Zion Christian Centre Podcast

Most of us don’t wake up thinking, “Today I’m going to thrive", we’re just trying to survive. But Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2 that we were made for more. ➡️ Made alive — not improved, but awakened ➡️ Made new — saved by grace, not effort ➡️ Made for more — created on purpose, for purpose. You’re not random, you’re not a copy... you’re God’s handiwork — His masterpiece. 🎨 So the question isn’t “Is there more?", it’s “Will I step into it?” Speaker - Leon Evans, Lead Pastor

Rather than trying harder or becoming “a better version” of ourselves, real change starts with identity, not behaviour. So many of us measure life by success, validation, or comfort—only to feel stuck or exhausted. Drawing on the idea that who you believe you are shapes how you live, the message is simple: you don’t need a new you, you need a clearer view of yourself. When identity comes before effort, pressure gives way to purpose—and that’s where real transformation begins. You were Made for More. Speaker - Leon Evans, Lead Pastor

As we step into 2026, we all arrive differently. Whether you’re full of faith, full of questions, overwhelmed, comfortable, or barely holding on, the invitation is not to have a perfect plan for the year ahead but a clear direction, fixing our eyes on Jesus, throwing off the crowds of distraction and setting your direction towards Him. That can change everything. Speaker - Andy Hancock, Executive Pastor

Real change isn’t about forcing ourselves to be better — it’s about letting God grow something new in us. Self-control isn’t just resisting temptation; it’s the foundation that frees us to love, choose peace, show patience, and live with purpose. We’re all tempted, but God is faithful, always offering a way through and shaping our character as we walk with Him. Jesus modelled ultimate self-control, choosing surrender for our freedom — and we can step into that same transformation today. — Speaker: Andy Hancock

Our world desperately needs the Christ-like maturity that shows up as a long fuse—steady, calm, and gracious even when we’re frustrated. Paul reminds us that patience is a fruit the Spirit grows in us, a reflection of God’s immense patience toward us, and something we’re called to extend to everyone: the idle, the hurting, the weak, and even the difficult. When we pause, respond rather than react, and remember how patient God has been with us, we discover that patience isn’t weakness—it’s a superpower! —Speaker: Lead Pastor, Leon Evans

Joy has a way of spilling over from one person to another — whether in big life moments or tiny everyday ones. But as Jesus’ story of the prodigal son shows, lasting joy isn’t found in chasing experiences or trying to become a “better version” of ourselves; it’s found in vulnerability, in choosing to come home to a God who welcomes us with compassion and turns His joy into ours. —Speaker: Assistant Pastor, Gareth Blount

In a world full of division, what would happen if we led with kindness? In the Kingdom of God, there’s no “us vs. them” — there’s just us. Kindness isn’t about judgment or convenience — it’s about forgiveness, compassion, and love that brings unity. 💛 That kind of kindness changes the world. 🌍 —Speaker: Keith Spurgin

In a world that feels louder, harsher and more divided, gentleness can seem unfashionable — even weak. But true gentleness isn’t weakness —it’s strength under control, expressed in love. Jesus described His own heart as “gentle and humble,” showing us that gentleness has the power to heal relationships, calm chaos, and bring rest to weary souls. When we choose gentleness — in our words, our reactions, our faith — we reflect God’s heart and shift the atmosphere around us. —Speaker : Jayne Sargeant

We live in a world desperate for peace — yet the kind we try to create through mindfulness, rest, or control never lasts. True peace, the kind that calms storms within and around us, is the peace Jesus gives. Peace isn’t just about personal calm, but about pursuing, cultivating, and establishing peace — becoming people who carry Jesus’ peace into a divided, chaotic world. —Speaker : Laura Hancock

The world feels broken — wars, division, fear for the future. What our world needs now? Love and faithfulness. We explore how living like Jesus can fill the gap between how life is and how it should be. —Speakers : Andy Hancock and Sam Hughes

What do you follow? Have you ever invested time into something and been let down or disappointed? BUT... What if there was something or someone you could follow that was 100% reliable? —Speaker: Mark Greenwood, Director of Elim Evangelism.

We all want to be part of something that matters — something bigger than ourselves. Over the past three years, Above & Beyond giving has reached from Halesowen to Albania, from families in crisis to global missions. Now, God’s calling us again to go above and beyond — to invest in what lasts, to open our hands, and to light up lives with hope. —Speaker : Leon Evans - Lead Pastor

What unites us is greater than what divides us. We explore how a wildly diverse group of disciples with clashing backgrounds, personalities, and politics were brought together by Jesus to change the world. The same invitation is open to us today: connection, belonging, purpose, and second chances. If you’ve ever thought faith is about division or perfection — think again. This is about a fresh start, a new way of living, and a place where everyone is welcome. —Speaker : Andy Hancock, Executive Pastor

We all love a good ending—whether it’s shocking, heartbreaking, frustrating, or full of hope. But how does God’s greater story end? In Isaiah 65 we catch a glimpse: a new heaven and a new earth, where sorrow and death are gone, where purpose and peace are restored, and where joy overflows. This isn’t just God’s story—it’s our story too. We can look forward with hope, with purpose, and with expectation, knowing the Author who began the story will finish it. —Speaker : Leon Evans - Lead Pastor

What makes a great story? Tension — that messy middle where everything matters. In this talk we explore how Isaiah points to our own tangled stories of sin, exile and desperate need, then offers the hope of a Redeemer: a rescuer who comes, pays the price (the suffering servant) and invites us into new life. Join us as we unpack the problem, the promise, the cost and the pathway of redemption — and what it means to live the good news today. —Speaker : Leon Evans - Lead Pastor

Where’s God when life doesn’t go to plan: Where’s God in my story? Everyone has a story, nobody really gets the story they want but everyone’s can story can be redeemed, find meaning, purpose and identity when it becomes part of God’s Greater Story. Speaker: Leon Evans - Lead Pastor

In a world marked by turmoil, uncertainty and “permacrisis,” where do we find hope and meaning? Looking through the lens of Isaiah, we explore how God’s Greater Story —creation, fall, redemption, and perfection, speaks into our chaos today. —Speaker : Leon Evans - Lead Pastor

As a new season begins, we look at the story of David & Goliath and what it means for us today. Just like David, we’re reminded to carry three essentials in our “backpack”: our identity in God, the tools He’s already given us, and the right kit for our own journey. Whatever giants we face, we can step forward knowing Jesus is faithful and with us. —Speaker : Andy Hancock, Executive Pastor

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, we all share the same need for community—and for hope. In Mark 10:46–52, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, cries out to Jesus and discovers more than healing—he discovers value, dignity, and new life. This talk explores what it means when Jesus isn’t distracted by the noise around us, why He asks the question “What do you want me to do for you?”, and how His presence meets our deepest needs. If Jesus asked you that same question, how would you answer? —Speaker : Gareth Blount, Assistant Pastor

We explore the myth of perfection in relationships, the reality of disappointment, and how true community is built. —Speaker : Harvey Hather