Encounter Life

In this episode, Pastor Kurt Richey talks about how to overcome "the giant of disinterest" by intentionally choosing optimism and peace over despair. Drawing on biblical examples and the classic "pony in the manure" story, Pastor Kurt explains that our reactions to hardship serve as a powerful testimony to the Gospel. He concludes with practical advice on how to live as a light in a dark world, en...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the "noble character" of the Berean Christians from Acts 17. By examining the ministry of the Apostle Paul, he highlights the importance of consistency, reason, and a deep hunger for the truth. As we enter 2026, you are invited to: Be Eager: Receive God’s Word with genuine enthusiasm. Be Curious: Examine the Scriptures daily to know Jesus more deeply. Relying...

Happy New Year! In this episode, Pastor Kurt reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning and aren't restricted to a man-made calendar. Rather than feeling the pressure of New Year’s resolutions, listeners are encouraged to lean into God's daily faithfulness and irrevocable calling. Join the conversation as we prepare for a season of prayer and fasting to hear God's voice in 2026.

Merry Christmas! In this episode, Pastor Kurt talks about how the birth of Christ wasn't just a historical event; it was the beginning of a grand adventure available to "whosoever will." Whether in 1976 or today, the message of Christmas remains one of hope, invitation, and transformation.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the "royal paradox" of Jesus. He explains how Jesus serves as the Prince of Peace through His earthly sacrifice and the King of Kings through His eternal authority. This episode bridges the gap between the cross and the throne, offering a deep dive into Isaiah 9:6. Also, there are some exciting announcements about the new Encounter Life studio and the upcoming...

On this episode, Pastor Kurt discusses the challenge of proclaiming Jesus as King, given modern skepticism toward royalty. Inspired by King David's warriors whose mission was "to make David King," he asserts that while Jesus is already King, believers "make Jesus King" personally through their profession of faith. This act is a spiritual revolution, granting authority and privileges. Pastor Kurt e...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt examines how "ordinary outliers" like athletes Cliff Young and John Daly parallel the apostles Peter and John, who were known simply for having "been with Jesus." While discussing the coming technological shifts, including the rise of AI and the potential for AI Persona Preachers, Richey delivers his core message: the effectiveness of the Gospel ministry will always de...

Happy Thanksgiving! There is so much to be thankful for. Join Pastor Kurt and his family as they share what they are thankful for this year. And how God works through our act of giving thanks.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt stresses that although "you can't unring a bell," it is vital to recognize that "some bells only ring once," referring to unique life events that must not be missed due to bitterness or pride. Drawing on the Western command to "Circle the wagons," he argues that family gatherings, especially in times of sorrow, are not optional, but an essential obligation that creates...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt shares a pre-Thanksgiving message, "The Attitude of Gratitude." He encourages us to live a life overflowing with joyful thanksgiving. Drawing from Colossians 2:6-7, he stresses the importance of trusting Christ daily and allowing faith to deepen. Pastor Kurt challenges Americans to recognize their immense, often-overlooked, prosperity and freedom, urging them to measur...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the Christian doctrine of redemption. He defines redemption through three lenses: exchange (paying a price), convertibility (worthlessness converted to value), and most importantly, relational restoration (being ransomed and reclaimed). He explains that on Calvary, Jesus paid the full ransom for humanity's sin, conquering death and reconciling believers with G...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt challenges the typical use of the phrase, "God loves a cheerful giver," arguing that God's love is unconditional and doesn't depend on how happily we give. He explains that the Apostle Paul's true point in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is about a deep-seated generosity that flows from a heart's decision to serve others. This giving unlocks "surpassing grace," enabling believers to...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt interviews Dr. Steve Hall. Dr. Steve is the Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He led this team in El Salvador. And Dr. Steve is the executive director of Thirst Initiative. The Thirst Initiative is working to "help communities break the cycle of generational poverty by taking a holistic, relational, and long-term approach, and it...

In this episode, we get to Celebrate 51 years of marriage with Kurt Richey and his wife, Joni, on this special episode of Encounter Life, "Marriage Beyond 50 Years." The couple shares their hard-earned wisdom, including their top three pieces of advice for a successful, long-term marriage, such as the power of commitment with "no exit" and the wealth of a compounding "relationship fortune."

Christian Apologetics for the Common Man Series Part 2 In this episode Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale discussing the transformative power of saying "yes" to God. The discussion contrasts the Christian and secular worldviews, exploring how Christians should handle conflict and debate. Pastor Dale emphasizes that a commitment to saying "yes" to the Lord is a powerful life mission that is much greater t...

Christian Apologetics for the Common Man Series In this episode, Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale, discuss the powerful theological premise: "Your yes to God is more powerful than your no to sin." The conversation explores how a focus on a single, positive "yes" to God can be more transformative than a life dedicated to saying "no" to sin, examining the tension between grace and holiness, and how this...

Encounter Life Series | Episode 14 In this episode, Pastor Kurt argues that revival is a sovereign work of God, not something humans can orchestrate. He uses a "chocolate omelette" analogy to explain how churches often mistake their own man-made efforts for true spiritual change. The episode concludes with a prayer for genuine revival, emphasizing that Jesus will build His church, and nothing can...

Encounter Life Series | Episode 13 In this episode, Pastor Kurt addresses the heartache of believers who worry about their unsaved loved ones. He offers a three-step prayer strategy to help listeners find renewed hope and trust in God. Pray for softened hearts and open minds. Ask God to remove spiritual blindness so your loved one can understand and receive the Gospel. Pray for a credible witness....

Encounter Life Series | Episode 12 In this episode, Pastor Kurt offers a new perspective on Christian life, challenging the idea that we are in a constant spiritual struggle. He argues that through Christ's finished work, we are an "occupying force" with legal authority, living from a position of victory rather than fighting to obtain it. Inspired by the phrase "Occupy Until I Return," this episod...

Encounter Life Series  | Episode 11 In this episode Pastor Kurt uses a story from his 6th-grade math class to explain the difference between human and divine standards. He argues that while our lives are defined by imperfect, measurable standards, God is boundless and immeasurable. Richey encourages listeners to seek God through faith and the Holy Spirit rather than trying to understand Him with l...

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 7 In this episode, Pastor Kurt re-examines Robert Fulghum's famous list of life lessons, arguing that it is incomplete without a crucial element: Jesus Christ. He contrasts the secular view of death as an end with the Christian promise of eternal life, sharing a personal story about ministering to the hopeless. His challenge is to make an informed choice between life...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt welcomes Jahzzy Gonzales, the Music Minister at Encounter Church, for a heartfelt conversation about the powerful and often controversial role of music in Christian worship. Jahzzy shares his personal story, his calling to ministry, and his perspective on leading a diverse congregation in praise.

Tired of feeling like you have to "fake it 'til you make it"? In this episode, Pastor Kurt demystifies what it truly means to "live by faith." It's not a lofty, unattainable goal, but a simple practice for ordinary people. Through powerful personal stories, discover the two unmistakable marks of a life of faith: unwavering confidence and the dogged determination to simply show up and not quit.

Encounter Life Series | Episode 10 In this episode, Pastor Kurt talks about the concept of "survivor bias" to ask a deep question: Has the modern church spent decades catering only to those who make it through the doors? Pastor Kurt poses a new posture for the church to stop reinforcing what's comfortable and start a new mission: actively rescuing the truly lost, broken, and left-behind who will n...

Is the famous promise in Philippians 4:19—"My God will supply all your needs"—a blank check for a lavish lifestyle? In this episode, Pastor Kurt argues this verse is one of the most misapplied in the Bible. He explains that far from being a universal guarantee for personal wants, it is a specific, powerful promise to those who give generously and sacrificially to support God's work. Listen to disc...