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

Kevin White is a pastor and author of Audacious Generosity. Today, Kevin shares the story of finding Christ as a young man, feeling called to ministry, and almost burning out while trying to achieve. When the church he planted voted him out, he had to reconsider what God was asking of him. Through the struggle, he founded a ministry that today serves over 500 families in his area. Then the Lord awoke his heart to India and he’s taken over 1,000 people to visit and minister there. Kevin’s story reminds us that it’s all God’s grace so we can hold everything with an open hand. Listen to Kevin’s story now! Stories Kevin shared: How 2020 is different for him Giving his life to Christ at 10 Being relieved that his parents got divorced at 12 Feeling very lonely and lost in high school Going to a Gospel meeting to report on a mission trip and how that changed his life Reading the Bible for hours and asking his pastor for answers Feeling called to ministry The woman who paid for his first year of college with unexpec

Sarah Symons is the Founder and Executive Director of Her Future Coalition, an international charity fighting human trafficking and other severe gender violence with shelter, education and employment. Over the past 15 years, Her Future Coalition has walked alongside over 5000 women and children in India, Nepal, Cambodia, and Thailand on their journey to freedom and independence. Today, Sarah shares how she found faith, the mixed blessing of a legalistic background, and how God directed her to a film that changed her life. Sarah’s story reminds us that God is setting captives free and sometimes it’s not a metaphor. Listen to Sarah’s story now! Stories Sarah shared: Helping women become slavery-proof Growing up in Michigan in a Unitarian family Going to a somewhat legalistic Baptist church at 13 Attending Bob Jones University and how that stagnated her faith Her career as a singer/songwriter for film and TV Watching a movie about trafficking at the Tribeca Film Festival Emailing an organization working in Nepa

Blake Brewer is on a mission to help 1 MILLION Dads write at least one well written, meaningful, lasting Legacy Letter to their children. Blake has three children under 5. He absolutely loves being a father. As he leads his family and his children, he draws from many mentors, but none more important than his late father Larry Brewer. Today, Blake shares how losing his father and the letter he left changed the course of his life. Blake’s story reminds us that a father’s approval, attention, and adoration mean everything to their children. Listen to Blake’s story now! Stories Blake shared: Growing up in Texas in a Christian family When his dad took a day off work to take him to the pastor Refusing to pray in public at church camp Studying accounting in college The day his life changed when his dad died on vacation Praying for God to save his dad’s life The letter that his dad left for him What his dad encouraged him to do Grieving for his dad Asking why this terrible event happened The first time he shared his

September McCarthy has been married to her husband Dan for 30 years. Together they have ten children and four grandchildren. They have been homeschooling their children for 24 years, and have launched six, with four more still at home. Today, September shares how she met Jesus at family camp, how losing multiple children shaped her, and why she took a whole year off. Her sabbatical brought healing and clarity for where God is taking her and her ministry. September’s story reminds us that suffering and sabbath is for our sanctification. Listen to September’s story now! Stories September shared: Raising ten children and four grandchildren Her ministry of writing and speaking Taking a one year sabbatical from her work Growing up in a very goal driven home Meeting Jesus at 13 years old at family camp Losing multiple children Why she and her husband have ten children The friend who told her it was time to heal Living with fear and wrestling with it Feeling insecure at a conference event What she learned about her

Laura Barringer and Scot McKnight are the authors of the new book A Church Called Tov and it is an important one. Today, Laura and Scot share their sorrow at the news that Bill Hybels had been sexually inappropriate with women over his career. The response from Willow Creek bothered both of them deeply because Laura attended Willow and Scot had listened to Hybels over the years. As someone who trains pastors, Scot was concerned with the damage the Willow scandal would do to his students. We talk about what tov means and how to create a culture of goodness in our churches. Laura and Scot’s stories remind us that pursuing goodness is essential to the Christian life. Listen to Laura and Scot’s story today! Stories Laura and Scot shared: The motivation for writing Whether or not spiritual abuse is unique to large, Chicago area churches Scot growing up in a world of “decisionism” Scot praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit and having a spiritual experience Scot going to major Christian publisher’s book stores

Chris Taylor is a writer and speaker about sexual intimacy in Christian marriage. She blogs and hosts multiple podcasts about the subject. Today, Chris shares the story of how she became a Christian sex blogger. She tells us about the moment she first experienced Christian community, how sex changed from fun to burdensome, and how God gave her a message from her mess. Her story reminds us that God redeems everything for his glory. Listen to Chris’s story today! Stories Chris shared: Here ministry to women struggling with sex in marriage Growing up going to a “hippie church” The moment she first experienced community Learning that Jesus taught us how to live and love others Having sex with her boyfriend in high school and the feeling of regret The negative message she took from a Sunday School teacher about sex A season of promiscuity Meeting her husband and feeling that the relationship was different Resenting her husband for wanting to have sex Looking up Christian marriage to prove her husband wrong The wo

James Early is a podcaster and prison minister. Today, James shares about asking questions about faith as a high school student, learning how to apply Scripture practically, and what he learned from being a stay-at-home dad before that was a thing. James loves the Lord and wanted to be a minister early in life. Now his podcast reaches around the world as he shares the message of the Kingdom of God available today. James’ story reminds us that even when we think our impact is small, the Lord use us in unexpected ways. Listen to James’ story now! Stories James shared: Starting his podcast The Bible Speaks to You Growing up in Texas with a dad who was presbyterian and a mom was a Christian Scientist Asking question in high school and feeling unsatisfied Understanding John 3:16 in third grade Deciding to go to the Christian Scientist church Applying Scripture to his relationship with his brother How the healing emphasis of Christian Scientist denomination appealed to him His plans to share the Gospel with the wo

Kent Dickerson is a preacher, writer, and seminar presenter, currently from South Korea. Today, Kent shares the story of how he gave his life to Christ, the moment when lust got ahold of him, and how he overcame the struggle of pornography in his life. Kent had a radical encounter with God’s love in the Alps and it changed his life. His story reminds us to focus on God his character and beauty instead of all the other things that impress us. Listen to Kent’s story now! Stories Kent shared: How he ended up in South Korea Growing up in Abilene, TX and later Colorado Springs, CO Going to church every time the doors were open Giving his life to Christ at a revival and being baptized Discovering pictures of a nude woman Developing a “duality of heart” wanting to serve the Lord and his secret Joining and then leaving the ministry The janitor turned pastor who began to teach him about prayer Having an affair that led to divorce A season of depression he felt after the divorce and discovering Psalms Finding himself

Karen Swallow Prior is Research Professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Today, Karen shares how she resisted the Lord early in life, becoming a pro-life protester and getting arrested five times, and how getting hit by a bus was a mystical experience. Karen also shares how reading classic literature is an important and formative experience that just happens to be fun as well. Karen’s story reminds us that engaging culture means thoughtful reading. Listen to Karen’s story today! Stories Karen shared: Growing up in a Christian family in the American Northeast The “old fashioned” thread of her family’s faith Attending a baptist church as a child Resisting the Lord in late adolescence and early adulthood Becoming instantly pro-life after a presentation at her church Being arrested five times and spending four days in jail Discovering her gifts for teaching and prophecy Experiencing God’s love personally when her dog ran away Getting hit by a bus as a mystic

Jamie Rowe is a recording artist best known as the lead singer of Guardian. His latest recording is This is Home available wherever you get great music. Today, Jamie shares how the Lord spoke to him as a teenager, discovering he could sing, and how he joined Guardian. The men in the group became mentors and helped him through difficult times. And Jamie shares a dark season a few years ago that cost him his marriage but gave him a new perspective on God’s grace as well. Jamie’s story reminds us that we always depend on the goodness of God. Listen to Jamie’s story now! Stories Jamie shared: Growing up in Indiana feeling like he didn’t fit in His anger when his mom found Jesus What God said to him at 17 that changed his life The group of people who discipled him Expectations of Christian musicians Singing Wanted Dead or Alive and passing it around Connecting with Guardian Losing his dad suddenly and how Tony Palacios became his friend through it Working with great producers like the Elefante brothers and Steve

Amber Cullum is a mom and the host of the Grace Enough podcast. Today, Amber shares how she approached singleness, the trip to India that almost broke her faith, and how she learned to listen more. Amber is a woman who loves the Lord deeply and encourages many to follow faithfully. Her podcast is one of my favorites and if you like Halfway There, I know you’ll like Grace Enough. Subscribe today. Listen to Amber’s story now! Stories Amber shared: Being a mom to three kids Growing up in Eastern Kentucky Going to church with her cousins in middle school Giving her life to Christ as a 12 year old The Caedmon’s Call CD that became her comfort during hard times The breakup that led her to Fellowship of Christian Athletes The Joshua stone moments that remind her of God’s presence Her prayer for a spouse that guided her as a single person Going to India on a medical missions trip that broke her faith How apologetics helped shape her Learning how to be grateful Learning to listen in a racial reconciliation group St

Matt Tommey is an artist, author and mentor to thousands of Christian artists around the world. His passion is to help artists overcome the roadblocks that have held them back for years and start thriving spiritually, artistically and in business. Matt is the author of 6 books, founder of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program and host of The Thriving Christian Artist podcast. Today, Matt shares how he learned to “tap dance for Jesus” as a kid, how he almost lost his faith, and choosing to follow the Lord’s design in everything. Matt’s story reminds us that we are partners is sharing the Gospel through the work God created us to do. Listen to Matt’s story today! Stories Matt shared: Growing up in Georgia Learning to “tap dance for Jesus” trying to keep up appearances Struggling with baggage related to creating The prophetic friend who gave him a choice Leaving his faith for a season and starting a new business Hearing God’s voice sitting on his porch Deciding to move to Asheville and hearing God Help

Michelle Rayburn is a freelance writer and podcaster who appreciates how life's difficulties can turn out to be opportunities learn and grow. Today, Michelle shares her sometimes Pharisaical approach to her faith as a young woman, learning to engage people who are not like her, and discovering herself through writing. In every story Michelle shares, she reminds us that it’s okay to be immature so we can eventually become mature in Christ. We only need to accept permission to grow. Listen to Michelle’s story now! Stories Michelle shared: Editing books and writing to reach women Growing up in Wisconsin in a Christian family Rededicating her life to Christ at a youth event Landing in a Wesleyan church and how that happened Getting involved in Campus Crusade in college The emotional impact of reading Luke 18 Becoming willing to share with others who are not like her Joining other groups to interact with people not like her Raising support for camp ministry and losing a transmission Pondering why chickens never f

Tim Winders is a performance coach to Executive Teams and Entrepreneurial Leaders. He is an author and the host of the SeekGoCreate podcast. He and his wife, Glori, have been married for over 30 years. They now consider themselves nomads as they currently travel, live, and work in their 39-foot RV named Theo. Today, Tim shares his longing for success, how he slowly lost his business during the Great Recession, and the new ministry the Lord gave him as a result. Tim’s story reminds us that the Lord wants the throne to our life. Listen to Tim’s story now! Stories Tim shared: Growing up in Atlanta How he made decisions based on his goals The moment his father’s heart was hardened toward the church Meeting his wife at Georgia Tech Going to church for political purposes Giving his life to Christ at an Amway conference Going into more of a prosperity Gospel How the prosperity Gospel shaped him Building businesses to high level of success Losing his business slowly in the Great Recession Isolating himself as he los

Rachel Welcher is an editor at Fathom Magazine, a poet, and an author whose book Talking Back to Purity Culture: Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality is about to be released. Today, Rachel shares how she followed all the purity culture rules before marriage, how she felt when her marriage ended in divorce, and developing a more holistic sexual ethic. Rachel’s story reminds us that God wants our hearts no matter what our circumstances are. Listen to Rachel’s story now! Stories Rachel shared: Growing up in Northern California as a pastor’s kid Realizing at age 11 that she could have her own a relationship with God Having a “blessed life” without suffering through her mid 20s Following all the rules as she dated her first husband Her husband’s crisis of faith that created her own Why “it could have been worse” doesn’t bring comfort The friend who allowed her to lament Dealing with shame and depression after her divorce What the Lord taught her through wrestling with him Learning that following Jesus doesn

Os Guinness is an English author and social critic and a previous guest on Halfway There. His work is largely responsible for this podcast and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to speak with him. Today, Os shares what it was like being at L’Abri with the Schaeffers, why we need to understand the cultural shifts of the 1960s, and the scandal of discipleship in the American church today. Os is a gifted writer and thinker who helped me understand our historical context. This conversation is sure to encourage you to engage differently. Listen to Os now! Stories Os shared: Visiting and working at L’Abri with Francis and Edith Schaeffer The kind of people who came by L’Abri How he became a writer How understanding the 1960s helps us understand today The difference between the American and French revolutions and their impacts today Why the Biblical view of freedom is unique How to engage on social media How to following your calling to make a change The collapse of transmission in the American church How to t

Kaitlyn Schiess is an author and minister. Her new book is The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor. Today, Kaitlyn shares what she learned growing up in a Christian family, choosing to go into ministry instead of law, and how churches can engage the spiritual formation of politics. Kaitlyn shares some key ways churches can engage their neighbors and why they must talk about politics. Kaitlyn’s story reminds us everything is spiritual and forming even if we neglect it. Listen to Kaitlyn’s story today! Stories Kaitlyn shared: Growing up as a military kid moving around Her faithful parents who were highly involved in church Changing her perspective on giving her life to Christ Feeling God’s peace, comfort, and presence at a camp meeting Reading the Bible in a year as a way of developing her faith The camaraderie that came from the debate team Recognizing what an idol performance was for her Serving at camp with middle schoolers and how one week changed her life The pastor who b

Skye Jethani is an author, speaker, consultant, and ordained minister. He also serves as the co-host of the popular Holy Post Podcast, a weekly show that blends astute cultural and theological insights with comical conversation. Today, Skye shares how growing up in a religiously mixed home shaped him, deciding to follow Christ against his father’s wishes, and why it’s surprising he has written so many books. Skye also discusses his works including his book With, and his latest What if Jesus was Serious? Skye’s story proves that no matter what our plans are, the Lord will lead us where he will for our good. Listen to Skye’s story today! Stories Skye shared: Living in the shadow of Wheaton College Growing up in a religiously mixed family Losing a younger brother when he was in second grade and how that affected his family Navigating different cultures Traveling a lot as a kid and how that influenced him The man who gave him a word from the Lord near Nashville Deciding to follow Christ regardless of his dad’s a

Erin Davis is a speaker, author, and blogger. Her latest book is 7 Feasts: Finding Christ in the Sacred Celebrations of the Old Testament. Today, Erin shares how Scripture began to make sense after her conversion, how her husband encouraged her to teach, and the season of grief that refined her. We also talk about why the Old Testament is valuable to reveal God to us. Erin’s story reminds us that God reveals himself in Scripture and we can find him wherever we read. Listen to Erin’s story now! Stories Erin shared: Growing up in a mixed religious house in Missouri Visiting a new church and being invited to a retreat Giving her life to Christ at that conference Discovering her gifts as she interacted in youth group Noticing how Scripture made more sense after giving her life to Christ Bouncing around in college a bit Noticing the girls in her church’s youth group needed depth How her husband encouraged her to use her gifts Learning to be present with the Lord more often Walking through a season of grief The cr

Stephanie Rousselle is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, writer, and former women's ministry director. Today, Stephanie shares what it was like growing up in France as an atheist, what happened when she let God in for a week, and learning to love Scripture. Stephanie has traveled and lived around the world which gives her an insight into how culture affects our reading of Scripture that few can claim. She also has a podcast and shares why her show is called Gospel Spice. Her story reminds us that God is always seeking us out even when we are not seeking him. Listen to Stephanie’s story on your favorite podcast app! Stories Stephanie shared: Growing up in France as an atheist Coming to the United States as a foreign exchange student at 16 Thinking that everyone in the U.S. was a Christian How her host family created room for her with vulnerability How the resurrection finally convinced her to follow Christ Opening her life to the Lord for one week The rest she experienced that changed her life Returning