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

Tracy Winchell is the host of the Reboots podcast focusing on turnarounds and rebounds in life. Tracy knows all about rebounding and today she shares how God went from the fringes of her life to the center. The journey took her through a career in television, a tremendous amount of grief, and finding a mission in Celebrate recovery and her podcast. Tracy has become a good friend whose story inspires me and I know she will inspire you, too. Please listen and share Tracy’s story! Stories Tracy shared: Growing up in a great home and finding Jesus in 4th grade chapel Why she waited until her 30s to get baptized How her early teaching about God’s wrath shaped her How life changed her views including of the death penalty Stumbling into an on air position Returning home to Arkansas to cover politics in Arkansas while Bill Clinton was governor How trying to brush past a bad breakup changed her understanding of herself Why the relationship with self matters How Celebrate Recovery helped her understand grief Why she s

Aaron Niequist is a worship leader and author of The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning (Amazon affiliate link). Today, Aaron shares how he stumbled into an historic and liturgical faith. When he realized he no longer believed some of the songs he was using to lead worship, he knew there had to be more. A friend introduced him to Dallas Willard’s work and the Gospel began to seem like good news again. Aaron shares how he collaborated to create a practical worship experience viewing the church as a gymnasium where faith is put into action. If your spiritual well is dry and you’re tired of the same old worship experience, Aaron’s story and his book will refresh your soul. Please listen and share Aaron’s story! Stories Aaron shared: Growing up in the Plymouth Brethren tradition The season when his faith ran out of gas Discovering Dallas Willard and the idea of the Kingdom of God that reoriented him Realizing his need for more tools for worship and learning to use others Stumbl

Michael Kingsbury is a comedic storyteller in Vermont who recently became a Christian. The journey he took to faith is fascinating and will entertain you. Michael always knew he wanted to be a comedian as a young man and eventually attended a branch of the acclaimed Second City in Cleveland, Ohio. He was an atheist but how little he knew about a fellow comedian who died his questions led him on a quest to find God. He says he became a terrible atheist by reading the Bible in secret and attending church. One Tuesday in January 2018, in front of a Subway restaurant, Michael finally gave his life to Christ. Please listen and share Michael’s story! Stories Michael shared: Growing up in Vermont loosely associated with the local Methodist church Attending Second City in Cleveland, Ohio and his love for comedy Becoming an avowed atheist with a fascination for the Bible The verse that kept him from becoming a believer The perseverance it takes to become a comedian How success began to disappoint him The community co

Chris & Joi Copeland are called to be missionaries to Ireland. Today Chris and Joi share why Ireland needs to hear the Gospel again and how you can help them go and share it. The call to go came at an unexpected time in an unexpected way. Joi valued stability but wondered aloud if they had missed their calling. When Chris said “Let’s go!” Joi didn’t know what to make of it. But as they explored the idea of moving their family to another part of the world for the Gospel the vision became clear that God wanted them in Ireland. They share the joys and the sacrifices the call gives and takes and why hope matters so much to them. Please listen and share Chris & Joi’s story! Stories Chris & Joi shared: The work they will do in Ireland to reach the people How Joi found a family in her friend’s church Chris grew up learning from Irish Catholic nuns and realized he didn’t want to be confirmed How Chris finally found Christ after a search for God How God revealed himself as daddy to Joi How Chris was disci

Coleen Sharp is the host of the Theology Gals Podcast. Today, Coleen shares her story of how suffering revealed her firm foundation. She grew up in the church and never remembers a time without faith. But she did have questions and they led her deeper into the Bible and theology. Coleen shares the ways being a mother shaped her faith. When her family entered a period of suffering and illness she found comfort in Psalms where we can learn how to just cry with others. Coleen’s story shows how a solid understanding of God’s character and love can sustains us through immense suffering of all kinds. Please listen and share Coleen’s story! Stories Coleen shared: Starting the Theology Gals Podcast Growing up in a Christian home as the daughter of parents who worked for Billy Graham She cannot remember not trusting in Christ Her early passion for knowing what is in the Bible How reading the Old Testament gave her a foundation for understanding God Becoming a woman who mentors others The unexpected ways being a mom s

Dan & Lindsay McKenzie like to say they are “full-time adventurers” and today they share their adventure. Both Dan and Lindsay grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado in the church, explored a bit during college but ultimately returned to their faith. Their stories play off one another to weave one beautiful story. But as with every story, adversity changes the course of the narrative. Dan and Lindsay learned they could not have children. How they embraced the detour together is a story that will make you cry and inspire you to love everyone you know more deeply. It could have destroyed their faith and their relationship but instead they trusted and pursued the opportunities they could see. Please listen and share Dan & Lindsay’s story! Stories Dan and Lindsay shared: Living full time in an RV Dan grew up in a Christian home but drifted through college and returned after meeting Lindsay Dan’s spontaneous and powerful baptism Lindsay grew up in a Christian home and returning Lindsay fell in love with P

Edith Leland is the only 97 year old I know with a YouTube channel. She may also have the most intimate friendship with God you have ever heard. Today, Edith shares the story of many miracles she has experienced in her life. Edith insists that she is merely an ordinary woman who loves the Lord but as you listen to her stories you will quickly be convinced that her relationship with God is anything but ordinary. She exclaims her joy about God over and over and it’s contagious. And the stories about her prayer life will inspire you. Please listen and share Edith’s story. Connect with me: Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – LinkedIn Stories Edith shared: Why she has a YouTube channel The influence her father had by reading Scripture at every meal How she came to Christ at the age of six How God has used her influence throughout her life The hardest time of her life in West Virginia How God used a rainbow to show her where she needs to be Her ministry of prayer for missionaries When her relationship with the Lord b

John Schlitt is a soloist and lead singer of Petra and one of my heroes. Today, John shares his story from rock star to cocaine addict to Christian rock icon. As he tells his story it’s clear that he is made for music. He joined a band the day after graduating college and lived the rock star’s life playing to 20,000 people at a time. Just when he seemed to be on top of the world, addiction was gaining control and John was eventually thrown out of the band. The five years he was out of the music business God used to refine and grow the maturity he needed for the ministry God had chosen for John. We hear how the connection with Petra came about and the call that changed his life. After we finished this conversation, I told John that his voice is prominent on the sound track of my life. I am so grateful to the Lord for his talent, genuine love for the Lord, and message. John’s ministry means a lot to me and I know you’ll be blessed as you listen to his story. Please listen and share John’s story today! Stories

Bryan Wolfmueller is a Lutheran pastor of Hope Lutheran in Aurora, Colorado. Bryan has a remarkable love for theology that is infectious and will make you want to study. Today, Bryan shares the stories of the theological misunderstanding that led him to rebel against God for a time, his denominational world tour in search of truth, and why he loves theology so much. Throughout the conversation, Bryan’s love for the Lord will encourage you to remember how valuable understanding Scripture really is which is a good quality in a pastor. Please listen to Bryan’s story and share with a friend! Stories Bryan shared: Theology is his hobby Growing up in Texas and New Mexico The theological crisis that led to a period of rebellious anger The youth group excursions to another church where he learned more The denominational world tour he and his fiance made to find a good church The three theological questions that separate denominations The moments that shaped his understanding of how God reveals himself We talk about

Kaeley Triller is the co-founder of Hands Across the Aisle Women’s Coalition. Today, she shares her difficult moments that revealed God’s kindness toward her and why she joined forces with women from different backgrounds. The unlikely partnership was formed when she took an unpopular stand against a new policy in Washington State regarding restrooms. We talk about why Kaeley feels so passionately about protecting children and how we can love people from other perspectives even if we do not agree. She has been on the receiving end of hate mail and threats and encourages the Church to speak up in love for truth. Please listen to Kaeley’s story and share! Stories Kaeley shared: Growing up in a Christian home in Gig Harbor, Washington and going to Christian schools Rebelling against God after suffering abuse from a pedophile in her home Crying out to the Lord in the bathtub and his interesting answer Getting into a difficult marriage How God showed up miraculously after a car crash The “lowly worm” theology an

Billy Berglund is the Middle School Director at my church and has been a tremendous influence on my own children. Today, Billy shares the people, events, and heartbreaks that shaped him. The people who spoke into Billy’s life stand out as he shares the stories of youth pastors, Christian rappers, and doctors willing to tweak his perspective and send him toward Christ. As we speak, Billy’s future is a bit uncertain as he finishes seminary and begins to search for the ministry the Lord will call him to serve. At the same time, God’s faithfulness to him has been displayed over and over again and whatever the future brings for this talented young pastor, it will be bright. Please listen and share Billy’s story! Stories Billy shared: Growing up in Omaha in an large extended family How sports became part of his identity and the injuries that led him to basketball The leader that loved him through difficult seasons Developing a “functional image of God” of disappointment Learning to filter his ambition through Joh

Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch is the founder and host of Altered Stories Ministry, a new Christian Women’s Internet Radio talk show to be launched in Overland Park, Kansas. Wherever she goes, Mischelle is a leader. Today, she shares how she learned to embrace her leadership skills and how God used it to give her a vision. Her ministry is designed to help women experience healing, wholeness, and growth with the Lord in order to change families, communities, and the world. Please listen and share! Stories Mischelle shared: The vision she has for Altered Stories including how she found the name Finding Christ in Sunday School as a young child The community around her that helped her through a difficult divorce What she learned by relying on community What a personal relationship with Christ looks like in her life Working with Christian ministries like Focus on the Family and Compassion International How she embraced herself as a leader Why caring for people is the most important part of leadership Why learning ho

Amos Smith is a progressive pastor and contemplative author. Today, he shares the stories from his life that reveal how he became a mystic, the practices, and the resources that he uses to draw near to God. Amos is passionate about the practice of centering prayer which is an ancient tradition that trains your mind to focus on one thought for a period of time. During our conversation, Amos explains what centering prayer is like and the discipline it takes to master which he learned from athletics as young man. He also explains why some writings of the early church fathers are valuable today. If you have ever been curious about Christian mysticism, Amos is your guy, and I promise you will enjoy his story. Please listen and share! Stories Amos shared: How he discovered the discipline of centering prayer What the experience of centering prayer is like The dream about a cathedral that changed his life How mountain climbing made him a mystic Why you should read the Philokalia The themes of silence and stillness

“It’s time,” I said into the phone with a confidence that surprised even me. “I know,” she whispered. Thirteen years ago I started a job that I only expected to hold for 2 or 3 or maybe 4 years at the longest. Everyday I went to work in those thirteen years I held two things in my heart: tension and hope. Both came from knowing I was not created for financial services. Stocks, bonds, and the markets were never my passion. Neither were signatures, insufficient funds, and other seemingly insignificant work. Don’t get me wrong, the work is not bad; it’s just not for me. So when I told my wife that it was finally time to leave that job and strike out on my own to build an online business and she agreed, I was overjoyed at the possibilities. Today is my last day working at my day job. In this episode, I share the seven reasons why it had to be done: I was not using my gifts and abilities to their fullest I was unhappy My upward mobility was capped at 2% I am made to create It’s not as risky as it seems I needed t

Mark Gregory Karris is an ordained pastor, licensed marriage and family therapist, speaker, musician, adjunct professor, and all around biophilic. He is the author of Season of Heartbreak: Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul and most recently Divine Echoes: Reconciling Prayer with the Uncontrolling Love of God which we talk about today. Mark shares the moment when he cried out to Jesus, how a controlling pastor shaped him, and the theological breakthrough that changed his understanding of God. Along the way he shares some challenging ideas about how God might want to use us to answer prayer. Listen and share with a friend! Stories Mark shared: Growing up in a highly dysfunctional family full of violence, drugs, and mental illness The experience when he finally cried out to Jesus Getting involved in a highly controlling cult-like church Leaving that church and the anxiety that went with it The saving grace of going to college and finding male mentors for the first time Why we put on a facade for other pe

Sean McCoy is the host of the Come to the Table Podcast and quickly becoming one of my favorite people. His show is about listening to people with different perspectives he does it well. Sean shares the story of how he grew from agnostic to finding wisdom in Ecclesiastes. We talk about why being dismissive and flippant in our approach to others is damaging to our witness. In the end, we have a great conversation but the best way to get to know Sean is to subscribe to his podcast and start listening. Please listen and share! Stories Sean shared: Growing up without a strong family structure The moment he realized that everyone does not think the same way he does His life before Christ as an agnostic and emotionally unready to handle some of his family issues Forgetting to sign up as an Evangelical Christian Figuring out that knowledge wasn’t the answer to an enlightened life Finding Christ after divorce and wisdom in Ecclesiastes Why he started the Come to the Table Podcast How to meet people right where the

Jim Barnard is the campus pastor at LifeGate Church in Denver, Colorado. Jim shares the story of learning to deal with grief and loss, gathering community, and finding hope in the middle of suffering. Throughout his journey, the communities around Jim have shaped his heart by encouraging him to be hopeful and deal honestly with his emotions while struggling with his wife’s illness. In the midst of that illness, Jim explains the ways God has been faithful to provide even things that were deemed impossible like having a child. Please listen and share! Stories Jim shared: The joys of being a campus pastor at a mobile church Giving his life to Christ as a 10 year old and his family falling apart a week later The youth pastor who valued him enough to invest in him Why you need to be a mentor Meeting his wife at a new church The health problems his wife Alisha developed three months into their marriage Moving into ministry as a career Crying in an elevator while giving up the dream of having a child Having a baby

Friends, new episodes of Halfway There are on the way. This week we dip into the archives and find a gem. Dan Rudman is an evangelist who works on campuses, prisons, and around the world to spread the Gospel. He shares how God called him to this life through circumstances that looked like failure. Please listen and share! The post Replay Episode: Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel appeared first on Eric Nevins.

I hope you had a wonderful Resurrection Day! No new episode this week but go back through the archives to find some great conversations: J. Parker of  Hot, Holy, & Humorous Jeremy Myers of OneVerse Podcast Tim Morris of Design Discovery See you next week! The post Happy Resurrection Day! appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Alexander is the executive director of the master of science in Financial Analysis program at Gordon College. Today, he shares the story of how he ended up at Gordon College and the unique way the program is changing financial culture. Before the Lord led him to directing the program, Alexander worked in the financial industry and aspired to a powerful career. Friends introduced him to the New Canaan Society where he learned in vulnerability and made some great friends. Alexander’s passion for ethics in the financial world is evident as he talks about the need to see more ethically grounded, biblically literate people embedded in the workforce. Please listen and share with a friend! Stories Alexander shared: Finding Jesus on a church mission trip How Tim Keller ruined him for other preachers Why community is so important in his life The moment his parents told him they were getting divorced and how that shaped his view of God Joining the New Canaan Society and God’s shaping of his life How to hold a soft he