Encounter Life

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...

Encounter Life Series | Episode 9 For anyone burdened by regret or past failures, this episode offers a powerful path to freedom. Pastor Kurt Richey explains how to move from shame to purpose by becoming a "Steward of the Mysteries of God," learning to embrace truths we cannot always understand. Discover the power of three core mysteries: Saving Grace that redeems us. Sufficient Grace that sustain...

Christian Apologetics for the Ordinary Man – Deconstruction Part 2 In this episode, Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale tackle the large subject of Christian Apologetics. They discuss spiritual deconstruction. And explore why individuals, sometimes called "exvangelicals," leave the Christian faith. Learn and grow with Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale in this multi-episode series!

Christian Apologetics for the Ordinary Man – Deconstruction Part 1 In this episode, Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale tackle the large subject of Christian Apologetics. They discuss spiritual deconstruction. And explore why individuals, sometimes called "exvangelicals," leave the Christian faith. Learn and grow with Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale in this multi-episode series!

Encounter Life Series | Episode 8 In this episode, Pastor Kurt delivers a sermon centered on the Christian believer's solemn responsibility to preserve and propagate the faith. He argues that this duty is a foundational, non-negotiable aspect of the Christian life, drawing parallels between this spiritual obligation and a formal legal trust. Therefore, we must embrace the seriousness of our role a...

Encounter Life Series | Episode 7 In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the Christian concept of peace, contrasting the common secular definition with the spiritual peace promised in the Bible. Secular Peace (or "Oxford Peace"): Defined as merely the absence of conflict or disturbance. This peace is temporary, fragile, and dependent on external circumstances. Biblical Peace (or "Jesus Peace"): A p...

Encounter Life Series | Episode 6 In this episode, Pastor Kurt focuses on the biblical story of Jesus healing the blind man Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52).  He highlights a specific phrase from the story: "TAKE HEART. GET UP; HE IS CALLING YOU." Pastor Kurt explains that while the miracle itself is often the focus, the true message lies in Jesus stopping for the "ordinary" man despite the crowd's focu...

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 6 In this episode Pastor Kurt discusses the concept of salvation through faith versus the emphasis on good deeds and behavior that is often found in churches. Pastor Kurt highlights the common Christian belief in salvation by grace through faith, as stated in Ephesians 2:8. So why do churches often focus on lists of prohibited behaviors and sins? He argues that this...

In this episode, Pastor Kurt Richey interviews Pastor Nicole West, wife of Pastor Derrick West. The episode focuses on Nicole's life story, starting with her childhood in Upstate New York, her teenage years. It covers her downward spiral, the moment she was arrested, and her legal process. Nicole shares her "I gotta have Jesus" moment, new friendships, and her first date with Derrick West. Nicole...

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 5 In this episode Pastor Kurt narrates a story from his time in Michigan about a cold, dreary day when he heard a faint cry for help. This cry led him to an elderly neighbor named Leonard, a Navy veteran who had fallen outside and was trapped in the cold. Pastor Richey was able to assist Leonard and prevent him from potential hypothermia. This story relates to the bi...

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 4 In this episode Pastor Kurt discusses the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the idea of listening with "spiritual ears" and being "bilingual" spiritually, able to hear what the Spirit says alongside speaking our native language. 

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 3 In this episode Pastor Kurt discusses the concept of God's love and forgiveness. He emphasizes that God loves everyone and desires to give hope and an exciting life. Pastor Kurt contrasts this with religious rituals done out of fear or obligation, stating that God's love is freely given and not earned. He suggests listening to the song "Everything He Forgot" by Bri...

From Pushing Dope to Pushing Hope - The Story of Kid Called Dirty Join Pastor Kurt in part three of this three-part conversation with Pastor Derrick West (Founding Pastor of Encounter Church). This episode explores Pastor Derrick's mindset during his journey, the evolution of his involvement with gangs and drugs, and whether he experienced any internal conflict or "God moments." It also touches on...

From Pushing Dope to Pushing Hope - The Story of a Kid Called Dirty Join Pastor Kurt in part two of this three-part conversation with Pastor Derrick West (Founding Pastor of Encounter Church). This episode focuses on Pastor Derrick West's background and early life in Wildwood, Florida. Pastor Derrick discusses his childhood experiences, family, and schooling. And even reveals where the nickname "D...

From Pushing Dope to Pushing Hope - The Story of a Kid Called Dirty Join Pastor Kurt in part one of this three-part conversation with Pastor Derrick West (Founding Pastor of Encounter Church). This interview will walk through Pastor Derrick's dramatic life story, from his past to his present. Emphasized throughout his story is the "unbelievable" and  transformative power of God that is available t...

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 2 In this episode Pastor Kurt warns against neglecting one's spiritual gifts, stating that this can lead to a "shipwrecked faith." He talks about the primary cause of such shipwrecks is neglect—of God's call, Word, and gifts. The episode offers a message of hope and restoration for those who feel they have fallen away and encourages listeners to renew their dedicatio...