From Comfort to Calling: Brad Brandon’s Journey from Megachurch Pastor to Nigeria Missionary

What happens when everything you've worked for suddenly changes? In this episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Brad Brandon, founder and CEO of Across Nigeria, to discuss how a near-death experience transformed his understanding of success, purpose, and service. After leading a successful megachurch in Connecticut, Brad found himself fighting for his life in an ICU. That experience forced him to reevaluate everything he believed about ministry, leadership, comfort, and calling. Today, Brad serves in Northern Nigeria, one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians, helping provide education, clean water, medical care, and humanitarian support to underserved communities. In this episode, you'll discover: Why comfort can become the enemy of growth How adversity often reveals purpose The difference between control and surrender Why many people struggle to discover their true calling What Brad calls "Finding Your Nigeria" The hidden humanitarian challenges facing Northern Nigeria How small steps of faith often lead to extraordinary impact Whether you're navigating a major life transition, searching for purpose, or wrestling with uncertainty, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration for taking the next step forward. Key Moments:  02:33 The ICU Experience That Changed Everything 05:58  When Success Becomes a Work of the Flesh 10:50  Learning to Hear Through the Noise 15:05  What’s Your Nigeria? 17:54  The One-Way Ticket That Started It All 23:57  The Hidden Reality of Northern Nigeria   About the guest : Brad Brandon is the founder and CEO of Across Nigeria. Pastor Brad is a graduate of Concordia University. Since 2018, he has been actively serving in the foreign mission field. He primarily serves in high-risk, highly persecuted areas such as Northern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. Through Pastor Brad and the Across Nigeria team, groundbreaking work is underway to bring the gospel to areas with the most intense opposition. His passion is to reach people in these areas with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help persecuted Christians who live under the constant threat of violence because of their faith in Christ.    He is a skilled speaker and teacher. His years of serving in some of the most dangerous places on earth have made him highly sought after for churches, conferences, and as an interview guest.   How to connect Brad: Website : https://www.acrossnigeria.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-brandon-a02b7944/   About Coached Soul™:  Coached Soul™ is an empowering podcast hosted by Dr. Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, Dr. Steve covers many topics, including mental health, relationships, education, and more. He fearlessly tackles sensitive subjects like depression and anxiety, creating a safe space for open conversations. They offer valuable insights and lessons through interviews with guests who have overcome significant challenges. Coached Soul is not just a podcast but a supportive community that inspires personal growth and provides the necessary resources for transformation. Their expertise and genuine approach make Coached Soul a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their life.   For more details, visit https://coachedsoul.com/