Rooted In Christ

Hosted by Redwood Christian Ministries

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Episodes

217

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Rooted in Christ Podcast – a Christian podcast sharing powerful testimonies of faith, transformation, and hope through Jesus Christ. Each episode features inspiring stories of how lives have been changed by God's grace. If you're looking for real Christian testimonies, encouragement in your faith journey, or a reminder of God’s power, this podcast is for you. Stay rooted in Christ and be inspired by what He’s doing in the lives of others. Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 28, 2026Episode 21427 min

Lexly Nirvana: Why She Refuses to Water Down Jesus | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 214

In this episode of the In Christ Podcast, Eric Stevens sits down with Christian artist Lexly Nirvana for an honest conversation about faith, identity, music, and following God’s calling. Lexly shares her powerful testimony of growing up around church, struggling with self-worth, shame, and rebellion, and ultimately experiencing a life-changing encounter with Christ. She opens up about how God transformed her life and gradually revealed her purpose through her love for music and writing. As a bilingual artist from South Texas, Lexly blends Christian hip hop, reggaeton, Spanish, English, and Spanglish to reach different audiences with the Gospel. She talks about navigating language barriers, staying authentic to the unique sound God has given her, and resisting the temptation to compare herself to other artists. The conversation also explores the importance of prayer and patience in the creative process, putting God before social media and ministry, receiving constructive criticism, and trusting God’s timing—even when it means waiting for an opportunity or release that you’re excited about. Lexly also shares what she believes God is doing in Christian music right now, her upcoming three-song EP created with women in mind, and her desire to see authentic believers boldly live out their faith and mission. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to be a copy of someone else. God has uniquely created you and has a purpose for your life. If you’re searching for your purpose, struggling with your identity, or trying to understand how your creativity fits into God’s plan, this conversation is for you. Watch, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs the encouragement to keep walking in their God-given calling. --- All things Lexly Nirvana: https://linktr.ee/lexlynirvana --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

September 21, 2026Episode 21332 min

I Can't Made God Into My Own Image - Constance Hastings on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 213

What happens when faith is challenged by doubt, difficult questions, suffering, and the unexpected ways God works in our lives?In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Constance Hastings, author of The Trouble With Jesus, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about faith, doubt, skepticism, and what it means to wrestle with the questions we don't always feel comfortable asking.Constance shares the story behind her book, which grew out of a retreat she developed for women who were looking for something deeper. Through the perspective of a skeptical, questioning voice, The Trouble With Jesus explores some of the things about Jesus that can challenge our expectations—including the way He chose unlikely people, valued women, confronted cultural norms, and refused to simply become a "divine fixer" who gives us everything we ask for.The conversation also dives into Constance's own faith journey, her experiences in education and counseling, and the struggles she has witnessed in people wrestling with questions like: Why does God allow suffering? Why do bad things happen to good people? Where is God when we're hurting? And can doubt actually have a place in a growing faith?Constance offers an encouraging perspective for anyone who has ever questioned their faith or felt like they were on the verge of walking away. Rather than hiding from difficult questions, she encourages believers to bring those questions to God, go deeper into Scripture, and allow their faith to be challenged and strengthened.The conversation ultimately points back to a powerful reminder: God does not abandon us in our questions, our doubts, or our struggles.Constance also shares how her approach to reading Scripture—considering what it says, what it means, and how it applies—can help believers develop a deeper relationship and ongoing conversation with God.The episode closes with prayer for those wrestling with doubt, searching for God, or seeking to understand their purpose and calling in Christ.In This Episode:- The story behind The Trouble With Jesus- Why Jesus can challenge our expectations- Faith, doubt, and skepticism- Why doubt doesn't necessarily mean the absence of faith- The problem of treating God as a "divine fixer"- Wrestling with suffering and difficult questions- Creating safer spaces for questions within the church- The importance of going deeper into Scripture- Discovering God's will instead of trying to dictate our own- Encouragement for those considering walking away from faith- Serving God wherever He has called you- Constance's journey from education and counseling to writing- Prayer for those seeking ChristLearn more about Constance Hastings and The Trouble With Jesus:constancehastings.comIf this conversation encouraged you, like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast and help us continue reaching people with conversations about faith, life, and following Jesus.

September 14, 2026Episode 21258 min

NBA and Christian Hip-Hop: Living for Jesus | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 212

What happens when your faith, your career, your relationships, and your purpose all collide? In Episode 212 of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with DKG Kie and NBA player Isaac Jones for a real conversation about following Christ while navigating two very different worlds: professional basketball and music. The three talk about what it really means to represent Jesus beyond social media and the stage, the pressure that comes with being watched and judged, and the importance of actually living out what you say you believe. They get honest about confidence, rejection, business decisions, contracts, competition, anger, and the moments when it feels like God isn't moving fast enough. Kie and Isaac also open up about their personal journeys with faith, how their relationships and community have shaped them, and why having people around you who will challenge you—not just agree with you—matters. One of the biggest reminders throughout the conversation? You don't want someone else's platform. You want what God has for you. And no matter where you are, what you've done, or how far away you feel: You're never too far away from God. This is a conversation about faith, purpose, humility, friendship, perseverance, and learning to trust God even when you don't understand what He's doing. Watch, listen, and share this one with somebody who needs the reminder. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

September 7, 2026Episode 21132 min

From Hearing Loss & to Relationship with Jesus w/ Desiree Taylor | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 211

What happens when faith starts to feel more like rules, expectations, and shame than a real relationship with Jesus? In this episode of Rooted in Christ , Eric sits down with Desiree Taylor for a deeply personal conversation about learning to see God for who He truly is—and discovering freedom beyond legalism. Desiree shares her powerful testimony of growing up in a legalistic church environment, struggling with loneliness, insecurity, depression, and feeling like she could never be “good enough” for God. She opens up about walking away from her faith, becoming a young single mother, and the moment she experienced Jesus meeting her personally and reminding her that He had never left her. The conversation also dives into Desiree’s journey with deafness and cochlear implants, and how something that could have become a source of isolation instead became a unique way for God to deepen her prayer life, reshape her perspective, and teach her more about His love. She shares why she believes disability isn't a mistake—and why the Church needs to become more intentional about seeing, knowing, and including people with disabilities. Eric and Desiree also talk about: • Breaking free from legalism and religious mindsets • The difference between religion and relationship with Jesus • Renewing your mind and confronting the lies you've believed • Finding your identity and worth in Christ • Feeling rejected, invisible, or like you don't belong in church • Creating greater inclusion for people with disabilities • Learning to pray beyond a checklist and “pray without ceasing” • Mentorship, discipleship, and having honest conversations about faith • Desiree’s book, Living Beyond Religion , and her hope that it starts conversations that lead people toward freedom If you've ever felt like you don't belong, wondered where God was in the middle of your struggle, or found yourself trapped under expectations you can never seem to meet, this conversation is for you. You are seen. You are known. You are loved. And Jesus hasn't walked away from you. Watch, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that there is freedom in Christ. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

August 31, 2026Episode 21049 min

The Prodigal Joe: Following Jesus With Authenticity, Christian Hip Hop and Faith | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 210

What does it look like to pursue your calling without allowing success, numbers, or recognition to become your identity? In this episode of Rooted in Christ , Eric sits down with Christian artist and producer The Prodigal Joe for an honest conversation about faith, identity, purpose, music, and what it means to genuinely follow Jesus. Jose shares his journey growing up as a pastor’s kid, moving from a faith that felt largely rooted in religion and routine to discovering a deeply personal relationship with Christ. He opens up about the struggles, questions, and experiences that shaped his faith—and how God ultimately used music as a way for him to express emotions and experiences he once struggled to communicate. The conversation also dives into the meaning behind The Prodigal Joe , his approach to creating Christian music, and why he wants people to see themselves in his story rather than simply look up to him. Eric and Joe discuss: • Finding your identity in Christ rather than your accomplishments • The difference between religious routine and a genuine relationship with Jesus • How God can use the gifts He's already placed inside of you • Music as a tool for communication, healing, and reaching people • Staying faithful when the culture rewards compromise • The pressure of social media, streams, views, and numbers • Why authenticity frees us from the pressure to perform • Pursuing excellence without making success the goal • Learning to be present and intentional with the people God has placed around you • Trusting God with the results after you've been obedient to His calling • Leaving behind a legacy that points people back to Christ At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder: our job is obedience; the results belong to God. Jose shares why he's content to give God his absolute best, regardless of how big or small the platform becomes. If you're struggling to figure out what you're supposed to be doing with your life, feeling pressure to measure your worth by numbers, or wondering whether your gifts can really be used by God, this episode is for you. Don't waste your time. Seek Him, be faithful, and let God make something beautiful out of your life. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

August 24, 2026Episode 20942 min

Anike: Following Jesus, Marriage, Identity & Christian Hip Hip | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 209

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , we sit down with Christian hip hop artist Anike for an honest and inspiring conversation about faith, purpose, creativity, identity, and walking boldly in what God has called you to do. Anike takes us all the way back to the beginning of her faith journey — from giving her life to Jesus as a young teenager to discovering that God could use her creativity and music as a way to reach others. She shares how what seemed like disappointments and detours were actually moments God used to position her for her calling. We also talk about her journey as the first female artist signed to Reach Records , what that opportunity taught her, and the responsibility she feels to use what she's learned to encourage and mentor other women in Christian music. Throughout the conversation, Anike opens up about: • Finding your identity in Christ instead of numbers, attention, titles, or platforms • The importance of fasting, prayer, and intentionally seeking God's direction • Staying faithful to your message instead of watering it down to appeal to culture • Navigating criticism and negativity as a Christian artist • The unique challenges women face in Christian hip hop, including touring and creating opportunities • Her passion for mentoring and pouring into other artists • Balancing music, ministry, business, marriage, family, and social media • Building a Christ-centered marriage and learning to serve one another • Embracing the unique voice, creativity, and story God has given you • The current state and future of Christian hip hop and R&B One of the biggest themes throughout this conversation is simple: success isn't ultimately about the numbers — it's about obedience. If God has called you to do something, are you willing to do it even when the applause, views, streams, or recognition don't come? Anike brings a powerful perspective on what it means to remain rooted in Christ while navigating the pressures of creativity, culture, ministry, and the music industry. The episode closes with prayer for artists, believers, and anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus. FOLLOW ANIKE: https://www.fvr.fan/anike?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaewReJcN6VnZS76Xo1Kg2YbxLK0zvP7tRE6Jl7WeE4FxlBPHFcNbj1B1bJkKw_aem_xMy50J_RedfmZf-sZu8CiQ Check out Anike's music, educational resources, merch, and upcoming events through her online platforms. If this conversation encouraged you, LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to the Rooted in Christ Podcast and help us continue spreading the message. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

August 17, 2026Episode 2081 hr 17 min

New Orleans Mission Trip: Stories of Faith, Ministry and Transformation | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 208

In this special episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with members of the New Life Church team to reflect on their recent mission trip to New Orleans — a journey that pushed them far outside their comfort zones and challenged them to live out the Great Commission in a very real way. From ministering on Bourbon Street, Canal Street, and Jackson Square to prayer walks, serving the homeless, visiting a senior center, and participating in the local Adopt-a-Block program, the team experienced moments of boldness, vulnerability, spiritual warfare, unexpected conversations, and powerful encounters with people who simply needed to know they were seen and loved. Throughout the conversation, the team shares what led them to say yes to the trip, what they expected God to do, and the moments that impacted them most. They talk openly about encountering people who asked for prayer, witnessing the stark contrast between light and darkness on Bourbon Street, and learning that evangelism isn't limited to a mission trip — it's a lifestyle we're called to live every day. They also reflect on how the trip changed their understanding of boldness, prayer, spiritual gifts, evangelism, community, and dependence on the Holy Spirit . For many of them, the biggest takeaway was simple: you don't have to feel qualified — you just have to be willing. This episode is an honest, encouraging, and sometimes emotional look at what happens when ordinary people are willing to step out in faith and let God use them. Are you willing to go outside your comfort zone and live life on mission? --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

August 10, 2026Episode 20745 min

Mission: All of You & None of Me, Christian Hip Hop, God's Will & Faith | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 207

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with Christian hip-hop artist Mission for an honest conversation about faith, music, obedience, family, success, and what it truly means to surrender your plans to God. Mission shares his journey from growing up in Mississippi and being introduced to church at a young age, to fully surrendering his life to Christ in his early 20s. He opens up about how becoming a husband and father changed his perspective on life and pushed him to take his faith seriously. The conversation dives deep into Mission’s mantra, “All You, None of Me,” and the challenge of actually living it out—not just wearing it on a shirt or saying it as a slogan. Together, Eric and Mission discuss what it looks like to seek God’s will in an industry driven by numbers, algorithms, fame, comparison, and recognition. Mission also reflects on the unexpected success of his song “Marvelous,” including its organic reach into the NFL, and the temptation to recreate success rather than simply remain obedient to the creative process God has given him. Other topics include: • Finding your God-given message and voice as a Christian artist • Fighting comparison in the age of social media and streaming numbers • Navigating success without compromising your faith • The importance of patience and trusting God’s timing • Why Christian artists need to embrace and support the next generation • Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent • Putting marriage and family in their proper order • Redefining what unity in Christian hip-hop actually looks like • Using your platform to point people toward Christ rather than yourself Mission closes with a powerful reminder: we all have different roles to play, but we can all point people to Christ. This is a conversation about surrender, stewardship, authenticity, and remembering that the platform isn't ours—it belongs to God. “All You, None of Me.” If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, share, subscribe, and follow the Rooted in Christ Podcast on all major podcast platforms. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

August 3, 2026Episode 20659 min

Behind the Scenes of Christian Music, Management, and Touring with Bailey Unterwagner | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 206

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with Bailey Unterwagner —artist manager, tour manager, and founder of BOO Management—for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting career while keeping Jesus at the center. Bailey shares his journey into the Christian music industry, how following God's voice shaped his career, and why character will always outlast talent. Together they unpack the realities of artist management, touring, record deals, business strategy, and the importance of serving others with integrity. Whether you're an artist, creative, entrepreneur, or simply seeking to honor God in your work, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and biblical encouragement. In this episode you'll learn: • Why character is more valuable than talent • The importance of integrity in business and ministry • What artists should know before signing a record deal • How to build an "algorithm-proof" career • Why servant leadership is essential for lasting impact • Balancing career ambitions with family and faith • Following God's voice, even when it doesn't make sense No matter what God has called you to, success isn't measured by platform or popularity—it's measured by faithfulness. If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to Like , Subscribe , and Share it with someone who needs this reminder. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

July 27, 2026Episode 20522 min

Healing from Childhood Abuse and Trauma | John Jarman on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 205

What happens when the wounds of childhood follow you into adulthood—and God begins revealing what you've spent decades trying to forget? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast , Eric sits down with author, speaker, Marine Corps veteran, and mentor John Jarman to discuss his incredible journey from childhood trauma, abuse, and brokenness to healing, freedom, and purpose through Jesus Christ. John shares how growing up in an abusive home left him carrying hidden wounds for decades, including having little memory of much of his childhood. Through counseling, discipleship, mentorship, and a surrendered relationship with Christ, God began exposing the strongholds that had shaped his life and guiding him toward lasting freedom. Together, Eric and John discuss the importance of vulnerability, mentorship, mental health, spiritual warfare, and the sanctification process that every believer walks through. This conversation is filled with hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past and wonders if true healing is possible. In this episode, you'll discover: How childhood trauma can impact adulthood in unexpected ways Why healing often requires both spiritual and practical support The role mentorship plays in breaking strongholds and finding freedom What true surrender to Christ looks like Why vulnerability is essential for growth and healing How counseling can be part of God's healing process The connection between mental health, faith, and discipleship Practical encouragement for those struggling with shame, fear, or unresolved pain John's story is a powerful reminder that no matter how broken your past may be, Jesus can redeem it and use it for His glory. If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share the Rooted in Christ Podcast . Every share helps us reach more people with the hope, healing, and truth found in Jesus Christ. --- Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

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