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

Traci Rhoades is an author, Bible teacher, writer, listener, and follower of Jesus who cares deeply about church unity, church history, everyone reading God’s word, and engaging with others on Twitter. She was last with us on episode #262 and has a new book out called Shaky Ground: What to Do After the Bottom Drops Out. Today, we talk about discovering the gift of listening, exploring Christian traditions different from our own, and how spiritual practices can see us through dark seasons. Traci reminds us that being curious is a spiritual discipline worth pursuing. Listen to my conversation with Traci wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Traci shared: Navigating life with a freshman in high school How she explored various church traditions Why learning to listen is a crucial part of the journey Exploring the church calendar and prayer Practicing lectio divina Why she wrote Shaky Ground Learning to trust the Holy Spirit Using prayer books for her personal prayer The power of silence for spiritual formation

Andrew McWilliams is the founder of The McWilliams Group Real Estate and Andrew McWilliams Coaching. Achieving top 1% status among all RE/MAX agents internationally, Andrew has guided many new and seasoned agents to success, sharing philosophy, lessons, and principles from his personal journey. Today, Andrew shares his struggle to find his place in ministry, how a rejection led him to a new level of ministry, and why sometimes having a truck is magical. We also talk about mindset and how much flows from that starting place. Andrew’s story reminds us that when we trust the Lord we can’t play small. Listen to Andrew’s story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Andrew shared: Growing up in NE Georgia Learning that faith is a relationship Looking for the “one thing” he should be doing Getting into ministry while looking up to teaching pastors The staff retreat that changed everything The definition of success and how it changed How being rejected from his church gave him a new identity Learning that there are

Karen González is a speaker, writer, storyteller, and immigrant advocate, who herself immigrated from Guatemala as a child. Karen is a previous guest who shared her story on episode #166. Today, Karen and I talk about normalizing movement of population, why being a stranger in a strange land should give Christians empathy, and what to do about Christian nationalism. Karen’s work reminds us of God’s view of immigrants and challenges us to serve. care for, and love them. You won’t want to miss this episode. Listen to Karen’s story today wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Karen shared: How her first book, The God Who Sees, was received Why movement of people between countries (and states) is normal What it’s like being a stranger in a strange land What it means to “center” immigrants in the conversation What we lose if we require assimilation instead of Christlikeness The difference between integration and assimilation The rise of Christian nationalism and what to do about it The difference between a natio

Jay Kim is a pastor and author in Silicon Valley and a previous guest on episode #206. I invited Jay back to discuss his latest book Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age. In this conversation, Jay shares the situation we find ourselves in with technology, what’s at stake if we do not use wisdom to handle it, and practices that can help get your freedom back. Jay encourages us to be wise about what we allow to shape who we become so we can be shaped as Jesus would have us. Listen to this conversation with Jay Kim wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Jay shared: Pastoring in the heart of Silicon Valley Releasing Analog Church during the pandemic How digital can be good Finding himself using technology for no reason What is at stake if we are unintentional about technology use The quest that sent him looking for how to be content, resilient, and wise Meditating on the idea of love Why you should practice a digital sabbath Great quotes from Jay: Every human bei

Jodi Rosser is an author, speaker, and podcaster. She is the host of the Depth Podcast, a podcast to help others grow deeper in their faith and stronger in their relationships. Today, Jodi shares about what she learned through her life’s biggest heartbreak, divorce. She talks us through the struggle and dark days but also the gifts she received like emotional literacy, learning empathy, and freedom from shame. Jodi’s story reminds us that we grow deep before we grow up. Listen to Jodi’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Jodi shared: Growing up in a Christian family with three sisters Feeling God’s love as a sophomore in college Getting married and going to couple’s group Why she wishes she had read more widely as a young woman Getting her journal when she realized her family would be broken How the Lord helped her during the difficult days Learning emotional literacy as they navigated the painful divorce Struggling with empathy before her heartbreak How her divorce changed her struggle with

Corey Nathan is a businessman, theater nerd, fellow podcaster, husband, and father. He’s passionate about creating space in the public sphere for to talk about politics and religion from the “screamers” who’ve come to dominate these conversations. Today, Corey explains how a Jewish kid from New Jersey found Christ, what his conversion meant for his family, and why he believes civil discourse need to make a comeback. Corey’s story reminds us that the Lord is always working if we just have eyes to see and patience to wait for him. Listen to Corey’s story now! Stories Corey shared: How a theater ministry was one of his most rewarding experiences Growing up in an observant Jewish family The incorrect foundation that many Evangelicals start with Embodiment in his Jewish roots Being a big question asker as a kid Looking for mentorship as he had a family His mentor, Hal, who just kept giving him books to read How the Sermon on the Mount spoke to him His parent’s reaction to his conversion The long conversation he h

Lauren Roskilly is a coach, author, and speaker. Today, Lauren shares about growing up in rural Sussex, England, leaving paganism, and finding dramatic physical healing. Lauren also describes significant mental health issues she suffered, including a suicide attempt, and how the Lord began to change her after a prayer of desperation. Lauren’s story reminds us that even when we suffer, the Lord is present and powerful when we turn to him. Listen to Lauren’s story now! Stories Lauren shared: Growing up in rural Sussex, England Calling herself a “white witch” The stranger who knew things about her at the pub The conversation with window cleaner that changed her life Attempting suicide after struggling with mental health because of a health condition Where God was while she was suffering Praying in desperation to the Lord and his response The moment of surrender with the Lord Stepping out in faith that the results for her health The woman on the bus who healed her Learning to listen and recognize the Lord’s voic

Benjamin Hunter is a Christian Colorado Filmmaker who loves to tell stories of all sizes. Today, Ben shares with us what he learned from having a brother with cerebral palsy, how he discovered he was an artist, and the moment the Lord inspired him to start his own film production company. He also gives us a little insight into what it takes to make a movie and the documentary he’s making to honor his brother. Ben’s story reminds us that obedience when God calls is always the best choice. Listen to Ben’s story today! Stories Benjamin shared: Growing up in a Christian family in Colorado His brother Joshua who had cerebral palsy and how Ben’s life was affected Asking the what if questions and how life might have been different Struggling with not going to church when he got his first job Deciding to get baptized on his own Learning to rely on the Lord for his relational needs Meeting his wife at a speed dating event How he got into photography and filmmaking Getting a cinematography merit badge in Boy Scouts Go

Jill Baughan is an author, speaker, podcaster and joy-seeker who, through adventure and play, helps people find joy, no matter what else is happening good, bad or ugly in life. Long ago, as a kid on the Tilt-A-Whirl,she learned a valuable life lesson, and that was this: It is entirely possible for a human being to laugh and throw up at the same time. Today, Jill shares how her father’s death changed her view of God, how she learned to have fun and follow Jesus at the same time, and the real value of lament. Jill’s story reminds us that it’s both the laughter and the tears that make life beautiful. Listen to Jill’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Jill shared: Signing up to be the Chick-fil-a cow and what she learned from it Feeling like life was as good as it gets growing up in Indiana The vacation that changed their family The first prayer she remembers praying The poor reaction to her father’s death that shaped her view of God How the church surrounded her family Searching for how to have a

Ryan James Miller is a performance coach, founder of the Foundations to Freedom Coaching Academy, husband of 20+ years, and father to two daughters. Today, Ryan shares how he came to Christ when nothing else satisfied, how he found a community and surrender ed to the Lord, and the mentors that shaped his walk. Then, Ryan tells about his experience at the Las Vegas shooting on October 1, 2017. That experience catalyzed him to become a better follower of Jesus. Ryan’s story reminds us that we cannot afford to waste a moment. Listen to Ryan’s story in your favorite podcast now! Stories Ryan shared: Rediscovering identity and how Growing up in a Roman Catholic church in Orange County, CA The emotional turmoil of his family while growing up Walking away from his faith entirely until he was 26 The moment he woke up and decided to “give God a shot” The huge fight with his wife that made him take faith more seriously Finding a community that helped him grow How Mark Driscoll woke him up to faith Getting recruited to

Sam Feeney is an author, strategist, coach, husband, and father of five. Today, Sam shares with us the paths he meandered as a young man, how everything changed when he met his wife, and what it meant to learn about God as Father. Also, he tells us why his family took a huge leap of faith and moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Sam is passionate about helping men grow in their faith and interactions with their families. Sam’s story reminds us that God is one but also three persons and keeping that perspective changes everything. Listen to Sam’s story on your favorite podcast app now! Stories Sam shared: Growing up in Pennsylvania in a Christian family Resisting faith because it might mean his dad was right Deciding that he would become a Christian despite of his relationship with his father Reconnecting with God on summers off during college How meeting his wife changed him How learning to be married challenged them Learning about the Holy Spirit and navigating the ditches Finding a church that had a good b

Lisa Appelo is a speaker and author including her latest book Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart. Today, Lisa shares how she found faith while growing up in Florida, learning to trust through a financial crisis, and how she called on that trust when her husband died suddenly. She had to learn how to parent as a single mom while dealing with grief and eventually the Lord led her back to writing. Lisa’s story reminds us that the Lord’s mercy isn’t always what we want but is always what we need. Listen to Lisa’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Lisa shared: Being a homeschooling mom of seven Growing up in Florida in a church going family Struggling with trusting the Bible and being directed to Jesus by a professor Going to Youth Camp and rededicating her life at camp Meeting her husband at church in high school and how their faith grew together Reading the Gospel of John and deciding she would believe Trusting God through a financial crisis and how G

Andrew Klavan is an award-winning writer, screenwriter, and media commentator. An internationally bestselling novelist and two-time Edgar Award-winner, Klavan is also a contributing editor to City Journal, the magazine of the Manhattan Institute, and the host of a popular podcast on DailyWire.com, The Andrew Klavan Show. Today, Andrew shares the story of how the Gospels captured his attention as literature, finding Christ in his 40s, and the joy he’s found in Jesus. Andrew’s story reminds us that God is everywhere if we only have eyes to see. Listen to Andrew’s story in your favorite podcast app! Stories Andrew shared: Growing up in a classic American suburb in a Jewish family Being bar mitzvahed and receiving gifts His guilt about not caring about the faith and throwing away his gifts Looking for tough guy role models in books His father’s anger about catching him reading the Bible Wrestling with Jesus being in the center of his cultural and literary understanding Dealing with mental illness in his 20s The

Ryan George has traveled to all seven continents and both polar circles. An adrenaline junkie, Ryan is a certified wingwalker a bungee jumping enthusiast, and a via ferrata connoisseur. Today, Ryan shares why he was baptized in three denominations, how he discovered “adrenaline” activities, and what he’s learned about the Lord while pursuing them. Ryan’s story reminds us that the Lord is never far away, even when life seems at its most dangerous. Listen to Ryan’s story now! Stories Ryan shared: The two kinds of adrenaline junkies and which he is Getting baptized into three different denominations The moment in 2006 when he surrendered his life to Christ Small group conversations that allowed him to ask hard questions Taking his brother on a trip to New Zealand and doing lots of fun stuff Outward Bound and how that helped his discipleship Going to Antarctica and why he wanted to go to all the continents How having a daughter changed him What he’s learned about the Lord on each continent The overview effect an

James Bryan Smith is a professor at Friends University in Wichita, Kansa and author, including his new book, The Good and Beautiful You. Today, James tells us how he found Christ, his amazing set of mentors, and the season when he forgot his first love. He also shares how God thinks about us and why it’s different that you may have been told. James’ story reminds us that no matter where you are on the journey, you’re loved by God deeply. Listen to James’ story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories James shared: His work at Friends University as a teacher Growing up in a Methodist church in Denver Giving his life to Christ before he went to college Being mentored by spiritual formation luminaries Having Rich Mullings in his attic for two years Learning the spiritual disciplines from Richard Foster Going to seminary and being ordained in the United Methodist Church Why he wrote this book How he realized that his soul had needs that weren’t being taken care of Why memorization of Scripture is valuable to hi

Les Hughes and Jon Sanders are pastors who help pastors and others with a ministry background create a life of financial freedom as entrepreneurs. Today, Les and Jon share their individual spiritual experiences including resisting ministry and surrendering to the Lord. Plus, they share how being pastors led them to start coaching other pastors to create side hustles and other streams of income. The freedom that’s available is unlike anything we’ve seen before and may be how people serve in the future. Les and Jon’s story remind us that the Lord uses everything, not just the things we think are sacred. Listen to Les and Jon’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Les and Jon shared: Why Les and Jon started EntrePastors Jon was born and raised in a pastor’s family in the MidWest Jon resisting the call to ministry and becoming a firefighter Les growing up with parents who were first generation Christians The sense of God’s presence Les had as a child in tumultuous times Les giving his life to Christ a

Ryan Ragozine, host of the Thinker Sensitive podcast. Today, Ryan shares his incredible journey growing up in a Christian family in Detroit. When he was 12 he lost his faith in God and turned to philosophy to find answers. He also shares the moment when his faith was revived, what he learned from his season of doubt and anxiety, and why he stared a podcast. Ryan’s story reminds us that no matter where you are on the spiritual journey, God isn’t finished with us. Listen to Ryan’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Ryan shared: Why he started Thinker Sensitive, a podcast for thinking seekers Growing up in Detroit, Michigan in a Christian family Praying while he was in bed and the question that challenged his faith What he lost with his faith Feeling jealous that faith was easy for his friends Why he didn’t tell his parents Turning to philosophy to find answers Deciding that certainty is not a human possibility The mystical experience when faith revived at 20 What he learned from his seasons of dou

Ernest Randolph spent 35 years working with youth in formal and informal roles. A graduate of Denver Seminary, he’s led Bible studies and house church for the past six years. Today, Ernest shares his calling to ministry, what happened when he chose between career and ministry, and how writing helped him clarify his faith. Ernest’s book Resurrecting the Cross is his understanding of the work of Christ and why it matters for today. Ernest’s story reminds us that while not everything goes according to our plan, God is always with us still. Listen to Ernest’s story now! Stories Ernest shared: Growing up in Wyoming Being confused by his parents actions as a kid Finding Christ at Children’s Evangelism Fellowship Feeling called to ministry at camp Taking a solo backpacking trip after high school Repairing a van to take kids to camp and how God showed up Leaving for North Carolina wilderness camp Coming back to Colorado and going to seminary Choosing between seminary and working as an electrician The depth he learne

Jennifer Rosner is affiliate assistant professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of Finding Messiah: A Journey Into the Jewishness of the Gospel, which releases on May 24, 2022. Today, Jen shares how a Jewish girl found Christ in college, how her faith actually grew at Yale seminary, and the dark night she experienced in her graduate work. She reminds us that questioning God and faith are not mutually exclusive. Jen’s story is a testament to the unity of the Gospel in the Testaments. Listen to Jen’s story now! Stories Jen shared: Growing up in Lake Tahoe, CA in a Jewish family Meeting Christian students in college and asking questions The practices that she celebrated in her family and the historicity of her roots Encountering Jesus through Cru and a Vineyard church Seeing the difference faith in Jesus made for her friends Reading John 15-17 and learning about abiding in Jesus The bond she felt with her brother as they both began believing in Jesus at the same time How go

Angus Nelson is a high-performance coach for men, one of America's top performance strategists and founder of Evolve Men Coaching. Today, Angus shares with us how he found Christ and the zeal with which he pursued ministry. Then, his business and life hit the proverbial fan and he had to reconsider his attitudes toward success, money, and most importantly, himself. Now, Angus reminds us of the power available to those in Christ including you. Listen to Angus’ story today! Stories Angus shared: Growing up in Central Wisconsin Travelling the world and starting a business Losing $72k in one weekend Blowing up his life through pornography, alcohol, and debt The story he was telling himself about his acceptability to God The teacher that helped him understand himself differently Learning new mindsets that help him Learning new ideas about money and the books that helped him Helping a group of top performers Selling his dream house and the journey that sent him on Why the construct of humility doesn’t serve us The