Here at First Baptist Arlington we are nearing the end of the Lenten season. In this episode of Tell Me More, Katy Reed Hodges and Dr. Wiles are diving into the theological and emotional depth of John 14 as they prepare for Holy Week.

They explore the unique structure of John's Gospel, noting how John condenses three years of Jesus's ministry into the first 12 chapters, then dedicates chapters 13-20 to just one week—the most important week since creation. The conversation centers on the intimate setting where Jesus tells his closest followers, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me" (John 14:1).

Katy and Dr. Wiles emphasize how we often run "roughshod" through this familiar passage without considering the disciples' perspective. Here were fishermen who had watched Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, cleanse the temple, and intellectually dominate the religious scholars—and suddenly he's telling them he's leaving. They discuss Thomas's honest questions and Philip's request to see the Father, highlighting Jesus's profound response: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). They encourage listeners not to miss the depth and mystery of this passage as we approach Holy Week, urging us to slow down and truly imagine what these men must have felt in that upper room.

Key Discussion Points

• The Structure of John’s Gospel:
  • The hosts note how John condenses three years of ministry into the first 12 chapters, while dedicating chapters 13–20 to just one week.
  • They compare this to the "Lenten pace," where the focus intensifies as Easter approaches.
• The "Upper Room" Atmosphere:
  • The dialogue centers on the disciples' confusion and fear. After seeing Jesus's power (cleansing the temple, raising Lazarus), they are blindsided by his announcement that he is leaving.
  • They highlight the humanity of figures like Thomas and Philip, who ask honest questions about where Jesus is going and how they can follow.
• "The Jesus Way":
  • The Pastor discusses his recent sermon theme, reflecting on Jesus's statement: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
  • They contrast the "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do) movement with a focus on "The Jesus Way"—living a life modeled after Christ’s character and relationship with the Father.
• Church Life & Community:
  • The hosts share updates on the "Welcome Home" center and the importance of lay leadership and committees within First Baptist Arlington.
  • They reflect on the beauty of the "tapestry of service" provided by church members who are deeply invested in the ministry.

Personal Anecdotes

• Ferry Follies: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to lighthearted stories about ferry rides. Katie shares a "naïve" 2009 road trip through Canada involving accidental ferry hops, while the Pastor recounts a recent family trip to Crystal Beach and Galveston, including a mishap with a locked Airbnb and a single key.
• Grandparent Names: They share a laugh over modern grandparent names like "Mimi," "Poppy," "Christy," and "Boyd."

Hosted by Katy Reed Hodges, Luke Stehr, and Dennis Wiles, this episode of Tell Me More trades the usual sermon recap for a candid reflection on their experience at Ascent.

After a brief, lighthearted start about Saint Patrick’s Day, the conversation centers on what made Ascent so meaningful: deep friendships, thoughtful moments of prayer and encouragement, and a shared sense of calling. Each host reflects on their experience—Luke on building ministry relationships, Katy on witnessing others step into their calling, and Dennis on seeing decades of vision and prayer come to life.

They describe Ascent as a humble, collaborative movement rooted in historic Christian faith, not a denomination, but a space for partnership and shared learning across churches and cultures. The episode highlights how these relationships—especially with global partners—are reshaping their understanding of mission as something mutual rather than one-sided.

Overall, it’s a warm and hopeful conversation about connection, calling, and joining God in a bigger story beyond any one church.

Join Chelsea Judkins, Tanner Watson and Brian Sepulveda as they talk all things Encounter Weekend, FBCA and more.