Words of Life: Weekly Christian Podcast with Testimonies & Teachings from the Salvation Army

What would it take for you to leave everything behind? In this episode of Words of Life, our Biblical Justice Roundtable turns its attention to refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced families. Through powerful personal stories and biblical reflection, Major Sandra Pawar helps us move beyond headlines and stereotypes to better understand the realities that force millions of people around the world...

Mental health struggles affect people from every walk of life, including pastors, ministry leaders, and faithful followers of Christ. Yet many Christians still wrestle with the misconception that strong faith should eliminate emotional pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, or suffering. In this episode of Words of Life, our Biblical Justice Roundtable continues with an honest and hope-filled conversa...

What does Biblical Justice really mean? How should followers of Jesus respond to some of the most difficult challenges facing our communities today? In this special roundtable episode of Words of Life, host Chris Benjamin is joined by Dr. Ian Mudge, Major Sandra Pawar, Hilary DeJarnett, and Sheena Evans. Together, they begin a thoughtful series exploring topics such as mental health, addiction rec...

What does it cost to care for others in the middle of crisis? In this powerful episode of Words of Life, we hear from Bobbi Geery of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services as he shares the unseen emotional, physical, and spiritual weight carried by disaster relief workers. As our upcoming Biblical Justice roundtable series approaches, this conversation sets the stage by asking an important...

What happens when the Church chooses to see people not by their worst mistake, but through the lens of grace? In this episode of Words of Life, we continue our conversation with Barry Brown, Divisional Director of Correctional Ministries for Texas with The Salvation Army. Barry challenges common misconceptions surrounding incarceration and shares how authentic Christian presence can bring hope, di...

In this powerful episode of Words of Life, we sit down with Barry Brown, the Divisional Director of Correctional Ministries for Texas with The Salvation Army. Drawing from nearly three decades of ministry inside correctional facilities, Barry shares how God transformed his own life and called him to serve incarcerated individuals, correctional staff, and families impacted by incarceration. Barry o...

In this episode of Words of Life , we conclude our series on Community Engagement with a special focus on church leadership and community engagement . Joined by Major Paul Ryerson, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in Central Oklahoma, this conversation is a practical and inspiring guide for pastors, ministry leaders, and church teams who want to make a real difference beyond the walls of thei...

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with author Preston Fiddler ( 1000 Cups of Tea ), we continue exploring what it means to share the gospel through authentic relationships, not agendas. Too often, Christians can unintentionally treat people like projects. But what if evangelism started with genuine love instead? In this episode, we unpack a transformational mindset: we don’t love people...

  What if sharing the gospel wasn’t about having all the right words, but about building real relationships? In this episode of Words of Life , we’re joined by author and missionary Preston Fidler, whose book 1000 Cups of Tea has helped inspire this series on community engagement and neighboring well. Drawing from decades of cross-cultural ministry experience, Preston shares how m...

What does it truly mean to love your neighbor as a follower of Christ? In this episode of Words of Life , Bernie Dake continues his powerful conversation with Major Sandra Pawar, exploring a refreshing and deeply authentic approach to evangelism and community. Together, they unpack the idea that “we don’t love our neighbors to convert them, we love our neighbors because we are converte...

Is busyness keeping you from being the neighbor God has called you to be? In week three of our Words of Life series on neighboring, Bernie Dake and Major Sandra Pawar tackle one of the biggest barriers we all face: a busy life. Between work, family, responsibilities, and constant distractions, it can feel nearly impossible to slow down and engage with the people right outside our door. Looking at...

What if being a good neighbor is simpler than we think? In this episode of Words of Life , Bernie Dake and Major Sandra Pawar continue our series on neighboring with a powerful reminder. Real change in our communities does not start with programs, policies, or platforms. It starts with us. Inspired by the book The Art of Neighboring , this conversation explores how everyday believers can take smal...

What does it really mean to be a good neighbor? In this episode of Words of Life , we kick off a brand new series focused on neighboring and how Christians can intentionally love the people around them. Whether you are a church leader looking to engage your community or simply someone wanting to live out your faith more authentically, this conversation offers both vision and practical encouragemen...

In this powerful final installment of a four-part series, Words of Life host Bernie Dake concludes his moving conversation with members of the Salvation Army’s Southern Staff Band as they reflect on their life-changing ministry trip to South Africa . After ten days of teaching music, creative arts, and Scripture to more than 120 young people at a camp, the band stepped into deeply sacred spa...

  In part three of this four-part  Words of Life conversation, members of the Salvation Army Southern Staff Band continue reflecting on their life-changing journey to South Africa. During a 10-day visit filled with worship services, music education, and shared meals, the team encountered moments of humility that reshaped their understanding of generosity, hospitality, and joy. Much of th...

What happens when Western expectations collide with Spirit-filled joy? In this episode of Words of Life , the team reflects on an unforgettable journey to South Africa and a visit to the Corps just outside Johannesburg. Hundreds of Salvationists—young and old—welcomed the team with radiant smiles, waving hands, and spontaneous singing. From junior soldiers in uniform to seniors with ca...

In this episode of Words of Life , host Bernie Dake is joined by members of The Salvation Army’s Southern Territorial Staff Band following their powerful international tour to South Africa. Together, they reflect on what it means to take part in an evangelical musical ministry across cultures—and how God meets us in both our preparation and our surrender. You’ll hear from Bethany...

In honor of Women’s History Month , Words of Life is highlighting another powerful podcast from The Salvation Army: Open Air , hosted by Ashley Escobar. Open Air features honest, unscripted conversations with women serving in ministry and leadership across The Salvation Army. In this featured episode, Ashley sits down with Gloria Diavangama and Melissa Powell from the Territorial Youth Depar...

  In this episode of  Words of Life , we explore the powerful role of the written word in sharing the gospel and shaping Christian faith—especially within the ministry of The Salvation Army . Host, Chris Benjamin is joined again by Kristin Mudge. And they are joined by Major Jamie Satterlee and Jeremy Roland. From territorial publications like The Southern Spirit to national resour...

  In this inspiring episode of  Words of Life , we welcome back Kristen Mudge , Southern Territorial Publications Editor, alongside special guest Lindsay Bonilla , a children’s book author and professional storyteller whose work is rooted in faith, imagination, and hope. Lindsay shares her personal faith journey, growing up with Christ as her constant companion through seasons of c...

What does it mean to write as an act of worship? And why does the written word continue to be such a powerful way to share the Christian faith? In this episode of Words of Life , we welcome back Dr. Bill and Reverend Diane Ury, National Ambassadors for Holiness for The Salvation Army. With more than four decades of ministry experience, the Urys invite us into a thoughtful and deeply theological co...

In this episode of Words of Life , we hear from Kara, a sixth-generation Salvationist, wife, mom of two, and the Young Adult and Missions Coordinator for The Salvation Army Southern Territory. Kara shares her personal faith journey, growing up in a Christian home, and the moment when faith became her own. The conversation then turns to the power of writing, journaling, and handwritten letters as s...

In this episode of Words of Life , we launch a brand-new series spotlighting Christian writers, creatives, and publishers within The Salvation Army. Cohost, Chris Benjamin is joined by Kristin Mudge , Southern Territorial Publications Editor, to explore calling, creativity, and the spiritual practice of journaling. Kristin shares her unexpected journey into vocational ministry through writing...

In this inspiring episode of Words of Life , we dive into the incredible accessibility of Bible study today through technology and community. Discover how apps like YouVersion make it easier than ever to engage with Scripture anytime, anywhere—whether you're reading, listening, or following structured plans. Our hosts share their experience with The Bible Recap , a chronological Bible-in-a-y...

In this heartfelt episode of Words of Life , the panel dives into the reality that even believers wrestle with challenging Scriptures. They explore how verses like James 1:2-4 — which calls us to "consider it pure joy" amid trials — can be both a comfort and a struggle, especially when facing difficult seasons. The conversation highlights the journey of faith through hardships, emphasi...