030 | The Bible Isn't Always Saying What We Think It Is | Dr. Don Allen

What this episode covers

Bible Translation | Faith | Theology | Leadership | Missions | Loneliness | LegacyDr. Don Allen joins Hold This Thought for a conversation about faith, leadership, purpose, legacy, and the realities of building something that lasts. From planting a church with just six people to leading ministries that now reach more than 218 countries, Dr. Allen shares the story behind Church At War Hill, Victory 91.5, and RLN Global. Along the way, he reflects on the opportunities, pressures, and unexpected loneliness that often accompany influence and leadership.We discuss the moment he was given just one day to acquire a global radio ministry, the challenges of rebuilding struggling organizations, and why success often comes with unseen sacrifices. Dr. Allen also opens up about receiving a devastating medical diagnosis, choosing to continue his mission, and what that experience taught him about purpose and resilience. The conversation then turns to one of his most ambitious projects: translating Scripture for a new generation. We explore how historical context shapes our understanding of the Bible, misconceptions surrounding Revelation, and why familiar passages often carry deeper meaning than many realize.Throughout the discussion, Dr. Allen shares stories from around the world, lessons from decades of ministry, and a simple challenge for anyone pursuing a calling: don't miss the beauty right in front of you.Dr. Don Allen, his wife Christina, and their four children, Bethany, Zach, Jordan, and Charley, have enjoyed being a part of the ministry of The Church @ War Hill since 1992, where Dr. Allen serves as Lead Pastor. In this short period of time the ministry has grown from a handful of believers to a multi-campus congregation serving 2000 active attendees and has branched into an international ministry known as R.L.N. Global. Dr. Allen has an earned PhD from Southwest Bible College and Seminary, serves on international ministry boards, and in 2012 assumed the position of Executive Director of Victory 91.5fm, Atlanta’s largest independently owned radio station. With a thriving local church body, a television & radio broadcast reaching hundreds of thousands, pastoral training in the United States and abroad, international congregations, and Evangelistic outreaches around the world, Dr. Allen has enjoyed seeing this vision come to reality.Chapters:00:00 | Introduction03:31 | From Ministry Family to Church Planter07:31 | Buying a Global Radio Network in One Day12:20 | Real Love Now's Global Mission14:33 | Preaching in the U.S. Congress18:25 | The Hidden Loneliness of Leadership23:07 | When Everyone Knows Your Name30:50 | Being Told to Go Home and Die32:18 | Helping Others Find Their Way Back36:35 | Why Public Perception Isn't Reality40:50 | Translating a New Bible Version47:40 | Rescuing Girls from Human Trafficking52:50 | Seven Years Translating the New Testament55:03 | Making Scripture Understandable Today1:01:46 | The Hardest Translation Decisions1:04:27 | Interpreting Revelation Without the Noise1:08:46 | The Importance of Biblical Context1:15:06 | Photography, Beauty, and Seeing Differently1:19:10 | Why Travel Changes Your Perspective1:24:02 | Legacy, Purpose, and Final Reflections

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