Church Talks

I met Amas “coincidentally” while camping in Hawaii and we ended up becoming friends as I evidently love to do with strangers! He’s raising his kids here in Laupahoehoe and teaching them how to be warriors instead of entitled Americans. His background and knowledge is definitely something all of us can learn from! *Be advised: Some language may not be appropriate for children*

This conversation gets real QUICK and doesn’t stop till the end! From females being named a “junior” to him going to prison and then finding a new way of life in a myriad or areas… Seth takes us in and reminds or informs us that the journey of life will always be a roller coaster ride, but every high, low, twist, turn, flip, pause, or stop is worth the journey.

Averett University’s most recent women’s head soccer coach recently resigned to focus on her growing family. Meghan got married a little over 4 years ago to Kenny (currently Averett’s head baseball coach) and they have a gorgeous son, Roman, who will soon be 3 years old and… spoiler alert… he’s about to be a big brother to TWIN BOYS!!! Needless to say, everything in their life needed a reassessmen...

Kenzie and I go wayyy back to our teenage years and it’s been so cool to watch her evolve as an entrepreneur, business owner, designer, wife, and mom! She talks about the tremendous blessing of having a supportive family that set her up for success and affirmed her from childhood to now in her 30s. We also discussed the self-motivation and self-discipline that being your own boss requires and how...

As we were ending the last episode, I asked Christian a question that spurred this PART 2 conversation, “Why are we here?” Obviously, that was way too deep of a question for a short answer, so this follow-up conversation gives us a glimpse into his perspective! Which, I must say, is pretty fascinating, intriguing, and eye-opening! Follow Christian on Facebook and Instagram: @charris171

Christian has allowed his own story of self-indulgence and addiction followed by surrender, deconstruction, and resurrection to propel his passion of seeing not only other lives transformed, but houses as well! In our conversation, a question about the meaning of our existence sparked a need for a “part 2” episode, so get ready!

A newlywed couple and their fresh journey together as a chiropractor and a school teacher tell their story and how they “accidentally” found each other but how God ordained their connection! Aaaaaand there’s a fun surprise at the end!!!

Jonna’s story is one of humble beginnings, relational heartbreak, serving people in the emergency department of hospitals, helping people to be their healthiest self with exercise/meal plans, honoring her family, and honing in on her faith journey to learn more about Jesus and the Bible. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram: @jonnashirley5

© Kathryn Church (August 2023)

** Warning: topics we discuss may be for more mature ears.**. 4 high school students were thrilled to sit with me and have a round table discussion in the middle of their week at camp to talk about life from their lenses. Different churches are represented here, but these 4 are fantastic leaders, with or without a title, so they’re making sure everyone feels a sense of belonging. We get real and t...

At 22 years old, Reshad is on track (no pun intended) with his goals as he coaches a high school track team and middle school football team! He majored in Physical Education with an emphasis on Coaching at Winston-Salem State University and has been active in sports throughout his life. His aspirations are not only to enhance the athletic skills in kids, but also to encourage them in their academi...

Terri is a solid friend, a hard worker, and a genuine human. As a life coach and motivational speaker, she started her own organization (Unleash Life LLC) on top of her full-time career that sets out to deliver hope to all demographics of people and where she’s also able to use her gift of singing. Not that she needs more qualifications, but she is also an ordained minister and chaplain! She and h...

These two sisters who have become bffs in their adulthood are wonderful creatures, altruistic humans, yet so different in nature, which make them the ideal duo for soul mates. Their journeys through infancy loss, self-identity, and spiritual awakening are both hopeful and thought-provoking. This episode “wasn’t supposed to happen” for all intents and purposes, but divinely orchestrated, and you’ll...

I have the pleasure of being friends with many of the Bikers Against Trafficking members in Virginia and these guys have such hospitable and genuine hearts that want to help whoever they can. Their specific calling and mission right now is to raise awareness of human trafficking to help more people be rescued and freed from being sold and abused. Go to bikersagainsttrafficking.org to read up, get...

On her 29th birthday weekend, I got to have a wonderful conversation with my friend that I met randomly and divinely at St Francis Springs Prayer Center. We connected as two independent, Jesus-loving women who are fighting for prison reform, religious freedom, and who are also both on a journey of healing and self-realization. In our personalities, we can relate as an Enneagram 7 and it was eviden...

This conversation is geared directly towards fathers or men who aspire to be! My dad is a dad to everyone! He was my 1st ever fan and has been present throughout my entire life. It was mutually beneficial for us to have this conversation and reminisce on sweet memories while also learning some new things about each other! I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for this man and I’m so proud and bl...

The slogan of their new CrossFit gym couldn’t be more true. These two put in WORK on a daily basis, and have for years. Their drive to be their best selves is contagious and the self-discipline with their bodies allows them to splurge every now and then 😜 As full-time firefighters, with Jonathan now being Captain, their schedules were pretty insane even before opening their own gym, but you won’t...

Monica’s southern charm is sweeter than sweet tea! She’s one of the most intentional encouragers I know, and she coined the term “Kathrynisms” where she texts and inspires me with my own words from several of my podcast episodes. While her job entails administering MRIs, she’ll tell you that her calling and greatest joy is raising her two beautiful children, and quite uniquely at that as her son h...

“Just Bob” is a member of Spiritual Directors International and was formed in spiritual direction through Fairfield University, a four-year Ignation Spirituality program. I met and became instant friends with him at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville NC, where he used to be on staff, and he greeted me at the door with a warm smile and a gentle “Welcome home”— a moment that eternally m...

The 3 of us sat down together on an unexpected mountain getaway to talk about all things motherhood! What was it like for my mom raising me and my sister? How did my sister’s two birthing experiences differ from a traumatic hospital delivery to a beautiful at-home delivery in the bathtub? Yes, you read that correctly! You can read her entire birth story and see pictures on her social media pages (...

Most people recognize the name Cracker Barrel and some may recognize Seint makeup. Well, Matt and Alison have found their professional niche using those brand names, but they’ll quickly tell you who their true Source is. God has blessed both of them with a genuine heart for people and they use their charisma and compassion to break down barriers and make way for light to come back in. Laughter is...

Multiple flavors doesn’t just describe their shortbread… This Jamaican man and Scottish-Italian woman fall in love in their teens having no clue what the next several years would entail for them. Young, immature, and invincible Anwar had a wake-up call in college that made him reconsider his decisions as a dealer, and ultimately propelled him into selling other (and legal 😜) products. He and his...

Sarah is a friend who happens to also be the wife of my boss/chiropractor, Dr. Matt Thompson, both of whom have become my family over the last several years. She is a UNC alum with a Master’s degree and was an elementary school teacher until she resigned to be a stay-at-home mom with their son and daughter. During the pandemic, she fought on behalf of families across the county and state for their...

As a child, Abbey had huge dreams of blessing the community around her by way of their tastebuds! Before enjoying her creations at one of her many food truck stops all over North Carolina and beyond, you’ll be greeted with her contagious smile. Her aim is to make every person she meets feel seen and valued. Find hope and encouragement in her story of the last few years of redirected plans, not hav...

Jamie Dysart, a recent graduate of Greater Piedmont Adult & Teen Challenge, shares his story of following into role models’ footsteps as an early teenager that led him to a lifestyle of destruction for 19+ years until he got to Teen Challenge. Before his arrival, he had been incarcerated multiple times and committed to several rehabs, but nothing got his attention or made him want to make some lif...