15: Built for Community: The Power of Small Groups

19. Wading Through the Muck: Why Messy Community is Good Community

Marissa and Mike introduce their first video episode! They argue that "messy" community can be meaningful and a sign of deeper relationships rather than failure. They encourage listeners not to jump ship over minor annoyances and to distinguish between small issues to tolerate (like social irritations with neighbors or coworkers) and bigger issues that may require hard conversations and boundaries (such as kids not getting along, workplace gossip, or faith differences). Their practical guidance emphasizes over-communicating, giving others the benefit of the doubt, choosing not to be easily offended, and learning to agree to disagree—especially avoiding inflammatory social media behavior in favor of in-person conversations. They close by challenging listeners to reflect on whether they are making “mountains out of molehills” or avoiding needed boundaries, reinforcing that imperfect people and relationships are worth working through. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

18. Radical Generosity and Loving Your People Well

In this episode, Michael & Marissa talk about radical generosity 🤍—what it really looks like to step outside our comfort zones and give from our own well of personal resources.  The result? Deeper connection, unexpected blessing, and a transformed heart 🙌. We explore what radical generosity can look like in everyday life: * ⏰ Giving time, presence, and talents—not just finances * 🫶 Serving with an open heart, not a maxed-out life * 🌱 Giving sacrificially and trusting God with the outcome Generosity isn’t a formula or a checklist—it looks different for everyone. But when we choose it faithfully, God often uses it to shape our relationships and refine our hearts 💛. Join us as we unpack the heart behind radical generosity and then spend some time reflecting on how this might look in your own life. LET'S CONNECT! Visit our website [https://thececis.com/] 💻  Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/]! 👋🏼 Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

17. More Than a Job: Building Community at Work

We spend a significant portion of our lives at work—often alongside people we didn’t choose and don’t always connect with naturally. In this episode, Michael & Marissa explore what it looks like to foster genuine community in the workplace without forcing friendship or crossing professional boundaries 🤝. This conversation isn’t about finding your best friends at work. Instead, it’s about choosing care over indifference and humanity over “robot mode” 🤖➡️❤️. 💬 In this episode, we talk about: * Why workplace community matters more than we often realize * How to care for coworkers you’re “stuck with” (even when it’s hard) * The difference between clocking in/out and actually investing in people * Building trust and respect with appropriate boundaries * Why stronger relationships often lead to better teamwork and productivity 🌱 What we hope you’ll walk away with: * A renewed perspective on the people you work with every day * Practical ways to check in, serve, and show care at work * Encouragement that small, intentional efforts can shift workplace culture Whether you love your coworkers, struggle with them, or fall somewhere in between, this episode offers a realistic and encouraging look at how community can exist at work—and why it’s worth the effort. LET'S CONNECT! Visit our website [https://thececis.com/] 💻  Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/]! 👋🏼 Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

16. A Life Group Check-In: Seven Months In

Last June, we recorded an episode all about the importance of small groups (Episode 15)—and at the time, our own life group was just getting started. After a brief pause from recording (we missed you! 😊), we’re back with an honest check-in: how is life group really going, seven months in? In this episode, Michael & Marissa unpack what we’ve learned so far—the joys, the adjustments, and the unexpected fruit. We reflect on: 📖 Our curriculum and what we discuss each week. 🗓️ How changing the day we meet brought peace and calm we did not anticipate. 🤸🏼‍♀️The evolving reality of childcare and the unexpected beauty in the interruptions. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 And most importantly, the fruit we’ve seen: deeper vulnerability, stronger marriages, walking with one another through hard seasons, and wrestling together with big theological and life questions. This episode is our honest take. If it hadn’t gone well, we would’ve said so. Small groups aren’t perfect, and they don’t always run smoothly—but this one has been a true gift. As we close, we reflect on how the very structure of small groups invites quality over quantity—a return to the kind of communal, face-to-face connection that feels increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. And we’re so grateful for it. So what are you waiting for? Give this episode a listen and then challenge yourself to engage in a small group! LET'S CONNECT! Visit our website [https://thececis.com/] 💻  Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/]! 👋🏼 Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

15: Built for Community: The Power of Small Groups

Whatever you call them—small group, life group, Gospel community, home church—if you're a churchgoing believer, being part of one isn’t just a nice idea… it's something we truly believe is worth prioritizing. 🙌 This week, Michael & Marissa dive into the power and purpose of small groups in building deep, meaningful community within the church. Small groups aren’t just about Bible study (though that’s part of it 📖)—they’re about walking through life with fellow believers, offering accountability, support, and encouragement as you grow in your faith together. We share our own journey of stepping into (and eventually starting!) a life group, including the doubts we wrestled with: 👉 “Do we really need this?” 👉 “Do we have time for this?” 👉 “What if it’s awkward?” 👉 “What if we get hurt?” Spoiler: those are real fears, but they don’t outweigh the beauty of what small groups can become—a place for spiritual growth, accountability, deep friendship, and mutual service 💛. Whether you’re in one already, dragging your feet, or feeling burned by a past group—we’ve got something for you. This conversation is both a challenge and an encouragement: don’t settle for surface-level faith or isolated living. Get uncomfortable, get connected, and watch what God does. LET'S CONNECT! Visit our website [https://thececis.com/] 💻  Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yourpeoplepodcast/]! 👋🏼 Want to chat? Drop us a line at yourpeoplepodcast@gmail.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.