Provoke & Inspire Podcast

How do we return to a simple faith of knowing God intimately, simply, and living in such a way that requires full reliance on him? Ben talks with pastor and church planter Jimmy Seibert, whose own ministry intersected long ago with that of David's, and continues to grow to this day as God leads him onward. "There are no good ole days." ---------------------- Ben has completely revis...

The regulars cover the topic of an Australian man who forgave, and even befriended, the killer of his children, through the power of his own faith. Is forgiveness much more powerful than we even think it is? How exactly does God forgive us of our sins? Don’t miss this episode. ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Cu...

Mattie Montgomery, pastor and former vocalist of the band For Today, discusses his path from the stages of festivals and clubs to the stage of a church in Tennessee, and lessons learned along the way. Spotify Apple ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach...

Has prayer ever felt pointless to you? Or if not that, at least a boring religious exercise...even one done in futility? Ben and David explore this topic with a message that will bring refreshment into the heart of every follower of Jesus, regardless of where you are in your journey of prayer. ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular Wor...

How do we deal with those who fall into the category of extreme apathy - those espousing something you could call "Apatheism"? How do you approach suffering with no framework for God in your life?  Apologist, author, and speaker William Lane Craig weighs in on these heavy matters. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated...

Ben talks to pastor and content creator Landon MacDonald. Landon is the pastor of Mission Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. They discuss an experiment Landon did involving billboard ad space which made him go viral, and why biblical illiteracy often plagues the church today. ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Cultu...

When it comes to the emerging prominence of online ministry, how can we know if we are making a difference, when we may never see some of the people we are trying to reach? Do we know if our ministry is a success, or have we simply found a niche? How do we step back from mistakes we might make, when the reach of the internet is so vast, and the platform so public?  Ben talks to YouTuber Isaac Davi...

How do we parse out mind, body, and spirit when navigating issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and habits? Ben talks with the brilliant clinical neuroscientist, mental health educator, and author Dr. Caroline Leaf about these very things. Dr. Leaf discusses her new book, Help in a Hurry: Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed, Anxious or Stressed Check out Dr. Leaf&apos...

What happens when things in the church get brought outside of their traditional settings? What happens when you offer baptism in a public park in Germany? The guys talk about risk, breakthrough, and starting from where you are; being honest about where you are at spiritually. ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to...

How can we provide people with solutions in their search for meaning? Why are we so drawn toward disapproval and indignation? How can we stand out from others as followers of Jesus?  Ben talks with Nate Sala of the YouTube channel, "Wise Disciple" about the current cultural zeitgeist. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions...

Ben reflects on the sobering truth of James 4:14. Our lives are like a mist, here one moment and gone the next. Drawing from personal stories, scripture, and the haunting wisdom of the 1989 film Dead Poets Society , he shares a practical framework for living intentionally: having a clear aim, building a real plan, and committing to weekly reflection. If you don’t want to waste your life, this epis...

From a surge in global prayer to a rising hunger for truth among Gen Z, this conversation unpacks the signs of revival. The regulars are joined by Pete Greig from the 24-7 prayer movement, who explores why prayer isn’t passive, how culture has reached a breaking point, and why now is the time for a new generation to rise, lead, and live differently. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple -...

Brady Sticker from ChurchCandy joins to tackle the controversial topic of digital marketing in the church. Does it lead to true discipleship or just transfer growth? They explore the power and pitfalls of tools like Facebook ads, discuss how to use them with integrity, and unpack how personal connection, not automation, is key to reaching a spiritually hungry generation.  Check out ChurchCandy HER...

Ben talks with speaker Ryan Ries, as well as guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch of the band Korn about staying consistently faithful to Jesus, and soft-hearted in a crazy world. Listen to the full episode Spotify Apple ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? -...

Grammy-nominated POD frontman Sonny Sandoval joins the podcast to talk faith, fatherhood, and the tension of following Jesus in a chaotic world. From raising kids on the road to resisting the pull of fame, Sonny shares raw insights on living authentically, loving well, and staying both grounded in grace and close to Jesus. Check out Sonny’s book, “Son of Southdown,” here . ---------------------- I...

Have we confused biblical truth with cultural stereotypes? In this episode, we’ll explore whether the Church’s approach to gender roles is more alienating than affirming, especially to those already feeling on the margins. Are we holding to Scripture or adding barriers Jesus never intended? ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ev...

Psychiatrist, author and speaker Dr. Curt Thompson explores why true discipleship isn’t scalable—and why that’s the point.  Drawing from neuroscience, church history, and the life of Jesus, he challenges the obsession with mass growth and spotlights the transformative power of small, intentional communities. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle...

Ben talks with Jonathan Moynihan, lead pastor of Mosaic Christian Church in Elkridge, Maryland, and host of The White Flag podcast. They unpack why the modern church is struggling to form real, mature followers of Jesus. We explore the deep disconnect between what churches say they prioritize and what they actually measure , why traditional programs often fall short, and how Jesus’ model of relati...

In light of the USA's Independence Day, Ben goes solo to ask whether or not (for those who live in the United States) our different freedoms and forms of wealth as Americans are something we take advantage of, or take for granted.  ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won&apos...

Many millennials are facing the same “midlife crisis” that their parents did, yet without the money to buy that Porsche or the spouse to leave for someone younger.  Although these typical material exchanges may not be occurring, the crisis remains. How can followers of Jesus speak into this issue, and what deeper root does a midlife crisis speak to? ——----------------- Interested in the Steiger Mi...

Many people, even in the Church, are increasingly acceptant of things like THC or CBD, while at the same time many still demonize marijuana as a dangerous substance that can open spiritual doors. Is there truth to either side? Dr. Todd Miles talks to Ben and Chad about this contentious subject. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to s...

Ben speaks with Dove Award-winning rapper and songwriter Dylan Phillips, AKA nobigdyl. for an honest conversation about faith, creativity, politics, and staying centered on Jesus in a divided world; from the story behind his song "imago interlude" to the Church’s need to rise above tribalism. --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS...

Are we on the brink of WWIII? Is it already underway? Beyond what countless news sources are fixated on, and reporting, what do followers of Jesus do with this information, and this situation? Is this the end? --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? -----...

Ben talks with evangelist, author and speaker Preston Perry about the finer details of calling, vocation, and how we are all commanded to go and share the gospel, making others such as ourselves.  Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? Ben has completely revised and update...

Ben and Aaron talk with Ted Esler, president of Missio Nexus, to discuss a surprising trend among missions organizations: the growing reluctance to prioritize bold, proclamation-based evangelism. We explore why some ministries are moving away from direct gospel communication, how fear and cultural pressures are shaping strategy, and what it takes to reignite a passionate, courageous witness in tod...