Podcast
Tell Me More
Hosted by First Baptist Arlington · EN
Tell Me More is a weekly podcast hosted by Katy Reed Hodges and Luke Stehr, where they unpack the Sunday sermon with Dr. Dennis Wiles. This podcast is designed on the premise that Dr. Wiles always has more to say than can fit in a 35 minute sermon - so we have fun discussing it here each week. We hope that in listening you are educated, encouraged and more connected to the pastor and his teaching!
18episodes
Episodes
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Ep. 200 - Summer 2026 @ FBCA
3d ago00:40:01Tap to summarizeIn this special 200th episode of Tell Me More, Dr. Wiles and Luke celebrate the milestone by reflecting on God's faithfulness and sharing exciting updates from the life of First Baptist Arlington. They discuss a summer filled with ministry opportunities, including camps, mission trips, community events, and a unique World Cup outreach partnership with the nation of Jordan. The conversation also highlights ways church members can stay engaged, serve others, and make a spiritual impact both locally and globally. Looking ahead, Dr. Wiles shares vision for upcoming sermon series, a renewed focus on prayer and evangelism, and key initiatives planned for the fall. Join us as we celebrate where God has brought us and look forward to all He has in store for the months ahead.
Transcribe →Ep. 199 - Pentecostal Power
1w ago00:35:02Tap to summarizeHosted by Katy Reed Hodges, Luke Stehr, and Dr. Dennis R. Wiles, this episode of Tell Me More explores the meaning and significance of Pentecost and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. The conversation traces Pentecost from its Old Testament roots as a festival of God’s provision to its fulfillment in Acts as the Spirit is poured out on believers. Along the way, the hosts reflect on the transformation of Peter, the global nature of the Church, and the tension between intellectual faith and openness to the Spirit’s leading. With thoughtful theology, personal stories, and practical encouragement, the episode invites listeners to consider what it means to live surrendered to the Spirit’s power in everyday life. It’s a rich and timely discussion about God’s presence, provision, and ongoing work through His people
Transcribe →Ep. 198 - Grace for Everyone!
2w ago00:40:16Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Tell Me More, hosts Luke Stehr and Dr. Dennis Wiles are joined by student minister Tanner Watson to reflect on recent student milestones at First Baptist Arlington, including prom weekend, senior recognition, and the church’s deep multigenerational roots. They share excitement and prayer needs for upcoming Connect Camp and Encounter Week at Riverbend, highlighting health, final preparations, safety, and good weather as key concerns. The conversation then turns to the importance of safe, well-run camps and the church’s long-term partnership with Riverbend, which provides a spiritually formative “holy ground” for children and youth. Building on Dr. Wiles’ recent sermon from Ephesians 4, the trio explore how the Holy Spirit gifts the church with apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, emphasizing that spiritual gifts are discerned best in community rather than just by individual tests. Throughout the episode, stories from their own lives illustrate how others have recognized and affirmed their callings, encouraging listeners to pay attention to how the church community helps them discern their own spiritual giftedness.
Transcribe →Ep. 197 - We Can Do It!
3w ago00:38:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Tell Me More, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Dr. Dennis R. Wiles recap a full Mother’s Day weekend at First Baptist Arlington, from baby dedications and baptisms to honoring Dr. Charles and Rosemary Wade’s 50 years of ministry. Katy shares real-life mom moments involving head bumps, ER visits, and missing car seats, while Dr. Wiles talks family traditions and grilling on the Big Green Egg. Together they unpack Ephesians 4:1–3, exploring what it means to “walk worthy” with humility, gentleness, and patience in a culture obsessed with self-promotion and online influence. They also highlight the importance of true Christian community, accountability, and summer opportunities at FBCA.
Transcribe →Ep. 196 - Filled with The Spirit!
May 400:45:14Tap to summarizeHosts Luke Stehr and Dr. Dennis R. Wiles welcome missionary Sarah Pursley to discuss Ephesians chapter 5 and explore how believers discern convictions that go beyond explicit biblical commands.Drawing from Dr. Wiles' sermon on the Holy Spirit, they examine why Baptists historically took stances on alcohol, tobacco, and dancing—practices without direct biblical prohibition. The conversation explores how cultural context shapes these decisions, using First Baptist Arlington's 1991 vote on deacon standards as a case study.Sarah shares valuable perspective from her eight years in Slovenia, where church attitudes toward alcohol differ dramatically from American Baptist traditions. This leads to broader discussion about navigating cultural differences while maintaining biblical witness.A key theme: the difference between baptism of the Holy Spirit (one-time) and being filled with the Spirit (ongoing discipline). Dr. Wiles reflects on his journey from a purely intellectual faith approach toward greater openness to the Spirit's leading.The episode concludes with hopeful reflection on the current state of the Church—noting decreased denominational polarization and renewed spiritual hunger among younger generations.
Transcribe →Ep. 195 - Formed for Flourishing
Apr 2800:35:59Tap to summarizeThis week, hosts Katy Reed Hodges and Luke Stehr are joined by Curt Grice, who filled in as guest preacher this past Sunday. The conversation covers everything from Curt's daily routines (Cliff Bars, PS5 RPGs, and morning coffee with his wife Kim of 46 years) to the heart of Sunday's powerful service. Preaching from Romans 12:1–2, Curt made the bold choice to feature a live testimony from Frank and Karen — a couple whose honest story of addiction, brokenness, and redemption moved the congregation to a standing ovation. Curt shares how the Holy Spirit led him to invite them to share, the careful preparation behind the moment, and his deep conviction that the church should be a safe place to be real. At the center of it all: a reminder that too many people try to do Christianity without ever falling in love with Jesus.Subscribe on your podcast app of choice or visit fbca.org for more.
Transcribe →Ep. 194 - Worship!
Apr 2200:51:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Tell Me More, host Katy Reed Hodges sits down with worship pastors Michael Glenn and first-time guest Aaron Tomes to explore the stories and convictions shaping worship at First Baptist Arlington. Aaron shares the powerful calling that led him into worship ministry, the unusual joy of leading a thriving classic service, and how God has used seasons of rebuilding in every church he has served.The conversation also turns deeply personal as Aaron recounts meeting his wife Allison on a music mission trip, her call to international education, and their journey raising six children with intentional discipleship at home. Together, Katy, Michael, and Aaron reflect on prayer, spiritual protection, forgiveness in marriage, and what it means for families to model Christlike love so that children grow up wanting to follow Jesus for themselves.
Transcribe →Ep. 193 - Pentecostal People
Apr 1400:42:54Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Katy Reed Hodges, Luke Stehr, and Dr. Dennis Wiles as they explore what it truly means to be "Pentecostal people" during the season of Eastertide. This episode tackles the big theological questions: What is Eastertide and why does it matter? How do we understand Pentecost as central to Christ's redemptive work? And how do we interpret the Book of Acts without falling into spiritual complacency? Dr. Wiles makes a compelling case that Pentecost represents far more than a historical event—it's the inauguration of the "new temple era" where the Holy Spirit empowers the church to advance God's kingdom globally. Whether you're wrestling with the role of spiritual gifts in today's church or wondering why Western Christianity feels spiritually flat, this conversation challenges you to expand your vision of what God is doing in the world.The hosts dig deeper into a critical tension: How do we embrace the full reality of God's supernatural work without claiming that everything in Acts should happen today? Through personal stories of mission work and exposure to the global church, Dr. Wiles reveals how Western secularism has trapped us in a "two-dimensional" view of life, cutting us off from the spiritual reality that brothers and sisters around the world experience daily. This episode is an invitation to read Scripture with fresh eyes, recognize the cosmic salvation history unfolding around us, and step into the dynamic, Spirit-empowered life that Jesus promised. Listen in as the team discusses church announcements, including exciting camp opportunities for students, and discover why understanding Pentecost matters for your faith today.
Transcribe →Ep. 192 - He Lives!
Apr 700:40:47Tap to summarizeIn this special Easter episode of Tell Me More, hosts Dennis Wiles and Katy Reed Hodges reflect on a meaningful Holy Week at First Baptist Arlington, beginning with a lighthearted staff Easter egg hunt that becomes a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made Easter worship possible. From there, they journey through the week's spiritual highlights, Palm Sunday, the Arlington Prayer Breakfast, and a particularly moving Good Friday service where Dennis shifted communion to a more personal, individual experience. Standing alone in the sanctuary on Saturday morning, Dennis posted: "The cross is silent. The tomb is full, and we wait", capturing the profound significance of that liminal space before resurrection. As Dennis reflects on preaching his 43rd consecutive Easter sermon, he shares a haunting story about an elderly pastor who lost his voice: "Sadder still is to wake up with the voice and no desire." That captures the deep gratitude for both the privilege and calling to proclaim resurrection hope.The conversation celebrates the vibrant Easter worship experiences across both services, with particular awe for how Aaron Toms and the music team have transformed the congregation's engagement with classical worship, making it alive, full of youth and energy, and decidedly not "just for old people." But the theological heart of Easter rests in one remarkable detail from John's gospel: Mary Magdalene, a woman once labeled as demon-possessed, becomes the first person to encounter the risen Jesus and the first carrier of the resurrection message to the world. This detail speaks volumes about God's upside-down kingdom and adds profound credibility to the account. Everyone must humble themselves and depend on grace working through unexpected vessels.Rather than letting momentum fade after Easter Sunday, Dennis and Katy are intentionally embracing the liturgical season of Eastertide, the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost. Connected to the church's vision of intentional discipleship, this season will focus on being shaped by the Holy Spirit, something Dennis believes many Baptists have inadvertently neglected. The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners not to coast into summer, but to stay engaged with daily Bible readings, sermons, and resources as the church explores what it truly means to live in the power and presence of the Spirit, because He lives, not just in Scripture, but in everyday life.
Transcribe →Ep. 191 - Designed To Flourish
Mar 3000:47:38Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Katy Reed-Hodges, Luke Stehr and Dr. Wiles as they explore the richness and profound meaning of Holy Week. In this episode, they discuss the history and traditions of Holy Week in the Christian calendar, share what Holy Week looks like at First Baptist Arlington, and dive deep into what it means to abide in Christ and live life on the vine—drawing from John 15.The conversation touches on fascinating theological territory, including how Easter became Christianity's most significant celebration, the differences between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian Easter calculations, and the remarkable story of Pope Gregory's meridian line in Rome used to determine Easter's date. But more importantly, the hosts explore the spiritual heart of this sacred week: the transformative power of maintaining a living connection with Jesus beyond Sunday morning worship.Through personal stories—including a hilarious exchange about not owning cows in Texas—and thoughtful reflection on the disciples' perspective during Holy Week, this episode reminds listeners not to miss the spiritual significance of these days. The hosts emphasize that bearing fruit in the Christian life isn't primarily about external works or behavior, but about the internal transformation that flows from an authentic, ongoing relationship with Jesus.Whether you're looking for resources to deepen your Holy Week experience (like the Easter Now app or daily Bible readings), practical ways to invite others to celebrate Easter, or simply a refreshing reminder of what it means to stay "plugged in" to Jesus throughout your week, this episode offers both nourishment and challenge.Perfect for anyone seeking to move beyond surface-level Christianity and into a more intimate, Spirit-empowered walk with Christ.
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