Building Relationships That Transform Lives

Join the HOTL cast team as they explore what it means to multiply through discipleship at Heart of the Lakes Church. From intentional mentorship programs to unexpected connections over Taco Bell, this conversation unpacks how authentic relationships become the foundation for spiritual growth. Discover why everyone needs a Paul, a Timothy, and a Barnabas—and how living out your faith creates opportunities for others to encounter Jesus.

Transcript

 Hello and welcome to the HOTL cast. I'm Cyle. 

I'm 

Matt. 

I'm Ryan. 

And guess who's back? 

Uh, Mark's back. Hi, Mark's back. I'm Mark. 

Mark. Do you notice anything different? 

Uh, 

this room 

there, there, there's a suit of armored smack dab in the middle of it, 

right in the middle room. We're looking at the backside of it.

I don't know why we are looking at the back of it, but it's facing away from us like it's guarding us, 

it's protecting you, 

and it has no arms. 

Imagine if someone walked in right now and saw that, they'd be like, oh, man, 

what is happening right now? 

Yeah, 

it's very cool. I can't wait to, for the church to see this.

Yeah. So this is during. Second service? No. During second service, right at the beginning of third service, we purchased this online, uh, from a guy who attends our church, used to attend the church, uh, and sold it to us. So that was what I was doing behind stage was. Completing the purchase and, uh, Carver ran over and got it.

And this'll be great for our youth ministry, children's ministry. It'll be exciting. It kind of fits our, our vibe. And right now it's currently a podcast decoration, so if you were here, you could see it. So 

I feel like I should take a picture so I can put it on the post. 

We should name, we should name 

the one week we don't have video podcasting going on is the week we have a suit of armor in the middle of the room.

Yeah, that's that's true. We had, 

I mean, it would've blocked 

every 

piece of footage 

of you. 

Yeah. No, it's cool. But I'm very cool. I can't wait to, to get it out there and you guys can see it, but who are watching or listening, but uh, well, mark is back from his honeymoon. His honeymoon, saving the world. Funny.

That was funny. Yeah. 

No, I didn't save the world. 

So how was your honeymoon mark? 

It was wonderful. My wife and I had a phenomenal time going to Disney and Universal. I'd never been there before. 

He went to Universal too. 

Yeah, we went to both. 

Ooh, that's, that's 

so they have their new their, did 

you go to both Universal parks?

Uh, yeah. We went to the main one and then we went to Epic Universe, which was Oh, went to Epic. Which was epic. 

Yeah. 

I made that joke about 20 times while we were there at the park. I was like, Bri. It's so epic here. She is like sick of me. By the time are there like people running around? You're still 

married, 

so are there people like running around performing, like, 

uh, I mean there's people in character.

You see, there's like shows and stuff. It's not like a whole bunch of cast members out and about, but like got all the stuff there is. It was, it was super cool. 

Was it better than Disney? 

Um, the light saber building was my favorite, so no good around that. But it was, it was. Close behind it. It was really cool, the new park that they built.

So we had a wonderful time. It was nice and toasty. Um, my grandparents took us on an airboat ride too. We went on an airboat on like one of the largest lakes in Florida. 

That's cool. 

So we saw alligators and stuff. It's a lot of fun. 

That's cool. Well, we're glad you're back, so 

Me too. 

Um, yeah, and we missed you on the podcast.

That's why if you're wondering why episodes haven't gotten put up, that's usually Mark. So we've been recording them, so. 

Yeah. 

By now you've probably listened to them when I 

upload 'em. They'll be in the right order. 

Yeah, they'll be a delay, but Yeah. We'll, well they'll, 

they'll be like placed as if they lower, were before those sermons.

Yeah. So we'll get 'em, we'll get 'em updated today. Um. But no, I think life is good. It's cold in Michigan and we're trying to figure out a way forward, and this year we get a three 30 update next week, but we've been talking about who we are as a church and why we do what we do. Uh, as we've been growing, we think it's important to make sure we continue to share the vision of why we exist, uh, and make sure that we're all kind of rowing in the same direction.

And so that's why we've been doing HOTL 1 0 1, talking about just who we are as a church and letting new people understand the why behind. The what that is HOTL. So, uh, that's what we started. We talked a little bit about that last week. This week we talked about a part of our vision that is multiply through discipleship.

And, you know, Matt, why is that important for us as a church? 

Because realistically the kingdom without discipleship would eventually wither and die. Like that's just the way that it would work out. Um, I heard somebody make a statement one time where if you look. At Christian parents who only have two children, biological or adopted or whatever, they are only replacing themselves in the kingdom of God.

They are not continuing to grow the church moving forward with discipleship. Whenever you have those relationships with people that you can spend time with and invest in and show them, you know why your faith matters and how it's gotten you through things, it gives them the opportunity to get connected, not only with.

The kingdom as a whole, but also with people who they can then disciple as well. 

Yeah, that's great. And I think, uh, you know, for us, discipleship is multifaceted. It's discipleship across ages and generations. It's discipleship with your family and friends. It's discipleship with people who are new to the church is getting into your word and reading it, growing closer, getting into Bible studies, life groups, affinity groups that we have.

At our church and just finding out more about who Jesus is and how you can live like him so that other people can see Jesus through you. I think that's our, that's our process and Ryan's been involved in our intentional discipleship class that is discipleship where we, we take people through like 12.

Real basic truths of kind of scripture of Jesus and kind of walk through who God is, who Jesus is, who the Bible is, so that people can ha kind of have some of those things. So Ryan, how has that the discipleship class been going? I know it finishes this week, right? 

Yeah. Yeah. I'm, I mean, it's, it's, it's amazing.

I mean, it's, it's definitely an. Iron sharpens iron kind of, kind of place because I mean, we did this last year and, and we had a, I think we had about six guys last year. This year we, we've doubled, al almost tripled that. And, and the conversations that we have, um, go deep and, and it's a, it's a, you know, it's a men's group.

So I mean, we, we spend a lot of time digging into these, these, uh. Biblical imperatives and, and, and really seeing how we can all kind of grow as, as husbands, as fathers, as leaders and, and, and ultimately as disciples of Christ. And it's, I mean, it is, it is profound. Everybody looks forward to being part of that group because we, we, we are all growing, you know, as a whole.

That's good. What do you think has been the, the best of the classes that you've done this, this time as kind of the themes? 

You know, we, we had some good ones. I mean, probably, probably the one I, I found. I feel probably had the most value for everybody who was talking about the Trinity because everybody has their questions and, and maybe their, how they understand things in the way they understand it.

And then, and really kinda breaking that down as a whole and, and then giving that, having that venue where, I mean, we, we often, as far as for me, in my experience, I often have questions. But I don't always have two dozen people in the room where, where somebody has the answer to my question. And, and we often find that in discipleship class.

So, 

no, that's good. I think we're hoping to maybe get something launched for women, uh, associated with that specific class, which is the start class. Um, but I know we're always in need of new bible studies and life groups starting up 'cause we're, we're pretty maxed out in the ones that we do have and spaces that we use and.

We've got some exciting news Sunday. So if you're listening to this, uh, live this week, which is January 13th, we're filming this, um. We have some big news about our kind of our three 30 campaign and what we're doing, so make sure you're there Sunday to hear the news, but we're really looking to see how we can be more intentional with discipleship moving forward in, in 2026 and beyond.

Mm-hmm. More so than we've ever been because we believe. You know, if we don't live for Christ, what do, what are we living for? I mean, and if we don't know how to live for Christ or how Christ lived, it's hard to emulate his life and imitate it. So I think that's the goal of the church and I, I'm desperately wanting our community to say there's something different about Heart Lakes and the people there in a way that's.

Good. You know, like there's something good different, you know, not just, they do weird things and, and call themselves hoddle 

like by a suit of armor and stand it in the middle of a podcast room. 

Just 

as an 

example. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. So, um, you know, but like, you know, we want them to, to, to really understand the love that we have for them is what separates us.

And that is really because of the love that Christ has for us. That kind of separates us. We wanna also then give that same love to people, and I think that matters deeply. And trying to live that out, not only as a pastor, but as just a, a father, husband, friend, brother, son. You know, I wanna live that out in every aspect of my life.

And I mean, how have you guys seen loving people different, really change things in your own lives? 

I know with, sorry. I know with me when. You guys have taken that intentional effort to pour into me, to teach me, to guide me, to give me wisdom, and listen to me as I'm trying to figure things out in my walk.

That has been huge, and so as we have those opportunities to like have more Bible studies, have more life groups, those are the moments that like build that relationship and build that trust and connection so that you can pour into each other so you can. Have that time with one another. I know that, I mean, as I've grown through it and I'm excited about all the opportunities we have to do the same thing.

Like last night I was driving Eli and Carrick home and they had a lot of really awesome, cool questions to ask and talk about, and their fa they're both growing as they're learning and trying to figure it out and trying to figure out how to do the right things and like those moments were, were the coolest for me then and now it's cool that I get to be on the other end of it where I'm trying to just share the wisdom that has been given to me too.

That's good. We talked about you on Sunday in the service. All three services, mark. 

Oh, really? 

About who's gonna be living in your basement. 

Bri keeps stroking. She's like, it's gonna be care, isn't it? I'm like, he's got a good home. I don't know that. He's got a good 

start though. 

Yeah, he, he's, he's doing all right.

So, 

yeah. 

But that's been the joke since he's been tagging along with a lot of my bible studies and youth group out in Jackson. 

Yeah. 

So 

it's important. Um, it's important for. Just each of us to find our own persons to pour into us. Like 

Yeah. 

You know, like, I love that my kids spend time with Mark and with Cody because they pour into him.

And I know you feel the same way about your guys' kids. 

Mm-hmm. Yeah. 

Um, like. We can do so much to try to intentionally teach our own children about Jesus, but they have to find their own mentor, um, who can say the exact same thing we say, but they'll actually get listened to. You know? 

Yes. 

It's just what it's, I've said that a million times, you know, like there are just, if you choose to listen to somebody, you're, you choose to put them in a place of authority in your life.

You're gonna listen more, whether it's a parent or not. And so, I mean, I think that's the, the cool thing about you spend time with those guys. I know I've talked to Shannon and Mark, they're excited about Eli to spend time with you. 

Yeah, because I know, I, I know he's the one that I told him last night. I'm like, dude, I'm proud of you.

You, I, you've grown a lot. Like keep doing it. Keep growing because like having that opportunity, one to have wise people pulling you and two people that you can share the wisdom you have with, I think that's important to have that on both ends. Not 'cause like you're the smartest person, you know it all, but because like, you just, I, I think you guys have experienced it where you're just like, yeah, that, that felt like a God kind of using me.

Talking through, like using the wisdom that I have. And it's not 'cause I, I'm so smart and I know it all, but I've gone through what they've gone through. I have ways that I can share what I know, what I've experienced, what other people I know have gone through and taught me. And it's cool to take the wisdom that was given to me and be like, Hey.

Hey, that was told to me. Now I'm giving it to you. Yeah. Now you can take it and run with it and learn from it too. 

Yeah, 

so I mean, as I'm growing up, as I'm learning, as I'm an adult and pouring into others, it's, it's cool to see that progression I'm in now and where I'm at and how it's all worked out for me.

Yeah, I mean, discipleship. It, it looks different, right? Mm-hmm. It's not, it's not always just sitting down with, with the Bible in your lap with another person talking about it. It's driving home from an event and asking questions and having theological conversations. It's, 

mm-hmm. 

The reason we have this suit of armor is because last year the middle school boys went to the Canterbury Festival with Carver, and so they all dressed up.

Some of, most of them dressed up this year, they all wanna go back and dress up, so. I think the plan is carver's gonna wear this suit to the Canterbury Festival with those boys, and hopefully that'll grow and there'll be more boys go. And there'll just be opportunities to just develop relationships, which will turn into spiritual times of connection and conversations.

And so, as silly as it is, it, there's a purpose, it's purposeful and, you know, uh, we'll use it for other things. But really the, the key is trying to continue to deepen the connection with that the, that young group of boys who are growing. Significantly right now in their faith. And it's fun to watch them and fun to facilitate that, even if it's a silly suit armor, which we got a steal of a deal, but I'm it steal, so, 

yeah.

Yep. 

Um, yeah. 

Nicely done. 

Yeah. Wow. Yeah. That's the end. 

Bum 

bum. Uh, another recording joke, but it, it really comes from the place of discipleship. Finding ways to connect with people. Um, you know, I mentioned making soap with, you know, teenage girls when I was a youth pastor because I was trying to find a way to connect with 'em.

'cause I just, we didn't have a lot in common. You know, I was a football player that like, you know, sports that hit each other and they like cheerleading and making beads, you know, bracelets and stuff that those aren't the same. And so, um. I would make soap with 'em. Now I'm making soap with adults, so of course I've got messages to, let's, can we make soap together?

So find ways to connect with people, but the, the purpose of those connections will sit down and just have a, have a conversation that leads to hopefully in some way talking about Christ or deepening, deepening our understanding of God's love in a real intangible way. That allows people to know him, follow him, and love him, and I think that's, that's what we're trying to do as a church.

We're trying to disciple people intentionally through the different ways that we build relationships, because we believe in relationship evangelism, but also relationship discipleship. Discipleship happens as you do life together and you teach each other. 

It's kind of funny that this is what we're talking about to an extent because on Sunday I was preaching at Jackson and one of the things that I had told a story of was how when you and I, Cyle actually had first met that it was at my, that we met at a funeral that was for a extended family member for me.

And you know that you had walked in and dropped a great big bag of Taco Bell in front of my nephew. Well, as I was telling that story and you know, kind of going through that. I, I kind of highlighted the point that we always have people watching us always and frequently we hear people talk about that from a form of malice.

Like they're always watching and waiting for us to fail. They're always waiting, waiting for us to screw up. There's a lot of that. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. There is a lot of that. But there are also people that are watching us to kind of see if what we believe is real and see if what we believe is true and see if we're living things out to the same level that we say that we believe, and that type of thing is in and of itself a starting point for discipleship.

If I see somebody living something out and they have something in their life that I want, I am more inclined to walk up to them and say, Hey. You seem to have this kind of altogether, you seem to kind of have this piece in place. Can you walk me through how you developed that, how you learned that, how you were able to grow that, and someone coming up to you and having that conversation opens you up to the door being like, yeah, let me sit down and tell you kind of what I've walked through, what I've lived through, what I've seen, what I've done.

That is a huge step because if we're living that out, it gives people that moment to be able to look at us and say, if we've got, you've got something I want, I would love for you to show me how you got there. 

Yeah. 

That's why the Bible talk, Jesus talks about bearing good fruit. 

Mm-hmm. 

Because like he, the guy was just reading it the other day.

Like the people see your life by your fruits, by the example you set. And that's how they know where your roots are. 

Yeah. 

And so if people see the fruit they're observing, like you said, they're all looking, but some people are looking at it with curiosity and are waiting to see it. Are you like, I hear about this Jesus thing.

Where, show me what you're talking about. 

Yep. 

And we have the opportunity to be those ambassadors and those examples for people and the way they see us live. Love and walk with people. Does so much for that. 

Yeah. 

Well, I, and I think also, you know, to kind of connect with that too, on the same level is, and we're always trying to grow more, right?

Yeah. I mean, that's the idea of discipleship. I mean, and, and so while I am mentoring somebody, I'm also being mentored. 

Yes. 

Mm-hmm. And, and you know, when, when Cyle gave his sermon, I, I couldn't help think about this, this idea that pop that, that I stumbled upon new when I was, well, relatively new in my faith.

This idea that like in our lives. Everybody needs a Paul and everybody needs a Timothy. 

Mm mm-hmm. 

And also everybody needs a Barnabas. And, and so we, we all need somebody who we can call and be like, I don't think I got this right. I need help. 

Mm-hmm. 

Right. And we also need somebody that when we're down, we can call like a Barnabas.

So you, that person, you know, like Mark, like if I was gonna give a Barnabas in my life, it'd be Mark. Right? 'cause. I mean, mark can make the, the worst day seem pretty awesome. And, uh, and we all need a Timothy, you know, we need somebody that we can, we can pour into. We need somebody that we can show up for.

Mm-hmm. And, and, and how we become, you know, how, how we continue to, to stay that narrow road, how I have it for myself anyway, is mm-hmm. By, by collecting all those types. 

Right. No, I think it, I, I think that's the the point. I mean, I've got people that I seek advice from who are mentors, but I mentor a lot of people, so I have mentees, and I think we need both.

And I think that's the example that we see in scripture. I think that's the Paul and Timothy example. I think we see that from Jesus and disciples, and I think it's purposeful, it's intentional, and it's the way that we grow and the way that we disciple each other. So. The Great Commission is I think, a challenge for all of us to go into the world, make disciples teaching them and baptizing them.

Um, so. Go learn, go grow, find. If you don't have a mentor, go find one. If you don't have a mentee, go find one and start pouring into people and watch what God does in and through you. As you know, love and follow Jesus more. Thanks for listening to the HOTL cast. We'll be back soon. 

See you next time.

Mm-hmm. Peace.