FORTIFIED - Encouraging Pastors, Leaders, and Christians

In a world increasingly divided by politics, ideology, and cultural conflict, where should a Christian’s ultimate allegiance lie? In this episode of FORTIFIED, Dave Harrell and Cory Piatt examine what Scripture teaches about the two kingdoms at work in the world and the believer’s place within them. While many are tempted to view current events through a purely political lens, the Bible reveals a...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell explore The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry, highlighting the Spirit’s essential work in empowering, guiding, and sustaining faithful service to Christ. Moving beyond human ability and strategy, they examine what Scripture teaches about true spiritual power—the kind that brings conviction, illuminates the Word, and produces lastin...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell continue their study of Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry as they return to The Goal of Christian Ministry. Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, they press deeper into Scripture’s vision for what ministry is truly meant to accomplish—not worldly influence, personal ambition, or external metrics, but the exaltation of C...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell continue their study of Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry with The Goal of Christian Ministry. Turning to the very heart of ministry, they explore what Scripture defines as its true purpose—not numbers, programs, or cultural success, but the glory of Christ and the transformation of His people. Cory and Dave walk through key...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell continue their journey through Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry with Confident with One Method – Part 2. Building on the foundation laid in the previous episode, they further explore the importance of anchoring all ministry efforts in the faithful exposition of God’s Word. Cory and Dave examine how Scripture alone provides...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell continue their walk through Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry with a focus on being Confident with One Method. Anchored in the authority of Scripture, they explore how a singular, unwavering commitment to the method God has established—faithful exposition of His Word—brings clarity, consistency, and power to ministry. Cory a...

In this episode of FORTIFIED, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell unpack the next chapter titled “Controlled by One Message” from Dave’s book, Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry. Together, they explore how a singular focus on the gospel message brings clarity, consistency, and conviction to a minister’s life and work. In a world overflowing with competing voices and shifting agendas, Cory a...

In this episode of FORTIFIED, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell delve into the theme of being Convinced in His Calling, continuing their exploration of Dave’s book, Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry. They discuss how a deep conviction in one’s divine calling is essential for enduring the challenges of ministry and staying true to the gospel in a culture that often pressures leaders to co...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell dive into the challenging yet deeply rewarding truth of being Content in Suffering. Continuing their journey through Dave’s book, Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry, they explore how biblical contentment is not about escaping hardship but finding joy and purpose in the midst of it. Drawing from Scripture and the principles la...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell invite listeners to be Consumed in God’s Glory as they embark on a journey through the foundational insights of Dave’s book, Seven Key Principles for Effective Ministry. Grounded in Scripture, they explore how embracing God’s glory transforms ministry practices and personal faith. Cory and Dave delve into the seven principles outlined...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell continue their journey into the profound truth of “Finding Strength in Weakness.” Picking up from the previous discussion, they dive deeper into Scripture to reveal how God’s power is magnified through our human frailty. Cory and Dave unpack more biblical narratives that demonstrate how God uses our limitations to achieve His purposes...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell tackle the profound truth of “Finding Strength in Weakness.” Drawing from the wisdom of Scripture, they examine how God’s power is made perfect in our frailty, offering hope and encouragement for moments when we feel inadequate or overwhelmed. Cory and Dave dive into key biblical narratives and teachings that highlight how God uses hu...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell guide listeners through the powerful theme of “Finding Grace in Sorrow.” Rooted in the timeless truths of Scripture, they reflect on how God’s grace meets us in the midst of pain and provides comfort when life feels most uncertain. Cory and Dave explore the tension between human suffering and divine hope, sharing stories and biblical...

In this episode of FORTIFIED, host Cory Piatt is joined by special guest Jake Hutchison, an elder at Calvary Bible Church, for an insightful discussion on “The Local Church and Discipleship.” Together, they explore the vital role of the local church in nurturing and equipping believers for a life of discipleship. Drawing from Scripture and personal experiences within the church, Cory and Jake exam...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell embark on a compelling exploration of the redemptive story encapsulated in “Our Sin and the Savior.” Drawing from the foundational truths of Scripture, they delve into the profound realities of human sinfulness and the boundless grace of Jesus Christ. Cory and Dave unpack the biblical narrative that highlights the gravity of sin and t...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell embark on a compelling exploration of the transformative journey outlined in "The Miracle of Spiritual Sight." Drawing from the foundational principles of the book, they delve into the profound spiritual truths that illuminate the path to genuine faith and sight in Christ. Cory and Dave unpack the scriptural narrative that underscores...

In this episode of Fortified, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell embark on a compelling exploration of the transformative journey outlined in "The Miracle of Spiritual Sight." Drawing from the foundational principles of the book, they delve into the profound spiritual truths that illuminate the path to genuine faith and sight in Christ. Cory and Dave unpack the scriptural narrative that underscores...

In this episode of FORTIFIED, hosts Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell explore the amazing benefits of salvation in Christ. Building on their last discussion about the gospel as the power of God for salvation, they dive into key themes from Dave’s book, God's Gracious Gift of Assurance: Rediscovering the Benefits of Justification by Faith. They discuss how believers can find assurance, strength, and hope...

In this compelling episode of FORTIFIED Cory Piatt and Dave Harrel delve into the intricate topic of what it means to glorify God in your body. Join them as they navigate the complexities of wrestling with sin while striving for holiness, emphasizing the transformative power of walking by the Spirit. Through insightful dialogue, they address practical ways to minister to individuals in the LGBTQ c...

Join Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell as they delve deep into the profound doctrine of our union with Christ in this enlightening episode of FORTIFIED. In this spiritually enriching conversation, they explore the transformative power of being in Christ, discussing its implications for personal edification, spiritual growth, and defense against deception. From the theological intricacies to practical ap...

Join Cory Piatt and Dave Harrell in a compelling discussion centered around the profound theological topics of God's sovereignty, evil, and suffering in this enlightening episode of FORTIFIED. Dave Harrell, author of the thought-provoking book "God, Evil, and Suffering," leads the conversation as they explore the intricate relationship between these concepts and their implications for our faith. T...

Cory Piatt and Pastor Dave Harrell dive into their personal backgrounds and the driving force behind their mission. Get to know Pastor Dave's inspiring journey into ministry, including his experiences in biblical counseling and his long-standing tenure at Calvary Bible Church. Discover the genesis of Shepherd's Fire Ministry and its profound focus on empowering pastors and church leaders globally....