Leading Conversations

Dominique Beaumont's life reads like a modern-day parable of divine orchestration. Born to a severely schizophrenic mother who worked as a prostitute, Dominique bounced between foster homes until landing with a Pentecostal foster mother who introduced him to church. What followed was nothing short of miraculous—at just eight years old, he felt drawn to ministry, organizing "churches&quot...

Andrew McDonald never imagined he'd become a pastor, let alone a church planter. Growing up in eastern Canada, church was something you endured weekly while wearing uncomfortable clothes—a religious obligation completely disconnected from daily life. After pursuing what he thought would bring fulfillment—parties, marriage, career success, and material possessions—he found himself at 22 with e...

The power of the local church to transform lives sits at the heart of Spencer and Sarah Green's remarkable story. When a youth pastor Spencer only knew as "the more than enough guy" (because he always brought extra pizza to school) became the lifeline that saved him from suicide, he discovered what genuine Christian community could be. Having lost 33 loved ones to addiction, violenc...

What does a world champion roller skater, a transformative mission trip to India, and a text message church merger have in common? They're all part of Sean Arisco's extraordinary journey into church planting and leadership. Sean's path began far from ministry, competing as a professional roller figure skater and representing the United States internationally. Though raised in a Chri...

What happens when rigid religious rules collide with authentic faith? Jon Groves takes us on a remarkable journey from his beginnings as a fourth-generation preacher's kid to finding freedom beyond the confines of legalism. At just eight years old, Jon delivered his first sermon standing on a stepping stool behind the pulpit. Growing up in an environment where shorts were forbidden, movies we...

Rick McKinley's remarkable journey from partying at Chico State to establishing one of Portland's most influential churches reveals the transformative power of authentic faith and leadership. With refreshing candor, Rick shares how he wandered into a church on Palm Sunday thinking they were going to read his palm—a misunderstanding that ultimately led to a profound spiritual awakening. J...

What if your small church isn't broken? What if it's exactly the size it's meant to be? In this illuminating conversation, third-generation pastor Karl Vaters shares his 32-year journey leading the same congregation and his revolutionary discovery that transformed his ministry: small churches aren't failed big churches—they're a strategic approach to effective ministry. Hi...

What if the key to transforming a city isn't building bigger churches, but bringing existing ones together? Don Proctor has spent nearly two decades proving this principle as the Director of City Pastors Fellowship in Sacramento—arguably the strongest citywide pastoral network in America. The story begins with a 20-year-old electrician taking a weekend job at an auto parts store. The owner&ap...

Craig Whitney's journey from burned-out church planter to multiplication catalyst reveals powerful insights about sustainable ministry and leadership development.  Whitney's story begins with a familiar path—growing up in a ministry family, experiencing a pivotal moment of faith at summer camp, and eventually planting a church at just 26 years old. But after seven years of ministry in Wi...

What happens when church becomes the last place people want to go? James Gleason never planned to become a senior pastor, but when a teen in his youth group pointed out how uninviting their church had become, something shifted. That realization launched him on a journey that would transform a congregation of 150 into a thriving church of nearly 2,000 while planting five additional churches. Growin...

Josephine "Jojo" Namudu's life story reads like a modern-day psalm of redemption and divine provision. From the red dirt of Uganda to the green landscape of Oregon, her journey reveals the transformative power of faith amid unimaginable hardship. At just four years old, Jojo watched her mother die after a botched C-section when the family couldn't afford the $50 needed for corr...

What happens when a punk drummer with a pompadour hairstyle starts questioning if Christianity might be a cult? Dan Kimball's spiritual journey unfolds as a testament to the power of honest inquiry and unexpected grace. From a chance encounter with a gospel tract at Colorado State University to finding spiritual mentorship in a tiny elderly church in London, Kimball shares how his path to fai...

What does it take to stay in pastoral ministry for over three decades? For Rene Schlaepfer of Twin Lakes Church in Santa Cruz, California, the answer might surprise you - a series of two-year commitments rather than a lifetime vow. Rene's story begins with profound childhood trauma. At just four years old, his father died from cancer, leaving his Swiss immigrant mother barely speaking English...

What does revival look like in America's rural communities? John Craft offers a front-row perspective from Wyoming's Bighorn Basin, where churches in towns of just 4,000 people regularly see 250-300 in attendance, many being young families and former Mormons finding new faith in Christ. Craft's journey to this vantage point follows an unexpected path. Growing up in a theologically l...

Join us as Mike reflects on his formative years, shaped by a legacy of faith passed down by his family and community. He highlights how pivotal moments at youth camps not only solidified his own faith but also fostered an environment where young people could experience life-changing spiritual encounters. With an unwavering commitment to reaching lost souls, Mike emphasizes the role of partnerships...

Brad Little shares his inspiring journey from a childhood marked by insecurity in Calgary to becoming a lead pastor and regional executive director in Minnesota. Highlighting the significance of mentorship, prayer, and community connection, this episode emphasizes the essence of leadership in the face of challenges, especially during moments of division. Send us Fan Mail We want to help you find y...

How do legacies shape the leaders we become? Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Jim Jessup from Jessup University, who shares intimate stories of his family's remarkable church planting and leadership history. From his grandfather's founding of San Jose Bible College in 1939 to Jim's journey of answering a call to ministry at 16, Jim opens up about the enduring impact of his...

In our conversation, Roy illuminates the extraordinary ways his community engages with the local Mormon population through initiatives like "Love Gives" and "God's Garage," exemplifying compassion-driven outreach. We discuss how these programs foster meaningful connections, offering genuine support through acts of service and relational evangelism. With cultural insights i...

Steve Ingram's journey is nothing short of inspiring, reflecting both profound faith and unyielding resilience. Imagine facing the heartbreak of losing a spouse shortly after welcoming your child into the world. Steve opens up about his life, shaped by his upbringing in a devout Christian family and his commitment to ministry, which led him to become a youth pastor and eventually the pastor o...

What if a single injury could change your life's trajectory? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Billy Claudio from Scottsdale, Arizona, whose life took a dramatic turn from aspiring engineer to influential Christian leader after a pivotal childhood event. Billy recounts his transformative experiences growing up in a devout Catholic, military family and the profound impact of his...

Alan Adler's journey is a tale of faith, family, and transformation. In it, He shares how his father's quest, sparked by the Book of Revelation, led their family to embrace Christianity. Through Alan's story, we see how a dramatic church event and the camaraderie with his childhood friend, Karl Roth, played pivotal roles in nurturing his spiritual growth within a supportive communit...

Brendan Prout joins us with a remarkable tale of transformation and faith. Growing up in a Navy family, Brendan's early religious experiences were varied and mostly social in nature, with a particular fondness for youth groups where he could meet girls. However, his perception of church life took a radical turn when he encountered a community that defied musical norms with an electric guitar-...

Discover how a young man's journey from anger and rebellion to a life of faith and ministry takes center stage in our latest episode featuring Josh Huseby, a devoted church planter from Bismarck, North Dakota. Explore the powerful narrative of overcoming personal loss and embracing a calling, as Josh recounts the transformative impact of his father's passing and how it catalyzed his init...

What happens when life takes unexpected turns, leading you away from and then back to faith? Join us as we bring you the incredible stories of Dom and Allie Simmons from Fort Worth, Texas. From Allie's journey of growing up in the church, losing her way during college, and rediscovering her faith as a single mother, to Dom's tumultuous youth marked by gang involvement and a transformativ...

Has your faith ever been shaken to its core? Join us as Jay Kim from Westgate Church in Silicon Valley recounts his profound spiritual journey, marked by his mother's radical conversion from agnosticism to devout Christianity. Relive the 1990s evangelical youth culture with Jay, who opens up about his faith deconstruction during college and how a small group of steadfast mentors reignited his...