This summer wasn’t just busy with camps and ministry—it was also a season of transformation inside our church walls. In this episode of Upon Further Review, Dr. John Hall and Cody Kitchen welcome special guest Justin Friesen, Field Street member and the general contractor who led the sanctuary remodel.

Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to blend the traditional beauty of our sanctuary with a modern refresh—all while keeping the cross as the unmistakable centerpiece. With the last remodel dating back to 1997, this update carries both historical significance and spiritual purpose.

In This Episode:

• What a general contractor does (and why Justin was the right man for the job)

• The purpose behind the remodel: honoring tradition while embracing a modern aesthetic

• The step-by-step process of remodeling a sacred space

• Unique design and construction challenges along the way

• The “aha!” moments where it all came together

• The breathtaking stonework and the cross that now captures every eye

• The transformation that stood out most to Justin as both a contractor and a church member
  

This conversation is more than construction details—it’s a testimony of how even brick, stone, and design can point us back to the glory of God.

Welcome to Season 3 of Upon Further Review! We’re kicking off with an inspiring episode that looks back at the incredible ways God has moved through our church family and ministry this summer.

From delivering t-shirts in the Dominican Republic to welcoming children at our annual VBS week, the numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every milestone is the unmistakable reach of God’s hand and the faithfulness of people who said “yes” to His call.

And don’t miss the surprise reveal: Pastor Dr. John Hall shares a simple shift that made a profound difference in our church life. Sometimes the smallest steps of faith can lead to the biggest transformations.

In This Episode:

• How God worked in and through our summer ministries

• Stories from staff who experienced His hand firsthand

• Why numbers matter—but not as much as the lives behind them

• A simple church change with a big Kingdom impact

This is more than a recap; it’s a reminder that God is still moving in powerful ways—right here, right now.

Is reading the Bible a chore—or is it something far greater?

In this week’s episode of Upon Further Review, hosts Dr. John Hall and Cody Kitchen unpack one of the most life-changing spiritual disciplines: reading the Bible. Together, they explore how engaging with Scripture reveals God’s purpose, deepens our faith, and becomes one of the healthiest habits a believer can develop.

If you've ever struggled to stay consistent or wondered why Bible reading matters, this conversation will renew your perspective and encourage your heart.

📖 In This Episode:

• Why should we read Scripture in the first place
  

• How to build a sustainable and joyful Bible reading habit
  

• The real impact of God's Word on your daily life and direction
  

🎁 Bonus: Stay tuned for our light-hearted “That’s Stupid” segment, where we talk trending topics, personal favorites, and our pastor’s hobby, with plenty of laughs along the way!

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• How to Study the Bible – John MacArthur
  

• Reading the Bible for Life – George Guthrie
  

Knowing Scripture – R.C. Sproul

This week on Upon Further Review, hosts Dr. John Hall and Cody Kitchen sit down with Children’s Minister Allison Kitchen for a heartfelt and behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting events of the year: Children’s Camp!

With 27 kids preparing to head out, this episode is full of joyful anticipation, candid insight, and powerful reflections on what it really means to help kids grow in their faith from an early age. From bunk beds to Bible study, water slides to worship, Allison shares how fun and faith work hand-in-hand to create lasting spiritual memories.

🛶 In This Episode:

• Where the children are headed and how many are going
  

• The true purpose behind Children’s Camp
  

• What a typical (and sometimes wild!) week looks like
  

• Allison’s favorite (and least favorite) parts of camp
  

• What spiritual decisions kids can make during camp
  

• How YOU can be praying for the kids and leaders this week
  

🎉 PLUS: Don’t miss our “That’s Stupid” segment where football takes center stage... along with an unexpected hot take on Chipotle 🌯

🙌 Whether you’re a parent, church member, or just someone who loves seeing the next generation grow in Christ, this episode will fill you with hope and excitement for what God can do—even at summer camp.

In this thought-provoking episode of Upon Further Review, hosts Cody Kitchen and Dr. John Hall shift the focus to one of the most foundational and often-misunderstood elements of the Christian faith: the theology of the cross.

Drawing from the writings of the Apostle Paul, Cody and Dr. Hall dive deep into what the cross truly means—not just as a symbol, but as a declaration of God's power, wisdom, and grace. They explore how Christ’s crucifixion reframes human pride, redefines strength, and reveals the stunning humility at the heart of salvation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of the Cross: What makes the cross more than just a historical event?

• The Significance of the Cross: Why Paul makes it central to his theology.

• Christ Crucified: What does this say about God’s character and our redemption?

• Humility in Salvation: How the cross confronts human pride.

• Why the Cross Still Matters Today.

And don’t miss our fan-favorite finale—the "That's Stupid" Segment—where things get a little lighter as we poke fun at some of life’s oddities and our pastor’s favorite hobby!

🙌 Tune in, be encouraged, and look at the cross through a new lens.

What makes a sermon not just heard—but felt?

In this compelling episode, Dr. John Hall and Cody Kitchen sit down with Dr. Joel Gregory, one of the most influential voices in modern preaching. With a preaching ministry that spans 20+ states annually, more than 60 pulpits a year, and a leadership role at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, Dr. Gregory offers an unmatched perspective on the art and heart of preaching.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• [02:05] The biggest trends shaping preaching today
  

• [04:31] The essential books every preacher should read
  

• [09:05] What a typical week looks like for an active preaching ministry
  

• [15:00] Habits and disciplines of truly effective communicators
  

• [19:30] Dr. Gregory’s personal strengths and suggestions for growing as a preacher
  

Whether you're just beginning your preaching journey or you've been in ministry for years, this episode is packed with timeless insight and practical wisdom.

You’ve celebrated Resurrection Sunday with us… Now it’s time to sit at the table.

In this heartfelt and joy-filled episode of Upon Further Review, you’re invited to join an intimate conversation between our Pastor, Dr. John Hall; our Associate Pastor, Cody Kitchen; and our Music Minister Jerry Melson, as they pull back the curtain on Resurrection Sunday—what it means, how they prepare, and what this day stirs in their hearts.

You’ll laugh, reflect, and maybe even get inspired to think about your own sabbath rhythms as they share:

🎙️ What Resurrection Sunday truly represents 🎶 How the team prepares for the biggest Sunday of the year 💭 What their dream sabbatical would look like (you might be surprised!)

✨ This isn't just another recap—it's a front-row seat to their hearts.Whether you were in the pews on Sunday or just want to feel closer to your church family, this episode is a warm invitation to deepen your understanding of why we celebrate, how we serve, and how we rest. “You are the special guest in this intimate and fun conversation.”

But that's not all!

Join us for our intimate "That's Stupid Segment", where we share a fun situation at church.

And don't forget to share it with a friend, because this Resurrection story is one worth revisiting—together.

Ever wondered if those colorful eggs have a place on church grounds? This week on Upon Further Review, we're diving into a surprisingly engaging question: Should Churches Host Easter Egg Hunts?

We kick things off at [02:08:14] by exploring the idea of an Egg Hunt as a Community Outreach and Engagement Move. Could it be a genuine way to connect with those outside the church walls?

Then, at [06:57:14], we turn to the heart of the season: The sacred nature of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. How do secular traditions intersect with this most holy day?

Maybe the answer lies closer to home? At [12:53:19], we ponder: What about an Easter egg hunt at home? Does that change the dynamic?

What does it mean to be A faithful church in this context? We unpack that at [17:25:19], considering how different choices reflect our values.

And finally, at [21:51:01], we take a look at the bigger picture: What are churches doing on Resurrection Sunday? What are the priorities?

Plus, stick around for Dr. John Hall's take on this in his favorite "That's Stupid" Segment at [25:25:24]– trust us, you won't want to miss it!

We're eager to hear your thoughts! Hop over to the comments section after you listen and share your perspective. Let's get this conversation cracking!