The Restoration Podcast

What is true worship? How can the church best spread the gospel? Evelyn Arreola covers these topics and more as she talks with Pastor Aaron. Evelyn is the chapel director at Christ Mission College in San Antonio, Texas. Evelyn and Pastor Aaron grew up in the same church in Houston, Texas and used to lead worship together.

In this episode, three Sioux City, Iowa pastors have an open and honest conversation about the daily challenges of full-time ministry. Sermon prep, church during covid, how to handle faithful congregation members leaving, and the mixed blessing of live-streaming church are only some of the topics covered.

Based on a famous passage in Luke chapter 6, Pastor Johnny shares a message that begs the question "what is your life built upon?"

Listen in as a couple married for nearly 40 years shares wisdom, real experience, and godly counsel on how to build a long lasting and God-honoring marriage.

Rebellion, redemption, and the challenges of youth ministry—this conversation dives deep into personal faith journeys, peer pressure, and leadership struggles. From financial hardships to finding purpose in ministry, district youth director, Phil Johnson from Minnesota and Pastor Scott share real, honest stories about endurance, patience, and trusting God through every season. Don’t miss this powe...

The Restoration Podcast team says thank you for one year! We also talk about exciting plans for the future!

Pastor Scott sits down with Pastor Tyler Mau of Sioux City First for an authentic conversation about the highs and lows of ministry. Together, they explore what’s been effective, what hasn’t, and everything in between, offering insights and real talk for anyone passionate about serving in Youth Ministry

The world is a mess! Everywhere you look there is tragedy, turmoil, suffering, heartache, death, and destruction. Honestly, it’s enough to drive a person into depression, anxiety, stress, and a feeling of hopelessness. Pastor Johnny unpacks part of Psalm 75 that reminds us of who God is and that He is in control.

Pastor Johnny emphasizes the importance of being focused on things of lasting value and shares 3 things a person needs to do in order to be "about the Father's business."

Austin Yanney, worship leader at Worship City Church, stops by to share a little about what he does at his church. Other topics covered are: church hurt, today's worship tech capabilities, songwriting, and movie scores! Austin also shares a quick encouraging testimony of hope.

After Christmas, the festive spirit may be fading. However, the essence of Christmas—the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings—should influence our lives long after December 25th. Pastor Johnny explores three key points on how we can continue to embody the spirit of Christmas in our daily lives.

Pastor Lexie Stavely, worship pastor at O'Fallon A/G, talks with Pastor Aaron about having to learn things quickly in the worship ministry world! Pastor Lexi and Pastor Aaron both began serving in their current positions in the summer of 2021 and share insightful things they've learned thus far. They also share some tips for first year worship pastors.

Pastor John Ryan Cantu - lead pastor at Pneuma Church in Houston, Texas - talks with Pastor Aaron about saying yes to the call. Other topics covered in this episode are:  what pastors do other than preaching, congregations pastoring their communities, and being open to fresh ideas in the ministry.

In this episode, Jeff shares a bit about his Sonicflood experience and also his time at North Central University as a professor of music. We also talk a lot about his book Spark and how its themes apply to all worshippers, and not just worship pastors/leaders. We hope you are encouraged by this conversation! Jeff Deyo is a worship leader, author, pianist, songwriter, speaker, and teacher. He is kn...

The influence of Christian rock music, Fine Arts Festival, Royal Rangers, girls ministries camps, dropping keyboards, playing worship with a possible angel, and more! How can being involved in the church make a lasting impact? Join us as Pastor Aaron and Luis Valle - a worship drummer from Houston, Texas - look back at what the Lord has done and how it all affected their lives today! If you have a...

What is the church supposed to do other than hold services each week? Aren’t we supposed to raise up and train others to eventually lead churches/ministries of their own? Is everyone called to lead a ministry? How would one go about learning how to be an effective church leader? In this podcast, Pastor Ben and Pastor Johnny discuss an exciting hands-on intensive that Restoration Church is hosting...

How can Christians parent in today’s crazy world? Can you parent, be a spouse, have a full-time job, AND serve at your church?! Miriam Garza, Pastor Aaron’s sister, shares how she does it. She also shares her encouraging testimony of being single for many years. 

What exactly does a media director do? In this podcast, we explore the unique job description of a media director. Hannah walks us through all that she does for Restoration Church. We also discuss life’s seasons of transitions and how we as Christians should approach them. 

Pastor Johnny recaps Restoration Church's latest message, part 1 of a series titled "Raise Your Expectations."

Pastor Johnny talks about fasting and challenges Restoration Church and listeners of this podcast to participate in a 30-day long fast.

Pastor J. Alfaro, lead pastor at El Tabernaculo A/D (Pastor Aaron’s hometown church) and superintendent of the Texas Louisiana Hispanic District, stops by the Restoration Podcast to share his testimony of how the Lord led him to where he is today. God’s faithfulness is showcased as we walk through his history of ministry opportunities, bible school experience, big decisions for his church, and pro...

Share Fair is a women’s event and missions fundraiser that has been part of Restoration Church’s history for nearly 45 years! 4 ladies sit with Pastor Aaron to discuss the history, flow, and highlights of this iconic event!

Pastor Jim Bradford, lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri, stops by the Restoration Podcast to offer some biblically based advice on how Christians should live during an election year, the age of celebrity pastors, why millennials are leaving the church, and more. Pastor Jim has decades of teaching experience and we were blessed to have him do what he does best for this episode...

Pastor Johnny stops by the Restoration Podcast! As lead pastor of Restoration Church, Pastor Johnny has faithfully led his congregation for 16 years. Listen as he shares about the journey that took him from Georgia, to Florida, to Texas, to Sioux City, Iowa. He also dives into exciting things coming for the next decade of Restoration Church, including celebrating a milestone year this coming month...

Arnold & Zulema Parrales - Pastor Aaron's parents - stop by The Restoration Podcast! Listen in as they talk about how they learned english, how they met, and also revisit some memories of their 35 years of children and music ministry together. From growing up in 2 different countries to creating a Buddy Barrel costume, this very special couple has lots of wisdom to share!