An insightful and inspirational start to 2026! Sean Azzaro reflects on the importance of returning to your first love in Christ, balancing service with spiritual devotion, and finding joy and rest in His presence.
Alongside co-host Baron Wiley, Pastor Sean also discusses practical advice for maintaining spiritual vitality throughout the year.
00:00 Introduction to the Greatest Story Ever Told
01:07 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life
01:24 New Year Reflections and Personal Updates
02:08 Chicago Bears and Playoff Excitement
04:06 Discussing Global Politics and Justice
06:25 Returning to Your First Love
07:47 Practical Tips for Bible Reading
14:06 The Importance of Quality Time with God
21:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In case you missed it, Pastor Sean wants you to re-meet the Chaplain for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, Pastor Ted Winsley, and his wife, Dawn. Hear about their roles, challenges, and how they minister to the players' families and even the coaches.
Pastor Winsley is also the author of "A View from the End Zone - Four Tests You Must Pass To Win in Life"
We present our favorite and most listened-to conversations of 2025...
Pastors Sean and Lauri Azzaro of River City Community Church share the importance of taking time off, avoiding burnout in ministry, and maintaining a healthy family and marriage. They share personal stories, insights on dealing with hurt and resentment, and advice for new pastoral couples. Discover more about their ministry, 'Real Life,' and how they navigate life's challenges together.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Good Story
00:14 Invitation to Experience 'The Jesus Story'
00:39 Service Information and Church Details
01:00 Announcement: Changes in Broadcasting
01:56 Special Guest: Lori Zaro
02:30 A Conversation with Lori Zaro
03:19 The Importance of Rest and Recharging
04:18 The Journey of Real Life Ministries
09:48 Balancing Ministry and Family Life
12:29 Dealing with Burnout and Hurt in Ministry
22:23 The Joy of Ministry and Marriage
24:07 Conclusion and Invitation to Church
Discover 'The Jesus Story' with Pastor Sean and Lori Zaro - A Journey of Faith and Transformation
Join Pastor Sean Zaro and his wife Lori of River City Community Church as they invite you to embark on 'The Jesus Story,' a transformative journey based on the Gospel of John. This special episode also features heartfelt conversations about the challenges and joys of ministry, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and the importance of taking time for rest and rejuvenation. Tune in to hear their personal stories, marriage insights, and wisdom for both seasoned and new ministry leaders. Don't miss the announcement about their new plans for delivering messages and the exciting future of Reaching for Real Life.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Good Story
00:14 Invitation to Experience 'The Jesus Story'
00:39 Service Information and Church Details
01:00 Announcement: Changes in Broadcasting
01:56 Special Guest: Lori Zaro
02:30 A Conversation with Lori Zaro
03:19 The Importance of Rest and Recharging
04:18 The Journey of Real Life Ministries
09:48 Balancing Ministry and Family Life
12:29 Dealing with Burnout and Hurt in Ministry
22:23 The Joy of Ministry and Marriage
24:07 Conclusion and Invitation to Church
Pastor Sean reflects on recent tragedies, including a tragic murder case and various shooting incidents, contrasting with the joyous Christmas season. Sean offers a compassionate perspective on the events, urging listeners to be peacemakers and to find solace in the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ.
00:00 Introduction and Christmas Greetings
00:35 Family and Holiday Plans
00:49 School Christmas Program Highlights
01:54 Sports Talk: Bears vs. Packers
03:20 Tragic News and Political Commentary
09:16 Acts of Heroism Amidst Tragedy
12:17 Being Peacemakers in Troubling Times
18:17 Christmas Message and Church Events
22:22 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts
After Sean and Baron reflect on Christmas parties, gift exchanges, and savoring festive moments that go by way to fast, the conversation takes a deeper turn as they address the challenges faced by Christian universities like Biola, dealing with the balancing act between biblical beliefs and societal pressures. They also touch on the influence of different podcasts, the role of parents in guiding their kids' college choices, and maintaining faith in a diverse environment. Sean shares insights on how the church and families can navigate these complexities with grace and conviction.
00:00 Introduction and Christmas Greetings
00:17 Christmas Celebrations and Staff Party
02:35 Christmas Eve at River City
03:25 Reflecting on the Year and Favorite Podcasts
05:57 Controversy at Biola University
08:16 Challenges Facing Christian Universities
18:00 Parental Influence on College Choices
19:58 Holiday Family Dynamics
20:56 Conclusion and Year-End Reflections
25:02 Invitation to the Jesus Story
Do Miracles Still Happen In The 21st Century?
Sean Azzaro, Pastor of River City Community Church, speaks to the power of prayer, miracles, and personal stories of divine intervention, touching on the impact of strong leadership in various aspects of life - including Sean's Chicago Bears.
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Excitement
00:38 Christmas Traditions at River City Community Church
01:31 Fun Activities for Kids and Families
02:10 Service Times and Special Events
02:57 Sports Talk: Bears and Cowboys
05:52 The Power of Miracles
07:02 Defining Miracles in the Modern World
11:01 Personal Stories and Testimonies
13:03 The Power of Asking and God's Miraculous Interventions
14:56 Personal Testimonies of Miracles
15:57 A Brother's Miraculous Recovery
18:21 The Power of Prayer and Divine Provision
21:34 Skepticism and the Authenticity of Miracles
23:52 The Miracle of Christ's Birth and Christmas Reflections
25:11 Invitation to River City Services
In this episode, Sean discusses the mission and community at River City, shares personal anecdotes about his pastoral journey, and highlights the importance of delegation and mentorship in ministry. Discover the family-like atmosphere of the church, the joyful moments of baptisms, and the significance of taking time off for rest and renewal.
Visit us at reallife.org.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
00:40 Service Information and Invitation
01:18 Consistency and Health
03:03 Reflecting on Ministry and Career Choices
05:37 Advice to a Younger Self
08:58 Leadership and Growth
12:08 Worship and Music
13:26 Popular Songs at River City Community Church
14:05 Addressing Pastoral Burnout
15:42 Delegating Responsibilities in Ministry
18:52 The Joy of Baptism
20:26 Pastoral Perks and Appreciation
21:20 Experiencing Real Life in Ministry
22:45 Christmas Traditions and Family
24:09 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts
In this episode of 'Reaching for Real Life,' Pastor Sean Azzaro of River City Community Church and co-host Baron Wiley discuss the significance of Thanksgiving, the deep theology and history embedded in classic hymns, and the importance of gratitude. They delve into discerning true biblical teachings from false doctrines, utilizing reliable resources, and the role of AI in sermon preparation. The episode also highlights the value of community and spiritual guidance in nurturing one's faith.
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:33 Discussing the Popularity of Hymns
00:59 Thanksgiving Reflections and Traditions
03:40 Thanksgiving Football Lineup
06:14 Spotting False Doctrine Online
12:45 Understanding God's Love and Justice
13:38 The Role of AI in Sermon Preparation
15:43 Evaluating the Fruit of Biblical Teaching
18:40 Navigating Doctrinal Differences
20:25 Discerning Truth in Christian Community
23:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Exploring the Creeds: Foundations of Faith with Pastor Sean Azzaro
Today's conversation touches on the historical significance and modern relevance of Christian creeds, the church's outreach initiatives amid government shutdown impacts, plus the always insightful football smack. Discover more about discipleship, community, and sustaining faith in today’s world as Pastor Sean emphasizes the importance of scripture, community service, and understanding core Christian doctrines.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
00:40 River City Community Church and Community Outreach
04:22 Football and Leadership Lessons
07:28 The Importance of Creeds in Christianity
12:13 Modern Christianity and Cultural Challenges
23:51 Invitation to River City Community Church
The landscape and soundscape for corporate worship has changed over the decades...with challenges for those who feel left behind. Pastor Sean explores the challenges and opportunities that arise as churches shift from traditional choirs to contemporary worship styles. Sean shares insightful observations from Kelsey McGinnis, a reporter for Christianity Today, about aging out of music ministry and the broader implications for church musicians.
Follow Kelsey McGinnis on Instagram @kelseymmcginnis
Follow Sean Azzaro @sean_azzaro
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
01:06 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life
01:25 Chicago Bears: A Lesson in Leadership
05:29 Debating Music Ministry in Modern Churches
12:44 Classical vs Contemporary Vocal Training
13:14 Challenges of Transitioning to Contemporary Worship
14:41 The Purpose of Music in Church
15:54 The Role of the Church in Music Education
17:48 Adapting to Musical Changes in Church
20:26 Balancing Tradition and Contemporary Worship
25:03 Upcoming Church Events and Services
Is there a "Revival"/"A Great Awakening" happening now? Charlie Kirk and Influencers like Russell Brand and now Joe Rogan have pushed faith to the front of the conversation.
Pastor Sean Azzaro says slow down...just becuase you're a celebrity and you get saved only means you're a new believer. Encourage them in their journey, pray for them, let's not teach on Sunday just yet.
Discover insights on community, discipleship, and living a faith-filled life.
00:00 Introduction to the Greatest Story Ever
00:41 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:08 A Day in the Life of Pastor Sean
01:54 Teaching the Kids: Jesus Calms the Storm
03:57 The Importance of Biblical Teaching for Children
04:50 Joe Rogan's Spiritual Journey
08:00 The Cultural Caricature of Jesus
12:47 The Real Jesus: Death and Resurrection
16:06 Encouraging New Believers
18:23 The Role of Church Community
24:42 Halloween Outreach and Final Thoughts
Pastor Sean Azzaro gets firsthand info from our friend Reuven Doron, sharing firsthand experiences from the ground during the recent peace agreement and the return of hostages in Israel.
Plus Sean shares insights into multi-generational ministry at River City Community Church and the importance of bold, authentic prayer.
To support Reuven Doron's ministry, the direct giving link is here: https://pushpay.com/g/reuven
00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
00:48 Worship Team and Family Ministry
03:39 The Power of Bold Prayer
08:17 Upcoming Sermon and Service Times
08:39 Interview with Reuven Doron on Israel's Peace Deal
26:07 Supporting Reuven's Ministry
27:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Subscribe for more episodes and visit reallife.org to connect with our community!
#Israel #PeaceDeal #Faith #Prayer #Ministry #ReachingForRealLife #RiverCityCommunityChurch
The Worldwide Headline this week is the U.S. Middle East peace deals, and the importance of strong leadership. Sean emphasizes the transformational power of the Gospel and the importance of praying for global peace and spiritual renewal. Hear in insights on faith, politics, and the role of the church in today's world...plus a small sample up front of Sean's devotion to his Chicago Bears. Hope abounds.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Good Story
00:14 Invitation to the Jesus Story
00:40 Service Details and Community Engagement
01:08 Reaching for Real Life: A New Groove
01:39 Balancing Ministry and Personal Interests
03:21 The Importance of Leadership
04:35 Global Politics and Peace Deals
07:47 Spiritual Reflections on Peace and Leadership
16:41 The Gospel and Eternal Life
21:38 Conclusion and Invitation to Church Services
We celebrate the new Monday Night Service at River City Community Church! Join us on the ground floor of the new series called The Jesus Story! After Sean answers a quick Bible question, the conversation focuses on misconceptions about Christian Nationalism and emphasizes living as a true follower of Jesus.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
00:40 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:08 Reaching for Real Life Podcast Begins
01:43 Monday Night Service Recap
02:43 Deep Dive into the Gospel of John
04:43 Teaching the Word at River City
09:49 Discussion on Christian Nationalism
12:12 The Role of the 10 Commandments in Society
12:45 Christian Nationalism: A Dog Whistle?
13:59 The Importance of the First Amendment
15:03 Balancing Patriotism and Faith
17:46 Immigration and Lawfulness
20:16 The Sanctity of Human Life
21:47 Call to Action for Christians
25:01 The Jesus Story: An Invitation
Pastor Sean Azzaro dedicates a special segment to the memory of the influential pastor, author, and educator, Voddie Baucham, who passed away recently. Pastor Sean revisits an insightful interview with Voddie Baucham discussing his impactful book, 'Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe.' They delve into the controversial subject of Critical Race Theory, the social justice movement, and its implications for the church and broader society. Sean also announces the launching of a new Monday night service at 6:30pm at River City Community Church, focusing on a series called 'The Jesus Story' through the Book of John.
00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events
01:22 Tribute to Bodde Bachman
02:26 Interview with Bodde Bachman: Fault Lines
03:52 Critical Race Theory and Social Justice
14:51 Biblical Perspective on Race and Ethnicity
18:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell
After the predictable gloating of the Bears beating the Cowboys, Sean says we're seeing the Gospel go out with more boldness than ever in unexpected places by unexpected people...and speaks to the importance of understanding and living the gospel, the beauty of diverse community worship, and the powerful impact of faith in today's world.
Now you go and share the Good News.
Service times at River City Community Church are Sundays at 9 AM and 11 AM, with a new Monday night service starting at 6:30 PM on October 6th.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
01:02 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life
01:35 Sunday Highlights and Football Talk
03:33 A Day of Worship and Baptism
07:12 The Gospel and Evangelism
08:05 Charlie Kirk Memorial and the Gospel
12:06 The Promise of a New Heaven and Earth
12:23 Reflections on Charlie Kirk's Legacy
12:55 The Role of Faith in Politics
13:27 The Impact of Media and Universities
21:14 The Jesus Movement and Modern Revival
23:06 Call to Action: Sharing the Gospel
24:15 Upcoming Church Events and Services
Pastor Sean Azzaro introduces an upcoming series called 'The Jesus Story,' exploring the life of Jesus through the Gospel of John. Sean emphasizes the transformative journey this series promises. The conversation also reflects on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, discussing his influence, legacy, and the reactions to his death. Sean calls for a focus on spreading the Gospel, understanding the spiritual battle at hand, and responding to hate with the love and teachings of Jesus.
00:00 Introduction to the Jesus Story
00:36 Service Times and New Monday Night Service
01:44 The Jesus Story Series Overview
02:25 Companion Study and Small Groups
03:45 The Tragic News of Charlie Kirk
06:01 Charlie Kirk's Influence and Legacy
10:04 Public Reaction and Social Media Response
13:04 Employer Rights and Social Media Policies
13:56 Spiritual Warfare and Cultural Blindness
16:09 The Role of Christians in Society
17:12 Reflecting Jesus in a Divisive World
18:50 Charlie's Legacy and the Gospel's Influence
23:43 Final Thoughts and Prayer
While it's still hitting 100 in South Texas, Sean is ready for Fall Football and of course, the holidays. Sean then addresses the tragic shooting event in Minneapolis, exploring the mental health issues and societal impacts. Pastor Sean emphasizes the importance of Biblical principles, mental health support, and community prayer. The conversation then turns to a recent study on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions by the US Department of Energy, questioning the validity of 'settled science' and advocating for a balanced, inquiry-based approach.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:44 Fall Season and NFL Excitement
01:23 Chicago Bears and NFL Updates
03:08 Tragic School Shooting Discussion
04:45 Mental Health and Community Support
08:51 Climate Change and Government Studies
12:33 The Nature of Scientific Inquiry
12:52 Climate Change Study Insights
13:43 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Their Effects
15:52 Challenging Climate Models
17:07 Extreme Weather Events Analysis
18:03 Human Activity and Climate Change
18:42 Economic Implications of Climate Policies
19:50 Faith and Science: A Balanced Perspective
21:01 Encouragement for Christians
22:14 Final Thoughts and Community Invitation
Pastor Sean discusses the importance of community, shares personal stories, and tackles challenging family dynamics, including forgiveness and restoration. Tune in for practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and an invitation to experience real life in Christ.
00:00 Introduction: Discovering Real Life
00:18 Invitation to River City Community Church
01:06 Reaching for Real Life: Air Guitar and Drums
01:36 Celebrating 38 Years of Marriage
02:34 Pastor's Masters Golf Tournament
03:46 Remembering John MacArthur and James Dobson
05:55 Family Matters: Honoring and Forgiving
13:26 Understanding Forgiveness and Releasing Debt
14:30 The Power of Redemption and Forgiveness
14:45 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
15:23 Self-Righteousness and Unforgiveness
16:21 The Role of Social Media in Seeking Validation
17:34 Seeking Godly Counsel and Restoration
19:11 Family Dynamics and Christian Community
21:46 Praying for Reconciliation and Letting Go
23:41 River City Community Church Services and Invitation
Pastor Sean Azzaro shares his early morning routine, which includes a deep spiritual discipline of reading the Bible, praying, and seeking the Lord's guidance. The conversation also touches on church governance, the importance of elders, and maintaining spiritual accountability and integrity within church leadership.
And it's also the first utterance of #GoBears.
00:00 Introduction and NFL Season Excitement
01:01 Morning Routine and Spiritual Practices
02:14 The Importance of Daily Bible Reading
04:57 Discussing Church Governance
14:23 Qualifications and Selection of Elders
23:15 Upcoming Church Events and Services
25:02 Closing Prayer and Ref