In today's episode, Laura Story Elvington interviews Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and his wife Rachel to explore questions from you about the complexities of marriage. They discuss the purpose of marriage, emphasizing holiness over happiness, and share personal stories about their journeys through early marriage and infertility. Together, the Norrises highlight the importance of commitment, self-denial, and the pursuit of God in marriage, offering insights and encouragement for couples at various stages of their relationships.

In this episode, Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington welcome Will and Cathy Chang, members of Perimeter Church. They talk about the vital role of counseling and community in strengthening marriages. Together, they share honest insights on why seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness, and how God uses His church to bring healing, growth, and lasting connection within marriage. Scripture References: Proverbs 11:14, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:2–3. Related Resources: Explore Perimeter Counseling for Christ-centered, clinically informed counseling (perimetercounseling.org).

In this episode, Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington welcome authors Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn. They dive into the heart of marriage—unpacking how money, intimacy, and communication often reveal deeper emotional currents. They share how financial tension can mask unspoken hurt, how intimacy is more than physical connection, and how open conversation begins the healing process. With genuine transparency and gospel-rooted insight, they also explore how hidden trauma impacts relationships and how seeking support through counseling and community can lead couples into greater freedom and wholeness together. Related Resources: Learn more about Jeff and Shaunti's ministry, books, and courses at shaunti.com. Visit SecretsOfSexAndMarriage.com for referral resources to find trained Christian sex therapists (including telehealth options). Explore Perimeter Counseling (perimetercounseling.org) for Christ-centered, clinically informed counseling.

Senior Pastor Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington engage with Dave and Ann Wilson, renowned hosts of Family Life Today. The Wilsons share their journey of more than 45 years of marriage, including struggles, realizations, and the importance of faith. They discuss how to speak life into your spouse, the power of words, and the significance of a vertical relationship with God. We pray this conversation shares hope and encouragement for those facing challenges in their marriage. Additional Resources: Learn more about Ann and Dave’s ministry at FamilyLife (familylife.com). Do you need to reconnect with your spouse? Discover a Weekend to Remember and check out 2026 retreat dates across the US at familylife.com/weekend-to-remember.

Brad and Marilyn Rhoads join Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington to share how God’s grace transformed their marriage—from early struggles to renewed joy and intentionality. They talk about parenting, the shift to empty nesting, and how extending grace in everyday moments can bring healing and hope to your marriage and family. Learn more about Brad and Marilyn’s ministry, The Grace Marriage, at gracemarriage.com.

In this week’s episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with Ron and Nan Deal to talk about The Mindful Marriage and what it means to understand “me” for the sake of “us.” With honesty and wisdom, the Deals share how emotional baggage, self-reflection, and personal growth shape the health of a marriage. Together, they unpack the coping patterns that can disrupt relationships and offer transformative steps toward healing and connection—reminding us that the gospel brings renewal to both the individual and the marriage. Find full shownotes and resources on the episode page at perimeter.org/DiggingDeeper.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura engage with best-selling author Gary Thomas to uncover the deeper meaning of marriage—why holiness matters more than happiness. They discuss scriptural foundations, the role of accountability, and the refining power of marriage as a reflection of Christ’s union with the Church. With practical steps for navigating challenges and fostering growth, this conversation frames marriage as a sacred journey toward spiritual maturity. Related Resources: - Learn more about Gary Thomas’ writings and ministry at garythomas.com. - Check out Gary’s best-selling book, Sacred Marriage.

In this bonus episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura are joined by Andy Bannister, Director of Solas Centre for Public Christianity, to explore how evangelism can thrive in today’s complex cultural landscape. Together, they tackle common fears and misconceptions surrounding sharing the gospel. Andy offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers along with ways to spark meaningful spiritual conversations rooted in genuine curiosity. Whether you're new to evangelism or looking to grow in confidence, this episode offers actionable steps to help you share your faith with clarity and compassion. Whether you're new to evangelism or looking to grow in confidence, this episode offers actionable steps to help you share your faith with clarity and compassion.

In this special episode, Jeff and Laura take a thoughtful pause to look back on this season, The Mission of the Church. They discuss the deep conversations, surprising revelations, and unforgettable guests and share their favorite moments. With ten compelling interviews behind them, they revisit the moments that challenged their perspectives, sparked big ideas, and lingered long after the recording stopped. Jeff and Laura share personal takeaways and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Whether you’ve been along for every episode or are just joining in, this is a heartfelt, inspiring close to a season that aimed to explore the core of The Mission of the Church.

Today’s guest is Sandy Willson—pastor, author, and former interim president of The Gospel Coalition. Join us for a rich conversation about the mission of the church in today’s world. Drawing from decades of leadership and pastoral experience, Sandy offers wisdom on the vital balance between local ministry and global engagement. This episode is both an encouragement and a challenge to resist the pull of secularism and materialism and to live with gospel intentionality across generations. Whether you're a church leader, a parent, or simply seeking to live more faithfully, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, live bolder, and dig deeper into God’s global mission. Listen now and be stirred to live on mission—locally, globally, and generationally.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington dive into the mission of the church and God’s heart for His people with special guests Carl and K.A. Ellis. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of living out a mission-driven life, sharing wisdom, personal stories, and biblical insights that inspire and equip believers to make an impact. Listen as they unpack what it means to live with purpose, walk in faith, and engage in the work God has called us to. We hope this conversation will encourage you to step boldly into God's calling.

In this conversation, Jeff and Laura sit down with Katie Davis Majors, founder of Amazima Ministries, and discuss her journey from Nashville to Uganda, her experiences in orphan care, and the importance of community and education in transforming lives. Katie shares her insights on the realities of family dynamics in Uganda and the mission of her ministry to support children and families. In this conversation, Katie shares her journey of faith, adoption, and global missions, emphasizing the beauty of connecting with others and the challenges faced while serving in Uganda. She talks about the hardships of living in a different culture, and the lessons learned about God's faithfulness and dependence. The discussion encourages believers in the call to serve locally and globally.

In this episode, host Laura Story Elvington is joined by Jimmy Kim to talk with author Rebecca DeYoung. Together they explore her new book, Glittering Vices. They discuss how these vices are not just historical concepts but are relevant to modern life, emphasizing the importance of self-examination and community in spiritual growth. The conversation delves into specific vices like greed and sloth, highlighting their impact on personal and communal life, and the necessity of grace in the journey of faith.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura are joined in the studio by Russ Ramsey—author, pastor, and storyteller—who reminds us of the deep significance of seeing and honoring people’s life stories. Together, they explore how we engage with others as whole people, teaching and relating in ways that reflect the beauty of their unfolding narratives. Russ challenges us to embrace transparency, recognizing our own need for a Savior as we share the hope we have in Christ. Through authenticity and vulnerability, we embody the true mission of the Church—living as a community that extends grace, compassion, and truth. Listen to this powerful conversation on faith, storytelling, and what it means to be the body of Christ in the world today.

The mission of the church is to make disciples. In today’s episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with two Perimeter staff members: Ryan Brown, Executive Director of Life on Life Ministries, and Kelli Means, Women's Discipleship Director. Together, they explore how God works through discipleship to transform lives. The conversation focuses on the biblical model of discipleship that Jesus demonstrated, revealing a pattern woven throughout Scripture—God’s presence with His people and His sending of His people. Ryan and Kelli emphasize that the most significant spiritual growth happens when believers walk alongside one another, helping each other deepen their relationship with Christ.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with Paul Miller—author and director of See Jesus Ministry—about the vital role of prayer in the church’s mission. Paul shares practical insights on overcoming prayer struggles, embracing honesty with God, and understanding His promises, especially in disappointment. He also reflects on his family’s journey with disability, the fight against cynicism, and the power of love, faith, and hope. Together, they explore the J-curve—how suffering leads to resurrection—and offer practical ways to overcome prayer fatigue and foster radical dependence on God. Additional Resources: Learn more about Paul’s ministry at seejesus.net Read (or gift) Paul’s book, A Praying Life

In today’s conversation on Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church, about the mission of the church and church planting. They discuss the need for churches to equip members for mission rather than catering to consumerism.  J.D. discusses the importance of recognizing the call to mission. It’s not about if you’re called, but where and how God leads you to be on mission for Him. Together, the three discuss the challenges of sustaining passion for their mission in the face of personal struggles and sufferings. They emphasize the significance of the Christian community in providing support and guidance during these times. We hope this episode encourages you to seek opportunities for evangelism in everyday life, being confident that even in times of personal struggle, God can use you to impact others.

What does it mean to be spiritually formed? In this episode of Digging Deeper, hosts Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington are joined by Dr. Jim Wilhoit, author and retired Wheaton College professor, to explore how spiritual formation is central to the mission of the church. Together, they unpack how transformation happens not just through personal devotion but within the context of community. From Jesus’ own formation to the role of suffering in shaping our faith, this conversation challenges the modern tendency toward isolated spirituality. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with Jesus for years, this episode will encourage you to engage more deeply with the church and embrace the lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura reconnect with Dr. Michael Reeves to explore the mission of the church, its biblical foundation, and its connection to union with Christ. Michael emphasizes that mission isn’t an optional add-on but an essential part of the Christian life, rooted in a deep relationship with God. They discuss how delighting in God naturally fuels a life on mission, making gospel-sharing a joyful overflow rather than a duty. Tune in for a rich conversation on how true mission stems from a heart that enjoys God.

In this episode of the Digging Deeper podcast, Jeff and Laura wrap up our series on ‘Kingdom People’ with a look at how the Christian grieves with hope. Today’s guest is Sandra McCracken, a singer/songwriter and worship leader. She shares her experience with grief, resilience, and maintaining hope as a follower of Christ. The conversation digs into what lament looks like and how lament allows believers to acknowledge pain while still holding on to hope in Christ. Sandra shares her personal experience of what a gift communal lament is and how faith communities can support each other through structured services of lament. This episode offers comforting insights and practical encouragement for anyone seeking to understand how faith sustains us in times of grief.