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A Westside Family Church conversation that takes a deeper look at relevant topics and offers tools designed to support you in your faith journey.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
There comes a point in many faith journeys when the familiar patterns stop working. Prayer feels dry. Service feels empty. Certainty begins to crumble. In More Than We’ve Known, Season 2 of Conversations with Troy Kennedy, we explore these moments not as spiritual failure—but as invitations into deeper life with God.
In this episode, Troy unpacks “the wall”—a season of spiritual struggle that often marks the transition from the first half of our faith to something deeper and more surrendered. The wall is a confrontation between our will and God’s will, often experienced through spiritual dryness, burnout, suffering, or faith crisis.
We explore the three common responses people have when they encounter the wall:
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Bounce back to what feels familiar
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Bail out of faith altogether
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Break through into deeper intimacy with God
Breaking through the wall reshapes our faith in powerful ways—moving us from willpower to Spirit power, from self-protection to vulnerability, and from achievement-based faith to humble submission. In this season, weakness becomes a gift, creating space for God’s strength to be revealed.
If you’re questioning, weary, walking through loss, or supporting someone in a difficult season, this conversation offers both hope and practical guidance. The wall is not the end of your story—it is often the place where God begins His most beautiful work.
🧭 Life Application
If you find yourself at the wall—through illness, loss, disappointment, or spiritual dryness—receive this season not as punishment, but as an invitation. God is not surprised by your doubts or questions. He is present in your weakness and wants to meet you there.
This week, prayerfully identify one area where you’ve been trying to maintain control. Instead of striving to fix or change your circumstances, practice simply showing up faithfully with God in the midst of them.
Reflect:
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What am I trying to control that I need to surrender to God?
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How might God be using my current struggles to draw me closer to Him?
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Where have I been relying on my own strength instead of His power?
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What would it look like to show up faithfully rather than focus on outcomes?
📘 Resources & Show Notes
Spiritual Life Inventory
Discover your stage in the spiritual journey
👉 https://homeworld.ejay563.com/Spirit/survey.php
Westside Essentials
Loving Jesus • Becoming Like Jesus • Sharing Jesus
👉 https://www.westsidefamily.church/essentials
Care & Support
If you’re experiencing crisis or despair
👉 https://westside-family-care-center.squarespace.com
Additional Resources
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Dr. Liz Hall — processing suffering
👉 https://www.drlizhall.com
(Upcoming book: When the Journey Hurts)
Recommended Reading
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Even When — Sara Cormany
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A Grace Disguised — Jerry Sittser
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Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering — Tim Keller
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Journey of the Soul — Bill & Christie Gualtiere
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The Critical Journey — Janet Hagberg & Robert Gulich
Contact Troy Kennedy
📧 TKennedy@WestsideFamily.Church
Prayer over listeners — Sara
▶️ New episodes weekly
▶️ Subscribe for conversations on spiritual formation and the deeper life Jesus invites us into
5 days ago
5 days ago
At every crossroads in life, we face a choice: pursue immediate gratification or pause to seek God’s wisdom.
In this episode of the Westside Podcast, we explore the “ancient paths” from Jeremiah 6:16—not as outdated traditions, but as life-giving practices that shape lasting spiritual health. Through prayer, Scripture, community, confession, and repentance, God forms us over time into people of peace, joy, and wholeness.
We also unpack how true wisdom comes from decisions that bring integration rather than disintegration in our relationships with God, others, creation, and ourselves. Repentance is reframed as good news—an invitation to turn from destructive paths toward life-giving ones. T
True freedom isn’t doing whatever we want, but having the power to choose what’s genuinely good for us. The kingdom of God is where we were designed to flourish—and every decision can move us closer to Christ-likeness.
🔔 Watch, subscribe, and share the Westside Podcast
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Why does God allow detours, delays, and painful seasons?
Discover how God is working behind the scenes—even when He feels distant—through the powerful truth of divine providence.
What do you do when life doesn’t go as planned—and God feels distant?
In this message, we explore how God works through life’s unexpected detours, delays, and painful seasons to accomplish purposes we often can’t see in the moment. Drawing from the powerful story of Joseph in the Bible, we see how years of betrayal, loss, and suffering were not wasted—but instead positioned him to save nations and fulfill God’s greater plan.
If you’ve ever struggled with God’s timing, unmet expectations, or wondered where God is in your pain, this message is for you. We unpack the biblical idea of God’s providence—the truth that God is actively present and working, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. When God feels silent or uninvolved, providence becomes the lens that helps us see His fingerprints in our story.
You’ll discover:
• Why God allows seasons of suffering, waiting, and uncertainty
• How difficult seasons shape character and prepare us for future purpose
• Practical ways to move forward when life doesn’t match your expectations
• How to embrace your real circumstances instead of mourning unfulfilled dreams
• Why the Christian life follows the rhythm of cross and resurrection—death leading to new life
• How the cross of Christ shows us that God can bring the greatest good from the greatest pain
This message is especially helpful for young adults navigating career uncertainty, anyone facing unexpected life changes, or those wrestling with faith during hard seasons. You’ll learn how to trust God’s process without needing the full plan, how to move forward by faith, and why wisdom from community and mentors matters along the way.
As a practical takeaway, we invite you to begin looking for God’s fingerprints in your everyday life. Instead of focusing only on what’s broken or painful, intentionally watch for signs of His goodness, provision, and presence—even in small ways.
Consider keeping a journal where you record moments of unexpected provision, answered prayers, or ways difficult seasons have led to growth or new opportunities. Over time, like looking back at photos from a past year, you’ll begin to see how God has been faithfully at work all along.
Reflect on these questions this week:
• What character qualities might God be forming in me through my current challenges?
• How can I embrace my real life instead of grieving unmet expectations?
• Where have I seen God’s faithfulness before that gives me hope today?
• Am I willing to trust God’s timing even when it doesn’t match my own?
The same God who worked through Joseph’s decades of hardship—and through the cross of Jesus—is actively involved in your story today. Your detours and delays are not proof of His absence. They may be the very path God is using to prepare you for something greater than you can imagine.
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Spiritual growth with Jesus isn’t linear—and feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing.
More Than We’ve Known is Season 2 of Conversations with Troy Kennedy, a Christian podcast exploring spiritual growth as a lifelong journey with Jesus.
Many of us assume faith means having it all together—or that once we reach a certain point, growth should stop feeling hard. But real discipleship isn’t a straight line. It unfolds in seasons, includes setbacks, invites healing, and continually calls us deeper with Christ.
In this season, Troy Kennedy explores a historic framework of spiritual formation that helps us:
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Name where we are in our faith journey
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Understand what God may be doing in each season
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See why feeling stuck, disillusioned, or stretched can actually be part of spiritual growth—not a failure
Whether you’re new to faith, returning after church hurt, or have followed Jesus for decades, More Than We’ve Known invites you into this truth:
Jesus always has more for us than we’ve known.
📘 Episode Resources & Next Steps
Spiritual Life Inventory
What stage are you in right now?
👉 https://homeworld.ejay563.com/Spirit/survey.php
Essentials Course
Loving Jesus • Becoming Like Jesus • Sharing Jesus
👉 https://www.westsidefamily.church/essentials
Discover Your SHAPE
Understand how God uniquely designed you to serve
👉 https://www.westsidefamily.church/shape
Recommended Reading
-
Journey of the Soul — Bill & Christie Gualtierre
-
The Critical Journey — Janet Hagberg & Robert Gulich
Contact Troy Kennedy
📧 TKennedy@westsidefamily.church
▶️ New episodes weekly
▶️ Subscribe for conversations on discipleship, spiritual formation, and following Jesus in real life
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
More Than We’ve Known is Season 2 of Conversations with Troy Kennedy, a Christian podcast exploring spiritual growth as a lifelong journey with Jesus.
Many of us assume faith means having it all together—or that once we reach a certain point, growth should stop feeling hard. But real discipleship isn’t a straight line. It unfolds in seasons, includes setbacks, invites healing, and continually calls us deeper with Christ.
In this season, Troy Kennedy explores a historic framework of spiritual formation that helps us:
-
Name where we are in our faith journey
-
Understand what God may be doing in each season
-
See why feeling stuck, disillusioned, or stretched can actually be part of spiritual growth—not a failure
Whether you’re new to faith, returning after church hurt, or have followed Jesus for decades, More Than We’ve Known invites you into this truth:
Jesus always has more for us than we’ve known.
📘 Episode Resources & Next Steps
Spiritual Life Inventory
What stage are you in right now?
👉 https://homeworld.ejay563.com/Spirit/survey.php
Essentials Course
Loving Jesus • Becoming Like Jesus • Sharing Jesus
👉 https://www.westsidefamily.church/essentials
Discover Your SHAPE
Understand how God uniquely designed you to serve
👉 https://www.westsidefamily.church/shape
Recommended Reading
-
Journey of the Soul — Bill & Christie Gualtierre
-
The Critical Journey — Janet Hagberg & Robert Gulich
Contact Troy Kennedy
📧 TKennedy@westsidefamily.church
▶️ New episodes weekly
▶️ Subscribe for conversations on discipleship, spiritual formation, and following Jesus in real life
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
We talk a lot about freedom—but do we actually live free?
In this week’s podcast conversation, Pastor Jonathan unpacks the heart behind Sunday’s message, “Set Free to Live Free.” With honesty and clarity, he dives into what it really takes to break strongholds, confront cycles that keep us stuck, and step into the freedom Jesus offers—not just in theory, but in everyday life.
This conversation goes beyond surface-level faith and into the places many of us quietly wrestle with: habits, dependencies, patterns, and compromises that leave us weary and disconnected from God’s design.
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you feel bound or stuck. Instead of asking God to simply remove the struggle, ask Him to show you one small, practical step you can take toward freedom. This might be confessing to a trusted friend, changing a daily routine, or committing to Scripture before screen time each morning.
Remember: you can't do it without God, but He won't do it without you. Start small, stay consistent, and trust that God can transform your little actions into an amazing work of freedom in your life.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What is one area of my life where I feel bound or stuck?
- Who is one person I could confess this struggle to and ask for accountability?
- What is one small, practical step I can take this week toward freedom?
- How can I better protect my attention and focus it on God rather than the distractions of this world?
If you love Jesus but still feel like there are chains you can’t quite shake—this episode is for you.
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
More Than We’ve Known is Season 2 of Conversations with Troy Kennedy, a Christian podcast exploring spiritual growth as a lifelong journey with Jesus.
Many of us assume faith means having it all together—or that once we reach a certain point, growth should stop feeling hard. But real discipleship isn’t a straight line. It unfolds in seasons, includes setbacks, invites healing, and continually calls us deeper with Christ.
In this season, Troy Kennedy explores a historic framework of spiritual formation that helps us:
-
Name where we are in our faith journey
-
Understand what God may be doing in each season
-
See why feeling stuck, disillusioned, or stretched can actually be part of spiritual growth—not a failure
Whether you’re new to faith, returning after church hurt, or have followed Jesus for decades, More Than We’ve Known invites you into this truth:
Jesus always has more for us than we’ve known.
▶️ New episodes weekly
▶️ Subscribe for conversations on discipleship, spiritual formation, and following Jesus in real life
Sunday Dec 21, 2025
Sunday Dec 21, 2025
This Advent episode explores biblical love (agape) and how it differs from the emotion-based, conditional love often celebrated in culture. Through the incarnation of Jesus, we see God’s love in action—unearned, intentional, and present with us in our brokenness.
The conversation addresses common barriers to receiving God’s love, including performance-based thinking and projecting past relationship wounds onto God. Listeners are invited to receive love as they are and reflect it through presence, compassion, and community this Christmas season and beyond.
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Show Notes: Advent Week 3 — Joy (Luke 1:46–55)
This week, Troy guides us through Mary’s Song in Luke 1:46–55—a beautiful reminder that Joy is rooted in God’s presence, not circumstances.
Reflection Questions:
• How does culture’s approach to Advent drain your joy?
• How can you intentionally turn your focus toward Jesus this season?
• What familiar patterns can you surrender to Him for renewal?
• How does the world define joy—and how does Jesus redefine it?
• Are you fighting for joy? When was the last time you truly pursued it?
• Will you pray, “Lord, I want Your joy—show me how to receive it”?
• Who do you need to bring into your life to help remind you of Jesus’ joy?
Helpful Resources Mentioned:
• Wired for Negativity: https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-bias-4589618
• 15-Second Gratitude Boost: https://www.thezoereport.com/wellness/the-15-second-gratitude-trick-that-will-boost-your-mood-daily
Definitions & Quotes:
• Jim Wilder: “Joy is when someone is glad to be with me… being the sparkle in someone’s eye.”
• Dallas Willard:
“God is the most joyous being in the universe… All of the good and beautiful things from which we occasionally drink tiny droplets of soul-exhilarating joy, God continuously experiences in all their breadth and depth and richness.”
This conversation will invite your heart back to the joy that Jesus brings—deep, lasting, and life-giving.
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Show Notes: Advent Week 2 — Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
In Week 2, we reflect on the Peace Jesus brings—the kind rooted in shalom: wholeness, completeness, flourishing. Through Isaiah 9:6, Troy walks us through the powerful names of Jesus and what they mean for our lives today.
Reflection Questions:
• Which name do you need to call on in this season?
Wonderful? Counselor? Mighty God? Everlasting Father? Prince of Peace?
• How is shalom different from the modern idea of peace?
• How does the arrival of Jesus bring biblical peace?
• How is peace something we are, not just something we try to create?
• What holiday traditions bring peace to your soul?
• Is conforming to cultural pressure keeping you from peace this year?
• How will you hold onto spiritual practices that help you stay grounded?
• How has Jesus provided peace for you in the past?
• What belongs in your “peace toolkit” this season?
• Who can you invite into this journey for accountability and encouragement?
Let this episode guide you toward the Prince of Peace, who still brings calm to our chaos.