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

Neil Matthews is a husband, father, and the producer of the podcast Other People’s Shoes where he creates space to hear one another’s perspectives. Today, Neil shares how he got swept into youth ministry, lost it all after a startling confession, and found a new ministry in podcasting. Neil relates his struggle with pride as a cover for his deeper woundings. He learned to depend on grace in humility while listening to what others are going through. Neil’s story reminds us that God is shaping us for the good through even the hardest experiences. Listen to Neil’s story now! Stories Neil shared: Growing up in Southern California Moving to Oregon before sixth grade Choosing Christ and getting baptized The night he almost committed suicide The mentor who gave him a DC Talk tape Giving his life to Christ at youth group once and for all The night his youth leader quit in scandal Getting swept into ministry as a 19 year old Pursuing credentials as a pastor How pornography derailed his career as a pastor Reconciling

Aimee Byrd is an author and podcaster. Her latest book is Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood  and it has caused quite the controversy. Today, Aimee shares how she longed for discipleship in college, met people of various theological stripes when she opened her own coffee shop, and learned to write in order to answer the questions others are asking. She is deeply concerned about the discipleship of women. Aimee has a knack for creating a conversation around important topics for disciples everywhere. Her story reminds us that what we believe about God shapes who we become in him. Listen to Aimee’s story today! Stories Aimee shared: How Aimee became passionate about theology Joining the Mortification of Spin podcast Growing up in a Southern Baptist church and family Realizing she wasn’t living the the way she wanted to after a night of partying Thirsting for discipleship in college Opening a coffee shop after college and engaging people of different theological stripes Starting a Bible study for wom

Bobby Jackson is a man of many hats: pastor, licensed therapist, and leader in the field of student care. Today, Bobby how he found stability in church as a kid, how deployment as an Army medic changed his life, and the car crash that led him to surrender to the Lord once and for all. Bobby has spent years developing programs to help students in pain and shares how his program can be used in churches around the country. Bobby’s story reminds us that no matter how far we think we’ve run, God will never let us go. Listen to Bobby’s story now! Stories Bobby shared: Changing jobs and starting Rally Point Ministry Growing up as an Air Force kid The role of faith as he moved around The influence of his mom on his faith Why he went into youth ministry Getting into theater in high school Admission to Moody Bible Institute Ending up in the Army and the difficulties of coming home Being left by his wife and chasing her for a year The season when he wrestled with God about the challenges The “mini-miracles” that happen

Kara-Kae James is an author, blogger, and podcaster. Her newest book is called TOGETHER, A Journal for Mom & Me. Today, Kara-Kae shares her journey as a kid keeping up appearances, how she struggled to trust even though she knew all the right answers, and growing comfortable with her questions. Kara-Kae also shares her journaling practices with her kids and how adopting a son changed her world. Throughout her story, Kara-Kae shows how she creates space for people to be and become themselves. Her story reminds us that God is not daunted by our questions but embraces them and us. Listen to Kara-Kae’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Kara-Kae shared: Growing up in Oklahoma as a church kid Having a legalistic view of God as a young person How checking all the boxes made her faith not her own The behind the scenes of church work that jaded her Knowing all the right answers but still struggling with God How pastor’s wives can live in authenticity Learning to be comfortable with her questions Pur

Craig & Janice Hammersmith are an ordinary couple follow God’s extraordinary vision for their lives. Today, Craig & Janice share their journey from suburban family to working with students in Luxembourg. Craig shares the restlessness he felt working a tech job, how he received Luxembourg citizenship, and the amazing connections that confirmed God’s call on their family. The Hammersmith’s story reminds us that the Lord works with small signs if we are paying attention. Listen to the Hammersmith’s story today! Stories Janice & Craig shared: Janice growing up in El Paso as a pastor’s kid How the Lord protected her family Craig growing up Roman Catholic before he went to public middle school How his life changed after his mom became a believer How their decisions in high school shaped them Meeting one another at Colorado Christian University The moment he reject a student who later committed suicide How Craig got citizenship in Luxembourg Getting connected with YoungLife The small ways God led them t

James Prescott is an author, podcaster, and Twitter boss (he’s always thought-provoking which I admire a great deal). Today, James shares the story of the trauma and grief he suffered by his mother’s sudden hospitalization as a child. When she returned to the family, her faith strengthened his but when she died years later, James began to ask God some questions. James shares his contemplative journey and why he started the Poema podcast. His story reminds us that it’s okay to ask God questions because He often uses them to mature us into his image. Listen to James’ story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories James shared: The season of grief as we endure a pandemic The two responses to grief Growing up in a Christian family in the Methodist The moment his mom woke up after a coma Being more interested in Jesus after his mom’s injury Making a decision at 15 to follow Jesus Growing in discipleship as a college student Questioning God after his mom died Finding a new community that allowed him to ask his qu

Meg Glesener is a mom of eight raising her family in Seattle, a podcaster, and moderator of Christian Podcasters Association. Today, Meg shares growing up in an unsafe environment, how a Christian girl willing to be her friend changed her life, and her passion for the outcast. Meg also shares with us the bittersweet emotions of letting her children grow up and follow their own faith journeys. Everything Meg does is full of joy and compassion for others. Her story reminds us of God’s heart to leave the 99 to pursue the wayward one. Listen to Meg’s story now in your favorite podcast player! Stories Meg shared: Growing up in Southern California in a non-Christian family Bouncing around as a kid in a volatile family Turning to sports and school for meaning How her dad ended up in rehab Meeting a girl who invited her to an afterschool program Giving her life to Christ and not knowing how to tell her parents Sharing Christ with her twin sisters and seeing her family come to Jesus as well Choosing to have a large f

Jay Kim, a pastor in the Silicon Valley and the author of Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age. Today, Jay shares how being alone as a child shaped him, wandering into agnosticism as a college student, and how Brennan Manning was just what he needed. We talk about the dark season struggling with infertility, too. Then, we discuss his book, why tangible people are so important, and how churches can hold that value even while they engage online. This conversation is the perfect one to have in the midst of a global pandemic and I know it will encourage you. Listen to Jay’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Jay shared: Pastoring a church in Silicon Valley Emigrating to the United States after his mom’s conversion Being alone a lot as a child and how that shaped him Thinking that his church involvement meant he loved the Lord Wandering in college a bit The college friends that invited him for pizza and Brennan Manning The people and practices that keep hi

Gari Meacham is an author, speaker, and founder and CEO of The Vine Uganda, a nonprofit. Today, Gari shares the story of how her family was broken by alcohol, the picture of Jesus that kept her from suicide, and her thirty-eight year marriage to former New York Yankee Bobby Meacham. We talk about the process of rising through the ranks of baseball twice. Plus, Gari shares how her darkest moment led to her greatest ministry. Listen to Gari’s story in your favorite podcast app, now! Stories Gari shared: Growing up in Colorado in an unbelieving family Her father’s accident that changed their lives Turning to food for comfort and struggling with anorexia in college Giving her life to Christ while contemplating suicide Being on fire for the Lord and digging into Scripture Speaking at a conference with Beth Moore Teaching elementary school while her husband coached the minor leagues Founding The Vine Uganda in Houston The difficult season when she learned her husband had been unfaithful How the Lord healed them as

Tom Schwab is the Chief Evangelist Officer of Interview Valet. Today, Tom shares about growing up in a Roman Catholic family, finding Christ at a men’s retreat, and how he experiences the Lord. Throughout our conversation, Tom comes back to the idea of relationships: with God, with his family, and in business. Tom has a unique approach to life and business by serving those around him and it’s fun to watch. His story reminds us that, in the end, relationships are what matter. Listen to Tom’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Tom shared: Growing up in suburban Chicago Getting into the Navy on a clerical error What his relationship with God was like growing up Roman Catholic Finding Christ at a men’s retreat How experiencing God’s love changed his view of the world The year of discernment when considering marriage to Karen Starting Interview Valet Losing his friend to liver cancer and how Tom processed that with God How the podcast industry is going to change How Interview Valet can help you Grea

Cheyenne Olson is spiritual mentor, writer, and podcaster who spends her time with high school and college students. Today, Cheyenne shares the story of how studying theology awakened her love for the Lord, discovering repressed memories of abuse, and the first time the Lord spoke to her about the healing process. Cheyenne has a passion for creating safe spaces for people to meet the Lord vulnerably even if that means 2:00 AM phone calls.  Cheyenne is pressing into her new life as a writer and following where Jesus leads. Listen to Cheyenne’s story on your favorite podcast app today! Stories Cheyenne shared: Living in the Twin Cities with her family Seeing lifestyle changes when her parents found Jesus Discovering how to study Scripture in college How studying Christian Theology shaped her Wrestling with depression as she was starting a family Discovering memories of sexual abuse in her past How the Lord dismantled her and built her back up Beginning to teach others how to read Scripture Why people are cravi

Erik Fisher is a productivity podcaster who hosts the Beyond The To Do List, a show I used to listen to all the time in corporate America. He has also spent years as a social media expert and currently serves as the Director of Social Media Education at Agorapulse. Today, Erik shares his relationship with the Lord as a child, how his brother’s brain tumor challenged his faith, and why productivity is a life thing not a work thing. Life is too short to waste even a moment  and Erik’s story reminds us that we can serve the Lord with our habits. Listen to Erik’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Erik shared: Feeling thankful to have a secure job right now Born into a Christian family in upstate New York Talking to God as a child His brother’s brain tumor Beginning to take ownership of his faith as a highschooler How going to a youth group event as a high schooler changed the course of his life Struggles with marriage and how that affected his faith When his daughter was born early and how that

Tina Smith is the founder of Raising Kids on Your Knees a ministry dedicated to equipping parents to pray and parent life into the lives of their children. It’s a journey she knows from experience having successfully done so with her four children. Today, Tina shares the disparity between her early faith and actions, how this led to an abortion, and the mentor who helped lead her to wholeness. Tina is a powerful prayer warrior whose story will inspire you to take everything to Jesus. Listen to Tina’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Tina shared: Starting Raising Kids on Your Knees Growing up bouncing between the North and South U.S. not going to church Sensing God’s calling as a teenager The “path of destruction” in her life The disparity between her life and faith Her decision to have an abortion before marriage The breakdown of her marriage The mentor who came alongside her and began a process of healing Learning to hear the Holy Spirit The pastor who taught her spiritual warfare How pra

Randall Garcia is a pastor, online businessman, and podcaster. Randall shares the story of growing up an overachieving pastor’s kid, secretly wandering away from his faith, and the funeral that convinced him to change his ways. Around that time, he confessed his lifestyle to his dad and received love instead of rejection, an experience that had a profound effect on him. Randall shares how he balances his desire to achieve with an active relationship with the Lord and how lectio divina helps. He’s pursuing ministry and creating a Christian podcast network to serve Christian leaders. Randall’s story reminds us that no matter what we do, the Lord is always pursuing us! Listen to Randall’s story now! Stories Randall shared: Growing up as a pastor’s kid in the Assemblies of God Trying to fit in with his friends as a teenager Realizing that he was depressed in his early 20s Confessing his sins to his father How he experienced God’s love through his dad His friend’s murder and the legacy that inspired him Studying

Lauren Gaskill, author, speaker, podcaster, and founder of She Found Joy. Today, Lauren shares the story of growing up in a family of new Christians, dealing with severe health issues, and the healing the Lord has brought her. Lauren describes her journey from accepting illness to asking the Lord for healing and receiving it. The whole experience has changed the direction of her ministry. Lauren’s story reminds us that God is not done working yet! Listen to Lauren’s story now! Stories Lauren shared: Growing up in Indiana in a baby Christian family The genuine faith of a child Wrestling with oppression as a high schooler Having health problems in college and going through severe pain Receiving a diagnosis and how that affected her Feeling mad at God for suffering so much Hearing God speak to her about healing Screaming at God on a beach in the Bahamas The moment her heart broke after moving into a new house Following her hunger for healing Weeding her heart for months Taking a healing journey to Brazil to min

John Matarazzo is a television producer and podcast host. Today, he shares the story of how he joined YWAM, the burnout he experienced after years of leading, and following his passion for broadcasting. John also tells us about amazing steps of faith he took as he followed the Lord’s direction. For instance, he started volunteering at a Christian television station before he started working there because he believed God wanted him there. His story reminds us that obedience is often the most important thing. List to John’s story now! Stories John shared: Hosting Along the Way Podcast Going on a missions trip to Mexico and how that changed his life Serving as a missionary with YWAM after high school Going to broadcasting school in South Africa Not getting the opportunity he was hoping for and how that shaped his trust Learning that God wanted him to broadcast Leaving the mission field and the difficult season that brought How his friend trained him for television production Learning to trust the voice of the H

Julie Hamilton is a faith based podcaster, speaker, radio and TV co-host and encourager. She has been married for 21 years, is a mom of two girls & loves living in Napa Valley. Today, she shares how in the last 8 months, she went from homeschooling mom of 14 years to Media Director for a Mayoral campaign & building a social media branding company. We talk about her struggle with anxiety and how it taught her to trust the Lord which ultimately led to her finding her voice of encouragement. Julie’s story reminds us that trust is what the Lord wants from us. Listen to Julie’s story now! Stories Julie shared: How her family is weathering the quarantine How God used podcasting to prepare her for a role in politics Growing up with parents who were first generation Christians Moving to California as a girl How the new crowd inspired her to love the Lord The mentor who helped her A season of anxiety that kept her homebound Learning that God is her portion through Psalm 73:26 Getting through PTSD after a sca

Kyle Strobel is the associate professor of spiritual theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Today, Kyle shares the story of how he discovered spiritual formation, feeling abandoned by God and surrendering to him, and studying the works of Jonathan Edwards. Kyle brings a unique historical perspective to the spiritual formation conversation. We also talk about his newest book, Embracing Contemplation: Reclaiming a Christian Spiritual Practice. Kyle’s story reminds us that our tradition is rich if we only take the time to mine it. Listen to Kyle’s story today! Stories Kyle shared: Growing up at Willow Creek Doing his PHD on Jonathan Edwards Leaving Willow with a lot of relational brokenness Going to college and having a profound realization about prayer Feeling abandoned by God and surrendering to it Learning about prayer and how Understanding spiritual practices through Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley How love works itself out in his life The conversation he hopes Embracing Contemplation sta

Katie Hornor is a best-selling author, business coach and international speaker. After leaving all for a ministry opportunity overseas only to have it pulled out from under them, Tap & Katie built a business and a movement in their second language among in the fastest growing market demographic in the world, changing the future of education for Hispanic families. Today, Katie shares the story of wanting to go overseas as a child, wrestling with postpartum depression, and learning to see rain as a blessing from God. Katie turned a series of  closed doors into an international business and her story reminds us that God always has something better for us. Listen to Katie’s story now! Stories Katie shared: Growing up in North Carolina Choosing life with Jesus as a young girl Surrendering to the Lord’s will for her life in high school Attending college at Bob Jones Deciding to get a master’s degree in curriculum development Wrestling with postpartum depression Hosting a girl who need mentoring and how that he

Jeff Munroe is Executive Vice President of Western Theological Seminary and author of the book Reading Buechner. Today, Jeff shares the story of the bad advice he received about emotions, how Frederick Buechner helped him fix it, and looks back at the providence of God in leading him to Western Theological Seminary. Along the way, we talk about Buechner’s work and how it applies to today. Jeff’s story reminds us that the Lord is always at work and he never wastes anything. Listen to Jeff’s story now! Stories Jeff shared: Serving as an administrator at Western Theological Seminary Growing up in a Christian family and being discipled in a Young Life style His wife’s stroke one month before their wedding Losing touch with his emotion based on bad advice Discovering Frederick Buechner in a bookstore What he things of the person who gave him bad advice Finding peace with God through community Leaving Young Life during a difficult season Receiving a call to Western Theological Seminary How speaking at a worksho