Dents in the Darkness

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor TJ Freeman to talk about the heart behind rural ministry, leadership development, and church planting in overlooked communities. TJ serves as the Executive Director of  The Brainerd Institute  and pastors Christ Church in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. His passion is helping rural churches thrive through healthy leadership, gospel-centered discipleship, and long-...

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Vet — USA Today bestselling author, futurist, and leadership thinker and follower of Jesus — to unpack what it means to lead across generations in today’s rapidly changing culture. We also dive into how these generational shifts are deeply impacting the church — especially discipleship, community, and small groups. Ryan shares why younger generations are crav...

Tim and Mike sit down with Antoine Lassiter to talk about what kingdom multiplication really looks like — especially in normative-size churches. Antoine shares his personal story, his heart for reaching the community, and practical insights on how multiplication doesn't have to be reserved for the mega-church down the road. It starts right where you are. Antoine Lassiter is the pastor of Think...

In this episode of  Dents in the Darkness , Tim Madiero (WGRN) and Mike Schooley (NEC) sit down with Dr. Michael J. Rubino, Vice President of Learning & Resources for Be the Church Collective and Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Bible Church on Long Island, along with Gary Campbell, Lead Catalyst for Be the Church and Lead Pastor of Groton Bible Chapel. Together they discuss the current  state of th...

On this episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Shane Pruitt to talk about the critical issues facing today’s young people. While this generation is navigating significant challenges, there is also real hope in what God is doing in and through them. In our conversation, Shane shares insights from his book  Not My Jesus , addressing how our culture often reshapes Jesus into our own image...

In this episode of  Dents in the Darkness , host  Michael Schooley  (Converge Northeast & the Northeast Collaborative) is joined by NEC President- Pastor Dan Nichols  of  Grace Christian Fellowship (Cortland, NY)  and  Justin Bleuer  of  Berean Bible Church  for a conversation centered on the  Northeast Collaborative (NEC) . Together, they reflect on key celebrations from the past season, the...

In this special episode of  Dents in the Darkness , we bring you a live Q&A session with  Dr. Crawford Loritts  from the Northeast Leaders Summit 2025. Dr. Loritts shares wisdom on perseverance, spiritual resilience, and what it takes to be a leader who finishes well in ministry. This conversation is rich with decades of pastoral experience, honest reflections, and practical encouragement for...

In today's episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Mike Seay, Worship Consultant at the Multiply Group, to talk about the intentional development of worship leaders. Drawing from his experience in both local church leadership and national coaching, Mike unpacks practical strategies for identifying, equipping, and releasing worship leaders who are spiritually grounded and musically s...

Join us for a conversation with  Matta Rizkallah , founder and CEO of  Manufacturing Automation Systems (MAS) , as we unpack what it means to live out  Business as Mission  in the industrial automation space. Matta shares how his company began not only to serve market needs but to actively engage global mission initiatives and community transformation—all from Painted Post, New York. Key themes in...

If you're a pastor feeling the weight of leadership, you’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with  Pastor Derek Sanford , lead pastor of  Grace Church in Erie, PA , and founder of the  Grace Leadership Institute , to talk about leadership. Derek shares practical, time-tested wisdom on multiplying leaders, creating healthy team dynamics, and leading for the long haul without burning out....

In this episode of  Dents in the Darkness , we talk with  Pastor Stephen Hay , Vice President of Church Health with  Anago Partners —an organization dedicated to helping churches flourish. Stephen shares practical and spiritual insight on how churches can move from where they are to where God is calling them: places of  vitality, health, and kingdom impact . Whether your church is stuck, strugglin...

In this episode of  Dents in the Darkness , we sit down with Matthew Wilson from  Compassion International   to explore how this powerful ministry is changing the lives of children and families around the globe. You’ll hear the heart behind Compassion’s mission to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name, and how the organization partners with local churches to provide not only physical needs...

Covid changed a lot of things including in person worship. There is a place for online worship but in this conversation we talk about the theological and spiritual good of gathering in person rather than just online.   Jonathan Griffiths  is a Lead Pastor in Ottawa, Canada and also a writer.  He wrote the book  "Gathered for Good: God's Good Design for the Local Church" . A great con...

Quebec is one of the most unchurched, unreached areas in North America. Jacob Matthieu is a church planter and now Director of Development for  SEMBEQ . In this podcast we talk about MULTIPLICATION. How do you reach those who are a couple generations away from any knowledge of Christianity. Why starting new churches, developing leaders is critical to seeing God move in Quebec.  We need others to g...

In this podcast, we talk with  Mac Lake  with  Multiply Group . Mac has written multiple books on develop leaders at different levels of the church. From the  Multiplication Effect  which talks about a leadership pipeline to his latest book  Leading Yourself . In this podcast we talk through helping your church develop a leadership pipeline.  How are you doing developing Leaders?

Pat and Josh join us in a conversation on  how the church can better use social media to reach and disciple people. Pat Linnell is the founder and leader of  Grace Bomb  which is a practical tool that helps people practice their faith.  to hear more about Grace Bomb. Josh works as a  Creative Director, Brand Marketing Director, Consultant & Content Creator. 

Bishop Victor Glover from  Fathers on the Move  joins us on the podcast to talk through how Fathers On The Move has been making a difference in those who are incarcerated.  Not only are they seeing these men stay out of prison, but they are also seeing men come to know Jesus! Churches being started within these prisons, and churches planted across the US as these men are discipled and move all ove...

Dents in the Darkness is back with it's 50th Episode! As we celebrate the 50th episode , we invite Justin Bleuer (Berean Bible Church/NEC Leadership Team, and Dan Nichols (Grace Fellowship Church/Founder of NEC) on the podcast to talk through what is happenings in NEC. Celebrating what God is doing, sharing some direction for the upcoming year.... and a few surprises along the way. There is a...

Dents in the Darkness returns with "Leading From The Second Chair" with Pastor Paul Piraino from Victory High Wesleyan Church in Corning NY. Paul has been at the same church for 30+ years in many different roles.  Although he was the lead pastor for many years, he loved leading from the second chair.  This is a great conversation on how to lead well when you are not in charge and how team leadersh...

On this episode, Hosts Tim Madeira and Mike Schooley will sit down with Jamie Overholser, from Standing Stone Ministry, and hear about their focus on the much needed mission of soul care in pastors. They will speak into "what is soul care" and "what is the soul" first. Make sure to listen in and consider any shepherd's in your circles that might benefit from this ministry! Needing some guidance? F...

In this episode, Tim Madeira and Mike Schooley interview with NEC Founder/President - Pastor Dan Nichols, along with Andy Needham - Converge Northeast Regional Vice President & Associate Director https://www.converge.org/northeast Andy is a trusted connector and champion for church leaders with twenty-four years of experience in regional ministry in the northeast. Serving and solving problems...

Aaron Damjanovich and Dave Holvig, from Eaglebrook Association joined us on the podcast to share who they are and their passion for Christ. Hear about their upcoming church training outside of Syracuse in August. You will hear the story of why Eagle Brook does this passion - and what they will be doing during this training!

After experiencing God's redemption, forgiveness & consequences from secret sin, our friends Derek & Andrea graciously & transparently let us into their story of how God is saving their marriage after Derek's affair within their former church. This interview gives us all great caution and great encouragement no matter where we are in our marriages and walks with Christ! 

Learn more about Lance Witt - our main speaker for #NLS24 on Saturday, November 9th in Cortland, NY! Lance has been leading churches and organizations for 40+ years. He was the lead pastor for 3 different churches and then spent 7 years as an executive and teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in Southern California. In 2007, Lance launched “Replenish” which is dedicated to “Helping people live and...

In this episode, Tim Madeira & Dan Nichols interview Mike Schooley, planter & pastor at  Higher Hope Church  near Horseheads, NY. Mike is NEC's new Church Strategist! Mike is an experienced, effective ministry leader who deeply loves the Northeast. Check out his story & encouragement for ministry leaders.