Authentic Christian Communities

For you, what creates a safe place, a place where you're not afraid to be known? This episode explores how grace is not just a theological concept but a lived experience—especially within a community. Bill and Scott reflect on what it means to belong to an “environment of grace” and how mutual dependence leads to maturity, unity, and purpose. They challenge listeners to trust others, embrace their own needs, and believe that grace is meant to shape every relationship around them.Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:03) What Is an Environment of Grace?* Grace allows people to live beyond their circumstances and meet others’ needs.* Communities shaped by grace express love as their defining characteristic.(04:45) The Difference Between True and Pseudo Community* A true grace-based community meets needs and cultivates joy and purpose.(08:52) Spiritual Gifts Are for the Community* Believers are gifted by God for the benefit of others, not self-expression.* Without a grace environment, spiritual gifts remain unused.(12:31) Maturity Requires Community* Hiding weaknesses blocks the maturing process and isolates believers.* Grace invites vulnerability and leads to growth.(14:53) Mutual Dependence Is Leadership* Submitting to one another’s strengths is an act of grace and trust.* Experiencing grace means learning to give and receive it—including with yourself.This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Om Podcasten

Discovering who God says you are may be your most important life pursuit. Imagine what our world might be like if we believed we were designed and gifted by God for each other. Living Influence is co-hosted by Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd. Bill Thrall is an author, mentor, public speaker, and co-founder of Trueface. He is married to Grace, who loves to mentor women and to come alongside leadership couples with Bill. They have three children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They live in Phoenix. Scott Boyd founded QuesTec Companies, a mechanical contracting and HVAC service business. He is married to Aileen. Scott and Aileen both lost their first spouses to cancer. They together have five children and seven grandchildren. No matter who you are, your influence matters. We believe your view of you may be the most critical factor in your influence. Whatever your role, professional, pastor, parent or student, the most significant expression of your influence will be from your person.