COGO Podcast

In this episode, RW interviews Gordon Garrett and Tom Moody who are on the Ohio Disaster Relief team as they share how God is using the generosity of Ohio churches to help people with the most need in Ohio and around our world. Learn more about the Disaster Relief Team.   Thanks for listening!

ATTENTION ALL YOUTH LEADERS! IYC 2026 is just around the corner! Registration opens up October 1 and it's going to be in our great state of OHIO! Cincinnati to be exact! Can we get a whoop whoop! In this episode, RW shares his experience with tips and tricks on how to register and plan for your group to attend IYC. Even if you have gone to IYC in the past, you are going to want to listen to w...

We are thrilled to have Rev. Jeannette Flynn join R.W. on the podcast! Living a life of influence starts with finding a ministry model that truly works. For Jeannette, that model is simple but powerful: see one, teach one, release one. This approach has deeply shaped her journey and continues to guide how she mentors and leads others in ministry today. Jeannette was born and raised in Ohio. Marrie...

On today’s episode, RW sits down with Rev. Steve Chiles as they discuss the theme of OSYC 2025, Imago Dei, and encouraging words for our youth and leaders. Thanks for listening! Rev. Steve Chiles serves as senior pastor at Shartel Church of God in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  For information about Steve and the church he pastors, visit: https://www.shartelchurch.org/staff

Would you rather watch this podcast? Check out our new YouTube Podcast Channel! Click here . In this episode, R.W. sits down with Dr. Rev. Jim Feirtag, lead pastor at NorthPark Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Jim authored the devotional, "Wholly His: God's Call to Be Distinct from the World for the World" a uniquely Church of God book for congregations or small groups. The Church o...

The future is bright for our movement and we are thrilled to have our Interim General Director, Rev. Monté Dillard, join us on this episode as he shares his story and how God led him to serve at our national office. God is at work in some incredible ways in the Church of God and you will want to listen to this podcast in its entirety to hear a sneak peek of what Monté will be sharing at the Genera...

We are excited to have Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt, State Pastor Elect, as the guest for our 50th episode. To celebrate, we are offering this podcast as a video which you can watch by clicking this link .  Thank you for listening! It is because of you, our listeners, we are able to continue with this podcast, sharing stories, equipping leaders, and encouraging our state. Thank you to all  our guests wi...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into how churches are beginning to harness the power of artificial intelligence. From streamlining administration to enhancing Bible study and outreach, AI is opening new doors for ministry. But with innovation comes important questions about ethics, discernment, and spiritual guidance. Join R.W. and Aaron Holman as they explore the promises and pitfalls of using A...

Pastors, do you remember your call to ministry?  Everyone’s call is unique, but it is fascinating to hear how God moves in another’s life journey. In this episode, our state pastor, Rev. Dr. Esther Cottrell shares her journey with Jesus and God’s call  into ministry. You will be encouraged to hear the lessons Esther has learned over her (many) years following the leading of God.  Enjoy!

In this episode, Alex Svarda shares with RW his vision and passion for the youth of Ohio and his ministry at Camp Lebanon where he is the camp director. Alex is no stranger to COGO as he was a session speaker at the 2025 Start Fresh conference. For more information on Alex and his ministry at Camp Lebanon, visit:  http://lebanoncamps.com/about-us/our-staff

Do you really know who your neighbors are in your community? Have you found it difficult to fulfill the Great Commission with those who live near you? In this episode, you will hear an incredible story and strategy that Rev. Beth Wolff has implemented in the community where she lives. Beth is the lead pastor at Clarksburg Church in Clarksburg, MD and will be one of the speakers at the North Americ...

Preaching is one the primary responsibilities of a pastor. It is an art that one must work on continuously through study, prayer, and practice. In this episode, Bishop Timothy Clarke shares how you can improve your preaching skills no matter what level you are. You will step away challenged and encouraged after listening!  Bishop Clarke serves in many roles and is the senior pastor at First Church...

Has God called you into ministry and are you wondering what the next step you can take? In this episode, you’ll learn about the nuts and bolts of Leadership Focus, our credentialing tool we use in the Church of God. R.W. interviews Rev. Kimberly Leach, the credentialing administrator for COGO. Kimberly shares information on how you can join Leadership Focus and encourages those that are in the pro...

Listen as RW interviews guest speaker, Pastor Sarah Wedel, in between sessions at the 3SLi conference in Cincinnati, OH earlier this month. Sarah serves at McDowell Church in Scottsdale, AZ as the student life pastor. In this episode, she shares a few of her experiences and passion for raising up the next generation of leaders including encouragement for today’s youth. For more information about t...

We’ve all been there, having that feeling of isolation in ministry. You are not alone! R.W. sits down with Rev. Angie Swonger who is a licensed professional counselor and they discuss the need and opportunities for Church of God pastors to get counseling.  For more information about Angie, visit: https://movingforwardcounselingservices.com/angie-swonger/ COGO Steadfast Ministries:  https://cogo.ch...

RW Moody talks with David Bullock, COGO Technology Consultant, on how to use tech in the church to the glory of God. Not all congregations need to be wired to worship, but everything can be done with excellence.  David is the Executive Pastor at Awake Church in Shelby, OH and was ordained with the Church of God in 2006. He and his wife, Rita, have been married for 25 years and have 5 children. If...

In this podcast, you’ll get to know an Ohio power couple, Tim and Becky Heller, both ordained in the Church of God. Tim serves as the youth pastor at Meadow Park Church in Columbus and Becky is the new admin for COGO Ministries.  R.W. interviews the two as they share their parenting journey from infertility to foster parents. Those you know who are foster parents, or going through the process to b...

R.W. sits down with the OSYC Student Leadership Team as they discuss the process for planning the annual Ohio State Youth Convention. Listen and be encouraged by the fact we have  incredible youth in our state who are stepping into their God-call.  Watch for your save-the-date card and fresh theme for OSYC 2025!

If you have been in the Church of God in Ohio very long, you likely have had contact with our State Associate Pastor, Rev. Demetrius Booker. Demetrius has made a lasting impact on our state and in this episode, he discusses his call to ministry, lessons he has learned in following Jesus, and next steps for his future. Demetrius has served the Lord humbly and his testimony is powerful and inspiring...

COGO Ministries wants to wish you a Merry Christmas and thank you for subscribing and listening to our podcast. We are excited for what’s in store in 2025! 

How important is on the job training in your field? Do you remember learning from your Pastor or other leader how to do ministry? Most careers have a type of apprenticeship program to train individuals and set them up for success. Intern Academy is THIS program for our movement. Intern Academy is a program that coaches, provides training and curriculum, and connections for ministry opportunities....

Let's face it, change is HARD. No matter how much you prepare for the inevitable seasons of change you are in, it's tough. Pastor Jake Zaske shares in this episode at COGO's General Assembly which took place on October 19, 2024 at Meadow Park Church on the subject of transitions. If you were in attendance, you are encouraged to listen again to words of wisdom Jake shared. We are in...

Our guest today, Cliff Forbes, has an impressive resume including pastoring at New Beginnings Church of God in Meadville, Pennsylvania where he served for over 19 years. He served as the youth pastor for 6 years, then campus pastor for 5 years, and finally as lead pastor for 8 years.  Cliff, currently serves as the Executive Director of Trellis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training the f...

Mentoring in the church is vital as it fosters spiritual growth, strengthens community bonds, and equips individuals to fulfill their God-given purposes. By pairing seasoned members with those who are newer in their faith journey, mentoring creates an environment of support and guidance where wisdom can be shared and lived experiences can be passed down.  This intentional relationship not only hel...

From day one of a leadership role, Jake says we need a transition plan. Why would this be so important to the health of a church or ministry? It can be surprising how each person handles the pressures of transitions. In this episode, Jake and R.W. share their experiences of transitions and some common pitfalls of which to be aware. For more information on Hope Chapel in Olathe, KS, where Pastor Ja...