Digging Deeper Podcast

In the upcoming season of Digging Deeper, Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington and guests navigate through different topics like loss, anxiety and an unforeseen future. Our hope is that this series—Unshakable—is a reminder that Christ sustains us in all seasons. 

Look for the newest episode on Monday, January 8!

Listen to our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast streaming platforms.

"Unshakable" Series intro from Jeff Norris


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  • Shaken by An Unforeseen Future with Jennifer Rothschild
     

    In this episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with author, speaker, and Bible study teacher Jennifer Rothschild. If you’re in the throes of something that is shaking you to the core, we encourage you to listen to this episode. You’ll be encouraged by Jennifer's story of dependency upon our unshakable God!

    Visit Jennifer's website at https://www.jenniferrothschild.com.

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast streaming platforms.

  • Shaken by Hard Seasons with Jeff & Catie Francoeur
     

    In this episode, Jeff and Laura chat with longtime Braves player and childhood sweethearts, Jeff and Catie Francoeur. The Francoeurs share their amazing testimony and how they had to trust God through difficult things from miscarriages, to dreams of a baseball career coming to an end, all while navigating the outcomes in the public spotlight. We pray this episode will be an encouragement to you in seasons where you experience the unshakable reality of the kingdom of God amid the shaken reality of life. 

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

    Related Resources:

    You can check out Jeff Francoeur’s podcast, Pure Athlete, anywhere you listen to podcasts.

  • Shaken by Anxiety with Rebekah Lyons
     

    In this episode, Jeff and Laura discuss the ever-present topic of anxiety with speaker, author, mother and wife, Rebekah Lyons. Rebekah has been vulnerable in sharing her story of her struggle with anxiety and panic attacks across multiple platforms. Today, she gives hope and encouragement as she explains the holistic way of God’s healing through the redemptive work of what we know and understand about the brain and how it all works together with our faith journey. 

    Learn more about Rebekah's ministry here

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

  • Shaken by Disability with Laura & Martin Elvington
     

    In today's episode of Digging Deeper, we experience a role reversal! Jeff is joined by his wife Rachel, while Laura Story Elvington steps into the role of the interviewee, accompanied by her husband Martin. Together, they delve into a deeply personal narrative of steadfast faith amidst an unexpected medical diagnosis. This heartfelt conversation aims to stand as a testament to the unwavering strength found in Christ. It's a reminder that despite life's most jarring challenges, followers are invited to embrace the stability of an unshakable God and the enduring reality of His kingdom, even amidst the most tumultuous of times.

    You can get Laura’s books, When God Doesn’t Fix It, and I Give Up: The Secret Joy of a Surrendered Life, in the Perimeter Bookstore.

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

Previous Seasons

  • Introduction to the 10 Commandments with Alistair Begg
     

    In this episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with Pastor Alistair Begg to discuss how we can look at God’s law as more than just a list of rules to follow. Alistair takes us through how to look at the law of God as the tramways in which we live our lives as we put our faith and trust in Jesus. 

    Additional Resources: 

     

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast streaming platforms.

  • Putting God First with Julius Kim
     

    In this conversation with Julius Kim, preacher and professor, Jeff and Laura continue their discussion of the 10 Commandments. Julius directs our thoughts towards the "who" of the 10 Commandments rather than focusing on the "what" of the set of God’s law. When our focus is shifted on God, the creator Himself, we begin to see the goodness of God and understand what it means to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Julius gives us a beautiful picture of what it looks to be in right relationship with God and the shalom, or peace, it brings to our lives.

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

    Related Resources

  • Human Limitation and the Sabbath with Kelly Kapic
     

    In today’s episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with author, professor and Bible teacher, Kelly Kapic. They discuss the connection between our human limitations and God’s fourth commandment of honoring the Sabbath. Kelly explains how, as Christ followers, we need to view the commandments as grounded in God’s character and in the goodness of how He made the world. We pray this episode prompts you to experience the Sabbath as not just a restful day off, but the practice of entering God's rest.

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

     

    Related Resources

  • Lovable Law and Sabbath with Randy Pope
     

    Perimeter Church’s founding pastor, Randy Pope, joins the conversation with Jeff and Laura to look at the 10 Commandments as a marriage covenant between God and His people. Randy gives a beautiful illustration of a covenant of grace as the reason behind the law. He focuses on commandment four where the Lord calls us to the keep the Sabbath day—a day of rest. This conversation helps us transform our way of thinking about a commandment that many see as restrictive to instead view it as renewing. Randy draws a connection of how the law is what enables us to love and enhances our love for others and for God Himself.

    Listen and be encouraged as God is offering something to us, rather than requiring from us, which leads to true freedom on the Sabbath.

    Related Resources

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

  • Honoring Our Mother and Father with Tim Elmore
     

    We’ve seen how the first five commandments are vertical in nature (how we honor the Lord). Now we pivot to discuss the last five commandments which are horizontal in nature (how we interact with each other). In today’s episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with a longtime friend, Tim Elmore, to share insights on how parents can create a home environment that reflects the kingdom of God.

    As Christians, we are called to love and honor our parents (Exodus 20:12). This not only applies to our relationship with our biological parents but also in how we parent our own children. Tim highlights the importance of building strong relationships with our kids, as it mirrors the heart of God and promotes human flourishing.

     

    Related Resources:

     

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

  • Parenting and Marriage with David and Meg Robbins
     

    In this episode, longtime friends David and Meg Robbins sit down with Jeff and Laura to discuss parenting and what that looks like through the lens of radical dependence upon the Lord. David and Meg share how we, as believers, face challenges and joys in marriage. Raising children helps build a bridge to share the gospel with an unbelieving world. The conversation also looks at the covenant of marriage and how it relates to the seventh commandment.

    Related Resources

     

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

  • Marriage and Matters of the Heart with Erin Smalley
     

    In today's episode, Jeff and Laura continue to walk through the 10 commandments, camping out around commandments six and seven. They are joined by Erin Smalley, Licensed Professional Counselor and strategic spokesperson for Focus on the Family. Together they explore God’s heart for the covenant of marriage and how we can guard our heart from bitterness and anger. She gives practical ways to show up for your spouse and resist the drift that comes with the pressures of everyday life. 

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

     

    Related Resources:

  • Integrity with Crawford Loritts
     

    We wrap our series, Love Rules, around the 10 commandments and how God’s love is a pathway to freedom rather than a restriction on our life. Jeff and Laura sit down with longtime friend, Crawford Loritts, to examine the last three commandments and look at them through the lenses of humility and contentment. We hope this conversation is a blessing to you as you listen and believe that you are truly loved by God the Father, that He is enough and giving you what’s best for your life. 

     

    Related Resources



We continue conversations from the "Faith And" series of episodes released this spring, diving into the topics of faith and technology.

  • A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth, Part 1
     

    Josh King and John Morris explore A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth, a framework for engaging technology as followers of Christ in a digital landscape. In this first episode, Josh and John discuss the reality of the digital labyrinth, and how disciples of Jesus must start with a keen awareness of the digital landscape today, both the good and the bad.

    You can download A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth at gospelthread.org.

    Josh King is the Director of Communications at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, GA. John Morris is the Executive Creative Director and Co-Owner of Maze Creative, as well as an elder at Perimeter Church.

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast streaming platforms.

  • A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth, Part 2
     

    In part two of their conversation on A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth, Josh King and John Morris discuss the responsibility of followers of Jesus when it comes to the intent of our hearts, the digital content we consume and produce, and the considerations we have to make about that content. 

    You can download A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth at gospelthread.org.

    Josh King is the Director of Communications at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, GA. John Morris is the Executive Creative Director and Co-Owner of Maze Creative, as well as an elder at Perimeter Church.

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast streaming platforms.

  • A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth, Part 3
     

    In part three of their conversation on A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth, Josh King and John Morris turn their attention to what John calls the redemption opportunity available to followers of Jesus who engage wisely with the digital landscape, as an extension of the gospel mission in the world today.

    You can download A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth at gospelthread.org.

    Josh King is the Director of Communications at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, GA. John Morris is the Executive Creative Director and Co-Owner of Maze Creative, as well as an elder at Perimeter Church.

    Listen to this and more episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast streaming platforms.

  • BONUS: A Conversation on AI
     

    In this bonus episode, Josh King and John Morris tackle the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from their perspectives within the church and the marketplace. Using the Gospel Thread framework, they discuss the reality, responsibility, and redemption opportunity available in this groundbreaking technology. Their conversation is intended to be an example of how followers of Jesus can use the Gospel Thread to shape their approach to new technology. It is in no way meant to be an endorsement for or against AI, or any specific AI tools.

    You can download A Gospel Thread in the Digital Labyrinth at gospelthread.org.

    Josh King is the Director of Communications at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, GA. John Morris is the Executive Creative Director and Co-Owner of Maze Creative, as well as an elder at Perimeter Church.

    Listen to this and future episodes on our Digging Deeper podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast streaming platforms.


  • Faith & Culture
     

    Episode 1 with Collin Hansen

    There's an incongruence in the title of this series: by separating our faith from everything else in life, it ceases to be true, biblical faith. The very essence of faith affects every aspect of our lives.

    In this episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington talk with Collin Hansen, vice president for content and editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, and executive director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. They discuss what faith looks like in today's culture, how to reach the next generation who may be disillusioned with the idea of faith, and how media plays a role in our faith, for better or worse.

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • What does faith look like in today’s culture? Describe this cultural moment.

    • How do we reach the next generation who may feel disillusioned with “faith?"

    • What role does media play in our faith, for better or worse?

    Related Resources:

  • Faith & the Bible
     

    Episode 2 with Jen Wilkin

    In this episode, Jeff Norris talks with Jen Wilkin, Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas, and author of Ten Words to Live By, Women of the Word. They discuss biblical literacy in today's church and what's at stake when believers don't know the scriptures. Jen shares how we can develop rhythms and habits to become a student of the Word.

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • How did Jen become impassioned about Bible literacy? Have you seen a decrease in biblical literacy in today’s church?
    • What is the real loss when believers don’t know the scriptures? What’s at stake? 
    • How do we read the Bible without a hyper individualistic mindset?
    • For someone who admits they don’t know the bible as well as they need to, where might they begin? 
    • What rhythms and habits must one adopt to become a student of the Word?

    Scripture References:

    Related Resources:

  • Faith & Sanctification
     

    Episode 3 with Dane Ortlund

    What is sanctification? In this episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with Dane Ortlund, a pastor and author, and discuss questions around the big word "sanctification" and how we can understand it and apply it to our everyday faith. Many of us approach sanctification from a misconception of "How do I change myself?" instead of "How does God change me?" Be encouraged as you listen to how sanctification makes you more into the person God created you to be.

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • What are some of the greatest misconceptions about sanctification?
    • Where do faith and sanctification intersect? How about grace and sanctification? Doesn’t God love us just the way we are?
    • Are there ways the church is missing the mark in over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing sanctification?

    Scripture References:

    Related Resources:

  • Faith & Technology
     

    Episode 4 with John Morris, Brianna Morris, and Josh King

    In today’s episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris sits down with John and Brianna Morris, Executive Directors of Maze Creative, and Josh King, Communications Director at Perimeter, to talk about our technology impacts our faith. In this conversation, they take a deep dive into how the technology we consume really does disciple us and how our faith is influenced by the digital landscape. 

     

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • How do we, as Christians, approach technology?
    • How do you define the digital landscape?
    • Where do you see believers getting caught up the most and technology begins to drive their lives rather than vice versa?
    •  How do we begin to engage this digital age in redemptive ways and what does that begin to look like?

    Resources:

  • Faith & Work
     

    Episode 5 with Tom Nelson

    Our greatest gift to God is who we are becoming in Christ, and the work we are called to do Monday through Friday plays a big role. Today’s guest is Tom Nelson, pastor of Christ Community Church and founder of the Made to Flourish ministry. Listen as Tom shared how work is a major thread of the redemptive story of God’s love. This episode is rich and insightful in how the work we do here on earth has an eternal impact.

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • How did the Made to Flourish ministry begin?
    • How does our work play into the bigger redemptive story God has written for us?
    • When do we see work show up biblically and what is God’s design for work?
    • How does rest intersect with work?

    Scripture References:

    • Genesis 1-3
    • Genesis 6

    Resources:

  • Faith & Pastoral Ministry
     

    Episode 6 with Bryan Chapell

    In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura are joined by Bryan Chapell, pastor and Stated Clerk of the PCA. Whether you are in full-time vocational ministry or someone who ministers in their home and community, this conversation challenges all believers to let our actions be filled with the aroma of Christ in both word and deed.

    • Questions Covered in This Episode:
    • What are pastors facing right now?
    • What is the support system for young pastors and how can they avoid burnout?
    • How would you encourage the pastor who is contemplating leaving the ministry?

     

    Scripture References:

    • 1 Peter 3:15-16

    Related Resources:

  • Faith & Emotional Health
     

     

    Episode 7 with Caleb Martin and Kelly Ward

    Jeff is joined by Kelly Ward, Director of Compassion and Care at Perimeter Church, and Caleb Martin, Perimeter’s Men's Discipleship Director, to talk about emotional health in the context of our faith in Christ.

    While mental health and emotional well-being aren't new to human history, the conversation has become more prevalent in our society after the pandemic. As believers, we have faith in a good God who is powerful and sovereign. This truth often leaves us feeling a lot of tension in our daily life. We pray this episode challenges you to realize emotional health isn't just about feeling good, but it's appropriately feeling the things that come into our life and into this broken world we live in.

    Questions Covered in this Episode: 

    • What does faith and emotional health have to do with one another? What are some common misconceptions?
    • What are words of encouragement for men and women who feel hopeless in their suffering? 
    • When is medication appropriate? 
    • What are the common issues of trauma resulting from the pandemic? What are some ways to find help? 
    • What are signs of emotional unhealthiness? 

    Related Scripture: 

    Revelation 21 

    Additional Resources: 

  • Faith & the Writing Process
     

    Episode 8 with Trillia Newbell

    In today’s episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura chat with Trillia Newbell about her faith walk and how it’s been reflected in her writing. Trillia is the Acquisitions Director at Moody Publishers, an author of several books, and a Bible teacher from Tennessee.

    Her funny, insightful, and affirming conversation with Jeff and Laura is a testament to the art of writing and how God uses everything—big and small—in the journey of faithful gospel living that each of us is called to.

    We pray this episode will help you trust God with the whole of your work in concert with your God-given gifts.

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • What does look like when faith and life collide?
    • How did professing faith in Jesus radically change your life?
    • How have you seen growth over the years as a writer?
    • What would be your advice to a young person looking to write and share their faith? How do those two things work together?

     

    Additional Resources:

  • Faith & Singing
     

    Episode 9 with Matt Papa

    In this last installment of the ‘Faith and’ series of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura chat with songwriter and artist, Matt Papa, about how his faith intercepts his songwriting process. Listen and gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of many of the congregational songs that are sung weekly in churches across America. In this authentic and humorous chat, Jeff, Laura, and Matt address the tough questions and concerns around congregational music and what kinds of songs resonate with us as believers.

    Our prayer is that this episode enlightens your faith in how the songs we sing are an expression of worship to our Creator.

     

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • How did congregational songwriting become a passion of yours?
    • Why is singing so important?
    • What are your current concerns with today’s Christian music?
    • What are some current opportunities that churches have in selecting songs?

     

    Additional Resources:

  • BONUS Episode: Faith & Technology, part 2
     

    Bonus Episode 10 with John and Brianna Morris

    We are thrilled to present a bonus episode of Digging Deeper titled "Faith and". Jeff continues his conversation with John and Brianna Morris, Executive Directors of Maze Creative, and Josh King, Director of Communications at Perimeter, as they delve into the impact of technology usage on our faith. 

    Throughout the episode, they offer practical applications on how to approach the digital realm with redemption and clarity. We hope this follow-up discussion provides you with useful tools to evaluate your technology platforms and ask yourself, "Does this technology allow me to be gospel-driven in my actions and thoughts?"

    Questions Covered in This Episode:

    • As a people of Jesus, what role does self-denial play in the digital world?

    • How do we talk about the redemptive side of technology? 

     

    Additional Resources: