Encounter Life

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...

Encounter Life Series | Episode 5 In this episode, Pastor Kurt discusses the importance of deeply engaging with scripture, focusing on quality over quantity. He shares personal anecdotes and biblical references, particularly Acts 18:5, which states Paul "was occupied with the word." To Learn more about Encounter Life Church go to our website: floridaencounter.church For more information, contact u...

Encounter Life Series | Episode 4 Join Pastor Kurt in part three of this three-part conversation with Mike Chabot about the Gospel of Mark. This episode asks, "How do you teach a new believer about the Cross?". Pastor Kurt and Mike cover the Great Commission in Mark 16, the concept of "these signs will follow,". Mike also shares his personal "come to Jesus" moment. 

Encounter Life Series | Episode 3 Join Pastor Kurt in part two of this three-part conversation with Mike Chabot about the Gospel of Mark. This episode focuses on the story of Jesus calming the storm ("Peace! Be Still!"). And discusses the importance of listening and interpreting parables for all believers.

Encounter Life Series | Episode 2 Join Pastor Kurt in a three-part conversation with Mike Chabot about the Gospel of Mark. This episode focuses on why the Gospel of Mark is a good starting point for new Christians. The theme of "immediately" in Mark is highlighted, and suggestions are made for how to approach studying the gospel.  

Encounter Life Series | Episode 1 This podcast episode features Pastor Kurt Richey discussing the concept of hope as an anchor for the soul, drawing from Hebrews 6:19. Pastor Richey explores the significance of an anchor in nautical terms, especially during storms, and applies this analogy to the Christian life. He emphasizes that hope in Jesus Christ acts as a secure anchor during life's challeng...

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 1 In this episode, Pastor Richey discusses why people believe in a God they cannot see. The main points are: Believing in God is not foolish, even though we cannot see him. We believe in things we cannot see every day. A can of corn proves the existence of a farmer, even if we cannot see the farmer. In the same way, the world around us points to the existence of a cr...

Encountering Christianity Series | Episode 2  Where Do I Begin? Part 2 The Key That Unlocks the Bible This episode focuses on Hebrews 11:6, stating that belief in God's existence and his goodness is the key that unlocks the Bible. It encourages you to believe that God loves them and desires to reward those who seek him. But the big step is to accept Jesus as Savior: acknowledge one's sin, recogniz...

Encountering Christianity Series | Episode 1  Where Do I Begin? Part 1 Your Want to Has to Be Greater Than Your Ought To This episode emphasizes the importance of starting and not giving up. It highlights that the key to success is having a strong desire ("want to") to learn about Christianity, rather than feeling obligated ("ought to"). It also discusses approaching Bible reading with the right m...

Hello friends, I am Pastor Kurt Richey, and I want to welcome you to the very first episode a podcast we call Encounter Life. This podcast is one of several that will, over the coming months, originate from Encounter Studios, located in beautiful Sumter County, Florida. So, let’s talk for a few minutes about Encounter Life. What can you expect? As a listener, as a podcast subscriber, and yes, I ho...