Episodes

  • Disciples Pray & Fast

    Disciples Pray & Fast
    Oct 16 2024
    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:
    • Prayer: It's about listening, abiding in God's presence, and aligning our desires with His. We discuss two types of prayer: listening prayer and intercessory prayer.
    • Fasting: More than abstaining from food, fasting helps us create space for God to fill us with His wisdom and guidance.
    • Practical Tips: Start small with fasting, integrate Scripture into your prayers, and practice listening prayer.

    Weekly Challenge:
    This week, set aside intentional time for prayer or start a fast to deepen your connection with God.


    Recommended Resources
    1. Discerning The Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer
    2. A Hunger For God, John Piper

    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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    26 mins
  • Disciples Celebrate with Aina Carruth

    Disciples Celebrate with Aina Carruth
    Oct 9 2024
    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:
    • Celebration is a biblical command that helps us remember God's provision and faithfulness.
    • It lifts our spirits, strengthens our faith, and deepens relationships with God and others.
    • Celebrating resists the pressures of busyness and reminds us that God is enough.

    Guest Bio:
    Aina Carruth is a Bible teacher from Frisco, Texas. She has been a member of the Village Church, now Citizens Church for 15 years where she has helped write curriculum, lead, and teach Bible classes. Aina is passionate about helping others know the God of the Bible through study of his word in the context of the local church. Her background is in education and counseling where she has degrees from Texas A & M University and the University of North Texas.

    Weekly Challenge:
    Find something to celebrate this week! Whether it’s big or small, take time to rejoice in God’s goodness—and invite a friend or loved one to join you.

    Recommended Resources:
    1. Invitations to Abundance by Alicia Atkins
    2. 7 Feasts by Erin Davis

    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast.
    Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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    32 mins
  • Disciples Reconcile

    Disciples Reconcile
    Oct 2 2024
    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
    1. Why Do We Pursue Reconciliation
    2. Two Characteristics We Need To Embody as Reconcilers
    3. Practical Tips for Reconciliation
    Reflection Question:
    Think of one person you need to reconcile with and take a practical step toward that this week—whether through prayer, a conversation, or seeking counsel from a trusted mentor.

    Reconcommend Resources:
    1. The Liturgy of Politics- Kaitlyn Schiess
    2. The Peacemaker - Ken Sande
    3. Peacemaking Women - Tara Klena Barthel and Judy Dabler
    4. Be The Bridge - LaTasha Morrison
    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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    22 mins
  • Disciples Worship with Ashley Irons

    Disciples Worship with Ashley Irons
    Sep 25 2024
    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:
    1. What is Worship?
    2. The Four Things That Should Characterize Our Worship
    3. An Interview about Worship with Ashley Irons
    Key Definition:
    Worship is the expression of reverence and adoration of God (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
    Reflection QuestionOther than singing, what is one way you can worship God this week?

    Guest Bio:
    Ashley Irons is a recording artist, worship leader, speaker, writer, and ministry leader who hails from Atlanta, GA but has called Dallas, TX home since 2013. She is also the founder and CEO of The Ironsharp Agency and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. Her first single “It Is Well” released in 2023 and is a fresh take on the old hymn, blending genres of traditional gospel and CCM.
    Ashley infuses her philosophy of ministry into all that she does - that we would bloom into all God has called us to be by flourishing together (Hebrews 10:23-25). She is currently living out this passion by curating safe spaces for Black Women to bloom, writing and filming her own bible study, and writing and recording an album, both set to release in 2025. You can connect with her on Instagram @ashleyironsworship.

    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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    41 mins
  • Disciples Gather Together

    Disciples Gather Together
    Sep 18 2024
    In today’s episode, we talk about the practice of gathering together as believers. We will discuss the historical and scriptural support for this practice, three key elements of the gathering and practical tips for finding a church home.

    Main Topics Covered:
    1. Historical and Scriptural Support
    2. Three Reasons Why We Gather Together
    3. Practical Tips for Finding a Church Home

    Key Phrase:
    To be a disciple is to belong to a discipleship community, which is also known as the local church.


    Reflection Question:
    What is your current relationship with the local church and what is one step you can take to lean in to fellowship, grow, and serve more?

    Recommended Resources:
    1. Sundays Matter - Paul Tripp
    2. Gather - Tony Merida
    3. Soul Circles
    4. D-Groups

    Join the Conversation:    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

    Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
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    30 mins
  • Disciples Study with Liv Dooley

    Disciples Study with Liv Dooley
    Sep 11 2024
    In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most foundational spiritual habits: studying the Bible. Instead of focusing on the "what" or "how" of Bible study, today we’ll explore the "why"—the core reasons behind why we should immerse ourselves in God’s Word.
    Main Topics Covered:
    1. The Bible as a Guide For Life
    2. A Framework for Understanding The Story
    3. Practical Tips for Studying the Bible

    Reflection Questions:
    -What is the cost of you not studying God’s word? What other voices will you be influenced by if you’re not influenced by Scripture?

    Guest Interview:
    This episode also features a conversation with Liv Dooley about how to practically live out the habit of Bible study. She is a Bible teacher and the podcast host of The Best Kept Secret with Liv Dooley, which has featured some of the leading teachers and burgeoning ministry leaders of our day. Liv is passionate about helping people enjoy greater intimacy and authority in Christ Jesus through prayer. She is the author of Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel and featured as a contributor with She Reads Truth and the YouVersion Bible app. You can connect with at livdooley.com or on Instagram @candidliv.
    Recommended Resources:
    1. Check out the series on "How to Study the Bible" at https://www.thewoodsoninstitute.org/how-to-study-the-bible
    2. J.I. Packer Knowing God
    3. Logos Bible Software
    4. Blueletterbible.org
    5. Bible in a Year Club

    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram@startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

    Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
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    38 mins
  • What is a Disciple?

    What is a Disciple?
    Sep 4 2024
    In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of discipleship and how our daily habits play a crucial role in shaping our spiritual journey. We'll explore what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus, the biblical foundations of discipleship, and why it's more than just a label—it's a transformative way of life. Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or are just beginning your journey, this episode will challenge and inspire you to reorient your life toward the abundant life Jesus promises.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • Who Am I?
    • Why This Topic?
    • What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple?
    • The Role of Habits in Discipleship
    • The Challenge of Living as a Disciple
    Key Definition/Verses:
    • A disciple or apprentice is someone who is learning from a teacher in order to become capable of doing what that person does or to become what that person is (Dallas Willard)
    • Matthew 16:24-25 "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."
    • 1 Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
    Reflection Question
    • Reflect on your current habits. Reflect on your daily habits. Are they drawing you closer to living like Jesus, or are they leading you in a different direction?.
    • Talk about your answer with a friend or family member, because we always learn better in community!
    Resources Mentioned:
    • The Great Omission by Dallas Willard
    • Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer
    Join the Conversation:
    We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

    Follow Us:
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    23 mins
  • Season 4 Trailer — The Life of a Disciple

    Season 4 Trailer — The Life of a Disciple
    Aug 28 2024
    Season 4 of Starting place begins on August 28! In this episode, Elizabeth Woodson gives you a preview of what is to come in Season 4 as she covers the Life of a Disciple!

    Questions Covered in This Episode:
    • What is Season 4 going to cover?
    • What is the goal of this podcast

    Follow Us:
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    Elizabeth's Recommended Resources

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    3 mins