Altar Your Algorithm

Faith in the Chaos-030-with Hunter Ezell

Hunter Ezell is one of the coolest people in all of Hopkinsville. You've probably seen some of his work online. He films weddings, is a great photographer, and most importantly loves Jesus. Today's conversation was fun. And I hope it's uplifting considering all that has happened over the last week. 
 
Be kind and show grace.

Joy in Service: Building Up Others-028-with Ricky Wells

We had a great conversation this week with Ricky Wells, one of the deacons at Southside. He's creative, has a joy for serving, and his work ethic produces a lot of good work. This good work includes his family, the church, and even where he works. One of the key takeaways is 'If you're going to do something, do it right.' That's a mantra that Ricky lives by and we can see it expounded on in scripture (Colossians 3:23, the unofficial verse of the podcast)
 
We hope the episode this week is encouraging and helps you find joy in service as you walk with the Lord!

Calling and Creativity: Using Your Gifts for God’s Glory-029-with Chaney Guffey

Chaney Guffey, co-owner of Your Party People, joins us this week on the podcast. God's plans for her brought her back from UK to stay in Hopkinsville and work in New Work Fellowship's Residency program and the works she has been a part of has been fruitful. We discuss creativity, changes in direction, and what we can do to glorify God.
 
Chaney embodies what it means to ALTAR Your Algorithm. She has let God work in her for His glory. We hope this episode is inspiring-share it with a young person in your life so they can hear what Chaney has done at such a young age!

Becoming a Giant Killer Part 1: Identifying Your Giants-027

In this kickoff episode of our new series Becoming a Giant Killer, we dive into the story of David and Goliath to uncover what it means to identify the “giants” in our lives. Giants aren’t always nine-foot warriors—they can be fear, anxiety, lust, pride, comparison, or anything that keeps us from living fully in God’s purpose.
We explore why identifying your giants is the first step toward defeating them, how fear and intimidation hold us back, and why giants often expose the places where our faith is thin. We also share some practical ways to spot patterns of defeat, name your struggles honestly, and lean on community and God’s strength to face what feels impossible.

Leading the Way: Faith, Vision, and the First Day-026-with Chris Bentzel

In this episode, Chris Bentzel, superintendent of Christian County Public School System shares his journey from the classroom to the superintendent’s office, offering insights on leadership, vision, and the powerful role faith plays in shaping a school year. We dive into how the first day of school is more than just a fresh start—it's an opportunity to set the tone for a year of impact. With practical takeaways on leading with purpose, serving from wherever you are, and staying anchored in faith, this episode will inspire educators and leaders to lead with integrity, faith, and vision. Tune in for encouragement, real-world advice, and a challenge to Altar Your Algorithm.
 
Also, this week we tried some new audio equipment. We apologize for some of the issues with picking up Jackson's mic! We should have these issues resolved next week.

Roots and Routes: Growing Faith for What’s Ahead-025-with Caleb Todd

In this special episode, we’re both welcoming and saying goodbye to our summer intern, Caleb Todd. Caleb joins Jackson and Tyler to reflect on a summer of ministry, spiritual growth, and preparing for what's next. From growing up on a farm in West Tennessee to pursuing a future in cybersecurity and missions, Caleb shares how he's learning to blend faith and vocation.
We also offer practical takeaways to help you Altar Your Algorithm—daily decisions that draw you closer to Jesus.
Whether you're just starting your faith journey or looking to rekindle it, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and a few laughs (yes, Clash Royale makes an appearance).

The 4Fs: Aligning What Matters Most-024-Part 4: Future-Living with Kingdom Vision

In today's episode we conclude our 4 F's series by talking about the future. It's a scary thing sometimes to think about, but it's comforting to remember passages about what God says about the future: Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:25-34 are two that we bring up in our discussion today. Our faith today impacts our family and friends in the future. We hope this episode is encouraging and gives you a bit of confidence as you seek to Altar Your Algorithm and look to the future knowing that God is with you.

Unearthing Truth: Defending Faith in a Skeptical World-023-with Dr. Garry Hill

In this episode of Altar Your Algorithm, we’re digging deep—literally and spiritually. We had the chance to sit down with Dr. Garry Hill: preacher, missionary, archaeologist, and mentor. From unearthed Philistine swords to the kitchens of ancient Israel, Dr. Hill shares how archaeology not only confirms the historical accuracy of Scripture but strengthens our confidence in God’s Word.
We explore how faith is built before the battle, why the algorithm of influence matters more than we think, and how evidence-based belief can and should lead to bold discipleship. Whether you're wrestling with doubt or seeking to anchor your faith, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder: the best defense of faith is a life transformed by it.

The 4Fs: Aligning What Matters Most-022-Part 3:Friends-Filtering and Fueling Your Circle

In this third episode of our Four F’s series, we dive into the topic of friendship—what it looks like, why it matters, and how it can shape our walk with Christ. Building on the two previous episodes on Faith and Family, this conversation explores how the people closest to us influence our direction, faith, and purpose. From Proverbs 13:20 to the power of community, reflect on choosing intentional friendships that challenge and encourage us. We hope this episode helps you Altar Your Algorithm and seek to be influenced by Jesus even more!

Blueprints and Broken Roads: Steady Faith in Shifting Seasons-021-with David Howell

David Howell, an engineer from Hopkinsville, member and deacon at Southside, husband, and father of three joined us this week on Altar Your Algorithm. When David was 16 his mother was taken from him. He didn't shy away from the grief, but leaned into it. He welcomes you this week to listen to his story and see how God has continued to move in him despite life's unexpected turns. 
 
If you've lost a loved one recently or you've been asking God questions about why someone was taken sooner than you wanted, David said something at the end of the podcast that didn't make the cut, but I'd like to share with you anyways: "We talked about asking why. I think it's a very normal human response to ask 'why' when bad things happen. But we had a study a while back on One Question and 'why' is one of those things that we talked about. If you could ask God one question what would it be? I'm a believer that when you get the chance to ask God a question like that, the answer won't matter... You wouldn't ask Him."