Let's Be Holy For Real

That Might Be An Idol

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:04:12 GMT

What if the biggest idols in our lives don't look like statues...but look like our phones, platforms, relationships, habits, ambitions, and even church culture? In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Stephanie and Erica unpack the subtle ways idols can take root in the hearts of believers - even while serving in ministry, attending church, and living "good" lives.

From social media addiction to idolizing pastors, relationships, platforms, success, and even life itself...this episode confronts the uncomfortable question:

Who or what do you rub to before you run to God?

What We Talk About:

Anything you run to before you run to God can become an idol.
You can leave worldly idols behind and still create idols inside the church.
Sometimes God will remove idols from your life because He refuses to share His glory.
We have to ask ourselves: what has my attention, affection, and dependence?
Your idol may not be a golden calf. It may be your phone.
The scary part about idols is most people don't realize they have them.

Greek Life Under Fire

Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Greek life, sororities, fraternities, convictions, obedience, and the voice of God... whew, we went THERE.

In this powerful and transparent episode, Stephanie and Erica tackle one of the hottest conversations flooding social media right now. Can believers be involved in Greek organizations and still fully follow Christ? This isn't a debate full of condemnation—it's an honest, grace-filled conversation about conviction, loyalty, spiritual discernment, obedience and seeking God for yourself. Whether you're in a sorority/fraternity, thinking about joining one, denouncing on or simply trying to understand the conversation happening online—this episode will challenge you to seek God first above EVERYTHING.

What We Talk About:

Why Greek life is causing major debate in Christian spaces right now
What happens when God convicts you about something you once loved
The pressure, emotions, and backlash that can come with obedience
Why seeking God for yourself matters more than public opinion
How to respond with grace when others don't share your convictions

Dating Holy in a Swipe Culture

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Stephanie and Erica Jewel dive into the realities of dating as believers in today's swipe culture. From DMs and dating apps to emotional boundaries and spiritual alignment, they keep it honest about what it truly means to date with purpose. This conversation is raw, practical, and full of truth. If you've ever wondered how to navigate dating without compromising your faith, this episode is for you.

What We Talk About:

What it really means to date with purpose as a believer
How your online presence can invite (or deter) the wrong attention
Setting clear boundaries to avoid compromising situations
The importance of emotional and spiritual maturity in dating
Real talk about temptation, boundaries, and self-control
The importance of seeking God first in every relationship decision

Who's Really Walking With You

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

We don't always say it out loud... but a lot of us are walking this journey feeling alone. Not because we don't love God. Not because we're not trying. But because somewhere along the way—through hurt, disappointment, or mistrust—we pulled back. In this episode of Let's Be Holy for Real, we're talking about the tension between isolation and real community.

What We Talk About:

The danger of withdrawing after being hurt
Accountability vs. agreement (iron sharpens iron)
The responsibility to both pour into others and be poured into
Why isolation can feel safer than connection
The difference between being set apart and being cut off
What healthy, Christ-centered community actually looks like

Misused Spiritual Authority

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In today's episode of Let's Be Holy for Real, Stephanie and Erica unpack the difference between leading and controlling, honoring versus idolizing, and being guided versus blindly following. They also share personal insights on what it looks like to know the Word for yourself, walk in discernment, and respond when something doesn't feel aligned. Whether you're in leadership or under leadership, this conversation in both a heart check and a call higher.

What We Talk About:

Why accountability must exist at every level
True leadership models Christ, not control over people
Knowing the Word for yourself is essential
The danger of blind loyalty and spiritual idolatry
Why everything and everyone must ultimately point back to Christ

Tired but Still Pressing

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:39:49 GMT

Today, we're talking about something that a lot of believers feel, but don't always say out loud: getting tired. Not tired of God...not tired of the walk... but tired in the walk. Because somewhere along the way, many of us were taught, or maybe just picked up, that being saved means always strong, always having it together, always saying "I'm good." But today we're pulling the cover off that. We're talking about what it really looks like to be tired and still faithful!

What We Talk About:

Difference between quitting and needing strength
The pressure to always appear okay ("all is well" culture)
Crawling toward Chritst is still moving foward
We are helpers one to another
Wanting to appear "together" instead of being healed
Transparency with God invites His power

Trying to Live Holy While Life is Lifing

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:28:53 GMT

In this episode of Let's Be Holy for Real, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewell dive into the realities of navigating life when it feels overwhelming—when “life be lifing.” They explore how to maintain faith, persevere, and stay rooted in Christ during challenging seasons. From the importance of spiritual rhythm and “basic training” in faith to letting go of pride and truly surrendering to God, Stephanie and Erica share practical insights and encouragement for living holy in real-time.

What We Talk About:

Life will happen and it can be tough
When under pressure, we often rely on ourselves... why?
Many struggles are self-inflicted by not surrendering to God or bringing issues to Him in prayer.
Faith matures through practice; when life gets chaotic, prior spiritual training allows us to stand firm.
Dependence on God is a continual choice, not a one-time event.
Shift your mindset; run to God first, not last.

Grace for People Still Growing

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:17:33 GMT

In today's episode we talk about grace! We often expect grace for ourselves but struggle to extend that same grace to others. Why is that? And on the flip side, are we sometimes abusing God's grace as an excuse to live however we want? Grace is not a license to sin but it's a lifeline for those becoming more like Christ. If we're going to be holy for real... we have to learn how to give grace for real.

What We Talk About:

Judging others while excusing ourselves
Maturity requires humilty and memory, don't forget where you came from
Grace is not a "get out of jail free card"
God gives grace but we are responsible for how we live
People grow where they feel covered, not condemned
You can uphold truth AND extend love

Consecration Should Be Your Go-To Remedy

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

What does it really mean to live a consecrated life? In this episode, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel open up an honest conversation about consecration. Together they explore how it goes deeper than just prayer and fasting. This episode invites you to rethink your approach to your relationship with God and consider what it looks like to truly set yourself apart.

Consecration is a decision to fully dedicate yourself to God.
Prayer and fasting are practices within consecration, but consecration is the broader commitment and lifestyle.
How a season of consecration can shift your perspective and priorities
Letting go of distractions to create space for God
Practical ways to begin your own consecration journey

Saved, Sanctified... and Still Human

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel dive into a real and often unspoken truth: you can be saved, sanctified... and still human. They unpack growth, grace, and the danger of repeating harmful church cycles, while encouraging honesty in your faith journey. Your transparency doesn't just help you, it helps others feel seen and safe to grow too.

What We Talk About:

Salvation is the beginning of transformation, not instant perfection
You can be a "new creature" while still growing in behavior, mindset, and habits
Why imitation can replace true transformation
Let the Holy Spirit lead, teach, and convict
Learning through experience (not just rules)

When Obedience is Inconvenient

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:35:21 GMT

Obedience is easy...until it's inconvenient. This week on Let's Be Holy For Real, we're talking about the moments when God's instruction disrupts our comfort, our plans, and our preferences. What do you do when obedience costs something? Real holiness means saying yes, even when it's hard.

What We Talk About:

Obedience is rarely scheduled around our convenience
How we sometimes negotiate with God
Big obedience is usually built on a history of small obedience
"Delayed obedience" being a subtle form of disobedience
Obedience sounds good in theory...until it disrupts your plans

Doing the Most, Becoming the Least

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:33:07 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel have a honest conversation about what it looks like to be busy in church but not actually growing in Christ. They unpack how easy it is to prioritize activity over intimacy with God. Sometime we can be doing everything for God while missing the opportunity to simply be with Him.

What We Talk About:

Are we serving Jesus...or sitting with Him?
How believers can become busy in church but disconnected from relationship with Christ.
The danger of being frustrated while serving when others choose presence over performance.
How churches can unintentionally program the presence of God out of services with structure and busyness.

You Can Forgive and Still Lock The Door

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel dive into a conversation many believers struggle with but rarely unpack honestly: forgiveness, boundaries, and what it really means to "lock the door." Together, they explore the difference between accountability and access, and why setting boundaries can be both biblical and necessary for healing. With transparency and spiritual insight, they break down how forgiveness is freedom, and how wisdom and wholeness work together in our walk with God.

What We Talk About:

Can you forgive and still protect your peace?
What does it look like to release offense without reopening the same door?
Forgiveness does not automatically mean restored access
Navigating forgiveness when it's your spouse, children, or family
Can you "lock the door" and still love well?
Is it rejection or discernment?

This is Me Trying

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this heartfelt conversation, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel talk about what it truly looks like to try to live holy when life, background, circumstances, and growth are still in progress. They explore the reality that everyone’s effort does not come wrapped in perfection, polish, or “church culture,” yet God honors the sincere heart that is pressing toward Him. This episode challenges the church to create space for imperfect effort, compassion, and grace so people can grow without feeling shamed or disqualified.

What We Talk About:

Why “trying” doesn’t always look church-ready or put together
The danger of judging someone’s effort by outward appearance
Remembering that what is small to us may feel enormous for someone else
Allowing people room to mature without crushing their effort
How God looks at the heart, while people often only see presentation
Encouraging believers to keep trying, even when it feels imperfect

Mentoring Others Won't Diminish Your Shine

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel dig into the importance of spiritual mentorship, discipleship, and guidance in the church. They discuss why emerging ministers, leaders, and believers need strong spiritual covering, intentional coaching, and real-life modeling rather than simply observation. Together, they explore the difference between preaching and being developed, calling and preparation, and how healthy mentorship protects the church, strengthens faith, and nurtures authentic growth in Christ.

What We Talk About:

The role of pastors in mentoring and developing younger ministers
Why observation alone is not enough for spiritual formation
The difference between gifting, calling, and preparation
How mentorship prevents unhealthy imitation and spiritual confusion
Discipleship beyond the pulpit...Why every believer needs guidance
Why mentoring strengthens both the church and the individual

Churchy but Not Changed

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this powerful discussion, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel explore the difference between being active in church and actually being transformed, highlighting how emotions, involvement, and image cannot replace true relationship with Christ, obedience, surrender, and real spiritual change.

What We Talk About:

How routine church culture can create “religious performance”
Why emotions, church involvement, and good deeds are not the same as relationship
The power of teaching churches that lead people into real change
What true transformation looks like versus outward religious behavior
The difference between having a “form of godliness” and walking in God’s power
Why seeking God personally matters more than looking spiritual publicly

The Pressure To Perform

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s conversation, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel unpack the pressure many believers feel to perform in church and in life, revealing how people-pleasing, expectations, and pretending disconnect us from God, while authentic faith begins with surrender and honesty before Him.

What We Talk About:

The difference between outward appearance and inward transformation
People pleasing in the church and why it is spiritually dangerous
How rules, expectations, and culture can overshadow true holiness
Social media holiness vs. secret-place holiness
Building real relationship with Christ instead of maintaining image
Encouragement to seek God personally rather than chasing approval

Holiness Ain’t Hard – It’s Surrender

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:17:00 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel talk honestly about what it really means to live holy beyond church performance, expectations, and image. They explore how holiness is rooted in surrender, trust, and genuine relationship with God instead of perfection or pressure.

What We Talk About:

Why many believers think holiness is hard
How love and relationship with God make obedience easier
Trusting God enough to release control
What surrender looks like when life is actually hard
How the Holy Ghost helps us respond differently
Growing spiritually through dependence, discipline, and trust

Can We Stop Acting?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:30:19 GMT

In this first episode of “Let’s Be Holy for Real,” Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel talk honestly about what it truly means to live holy beyond church performance, expectations, and appearances. Together, they explore how real holiness flows from relationship with God rather than religious image or behavior.

What we talk about:

Why many believers feel pressure to “act holy” instead of living holy
Church culture, performance, image, and exhaustion
Honesty, repentance, and confronting our own hearts
The importance of spiritual maturity rather than perfection
Why the Word of God reveals who we really are
Moving from pretending to truly pursuing holiness

Holy and Hood: Is That a Thing?

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Holy or hood? Can you really be both? Pastor Stephanie and Dr. Erica Jewel tackle the tension between being holy and staying hood, and what it says about you heart.

What We Talk About:

What does it mean to be "Hood?"
Your choices reveal your faith
Avoiding labels or promoting things that don't glorify the Father.
How our conduct reflects who we truly are.
Avoiding old behavior or influences that no longer align with who God is shaping you to be.