Halfway There | Christian Testimonies | Spiritual Formation, Growth, And Personal Experiences With God

Engel Jones is a podcaster and the best networker you’ve ever seen. He has to be because his podcast is all about 12 minute conversations and he’s done 2460 of them. Last year, he and his wife traveled the continental United States and Canada throughout the summer. I was privileged to sit down with Engel and his wife at Red Rocks park in beautiful Colorado while they were on that epic journey. Today, Engel shares with us how growing up in an extended family influenced him, finding Christ in the religious melting pot of Trinidad, and how the Lord led him through divine connections. Engel sets tremendous goals and depends on the Lord to get them done. Even when he misses his target, he is still doing incredible things. Give Engel’s story a listen! Stories Engel shared: Growing up in an extended family in Trinidad Experiencing community of a large family Going to church every Sunday as a child The spiritual smorgasbord of Trinidad Experimenting with marijuana as a teenager Speaking in tongues for the first time

Laura Flanders is the Associate Lecturer and Chair of Training and Mentoring Curriculum and one of my personal mentors. Today, we talk about mentoring, what mentoring is, and how to go about it as both a mentor and a mentee. We take questions from my friends on Facebook about mentoring, and Laura reaches to her bookshelf to share the books and resources that have shaped her ministry in mentoring. Listen to our conversation now! Stories we talked about: Her role as a mentor at Denver Seminary How knowing and community relate Definition of mentoring that we can share Different kinds of mentors Being interdependent as a mentee How to take ownership of your own learning Discovering your bent in mentoring The mentors you probably didn’t know you had Questions and answers from the audience Boundaries in mentoring Resources for mentoring Great quotes from Laura: The way we learn changes as we age. It’s not easy to practice being known. Mentoring is a relational practice in which there is intentional pursuit toward

Dave Ebert is a comedian and founder of Well Versed Comedy, and a fellow podcaster. Today, Dave shares the story of how he learned improv in professional wrestling, faced depression and suicidal thoughts, and found a new start in comedy. Dave is transparent about going through the dark seasons and we spend a few minutes talking about why the funniest people are sometimes the most depressed. It’s a tragedy that needn’t persist. Dave is passionate about helping those on the brink while also bringing some laughter and cheer. How the Lord brought him here is a fun story. Listen to Dave’s story now! Stories Dave shared: Growing up in Illinois and moving to Virginia The lack of discipleship he had as a child Dealing with depression and contemplating suicide Why he used humor to cover up his real feelings What to signs of depression to look for in your funny friends Getting into professional wrestling How professional wrestling set him up for improv Learning how to not treat God like a genie Getting mad at God when

Kelly Albright is a friend from long ago. We used to be coworkers and at the time, she did not know Jesus. A few months ago, she got in touch on LinkedIn and mentioned that she was now following him. Well, I couldn’t possibly miss the opportunity to learn how that happened so I invited Kelly to come on the show to share her experience. Today, Kelly shares that she was always somewhat curious about the Lord but a little afraid. She sought a medium, had a dream about Christ’s love, and suffered spiritual attacks she after. Now, Kelly is following the Lord and growing in her faith step by step and it’s a beautiful thing. Listen to Kelly’s story now! Stories Kelly shared: Growing up in a non-Christian home, a little fascinated by the Bible but afraid of it Living her live life as an atheist and a “blasphemous God-hater” Visiting a medium in 2012 Her wild past with drugs and how she now understands some of this as demonic Moving to San Diego and going to an a cultic church The dream of Christ that convinced her o

Subscribe to Podcast Magazine where I’m the Category Director for Religion & Spirituality Cody Dakota Wooten is a coach, teacher, and speaker with a passion for leadership. Today, Cody shares how growing up without his father affected him, the night a coyote led him to Jesus, and why he loves helping people find their true selves. Cody tells us about how learning the lives of the saints gave him something to aspire to in the faith. His story reminds us that even when things look bleak, if you’re waiting for the Lord to lead, he always will. You just need to pay attention. Listen to Cody’s story now! Stories Cody shared: How he coaches people to find their heroic potential Being raised by three women as a child without a father figure When his mother gave the religious choice to him as a child Expecting God to speak to him Deciding to be baptized as a young man Pursuing relationships in difficult ways Choosing a Catholic college Learning about the saints and how that shaped him Learning to cultivat

Sarah Geringer is a blogger, speaker and author of Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus. Today, Sarah shares how the Lord helped her overcome depression, why being a child of divorce stinks, and how she invested in her dream to become a writer. Sarah’s practice of Christian meditation using Scripture is a wonderful tool that will help you focus your thoughts in productive directions. If you are struggling with run away thoughts, Sarah’s story will encourage you because victory is possible. Listen to Sarah’s story now! Stories Sarah shared: Growing up in the middle of the Bible belt The heritage of faith in her family How her church and school class became her family after her parent’s divorce The shock of public school Giving her life to Christ and experiencing the peace of the presence Losing her best friend when she moved away Hearing the Spirit tell her she didn’t have to think suicidal thoughts anymore Experiencing relationship with Jesus The battlefield of the university classro

Jeffrey Tacklind is a pastor, spiritual director, and author. Today, Jeff shares his journey from trying to be his dad to serving a congregation as Jesus intended him to. Jeff shares how he chose a small church to serve, discovered spiritual masters, and why he wrote a book on the process of transformation. We also discuss the tension between the longing for glory and the humility of submission to the Lord. Along the way, Jeff shares plenty of personal experiences and I know you will be drawn deeper into God’s heart for you as you listen. Listen to Jeff’s story now! Stories Jeff shared: Pastoring in Laguna Beach, CA Growing up in Orange, CA in a Christian family The question someone asked him that changed how he sees people Trying to be his dad as he went into ministry How seminary affected his journey Finding his church and enjoying the community and diversity Wrestling with insecurity in his journey How God spoke to his heart The surf trip that served to remind him of the growth process How vulnerability s

Karen Gonzalez is a native of Guatemala and is a speaker, writer and immigrant advocate. Karen works for World Relief and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology. Her first book is The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong. Today, Karen shares what it is like moving to a new country, how Christians can help immigrants, and what the Bible really says about how immigrants should be treated. While immigration is a political hot potato of a topic, Karen helps us take a fresh look at those around us and see them with God’s eyes. Listen to Karen’s story now! Stories Karen shared: Growing up in Guatemala in a Roman Catholic home Always being interested in faith and seeing different ways of interacting with God Leaving Guatemala due to war The difficulties of integrating into life in the United States Going to church with her grandmother and giving her life to Christ How to handle undocumented people in a Christian way Moving to Florida after receiv

Steve Bremner is an author, sometime podcaster, and Supreme Galactic Emperor? We had a good laugh about that one! Today, Steve shares his journey from a conservative denomination to a charismatic one. You’ll hear his heart to see God and be inspired by his following the next right step even as it led him around the world. Steve currently has an online business while he serves in Peru – that’s modern tentmaking! Listen to Steve’s story now! Stories Steve shared: Working as a tentmaker in Peru helping authors publish their books Growing up in Ontario, Canada Giving his life to Christ around 15 years old Devouring tapes of teaching Connecting to the Brownsville revival Speaking in tongues for the first time Praying for people in the line Going to Holland as a missionary and feeling frustrated Realizing that Peru was the next place he would live Writing a blog and his books Great quotes from Steve: God doesn’t have a box that he works in and doesn’t do things according to our expectations. That thing to focus o

Gill Bentham is an author and journaler and a nurse for over 30 years. Today, Gill shares the story of how she found life in Christ as a young woman, how the Lord was faithful through a difficult divorce, and the redemptive role of writing in her life. Gill shares with us why she wrote her latest book As If: Steering Your Life Without Strife, Navigating from Fantasy into Faith and Rising from Delusion into Destiny. As she wrote and lived alongside the canals in her town, she realized what a brilliant metaphor they are for walking with the Lord. And she shares with us how getting stuck waiting in the lock can be a good time for us even if it’s hard to wait. Gill has such a wonderful heart for helping others see themselves from the Lord’s perspective that I know you will be changed just by listening to this conversation. Stories Gill shared: Growing up in a Methodist house in Northern England How she got into palliative care as a nurse Giving her life to Christ at an outreach Studying Scripture through devotio

Karl Forehand is an author, former pastor, and podcaster. Today, Karl shares the story of his deconstruction, an idea that has been bantered around a bit lately. But what is it? Deconstruction is simply the process of letting go of false beliefs about God, the world, and yourself and discovering the reality of all three. As Karl shares in his story, it can be painful and you can lose friends when you ask questions. But the process is also liberating and Karl found new practices, places of inspiration, and even wrote a book called Apparent Faith. This part of the journey can feel lonely and if you’re there, listen to Karl’s story and know you are not alone. Stories Karl shared: His current season of deconstruction Writing a book and his current work and situation Growing up in Oklahoma in a relatively spiritual home Struggling to fit in with his personality and feeling underestimated Feeling called to ministry and planting a church Realizing he could no longer fake his faith Learning from his children through

Julie Court is an author, speaker and motivational coach. Today, Julie shares how she gave up on God after it seemed like he never came through, the friend who loved an angry girl, and how she learned to forgive. Julie has a very intimate relationship with Jesus and often talks with him and listens to where he wants her to go. She shares why she went to Kenya after an uprising to speak on forgiveness and how powerfully the Lord worked through her. And, we talk about her book, Incredible Life Makeover, as well. If you have a few things you need to lay down and forgive (isn’t that all of us?), this episode is for you! Listen to Julie’s story now! Stories Julie shared: Growing up in a home with alcoholism and divorce How the situation got worse when her mother remarried Giving up on God after suffering repeated abuse Meeting Miriam, the girl who loved her and answered her questions Joining campus ministries in college Getting married and choosing a life of family Learning forgiveness from mentors The stages of

Os Guinness is an author, speaker, and prominent social critic whose work has profoundly affected many including me. Today, Os shares the story of his rich spiritual heritage. He came to faith as a young man while reading C.S. Lewis, learned from Francis Schaeffer, and has written many books. We also discuss what a Christian view of time looks like and his new book Carpe Diem Redeemed. This is a conversation sure to give you a deeper appreciation for the long lineage of historical faith in Christ and encourage you to trust the Lord with everything, even your time. Listen to Os’ story now! Stories Os shared: How to respond to loss of Christian consensus Descending from the Guinness family of stout fame Being born in China to missionary parents Fleeing a famine that killed his brothers Going back to England to live without his parents Finding Christ through reading C.S. Lewis and others Why he wrote Carpe Diem Redeemed The issue of doubt and how he thinks of it How character is shaped Great quotes from Os: Ev

Dr. Corinne Weaver is a chiropractor helping patients get healthy through holistic methods. Today, Corinne shares the story of the bicycle accident that damaged her health seemingly permanently, how the Lord directed her to chiropractic care, and why it’s important to take care of our bodies. She also teaches us her technique for how to breathe properly and why that is so important for good health. Her books, Learning How to Breathe, and No More Meds, will take you deeper into a natural healing journey. Whether you are healthy, could use a little refresher, or just need to recover from illness, Corinne’s story will inspire and educate you to begin the journey. Listen to Corinne’s story now! Stories Corinne shared: The accident that dramatically damaged her health How she discovered chiropractic care as a young child Leaving church because of her health problems Giving her life to Christ at camp and the vision that led to her career Why she is convinced the mind/body connection is important The breathing tech

In this bonus episode, we catch up with Steve Simms, an author, pastor, and previous guest on Halfway There. Steve’s heart for relationship with Jesus will inspire you to walk a little more closely to him, too. Steve writes books and in this conversation, we talk about his last two books, one about a Christian response to racism, and the other about returning to early Christianity. I think you’ll be inspired by Steve’s heart and words. Become a Patron! To hear our entire conversation, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. It’s safe, reliable, and a great way to support the show. If you’ve ever been encouraged by anything we do here, let us know by subscribing at the $5 level. It will mean the world to us. See you next month! Stories Steve shared: Leaving his Salvation Army church Why he wrote his book The Joy of Early Christianity How resisting negativity is spiritual warfare What true abundant life is How to engage different styles of prayer How to interact with Jesus all the time The ice cream analogy Why

Joseph Agliata is an IT guy and podcaster. Today, Joe shares his story of mental illness, being close to suicide, and potentially hurting others. But his story doesn’t end there. Joe was seeking the peace of Jesus and you can see the Lord’s faithfulness to bring it to him even in a mental ward where Joe clung to his Bible. If you struggle with mental illness, listen to Joe’s story and know that there is hope. If you don’t, you know someone who does (even if they don’t share that with you). Listen to Joe’s story, hear God’s faithfulness to lead him into health, and ask the Lord for the same. Listen to Joe’s story now! Stories Joseph shared: Why he loves stories and their power Growing up in an Irish Catholic family in Boston Exploring religions as a teenager even though he was an atheist Getting into fights and feeling like his mental health was slipping away The moment he almost became a school shooter Being placed into a mental institution for months Reading the Scriptures during this time Praying that God

Laura Padgett is an author, dancer, and public speaker, and sometimes an elf. Today, Laura shares how she found the Lord after resisting him for years, the woman who invested deeply in her, and why she started to write stories. Laura is a passionate believer who reminds us of the power of solid mentor relationships and the joy that’s possible if you just trust the Lord. By the end of this episode, you’ll want to dance with the Lord and I wholeheartedly recommend you accept the invitation. Listen to Laura’s story now! Stories Laura shared: How she became an elf and the joy it Growing up in a nonreligious home knowing there must be a higher purpose Feeling like there was something wrong with her Running away from Denver to escape her parents The shouting match and dream that led her to the Lord Learning to forgive her parents and accept the Lord as Father Going to church kicking and screaming Meeting Dolores, who would mentor her in the faith Learning to dance for the Lord Why we should learn to dance and be c

Ryan is a Pastor at Tenth Church in Vancouver BC. He is the author of Being is Greater than Doing, and an Enneagram Coach. Today, Ryan shares how the Enneagram helped him discover and accept himself including the unique ways he contributes to the Kingdom of God. We also talk about how the spiritual practices we are drawn to may differ based on our personality and why we need to embrace ourselves that way. Ryan is a gifted writer and speaker and I know you’ll connect with his story. Listen to Ryan’s story today! Stories Ryan shared: Growing up in Vancouver, BC Leaving church after his parent’s divorce but still with an idea of God The books that inspired Ryan to take his discipleship more seriously How he began to understand God’s larger mission Discovering imaginative prayer and how it gives him life Learning that play is delightful to God Discovering that he can be on mission in unique ways How finding the Enneagram helped him discover himself How he wrestles with God over a desire Writing on his blog a

If the MeToo movement has shown us anything, it’s that the problem of sexual abuse is not just something for others to handle. It’s easy to pretend that the problem belongs to Hollywood or the Roman Catholic Church. But now, Evangelicals also admit to covering up and shuffling around predators in the name of forgiveness. What are the guidelines for redemptive handling of sexual abuse allegations and situations? Mary DeMuth is an author and sexual abuse survivors advocate. Today, Mary shares her latest book, We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis. We talk about the how far reaching the problem really is, why every Christian should consider themselves a mandatory reporter, and redemptive strategies for handling abuse for churches. Mary’s heart for justice comes from her own story of surviving abuse and working toward healing. She will not settle for cliched grace and forgiveness. Rather, with clarity and wisdom, calls us to discernment and to err on the side of justice and r

Caroline Abbott is an author, domestic violence advocate, and counselor. Today, she shares the story of how she found the Lord, walked away, and found him again. Along the way, Caroline found herself in an abusive marriage but found little help from the people who she turned to including her church. She recounts some of the misguided things her pastors did and said and gives us tips and resources for bringing the Kingdom of God to abusive relationships. Caroline’s mission now is to help others get out and find themselves again. Listen to Caroline’s story now! Stories Caroline shared: Why she became a domestic violence advocate Missing church as a child and wishing she was there The longing to know Jesus she has felt her whole life How her parents punished her for being baptized Sowing wild oats and getting married The Bible study that turned on the lights for her Why she submitted to an abusive husband How she drew strength from the Lord during this time The mentors who cared for her How counseling made th