The Almost Amazing Podcast

Kathleen Yarborough is the Community Ministries Director for the CityRise Network, focusing on partnering with local ministries to meet needs and share the love of Jesus. Kathleen shares some opportunities to serve in Houston, and also talks about her journey toward developing a heart for partnering with local ministries. Visit https://cityrise.org/soc to learn more about opportunities to serve in...

Philip Yancey is an author writing primarily about spiritual issues. His books have sold more than fifteen million copies in English and have been translated into forty languages, making him one of the best-selling contemporary Christian authors. Philip shares the story of his faith journey recovering from a toxic church experience, and offers encouragement for those examining their faith with a c...

Sonya DeArman is a Christ follower, wife, mother, and thrift shopper. Being married to a pastor, Sonya offers insight on parenting a senior, helping guests at church feel welcome, and managing anxiety with all of life's ups and downs. Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe!

Zac McCray is the Assistant Chapter Director for Ratio Christi at Rice University, an organization dedicated to answering big questions about our faith and educating Christians on the tenets of our faith. Zac shares his personal story of coming to know Jesus, and the role apologetics play in his current walk with Christ. For more information on Ratio Christi, or to contribute to Zac's ministry, vi...

Melissa Patin retired last year from Houston ISD after 10 years as a principal, with a career as a school counselor and teacher before that. She shares her philosophy on taking care of those that we lead, and also her heart for putting the students' best interests first and foremost in education. Please make sure to rate, review, and subscribe!

Jeny Cortez is the Director of Development for STCH Ministries, focused on raising funds to support their ministry to children and families in South Texas and beyond. She shares with us the incredible things that STCH does, and also offers insight into trusting God in our parenting journey as we seek to raise children that love and follow Jesus. To learn more about STCH, visit https://www.stchm.or...

Denise Glenn is an author and co-founder of Kardo Ministries, focused on helping believers connect with God to develop as spouses and parents. She shares her story of coming through a difficult season in her marriage, and how that developed into a ministry to love and lead people into healthy relationships. For more information on her ministry and her latest books and curriculum, visit https://kar...

Keith Browning is the evening news producer for ABC 13 in Houston, TX and a strong follower of Jesus. He shares his experience with avoiding burnout in the workplace, surviving cancer, staying true to God, and making sure your family remains a top priority in a world obsessed with work success. To check out ABC 13, visit https://abc13.com/watch/live/?ex_cid=ktrkspdlivewl And please make sure to su...

Dr. Roger Patterson is the Senior Pastor and founder of the CityRise Network, providing direct oversight to 6 different congregations, and offering support and networking for several other congregations, non-profits, and missionaries. Roger shares some of the major lessons he's learned in ministry, as well as his heart for everyone to see their family as their most important ministry. For more inf...

Dr. Stephen Spann is a primary care physician and founding Dean of the University of Houston School of Medicine. He shares some encouraging words about the power of doctors to heal through meaningful relationships, and articulates the inspiration he finds in Jesus as the Great Physician. For more information on the free medical clinic that Dr. Spann helped create in Houston, visit https://www.casa...

On Sunday August 29 the CityRise Network gathered our volunteers from all our campuses for a night of celebration and empowerment. Jennifer and Justin set up a booth right by the check in table and had the opportunity to talk to several incredible people about serving.  If you're interested in serving at one of our CityRise Network campuses, visit https://cityrise.org/connect to let us know and on...

Matt Dockall is a certified financial planner who coaches people on ways to manage their wealth toward the goals that matter most to them. He shares insight on investing, godly views on money, and basic financial principles. For more information on Matt's financial planning business, visit https://presidiofinancial.us/ Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe!

Kristen Kellough is a worship leader at the CityRise West U Baptist Church Campus, a preschool teacher, a wife, and a mother of two young children. With the birth of her second child, Kristen faced a battle with depression that made parenting a daily struggle. She shares her story, as well as insight on what helped her during that tough season. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and review!

Jaime Obando is the Associate Director of Community Ministries at CityRise, seeking to connect with those who need Jesus by meeting their needs. As a parent of two teenage boys, Jaime offered a wealth of insight about shepherding children during the toughest season of adolescence. Visit https://cityrise.org/communityministries to learn more about Jaime's ministry at our church. Don't forget to rat...

Sammy Ramos is a church planter leading Cistern Church, located in the Westbury community of Houston, TX. In this chat we talk about why church planting is important, the great things that can happen in camp ministry, and how vital Christ-centered community is for someone to grow in their faith. For more information on Cistern visit https://cisternchurch.org/ Take time to rate, review, and subscri...

Kirby Follis, Executive Pastor of the CityRise Network, shares his personal journey in ministry, big lessons he's learned a husband, his experience with seasons of faith, and reflections on grief and the death of his father.  Please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast!

Christy Sylvester, Executive Director of Casa El Buen Samaritano, shares her path to becoming part of one of the last free medical clinics in Houston, serving families from hundreds of zip codes in need of medical care. Christy shares her heart for reaching the nations right here in Houston, and gives information on how medical professionals and those without medical experience can help the minist...

Jennifer and Justin talk with Tim Wainright, principal of Westlake Preparatory Academy, about a variety of topics regarding education. Choosing the best school for your children, supporting teachers, and clinging to God through the ups and downs of the education roller coaster are just a few of the things that come up in our conversation. Visit https://www.westlakeprep.org/ to learn more about Wes...

We took a week off from recording, but wanted to share some fun with you to hold you over until the next Almost Amazing Dinner Party! Check out this deleted content from episodes 10-17 featuring Kevin Dean, Jenny Johnson, Jess Madden, Kristen Maxfield, Mark Krimm, Tricia Blackford, Stephanie Frey, and Chris DeArman. Make sure rate, review, and subscribe!

Jennifer and Justin have an awesome conversation with Dr. James Tour, Professor of Chemistry at Rice University. Although he has an extensive knowledge of science, Dr. Tour's primary passion is leading people to Christ, and he has served as the college class teacher at our West U campus for 20 years. He shares some incredible tips about elevating the role of Scripture in the home, and emphasizes t...

Jennifer and Justin chat with Cassie Gallagher, a personal trainer, fitness coach, business owner, wife, and mother. She shares insight on healthy eating, exercise, and even shares her story of getting out of debt by making sacrifices to get her finances in order. To learn more about her business, Avenu Fitness, visit https://avenufit.com/ For counseling resources mentioned in the show, visit http...

Jennifer and Justin catch up with Chris DeArman, Campus Pastor for Crosspoint Church - Bellaire, a CityRise Campus. Chris offers encouragement for anyone facing fears or regrets, challenging us to put our faith in the plans God has for us and our families. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share!

Stephanie Frey, a licensed professional counselor focusing on marriages and families offers an incredible amount of insight into how we can take care of our marriages.  South Texas Children's Home Ministries, a CityRise Partner, offers incredible Christ centered counseling services at affordable prices. You can learn more about counseling options through this incredible ministry at https://www.stc...

Jennifer and Justin catch up with a member of our church who serves refugees in Africa with her husband and children. A life on the mission field has taught her some incredible things about connecting with God, and we address small ways to take steps in building our sensitivity to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, write a review, and share this link to get the w...

Mark Krimm has been in high school full time since the 80s- first as a student, then a Young Life leader, and now as a coach and educator. His insight into what teenagers need comes from years of observing them "in the wild"- away from parents and immersed in the culture- and he shares some incredible ideas for loving and leading them well.