Made to Advance with Brian Aulick

Engedi pastors Josh Haltom and Christina Aulick join Brian to settle the great gourd-versus-pumpkin debate, then dig deeper into Brian’s recent teaching on John 15 — what it really means to abide, why pruning isn’t punishment, and how staying close to Jesus produces fruit in worship, character, service, generosity, and evangelism. Links & Episode Notes Engedi Church Josh Haltom, Engedi Pastor...

Brian sits down with Engedi pastors Josh Haltom (Community Life) and Bre Wierenga (Engedi Grand Rapids) to unpack Lungz Makaula’s September 20 message “Life on the Other Side.” They talk about what it means to take up your cross daily, why dying to self leads to real life, and how motive matters as much as action. Links & Episode Notes Engedi Grand Rapids Life on the Other Side | Lungz Makaula...

Nirup Alphonse is the founder and lead pastor of LIFEGATE Church, a multi‑ethnic, multi‑cultural church in Denver, Colorado. He and his wife, Hannah, have four sons, and Nirup's first book, Defiant Lights , releases later this month. Nirup and Brian talk about joy, contentment, and what it means to discover God’s great purpose for this world. Links & Episode Notes Nirup Alphonse LIFEGATE Denve...

Brian sits down with Tyana Armijo, Engedi Kids team member and Engedi Music leader & songwriter, and Josh Haltom, Engedi’s Community Life pastor, for an honest, story-filled conversation about what it actually looks like to walk with the Holy Spirit day to day — how to discern His voice, what to do when you miss it, and how to keep growing in dependence on Him. Links & Episode Notes Engedi...

Chet Pete is the Campus Pastor of Elevation Church’s University City campus in Charlotte, NC, where he also serves on the executive leadership team. After a decade in the marketplace running stores for Finish Line, Chet has spent the last ten years in ministry — eight of them as a campus pastor. In this conversation he opens up about second-chair leadership, why your team needs to know that you bl...

From the Engedi Church Men’s Conference in February 2024: U.S. Navy Blue Angel and Top Gun: Maverick stunt pilot Frank Weisser joins Brian to share his story. From perilous flights over Afghanistan to flying with Tom Cruise, Frank shares his wisdom on faith, failure, and fighting through adversity. Links & Episode Notes U.S. Navy CDR Frank Weisser U.S. Navy Blue Angels Top Gun: Maverick (2022)...

Tommee Profitt is a prolific music producer and songwriter who has collaborated with major artists like NF and Josh Groban, composes TV and movie music that’s been streamed billions of times, and even wrote a Christmas album with an epic live performance that has become an annual tradition at the Grand Ole Opry. Tommee and Brian talk about his creative process and how his faith informs all that he...

Christian hip-hop artist and pastor Brenno Aquino opens up about his journey from a Brazilian immigrant upbringing to viral moments with Forrest Frank and Sway in the Morning , and the humbling seasons that shaped his faith along the way. Links & Episode Notes Brenno Aquino Brenno - Lace Up Your Boots (Rap Remix) Official Music Visual Lecrae Andy Mineo KB FL Studio (Fruity Loops) Bob Sorge Swa...

Gladys Cruz immigrated from Mexico to Michigan as a young girl, leaving behind a challenging present for an equally challenging future. In this episode Gladys shared about starting her own luxury balloon art business, her struggle with depression & anxiety, the importance of seeking help, and her hopes and dreams for the future. Links & Episode Notes Llamazing Events ( Instagram ) Engedi E...

Hip-hop artist Steven Malcolm shares his journey from challenging upbringing to a successful recording career. Amidst the chaos, he found encouragement in basketball, music, and ultimately, his faith in Christ. Links & Episode Notes  Steven Malcolm ( Spotify | Apple Music ) The Edge Urban Fellowship Reach Records 116 Lecrae “Christ My Swagg” cover art Andy Mineo Canon Json / Lamp Mode Steven’s...

Josh Haltom is Discipleship Pastor at Engedi Church in Holland, Michigan. In this conversation Josh talks about his journey to faith, reconciling with his parents, and the power of the Holy Spirit. He and (fellow Hoosier) Brian also bond over their shared love for Indiana University. Links & Episode Notes Indiana University 2026 Football Spring Game - Indiana University Athletics Night With th...

Aaron Nelson is a professional performer and veteran cast member of Disney’s The Lion King. He’s been touring with The Lion King for over 10 years, performing eight shows each week in roles like Simba, Scar, and Mufasa. Aaron shares about achieving his dream, the emptiness he experienced when he reached those heights, and how God met him there. Links & Episode Notes Aaron Joseph Nelson (@theac...

Ryan Maher is a pastor and co-leader of digital ministries like Trust God Bro , Her True Worth , and The Prayer Channel , and he’s also the author of The God Worth Trusting . He and Brian talk about the book and how it explores God’s goodness and the truth of human suffering. Ryan also reflects on the early days of Instagram and reaching people with the good news of the gospel in the digital age....

What will we see when we die? John Burke is the founder and former lead pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. He’s also an author who has researched over 1,000 near-death experiences. He and Brian talk about the reality of heaven and what it looks like to live with a true vision of eternity in mind. Links & Episode Notes John Burke ( Instagram ) Imagine Heaven Imagine Heaven Imagine the G...

John Barce is a lawyer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and co-founder of NeighborLink.org , a platform that has connected volunteers with homeowners in need since 1998. John shares about the journey to faith during his college years, what it means to truly disciple one another, and how NeighborLink came to be. Links & Episode Notes John Barce Indiana University Purdue University Cru Topical Memory Sys...

Brian is joined by Engedi Global Missions Pastor (and wife!) Christina for another conversation, this time about the foundational practices that make marriages thrive. They round out the discussion with some Q&A from a recent marriage event at the church. Links & Episode Notes MTA 67: Christina Aulick: When Your Pit Becomes Your Platform The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Joh...

Brian is joined by Engedi Church Executive Pastor Josh Blom to talk about discernment when it comes to shouldering others’ burdens and lightening their loads, as well as knowing the difference between the two. Links & Episode Notes Josh Blom Spartan Races Hyrox MTA 47: Even Navy SEALs need community with Kevin Rodrigo Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Lei...

Christina Aulick is the Global Missions Pastor at Engedi Church in Holland, Michigan. At 34 years old, Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer and thrust quickly into a season of suffering, healing, and survival. She and Brian reflect on the nearness of God amidst this acutely challenging chapter of their lives and marriage. Links & Episode Notes MTA 64: Mike Luepke Returns: On Managing a M...

Links & Episode Notes Engedi Church Engedi Español Motor City Church Sozo City Church Foundry Church I Am Not My Father by Paul Scanlon Scripture References Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 11 Romans 1 Romans 7 Mark 10:43-44

Arlyn Lanting is a retired businessman who, in addition to a number of other successful roles, co-founded the Gentex Corporation in Zeeland, Michigan. Arlyn shares with Brian about his professional journey, mid-life growth in his faith, and what it means to finish well this side of heaven. Links & Episode Notes Arlyn Lanting Gentex Corporation Holland Christian Hope College The Real Heaven by...

Mike Luepke returns to the podcast, and this time he’s got the hosting duties. Mike turns the tables on Brian, asking about his early life and call to ministry. They also talk about Engedi Church’s growth, leadership & working with your spouse, and the future of the church in the United States. “Boiler Up?” Links & Episode Notes Mike Luekpe Valeo / Training MTA #28: Personal trainer and en...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the MTA Team. 

Kevin Rodrigo returns to the show, and this time he and Brian switch places, with Kevin asking questions about one of Brian’s recent teachings at Engedi Church. The two discuss what it means to be holy, what we’re called to individually and as a church, and what it means to live faithfully in our modern world. Links & Episode Notes Kevin Rodrigo Starfield Front MTA #47: Even Navy SEALs need co...

Andy Steiger is the founder and pastor of Apologetics Canada, an organization dedicated to equipping Christians to “understand, defend, and share the Gospel truth.” He and Brian discuss the Charlie Kirk assassination, culture’s shift away from atheism, and Gen Z’s search for meaning. Links & Episode Notes Andy Steiger Apologetics Canada Ministries Wes Huff Joe Rogan Experience #2252 - Wesley H...

Chelsea Smith is the Lead Theologian at Churchome and author of ‘ I Do’ Today: A 52-Week Guide to the Marriage You've Been Waiting For . She and Brian talk about the root causes of problems in marriage and practical, proactive steps couples can take to strengthen their marriage. Links & Episode Notes Chelsea Smith 'I Do' Today: A 52-Week Guide to the Marriage You've Been Waiting For Churchome...