First Baptist Arlington, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Dr. Dennis Wiles gather around the mic to unpack Flourishing.

In this episode, the team reflects on the first Sunday of New Year and Dr. Wiles’ sermon, Designed to Flourish! -by discussing their theme of "flourishing together" and their upcoming study of the Book of John.

The Tell Me More podcast hosts return for 2025 with excitement about their church's new focus on "flourishing together." Drawing from the powerful imagery of a super bloom in Death Valley, they illustrate how God can bring extraordinary life from seemingly barren places. This becomes their central metaphor for the year - that under the right spiritual conditions, people who seem dormant can experience incredible growth and transformation.

The discussion centers on their upcoming study of the Book of John, which contains rich imagery about abiding, gardening, and spiritual fruitfulness. They emphasize that true flourishing isn't about material prosperity or the absence of pain, but about experiencing God's goodness even in difficult circumstances. The hosts share their partnership with the Global Flourishing Study and their commitment to intentional discipleship. They believe that consistently putting oneself in the right spiritual conditions - through Bible study, community, and faithful obedience - will bear fruit over time, not just in individual lives but in ways that bless everyone around them.

In this episode of Tell Me More, guest host Ryan Chandler introduces the episode, filling in for the usual host, Katie Reed Hodges. He is joined by Tanner Watson (filling in for Luke Stehr) and Dr. Dennis Wiles.

The trio briefly touches on the day's agenda:
Sharing their favorite Michael W. Smith songs.
Discussing upcoming Christmas Eve services.
Receiving an update on Tanner’s family and his work in youth ministry.

Exploring the theological concept of inaugurated eschatology (the "already but not yet" of the Kingdom of God). Key Discussion Points Following the Intro:
The "Dream Team": The hosts joke about the office being a "ghost town" during Christmas week and banter about their different generational perspectives (Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z).

The Candle Tutorial: Dr. Wiles provides a practical (and humorous) demonstration on how to light candles safely during the Christmas Eve service (3 PM, 4:30 PM & 6 PM) keeping the lit candle vertical while tilting the unlit one—to avoid getting wax on the sanctuary's new upholstery.

Youth Ministry Success: Tanner shares highlights from the year, including his marriage to Delaney, the success of "Encounter Week," and new initiatives like the "Disciple Project" that pairs students with mentors.

The Theology of Advent: The group discusses the importance of liturgy and sacred spaces. Dr. Wiles explains how his view on Advent evolved from a "low church" Baptist background to appreciating the symbolism of light penetrating darkness.

Inaugurated Eschatology
The conversation concludes by touching on the sermon's theme: the Kingdom of God is "here but not yet." This concept, often called Inaugurated Eschatology, suggests that while Jesus initiated the Kingdom during His earthly ministry, its final, perfect fulfillment is still in the future.