COGO Podcast

Missions isn’t just overseas—it’s everywhere you serve. On this episode, R.W. Moody sits down with Andrew Gale, Executive Director of Global Strategy for Church of God Ministries, to unpack why all ministry is cross-cultural. From life-shaping missions stories to empowering leaders around the world, Andrew challenges leaders to pray bigger, learn deeper, and engage God’s global kingdom with humili...

In this episode, R.W. sits down with Patricia Gomez and her son, Daniel Gomez, as they share about their church planting efforts with Planting Together Ministries.  Patricia and her husband, José, are leaders in the church planting network for Church of God's Spanish-speaking congregations. Currently, they are working to disciple leaders of church plants across several Midwest states and arou...

Trellis Churches is a ministry organization committed to educating, empowering, and equipping the next generation of church leaders. Their holistic training pathway includes a three-year internship and a two-year residency, combining hands-on church experience with accredited university education — all designed to prepare people for full-time ministry without accumulating crippling debt. In this e...

In this episode, R.W. sits down with Chase Perkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kids Around the World (KATW.org), to discuss the incredible global impact of this faith-driven organization. Chase shares inspiring stories about how KATW equips communities through meal packing, playground builds, and discipleship programs that bring hope to children across the globe. Together, they explore...

In this episode, RW sits down with Daniel & Christy Kihm, (missionaries to Europe and the Middle East) who share how their team works to support and encourage pastors and national leaders around the world. From creating safety nets that prevent burnout to building synergy and global connection, they reveal how community and collaboration keep ministry thriving.  For more information about the...

When was the last time you had an injury that slowed you down? Perhaps your arm was in a sling, or you had your foot in a cast. It's frustrating when our bodies are limited or in pain, right?  Painful limitations are the reality for the families that Children of Promise work with around the world. However, each person is made whole as they belong to the Body of Christ and are given the tools...

In this episode, R.W. and guest, Joe Watkins, explore how pastors and churches can use AI to help navigate changing work and life, especially as it continues to be integrated more into all that we do. By grounding our identity in God’s calling and fostering strong, supportive relationships, we can prevent AI from replacing community. Joe has served as a youth and senior pastor and currently he is...

On this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody hosts Bart Rendel, co-founder of Intentional Churches, for a conversation rooted in the mission of helping churches become one-aware, activated, and radically aligned with the Great Commission. Drawing from the proven tools and vision of Intentional Churches—including ChurchOS / OneTeam—Bart shares how to mobilize the “ninety-nine” in your congregati...

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...