The SOBC Pod

Crisis Response: Serving in the Midst of Devastation

What does it look like to bring hope in the middle of a crisis? In this episode of the SOBC Pod, Craig sits down with Phil, one of Stone Oak Bible Church’s deacons, to talk about crisis response ministry. Phil shares his story of coming to Stone Oak, his background, and how God led him to step into leading a crisis response team after the devastating floods in the Hill Country. They walk through what crisis response actually looks like on the ground—from clearing debris and tearing out drywall to sitting with homeowners, praying with them, and offering hope in the midst of loss. Phil also shares powerful stories from time spent serving in affected communities and how those experiences have shaped his faith. This conversation highlights the heart behind crisis response: not just rebuilding homes, but caring for people and pointing them to Christ in some of their hardest moments. Topics covered in this episode include: * Phil’s background, family, and journey to Stone Oak Bible Church * How he first connected with the church and got involved serving * His role as a deacon and heart for the church body * How the crisis response ministry began after the Hill Country floods * Partnering with Reach Global and existing EFCA relationships * What disaster response work actually looks like day-to-day * The importance of organization in crisis situations * Moving from cleanup efforts to caring for people spiritually and emotionally * Real stories from serving homeowners in devastated areas * How crisis response creates opportunities for prayer, gospel conversations, and discipleship * The role of the local church in responding to crisis * How serving in crisis has shaped Phil’s personal faith and perspective * Why crisis response is about more than rebuilding homes—it’s about bringing hope If you’re part of Stone Oak Bible Church and want to get involved, you can sign up through Church Center under the Crisis Response team. The team regularly serves in the Hill Country and welcomes anyone who wants to help. Stone Oak Bible Church is located in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more at stoneoakbible.com

Following Christ in Work, Marriage, and Parenting: Hunter’s Story

In this episode of the SOBC Pod, Craig sits down with Hunter for a conversation about faith, family, work, and discipleship. Hunter shares about growing up in the Smithson Valley area, his path from baseball and college into marriage and family life, and how the Lord used fatherhood to wake him up to the reality of his faith. They talk about what it looks like to lead a young family, practice family worship with small children, and pursue Christ in the middle of a busy season of life. Hunter also shares about his work as an investment advisor, the challenges of handling money faithfully, and how he thinks about stewardship, legacy, and keeping Christ first in a world centered on wealth. This episode is an encouraging conversation about discipleship in everyday life and the grace of God in shaping men to lead their homes, serve the church, and walk faithfully in their work. Topics covered in this episode include: * Hunter and Landis’s story and how they got together * Marriage, parenting, and raising three young boys * Growing up around church without yet having a deep personal faith * How fatherhood sharpened Hunter’s sense of spiritual responsibility * What led their family to Stone Oak Bible Church * Family worship with young children and the challenges of leading at home * How the Jesus Storybook Bible has helped shape family discipleship * The importance of men’s discipleship and learning in community * What Hunter is learning through leadership and doctrinal study * Working in finance as an investment advisor and staying grounded in Christ * Stewardship, savings, wealth, and the danger of loving money * Thinking biblically about legacy and generational faithfulness * Following Christ faithfully in work, marriage, and parenting Stone Oak Bible Church is located in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more at stoneoakbible.com

What Communion Means and Why We Practice It Weekly

Why does Stone Oak Bible Church practice communion nearly every week? What are we actually doing when we take the bread and the cup? And why have Christians understood communion in different ways throughout church history? In this episode of the SOBC Pod, Craig and Justin talk through the meaning and practice of communion. They discuss what communion is, why Jesus gave it to the church, and why it remains such an important part of worship at Stone Oak Bible Church. They also walk through several major views of Christ’s presence in communion, explain where Stone Oak Bible Church lands theologically, and talk about why the church recently adjusted the way communion is practiced during Sunday services. Topics covered in this episode include: * What communion is and why it matters * Other names for communion, including the Lord’s Supper and Eucharist * The biblical foundation of communion in the Last Supper * Reflection, confession, remembrance, proclamation, and participation in communion * The difference between ordinary shared meals and communion * Four major Christian views of Christ’s presence in communion * Transubstantiation * Consubstantiation * Memorialism * Real spiritual presence * Where Stone Oak Bible Church lands theologically on communion * Whether the elements themselves matter * Why Stone Oak Bible Church practices communion weekly * How communion helps keep the gospel central in worship * Why communion is one of the most participatory and evangelistic moments in the service * Why the church recently changed how communion is taken together * The importance of unity, shepherding, and corporate participation in communion Stone Oak Bible Church is located in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more at stoneoakbible.com

Don’t Retire from the Mission: Rick’s Story of Faith, Calling, and Joy

What does it look like to follow Christ faithfully into retirement—and beyond? In this episode of the SOBC Pod, Craig sits down with Rick to hear his story of faith, work, and the surprising ways God reshaped his life. From a successful career in church insurance to a season of deep personal conviction, Rick shares how God shifted his identity from achievement to surrender. Rick opens up about his upbringing, marriage, and family, and how he and Blanca found Stone Oak Bible Church. He also shares how a pivotal moment at age 60 forced him to confront his identity, leading to a renewed commitment to Christ as Lord, not just Savior. Now in retirement, Rick is more active in ministry than ever- discipling men, leading Bible studies, and intentionally engaging people in everyday life. His story is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not something we retire from, but something we grow deeper into. Topics covered: * Rick’s background, marriage, and family life * Growing up Catholic and coming to faith in Christ * How Rick and Blanca found Stone Oak Bible Church * Rick’s role as a deacon, men’s ministry leader, and assimilation leader * The unexpected launch of the men’s ministry during COVID * Lessons from 25+ years working with churches and pastors * The danger of finding identity in career success * A pivotal moment at age 60 that reshaped Rick’s faith * What it means to truly make Christ Lord of your life * Learning to listen to God and spend intentional time in His Word * How retirement became a season of deeper purpose, not rest * The importance of discipleship and investing in others * Living with intentionality in everyday moments (even neighborhood walks) * Why Christians never truly retire from their calling

From Education to Ministry: Ross’s Story of Calling and Faithfulness

How does someone go from pursuing a career in elementary education to full-time ministry? In this episode, Craig sits down with Ross, Stone Oak Bible Church’s Children’s and Youth Director, to hear the story of how God shaped his life and calling. Ross shares about growing up in the San Antonio area, his time at Texas A&M, and the unexpected ways God used relationships, church involvement, and mission trips to redirect his path. What began as a desire to simply “help people” eventually turned into a clear calling to ministry through small group leadership, discipleship, and global missions. Along the way, Ross reflects on the importance of the local church in his own life and how simple invitations, faithful presence, and intentional discipleship played a major role in his growth. He also shares his heart for children and students today, and why helping them connect to Christ and the local church right now is so important. If you’ve ever wondered how God leads people into ministry, or how your own story might be used for something bigger, this conversation is both encouraging and practical. Topics covered: * Ross’s background growing up in the San Antonio area and his path through Texas A&M * Why he initially pursued elementary education and what changed * The role of mentoring, teaching, and influential leaders in shaping his direction * How an invitation to church and small group leadership impacted his faith * Lessons learned about finding a church and staying grounded in core doctrine * How mission trips helped clarify his calling to ministry * His experience in a church residency and seminary training * How God led him to Stone Oak Bible Church * The importance of the local church in spiritual growth and discipleship * His vision for children’s and youth ministry at Stone Oak Bible Church * Why kids and students are not the church of tomorrow, but the church today Closing line Stone Oak Bible Church is located in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more at stoneoakbible.com