In this heartfelt episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with his wife, Alyssa Roberts, a licensed professional counselor, to talk about the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism. Drawing from their own family’s journey with their daughter Ella, they open up about the emotional process surrounding diagnosis, the lifelong role of caregiving, and the spiritual perspective that sustains them along the way. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend of a family affected by disability, this conversation offers empathy, understanding, and hope.

• What parents often experience during the pre-diagnosis and diagnosis stages of autism
• How feelings of grief and relief can coexist when receiving a diagnosis
• Why shame and stigma can affect parents of children with disabilities—and how to overcome them
• How puberty, social development, and jobs present unique challenges for children on the spectrum
• Ways churches and communities can better support families affected by disability
• The importance of viewing disability through a gospel-centered lens of dignity and eternal hope
• Practical encouragement for parents to find community and remember that they’re not alone

• Parenting Autism Support Group: A weekly online gathering for parents of children with autism led by Alyssa Roberts (Wednesdays at 8 PM).
• CHOP Autism Research: Learn more about ongoing research and family participation opportunities at chop.edu.
• Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge: Supporting autism awareness and inclusion through community events — eaglesautismfoundation.org.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street: Find support groups, counseling resources, and community events at gccws.net.

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.

Purity Culture and Marriage with Brad & Kate Aldridge (Part 1)

Register for our marriage conference at https://gccws.net/marriage

Episode Summary

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Brad and Kate Aldridge, licensed marriage and family therapists and hosts of the Still Becoming One podcast. Brad and Kate share their perspective on how messages from purity culture continue to shape Christian marriages today. This candid conversation explores the unintended consequences of youth group illustrations, unspoken fears, and unrealistic expectations carried into marriage. Listeners will gain encouragement, clarity, and practical tools to move toward healthier intimacy rooted in God’s design.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What purity culture is and how it developed in response to the sexual revolution.
• Why fear-based teaching created shame around desire and intimacy.
• How illustrations like “the rose” or “the band-aid” still impact Christian marriages.
• Why many couples struggle to express healthy sexual desire and expectations.
• How purity culture’s gender messaging placed uneven burdens on women and men.
• Why acknowledging and affirming desire is essential for a thriving marriage.
• How Scripture and the language of “fasting” can provide a healthier framework.

Key Quotes

• “The heart of purity culture was good, but it often led to fear-based teaching.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Desire itself isn’t bad—God actually designed you that way.” — Kate Aldridge
• “We told teens: turn desire off until marriage, then magically turn it back on. That doesn’t work.” — Brad Aldridge
• “Purity culture put a lot of pressure on women to carry responsibility for men’s behavior.” — Kate Aldridge
• “Faithfulness is not about delivering a perfect product to your spouse, but practicing self-control and love in advance.” — Pastor Addison Roberts

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Brad & Kate Aldridge — Licensed marriage and family therapists, hosts of Still Becoming One podcast. - https://stillbecomingone.com/
• Marriage Conference at Grace Community Church — January 17 event featuring Brad & Kate on intimacy in marriage.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Learn more or plan a visit: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

Episode Summary

In this follow-up conversation, Pastor Addison Roberts continues with Pastor Kevin Lance, Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church, to explore how families can navigate the world of social media and online platforms. From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok, Discord, Reddit, and even video games, Pastor Kevin shares both the risks and opportunities these platforms present. This second part equips parents to set boundaries, ask good questions, and engage their kids with wisdom and faith in today’s digital landscape.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What parents need to know about popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
• Why cultivating algorithms matters and how content can spiral quickly.
• How apps like Discord and Reddit open both positive and dangerous conversations.
• Why video games should be treated like movies—with attention to storylines, worldviews, and content.
• How to use tools like Common Sense Media and CPYU to evaluate apps, games, and media.
• Ways to keep open communication with kids while protecting them from harmful influences.
• How biblical stewardship and family convictions shape wise technology use.

Key Quotes

• “Most social media apps don’t have your kid’s best interests in mind.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Treat video games the same way you would movies—know the content and set boundaries.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “If your kid is on a platform, you should be on it too, so you understand it.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Open communication with your kids is the best safeguard against digital dangers.” — Pastor Kevin Lance

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• OurPact — Parental control and monitoring app.
• Life360 — Family location and safety app.
• Common Sense Media — Reviews and age-based ratings for movies, games, and apps: commonsensemedia.org
• CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding) — Cultural insights and resources for parents: cpyu.org
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or learn more: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Pastor Kevin Lance, Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church, to talk about developing a tech plan for your family. With four kids from elementary through high school, Pastor Kevin shares practical wisdom about introducing phones, setting boundaries, and keeping conversations open. This first part focuses on navigating smartphones and building intentional family practices that guide kids toward healthy technology use. Parents will come away with encouragement and concrete ideas to help their families thrive in a tech-saturated world.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Why creating a family tech plan matters today.
• How to decide when—and how—to give your child a phone.
• The role of conversation, conviction, and clear expectations.
• Why stewardship—not ownership—is a biblical approach to tech.
• How to handle boredom without defaulting to screens.
• Practical boundaries: screen time, app limits, and device-free spaces.
• How open communication prepares kids to handle online risks.

Key Quotes

• “Being intentional as a parent is harder, but it’s worth it.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Your phone is not your own—it’s a gift and a responsibility.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “Conversation, conviction, and resolve are the foundation of healthy tech use.” — Pastor Kevin Lance
• “There’s nothing our kids can do that will make us love them less—but we still set boundaries to protect them.” — Pastor Kevin Lance

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• OurPact — Parental control and screen-time management app.
• Life360 — Family location sharing and safety app.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or get connected: gccws.net

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 pm, Sundays at 8 am, 9:15 am, and 11 am. Learn more at gccws.net.

This episode contains sensitive themes, including abuse, miscarriage, and addiction. Listener discretion is advised, especially for families with young children listening together.

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Evelma Plastino to hear her remarkable testimony of God’s transforming grace. Evelma shares her journey from a childhood marked by abuse, alcoholism, and broken relationships to finding salvation at the age of 48. Her story is one of hope, healing, and the power of Jesus to change even the most difficult circumstances. Listeners will be encouraged to keep praying, keep trusting, and never give up on those who seem far from God.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How Evelma’s early years of abuse and addiction shaped her struggles and decisions.
• The turning point when she cried out to God at 48 and encountered the Holy Spirit.
• Why mentors, community, and discipleship were vital to her new life in Christ.
• How she persevered through reading challenges to learn and love Scripture.
• What serving in prison ministry has taught her about hope and redemption.
• Encouragement for families praying for prodigal loved ones to return to Jesus.
• Practical ways to trust God’s timing and surrender loved ones to His care.

Key Quotes

• “It took 48 years before I became a believer.” – Evelma Plastino
• “I was sitting on my couch crying out, ‘If there’s somebody real…’—and the Holy Spirit moved all around me.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Everybody needs a mentor… even when we think we’re strong, we still need that other person.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Keep praying. Keep trusting. Pray, trust, repeat.” – Evelma Plastino
• “God said, ‘Give me the children and let them be… I will get these children.’” – Evelma Plastino

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or get connected: gccws.net
• Jesus Calling — A short daily devotional Evelma uses to encourage prayer and trust in Christ.
• Prison Ministry Opportunities — Explore outreach and volunteer pathways through local ministries and GCC connections.

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

In this inspiring episode, Pastor Addison Roberts welcomes Josh March—owner of Empower Training Systems and leader of Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM). They dive into the heart behind EFM, a free Saturday workout and devotional gathering open to the entire community. Josh shares how faith and fitness intersect, dispelling common myths and encouraging listeners to take small, meaningful steps toward better health. Whether you're just starting out or looking for new motivation, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical encouragement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Empowered Fitness Ministry integrates faith and fitness every Saturday
• Why small, consistent habits matter more than major overhauls
• How fitness can be fun, approachable, and customized for all levels and ages
• The power of community and accountability in sustaining health goals
• Common misconceptions about starting a fitness routine—and how to overcome them
• Why proximity matters when choosing a gym or workout location
• How a deeper "why" can transform your motivation for health and fitness

Key Quotes

• “Fitness isn’t about athletics or aesthetics—it’s about being functional for life.” – Josh March
• “We believe fitness is a celebration of our bodies and caring for our temples.” – Josh March
• “Even the people who are super committed—if they try to make a huge, sweeping change, it doesn't last.” – Josh March
• “Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.” – Josh March
• “You don’t have to overhaul your life. Just start with something as small as a walk or a daily vitamin.” – Josh March

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM):

• Free community workout every Saturday at 9:00 AM
• Hosted at Empower Training Systems in Willow Street
• Includes a 15–20 minute devotional and time for prayer
• Open to all ages and fitness levels—modifications and coaching provided
• Next session is Saturday, July 19 at 9:00 AM—come join us!

Contact / Connect:

• Learn more about Empower Training Systems by visiting in person or connecting through Grace Community Church
• Talk to Josh or one of the coaches before or after a Saturday session
• No sign-up required—just show up and sign a waiver

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

In this episode, Pastor Addison sits down with Josh March—military service member, chaplain assistant, and leader of Empowered Fitness Ministry—to explore how faith and military service can work hand in hand.

Josh shares his powerful journey from the fitness world to the Air National Guard, how God used basic training to reignite his faith, and what it's like to minister on the front lines.

Whether you're considering military service or simply curious about how God calls people into unexpected spaces, this conversation offers honest insights and practical encouragement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why Josh felt compelled to serve in the military after 9/11
• How basic training unexpectedly reignited his relationship with God
• What a chaplain assistant does—and why it matters
• The story behind Josh’s call to seminary and pastoral training
• Why military service can be seen as an act of love from a Christian perspective
• Practical advice for those considering military service, including how to explore options wisely
• The unique spiritual needs of servicemembers and how the church can be present for them

Key Quotes

• "Military service is an act of love. You're literally saying, 'I'm willing to take that risk so others don't have to.'" – Josh March
• "Basic training stripped everything away—but I had my Bible and a cross from my grandfather. That grounded me." – Josh March
• "Someone has to be there in those hard moments. As Christians, we can be a presence of hope and peace." – Josh March
• "I told God, 'You have to make it abundantly clear.' A week later, the education benefits changed—and I knew." – Josh March
• "Before you talk to a recruiter, talk to someone who’s served. You’ll get the real story without pressure." – Josh March

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Empowered Fitness Ministry at Grace Community Church — efm.church
• Liberty University — Seminary education mentioned by Josh - www.liberty.edu/

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania.

Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am.

Learn more at gccws.net.