In this episode we explore what a micro church is and why smaller, participatory gatherings can still embody the full life of the church worship, maturity, and mission from living rooms to local service. We talk autonomy (it’s a church, not just a “group”), a multigenerational picture around the table, Matthew 18, and a 1 Corinthians 14 rhythm where everyone comes to give.

We also share real stories—like a Sunday spent serving at a soup kitchen followed by prayer and communion—and why this can be a gentler on-ramp for skeptics and the hurt. You’ll hear how calling and creativity open space for diverse expressions (from neighborhood meals to hospice worship) while staying humble: this isn’t “the only way,” just a fruitful one for many.

If you find this teaching helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your friends!

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:38 Definition & autonomy: a micro church is a church

03:32 A living-room picture + Matthew 18 presence

04:08 Participation over performance; shrinking the stage/audience gap

05:25 1 Corinthians 14: everyone comes ready to give

08:13 From big church to built-in community

10:18 Mission in practice: “soup kitchen Sunday” + communion

12:02 Calling & creativity: diverse expressions of church

13:04 Not the only way: humility & unity across expressions

14:44 Overcoming “living-room nerves”: safety & expectations

18:12 Beauty in vulnerable moments & shared worship

19:12 A safer entry point for seekers; bringing church to people

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus’ redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#MicroChurch #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #missionalcommunities #community #organicchurch #housechurch #scripture #truth #faith #jesuschrist #discipleship #christian #christianity #spiritualformation #prayer #spiritualgrowth #spiritualpractices #spiritualdisciplines #theology #church #bibleteaching #biblicalstory #metanarrative #practicingtheway #storyofgod #creationtonewcreation #howtoreadthebible #spirituality #christcentered #livingtheword

In this episode of the Unpolished Church Podcast, host Jon Sherwood engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tony about his life, faith journey, and the transformative power of Jesus.

They discuss Tony's deep family roots in Black Mountain, his initial hesitance towards church, and how a welcoming community helped him embrace his faith.

Tony shares personal struggles, including his son's health crisis, and how faith and community support played a crucial role in navigating these challenges.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability, truth, and the sense of belonging within a faith community, culminating in a prayer of gratitude for Jesus and the hope He brings.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Tony's Journey and Family Roots

03:01 Finding Faith in Community

06:47 The Impact of Jesus in Personal Struggles

09:17 Miracles and Transformation Through Faith

11:14 Community, Truth, and Accountability

14:23 Conclusion and Prayer

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #housechurch #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #amicrochurchnetwork #ashevillechurchnetwork #microchurches #sermons #give #prayer #holyspirit #sermon #deliverance #decisionmaking #spiritualwisdom #spiritualdepth #christianity

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood sits down with Xam and Maui Vang to explore something many Christians talk about but struggle to practice: spiritual formation in everyday life.

This isn’t theory. It’s as tangible as buying blankets for neighbors, handing a stranger your extra pair of shoes, and choosing Scripture over the next dopamine hit on social media. Through honest stories, the Vang's share how prayer, generosity, and Scripture have been reshaping their home, their habits, and their hearts.

What follows is simple and beautiful: a house filled with “joyful noise,” a community that actually notices when you’re missing, and a deeper reverence as the church prepares for the Lord’s Table.

Along the way, they describe the surprising freedom that came from a social media fast and the quiet fruit of showing up for people again and again.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Intro

[00:16] - OG's of Asheville Church Network

[01:50] - Xam and Maui Vang's Story

[06:40] - Formation practices & Sabbath practice coming in January

[11:30] - Where do you feel Jesus inviting you to trust Him more?

[17:04] - Prayer & Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #housechurch #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #amicrochurchnetwork #ashevillechurchnetwork #microchurches #sermons #give #prayer #holyspirit #sermon #deliverance #decisionmaking #spiritualwisdom #spiritualdepth #christianity