That scene isn’t just a historical event; it’s written in a way that invites you to feel what it was like in the room.

First, imagine the setting: a Passover meal, something deeply familiar to every disciple. This wasn’t random—it ties directly to Passover, a celebration of deliverance. Then Jesus reframes it in real time. Bread and wine—ordinary elements—suddenly become symbols of His body and blood. That shift alone would have been disorienting and profound.

Then comes the emotional weight:

When Jesus says one of them will betray Him, every disciple asks, “Is it I, Lord?”
That question reveals something deeply human: uncertainty about their own hearts. They don’t point fingers—they look inward.

Judas’ presence adds tension. Jesus knows yet still shares the meal with him. That’s a powerful picture of grace offered even in betrayal.

Zach and Keva continue their discussion with Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (from Gospel of John 13). When you place that alongside Matthew 26, it deepens the moment: the one they call Lord takes the posture of a servant. In that culture, foot-washing was lowly work. The shock in the room must have been real confusion mixed with awe.

Being “plugged into” Jesus—connects directly to what’s happening there. The Last Supper isn’t just about remembering; it’s about participation:

Staying close. Receiving from Him. Letting Him redefine what life, leadership, and love look like.

A helpful way to think about it: the disciples were physically in the room, but even they were still learning what it meant to truly abide. That idea gets fully expressed later in Gospel of John, “abide in me.”

Imagining the room isn’t just about visuals—it’s about tension, humility, confusion, love, and an invitation: to move from just being near Jesus… to being deeply connected to Him.

This conversation reflects on “Silent Wednesday” during Holy Week—a day that feels quiet, almost uneventful on the surface, yet deeply meaningful beneath it.

Zach and Lucy begin with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:34–40, where He gives the greatest commandment: to love God—heart, soul, and mind. This sets the tone for everything that follows. Before the intensity of the cross, Jesus centers things on relationship, not activity.

They then move to Matthew 26:1–5, where the tension is building behind the scenes. While not much appears to be happening publicly, significant things are unfolding quietly—plans are forming, and Jesus is preparing internally for what’s ahead.

Key ideas from the discussion:

1. The meaning of “Silent Wednesday”
It’s called “silent” because there’s no major recorded public event. But that silence isn’t emptiness—it’s intentional. Jesus uses this time to rest, reflect, and prepare for Passover and ultimately the cross. It reminds us that not all important spiritual moments are visible or dramatic.

2. A deeply personal commandment
The phrase “You shall love the Lord your God…” isn’t abstract—it’s relational. Lucy highlights how even a simple prayer like “Hey God” shows that faith starts with personal connection, not performance or perfection.

3. Trusting God in the quiet
One of the hardest parts of faith is when nothing seems to be happening—no clear answers, no big emotional experiences. Silent Wednesday represents those seasons. The question becomes:
Can you trust God when He feels quiet?

4. Spiritual formation isn’t always loud
Not every moment with God is powerful or obvious. Some of the most important growth happens in stillness, waiting, and unseen preparation—just like this day in Jesus’ life.

This conversation explores what it means to be “mid-bloom”—that in-between space where growth is happening, but fullness hasn’t yet arrived. It’s a place of tension, testing, and transformation.

Gary shares practical and thought-provoking insights for ministry and everyday faith:

Repetition brings assimilation — spiritual growth requires consistency.

There’s a difference between working your gift and working your gift with God — calling without connection leads to emptiness.

Mastery doesn’t mean relationship — skill alone isn’t intimacy with God.

This ain’t Disney—this is real life, and real life requires real relationships — faith is not polished perfection, but authentic.

They also introduce and discuss the SOAP method as a practical tool for daily Scripture study:

S – Scripture: Write out the passage you’re reading.

O – Observation: Note what stands out—key themes, repeated words, context, or questions.

A – Application: Reflect on how the passage applies personally to your life.

P – Prayer: Respond to God in prayer based on what you’ve read.

Together, they model how John 6:35–40 can be studied using SOAP, encouraging believers to develop a consistent, thoughtful approach to engaging with Scripture on a daily basis.

Tune in to hear how a vision for transformation is turning “just a trailer park” into a thriving village of grace and connection.

At First Grapevine, we believe in lifting up every voice. That’s why we created The Bullpen—a space where emerging and diverse voices bring fresh perspectives and deep spiritual insights to the conversation.

In this episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Dr. Keva Green reflect on the just concluded sermon series (Jonah – A Faithful Servant) and the upcoming sermon series (Knee High Theology – Lessons we learned from the kid’s table.

During the Jonah sermon series we read the entire book of Jonah in worship. We want to be a Bible reading church. We want to read the Bible together. 

Was Jonah faithful to his calling from God? Are we faithful to our calling from God?

At First Grapevine, we want to be known as a Bible-reading church—a community grounded in Scripture and growing together in faith.

We’re so glad you’re here.
Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.

At First Grapevine, we believe in lifting up every voice. That’s why we created The Bullpen—a space where emerging and diverse voices bring fresh perspectives and deep spiritual insights to the conversation.

In this powerful episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Dr. Keva Green reflect on Luke 5:1–11, exploring the eternal hope and promise found in God's Word. Together, they walk through the 7 Realities of the Experiencing God Bible Series:

1. God is always at work around us.
2. God is always pursuing a love relationship with us.
3. God invites us to join Him in His work.
4. God speaks to us.
5. God’s invitation requires faith and action.
6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God.
7. When you obey, you experience God in a deeper way.

They also share a preview of our upcoming sermon series on the book of Jonah. Over the course of the series, we’ll read all four chapters, diving deep into this powerful story of calling, resistance, grace, and transformation.

At First Grapevine, we want to be known as a Bible-reading church—a community grounded in Scripture and growing together in faith.

We’re so glad you’re here.
Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.

At First Grapevine Methodist Church, we believe in lifting up every voice. That’s why we created The Bullpen—a platform where emerging and diverse voices bring fresh perspectives and deep spiritual insights to the table.

In this episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Dr. Keva Green reflect on a season of change unfolding across the campus of First Grapevine. Together, they discuss:

A brand-new sermon series: "God Is Always At Work"
— based on the study Experiencing God, exploring how scripture reveals God’s constant movement in our lives.

What’s happening around the church:

• New Bible Studies
• Tween & Youth Ministries
• The Car Ministry
  All expressions of how we’re striving to be the hands and feet of Christ.

A heartfelt invitation for listeners—whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or have walked with Jesus for years.

We’re so glad you’re here.
Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.

Where every voice gets a turn at the mic.

At First Grapevine, we believe in lifting up every voice. That’s why we created The Bullpen—a space where emerging and diverse voices bring fresh perspectives and deep spiritual insights to the conversation.

In this powerful episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel, Dr. Keva Green, and Ed Crater reflect on Revelation 21:1–7, exploring the eternal hope and promise found in God's Word:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
“I will be his God, and he will be my son.”

Together, they discuss:

• What heaven will truly be like
• Why Jesus is more than just "King of the Cowboys" or "King of Country Music"
• The meaning of Jesus as King of our Lives and our Future
• How this passage reminds us that this is God’s story—and we’re all part of it

Whether you’re new to the faith or a longtime believer, this episode invites you to reflect on who Jesus is: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the One who holds our beginnings and endings.

We’re so glad you’re here.
Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.

At First Grapevine, we’re blessed with three gifted preachers—but not every voice is heard every Sunday. That’s why we created The Bullpen: a space for emerging voices to bring fresh perspectives and deep spiritual insight.

In this soul-stirring episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel, Dr. Keva Green, and Ed Crater reflect on Matthew 16:13–19 and the powerful question Jesus asked:
“Who do you say that I am?”

Peter boldly responds, “You are the Messiah, the Christ.”
Jesus affirms him, saying, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.”

This moment marks a kind of spiritual graduation for the disciples—a turning point where Jesus’ message begins to take root in a deeper way, just before the culmination of His earthly ministry.

We’re so glad you’re here.
Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.

At First Grapevine, we’re blessed with three gifted preachers—but not every voice is heard every Sunday. That’s why we created The Bullpen: a space for emerging voices to offer fresh perspectives and deep spiritual insight.

In this soul-stirring episode, Dr. Keva Green and Sandy Robinson reflect on John 3:1–17, exploring the powerful conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Together, they unpack what it means to see Jesus as Teacher—one who challenges, guides, and leads us toward deeper faith.

“No one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit... For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”— John 3:5,16

We’re so glad you’re here.
Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.

Where every voice gets a turn at the mic.

At First Grapevine, we’re blessed with three gifted preachers—but not every voice is heard every Sunday. That’s why we created The Bullpen: a space for emerging voices to offer fresh perspectives and deep spiritual insight.

In this soul-stirring episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Dr. Keva Green reflect on Luke 2:41–52 and explore:

• Jesus the Masterclass: A glimpse into the childhood of Christ
• The Gaps: One 12 years and the other 21 years
• “The child grew and was full of wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him”
• The journey of ongoing sanctification
• How Jesus entered our neighborhood—to meet us where we are

We’re so glad you’re here.
Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media to stay up to date with The Bullpen, The Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine.

At First Grapevine, we’re blessed with three gifted preachers—but not every voice is heard every Sunday. That’s why we created The Bullpen: a space where emerging voices bring fresh perspectives and deeper spiritual insight.

In this episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Sandy Robinson sit down for an honest, soul-stirring conversation around Isaiah 55:8–9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Also in this episode:

• Zach’s and Sandy’s personal journeys to their calling
• A look into the meaning behind the "God Is Big Enough" bracelets
• Practical encouragement for growing in faith—even when God’s ways seem beyond our understanding

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media to stay up to date with The Bullpen, The Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.
We’re so glad you’re here.

Episode: Rooted in Christ – A Conversation on Colossians 3:12-17
Where every voice gets a turn at the mic.

At First Grapevine, we are blessed with three gifted preachers—but not every voice is heard every Sunday. That’s why we created The Bullpen—a space where emerging voices bring fresh perspectives and deeper spiritual insight.

In this episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Dr. Keva Green continue our Road Tripping Sermon Series with a rich conversation on Colossians 3:12–17. These verses challenge us to:

• Live as chosen, holy, and dearly loved people
• “Clothe” ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience
• Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts
• Be rooted in Christ and overflow with thanksgiving
• And above all, “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus”

Expect real talk, honest reflections, and shared wisdom as we explore how to take off the old self and put on the new in our daily lives.

Additional Readings: Colossians Deep Dive

To go even deeper this week, follow this 5-day reading guide:

• Day 1 – Colossians 1:1-15
  Reflect on Paul’s gratitude and use his prayers as a model for your own.
• Day 2 – Colossians 1:16-23
  Meditate on this poetic declaration of Christ as King over all creation.
• Day 3 – Colossians 1:24–2:5
  Consider Paul’s suffering and sacrifice for the truth of the Gospel.
• Day 4 – Colossians 2:6-23
  Learn how Paul helps the church stand strong amid cultural and worldly pressures.
• Day 5 – Colossians 3:1–4:6
  Hear Paul’s call to holy living: “Set your minds on things above.”

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with The Bullpen, The Church Street Podcast, and all that’s happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s keep growing together—in truth, grace, and community.
We’re so glad you’re here.

At First Grapevine Methodist Church, missions are at the heart of who we are—both here in Grapevine and in our partner villages around the world, including Kenya, Latvia, Costa Rica, and beyond. That mission spirit also comes alive right here on our campus.

In this special episode, join Dr. Keva Green, Sandy Robinson, and Lucy Clowers as they reflect on the incredible week of Vacation Bible Camp (VBC), held July 7–10, 2025. You’ll hear inspiring stories about teaching the children of Grapevine about God's love and His world—and how that love echoed throughout our campus and beyond.

Highlights include:

• How the VBC decorations were repurposed to bless others
• Welcoming over 1,000 people onto our campus
• New friendships formed among volunteers
• Children showing leadership by praying boldly
• And a sneak peek at next year’s exciting theme!

Mark your calendar:
VBC 2026 – Snowball Mountain Challenge: Finding Your Strength in God
July 6–9, 2026

Follow us on social media to stay connected with The Church Street Podcast and everything happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace—we can’t wait for you to join us!

At First Grapevine, we are blessed with three gifted preachers—but not every voice gets the chance to speak each Sunday. That’s where The Bullpen comes in. This space amplifies the voices waiting in the wings, offering fresh perspectives and deeper spiritual insight.

In this episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Dr. Keva Green continue their exploration of The Letters of Paul, focusing on the book of Philippians. As the first European church planted by Paul, Philippi was a Roman city turned retirement haven for Roman soldiers. It was also a city caught in a spiritual crossroads: Who will you worship—God or Caesar?

This powerful conversation centers on the enduring joy found in the Lord. As Paul writes in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" The episode invites listeners to see God at work in all things—if only we take the time to look.

Expect real conversations, honest reflections, and shared wisdom from three distinct voices.

Follow us on social media to stay connected with The Bullpen, The Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s keep growing together in truth and grace.
We’re so glad you’re here.

At First Grapevine, we’re blessed with three gifted preachers—but not every voice always gets a chance to speak on Sunday. That’s where The Bullpen comes in. This space gives that extra voice the mic, bringing fresh perspectives and deeper spiritual insight to the conversation.

In this episode, Pastor Zach Stiefel and Dr. Keva Green continue their exploration of The Letters of Paul, focusing on Ephesians 4:1–7. This powerful passage speaks to the strength found in unity and the call to live a life worthy of our calling.

Expect real conversations, honest reflections, and shared wisdom from three distinct voices.

Follow us on social media to stay connected with The Bullpen, The Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s keep growing together in truth and grace.
We’re so glad you’re here.

At First Grapevine, we're blessed with three gifted preachers—but sometimes, not every voice gets a chance to share during Sunday worship. The Bullpen is where that extra voice steps up, bringing fresh perspectives and spiritual depth to the conversation.

In this episode, Pastor Grant Palma, Dr. Keva Green, and Pastor Zach Stiefel explore The Letters of Paul, focusing on Galatians 2:15–20—a powerful passage about how salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by following the law.

They also revisit the moving story of the Ethiopian Eunuch, reflecting on how it has personally shaped their faith journeys. And in a lighter moment, they discuss how country music can mean very different things depending on where in the world you are!

Join us for real conversations, honest reflections, and shared wisdom from three unique voices.

Follow us on social media to stay connected with The Bullpen, The Church Street Podcast, and all things First Grapevine.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace.
We’re so glad you’re here.

At First Grapevine Methodist Church, missions are at the heart of who we are—whether we're serving in our hometown of Grapevine or in communities around the world.

In this special episode, join Dr. Keva Green, Josh Ingram, Steven, and Quinton as they share powerful and personal stories from our 2025 Youth Mission Trip. From building a fence—twice!—to meaningful evening activities, they reflect on the moments that shaped their journey and where they saw God at work.

Listen in for heartfelt stories, laughter, and a glimpse into how God is moving through the next generation of servant leaders.

Stay connected—follow us on social media for the latest updates from The Church Street Podcast and all things happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace. We can’t wait for you to join us!

At First Grapevine, we’re blessed with three gifted preachers—but sometimes, not every voice gets to share their insights during Sunday worship. The Bullpen is where that extra voice steps up, offering fresh perspective and spiritual depth.

In this episode, Pastor Grant Palma, Dr. Keva Green, and Paul Bielss dive into Acts 12:1–17—the powerful story of Peter’s miraculous escape from prison and the unstoppable power of prayer. What can we learn about faith, fear, and the faithfulness of God?

Tune in for real conversations, honest reflections, and shared wisdom from three unique voices.

Follow us on social media to stay connected with The Bullpen, The Church Street Podcast, and all things First Grapevine.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace—we’re so glad you’re here.

At First Grapevine Methodist Church, missions are at the heart of who we are—both in our hometown of Grapevine and in our villages around the world, including Kenya, Latvia, Costa Rica, and beyond.

In this special episode, join Dr. Keva Green, Mark Howe, Carol Howe, Kenda Diehm, and Wayne McNinch as they share stories from their most recent trip to our Kenya Village.

They reflect on powerful experiences—from staying in the guest house to running medical clinics, supporting evangelists, and walking alongside orphans and vulnerable children. Hear how sponsoring a child can transform lives, how communities are moving from hopelessness to hope, and what’s needed to support The Kenya Village's future.

 Stay connected by following us on social media for updates from The Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace—we can’t wait for you to join us!

Where every voice gets a turn at the mic.

With three gifted preachers serving at First Grapevine, there’s often one voice that doesn’t get the chance to share their unique perspective on each week’s scripture. The Bullpen is where that voice steps up and speaks out.

In this episode, join Pastor Zach Stiefel & Dr. Keva Green as they explore Acts 8:26-40 - the powerful story of Philip & The Ethiopian Eunuch️.

Follow us on all our social media channels to stay connected with The Bullpen, the Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace—we can’t wait for you to join us!

With three gifted preachers serving at First Grapevine, there’s often one voice that doesn’t get the chance to share their unique perspective on each week’s scripture. The Bullpen is where that voice steps up and speaks out.

In this episode, join Pastor Zach Stiefel, Pastor Grant Palma, and Paul Bielss as they explore Acts 8:26–40—the powerful story of the Ethiopian Eunuch. Along the way, Zach and Grant pull back the curtain on preaching with honest reflections and practical insight. They’ll answer questions like:
️ How do you write a sermon?
Where do your stories come from?
What story from Acts do you wish made it into the sermon series—but didn’t?

Follow us on all our social media channels to stay connected with The Bullpen, the Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace—we can’t wait for you to join us!

In this episode, join Pastor Zach Stiefel, Pastor Grant Palma, and Paul Bielss as they dive into Acts 2:1–13, the powerful story of Pentecost. Pastor Zach also shares a compelling story about Baylor football coach Grant Teaff and his quarterback Neil Jeffrey—and how they navigated a challenging moment with courage and faith.

Follow us on all our social media channels to stay connected with this series and everything happening at Church Street.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace—we can’t wait for you to join us!

Be sure to follow us on all our social media platforms to stay up to date with this series and all the latest happenings around Church Street.

Let’s grow together in truth and grace. We can’t wait to have you with us!