Church Street Podcast EP 051 - Holy Week 2026 -2

In this episode of the Church Street Podcast, Pastor Zach Stiefel and worship leader Gary Edwards explore the events of Tuesday during Holy Week, focusing on Matthew 21:18–27. They reflect on Jesus cursing the fig tree not as a moment of anger, but as a powerful symbol of spiritual fruitfulness and authentic relationship with God. The conversation centers on the idea of being 'mid-bloom'—not just performing religious duties or mastering a gift, but living in genuine, daily communion with God. Gary shares a personal prayer taught by his grandmother, 'Lord, eject all impure parts of me,' emphasizing that true spiritual effectiveness requires both disciplined practice and active faith. The hosts challenge listeners to examine whether their service is rooted in relationship or mere performance, and to bring their deepest struggles to the one who understands suffering before it even exists. The episode closes with a call to deepen faith through prayer and trust in God’s presence, especially amid life’s inevitable challenges.