Shows / STUCK IN THE MESSY
STUCK IN THE MESSY
Join the Life Center Staff as we look to examine the art of service. As believers, we have been called to serve each other, and the world. While it seems like it should be an easy concept, for anyone who has jumped into the messy world of service, we realize that serving people in real life is much harder than we thought it would be. Listen in as we talk through the difficulties of loving the world around us, whether it be the person on the side of the street holding the cardboard sign or our…
Episodes
STUCK IN THE MESSYChallenging with Love & Being Consistent
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Understanding Our Role & Celebrating Wins
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Fighting Survival Mentality & Giving Our Best, Not Leftovers
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Seeing God’s Masterpieces & Reframing Service
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Delighting in Differences & Seeing the Full Picture
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Setting Boundaries & Valuing Work
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Recognizing Our Own Need & Seeking Sustainability
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Bridging Cultures & Fighting Fix-it Mode
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Being Awkwardly Vulnerable & Being Salty
Here at the Life Center, we want to see God, ourselves, and others in the correct light so that our service is effective, loving, and rightly motivated. That’s…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Sharing Stories
At the Life Center, we believe that being vulnerable with our struggles and stories can draw us closer to one another and to God. In this episode, you’ll hear…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Reflecting on 2025
2025 brought many opportunities for God to put his faithfulness on display! Join Micah, Christa, and our fellow Life Center staff members Dianna Fox, Jose…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
A Theology of Service
Christians talk about serving a lot: serving at church, serving at an organization or event, serving our families and neighbors…but what does Scripture have to…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
The Spirit of Service
Unlike other gods worshiped around the world, our God is one who serves! But what is service, exactly? How do the fruits of the Holy Spirit play into service?…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
How to Have a Spiritual Conversation
Maybe he’ll be offended. Maybe it’s not the right time to share with her. If you’ve ever felt prompted to have a spiritual conversation but held back because…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Connecting with a Local Partner: Hornbuckle Foundation
At the Life Center, we understand we cannot meet every need, nor should we try to. That's why we partner with other local organizations to best serve our…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Jesus Jumps into the Messy
Unlike the religious leaders of his day, Jesus didn’t keep messy people or situations at arm’s length. In fact, he went out of his way to rub shoulders with…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Biblical Neediness
What does it mean to be needy? How should we respond to those in need? Join Micah, Christa, and our special guest Tyler Peterson as we explore this topic…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Connecting with a Local Partner: JAMLAC
At the Life Center, we understand we cannot meet every need, nor should we try to. That's why we partner with other local organizations to best serve our…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Growing Your Circle
When we see a homeless individual at church, we often feel at a loss. Should we try to interact with the person? If so, how? What do we talk about? Join Micah…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Connecting with a Local Partner: All Health Network
At the Life Center, we understand we cannot meet every need, nor should we try to. That's why we partner with other local organizations to best serve our…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Reflections of a Life Center Resident
Through the Mission Hills Ministry Development Program (MDP), the Life Center welcomed the lovely Kathryn Lewis for an 8-month residency last fall. In this…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Helping with Humility
Humility is usually celebrated as a positive character trait…but what exactly is humility? Is it just self-deprecation? What does it mean to humbly serve…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Resource Navigation 101
When trying to help someone in need, where do you start? What boundaries should you set? How do you know when the resource-navigating process is over? Join…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
A Relational Road
True service is relational, which means it can also be messy! As we seek to serve the homeless, what does it mean to walk alongside them in practical ways?…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Life Center “Beatitudes"
In the first three Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus upends our idea of who will experience the good life. The good life, He tells us, belongs not to the wealthy…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Giving and Growing
Our God is amazingly generous, often giving us undeserved blessings. However, He also frequently asks us to gain a reward through work. As we try to reflect…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Spiritual Smoothies
Many of us compartmentalize our lives like a pie: one slice for church, one for work, one for family, and so on. But what if our “pie” became more like a…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Fighting Fix-it Mode
When someone asks for help, many of us jump into “fix-it mode” to solve the problem. While this may seem like a necessary response, it can also harm both the…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Street Corner Conversations
Many of us feel unsure how to respond when we see someone holding a cardboard sign. Should we smile and wave? Give money, toiletries, or food? Look straight…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Homelessness Q & A
As we see more and more unhoused residents in our community, many of us are wondering, how can we help? Aren't there plenty of jobs available for the homeless?…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Trauma Talk
The word “trauma” is thrown around frequently these days. But what is trauma, exactly? How can we interact well with those who have experienced it? Join Micah…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
The Beauty of Homeless Culture
It can be tempting to focus on what we think needs fixing in our homeless friends’ lives. But our friends are part of a culture that has much to teach us! Join…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Delighting in Differences
Sometimes, we humans allow our differences to divide us. We want to fight against this tendency at the Life Center, recognizing that building relationships…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Reframing Service
What is service? Is it an activity we squeeze into our busy schedules? Is it simply being nice? In this episode, Micah, Christa, and our special guest Jackie…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Banking on God's Goodness
Though Thanksgiving is behind us, we’ve got more blessings to chew on…metaphorically, of course. Join Micah, Christa, Alex, and our special guest JoAnn Hunt as…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Searching in Seattle
Finding conferences about our line of work is difficult, so in August, the Life Center staff took things into our own hands. We jumped on a flight to Seattle…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Extra Care Required
Sometimes we feel unequipped to care for others, especially if they see or experience reality differently than we do! So, how can we lovingly support others…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Life Center Personalities
If you like personality tests, you’ll enjoy this episode! Join Micah, Christa, and our special guest Kristy Allen as we discuss the personality types we…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Not That Different
Not knowing what to say, fear of saying the wrong thing, or even our own assumptions can keep us from connecting with those different from us. Join Micah…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Helping Without Hurting
Have you ever felt unsure how to help someone in need? Or perhaps you’ve helped someone, only to be frustrated by the results. Join Micah, Christa, and former…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Talking to Kids About Homelessness
Many of us shy away from talking to our kids about homelessness, not knowing how to tackle this difficult topic. Join Micah and Christa as we have an honest…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Cross-Cultural Connections
Though we expect to encounter cultural differences when traveling to other countries, we sometimes fail to recognize the microcultures that exist in our own…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Diving Into The Messy
Imagine you pull up to an intersection and see a person holding a cardboard sign. Your mind races: Should I give them a few bucks? Smile? Pretend to look at my…
- STUCK IN THE MESSY
Welcome To Our New Channel
Join the Life Center Staff as we look to examine the art of service. As believers, we have been called to serve each other and the world. While it seems like…