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

Brian Sexton is the host of The Intentional Encourager Podcast and author of People Buy From People: 10 Powerful People Lessons From the Ultimate People Person, My Dad. Today, Brian shares how prayer influenced his life early, his dad’s profound influence, and how he stopped running from a call to preach. He also shares an interesting connection between his family and his wife’s family that he never saw coming. Brian’s story reminds us that with a little intionality, we can all encourage someone every day. Listen to Brian’s story now! Stories Brian shared: Growing up in Ohio in an influential area The blister that prayer removed as a baby His dad’s encouragement to know God Why he always tries to live in repentance Meeting his wife and how God provided How his mother-in-law knew his grandfather Sensing a call to preach during a revival Learning the value of intentionality How losing his dad sent him into the spiritual desert The dream he had about his father Learning to be his own man The three points of enc

Hope Johnson is a writer and podcaster based in Upstate New York. She is the host of Hope Unyielding, a podcast where people share stories of God's faithfulness in the dark and difficult times of their lives. Today, Hope shares the story of how she learned Russian, struggled during a year teaching English, and how she wrestles with God because her “five year plan” didn’t come to fruition. Hope is a deep thinker whose story will remind you to honor and love the Lord even when you feel like he’s abandoned you. Listen to Hope’s story now! Stories Hope shared: Feeling called to be a writer Growing up in Maine with a dad who was a professional magician The example of faith in action that her parents set for her The encouragement to pray whether she should go to Russia Learning to separate God from his people in her mind Going to Gordon College to major in linguistics Teaching college courses in Russia Struggling with mental health The Muslim friend who had a dream about and helped her Teaching international stude

Dorsey Ross is a public speaker and podcaster. He was born with Apert’s Syndrome. Today, Dorsey shares his parent’s choice to nurture and support him, going to college when many didn’t think he could, and becoming a speaker and podcaster. Dorsey’s story is full of challenges that he’s overcome with God’s help. His spirit will encourage you to face your challenges, too. Listen to Dorsey’s story now! Stories Dorsey shared: Growing up in Queens, New York Being born with Apert's Syndrome His parent’s decision to nurture him Being picked on and in hospitals as a child Giving his life to Christ at the age of 13 in a worship service Asking God why he was born this way Wanting to become a youth pastor Going to college in spite of a teacher who didn’t think he could The Bible study group that helped his anxiety Going to Bible college and how that shaped him Seeking a ministry position but the doors kept closing Getting an opportunity to share his story Beginning to speak around the country Why he loves the story of P

Christa Hutchins equips busy communicators and leaders with project management and problem solving skills so they can turn their big ideas into a successful ministry or business. Today, Christa shares how she experienced her faith as just one part of her life, how a public failure taught her humility, and how that led her to new opportunities. She also shares how she learned to use her gifts to help others bring their dreams to life. Christa’s story reminds us that God uses failure to refine us. Listen to Christa’s story now! Stories Christa shared: Growing up in Florida in a Christian home Being aware that she was a performer in church How she decided to be a chemical engineer Choosing to walk away from problematic behaviors in college Joining a Christian group and being discipled How her career progressed Failing for the first time and how that influenced her faith Having to face her pride and learn humility Volunteering with Proverbs 31 Ministries Learning that using her skills is ministry The “new thing”

Travis Johnson is an active duty officer in the United States navy and the host of the Nonprofit Architect Podcast. Today, Travis shares about moving dozens of times as a child because of his mom’s mental illness. He also shares how he felt the Lord’s presence, got out of the abusive situation, and found stability in the Navy. Travis has found a way to give back by enabling and supporting nonprofit organizations through podcasting and his own service. Travis’s story reminds us that the Lord can use our background no matter how difficult. Listen to Travis’s story now! Stories Travis shared: Starting his podcast Nonprofit Architect Growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder needing to move often Taking control of his family at 9 years old Going to Bible camp one summer Experiencing a supernatural happening before moving out Joining the Navy to get a stable life Finding a church in Oklahoma City that showed him what church should look like The group who helped him understand the Christian life Realizing peo

Tiffany Jo Baker is a caffeinated mom of two teen girls, surrogate mom who has delivered five babies for three families dealing with infertility. Today, Tiffany shares how she went her own, self-destructive way as a teenager, and the dramatic steps her parents took to get her back. She also shares how she became a surrogate mom, and the calling the Lord gave her to help others bring their dreams to life. Tiffany’s story reminds us that no matter where you are, God has plans for you if you’ll only step into them. Listen to Tiffany’s story now! Stories Tiffany shared: Growing up in a Christian family in Ohio Going rogue in high school and how God redeemed Her “burning bush” experience Getting a fresh start in college Learning spiritual disciplines and new thought patterns How she became passionate about surrogacy Pitching the idea to her husband What she learned from being a surrogate Her role in the body of Christ as a “dream carrier” Getting released to speak and write Securing an internship to learn online

Scott Distler is an author and the lead pastor of an Evangelical Free church in Northern Michigan. Today, Scott shares about the mentors who shaped him, how a betrayal sent him into a dark time, and the steps he took to get out of it. Scott learned to slow down and make space for his relationship with God in the difficult season and he shares those lessons. Scott’s story reminds us that our identity must come from who Jesus says we are not our accomplishments. Listen to Scott’s story now! Stories Scott shared: Pastoring a church in Northern Michigan Spending his childhood in church Feeling called to become a pastor as a junior in high school Going to Bible school to learn Scripture His mentor’s advice about how to pray specifically The moment that he knew the Lord answered his prayer How is pastor mentored him and his best advice Becoming spiritually arrogant before his “cave experience” When his main supporter turned against him at church Learning that his source of significance is in the Lord Starting to j

Alicia Michelle is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster and certified NeuroCoach. Known as the Mindset Makeover Coach, she equips Christian women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools so they know HOW to renew their minds in order to overcome negative thinking and cultivate godly confidence. Today, Alicia shares how campus ministry changed her life, the health crisis that made her reevaluate, and what she has learned about renewing your mind in a godly way. Alicia’s story reminds us that we are wonderfully made and learning about how always yields benefits. Listen to Alicia’s story now! Stories Alicia shared: Her business as a neurocoach and being a mom Growing up in Los Angeles Becoming a Christian through Cru at college The mentor who shaped her early walk with Jesus Moving back to Los Angeles Meeting her husband at church Struggling with all the “shoulds” of having a new family The health crisis that changed her identity Leaving a missions trip with a health issue How the Lord helped her slowly r

John Ramstead is a keynote speaker and trainer, former combat Navy fighter pilot, leadership coach, international podcast host and bestselling author of On Purpose with Purpose–Discovering How to Live Your Best Life. Today, John shares about losing his dream of being a Top Gun pilot, the accident that nearly killed him, and the process of healing physically, mentally, and spiritually. John discovered that the Lord w0uld provide and give him a new identity. John’s story reminds us that God works even the worst of circumstance together for our good. Listen to John’s story now! Stories John shared: Growing up as a church kid in Minnesota Getting into Top Gun as a pilot and then losing the dream Giving his live to Christ during a church service Building a business to drive himself Living in “smoldering discontent” Starting his own company thinking it would help his discontent The accident that changed his life Experiencing the love of God in his presence The long healing process he went through Realizing he was

Dr. Heather Thompson Day is a speaker, writer, author of 7 books including her latest It's Not Your Turn. Today, Heather shares how her faith changed when she broke off an engagement and decided to wait on the Lord. She tells how she learned to listen to her feelings but not let them drive her and why she is striving to be more present in her interactions. Through it all, Heather has experienced the Lord guiding, directing, and providing unexpectedly. Heather’s story reminds us that sometimes our calling is to be faithful to show up where the Lord asks us to be. Listen to Heather’s story now! Stories Heather shared: Growing up in the back of a van as her dad entertained around the country Breaking off an engagement and deciding to wait on the Lord Getting a phone call from the man who would become her husband The moment that her VP gave her a meal card and what she learned Why “feelings can get in the car but faith drives” Leaders have to lead and what that means for us Connecting relationship to faith Prayi

Traci Rhoades is an author, blogger, and Bible teacher. Today, Traci shares her early curiosity with hands on faith, why a humanities class opened her up to more Christian traditions, and how reading more widely led her deeper. She also shares why she wrote her book Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost. Traci’s story teaches us that different traditions give us fresh understanding of our ancient faith. Listen to Traci’s story now! Stories Traci shared: How her blog opened her up to new traditions Growing up in rural Missouri Teaching elementary students as a high schooler Going to a private Christian university How two classes in humanities shaped her faith Meeting her husband and moving to Michigan How reading more widely led her deeper What she believes godly fruit is and why it matters Why she wrote her book for Evangelicals for whom it wasn’t enough Great quotes from Traci: It’s funny to me that there are practical reasons that God uses in divine ways. I didn’t realize how much wider would lead me

Joe Pomeroy is a businessman, speaker, and author. Today, Joe shares how he came to the end of himself when his marriage was breaking down, what he did to get help, and how he learned to accept grace. Now, Joe helps men apply what they know from business to their family in order to become the fathers and husbands they want to be. Joe’s story reminds us that even when we feel no worth, Jesus still finds us valuable. Listen to Joe’s story now! Stories Joe shared: How he became a family leadership coach Growing up in a Christian family in Arizona Realizing the struggle his family went through Feeling like he needed to be perfect and going through shame cycles The moment in his early 30s that changed his view of righteousness How his marriage began breaking down Feeling like he was pushing his wife out Having a “man-sized tantrum” about something he cannot remember now Realizing he needed help Learning how to accept himself as he is Discovering how to run a family like a business Using the principle of ROI Tryin

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, author, and fellow podcaster. Today, Michelle shares about struggling with depression and anxiety, how she worked so hard she made herself sick, and the practice that helped her trust the Lord with everything. She also shares how to train your brain to think positively and let God’s Word give us identity instead. Michelle’s story reminds us that the Lord nevers wastes our pain. Listen to Michelle’s story now! Stories Michelle shared: Growing up as a church kid in Michigan Struggling with depression after getting sick Health struggles as a child Self-punishment as a child for not being good enough How to take a step back from acting on emotions Learning what the Lord said about who she is How her son challenged her thinking How your brain is like a running trail The reception of her first book Why perfectionism has no place at church Episodes of her podcast that are helpful Great quotes from Michelle: Who but God would know that a book on

Cliff Haddox is a pastor and TikToker (@RevnGeek). Today, we talk about his TikTok, why he started it, and how the platform has influenced his ministry. Cliff also shares the dangerous prayer he prayed, why community is so great in seminary, and the struggle of being unwanted at his church. We also talk about ways to engage people online during Sunday services. Cliff’s story reminds us that God is always leading when we’re open to following him. Listen to Cliff’s story now! Stories Cliff shared: How Cliff got into TikTok Growing up in WV in a Christian family The pastor who mentored him through questions Going to college to be a broadcaster The invitation to a young adult group that solidified his faith The moment he gave God his life How quickly his life changed after praying to see if God had a different plan for his life Getting called into ministry Going to seminary in Louisville, KY How seminary challenged his assumptions The Christian community that he had in seminary How he left a church that wanted t

Janell Wood is the podcaster behind Finding Something Real. Today, Janell shares about the youth pastor who served as a great example of God’s love, when she wrestled with a sinful relationship, and how the Lord met her through a series of miscarriages. Janell learned to trust the Lord with each experience and finally accepted that he gets to choose who she becomes. Her podcast serves young women with questions about faith by making them part of the conversation. Janell’s story reminds us that the truest thing about us is that we are loved by our maker. Listen to Janell’s story now! Stories Janell shared: How she got into hosting exchange students Growing up in a Christian family in Washington State The day her older sister left home The youth pastor who showed her Jesus Looking for love in all the wrong places The relationship that she knew was sin but couldn’t give up Moving to Pennsylvania and having weeks alone with God Dealing with anxiety that was compounding Wrestling with God after a series of miscar

Jeff Brown is an award winning radio producer and personality, who launched his podcast in 2013. He is the host of Read to Lead and just published his first book of the same title. Today, Jeff shares how the Lord provided a job and moved him into Christian radio, how dark moments motivate him to draw closer to the Lord, and why he started Read to Lead. He also shares why reading is such a valuable habit that you cannot afford to miss out on. Jeff’s story reminds us that learning is an essential component of life with God. Listen to Jeff’s story now! Stories Jeff shared: Publishing his first book Growing up in Indianapolis, IN Loving radio even as a child and testing on it Growing up in a Christian family but deciding not to go as a teenager Accepting Christ on Easter Sunday Getting a job in Christian radio providentially Moving to Nashville and working in the Christian music industry Getting married and divorced Feeling the Lord’s comfort when this happened Losing his job in radio and pivoting into small bus

Erica Wiggenhorn a speaker and author of three Bible studies including her most recent, Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck & How Surrender Sets You Free. Today, Erica shares how she learned to enjoy studying the Bible, how she learned the difference between faith and trust, and the moment she realized that God is enough for her. Erica also takes us through some painful moments when the Lord shaped her identity. Erica’s story reminds us that the Lord will always lead even through the dark places. Listen to Erica’s story now! Stories Erica shared: Growing up in a Christian family but not going to church every week Being terrified by the preacher at her grandparent’s church Going to Christian school as a child The youth pastor who patiently answered her questions Feeling guilt because she didn’t enjoy reading the Bible Beginning to pursue bible study while dealing with infertility Realizing the difference between faith and trust Learning to shed the busyness as a sign of godliness The proce

Mark Brownson is a pastor and author. Mark’s recently published book is Honesty, A Believer’s Struggle with Prayer and Faith. Today, Mark shares his struggle to teach himself to read, achieving his dream to go to seminary, and his experience pastoring churches. Through it all, Mark has wrestled with God in prayer with an honesty seldom found among God’s people. Mark’s story reminds us that the Christian life is one of being with God even when it’s not easy. Listen to  Mark’s story now! Stories Mark shared: Teaching himself to read in seventh grade Finding faith in Jesus while being disciplined by his mom Discipleship on the couch listening to Christian radio Going to college at Azusa Pacific with his dyslexia Helping out with a church plant and feeling a call to ministry How a comparative religion class shaped him Going back to Montana State and teaching for awhile Deciding to go to seminary How seminary shaped him Pastoring churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania Meeting his wife as God’s provision His wife’s bip

Shā Sparks is the CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Sparks of Fire International, a Certified Fearless Living Coach and Trainer, host of The Power of Investing in People Podcast, and Co-Founder of #FIRESTARTERS Book Project. Today, Shā shares how she spent much of her life without love and waiting to die, how she broke up with alcohol, and why she decided to pray for herself. Shā also tells us how God led her into her calling helping other as a coach. Her story reminds us that learning to receive love is an important part of the journey. Listen to Shā’s story now! Stories Shā shared: Spending many years wanting to die Why she chose the title “Chief Excitement Officer” Growing up on a farm in Central Iowa Her dad’s anger at home and how it started depression in her Having a kegger at 11 year old Dealing with suicidal ideation Feeling that the Lord was always with her even in her darkest time Sensing the devil speaking to her Giving her life to Christ after a DUI at 16 Realizing that she needed to leave her ab

Chuck DeGroat is professor of pastoral care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary and author of When Narcissism Comes to Church. Today, Chuck shares about dealing with anxiety his entire life, pursuing a life of influence, and how stepping back from that helped him find wholeness. Chuck also discusses the brokenness that so many pastors experience and how we can facilitate wholeness. Chuck’s story reminds us that honesty is the key to walking with the Lord. Listen to Chuck’s story now! Stories Chuck shared: Growing up on Long Island, NY Experiencing anxiety as a kid The chaotic nature of his religious world as a child Why he was drawn to Calvinism Going to Dort College to find a softer version of reformed faith Moving to Chicago and having a bit of a faith crisis Feeling like he should go to seminary in Florida Reaching the height of anxiety while in seminary Going to see the professor of counseling Deciding to get a degree in counseling to buy some time Getting called out for flirting w