In 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.

Hosted 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

On 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.

In 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.

Hosts 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.

This 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.

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In 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.

Join 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.