In this episode of Tell Me More, guest host Ryan Chandler introduces the episode, filling in for the usual host, Katie Reed Hodges. He is joined by Tanner Watson (filling in for Luke Stehr) and Dr. Dennis Wiles.

The trio briefly touches on the day's agenda:
Sharing their favorite Michael W. Smith songs.
Discussing upcoming Christmas Eve services.
Receiving an update on Tanner’s family and his work in youth ministry.

Exploring the theological concept of inaugurated eschatology (the "already but not yet" of the Kingdom of God). Key Discussion Points Following the Intro:
The "Dream Team": The hosts joke about the office being a "ghost town" during Christmas week and banter about their different generational perspectives (Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z).

The Candle Tutorial: Dr. Wiles provides a practical (and humorous) demonstration on how to light candles safely during the Christmas Eve service (3 PM, 4:30 PM & 6 PM) keeping the lit candle vertical while tilting the unlit one—to avoid getting wax on the sanctuary's new upholstery.

Youth Ministry Success: Tanner shares highlights from the year, including his marriage to Delaney, the success of "Encounter Week," and new initiatives like the "Disciple Project" that pairs students with mentors.

The Theology of Advent: The group discusses the importance of liturgy and sacred spaces. Dr. Wiles explains how his view on Advent evolved from a "low church" Baptist background to appreciating the symbolism of light penetrating darkness.

Inaugurated Eschatology
The conversation concludes by touching on the sermon's theme: the Kingdom of God is "here but not yet." This concept, often called Inaugurated Eschatology, suggests that while Jesus initiated the Kingdom during His earthly ministry, its final, perfect fulfillment is still in the future.

In this episode of Tell Me More, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Luke Stehr are joined by Dr. Dennis Wiles for a rich and encouraging conversation about the life of our church and the ways God is moving among us this Advent season.

The discussion begins with reflections on the Advent program from the previous night, “The King,” celebrating how worship, story, and Scripture pointed us toward the joy and hope of Christ’s reign. From there, the conversation turns to Dr. Wiles’ Sunday morning sermon, “Identity Gift,” from Matthew 16:21–28.

Together, they explore the heart of Advent’s declaration—“Joy to the world! The Lord has come!”—and what it means to flourish together as a church rooted in Christ. Dr. Wiles unpacks the question of identity: Who is Jesus, and who are we in Him? The group reflects on Jesus as a different kind of King, leading a different kind of Kingdom, and how discipleship reshapes our perspective, purpose, and very lives.

This episode invites listeners to consider the profound gift of identity we receive in Christ—denying ourselves, taking up the cross, and finding true life by following Him. As Christmas approaches, the conversation encourages us to unwrap this personalized gift from Jesus the King: letting Him save us, shepherd us, and shape us for His glory.

Whether you were present for the Advent program and sermon or are catching up afterward, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and truly tell me more about what it means to live as new creations in Christ.

This week on Tell Me More, hosts Katy Reed Hodges, Luke Stehr, and Dr. Dennis Wiles celebrate a major milestone—175 episodes of conversations, curiosity, and community! The trio takes a moment to look back on the history of the podcast, remembering its early days, how it has grown, and the countless stories and sermons that have shaped the journey so far.

After a bit of well-earned celebration, the hosts dive into Dr. Wiles’ sermon from this past Sunday, “Born The King, Ne’er a Prince!” They unpack the rich historical, cultural, and theological backdrop surrounding the birth of Jesus—revealing why the Magi came searching, why Herod trembled, and how ancient expectations all pointed toward a promised ruler unlike any other.

Together, they explore:

• Jewish expectation after the Exile and the longing for a new Son of David
• Prophecies like Numbers 24:17 and Daniel 9:25 that fueled Messianic hope
• Eastern Gentile perspectives, including the Parthian Magi who studied the signs
• Roman-era anticipation of a coming world ruler from Judea
• Herod’s political fear, rooted in his fragile claim to the throne
• The astonishing moment when the Magi found Jesus and “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy”

Dr. Wiles reflects on how all of history—Jewish, Persian, Roman—converged on that single moment in Bethlehem, revealing the profound truth that Jesus was not born to become King… He was born the King.

Join the conversation as the hosts celebrate the past 175 episodes and look forward to many more, all while centering the story of the One who reigns over all of history.