Providence Threads: Weaving Stories of Faith, Transformation, and Community

In this special bonus episode of Providence Threads , Gary and Karen Tinklenberg share their journey serving with World Renew—responding to disasters and bringing hope to communities in need. Hear powerful stories of faith, perseverance, and God’s provision in the midst of challenges. From rebuilding homes to building trust, this conversation highlights what it means to serve Christ in real, tangi...

Discipling the Next Generation with Kevin Harris In this final episode of the season, we sit down with Kevin Heeres, our new Youth Pastor at Providence Church, to talk about what it truly means to disciple the next generation. Kevin shares his personal journey of faith—from making his faith his own as a teenager, to seasons of running from God, to rediscovering his identity in Christ through inten...

In this episode of Providence Threads , host Toby Gruppen sits down with Leo Ojidoa, Providence’s worship leader, to talk about calling, discipleship, and the heart behind worship. From a difficult childhood in Chile to discovering Jesus through brokenness, Leo shares a powerful testimony of how God used the church, mentorship, and a simple invitation to shape his life and calling. This conversati...

In this episode of Providence Threads , host Toby Gruppen sits down with Leo Ojidoa, Providence’s worship leader, to talk about calling, discipleship, and the heart behind worship. From a difficult childhood in Chile to discovering Jesus through brokenness, Leo shares a powerful testimony of how God used the church, mentorship, and a simple invitation to shape his life and calling. This conversati...

In this episode of Providence Threads , host Toby Gruppen sits down with special guest Scott Guerink to talk about disciple-making, leadership development, and church multiplication. From his early life in West Michigan to years of missionary work in Mexico, Scott shares how God shapes calling through discipleship, obedience, and everyday faithfulness. Together, they explore why multiplication is...

In this episode of Providence Threads , Pastor Toby Gruppen sits down with John Wagenveld, Director of Multiplication Network , to explore what it really means to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches. Together, they unpack a critical reality: even in places like West Michigan—often seen as “churched”—we are far from gospel saturation. With more churches closing than opening, the call to multi...

In this episode of Providence Threads , Pastor Toby Gruppen sits down with John Wagenveld, Executive Director of Multiplication Network, to explore one of the most urgent topics for the Church today: the multiplication of disciples, leaders, and new churches. Drawing from real-life experiences around the world, John offers a compelling perspective on the contrast between the Church in North Americ...

Discipling Kids and Families In this episode of Providence Threads , Toby Gruppen sits down with Marcy Rodríguez , Director of Children’s Ministry at Providence Church, to talk about the heart of discipling the next generation. They discuss how faith formation begins at home, why authentic conversations with children matter, and how parents can model faith through everyday life. Marcy encourages f...

In this episode of Providence Threads , Toby Gruppen talks with Steve Deloof about the importance of discipleship and recognizing the opportunities around us to share the gospel. Steve shares personal stories of how he is intentionally sharing his faith and walking alongside others in discipleship, reminding us that God can use everyday relationships to transform lives.

In Episode 08 of Providence Threads , Toby Gruppen sits down again with Pastor George DeJong to explore biblical leadership through the lens of Scripture and lived experience. Leadership is more than influence — it is the willingness to take responsibility. Through the imagery of ancient fields, wilderness journeys, and the altar of sacrifice, Pastor George challenges us to consider: Are we listen...

What is biblical leadership? In this episode of Providence Threads , Pastor George DeJong joins Pastor Toby Gruppen to unpack leadership through the lens of responsibility: Personal responsibility (Adam & Eve) Moral responsibility (Cain & Abel) Corporate responsibility (Noah) In a time marked by division and cultural tension, how do we lead faithfully? This conversation explores servant le...

In this episode, we hear the extraordinary story of Kingsway Ministries in Uganda . What began as one woman’s response to devastating loss during wartime has become a thriving school and discipleship ministry serving nearly 100 vulnerable children. Kingsway provides academic education, spiritual formation, vocational training, and daily prayer. Many of these children are orphans or victims of war-...

In this episode of Providence Threads , host Toby Gruppen is joined by two remarkable voices: biblical scholar Lois Tverberg and Old Testament teacher Milly Erema Maturu .Together, they explore how cultural context shapes the way we read and understand Scripture. Drawing from lived experience in East Africa, biblical scholarship, and shared journeys in Israel and beyond, this conversation invites...

In this episode of Providence Threads , we sit down with George DeJong for a rich and thought-provoking conversation on what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. Drawing from Scripture, Jewish tradition, and decades of pastoral experience, Pastor George reframes discipleship not as having the right answers—but as becoming lifelong learners who ask faithful questions, live provocatively, and g...

In this episode of Providence Threads, host Toby Gruppen sits down with therapist Jenna Speek for an honest and deeply meaningful conversation about anxiety, gratitude, shame, and healing. Together, they explore how God has wired our minds and hearts in ways that invite healing rather than isolation. Jenna shares powerful insights from her professional work and personal experiences, helping us und...

In this episode of Providence Threads , Toby Gruppen sits down with José Durán for a thoughtful conversation about the current situation in Venezuela . This episode offers a spiritual perspective on the crisis, reflecting on faith, hope, and the role of the Church in times of uncertainty. Rather than focusing only on political developments, the conversation invites listeners to consider how God is...

Introduction Second season We’re excited to launch Season 2 of Providence Threads, a season focused on Discipleship, Leadership development and Church multiplication. Whether you are a leader, a disciple, or simply curious about how faith connects to everyday life, this conversation is an invitation to reflect, listen, and grow. New season. New conversations. One shared calling. Available now on Y...

New Year, New Resolutions In the first episode of Season 2 of Providence Threads, we begin the year with an honest and practical conversation about new beginnings and spiritual resolutions. In this episode, we are joined by José Durán to talk about the importance of reading the Bible as a foundational practice for the Christian life —especially as we set intentions and rhythms for a new year. Toge...

Special Guest: Kory Plockmeyer – Executive Director of Movement West Michigan In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kory Plockmeyer to talk about One Community Weekend — a powerful initiative coming to West Michigan from May 14–18, 2025 . We explore how churches across the region are uniting for a shared mission: - A community-wide day of service - 31 days of 24/7 prayer for 31 local churche...

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 In this final episode of our Freedom in Christ series, Pastor Toby Gruppen wraps up with four powerful and practical principles to help you walk in the true freedom Jesus offers. We all face thoughts, habits, and patterns that try to hold us back—but God’s truth sets us free. From renewing your mind to forgiving deeply, surrenderi...

Dean Vander Mey – Executive Director of Set Free Ministries In this powerful two-part conversation, we explore with Dean Vander Mey the spiritual roots of modern-day slavery, the invisible battles we face daily, and how the Gospel has the power to bring true freedom. From powerful stories to biblical principles for inner healing, these episodes are an invitation to open your eyes, heart, and spiri...

Dean Vander Mey – Executive Director of Set Free Ministries In this powerful two-part conversation, we explore with Dean Vander Mey the spiritual roots of modern-day slavery, the invisible battles we face daily, and how the Gospel has the power to bring true freedom. From powerful stories to biblical principles for inner healing, these episodes are an invitation to open your eyes, heart, and spiri...

In this special episode of Providence Threads , we dive into the powerful and heartwarming experiences from our winter youth camp. Youth Pastor Krista Strom joins us along with students Allison and José , who share their honest, joyful, and moving reflections on how God met them during those unforgettable days. From powerful worship moments to snowball fights and late-night conversations, this epi...

In this episode of Providence Threads , we talk with Krista Mason , director of Benjamin’s Hope , a community dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals with disabilities. Krista shares the inspiring story of how Benjamin’s Hope was founded and has grown into a place where people with disabilities find home, purpose, and community . We explore the importance of a holistic approach to care...

During this Lenten season, as we remember Jesus’ sacrifice, we take time to reflect on what it truly means to follow Him. In this episode, Pr. George DeJong challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship. Are we willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ without reservation? We explore Jesus' radical call and what it means to live as true disciples in a world that cons...