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

D. L. Mayfield is a writer and podcaster who is just trying to be a good neighbor. Her podcast is the Prophetic Imagination Station Podcast and her new book is The Myth of the American Dream. Today, D.L. shares her journey wanting to be a missionary as a child, experiencing the Holy Spirit in college, and working with refugee communities in Portland. D.L. says paying attention to her neighbors changed the way she sees the world and it can change us, too. Listen to D.L.’s story now! Stories D. L. shared: Growing up as a pastor’s kid all over the place Wanting to be a missionary since the age of 6 Wrestling with the idea of the Kingdom of God in college Thinking about Good Friday as a child Some of the problems with missionary movements Experiencing the Holy Spirit in college Choosing to send her child to one of the worst public schools in her state How the pandemic is challenging her sense of community How she started writing as a way to reflect Why she choose her title for The Myth of the American Dream How

Betty Lou Long is affectionately known as “Grandma Great” in our house. I have so many fond memories of family gatherings and food at her house. Today, she shares about growing up in small town Iowa, how she met her husband in a hardware store, and the profound sense of gratitude she felt witnessing a New England autumn. Grandma also shares why family is so important to her and how she tried to instill faith in hers. This is a special episode that I hope you enjoy! Listen to Grandma’s story now! Stories Grandma Great shared: Growing up in small town Iowa Going to college in Des Moines, Iowa Learning to drive after asking her dad if she could Dealing with life during WWII Meeting a boy who would become his her husband How having children changed her faith How playing the hymns comforts her The Christmas routine they had How the New England autumn impressed her Why family is so important to her Great quotes from Grandma Great: I realized they needed to be well grounded and we needed to set an example for them

Harriett Miller is a strong woman who just so happens to be my grandmother. She was a little hesitant to come on the show and share her story but I’m so glad she did! Today, Grandma shares about growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, becoming a widow with five small boys, how that event led her to faith in Christ. The Lord has often spoken to her through Scripture and gave her a discernment gift that she had to learn to use well. These are stories I’ve heard bits of my entire life but today, we get to hear all the details. Grandma’s story reminds us that God uses even the hardest moments of our lives to draw us to himself. Give Grandma’s story a listen! Stories Grandma shared: Growing up in Des Moines, IA in a poor family Going to a Salvation Army church Graduating high school to spite her Jr. High teacher Meeting and marrying her husband Don and starting a family The medical issue she suffered while starting a family Losing her husband to cancer with 5 boys What the Lord spoke to her in the middle of the night The

Jason Elam is the host of the Messy Spirituality podcast. Today, Jason shares the moments he was completely overwhelmed by the love of God. Jason shares his experience of God when he died on the operating table, how professional ministry damaged him, and how the love of God became his mission. Jason’s journey takes us through the rocky ground of legalism and try harder but ultimately lands in the the meadow of God’s love. Whatever your journey has brought you, Jason’s story reminds us that it’s ultimately about sharing the love of God. Listen to Jason’s story now! Stories Jason shared: Growing up in the Nazarene church Hearing about hell and being afraid of going there Being raised in a culture of fear and how that influenced his faith Dying on the operating table while getting his tonsils taken out at 12 years old Serving as a missionary in Romania Embracing a child who was throwing rocks at him because he was an American Attending a meeting of the Brownsville revival in Birmingham, Alabama Preaching a mess

Tom Hale is the author of Authentic Lives, a 2nd year PhD student in intercultural studies at Fuller School of Intercultural Studies. Today, he shares about growing up in Nepal, working for nearly two decades in the former Soviet Union, and why he is passionate about living authentically. Tom’s story helps us think more deeply about how we represent ourselves. Listen to Tom’s story now! Stories Tom shared: Growing up in Nepal as the son of American doctors at a village hospital When his mom dropped him off at boarding school Finding his niche in high school Sharing conversation with friends from different backgrounds How the Navigators helped him grow in faith A time in the Navy Eventually moving to the former Soviet Union Problems with labels: when the way people describe you isn’t how you think of yourself Great quotes from Tom: Sometimes when we say something is spiritually dark, what we’re reflecting is modernity vs. premodernity. It is possible to come up with a life mission that you can share with

Gregory Gillam is an author, speaker, and former fundraiser. Today, Gregory shares the life he was satisfied with, the cancer diagnosis that rocked his world, and how his life turned from raising money to ministry. Gregory was healed from pancreatic cancer but still struggled with anxiety and depression at a time when his son was experiencing the same. So Gregory set out to learn what God says through Scripture about depression and wrote a book about it. Gregory’s story reminds us that Jesus is always working and sometimes completely changes the course of our lives. Listen to Gregory’s story now! Stories Gregory shared: Living in an RV doing ministry Growing up in a Christian home in Southern California Dealing with anxiety and disconnection as a teenager Receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer Realizing there is nothing he could do to change the situation except pray The miracle of healing from cancer Being satisfied with his life as a professional fundraiser People not believing he was healed The dream

Mark Scandrette is an author and globally recognized expert on practical spiritual formation. Today, Mark shares the story of his traditional Evangelical upbringing by sincere parents, his multifaceted and many conversions, and pursuing the way of Jesus. Mark has a very grounded approach to following Jesus that speaks loudly. He opens up about wrestling his life in Christ away from “shame and should” into the freedom that Christ offers. These days, he writes and travels to speak around the world while his obvious love for the Lord spills out everywhere. His story shows us what happens when you stay on the journey. If it’s possible for him, it’s possible for you, too. Listen to Mark’s story now! Stories Mark shared: Growing up as a military kid moving all over His family’s healthy spirituality and vitality Praying “the prayer” as a young boy to avoid hell Being the “God kid” at school who always had his Bible Multiple “conversions” he experienced as he grew in faith Committing to voluntary poverty and moving

Curtis Sergeant is a disciple making movement catalyst and author of The Only One. Today, Curtis shares the story when he experienced a call to unreached people groups, how his work there led millions to Christ, and how suffering multiplied his effectiveness. Curtis has trained people in every country in the world to bring the Gospel to their people. It’s a unique gifting that God is using for his glory around the globe. Listen to his story now! Stories Curtis shared: Running a missions and disciple making training center in Alabama Growing up as missionary kid Experiencing a clear call to preach the Gospel to unreached people Preparing to be tentmaker and working in Olympic development What a disciple-making movement is and why it’s relevant to us How he discovered obedience in Scripture How he learned to live with a constant awareness of God The season of suffering that helped him depend on the Lord Why he wrote The Only One Great quotes from Curtis: The big idea in movements is that every disciple is cal

Jay Holland is a pastor, author, and podcaster. His podcast is called Let’s Parent on Purpose. As a youth pastor, he realized that more spiritual formation happens in the home than during time at church gatherings. So he started his podcast to empower families to make better disciples. Today, Jay shares the story of stepping out in faith when the Lord asked him to, questioning God when his wife died, and struggling through his cancer with his son. Through it all, Jay points to the goodness of God’s grace in his life. He’s learned to trust as he traveled through the darkest parts of the journey. Listen to Jay’s story now! Stories Jay shared: Starting his podcast, Let’s Parent on Purpose to help families Growing up in a Christian family in West Virginia Praying for salvation as a young child Going to AWANA as a child Meeting his future wife on the first day of his senior year of high school Getting involved in Bible Study in college When the Lord asked him to leave the Air Force Academy Struggling with pregnan

April Diaz is the founder and lead warrior of Ezer + Co. She is also a wife, mom, advocate, and disruptor all of which we get a small glimpse of in this conversation. Today, April shares her story of starting full time ministry early in life, learning to take care of herself so she can lead better, and the clarity brought by a difficult season. Her ministry, Ezer + Co, is helping women “lead with wholeness” and bringing out the best in them to create a better world. April’s heart for the oppressed shines through in this conversation and reminds us of God’s heart for them, too. Listen to April’s story now! Stories April shared: Starting Ezer + Co., speaking, and telling her story Growing up in the Midwest in a farming family while her dad pursued ministry Leading as a high schooler and how that opened up her ideas The people who invested in her well Hearing God say “go to the land I will show you” and where that led their family Wrestling with panic attacks The good advice she received from a spiritual direct

Terry Wardle is a pastor, speaker, and author or Some Kind of Crazy:An Unforgettable Story of Profound Brokenness and Breathtaking Grace. Today, Terry shares his story of growing up in a rough family, surrendering to Christ after a wild night, and eventually breaking down under the weight of expectations. Terry eventually found healing in a psychiatric hospital and learned the process of healing prayer. Terry is still a miner but now, he mines gold in people’s souls not coal. I know his story will encourage you. Listen to Terry’s story now! Stories Terry shared: Leading a healing ministry Growing up in coal mining country in Pennsylvania Experiencing trauma as a child at the hands of his family who didn’t process trauma Developing a false self in his youth The revival that began to change his family Attending a crusade and experiencing Jesus Checking into a psychiatric facility Why emotions lead our experience How Jesus changed his understanding of his intellect Discovering Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane as

Jennifer Eikenhorst is an aspiring author and podcaster who started a ministry called Accidental Hope, whose mission is to educate, research, and offer relief from serious accidents involving fatality. Today, Jennifer shares her stories of being  drawn to the Lord as a child, getting out of an abusive relationship, and the car accident that changed her life. Jennifer shares the moment she decided to fight her depression and the tool that helped most. Jennifer’s story reminds us that being honest about your pain is the only true path to healing. Listen to Jennifer’s story now! Stories Jennifer shared: Teaching middle school math Growing up in an agnostic home in a great family The hunger for the Lord as a young girl The uncle who prayed for her when she was six months old Cobbling together a philosophy from school, church, and home Discovering a gift of intercession Being manipulated into a relationship that changed her The accident that killed a motorcyclist and changed her life How close she felt to

Matt Till is a lecturer of Christian Ministry and Communications at Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL, lead pastor of Restoration Church in the Chicago suburbs, and a regular contributor to Ephesiology, an online community and podcast dedicated to the study of the early Christian movement. Today, Matt shares with us the story of finding Christ at Promise Keepers with his dad, learning that working in ministry isn’t all it’s made out to be, and responding to his calling to plant a church. Matt also shares how he learned that vocation can be lived out in any line of work anywhere. His story reminds us that God always has a plan even when we think we’re directing the steps. Listen to Matt’s story now!  Stories Matt shared: Growing up in a Methodist home in Chicagoland Hearing the Holy Spirit for the first time at Promise Keepers in 1996 and receiving Christ with his dad Being baby Christians with his whole family Building community in college and how that shaped him Studying broadcast commun

Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw are Vineyard pastors in Grand Rapids, MI. Cyd is also a spiritual director and life coach, and Geoff is affiliate professor of theology at Northern Seminary. Married almost twenty years, they have two teenage boys love going on road trips together. Cyd and Geoff recently published Does God Really Like Me? Discovering the God Who Wants to Be with Us. Today, they share the story of first encountering God, meeting one another at just the right time, and learning that God really wants to be with us. The road was a little different for Cyd and Geoff but ultimately led them both to awareness of God’s desire to be with them. Listen to Cyd & Geoff’s story! Stories Cyd & Geoff shared: Cyd growing up in Grand Rapids, MI and needing to leave a quickly as she could Geoff grew up as a “friendly fundamentalist” The covenant theology that made Cyd feel as if God was about the larger community not the individual How Geoff moved from a more legalistic faith to a personal relationship with Go

Troy Greenwood is the Co-Founder of GraceFull Cafe & Foundation. Today, he shares the story of feeling like something was missing in his life when he seemed to have it all, moving to Uganda for 10 months, and discovering a whole new way of living with God. He and his wife, Heather, run the Gracefull Cafe in Littleton, CO (where I live) and serve meals to anyone even if they cannot pay. Together, Troy and Heather are creating a community around food that’s open to all. Listen to Troy’s story now! Stories Troy shared: Starting Gracefull Cafe with his wife Growing up as a pastor’s kid going out of obligation Feeling something was missing while seeming to have it all Moving to Uganda for 10 months Forgiving his parents because the Lord asked him to How Uganda changed his understanding of himself Noticing how his journal entries changed Learning to leave God space to work in his day The dream that convinced him it’s okay to go home Opening Gracefull Cafe and how it works Representing the entire community

Gisela Kreglinger is a theologian, writer, and speaker who leads people on wine pilgrimages and is the author of The Soul of Wine: Savoring the Goodness of God. Today, Gisela shares her story of growing up on winery, how that taught her about dependance on God, and learning how wine brings people together. Gisela also shares how she learned to wrestle with God and how community helped her through those times. And, of course, she shares how to find good wines and the biblical basis for enjoying it. Grab a glass of wine and join this conversation! Listen to Gisela’s story now! Stories Gisela shared: Growing up in Franconia, Germany on a winery and close to the earth Listening to God when to harvest Finding a more personal relationship with God during the Catholic charismatic revival Being the dreamer in the family Volunteering for a year after college Studying with Eugene Peterson Studying spirituality and beginning to write about the spirituality of wine Wrestling with God and learning to be angry with him Gr

Ty Wyss is the Founder and Executive Director of Walls Down Ministry. Today, Ty shares how he discovered early that he was same-sex attracted, a place to belong in the gay community, and finding Jesus after a night of clubbing. When he finally felt God’s kindness toward him, Ty began to trust God with his life and sexuality. He vowed never to pretend to be something he wasn’t again. Walls Down Ministry serves as a bridge between the LGBTQ+ community and the church by  helping them become “competent caregivers and disciple-makers for the LGBT and same-sex attracted people” around them. Ty’s story teaches us that God loves everyone and offers a path forward for conversation between two historically divided communities. I’m so glad he shared his story. Listen to Ty’s story now! Stories Ty shared: Growing up in the cornfields of Ohio and a typical Midwestern family Realizing at 12 that he was same sex attracted Experiencing sexual abuse from 9-15 Coming out to his friends and family at 17 Escaping to Columbu

Meg Calvin is a fellow podcaster, speaker, and author of I Am My Own Sanctuary.  Today, Meg shares how she was called to ministry at a young age, how it took over her life, and how she learned to have a life outside of her work. Meg says she helps “spiritually attuned go-getters” like herself to make peace with ambition by seeing it as God-given. Meg has a great sense of humor and I know her story will encourage you to ask what it is the Lord is asking you to do and go get it done! Listen to Meg’s story, now! Stories Meg shared: Working on a church staff from very young Tips for how to deal with Imposter Syndrome Finding validation in the church Sensing the Holy Spirit as a young woman Noticing a difference between herself and her classmates in seminary Discovering how fun “outside of church Meg” is How it surprises her that people that people have limiting beliefs How she learned to have a life outside of church Learning that she is loved even without accomplishment Staying at her church even after she deci

Markus Watson is a pastor and host of Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast. Today, Markus shares the story of how he found a new life with Christ after nearly losing his career. Markus tells us the story of how he gave up his Hollywood dreams, became a pastor, and suffered through false accusations of child porn. The accusations ultimately cost Markus his job but the experience led him to a richer, less performance-based faith. This story reminds us that suffering is often the tool with which the Lord shapes us. Listen to Markus’ story now! Stories Markus shared: Growing up in Los Angeles as a pastor’s kid Being a little judgey as a young Christian The stages of making a decision to live for Jesus Joining Campus Crusade for Christ and learning leadership skills Working in Hollywood and finding his priorities Discovering his passion when he started seminary How the ordination process helped him to let go of his Hollywood dream Moving to Kentucky to become a pastor Going home to California The call from t

Caroline Harries is an author, podcaster, and blogger at In Due Time. She also founded the ministry Moms in the Making for women waiting through a season of infertility. Today, Caroline shares the moment when she and her husband learned they would not be able to have children naturally, the works-based faith she had to break, and how the Lord used her surrender to create her ministry. Of course, waiting is a time when he shapes us most and Caroline’s story is no different. If you’re waiting for anything, Caroline’s story will encourage you to trust the Lord all the more. Listen to Caroline’s story now! Stories Caroline shared: Growing up in a non-Christian home and going to church in middle school Finding community in college while studying her Bible everyday Living more like her friends than Jesus Receiving a diagnosis that drove her deeper Finding her husband at a church in the young adults group Learning that she and her husband were unable to have children Operating in a works-based mindset and how that