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

Cherlyn Decker is a best-selling author, speaker, and coach. Today, Cherlyn shares how she spent her life trying to achieve, how it all came crashing down when she lost her job, and the steps took through the spiritual desert. Cherlyn also tells us how she ended up with a spiritual director and how that helped her during a tough time. Cherlyn’s story reminds us that the Lord often takes away our self-made and protective identities to show us our true selves. Listen to Cherlyn’s story now! Stories Cherlyn shared: Growing up in Washington DC Giving her life to Christ at youth camp Learning to hear God’s voice on a regular basis Surrendering her law career Meeting her husband at church during law school Receiving directional dreams from the Lord Hiring a spiritual director for help Why we have to go through the desert Getting rid of a poverty mindset How she sees herself today Why she wrote her book ROAR Back Great quotes from Cherlyn: I’m extremely mouthy with the Lord. I never knew I was going to struggle wi

Janna Thompson is the creator behind Project Shine. Today, Janna shares some surprising moments when the Lord has spoken and worked in her life. Janna shares how the Lord met her when contemplating suicide, protected her during a horrific car crash, and provided for her needs. She also lets us into her prayer closet where we glimpse the intimate nature of her relationship with him. Sometimes that involves putting on her “sassy pants” and asking God some tough questions. Janna’s story reminds us that the Lord can handle them. Listen to Janna’s story now! Stories Janna shared: Growing up in a non-denominational, traditional church Feeling rejection and insecurity as a child Beginning to see into the spiritual world Her parent’s divorce and how that left her feeling like an orphan Overdosing on anxiety medicine at high school graduation Dropping out of college and going to live with her dad Challenging God to show up or she would commit suicide (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255) A horrific car

Dr. Drew Moser is the Founder & CEO of TypeTrail, and enneagram-based coaching firm. He’s the author of The Enneagram of Discernment: The Way of Vocation, Wisdom, & Practice and is co-host of Fathoms: An Enneagram Podcast. Today, Drew shares about sensing a call to ministry, beginning marriage in a season of grief, and how discovering Enneagram gave him a better understanding of himself. His story reminds us that knowing ourselves is a key part of the journey with Christ. Listen to Drew’s story today! Stories Drew shared: Getting into and serving others through Enneagram Growing up in Central, Illinois in a Christian family Feeling small looking at the empty and dark church sanctuary Challenging his teachers with hard questions Feeling like an imposter as he was being celebrated in high school Feeling shame, guilt, and a hangover after a night of partying and how that brought him back Opening up to his youth pastor and feeling accepted Switching his major to Christian ministry How his “perfect life”

Sue Donaldson is an author, speaker, and podcaster. Today, Sue shares about doubting her faith in college, struggling with her singleness, and learning to lean on the Lord more than her husband. Sue is a master at creating great conversations and she tells us how that became part of her ministry. Plus, she reminds us that not being hospitible is really about pride, not personality. Her story will encourage you to just be a friend to make a friend. Listen to Sue’s story now! Stories Sue shared: Forgetting how much she enjoys speaking Growing up in a Christian family in Southern California Giving her life to Christ at 15 when she understood the Gospel Waking up one day and doubting her faith in college The woman who helped her understand doubt Learning that it is her faith not her parent’s faith Becoming a missionary teaching Why she decided to marry her husband Learning to depend on the Lord more than her husband How she got into teaching Scripture How she began creating more meaningful conversations Minister

Jay Bakker is an author and speaker at Revolution Church. If his name looks familiar, it’s because he is the son of famed televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Today,  Jay shares about growing up as his parents rose to fame and fell, how he ignored God for a season, and discovering the radical nature of grace. He describes getting sober and why he things of theology as art. Jay’s story reminds us that God accepts us as we are because he loves us. Listen to Jay’s story now! Stories Jay shared: Growing up as a televangelist kid How his parent’s scandal affected him Realizing that his parents really believed what they preached Going to the alter a thousand times as a child Ignoring God in order to live Beginning to understand grace through Bible study Joining a 12 step program to get sober Starting Revolution in Atlanta Getting dialectic behavior therapy Struggling through doubt Accepting others to accept himself Thinking of theology as art Where he thinks the church is headed Great quotes from Jay: So muc

Amy Watson is a businesswoman and podcaster. Today, Amy shares her story of unbelievable trauma and the community the Lord used to help her heal. Amy tells us about being abused by a serial killer, finally sharing what was happening and getting help, and the moment she felt safe enough to fall apart. Amy has turned her story into the ability to minister to others with similar ones through her podcast Wednesdays with Watson and it’s making a difference. Her story reminds us that the Lord wastes nothing, even our most painful moments. Listen to Amy’s story today! Stories Amy shared: Growing up in Florida Being padlocked in a room by her mom and stepdad Meeting and being abused by Henry Lee Lucas, a notorious serial killer The church people who showed up at the door with candy Her mother inviting a pedophile into her home who abused her at 14 Telling a woman at church what happened The moment she felt safe enough to fall apart Going to the hospital and being diagnosed with PTSD The moment she learned that her e

Chaplain Colonel Charles Causey is an author, pastor, and chaplain. Today, Charles shares with us his story of resisting the call to ministry, how the Lord’s providence has cared for his family through the years, and why  he decided to become a writer. We also discuss his latest book Candor which is all about navigating difficult conversations with love and grace. Charles’s story reminds us that the Lord’s heart for us is always truth but also love. Listen to Charles’s story now! Stories Charles shared: Growing up in Leavenworth, KS Feeling a little inoculated to the faith by college Getting involved in Campus Crusade for Christ in a small revival Giving his life to Christ at a backpacking camp Feeling God’s call to serve him full time Switching over to being a chaplain in the Army reserves A moment of worship that shaped him How his ministry set him up for enjoying seminary Making a deal with God to have time with his family How getting laid off allowed him to apply for jobs and still get paid Planting a ch

Billie Jauss is an author, speaker, podcaster, and baseball wife. today, Billie shares how she sensed a connection to God as a young woman, when an atheist counselor advised her to go back to church, and how she as discovered the value of sharing herself with others. Billie writes and podcasts devotional material and hosts Bible studies which help many stay grounded in the Bible. She also gives us a peek behind the scenes of what it’s like living inside of baseball. Billie’s story reminds us that whatever your life is like, God is right there with you. Listen to Billie’s story now! Stories Billie shared: Getting into baseball and writing devotionals Growing up in rural North Carolina in a protestant family Sensing a connection with the Lord as a young woman Separating from her husband during a hard time The question her counselor asked that sent her back to church The priest who advised her to go to a Bible-based church How her husband noticed her growth Learning Jeremiah 29:11 and what it mean to her Feelin

Jonathan Puddle is the author of You Are Enough: Learning to Love Yourself the Way God Loves You, and is a pastor and podcast host himself. Today, Jonathan shares the first time he was moved by the Holy Spirit, deconstructing his faith for a season, and falling in love with Jesus all over again. Jonathan’s love for the Lord comes through as he shares his story and it’s a really beautiful way to reflect on the goodness and nearness of Him. Jonathan’s story reminds us that God loves us deeply. Listen to Jonathan’s story now! Stories Jonathan shared: Quitting his day job to become a writer Growing up as a YWAM kid around the world Moving to Toronto to join the Toronto blessing His mom leading him through the “sinner’s prayer” at four Being moved at a Delirious concert by the Holy Spirit How to think about supernatural experiences Getting into the house church movement Experiencing God while making pizza with a friend Deconstructing shortly after he got married Moving to Finland and not going to church for a sea

Charmaine Cooper is an author, speaker, and host of the the Char Candid Podcast. Today, Charmaine shares her experience at the Toronto Blessing, her struggle to forgive her father, and why she chose to go to seminary. Charmaine is a dynamic storyteller who saved one of the best stories for last involving hearing God on the dance floor. Charmaine’s story reminds us that God is with us everywhere even if we try to avoid him. Listen to Charmaine’s story now! Stories Charmaine shared: Born and raised in Toronto, Canada Growing up in a pentecostal family Her parents’ divorce and how that affected her Giving her life to Christ at 19 as part of the Toronto blessing Depression after her father refused to see her dying mother The struggle to forgive her father How the Lord used a Ronald Reagan movie to keep her from suicide Writing the adventures of our lives and noting God Getting her masters degree in theology Serving the Persian Christian community How getting a masters of divinity shaped her Great quotes from Ch

Manny Randhawa is MLB.com reporter, Statcast researcher, and author of The Blake Street Bombers. Today, Manny shares how his dad’s political desire led him to faith, the surprising sermon that let him to pray for salvation, and how he ended up being a sports writer. He also shares how he led his mom to Christ. Plus, we geek out a little bit about baseball, of course. Manny’s story reminds us that God is always working even when our circumstances are painful. Listen to Manny’s story now! Stories Manny shared: Growing up in the San Francisco area to immigrants from India How his parents arranged marriage affected him When his dad asked him to go to church Going to a Christian school as a way of becoming American The conversation with a leader at a retreat that stayed with him Getting emotional during worship songs The experiences in worship that kept happening and his intellectual pursuit Praying while listening to Joel Osteen wrap up a sermon The kind of abuse he lived through from his father Leading his mom

Sheila Wray Gregoire is a popular speaker, marriage blogger, and the author of nine books, including The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and her latest book, The Great Sex Rescue, which she coauthored with her daughter Rebecca Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky. Today, Sheila shares how she became a Christian sex blogger, when she first realized that she must stand for justice, and how studying the messages Christians were sending about sex affected her faith. Plus, we talk all about the research behind The Great Sex Rescue, and the more faithful way to look at a hot issue like sex. This conversation reminds us that love and mutuality is the way. Listen to Sheila’s story today Stories Sheila shared: Picking up a copy of Love and Respect and how that bothered her Growing up as an evangelical in multiple denominations Struggling with gender roles and her own calling Being ready to ditch the faith at 16 Losing a son after five years of marriage Discovering her spiritual prophetic gift Getting into blogging about sex

Shea Watson is the cohosts The Pantry Podcast with his wife Michelle. Today, Shea shares his journey of sexual abuse at 8 years old, joining the army to avoid jail for drug dealing, and realizing he was losing it in the special forces. He constantly strived to keep up appearances by succeeding in high school sports and excelling in the army but it wasn’t enough to base his identity. Finally, after the failure of his second marriage, he turned to the Lord. Shea’s story reminds us that God’s love overcomes shame. Listen to Shea’s story now! Stories Shea shared: The Pantry Podcast with his wife Being abused as an 8 year old Going to live with his dad and the requirements to go to church Trying to prove himself Getting into drug dealing to make some money Joining the military to escape Wanting to achieve in the Army Having PTSD while he was still in the Army Telling his superiors that he needed help Feeling like he was running from God Staying at Walter Reed in a psychiatric unit for two years Struggling with dr

Merritt Onsa is a trail guide for the passionate and creative Christian woman who wants to get over her fear of failure, comparison, and imposter syndrome so she can get moving on her God-shaped dream without wasting more time second-guessing herself, procrastinating, or trying to be perfect. Today, Merritt shares how her ex-boyfriend led her to Christ, learning to be honest with her story, and how her husband taught her about God’s patient love. Merritt’s story reminds us how sweet the Lord’s patience is with us. Listen to Merritt’s story now! Stories Merritt shared: Growing up in Central California whose parents were educators Knowing of God until her parents stopped going to church Feeling like she had to be a perfect kid and seeing God as the bully in the sky Moving to Dallas for a job The infidelity that broke up her relationship The change she saw in her ex-boyfriend that piqued her interest in God Clicking on the “Free Gift” button on her friend’s church and hearing the Gospel Celebrating her conversi

Phil Mershon is the founder and host of the Man in the Pew Show. By day, he is director of events for Social Media Examiner. He’s a jazz saxophonist, songwriter, former pastor, and author of two forthcoming books. Today, Phil shares the journey of discovering he is a creative. He shares how he studied economics, the mentor who encouraged him to speak and write, and how he discovered his need to express his creativity every day. Phil’s story reminds us that it’s so valuable to know yourself and express yourself creatively. Listen to Phil’s story now!! Stories Phil shared: Clinging to God in the middle of chaos in his life Growing up in a church-going family High school pranks at church Going to Wheaton College and studying economics Discovering that he was more artistic than analytical The mentor who challenged him to try speaking Going to seminary to study worship Serving churches and moving around the country Struggling with depressive cycles as a creative Getting to Social Media Examiner Learning that he h

Kristin Du Mez is Professor of History at Calvin University and author of Jesus and John Wayne. If you haven’t heard about this book yet, you will soon because it is lighting Evangelicalism on fire. Kristin shares about growing up a bit sheltered in Northwest Iowa Dutch country, how moving and travel began to expand her understanding of the world, and why she decided to address militarism in the Christian faith. Kristen’s story reminds us that we need to know Christian history to understand our faith. Listen to Kristin’s story now! Stories Kristin shared: Growing up in Dutch Reformed circles in Northwest, Iowa Feeling supported and nurtured in that area Moving to Tallahassee, FL and learning that she was a little sheltered Spending a year in Germany Growing up always believing and making a profession of faith in college Cultivating spiritual experiences through reading in Christian history Observing how faith can be used to grasp for power A summer of discontent How understanding Christianity changed her fai

Rob Lohman currently helps people suffering from substance abuse to find freedom from addiction and incarceration. Today, Rob shares his journey of avoiding consequences for destructive actions, the moment God spoke to him in a bar, and the action that sent him to prison. Today, Rob helps others break the chains of addiction as an interventionist. His story reminds us that God is still pursuing us no matter how messy our lives become. Listen to Rob’s story now! Stories Rob shared: Growing up in several cities in a Christian family Drinking beer behind the bushes at church camp Alcoholic tendencies in high school Avoiding consequences throughout college Not liking himself and needing a change of heart The moment the Lord spoke to him in a bar Sensing God’s presence as he lifted a barbell too much for his weight Discovering gambling at 15 Learning how to live sober Meeting his wife and getting married Dealing with creeping insecurity after marriage and fatherhood His finances getting messed up through gambling

Christina Dent, Founder and President of End It For Good, a conservative nonprofit advocating a health-centered approach to drugs rather than a criminal justice approach. Christina lives in Mississippi and changed her own mind about how to best handle drugs after she became a foster parent. She started End It For Good several years ago to invite others to learn and consider changing their minds too so we can save lives, preserve families, and strengthen communities. Today, Christina shares how she survived a literal train wreck, the loving mom who challenged her views of drug addiction, and starting End It For Good to educate others on the issue. Christina’s story reminds us that the grace of God heals our deepest needs. Listen to Christina’s story now! Stories Christina shared: Leading End it For Good Growing up in a Christian home in Mississippi Giving her life to Christ at a Christian camp at 9 Family devotions and how that influenced her Experiencing a train wreck in Chicago Her parent’s cancer diagnosis

Paul Edwards is an executive ghostwriter, CEO, bestselling author and host of Influencer Networking Secrets podcast. Today, Paul shares the story of finding Christ at a lonely time, struggling with pride in his work life, and the communities that changed the course of his life. Paul knows the value of a great connection and today, he’s using skills he learned in insurance to serve others. Paul’s story reminds us that we’re all God’s children with a calling to serve. Listen to Paul’s story today! Stories Paul shared: Leading a marketing firm for faith-based leaders Growing up in Edmonton, Canada then moving to the US Relationship with his father who is an atheist Finding Christ in England at Hillsong Church Losing his job and looking for work Joining the US Military and going to Iraq Learning how to network while working in insurance Feeling completely alone as he struggled The Wild at Heart Boot Camp that changed his life Mentoring young adults and how that plays into his calling Deciding to write a book a

Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award winning author and speaker. Today, Cherrilynn shares about finding Christ at her lowest point, sensing God’s presence, and learning to study the Bible as a spiritual practice. Cherrilyn also shares how the Lord revealed her identity as his and used her gives to completely change her career. Cherrilynn’s story reminds us that the Lord is always working to show us who we are. Listen to Cherrilynn’s story now! Stories Cherrilynn shared: Helping writers achieve their dream of publication Suffering 18 losses in her family in a short time Growing up in New England in a military family with an abusive father Looking for the way to heaven in her 20s Putting her identity in her relationship with men Finding Christ when her sister asked her to pray for her Learning to accept God’s love for her Overcoming complaining as a practice Feeling a spiritual hug at her lowest point The value of the word “Abba” to her How the Lord is using her gift of encouragement in the writing industry Why you