Southern Soul Chats

In part two of  Battling the Unseen , we are chatting about the transformative chapter of Chris Fahey’s life. After years of struggle, Chris found Camp Hope, a sanctuary for veterans battling the invisible wounds of war. It was here that Chris began to heal, both emotionally and spiritually, discovering God’s redeeming love and the power of community. Through Camp Hope, Chris not only found restor...

In part one of Battling the Unseen, Chris Fahey takes us on a deeply personal journey through his early years and into adulthood. Born into a life of hardship, Chris faced abandonment and abuse as a child, leaving scars that shaped his struggles into adulthood. His story reveals the emotional toll and unseen battles that many endure, highlighting the weight of pain carried for years without resolu...

In this episode of Southern Soul Chats, we sit down with Sharon Nell, whose journey of faith has taken her across continents. From her roots in South Africa to Houston and now serving in Guatemala, Sharon shares how God has called her into missions, leading her through unexpected challenges and powerful moments of trust. She opens up about the struggles of stepping into the unknown, the lessons sh...

Welcome to our Summer Series, Stories of Faith! In this episode of  Southern Soul Chats , we are chatting with Joe Paulo, President and CEO of Hope Media Group, to explore his remarkable journey of faith, leadership, and vision. From growing up as a pastor's kid to leading one of the nation's top Christian media organizations, Joe shares how God shaped his calling through unexpected twists...

Have you ever stopped to think about how church activities and ministry work might distract you from truly connecting with God? In this episode of Southern Soul Chats, we dive into the heart of the matter with special guest Bailey Batts. Together, we explore how overcommitment to programs and religious obligations can unintentionally overshadow our relationship with God. Bailey shares personal ins...

In this week’s episode of Southern Soul Chats, we’re joined by Ashley Madera to dive into The Storms Within. Fear, worry, and doubt can often leave us feeling overwhelmed, but how do we navigate these internal battles while staying anchored in God’s peace? Ashley shares profound insights and practical steps to help you surrender these struggles to God, grow in trust, and find renewed strength in y...

In today’s episode of Southern Soul Chats, we are continuing our Driven to Distraction series, and today's episode is From Chaos to Calm. We’ll be talking about the distractions that come from social obligations, community involvement, and the demands of family life. These things can sometimes overwhelm us and pull us away from our relationship with God. Joining us is Amy Tate, who brings years of...

In this episode of Southern Soul Chats, we’re tackling a tough topic: when work becomes more than a job and turns into an idol and defines who we are. While work is a good gift from God, it was never meant to define our identity or take priority over our relationship with Him. We’re excited to welcome Scooter Owens, who shares practical wisdom on how to break free from the trap of overwork and the...

In this episode of Southern Soul Chats, we continue our Driven to Distraction series with a topic that hits close to home—money. Join us as we explore how finances can shape our hearts, shift our trust in God, and impact our ability to live out His call to love others. We’re joined by Pastor Christian Miller, a seasoned pastor with deep insights into how matters of the heart, like money, intersect...

In a world that constantly pushes us to want more—more stuff, more status, more success—how do we recognize when consumption and materialism have become distractions from our faith? In this episode of Driven to Distraction, we dive into the cultural pressures that fuel an endless cycle of striving, comparison, and discontentment. We’ll explore the spiritual impact of materialism, how it can become...

In this episode of Driven to Distraction, we’re diving into the pervasive impact of media distractions—social media, news, and entertainment—and how they shape our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual lives. From the endless scroll to the constant stream of headlines, these distractions don’t just steal our time; they drown out God’s voice and disrupt our focus on what truly matters. Join us as we br...

Not everything we believe about God is true—and that’s a problem. Our misconceptions shape how we relate to Him, how we pray, and even how we live. What if the image of God you’ve been holding onto isn’t really Him? In this episode of Southern Soul Chats join our season Driven to Distraction, where we’re cutting through the noise of faulty assumptions and getting back to the truth. Special guest R...

Welcome to the Spring Season opener of Southern Soul Chats! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Angela McNeil, co-founder of Nations United Church in Houston, Texas. Together, we take a deep dive into the subtle yet powerful force of distraction and how it impacts both our spiritual and daily lives. From everyday interruptions to deeper patterns that pull us away from God, we’ll explore how distra...

In this concluding episode of our Advent series and Season 4 of Southern Soul Chats , we reflect on the unwavering love of God revealed through His faithfulness. Focusing on Luke 1:54-55, we explore how Mary’s song celebrates God’s covenantal love—a promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ. This week, we light the Angels’ Candle, representing love and the proclamation of Christ’s birth. The angelic...

In the third installment of our Advent series, "Mary’s Magnificat: Joy in Provision," we dive into the joy that comes from recognizing God’s abundant provision, as highlighted in Mary’s Magnificat. Focusing on Luke 1:51-53, we reflect on how God lifts the humble, fills the hungry, and scatters the proud. This week, we light the Shepherds' Candle, representing joy and the announcement of Christ’s b...

In this episode of  Southern Soul Chats , we continue our Advent journey by reflecting on Mary’s Magnificat and the peace found in God’s mighty power. We focus on Luke 1:49-50, where Mary proclaims the greatness of the Lord and His mercy across generations. This week, we light the Bethlehem Candle, also known as the Candle of Peace, symbolizing the peace that comes from trusting God’s promises. Jo...

In our first Advent episode of the Christmas Season,  "Advent Through Mary’s Song: Hope in God’s Promises," we reflect on the first candle of Advent—the Prophet’s Candle, which symbolizes hope and anticipation. We’ll explore Mary’s profound response to God’s promise, especially in Luke 1:46-48, where she proclaims her joy and gratitude. Mary’s song, or the Magnificat, isn’t just a personal express...

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from Southern Soul Chats! 🍁 This week, we’re taking a break to reflect on God’s goodness and spend time with loved ones. We’ll be back on December 1 with the start of our Advent series —a season of hope and anticipation you won’t want to miss! We are so grateful for your continued support, prayers, and encouragement. Your partnership allows us to equip and empower others to...

In this series finale episode, Prisms of Light, we reflect on God’s purpose for humanity and the sacred calling placed on each of us. With the body, soul, and spirit we’ve been given, we are called to connect with God, respond to His love, submit to His guidance, glorify Him in all we do, and multiply the knowledge of His goodness throughout the world. Like a prism refracts light into a spectrum o...

In this episode of  Southern Soul Chats , A New Light , Dr. Ferguson and Leah Dyer dive into the foundational themes of law, grace, and relationships from both secular and spiritual perspectives. First, we’ll explore the concept of law, contrasting its secular role in maintaining social order with its Biblical purpose of revealing God’s holy standard. From there, we’ll unpack the transformative po...

In this episode of  Southern Soul Chats , Dr. Ferguson and Jeremy Ferguson chat about the challenging, transformative journey of forgiveness. Forgiveness is often misunderstood as a feeling or something we do only when we’re ready. But in truth, forgiveness is an act of obedience, rooted in God’s example of mercy and grace. We explore the difference between righteous and destructive anger, the imp...

In this episode,   Light Through Stained Glass , Dr. Ferguson and Leah Dyer will chat about brokenness not as defeat, but as a journey toward spiritual victory. Together, we explore how God’s light shines even through our most shattered places, transforming pain and surrender into pathways to growth. By examining how “losing” in worldly terms can be a win in the spiritual realm, we unpack the para...

In this weeks episode titled  "Light Your Torch," we dive deep into the metaphor of battle and why it serves as an effective framework for understanding and confronting the internal struggles we face as Christians. We explore how the spiritual life often resembles warfare, with both seen and unseen forces at play, and why it’s essential to be spiritually prepared for the challenges ahead. We begin...

In this episode of Ignite the Flame, we explore what it truly means to grow spiritually and why it’s an essential part of every believer’s journey. Discover why God expects us to mature in our faith and how we can cultivate intimacy with Him through spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying Scripture, and worship. Join Dr. Ferguson and Leah Dyer as they break down the importance of intentional s...