What happens when the Lord clearly closes doors in order for you to walk through others that are open? In the final episode of season 1 of The Adventurer Podcast, Alex Watkins interviews Lauren Parish to find out what happens when God throws curve balls in your plan. Lauren serves as the Minister of Children at First Baptist Church Bowling Green and has served long-term on the field. Season 2 of The Adventurer Podcast will return in February of 2026.    

Whose kingdom are you seeking to build—yours or God’s?--- Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow. Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49520358Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

Waiting isn’t easy—but it’s something every believer experiences. In this episode, Pastor Jeff Reynolds sits down with Alex Watkins, Keith Christopher, David Tooley, and Lauren Parish for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the challenges of waiting for answered prayers. Together, they wrestle with questions like, What helps you when you’re waiting on the Lord? and How can we trust God’s timing when the waiting feels long? Blending biblical truth with personal stories and practical encouragement, this discussion invites listeners to discover the deep growth and quiet faith that can only be found in seasons of waiting.   ---   This episode of The Beyond Sunday Podcast explores the sermon The Persistent Widow | Luke 18:1–8.  Jesus’ parable reminds us to pray persistently and trust that God hears, even when the answer seems delayed.   Read God’s Promises While We Wait: https://firstbaptistbg.org/worship/podcast   Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

What do we do when God doesn’t answer our prayers right away?   ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49516915 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

How will you weather life’s storms? In today's parable, Jesus will give us the key insight that will enable us to stand through the storms of life.   ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49513550 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Reynolds returns to lead a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation with TJ Renfro, Alex Watkins, and Keith Christopher. Together, they explore a profound truth at the heart of the Christian life: we can do countless good deeds—but without purpose rooted in Christ, they fall short. As the group unpacks what it means that Jesus is the Bread of Life, listeners are invited into a conversation filled with biblical depth, personal reflection, and practical wisdom. This episode challenges us all to move beyond doing good for its own sake and to rediscover the life-giving purpose found only in Jesus. --- This episode of The Beyond Sunday Podcast explores the sermon The Rich Man and Lazarus | Luke 16:19–31. Jesus shares a powerful story about wealth, compassion, and eternal perspective—challenging us to see others with mercy and to live with eternity in mind. Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

Alex Watkins and Lauren Parish chat about the upcoming event Light the Neighborhood that will take place during Trick or Treat hours. "What does it look like to shine for Jesus in my neighborhood?" "Sharing the gospel makes me nervous!" "Why is it important for me to know my neighbors?" We talk about these questions and more in this fun episode! 

What awaits you when your life comes to an end? Do you know?    ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49510295 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

In this episode, TJ Renfro leads an engaging and honest conversation with Alex Watkins, David Tooley, Keith Christopher, and Lauren Parish as they tackle a question that challenges us all: “What are some excuses you have made or heard in response to the invitation to God’s Kingdom?” With Jeff Reynolds out this week, the group leans into a dynamic discussion filled with personal stories, biblical insight, and moments of vulnerable reflection. Together, they uncover the common barriers that hold us back from stepping into God’s calling—and the grace that meets us there anyway. This episode invites listeners to lay down their excuses and embrace the truth that God equips those He calls.   ---   This episode of The Beyond Sunday Podcast explores the sermon The Great Banquet | Luke 14:15–24. Jesus tells a story about God’s open invitation to His Kingdom—and the excuses that keep many from accepting it. Join us as we reflect on how we’re called to respond.   Submit a question - bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

As you seek to build your material wealth, are you rich in what matters most?   ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49506965 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

This week on The Adventurer Podcast, Lauren Parish sits down with Mike and Cindy Lemon to share an inspiring conversation about calling, service, and healing. They discuss how their paths first crossed through their service careers and how those experiences opened doors to minister to first responders and trauma victims. From the front lines to moments of deep pain, they talk about the power of presence, the importance of faith in crisis, and how God is using their story to bring hope and restoration through the love of Jesus.

The invitation to God's kingdom requires a response.   ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49503713Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

In this episode, Jeff Reynolds leads a thoughtful and encouraging conversation alongside David Tooley, TJ Renfro, Keith Christopher, and Lauren Parish about how each of us is uniquely gifted to serve God's Kingdom. Together, they explore how our God-given talents and abilities—no matter how visible or behind-the-scenes—can be used to make a meaningful impact. Through Scripture, personal stories, and honest reflection, they challenge listeners to consider how they can step into their calling and faithfully use what they’ve been given. This episode is a hopeful reminder that everyone has a role to play in advancing God’s work in the world.   ---   This episode of The Beyond Sunday Podcast explores the sermon The Talents | Matthew 25:14–30. In this parable, Jesus challenges us to faithfully use the gifts and opportunities God has entrusted to us. Join us as we reflect on living with purpose, taking spiritual risks, and investing our lives in what truly matters.   Submit a question - bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

Ralph Dillihay joins Lauren Parish and Alex Watkins on this episode of The Adventurer Podcast. The three talk all things adventure including how a life of adventure starts early and how photography helped and helps reach people for the glory of King Jesus.

Everybody gets something to use in service to God. How are you using yours?   ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49500203Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

In this episode,  Alex Watkins, David Tooley, TJ Renfro, and Keith Christopher engage in a thoughtful and challenging conversation about what it truly means to love God and love people—especially those we might view as outsiders. Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan, they explore how easy it can be to make excuses that prevent us from living out the radical love Jesus calls us to. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and honest discussion, they invite listeners to consider how to break down barriers and embody compassion in everyday life. This episode is a convicting yet hopeful reminder that love knows no boundaries.   ---   This episode of The Beyond Sunday Podcast explores the sermon The Good Samaritan | Luke 10:29–37. In this striking parable, Jesus challenges our understanding of neighborly love by showing mercy across social and cultural divides. Join us as we reflect on what it means to love without limits, confront our excuses, and follow Christ’s call to extend compassion—even to those we might least expect.   Submit a question - bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

What do hurts, habits, and hang ups have to do with being an Adventurer? Mike Jones joins Alex Watkins in this episode of The Adventurer Podcast to talk about the impact that Celebrate Recovery is having throughout our neighborhood. Mike shares the story of how CR got its start at First Baptist Church and how the ministry has grown throughout the years.

What does it really mean to be a "Good Samaritan?"   ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49496757 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

The Lord calls us to take His name to all nations. Mrs. Vivian Foe joins Alex Watkins and Lauren Parish on this episode of the Adventurer Podcast as the three talk about a life-long journey of serving Christ among many nations of the world.   

Does God expect us to forgive?   ---    Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus’ stories and ask Him to help us grow.    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49493364 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions