Outside of Sunday

Are we hiding our Christianity? And have we become so focused on our own churches that we've forgotten about the wider body of Christ and the mission we're all called to?In this Insights episode, Laura and I reflect on our conversation with Dave Mann from Shining Lights Trust, founder of The Hope Project, and unpack some of the things that challenged and encouraged us. We chat about church unity, why Christians shouldn't be surprised when their faith is met with opposition and get into why it's time to stop hiding our faith and start bringing Christ back into our communities. New Zealand needs hope, and the world needs Christ!Outsiders, let's be encouraged to live our faith boldly, shine our light and make Jesus known. ❤️Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.00:00 - Coming up00:45 - Welcome to Outside of Sunday: Reflecting on Dave Mann01:22 - Life Is Short: Why We Can't Delay Sharing the Gospel05:00 - The Hope Project, Evangelism & a Quiet Revival10:25 - Church Unity: Your Church Is Not the Church16:00 - Street Evangelism & Finding Opportunities to Share Jesus20:30 - Understanding Jesus' Parables, the Holy Spirit & God's Design26:58 - The Sexual Revolution, Sin & Why Christians Face Opposition39:03 - How Christianity Shaped Our Culture & Society46:10 - Uncloseting Christianity: Stop Hiding Your Faith!52:55 - Bringing Christ Back Into Christmas & Our CommunitiesSupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.This week on Outside of Sunday, we're joined by Dave Mann, founder of The Hope Project, to hear the story behind an incredible vision to share the message of Jesus with households across New Zealand. From coming to faith as an 11-year-old, to a call into ministry, years serving in Singapore, and eventually returning to New Zealand with a burden to see the Gospel reach every home, Dave shares the journey, challenges and unexpected provision of God along the way. We also discuss the changing face of Christianity in New Zealand, whether the Church has lost sight of its wider mission, bringing Jesus back into Christmas and Easter, and why evangelism isn't just about getting people through our church doors, but helping them take steps towards Jesus.To find out more about the Hope Project, click here. To support Thinking Matters, click here. To support Outside of Sunday, click here. 00:00 - Introducing Dave Mann & The Hope Project01:08 - From a Broken Home to a Life Changed by Jesus03:12 - A Calling to Ministry at Just 14 Years Old09:18 - Have Churches Lost Sight of the Mission?14:11 - Following God's Unexpected Call to Singapore18:34 - Returning to New Zealand With a Vision for Evangelism20:22 - Rethinking Evangelism: Why Great Questions Matter23:45 - The Miraculous Beginnings of The Hope Project31:29 - What Happened to Christianity in New Zealand?36:26 - Bringing Jesus Back Into Christmas and Easter48:04 - Stories of Hope: Reaching People Outside the Church52:40 - How to Get Involved in Reaching New Zealand for JesusSupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

What is Christian Apologetics? In this Insights episode, I'm reflecting on our conversation with Nic and Annalise from Thinking Matters, exploring Christian apologetics, the relationship between faith and reason, and whether we can really know that Christianity is true. Featuring insights from John Lennox, and asks - are we genuinely seeking the truth? If we are, we don't need to be afraid of the questions. We can bring our doubts to Jesus - because He isn't hiding from us.Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.Click here for info on the Thinking Matters NZ camps: https://www.thinkingmatters.org.nz/events/Click here for Ray Comfort and Living Waters content: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWatersClick here to learn more about Lee Strobel and The Case for Christ: https://leestrobel.comClick here to check out J. Warner Wallace and Cold Case Christianity: https://www.youtube.com/@ColdCaseChristianityClick here for some of Dr Stephen Meyers content: https://www.youtube.com/@DrStephenMeyerClick here to watch the episode with John Lennox on Diary of a CEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLrvJeSugkM0:00 - Coming up0:26 - Introduction | Thinking Matters & the NZ Election1:18 - Chantelle Baker: How to Make Your Vote Count4:47 - Nick & Annalise: A Love Story Built on Apologetics5:50 - Growing Up Christian: Jesus Clubs & Youth Camps7:38 - What Is Christian Apologetics? Defending What We Believe9:40 - John Lennox: Can We Know Christianity Is True?12:34 - Do You Need All the Answers Before Coming to Jesus?15:10 - Does Creation Point to a Creator? Exploring Faith & Science16:14 - Best Christian Apologists & Resources for Beginners19:12 - 1 Peter 3:15: Sharing Your Faith Without FearSupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

To watch this episode on YouTube click here. How do we go from feeling embarrassed to call ourselves Christians to having the confidence to stand firm in what we believe?In this episode, we're joined by newlyweds Nic and Annalise Blackie from Thinking Matters to chat about their journey into Christian apologetics and their heart for equipping young believers. From starting a Jesus Club at high school to running apologetics camps for young people, we discuss navigating tough questions, sharing the gospel, and building a solid foundation for our faith. We also explore how apologetics can strengthen our faith through seasons of doubt, suffering, and uncertainty, and how we can better equip the next generation to confidently live out and share their faith.Whether you've ever struggled with feeling confident in your Christianity or want to be better equipped to share the gospel, we hope this conversation encourages and challenges you. To find out more about Thinking Matters and their camps, check out the links in the description below!To support Thinking Matters, click here. To learn more about their camps, click here.To support Outside of Sunday, click here. 00:00 How to Share the Gospel & Defend Your Christian Faith00:40 Meet Nick & Annalise Lackey from Thinking Matters02:37 How Nick & Annalise Came to Faith03:44 Why Evangelism Led Nick to Christian Apologetics05:35 From Christian Apologetics to Ministry06:15 Starting a Jesus Club at a Secular High School07:08 Using a Podcast to Share the Gospel Online07:58 How Christian Parents Can Encourage Questions & Faith08:40 Winning the Person, Not the Argument09:00 Learning Evangelism from Ray Comfort10:52 Can We Ask Tough Questions About Christianity?11:40 Thinking Matters: Christian Camps, Schools & Conferences12:07 Equipping Young People Through Christian Apologetics12:48 How to Defend the Pro-Life Position14:38 Why Apologetics Matters for Sharing the Gospel15:21 Stories of Young Christians Growing in Confidence17:15 Building a Solid Foundation for Your Christian Faith18:00 Who Are Thinking Matters Camps For?18:18 Working Together in Ministry as Newlyweds19:05 Bringing Christian Apologetics Into Schools19:40 Supporting Student-Led Jesus Clubs20:11 Milk Cartons, Creation & Concentration Camps Explained21:16 Why Does God Allow Evil & Suffering?22:28 Trusting God Through Personal Suffering & Doubt23:14 How Apologetics Helps Us Through Difficult Times24:32 How to Prepare to Defend Your Christian Faith25:45 What to Do When You Don't Know the Answer26:38 How Do You Live Your Faith Outside of Sunday?28:01 Support Thinking Matters & Outside of SundaySupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

Hey Outsiders! In todays Insights episode, Laura and I are unpacking a few big conversations happening in the Christian world, from concerns about false teaching to the difficult questions surrounding justice, forgiveness and shunning.We start by looking at some recent conversations in the online Christian space, including John and Korey Cooper from Skillet speaking with Alisa Childers about church abuse and the New Apostolic Reformation. We then reflect on our conversation with Rosanna Overcomer and the ongoing fight for justice for Gloriavale survivors. What does it look like to forgive while still pursuing justice? How should we respond when people are held accountable for their actions? And is shunning biblical?As always, we’re working through these questions together and looking to God’s Word for wisdom and understanding. We hope this conversation encourages you to think deeply, test what you hear against Scripture, and keep seeking truth. Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.Alisa Childers Skillet episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GwayjaKqfQGrowing up Maori in Gloriavale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYmk7XmtGcASam Troth website - https://www.theroadtohealing.co.nzGotQuestions.com article - https://www.gotquestions.org/excommunication.html0:00 - Coming up0:37 – Welcome01:18 – Skillet's John & Korey Cooper Speak Out About Church Abuse | Alisa Childers Interview10:23 – Rosanna Overcomer Recap: Life After Gloriavale & the Fight for Justice11:14 – Laura's Reaction: The Lasting Impact of Spiritual Abuse18:34 – Christa's Reaction: False Doctrine, Spiritual Manipulation & Protecting the Vulnerable24:45 – The New Zealand Justice System: Gloriavale, Sexual Abuse & Victim Advocacy29:37 – Forgiveness vs Justice: Should Sexual Offenders Face Greater Consequences?33:37 – Character References & Sentencing: The Fight for Justice in New Zealand37:37 – Can Christians Forgive Without Restoring Trust?39:37 – What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness & Church Discipline?41:37 – Is Shunning Biblical? Spiritual Abuse vs Church Discipline43:37 – The Purpose of Church Discipline: Truth, Repentance & Restoration46:25 – Final ThoughtsSupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

Apologies for the not perfect audio... (we had an audio system failure during the recording). Thanks for your understanding! Rosie Overcomer is back on the podcast! It’s always such a joy to catch up with Rosie. Thirteen years ago, she and her family fled Gloriavale, and since then, Rosie has continued to advocate for those still inside and those rebuilding their lives outside.In this episode, Rosie shares a personal update, from running the Sydney Half Marathon to writing her upcoming book, before filling us in on the latest developments with the Gloriavale school, young people leaving, and the Howard Temple trial and sentencing appeal. We also talk about the ongoing fight for justice for victims, the challenges facing those affected by Gloriavale, and what gives Rosie hope for the future.Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.00:00 - Coming up00:56 - Welcome & Introduction01:38 - Who Is Rosanna Overcomer? 03:36 - Back Surgery, Recovery & Running the Sydney Half Marathon06:11 - Healing from Spiritual Trauma and False Beliefs About Faith08:51 - Did Rosanna Overcomer Win the Sydney Half Marathon?11:16 - Documentary Success, Legal Fatigue & Emotional Overwhelm14:01 - Why Rosanna Keeps Advocating for Gloriavale Leavers16:55 - Rosanna’s Connection to Gloriavale Today19:26 - Have More Members of Rosanna’s Family Left Gloriavale?20:32 - Teenagers Leaving Gloriavale: The Challenges of Starting Over24:18 - Why Rosanna Decided to Write a Book26:08 - Writing Her Story After Leaving Gloriavale28:15 - What to Expect from Rosanna’s Upcoming Book30:04 - God in the Book-Writing Process?31:16 - What Rosanna Hopes Readers Will Take Away from Her Book33:30 - Gloriavale School Closure: What Is Happening?37:06 - Why Was the Gloriavale School Shut Down?39:19 - Rosanna’s Response to the Gloriavale School Closure40:37 - Could the School Closure Lead to Change at Gloriavale?41:35 - Gloriavale School Reopening: What Happens Next?44:15 - The Howard Temple Trial: Justice for Victims of Abuse53:07 - Howard Temple’s Sentence Appeal Explained56:01 - Rosanna’s Message to New Zealand’s Justice System58:37 - Holding on to God’s Justice When the Legal System Disappoints01:00:39 - Update on the Gloriavale Women in India01:03:44 - What Gives Rosanna Hope for Gloriavale’s Future?01:05:46 - How Can We Help Gloriavale Leavers?01:09:13 - Living Out Faith Beyond SundaySupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

We kick things off today with a blind reaction to the new Narnia trailer (we have thoughts), before getting into some more serious questions about spiritual abuse and biblical discernment. Reflecting on our conversation with Liz Gregory from the Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust, Laura and I chat about red flags in Christian communities, how Scripture can be twisted or used to control people, and why asking questions doesn’t automatically mean you have a “critical spirit.”We also talk about the responsibility of church leaders, why we need to know God’s Word for ourselves, and how to recognise when something isn’t quite right. The goal isn’t to become suspicious of every church or pick apart every Sunday service, but to grow in discernment, test what we’re taught against Scripture, and keep our eyes on Jesus. A little Narnia, a little serious conversation, and plenty to think about!Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.00:00 - Coming up00:53 - Welcome & Introduction01:20 - Blind Reaction to the New Narnia Trailer10:35 - Outsider Retreat Update11:31 - Recapping Our Conversation with Liz Gregory12:02 - Leaving Gloriavale: Laura's Initial Thoughts15:31 - Recognising Spiritual Abuse in Christian Communities17:32 - Red Flags of Cults and Controlling Churches22:27 - How Scripture Gets Misused: Ephesians 5:2228:01 - God's Care for Gloriavale Leavers29:10 - The Higher Calling and Responsibility of Church Leaders32:09 - Questioning Leaders vs. Having a Critical Spirit34:23 - Are We Seeking Truth or Just What We Want to Hear?35:43 - How to Recognise Counterfeit Christianity36:37 - Should We Critique Our Sunday Church Services?37:51 - Honouring Pastors While Holding to Scripture38:55 - Sexual Abuse and the Misuse of Religious Authority44:30 - Infertility, Faith and Trusting God46:48 - Should Churches Be as Intentional About Reaching People as Cults Are?47:53 - The Church Is More Than a Sunday Gathering50:15 - Go to Jesus: Keeping Our Eyes on Him51:53 - Live Your Faith Outside of SundaySupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

What does it take to help someone leave Gloriavale - and what happens once they’re out?In this episode, we’re joined by Liz Gregory from the Gloriavale Leavers Trust, who shares the remarkable story of a network of Christians working behind the scenes to help people leave the religious fundamentalist NZ cult: Gloriavale. Through secret phones, late-night conversations and a commitment to sharing the gospel, this network has helped people find a way out and a new beginning. Since the Trust began, they have supported more than 300 people leaving Gloriavale - but leaving is only the beginning.We talk about the challenges of starting again, learning to make decisions, rebuilding relationships and discovering what healthy Christian community looks like. Liz also shares why it’s so important to understand the difference between genuine biblical faith and spiritual control, alongside her own journey through infertility and the experiences that have shaped her work.This is a fascinating, moving conversation about freedom, faith and walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives. ❤️Click here to watch this episode on YouTube. 0:00 - Introducing Liz Gregory & the Gloriavale Leavers Trust1:53 - What Is Gloriavale? Understanding Life Inside the Community4:50 - Leaving Gloriavale: Liz’s Journey to Helping Members Escape14:20 - Helping Gloriavale Members: Night Raids, Phones & Evangelism18:40 - Why More Third-Generation Members Are Leaving Gloriavale21:40 - Life Inside Gloriavale: Love, Control & Claims of Being the One True Church26:01 - Life After Gloriavale: Rebuilding Identity, Making Decisions & Finding Freedom33:33 - How Do People Escape Gloriavale?36:55 - Has Helping Gloriavale Leavers Challenged Liz’s Faith?38:30 - Cult Chat, Understanding the Gospel & Recognising Spiritual Abuse46:08 - Healthy Biblical Community vs Spiritual Abuse: How to Recognise the Difference48:33 - Church Tribalism, Cults in New Zealand & Warning Signs of a Cult57:13 - What Encourages Liz? Her Infertility Journey & Working for the Leavers Trust1:13:42 - The One That Got Away1:15:13 - Why Do Some Gloriavale Leavers Return?1:17:12 - What Does Liz Hope Will Change at Gloriavale?1:21:30 - Deprogramming After a Cult: Helping Gloriavale Leavers Rebuild Their Lives1:23:20 - How to Help Yourself or Your Child Leave a Cult1:27:33 - Supporting the Gloriavale Leavers Trust1:29:10 - How Do You Live Your Faith Outside of Sunday?Support the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

In this Insights episode, Laura and I reflect on Part 2 of our conversation with Bob McCoskrie, chatting about everything from Christian perspectives on politics and voting to independent media, social media algorithms, and whether our faith is shaping our worldview or the other way around.We also get into what it means to endure through difficult seasons, stand firm in our convictions, and raise children who will hold on to their faith even when it’s not the popular choice. Whether it’s politics, the media we consume, or the pressures of living out our faith, we hope this conversation encourages you to think biblically, practise discernment, and keep following Jesus through it all!Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.00:00 Introduction04:11 Should Christians Watch LDS Films? Faith, Discernment & Entertainment09:02 Recapping Part 2 of Our Conversation with Bob McCoskrie09:42 Value Your Vote: A Christian Voting Resource11:27 Should Christians Split Their Vote?11:42 Political Fatigue: Are We Over Politics?13:26 Independent Media & Finding New Ways to Get Information15:21 Is Christian Bias a Good Thing?15:44 Is Your Faith or Your Algorithm Shaping Your Worldview?16:42 Should Christians Stay Out of Politics?19:49 Bob McCoskrie on Enduring Through the Fire20:12 What Is the Baptism of Fire?22:00 How Do We Endure in Our Christian Faith?25:19 Is Being Cancelled a Badge of Honour?26:22 Should Churches Talk About Politics?29:38 Christian Parenting: Preparing Our Children to Stand Firm34:39 New Zealand's Proposed Social Media Ban for Under-16s38:24 The Six O'Clock News & Media Influence39:30 Laura's Final Thoughts: The Importance of Discernment40:13 Christa's Final Thoughts: EndureSupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

In Part 2 of our chat with Bob McCoskrie from Family First, Bob has a warning for Christians in New Zealand: “The culture is turning up the heat on Christianity.” We chat about the growing challenges facing Christians, why speaking up about our faith matters, and what it looks like to stand firm in biblical truth when it’s not always popular. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, click here to catch up!We get into some big topics, from the nuclear family and gender ideology to immigration, multiculturalism, cancel culture and how the media has changed. Should Christians get involved in politics? How do we make informed decisions when it comes to voting? And what does Bob think about the under-16s social media ban? There’s plenty to unpack!But it’s not all about the challenges. We also ask Bob what gives him hope for New Zealand and, of course, how he lives out his faith outside of Sunday. We hope this conversation gets you thinking, encourages you to stand firm in your faith, and reminds you that we all have a part to play in the world around us.Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.0:00 - Coming up 0:39 - Is New Zealand Woke? Politicians, Culture & Christian Values4:37 - Is Becoming a Minority Christian Nation a Good Thing?6:07 - “The Culture Is Turning Up the Heat on Christians”9:39 - Why Christians Shouldn’t Back Down from Their Faith13:08 - “It’s an Attack on the Nuclear Family”14:04 - Is Gender Ideology on the Decline?16:47 - Bob McCoskrie on Immigration in New Zealand17:27 - Is Multiculturalism a Myth?23:10 - Should Christians Get Involved in Politics?32:07 - Cancel Culture: Are Christians Being Targeted?32:43 - How the Media Has Changed in New Zealand36:32 - Bob McCoskrie on the Under-16s Social Media Ban44:27 - How Should Christians Decide Who to Vote For?49:47 - What Gives Bob McCoskrie Hope for New Zealand?50:35 - How to Live Out Your Christian Faith Outside of SundaySupport the showOutside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media.