Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson
Starting Place explores what Christians believe and why it matters when it comes to growing in our faith. As Christians, we should know what our Bible is about (not just the individual books but the one unified story it tells from Genesis to Revelation). We should understand the essential theological beliefs we hold to as Christians. We should know what discipleship looks like. We should know about church history, spiritual formation, and so much more. Each season, I will unpack one of these topics, and in every episode I will interview a new guest to explore a bit of what this topic means and why it matters in our daily lives. Because it's one thing to understand theology, and it's another thing to know how it connects to the most ordinary moments of our lives.
Episodes
March 12, 2025 • 30 mins
We explore how boredom in the mundane moments of life can lead to spiritual forgetfulness. When our daily routines feel repetitive, we may struggle to see their significance in God's greater plan. But what if every moment—no matter how ordinary—was an opportunity to dwell with God and live on mission? We’ll discuss how the gospel reframes our perspective, helping us embrace faithfulness in the small things.
Main Takeaways:
Main Takeaways:
- Boredo...
Mark as Played
March 5, 2025 • 24 mins
In this episode, we are featuring an interview Elizabeth did on the Culture Matters podcast with Adam Hawkins and Tymarcus Ragland, sharing about the heart behind her new study, Live Free. Elizabeth discusses how Paul's message remains relevant today, addressing the timeless challenges of being right with God and experiencing true freedom from sin.
Recommended Resources:
Learn more about Elizabeth’s new Galatians study, Live Free, at...
Recommended Resources:
Learn more about Elizabeth’s new Galatians study, Live Free, at...
Mark as Played
February 26, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, we explore how gospel forgetfulness can show up in our faith. While we often say we live by faith and not by sight, in reality, we can struggle to trust God when we lack control or certainty. We discuss the common reasons we resist stepping out in faith—our desire for control, fear of failure, and the cost of obedience. Using biblical examples like Abraham and Peter, we see both the challenges of walking in faith a...
Mark as Played
February 19, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, we explore how legalism and an abuse of grace can hinder our faithfulness to God. The gospel is not just for salvation—it shapes our daily lives. Learn how to recognize and overcome these tendencies.
Main Takeaways:
Main Takeaways:
- Legalism turns faith into a performance checklist, making us believe God’s favor depends on our actions.
- Abusing grace leads to complacency, excusing sin instead of growing in holiness.
- True faith balan...
Mark as Played
February 12, 2025 • 17 mins
Welcome back to Starting Place! Today, we’re kicking off a mini-series on why you still need the gospel—even if you've been a Christian for years.
It’s easy to become overly familiar with Christianity, knowing all the right things to say but forgetting the basics. The gospel isn’t just the starting point of our faith—it’s the foundation we always need.
Main Topics Covered:
✔️ What the gospel really is: not just about forgiveness, but ...
It’s easy to become overly familiar with Christianity, knowing all the right things to say but forgetting the basics. The gospel isn’t just the starting point of our faith—it’s the foundation we always need.
Main Topics Covered:
✔️ What the gospel really is: not just about forgiveness, but ...
Mark as Played
February 5, 2025 • 23 mins
We’re kicking off a new season of Starting Place! In this episode, I’m sharing life updates, including my new book coming in 2026, my upcoming Bible study on Galatians (Live Free), and starting a new doctoral program.
I’m also reflecting on the year ahead—big goals, little goals, and what holds us back. Fear, self-sufficiency, and sin can sabotage our faithfulness to God, but prayer realigns our hearts, reminds us of God’s power, an...
I’m also reflecting on the year ahead—big goals, little goals, and what holds us back. Fear, self-sufficiency, and sin can sabotage our faithfulness to God, but prayer realigns our hearts, reminds us of God’s power, an...
Mark as Played
December 25, 2024 • 33 mins
Elizabeth Woodson reviews the Old Testament story and jumps into the New Testament, seeing how the story of Jesus' birth brings us hope that God can use and even redeem the messy areas of our lives.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
Questions Covered in This Episode:
- What is the story of the Old Testament?
- What happens between the Old Testament and the New Testament?
- How does the book of Matthew begin?
- What are the three main sections of the New Testament?
- What are t...
Mark as Played
December 18, 2024 • 30 mins
Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Kat Armstrong to finish up the journey through the Old Testament by talking about The Intertestamental Period and the themes of waiting on God.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
Questions Covered in This Episode:
- What happens during The Intertestamental Period? Why is this a significant time in the life of Israel?
- What makes waiting difficult for us?
- What does The Intertestamental Period teach us about what it means to wait on God?
- Wh...
Mark as Played
December 11, 2024 • 35 mins
Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Mason King to have a conversation about how the prophets called Israel back to repentance but they did not listen, so God eventually responds by enacting judgment upon them by sending them into exile.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
Questions Covered in This Episode:
- What is exile and why is this event significant in the life of Israel?
- What hope does God give Israel while they are in exile? What is the significance of this hope be...
Mark as Played
December 4, 2024 • 33 mins
Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Jen Wilkin to talk about The Law. The Law shows us who God is and what he loves, freeing us to live in our divine design as image-bearers.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
Questions Covered in This Episode:
- How is The Law designed not to simply restrict Israel, but to form them as the people of God?
- Why do you think God begins this discussion by reminding Israel of how he delivered them out of Egypt?
- Why do you think Christians say t...
Mark as Played
November 27, 2024 • 19 mins
Episode Summary:
In this final episode of the season, we reflect on the transformative habits we’ve explored over the past weeks. Discipleship is never neutral—we are always being shaped by our choices, habits, and surroundings. Join us as we close the season with a thoughtful challenge: to evaluate how we’ve grown this year and intentionally align our lives with the way of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
In this final episode of the season, we reflect on the transformative habits we’ve explored over the past weeks. Discipleship is never neutral—we are always being shaped by our choices, habits, and surroundings. Join us as we close the season with a thoughtful challenge: to evaluate how we’ve grown this year and intentionally align our lives with the way of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship requires intentionalit...
Mark as Played
November 20, 2024 • 32 mins
In this episode of Starting Place, we dive into the spiritual practice of disciplemaking and why it’s central to living as followers of Jesus. Drawing from Matthew 28:19-20, we explore the “discipleship crisis” in today’s Church, discuss key challenges like biblical illiteracy and disembodied discipleship, and offer practical steps for becoming a disciple who makes disciples.
Key Takeaways:
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is meant to happen in the ...
Mark as Played
November 13, 2024 • 22 mins
In today’s episode, we explore why Christians are called to serve and what that looks like in a divided, individualistic culture. We discuss service as an essential discipline that not only glorifies God but seeks the flourishing of humanity. This episode sheds light on how service shapes us, draws us closer to Christ, and reflects God’s love to the world around us
Key Definition:
The spiritual practice of service is a way of life th...
Key Definition:
The spiritual practice of service is a way of life th...
Mark as Played
November 6, 2024 • 41 mins
In today’s episode of Starting Place, we’re exploring the spiritual practice of rest and Sabbath. We dive into why so many of us struggle to rest, the pressure to stay busy, and how the Bible redefines true rest. Join us as we discuss how living in God’s strength helps us embrace rhythms of rest in today’s fast-paced world.
Main Takeaways:
Main Takeaways:
- Rest is a rhythm meant to help us depend on God, not escape life’s responsibilities.
- True re...
Mark as Played
October 30, 2024 • 27 mins
In today’s episode, we dive into the transformative habit of biblical self-examination. We'll explore how examining our hearts regularly and honestly through the gospel lens helps us live more intentionally as disciples of Jesus. Self-examination is vital in aligning our outward actions with our inner lives, allowing us to be authentic, loving witnesses in our relationships and communities.
Main Takeaways:
Main Takeaways:
- Biblical self-examinati...
Mark as Played
October 23, 2024 • 50 mins
In this episode, we explore the practice of contending for the faith (Jude 1:3) and how to defend the gospel against cultural narratives that pull us away from Jesus. I’m joined by Dr. Sarita Lyons, whose book, Church Girl, focuses on the false narratives in the culture and the church that pull us away from the gospel, especially for Black women. We discuss how to identify these narratives and critique them thoughtfully to strength...
Mark as Played
October 16, 2024 • 25 mins
In this episode, Elizabeth explores the spiritual practices of prayer and fasting. She will discuss how prayer is about more than just asking God for things—it's about communion and alignment with His heart. We also delve into fasting as an act of self-denial that awakens our spiritual hunger and dependence on God.
Main Takeaways:
Main Takeaways:
- Prayer: It's about listening, abiding in God's presence, and aligning our desires with His. We discu...
Mark as Played
October 9, 2024 • 32 mins
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we’re diving into a spiritual habit that often goes overlooked—celebration. We usually focus on habits like Bible study, prayer, or fasting, but celebration is a powerful and biblical practice that draws us closer to God.
Key Scriptures:
Psalm 16:9-11, Psalm 32:11, Psalm 118:24,Nehemiah 8:10
Main Takeaways:
In this episode, we’re diving into a spiritual habit that often goes overlooked—celebration. We usually focus on habits like Bible study, prayer, or fasting, but celebration is a powerful and biblical practice that draws us closer to God.
Key Scriptures:
Psalm 16:9-11, Psalm 32:11, Psalm 118:24,Nehemiah 8:10
Main Takeaways:
- Celebration is a biblical command that helps us remember God's provision and faithfulness.
- It...
Mark as Played
October 2, 2024 • 22 mins
In today’s episode, Elizabeth talks about the practice of reconciliation. She will discuss how the gospel calls us to pursue unity, even when it's hard.
Main Topics Covered
Think of one person you need to reconcile with and take a practical step toward that this week—whether through prayer,...
Main Topics Covered
- Why Do We Pursue Reconciliation
- Two Characteristics We Need To Embody as Reconcilers
- Practical Tips for Reconciliation
Think of one person you need to reconcile with and take a practical step toward that this week—whether through prayer,...
Mark as Played
September 25, 2024 • 40 mins
In today’s episode, Elizabeth talks about the practice of worship. She will discuss how worship is more than just the songs we sing and how his habit transforms our relationship with God.
Main Topics Covered:
Worship is the expression of reverence and adoration of God (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
Reflec...
Main Topics Covered:
- What is Worship?
- The Four Things That Should Characterize Our Worship
- An Interview about Worship with Ashley Irons
Worship is the expression of reverence and adoration of God (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
Reflec...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
I’m Gavin Newsom. And, it’s time to have a conversation. It’s time to have honest discussions with people that agree AND disagree with us. It's time to answer the hard questions and be open to criticism, and debate without demeaning or dehumanizing one other. I will be doing just that on my new podcast – inviting people on who I deeply disagree with to talk about the most pressing issues of the day and inviting listeners from around the country to join the conversation. THIS is Gavin Newsom.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.