Episodes

In this episode, Pastor Craig explores the beauty of do-overs from a Biblical perspective. Using stories from Peter, Jonah, and even the resurrection, he explains why fresh starts matter and how we can practically embrace new beginnings. From confession to renewal, this episode encourages listeners to ponder God’s grace in their own lives and take steps toward a God-given reset. For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org P...

(NOTE: We reset our episode count to reflect the number of episodes found on this current site.) In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt explores why Pentecost is just as crucial as Christmas and Easter. He discusses how the church was born, how the Spirit empowers believers, and why Pentecost invites us into God’s story. With humor, illustrations, and practical steps, this episode encourages listeners to move beyond attending church twice a year and instead live out an active, Spirit-led faith. ...

In this episode of Pondering God, Pastor Craig McCourt explores three surprising lessons we can learn from the life of a sloth. Through biblical wisdom, we reflect on the importance of rest, being slow to speak, clinging to Christ, and engaging in community. Join us in pondering what it truly means to be an active member of the body of Christ. For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a frie...

Message from Peace Lutheran Church - Sunday May 25th "Tell It Like It Is" Rev. 21:1-7 Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages will be an extra boost of encouragement to you. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org ...

(We ran out of server space for the month so we could not post this until the 1st - this is Friday's episode) In this episode of Pondering God, Pastor Craig explores the story of the widow’s mite and how it teaches us to stop striving for fleeting treasures and instead trust in Jesus, who provides everything we need. Through biblical wisdom, engaging illustrations, and practical steps, we learn how to embrace contentment in Christ and live without the exhausting chase for "more." For more info...

LAST THURSDAY I thought it was Ascension Day oops - I'm calendar challenged - So here is a classic issue all the way from last week! In this episode of Pondering God, Pastor Craig McCourt explores the significance of Christ’s Ascension in Acts 1. Why did Jesus go up, and what does it mean for us today? We look at the sending of the Holy Spirit, the promise of Christ’s return, and the power we have to live boldly for him. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that invites reflection and act...

In this episode of the Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig McCourt flips the old Membership has its privileges tagline upside down, revealing that in Christ’s kingdom, membership is about responsibility, not perks. Drawing from Jesus’ teachings, the Last Supper, and Paul’s words on the body of Christ, this episode helps listeners consider how they can serve their congregation and live out their faith daily. It also explores the vital role of worship and Bible study in growing as a servant. For ...

"In this episode, Pastor Craig dives into the question: 'What’s at stake if the church continues to decline?' Exploring themes from The Great Dechurching, he discusses the importance of gathering, the call to be the light of the world, and the practical steps believers can take to strengthen their faith communities. With humorous road trip tales and scriptural insights, this episode invites listeners to reflect, act, and embrace their role in the body of Christ. Tune in and ponder along!" For m...

The Great Restoration from May 18, 2025 - Rev. 21:1-7 Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages will be an extra boost of encouragement to you. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a...

This episode explores the significance of National Road Trip Day, reflecting on three major road trips in Scripture—Abraham’s call, Israel’s Exodus, and the Emmaus Road encounter. Through humor, illustrations, and biblical insight, Pastor Craig invites listeners to ponder their own journey with God this summer. Practical steps and encouragement help listeners apply these truths in daily life. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message,...

In this episode of Pondering God, Pastor Craig McCourt explores the significance of Christ’s Ascension in Acts 1. Why did Jesus go up, and what does it mean for us today? We look at the sending of the Holy Spirit, the promise of Christ’s return, and the power we have to live boldly for him. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that invites reflection and action in our daily faith walk. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message, ...

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt explores the biblical meaning of contentment from Philippians 4:11-13. Through storytelling, humor, and Scripture, we uncover Paul’s secret to peace, even in difficult circumstances. We’ll discuss why contentment matters, the dangers of comparison, and practical steps to grow in gratitude. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message, visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lut...

In this episode of Pondering God, Pastor Craig McCourt dives into the significance of the Nicene Creed and why it still shapes our faith nearly 1,700 years after its creation. From the heated debates of the Council of Nicaea to the lasting truth that Jesus is fully God, this creed serves as an anchor against cultural shifts and theological confusion. Why does this matter in your daily life? Pastor Craig explores the big “So What?” and challenges listeners to ponder, embrace, and live out the tru...

Classic Message fomr 2015 - Mark 4:1-20 - The Power of the Seed. Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages will be an extra boost of encouragement to you. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this pod...

In this episode of Pondering God, Pastor Craig McCourt humorously reflects on how we survived before cell phones and how dependent we've become on them. But unlike our phones, our connection with God is never interrupted, never out of range, and never dies. Join us as we explore Bible verses that remind us how blessed we are to be fully connected to Christ. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message, visit us at www.ponderinggod.org Fo...

In this episode of Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig McCourt dives into Hebrews 3:13, exploring the importance of daily encouragement. Through engaging stories, practical wisdom, and quotes from Max Lucado and Billy Graham, listeners are challenged to reflect on how God encourages them and how they, in turn, can uplift others. With a list of 15 simple, no-cost ways to encourage others, this episode offers actionable steps to make the world a more encouraging place. Tune in and start spreading ...

In today’s episode of Pondering God, Pastor Craig McCourt explores how faith speaks into mental health struggles. From Elijah’s exhaustion to Jesus’ invitation to rest, we unpack practical ways to trade anxiety for God’s peace. We also tackle an important distinction—depression is not a lack of faith, and believers can faithfully seek support. Listen in for engaging stories, biblical truth, and a Big So What Question that challenges you to release your burdens to God. For more information on the...

On National Velcro Day, Pastor Craig McCourt explores how Velcro’s invention—officially trademarked on May 13, 1958—connects to Jesus’ teaching in John 15. Using Velcro’s gripping hooks as an illustration (and a little humor), this episode encourages listeners to stay fastened to Christ through daily faith, prayer, and fellowship. With engaging storytelling and practical application, listeners are invited to ponder their connection to Jesus and discover creative witnessing opportunities using Ve...

Today's Message is from May 11, 2025 - Salvation Belongs to Our God - Rev. 7:10 Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages will be an extra boost of encouragement to you. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please...

In this episode, Pastor Craig McCourt explores Psalm 23 and the incredible care of the Good Shepherd. Join us as we ponder what it means to be a sheep under His care, and discover practical ways to trust the Shepherd in everyday moments. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message, visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please s...

In this episode of the Pondering God Podcast, Pastor Craig McCourt dives into Colossians 1:15-23 to explore the life-changing truth that Christ is truly enough. Through engaging storytelling, relatable illustrations, and Scriptural insights, he unpacks why the sufficiency of Jesus matters in our daily lives. Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to do more, be more, or measure up? This episode offers hope, reminding us that in Christ, we lack nothing. Listen in as Pastor Craig challenges us to po...

Do you have a "little Jesus" - They seem to be everywhere. But is it true that we all need a little Jesus? For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message, visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! Get your ...

I know sometimes Sunday morning can look like a three-ring circus as you get ready for Worship with your children, but let's look at why it is so important. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message, visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please share this podcast with a friend, and do us a favor by giving us a rating and revi...

Today's Message is from Easter Sunrise 2025 @ Peace Lutheran Church Arlington Each Monday Morning, we bring you a message hot off the press or from the archives. We pray that these messages will be an extra boost of encouragement to you. For more information on Pastor Craig McCourt and the ministry of Pondering God or to send us a message visit us at www.ponderinggod.org For more information on Peace Lutheran Church, where Craig currently serves as Pastor, visit www.peacearlington.org Please s...