COGO Podcast

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...

R.W. sits down with Roger McDaniel, Executive/Worship pastor at Meadow Park Church, for a discussion on his philosophy of worship. Roger shares how he leads in his church and gives some practical advise for pastors and worship leaders. 3 takeaways on how you can improve your corporate worship services: 1. Sing vertical songs. These are songs that are pointed at God. 2. Regardless of your preferred...

R.W. sits down with Nate Hultz, lead pastor at Avenue Church for a discussion on the topic of rest. Nate shares how important rest is for the health of a pastor and how he and his team at Avenue practice Sabbath. 3 key takeaways for your time of rest: 1. Pursue holiness. We often get wrapped up in teaching holiness rather than we ourselves pursuing holiness. 2. When you are in rest, stay off news...

R.W. interviews Patrick O'Connell with guest, Tom Planck. They discuss church multiplication and networking for church planting and financial health. As you listen, here are a few key take aways.... 1. The church is a movement and that the church is at its best when it's engaged in the reproduction or reproducing or multiplying in that movement. 2. At the end of the day we have to remind...

R.W. sits down with Daniel Yang and guest, Tom Planck, to discuss Daniel’s  work with the World Relief organization and his passion for church multiplication. Daniel is slated to be the guest speaker at Launch 32, August 20, in Fort Wayne, IN. Registration is free, click here for more information! Daniel Yang has helped and influenced church networks and movements across North America as a confere...

Listen as R.W. has a conversation with one of the speakers at the 2024 International Youth Convention, Michael Thigpen. As you listen to this episode, you will hear Michael's passion for the next generation and be inspired by his journey. Not only does Michael serve as an adjunct teaching pastor at Church at the Crossing in Indianapolis, IN, he also works as a Re-Entry Advocate Mentor in Alex...

R.W. and Steve discuss the upcoming 2024 NEO (Northeast Ohio) Camp at which Steve is slated to be the guest speaker. 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 You are invited to attend the 2024 NEO Family Camp. Camp starts July 21 and goes through...

R.W. and Darryl discuss the upcoming 2024 Southeast Warsaw Campmeeting at which Darryl is slated to be the guest speaker. Rev. Darryl Allen serves as senior pastor at Meade Station Church of God in Ashland, Kentucky. For information about Darryl and his church, visit: https://www.facebook.com/meadestationchog/ You are invited to attend the 2024 Southeast Ohio Warsaw Campmeeting. Camp starts July 5...

R.W. and Jim discuss the upcoming 2024 Payne Campmeeting at which Jim is thrilled to be the guest speaker. Rev. Jim Roma is an Ohio native and retired from full-time pastor ministry. He's well-known within the NEO District and attends the Barberton Church of God in Barberton, OH with his wife, Ann. You are invited to attend the 2024 Payne Campmeeting. Camp starts July 21 and goes through July...

DIn today’s podcast, we are celebrating a monumental occasion – the 100-year anniversary of Church of God’s International Youth Conference. Over the past century, this incredible event has inspired, educated, and connected generations of young people, fostering leadership, innovation, and community spirit. Our guest for this podcast, Adam Rentas, is passionate about reaching the next generation fo...

R.W. and Handel discuss the upcoming 2024 SW Ohio Campmeeting. This is going to be a special week as they celebrate 70 years of Camp Lebanon and Handel is excited to be the guest speaker. Handel Smith is serving as the Executive Director for US and Canada Strategy for Church of God Ministries in Anderson, Indiana . Rev. Smith has served the Church of God at the local and national level for over 35...

Valuable insight with R.W. and Chip Taylor as they discuss the joys and hardships of developing young leaders in your church. Chip Taylor is a captivating speaker with a contagious love for Jesus and a huge heart for the church. He is passionate about developing leaders, caring for the marginalized, and impacting the world for Christ. Chip loves being a “Papa”, fishing, golfing, football, and date...

Listen as R.W. follows up with Rev. Benjamin Wilson who was one of the keynote speakers at Start Fresh. They continue the conversation about what it means to find God's provision in the "wilderness." Rev. Benjamin Wilson is the lead pastor at Liberation Church in Cleveland, OH.  For more information about his ministry, visit https://www.weareliberation.org/

LIVE from Start Fresh, March 9, 2024! Rev. Matt Roe shared during his presentation that we are all in a "wilderness" at some point in our lives and if we aren't in one today, we likely will be in one in the future. R.W. and Matt unpack this idea that our wilderness is between reality and our promised land. Rev. Matt Roe is the lead pastor at Maiden Lane Church of God in Springfield,...

Did you know that COGO has a Disaster Relief Fund that is making an impact all over the world?  Listen as R.W. interviews COGO's very own Director of Disaster Relief and Special Projects, Rev. Vernon Maddox, and the team's  chairperson, Rev. Gordon Garrett. STAY TUNED following the episode to hear a brief UPDATE on the relief efforts in the Ukraine. Check out the UPDATE video from our St...

R.W. Moody sits down with COGO State Pastor and Director of Ministries, Dr. Esther Cottrell, as they discuss our Start Now Go Now Initiative.  God has been doing some incredible things with this initiative in our state. How have you seen lives changed? Would you share your story with us? Send your stories and pictures to our state office at movingtogether@cogo.church. We want to hear from you!

Intentional Churches is a movement to reprioritize the Great Commission as the prime directive of the 21st century church. This is Rev. Paul Strozier's passion! He has served congregations in Florida, Alabama, Ohio and Indiana for over 30 years as a worship pastor, lead pastor, and executive pastor. Following retirement from full-time church ministry in 2023, Paul started Strozier Solutions L...

Unlock Your Potential at Start Fresh 2024 Join us for an immersive, 300 minute learning experience at Start Fresh 2024. Where leaders and laypeople come together to share knowledge, insights, and strategies for a healthy congregation. This year's theme is "In the Wilderness."  Date: March 9, 2024  Location: Meadow Park Church of God, Columbus Visit https://cogo.church/event/start-fr...