AVAIL Podcast

Could your church be the answer to some of the biggest challenges facing your community? On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, economic theologian and author Jamé Bolds joins host Virgil Sierra to unpack “churchenomics”—a bold and innovative framework for churches to thrive spiritually and economically. Learn how to move beyond relying solely on tithes and offerings by exploring new economic model...

On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we sit down with Karl Vaters, a veteran pastor and author of Desizing the Church, to tackle one of the ministry’s most pressing topics: the cultural obsession with church size. Karl shares his journey of shifting from a numbers-driven focus to understanding the profound value of building healthy church communities. Together, they unpack myths surrounding churc...

The Church in America has faced more unique challenges in the past decade than it ever has before. In this episode of the AVAIL podcast, we welcome Pastor Chris Sonksen to discuss the critical mission of supporting and revitalizing churches across the U.S. Chris shares insights from decades of ministry, highlighting the challenges facing pastors today, including declining church attendance and the...

The journey to transformative leadership begins with embracing both the spiritual and the scientific aspects of growth. On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Thando Sibanda, a neuroscience-based leadership coach, business strategist, and author of The Fasting Advantage. Dr. Sibanda shares how fasting serves as a renewal protocol for leaders, offering both spiritual clarity and...

The secret to transformative leadership isn’t found in charisma but in cultivating systems and teams that thrive. On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Stephen Blandino, author of Insanely Practical Leadership and lead pastor of Seven City Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Stephen shares his personal journey as a "learned leader" and reveals key insights on how to bridge the gap...

On this episode of the AVAIL podcast, we welcome Kevin Downs, CEO of Kingdom Story Company, to share the journey behind their newest film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Kevin explains how they brought this cherished children’s book to the big screen, crafting a timeless story that blends humor, heart, and the gospel message. Perfect for audiences of all ages, this family-friendly film aims to i...

Are you guarding what matters most? In this episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Melissa Graham discusses her latest book, Guarded, which explores how the slow fade of compromise, the invasion of busyness, and the weight of unforgiveness can derail even the most committed leaders. She provides practical tools to cultivate vulnerability, maintain a healthy heart rhythm, and embrace the lifelong res...

Our greatest victories are often born out of our deepest pains. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, we sit down with Jelly Valimont. Jelly shares the inspiration behind her new books, Tapestry and Pathways of a Prodigal, two vastly different stories with a converging theme: God wastes nothing on no one. From broken identities made into God’s greatest work of art to the heartbreak of raising a...

Martial arts, movie stunts, and a strong foundation of faith—James Sang Lee has lived an extraordinary life. In this episode of the AVAIL podcast, James, a four-time world champion and CEO of Cannon Entertainment Group, shares how he transitioned from the martial arts arena to Hollywood, working on films like Blade and Lethal Weapon. Listeners will gain insights into how his faith has guided him t...

Sometimes, leaders just need to let down their guards and embrace their vulnerabilities. In this powerful episode of the AVAIL podcast, we sit down with David de Vos to explore the raw and real aspects of leadership, ministry, and personal growth. David shares his journey from a young preacher to a leader who champions vulnerability and authenticity in ministry. Highlighting themes from his new bi...

Today’s health industry has created more confusion than ever before. Join us today on the AVAIL podcast as we talk with Lori Nolan, author of The Balanced Life Method, about the shocking discoveries she has made in her work in the health and wellness industry. Lori discloses why traditional diet and exercise plans often fall short: they neglect the most important pillar—spirituality. Lori likens h...

Parenting today demands more intentionality than ever, as families face pressures that challenge spiritual and moral values. In this episode, Pastor Rodney Gage discusses the parenting crisis in America and introduces the Family Shift Academy, a mentoring program aimed at equipping parents to raise spiritually resilient children. He shares practical insights from his book, Family Shift, and presen...

God has deposited a dream in each and every one of us. In this episode of the AVAIL podcast, we sit down with Dr. Charles Olmeda and discuss his new book, The Fifth Dimension—a guide through the five-dimension cycle we must travel to fulfill our God-size dreams. From the genesis of the dream to its fulfillment, Dr. Olmeda encourages everyone—especially leaders—to lean into God’s process as He prep...

The modern American Church is up against unprecedented challenges unlike ever before. In this episode of the AVAIL podcast, host Virgil Sierra sits down with Pastor Jeff Baker, Executive Director of Church Boom, to discuss their mission of coaching pastors and reviving struggling churches. Jeff shares personal insights into the unique challenges pastors face today, such as burnout and declining at...

Pastoring can become a distraction instead of a mission when you neglect the condition of your soul. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, we sit down with Doug Sauder and explore the costs of leading from an unhealthy soul, the trap that the church will stop growing if you take a break, and the importance of revisiting and redefining your church culture with your leadership team.

The Sabbath wasn’t created to take something from you. It was created to give you something—a break from creation and renewed vision. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, we sit down with Allison van Tilborgh-Martinous and discuss her most recent AVAIL Journal article, Calmness in the Commotion. Allison addresses how cultural misconceptions of Sabbath have painted rest as a nuisance or detract...

What voices are guiding your leadership? On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sam Chand, author of Voices. Dr. Chand dives deep into how the voices in our lives—both affirming and critical—affect our decisions, growth, and those we lead. No matter where you are in your leadership journey, this episode will give you practical strategies for curating the voices you hear and...

The world is thirsting for a little more kindness, and today’s AVAIL podcast guest, Marc Forster, has sought to give it in his upcoming film, White Bird. Marc shares how the message of love and kindness began as a seed in his heart and grew into a touching film set to hit theaters on October 4th. Marc discusses the central message of the film: love your neighbor, no matter the cost.

Small towns may not seem like fertile ground for a thriving church, but small-town pastor Johnny Moore believes otherwise! On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, Pastor Johnny Moore encourages all small-town pastors to remain faithful where God has planted them and allow Him to give them the raw materials they need to grow their church.

What ministry and organizational teams need is cohesion and forward momentum—the sweet spot for team coach Michele A. Aikens. On this episode of the AVAIL podcast, Michele highlights the value of coaching teams to bring a perspective free of internal biases so that team members can find their untapped potential, adapt to each other’s leadership styles, and build stronger dynamics for greater impac...

Leadership isn’t formulaic—the greatest leaders in the Bible were more than a little “different”. . . . they were wildly unorthodox, answering God’s wildly unorthodox calls. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, author of Unorthodox Martijn van Tilborgh explains why coloring outside the lines of traditional thinking and outdated business paradigms is the engine for good Kingdom stewardship beca...

Greatness is not something you strive for, earn, or hold within you—greatness is at the very core of who you are. Lean in, leaders, because on today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, we sit down with “The Workplace Fixer” and author of At The Pinnacle of Greatness, LaShawn Davis. Today, LaShawn addresses how leaders are called to lead from a place of confidence in their irrevocable God-given design...

Ministry is an ever-evolving calling, but perhaps the greatest adjustment the Church needs is in her leadership paradigm. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, seasoned ministry leader Shaun Smit discusses a key observation he has made throughout his journey as a ministry leader—too many leaders are drawing the bride to themselves instead of to Jesus. Today, Shaun calls for a kingdom-centered l...

The Creator of the universe made us to be like Him—His very own creators. On today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, professional photographer Andrew van Tilborgh discusses his lifelong journey as a photographer, the heart of photography as a creative expression, and the intimacy built between a photographer and his subjects as the Father knits their hearts together!

Church planting is quite an undertaking, but on today’s episode of the AVAIL podcast, founding pastor of Coastal Community Church TJ McCormick shares the lessons he has learned along the way as a church planter, including sticking to models that work, training others to be leaders, fostering good culture and community inside and outside the church, and stepping out boldly in faith!