t run from her pain—she took it to the Lord.
- Every believer will face a season of waiting. The question is not if you will wait, but how well you will wait.
- Human solutions may offer temporary comfort, but only God provides lasting peace.
- Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that when we pray with thanksgiving, God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds.
Reflection Question:
What are you waiting on, and where are you tempted to take control instead of trusting God?
Recommended Resources:
- "Embrace Your Life” By Elizabeth Woodson
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
9 APR 2025 · In today’s episode, we continue our Church Mothers series by learning from a bold and often overlooked woman in Scripture: Huldah. Though her story is short, her courage, clarity, and closeness to God offer deep wisdom for anyone trying to walk in faith—especially when it’s costly.
Main Takeaways:
- Faithfulness requires courage: Huldah didn’t hesitate to speak God’s truth, even when it wasn’t popular or safe.
- Intimacy with God brings clarity: Her authority came from her nearness to God and her ability to discern His voice.
- Obedience has a cost: Following God may mean losing the world’s approval—but it results in lasting fruit.
- Fear is real, but God is greater: The Bible teaches us to see fear through the lens of God’s character—His power, presence, and patience.
Reflection Question:
In what area of your life do you need to move forward in courage? Is it a decision you need to make, a season of waiting you need to embrace, or a habit you need to release?
Recommended Resources:
- "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
2 APR 2025 · In this episode of Starting Place, we’re kicking off a new series inspired by a conversation about the need for church mothers—women who intentionally invest in the next generation of believers. We explore what it means to leave a spiritual legacy, looking at the lives of Lois and Eunice, the mother and grandmother of Timothy, and how their sincere faith influenced his own. This conversation challenges us to consider how we are shaping those around us, not just through what we teach but through the authenticity of our everyday lives.
Main Takeaways:
- Discipleship isn’t just about teaching in a classroom—it’s about how the overflow of our lives helps show others what it looks like to be faithful in any season of life.
- Lois and Eunice were faithful examples of spiritual legacy, influencing Timothy through their sincere and consistent faith.
- True faithfulness isn’t about perfection but about authenticity—how we live offline matters more than how we appear in our highlight reels online.
Reflection Question:
What kind of spiritual legacy are you leaving for those around you?
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
26 MAR 2025 · In this episode, we’re exploring one of the most pervasive ways we forget the gospel. Specifically, we forget the cost, which is surrender. We often sing about surrender, but if we're honest, we tend to surrender some rather than all. But abundant life only comes through surrendering our lives fully to Jesus.
Main Takeaways:
- We are being formed. The culture is shaping us to prioritize ease and comfort, being driven by what feels good rather than what God says is God.
- We all have a master. Whether we realize it or not, we are all controlled or surrendered to something or someone. The question is whether or not it is Christ.
- Following Jesus means recognizing areas we haven’t fully surrendered and taking intentional steps to align our lives with His way.
Reflection Question:
What in your life do you need to surrender to God?
Recommended Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETqw5A88Drk&t=1257s(Sermon)
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
19 MAR 2025 · In this episode, we explore how insecurity and shame reveal our tendency to forget the gospel. Looking at the story of Mary Magdalene, we see how the power of Christ transforms our past, freeing us from shame and equipping us to walk boldly in our new identity. If you’ve ever struggled with feelings of unworthiness or fear that your past defines you, this episode will remind you of the truth: you are made new in Christ.
Main Takeaways:
- Shame keeps us stuck, making us believe we don’t belong or deserve God’s love.
- The gospel reminds us that our identity isn’t in our past but in what Christ has done.
- Like Mary Magdalene, we can walk in courage and live in the freedom of the gospel.
Reflection Question:
What past experience or insecurity makes you feel stuck in shame? How can you bring it before God and walk in the freedom of His grace?
Recommended Resources:
The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
12 MAR 2025 · We explore how boredom in the mundane moments of life can lead to spiritual forgetfulness. When our daily routines feel repetitive, we may struggle to see their significance in God's greater plan. But what if every moment—no matter how ordinary—was an opportunity to dwell with God and live on mission? We’ll discuss how the gospel reframes our perspective, helping us embrace faithfulness in the small things.
Main Takeaways:
- Boredom can deceive us into believing our work doesn’t have value, because we have been trained to look for immediate results.
- The gospel is not just about what we are saved from—it’s about what we are saved to, transforming the ordinary into moments sacred moments lived with and for God.
- To overcome spiritual boredom, we must be intentional about our witness, remembering our Savior, and guarding our God-given assignment.
Reflection Question:
What has God entrusted to your care, and what could He do through you if you were faithful with your assignment?
Recommended Resources:
- Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
5 MAR 2025 · In this episode, we are featuring an interview Elizabeth did on the Culture Matters podcast with Adam Hawkins and Tymarcus Ragland, sharing about the heart behind her new study, Live Free. Elizabeth discusses how Paul's message remains relevant today, addressing the timeless challenges of being right with God and experiencing true freedom from sin.
Recommended Resources:
Learn more about Elizabeth’s new Galatians study, Live Free, athttps://www.lifeway.com/livefreehttp://lifeway.com/LiveFree!
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
https://twitter.com/StartingPlace_ | https://www.instagram.com/startingplacepodcast/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@startingplacepodcast
Starting Place is hosted by Elizabeth Woodson—author, Bible teacher, and seminary graduate—and is all about helping you grow. Through practical teaching and honest conversations with pastors, theologians, and everyday disciplemakers,...
show more
Starting Place is hosted by Elizabeth Woodson—author, Bible teacher, and seminary graduate—and is all about helping you grow. Through practical teaching and honest conversations with pastors, theologians, and everyday disciplemakers, we explore what Christians believe and how those beliefs shape a faithful, spiritually vibrant life. If you’re ready to grow deeper in your faith, this is the place to start—one meaningful conversation at a time.
show less
Information
| Author | The Good Podcast Co. |
| Organization | The Good Podcast Co. |
| Categories | Christianity , Religion , Spirituality |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| shows@thegoodpodcast.co |
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