Crowd Church Talks
Series: Origin | What does the Bible say about? | Mark’s Gospel | Alpha Course Online
Growing Up Is Learning What To Want (Genesis Part 7)
Ever wondered why the things we want most aren't always what's best for us? This week, Jenny Mariner continues unpacking Genesis' wisdom on desire and decision-making, revealing how growing up spiritually isn't about having all the answers – it's about learning to want the right things. Through everyday objects and surprising insights from The Karate Kid, Jenny shows us why God's 'no' might actually be the path to our best 'yes'. From dealing with daily choices to life-changing decisions, discover how ancient wisdom speaks directly into our modern struggle between following our hearts and trusting God's guidance.
Why You Matter More Than Kings (Genesis Part 6)
In a world obsessed with status, Genesis drops a revolutionary bombshell on humanity: you're made in God's image. Not just kings, not just the special few – everyone. Dave Connolly unpacked what this means for us today, moving beyond surface-level selfies to something far deeper. Through stories of starlit skies and pottery wheels, we discovered how bearing God's image isn't about looking like Him, but carrying His essence. The evening sparked rich discussions about human worth, grace versus perfection, and how seeing God's image in everyone could revolutionise our Monday mornings. Because turns out, you matter more than kings – and that changes everything.
When Everything Looks Good But God Says No (Genesis Part 5)
Ever felt torn between what looks good and what God says is good? This week, Jenny Mariner tackled one of the most challenging aspects of faith - those moments when God says no to something that seems perfectly right. Through a fresh look at Genesis, Jenny explored how our culture's "follow your desires" narrative contrasts with God's invitation to deeper trust. From chocolate cake cravings to life-changing decisions, she revealed how God isn't restricting our joy but inviting us into something better. The following discussion got refreshingly real about relationships, power, and what it means to trust God when everything in us wants to say yes.
Can Science And Faith Tell The Same Story? (Genesis Part 4)
Ever wondered if your faith can survive a physics degree? This Sunday, theoretical physicist Josh Edmundson shared his journey from defending young-earth creationism to discovering a richer understanding of both science and scripture. Through university studies and deepening faith, Josh found that Genesis isn't trying to be a scientific textbook - it's answering much deeper questions about who God is and who we are. Joined by molecular biologist Will Sopwith, the conversation explored how both science and faith require humility, and how bringing your questions to God often leads to deeper understanding rather than doubt. A fresh perspective on the age-old debate of whether science and faith can truly coexist.
Why Genesis Changed Everything We Know About God (Genesis Part 3)
What if everything you thought you knew about God came from centuries of tradition rather than what Genesis actually says? This week, Steve Connolly helped us discover how these ancient texts present a radically different picture of God - one that challenged the beliefs of its time and still challenges ours today. From tackling big questions about science and faith to exploring what it means to trust a God we can't fully understand, we discovered why Genesis isn't just another creation story - it's a revolutionary declaration about who God is and what that means for us today.
Did God Design Us To Be Environmental Guardians? (Genesis Part 2)
When it comes to environmental issues, Christians often feel caught between denial and despair. But what if Genesis offers a different perspective altogether? In this service, Matt Edmundson explores God's original design for humanity's relationship with creation. Moving beyond both exploitation and nature worship, Genesis reveals how we're called to be guardians rather than owners. Discover what the Hebrew word for "dominion" really means, why God started Adam with just a garden, and how caring for creation isn't just about following trends - it's about living out our basic human calling as stewards of God's good earth.
Finding Life in the Chaos (Genesis Part 1)
Ever felt like everything's chaos? In our first look at Genesis, Jack Mariner unpacks how God doesn't just show up when everything's sorted - He specialises in bringing life from nothing. From those first mysterious words, "the earth was formless and empty," we discover a God who's always moving, always breathing life into situations that seem hopeless. Whether you're starting 2025 full of hope or barely crawling into the new year, this message reminds us that God isn't finished yet. He's still in the business of bringing order from chaos, still creating something beautiful from nothing.
Home Alone and The Christmas Story we Never Saw Coming
We take a fresh look at the movie, Home Alone, as we uncover how this beloved Christmas classic mirrors profound spiritual truths. From Kevin's misguided pursuit of freedom to his mum's relentless journey home, discover how this film reflects God's own story of seeking and saving the lost. Matt Edmundson & Anna Kettle explore what true freedom really means, challenge our preconceptions of God, and reveal why Christmas is less about being good and more about being found. Whether you're a film buff or faith explorer, this message brings new depth to both the movie and the Christmas story.
Philippians # 9 - Being Content
From his prison cell, Paul wrote about a secret to contentment that had nothing to do with circumstances and everything to do with Christ. This week, Jack Mariner unpacks this radical message that cuts right through our consumer culture, challenging how we think about satisfaction, happiness, and what we really need. In Conversation Street, we tackle those tricky questions: Can you be content and still want change? What's the difference between contentment and happiness? Whether you're feeling satisfied with life or struggling to find peace, this message offers a fresh perspective on true contentment.
Philippians #8 - Finding Peace When Your Mind Won't Shut Up
You know that feeling when your mind just won't shut up? When one anxious thought leads to another, and before you know it, you're spiralling? This Sunday at Crowd, Sharon Edmundson tackled this head-on, sharing her own journey with anxiety - from childhood fears to adult struggles - while unpacking some surprisingly practical wisdom from Philippians 4.
Philippians #7 - Pressing Toward the Goal
While we're pursuing God, He's actually pursuing us. It's like running towards a finish line and realising the prize is running towards you. Take Usain Bolt. He's naturally rapid, but did you know he trained six days a week, 11 months a year to become the fastest man alive? Sometimes we think faith's like that - all about our effort, our training, our dedication. But what if it's less about performing for God and more about responding to a love that's already chasing us down?
Philippians #6 - The Pursuit of Knowing Christ
Dave takes us through the next part of Philippians, cutting through the noise to get to something real - what happens when knowing Jesus becomes your main pursuit? In Conversation Street, Matt and Jan unpacked what this looks like in real life - from Monday morning meetings to Friday night takeaways.
Philippians #5 - Service & Sacrifice
Today is Remembrance Sunday. Andy Kettle explores themes of service and sacrifice through the lens of biblical figures Timothy and Epaphroditus, drawing parallels with the selflessness of soldiers commemorated on this day. Andy shares the inspiring story of Woodbine Willie, a chaplain known for his compassion during World War I.
Philippians #4 - The Name Of Jesus
This service is a lively discussion about the significance of names and reputations. Will looks at the power and influence of the name of Jesus, drawing from Philippians. He explores how names shape our perceptions and the ultimate authority of Jesus' name.
Philippians #3 - Living Worthy of the Gospel
Pete' Farrington explores the challenge of living a life worthy of the gospel and the profound themes of humility and sacrifice. The conversation looks into the significance of Christ's incarnation, the offence of the Gospel, and the transformative power of embracing God's principles.
Philippians #2 - Joy in Adversity
Mark Buchanan explores the theme of "Joy in Adversity," drawing insights from the Book of Philippians. He shares his perspective on finding joy through challenging times by witnessing God's work in adversity. Mark recounts personal experiences, including his own trials, to illustrate how faith can transform difficult situations. The conversation also digs into the importance of community support, resilience, and the distinction between joy and happiness.
Philippians #1 - Living a Life Laid Down
Join Matt and Sharon Edmundson at Crowd Church in Liverpool for an engaging exploration of the book of Philippians. This week, Jenny Mariner kick-starts a new nine-week series into the richness of the book of Philippians. Jenny shares insights on living a life laid down for Christ, drawing from Paul's letters and his experiences. The discussion highlights themes of gratitude, generosity, and partnership, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives.
The Unexpected Mission That Changes Everything
Join Matt Edmundson and Anna Kettle as they explore the unexpected mission of Jesus and its transformative impact. Now broadcasting from a new location, they delve into the essence of belonging and the significance of community in faith. Matt shares insights from the Bible, highlighting Jesus's mission to bring abundant life and freedom, while Anna reflects on the importance of love and acceptance. The discussion touches on the challenges of living out one's faith in a modern world, encouraging listeners to connect with others beyond the church walls. With a focus on inclusivity and understanding, this episode invites both believers and seekers to explore the profound message of the gospel.
Doing Rest
Dan and Ruth Orange, alongside guest Dave Connolly, explore the profound concept of rest from a biblical perspective. They delve into the significance of rest as a divine commandment, reflecting on its importance in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. The discussion highlights the need to stop and reflect, drawing from Genesis and the teachings of Jesus to emphasise rest as a spiritual practice rather than mere physical inactivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern life, such as digital distractions and the pressure to be constantly busy, advocating for a more mindful approach to time management.
Doing Politics
In this episode of Crowd Online Church, host Matt is joined by Will Sopwith and Jeff Beynon for a lively discussion on politics from a Christian perspective. The panel explores the intersection of faith and politics, emphasising the importance of understanding God's sovereignty in governance. They delve into biblical teachings, such as respecting authority and the role of prayer for leaders, while addressing the challenges of aligning political engagement with Christian values. The conversation touches on the complexities of voting, the influence of personality in politics, and the need for Christians to be active in political parties to effect change. With a focus on scripture, the episode encourages listeners to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in political discourse, prioritising service and love over division and anger.