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

Amy Debrucque is a wife, mom of four, cancer survivor, and co-author of Embolden. She is the founder of the Life On Purpose Movement and host of the Life On Purpose Podcast where she encourages women to live on purpose instead of fear. Today, Amy shares how she found a personal relationship with Jesus, how a cancer diagnosis changed that relationship, and her mission to help women live in courage. Amy’s story reminds us that whatever you’re afraid of, the Lord is bigger. Listen to Amy’s story now! Stories Amy shared: Growing Roman Catholic in Central New York Leaving the Roman Catholic church to find more engagement Why she still loves getting on her knees to pray Learning what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Receiving a cancer diagnosis at 40 that caused her to surrender to the Lord How cancer was her wake up call What the Lord said to her that brought surrender Starting Life on Purpose Finding the root of your fear Deciding to write a journal because she couldn’t find what she was looki

Allen Taylor is an author, editor, and publisher. His most recent release is I Am Not the King, a personal testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ. Today, Allen shares with us the pentecostal church he was raised in, how study helped him escape legalism, and how he became a writer. Allen shares that grace is the key that helped him overcome sin. Allen’s story reminds us that the Lord is always working even when we struggle. Listen to Allen’s story today! Stories Allen shared: Working as a freelance technology author Growing up in a pentecostal church with a rageaholic father Joining the army and going to college How his life unravelled in college Asking God for a sign and the spontaneous praise he experienced How his Bible reading challenged his received faith Finding a church family after college Why grace is important as a concept Getting fired from a Christian bookseller Developing his resistance to temptation Struggling with God as father because of his relationship with his own father Dealing with anger

Heather Oncken is an entrepreneur, a nurse, and a fellow podcaster. Her show Connecting in the Chaos is about how to develop and maintain friendship as an adult. Today, Heather shares how her family came to Christ, why she walked away from Christ as a young woman, and how the Lord redeemed all the pain it caused. We also talk about why she started a podcast about friendships and some ideas for how to make friends and be a good one. Heather’s story reminds us that your intentional action matters in your relationships with God and others. Listen to Heather’s story today! Stories Heather shared: Heather’s heart for friendship Becoming a Christian family in sixth grade Deciding to reject Jesus for three years in her mid-20s Being rejected by her daughter’s father The moment of surrender during the pregnancy Deciding that God was enough for her The gratitude she has for her family The pain of her parent’s relational struggles and the anger that goes with it Learning to let go of needing to understand The simple g

Chris Martin is an editor at Moody Publishers and a social media, marketing, and communications consultant. He writes regularly in his Substack newsletter, Terms of Service, and is publishing a book by the same name in February. Today, Chris shares how he was led into ministry, got a job working in publishing, and why he thinks social media does more harm than good. We have an extensive conversation about what social media is doing to us, common misconceptions, and what we can do to think more critically about it. Every Christian should be asking and seeking answers to these questions. Chris’ story reminds us that God often leads through our circumstances to the exact place we need to be. Listen to Chris’ story now! Stories Chris shared: Growing up in a Christian family in Indiana Thinking of faith in very transactional terms as a child The Sunday School teacher who led him to Christ Choosing to go to Taylor for college The intervention his friends staged to go into ministry How having theological debates sh

Marjorie Gunnoe is a psychology professor at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. Her book The Person in Psychology and Christianity, is soon to be released. Today, Marjorie shares the story of how her fundamentalist background shaped her, the moment that allowed her to ask more questions, and why she was so interested in psychology. We also talk about the concept of original sin and why it’s time to rethink it. Marjorie’s story reminds us that Christian faith and sciences like psychology are not inherently locked in conflict. Listen to Marjorie’s story now! Stories Marjorie shared: Growing up in Michigan into a conservative, fundamentalist family Going to a Christian Reformed school Making a comment about the rapture in 9th grade and the results Her mother’s faithfulness to her understanding of Scripture The moment her husband gave her permission to ask questions Driving on the DC Beltway that shifted her perspective Allowing her hermeneutic to change How the last couple of election cycles rattled her Doi

Alec Kassan is a podcaster, author, and  consultant for online ministries. Today, Alec shares how he experienced the leading of God, found his purpose while exploring many options, and began serving online ministries. Alec also shares that busyness does not always equal accomplishment. He learned to rest in what God wanted even if it meant moving on from a project. Alec’s story reminds us that his ways are not our ways. Listen to Alec’s story now! Stories Alec shared: Growing up in New Jersey in a Christian family The mission trip that began to help him see God more clearly Getting caught with his phone on the trip How he learned to listen to God over his family The time God spoke to him about a printer Inviting Joey to a mission trip Attending a Vineyard church and finding a spiritual mentor Seeking his fulfillment via busyness Great quotes from Alec: I was trying to feel fulfilled by filling my schedule. You don’t focus on the fruit first; you have to focus on the root. Resources we mentioned: Alec’s pod

Michelle Lazurek is a multi-genre, award winning author, and literary agent. Today, Michelle shares the story of the high cost she paid to follow Jesus in a tradition other than the one she grew up in. She also shares the moments when had to surrender to the Lord and the path that led her to a writing career. Her latest book is I Surrender All (Sort Of), and we talk about those moments when we don’t want to, even when it’s good for us. Michelle’s story reminds us that the Lord is gentle especially when we struggle. Listen to Michelle’s story now! Stories Michelle shared: Growing up going to church with her grandmother Going to Catholic school Doubts that began to creep in as a high schooler Asking questions about Lent The friend who helped lead her to a new relationship with Jesus Deciding that she wanted to follow Jesus on her own Going forward after a sermon about communion Arguing with her family over becoming a Protestant Being thrown out of her family’s house Getting into a small group that discipled he

Robin T. Jennings is an ordained Episcopal minister and author of 3 books on spiritual growth through vision and renewal. Today, Robin shares his unexpected journey to seminary and the priesthood, discovering spiritual renewal and formation, and learning to surrender to the Lord. Robin’s heart is to serve the next generation as they face new challenges to their discipleship to Jesus. Robin’s story reminds us that walking with the Lord is a partnership. Listen to Robin’s story now! Stories Robin shared: Finding himself in a season of solitude and silence Growing up on the North Shore of Chicago in an Episcopal family The impression he had of reverence for God Working for an Episcopal boys home The mentor who suggested he go to seminary How seminary shaped his faith Going to Memphis to serve a church Becoming the rector and “playing the role” Being mentored by Gerald May Getting spiritual direction Resolving the outer and inner tension he felt How his children helped him Learning to surrender to the Lord and l

Kari Bartkus is a podcaster and spiritual director who walks with women during times of grief or heartache. Today, Kari shares her ability to see the hurting people, how she discovered spiritual formation, and why she walks with those going through grief. She also shares practices that you can use to serve the grieving and aren’t we all right now so that you give what’s needed when. Kari’s story reminds us that Jesus is close to the brokenhearted. Listen to Kari’s story now! Stories Kari shared: Growing up in a Christian family in Indiana Sensing Jesus as a friend Going forward at an alter call in tears Craving God’s word as a high schooler Learning communication and Bible in college Writing and editing at a church in the area Growing into spiritual formation as a children’s ministry director The holy moments of spiritual direction Her observation about how spiritual care is distributed in the body of Christ Caring for those who are grieving What people need most going through grief Why seeing people is impo

Loren Hicks  is a pastor and the podcaster behind the 5 Minute Discipleship podcast. Today, Loren shares the lessons he’s learned in over two decades of ministry, how the Lord redirected through heartbreak, and how he pivoted to serve his congregation during Covid. Loren is passionate about helping people take the next step in the faith. His story reminds us that even when our plans don’t work out as we expect, it’s the Lord who directs our paths. Listen to Loren’s story now! Stories Loren shared: Serving as a local pastor in California Growing up in Texas in a Christian family His family’s return to the Lord through Loren’s uncle’s death Sensing God’s call as a child Beginning to preach at 15 How his father encouraged him in the journey Becoming a youth pastor and pastoring a small church Getting declined for overseas missions Moving to California to do campus ministry Learning the practices of solitude and silence Focusing on learning how to be with the Lord not doing for the Lord How the pandemic shaped h

Nancy Kay Grace is a pastor’s wife, cancer survivor, and author. She understands dealing with unexpected challenges. Today, Nancy shares about how the Lord provided in ministry, her struggle with cancer, and learning rest in the Lord when those challenges arise. She reminds us to remember that we are his children and that he loves us, which is pure comfort when challenges arise. Listen to Nancy’s story today! Stories Nancy shared: Serving in ministry for 45 years with her husband Growing up in Chicago in a church-going family Moving around with her husband “Sneaking in the back” at a college church meeting and meeting her husband Serving in rural churches Questioning her faith after her husband was let go Learning to pray specifically about her needs Discovering that she had tongue cancer Worshipping the Lord as she recovered How the Lord has provided doctors over the years Learning to listen to the voice of the Lord Great quotes from Nancy: The optimism fades but we still trust the will of God. We have to

Brandon is the author of What Can't Be Hidden (2021) and bestselling Beauty in the Wreckage: Finding Peace in the Age of Outrage. Today, Brandon shares how he learned not to be afraid of new ideas, the spiritual grief he suffered, and what he learned about being a good shepherd through it. We also discuss the radical idea of Christlike love and what makes it so controversial. Brandon’s story reminds us that the journey with the Lord  sometimes leads to unexpected places. Listen to Brandon’s story now! This episode is sponsored by The Ten Minute Bible Hour. Thanks to Matt and his team for supporting us. Go check them out! Stories Brandon shared: Growing up in Indiana in a Christian family The fundamentalist family church he great up in and why he loved about it The sudden desire to read theology Learning not to be afraid of other people and ideas Why love is a controversial idea How 2017 was a spiritual desert through grief What suffering taught him about shepherding people Why he wrote a work of fiction The

Becky Antkowiak is a writer, leader of the 540 Community for writers, and my new best friend. Today, Becky shares with us her story of following a calling that seemed to not work out only to discover how God uses everything. Becky also opens up about a season of grief and lets us in on how she found the Lord when he seemed absent. Becky leads a group of writers called the 540 Community and explains why everyone has a story to tell. Becky’s story reminds us that no matter where we find ourselves, God is working. Listen to Becky’s story now! Stories Becky shared: Homeschooling and working at Redemption Press Growing up in Virginia Going to Bible college The pastor that she looked up to Convincing her grandfather that she loved Jesus at 4 years old The spiritual biographies that influenced her Learning that teaching was not for her Feeling angry that the Lord didn’t take her overseas Why “living for God” does not mean “ministry” work How her husband helped her through the anger Receiving a lupus diagnosis Sensi

Rodney Olsen is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster. Today, Rodney shares the moment he knew he wanted to be in radio, the somewhat meandering path he took to get there, and the providential meeting that sealed the deal. Rodney is passionate about helping believers anchor their faith in Christ with a Kingdom view of the world. His story will remind you to take action against the darkness. Oh, there’s a cool Bruck Cockburn reference in there, too. Listen to Rodney’s story today! Stories Rodney shared: Why he started his podcast, Bleeding Daylight Growing up in Western Australia His dad’s faith and why he abandoned it Giving his life to Christ at a church camp Studying to be a chef Moving to Christian radio How the Lord puts things in our hearts to do How his radio station brought people to the Lord Why we need not fear the dark night of the soul The poverty that Compassion fights around the world Great quotes from Rodney: We can be a whole lot more than we imagine if we follow Jesus’ lead. If y

LaTrae Wilson is an author and podcaster. Today, Trea shares what it was like growing up as a pastor’s kid, why she walked away after high school, and how the Lord brought her back. Her journey to healing the wounds took a commitment to valuing herself and accepting the grace and love of God. Trea’s story reminds us that no matter how far away we go, it’s only one step back. Listen to Trea’s story now! Stories LaTrae shared: Growing up in Oakland, CA as a pastor’s kid Why she moved to Texas Giving her life to Christ as a child Wandering away when she was 18 How her son saved her life Struggling with wanting to be cared for and ending up in bad relationships Figuring out what she was looking for by reading journals How her story is like her grandmother’s The kinds of relationships that held her back Realizing that she needed to love herself better Joining a community to help Why she’s writing a book and starting a podcast Great quotes from LaTrae: My son saved my life. I saw God work miracles, through my son

Brian Zahnd is a pastor, author, and America mystic. Today, Brian shares his first experience with Jesus, the season when he began to “renovate his theological house,” and how to think about deconstruction. Through his writing, Brian has become one of the pastors shining light on the path for those ready to leave American Evangelicalism but not ready to leave Christ. His latest book, When Everything’s On Fire, is his latest spotlight on the path toward Christ. Listen to Brian’s story now! Stories Brian shared: Growing up passively going to church His spiritual experience when he was 15 When David Wilkerson prayed for him The history of thought from the Enlightenment How the Jesus Movement influenced him What Eugene Peterson told him about his pentecostal background The men who influenced him as a pastor How his church began to grow Why he started to feel uneasy and what he began to read Praying “God, show me what to read.” The “risky” period as he sought Jesus What might have happened if he missed that train

Conell & Rhonda Hollins our podcasters and are first time authors of their forthcoming book marriage material which is a training manual base on their experience teaching for the last 13 years. Today, Conell and Rhonda share how their relationship sharpened their faith, how they became marriage teachers, and tips for staying connected. Conell and Rhonda’s story reminds us that prioritizing your marriage is always a good idea. Listen to Conell & Rhonda’s story today! Stories Conell & Rhonda Hollins shared: Rhonda growing up in Chicago in a religious family Rhonda outgrowing a performance based faith When their son Ethan was born needing open heart surgery Conell growing up in a family that went to church but didn’t believe Joining the church’s marriage ministry Learning how to communicate in marriage and “heated fellowship moments” Rhonda wondering if their work was busy work Tips for how to get reconnected when you’re busy Finding time for one another Why they decided to write a book Great quote

Christopher Smith is the Senior Editor of The Englewood Review of Books, and author of several books, including most recently: How The Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. Today, Christopher shares the place of reading in his spiritual journey, how he learned to untangle depression from doubt, and why he believes in the power of a great conversation. We also talk about some best practices for hosting conversations at your church. Christopher’s story reminds us that we learn best in conversation. Listen to Christopher’s story now! Stories Christopher shared: Starting The Englewood Review of Books Growing up in a Christian family in Washington D.C. in a Grace Brethren church His tenuous relationship with church even in college Developing his sense of historical church through reading Going to graduate school and learning about the history of ideas Learning how to disentangle depression from doubt How community plays into depression Why embodiment needs to be valued How t

Jerry Dugan is the producer and host of Beyond the Rut podcast, a show that discusses pursuing and achieving your dreams without compromising your faith, family, or health. Today, Jerry shares about growing up through divorce, his dad's attempted suicide, and combat experiences that gave him resilience and perspective on life. He also shares how it all led him to give his life to Christ and eventually start serving men through his podcast. Jerry’s story reminds us that the Lord often has plans for us long before we know what they are. Listen to Jerry’s story now! Stories Jerry shared: Growing up in a military family Encountering racism in his own extended family His family’s mix religious beliefs His parent’s divorce and dad’s suicidal period Praying during Operation Iraqi Freedom Getting a wake up call in Baghdad His wife’s prayer for him while he was at war Giving his life to Christ after going to church for a year Why he started Beyond the Rut to serve men Why you should watch Dune Great quotes from Jerr

Felicia Song is  a professor of sociology who studies social and cultural impact of digital technologies. Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age. Today, Felicia share her experience growing up in a fundamentalist, Chinese church, discovering the Holy Spirit in college, and what she’s learned about God by studying sociology. We also talk about her book and how Christians can be wise as we live with technology. Felicia’s story reminds us to be wise about how we think and practice technology as Christians. Listen to Felicia’s story now! Stories Felicia shared: Teaching sociology at Westmont Growing up in a Christian family in New Jersey The vibrant Chinese church she attended Never not believing in God Joining InterVarsity and interacting with non-Asian Christians for the first time Attending a Vineyard church for the first time Discovering that she came from a fundamentalist tradition Going to L’Abri Fellowship Noticing her students getting email for the first time What