Chip Lunch

Joel and Brayden pull producer Hudson out from behind the desk and onto the couch for a catch-up episode that goes deeper than anyone planned. What starts with fast food chip rankings and AI in marketing gradually becomes one of the most honest conversations the show has had about the everyday struggle of the Christian walk.Joel shares what it's like to coach an under-12s football team and realise mid-season that his pre-game anxiety has nothing to do with the boys and everything to do with his own identity and idols. Hudson opens up about noticing his temper for the first time, not just on the sporting field but in quieter corners of life too, and what it's meant to let God reveal something he didn't know he needed to work on. They all reflect on the pull toward self-reliance and the resistance that shows up right before prayer, even when you know that praying is exactly what you need.Woven through all of it is a thread from Habakkuk, the prophet who brings his biggest frustrations not to other people but directly to God, and waits there. The guys wrestle with what it means to wait actively rather than passively, to take your laments to the one person who can actually do something about them, and to keep showing up to church even when the week has been ordinary or hard.This is the kind of episode that reminds you you're not the only one still figuring it out.

Kezia grew up as a pastor's kid in a church full of elderly people, then she went to KYCK in Year & and thought: there are people my age who believe this.Kezia joins Joel and Ethan for a conversation that's funny, fresh, and surprisingly wise for someone still figuring out what comes next. She talks about growing up in a congregation where she was surrounded by grandparent-aged friends, learning to love reading despite her dyslexia, and the Instagram reel that made her cry after a breakup and feel, for the first time, like God was speaking directly to her.She also shares one of the most creative frameworks for understanding the fruit of the spirit ever heard on this podcast — each fruit assigned to a different fruit, each year of life shaped by a different virtue — and the journey of slowly realising that ADHD, dysgraphia and anxiety don't define her. God does.From a Fiji mission trip that overwhelmed and reshaped her, to church streaming during COVID, to interior design at TAFE and a job at Betty's Burgers at the airport, Kezia has learnt that God doesn't let anything go to waste. Not the hard seasons, not the uncertain ones, not even the ones where she had no idea what she was doing.

Erin doesn't have all the answers. She's not a deep diver, not an academic, not someone who can study her way through the hard questions. What she has instead is a childlike trust in a God who she knows is real, who she knows is there, and who she knows has it — even when she doesn't understand.Part 2 of Erin's Chip Lunch conversation picks up where Part 1 left off. After years of drifting in and out of church, Erin and her husband Chris found their way to Soul Revival: first to Kirrawee with her brother Pete, then to the small and eclectic Cronulla gathering. They stayed because Chris said something that stuck: maybe God put them there because the church needed them as much as they needed the church.Erin talks about what it's actually like to commit to a small church — the challenges, the deep relationships it creates, and the unexpected gift of raising two boys in a community where the adults treat them like real people in an intergenerational community. She talks about her brother Pete's longtime friendship with Matt Redmond, an old 1860s church building her family spent years restoring in the country, a husband who grounds her, and a dog named after Frank Sinatra.And when we ask what she'd tell her younger Christian self: just trust. Be open with God. You don't have to have all the answers. It's not a cop out, that's faith.

Erin never had a lightning bolt moment. No dramatic conversion, no single day she can point to and say, "that's when everything changed." What she has instead is something just as compelling: a winding, honest, up-and-down story of a faith that kept finding her, even when she wasn't looking for it.In Part 1 of her Chip Lunch conversation, Erin joins Joel and Brayden from the Cronulla gathering and takes them through a life that's moved between worlds: the Shire and a small country town called Taralga, Port Hacking High and Goulburn High, Sunday school at Sylvania Uniting and a tiny Presbyterian church with under ten elderly attendees. Through all of it, faith was always in the background, sometimes loud, sometimes almost soft.Erin talks about what it's like to grow up Christian without ever really deciding to be one, the moment in her early 20s when she finally sat down and chose it for herself, and the harder season that followed: when she actively tried to walk away from God and found she couldn't, because deep down she still believed.There's also the school bus from Taralga to Goulburn, the country pub she worked at from age 15, a chemistry exam she stayed for exactly 20 minutes, and a career that stumbled its way from Donut King to HR through a series of open doors she didn't engineer but met a number of Christians along the way.Erin puts it simply at the end: no big moments, just a God who keeps going ahead and clearing the path.Part 2 is coming...

In his first year as principal at Shire Christian School, David was diagnosed with leukemia. He had a three-year-old son, a daughter in primary school, a wife in her 30s, and a faith he'd spent years building on paper. None of that made the hospital bed easier.Part 2 of David's Chip Lunch conversation picks up where Part 1 left off — and it goes somewhere unexpected. Before the leukemia, there's the story of how David met his wife through a devotion on the early church martyr Polycarp, helped start Soul Revival out of a cockroach-infested garage, and was part of the "house band" in Belvedere Blues — a jazz-flavoured R&B band playing to thousands of teenagers in the grunge era.Then comes the diagnosis. David talks honestly about what it's like when a theoretical theology of suffering meets the reality of your own mortality — the loss of control, the anger, the questions, and the slow, hard work of trusting a sovereign God who he believes ordained every step, including the hard ones. His brother Peter was a bone marrow match. The transplant worked. He's still here.Now in his fifth year as Principal for the second time, what he calls being the fifth and eighth principal of the same school, David reflects on 34 years at Shire Christian School, what it means to lead an institution you love, and the one thing he'd tell his younger Christian self: it's about the people. When it's not about the people, it's still about the people.

What does it actually look like to carry your faith into a secular workplace? In this episode of Chip Lunch, Joel and Tim sit down with Aurelia — a law student, globetrotter, and follower of Jesus.Aurelia unpacks what it means to bring God into the everyday rhythms of a legal career. From chatting about church with fellow clerks to gently opting out of party culture without being preachy, she shares how normalising faith in the workplace starts with genuine friendship and small, consistent acts of love.Aurelia takes us on a whirlwind tour of her past year: a two-week summer intensive at Cambridge (with a cheeky sneak into Trinity College), a presentation submitted 15 minutes late after an all-nighter and a bout of food poisoning — that she still delivered the same day — and a solo adventure through Iceland, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, where she tracked down her late grandfather's childhood home without using Google Maps.The highlight of the episode might be the six months Aurelia spent living alone in London, studying transnational law at King's College — a dream she'd quietly held since she was 17 years old. She gets real about the beauty and the loneliness of solo living, the discipline of meal prep, turning 22 without her family, and learning that her dog had passed away mid-birthday drinks.Aurelia's faith is the through-line. She found a church in London within weeks, took her first communion from a shared cup at a tiny English-speaking congregation in Amsterdam, and kept asking people if she could pray for them, whether she was a clerk in Sydney or a student in the UK.

Four years after her first appearance on Chip Lunch, Aurelia is back—and she's been busy.Since we last heard from her, Aurelia's been studying law and psychology at UNSW, shocking rats in labs (ethically, she promises), hiking glaciers in Iceland during snowstorms, attending a future leaders intensive at Cambridge, and spending six months studying transnational law at King's College London: a dream she's had since she was 17.This conversation is full of surprising tangents. It opens with a 10-minute deep dive into the trolley problem , moves into why KFC chips are terrible, and eventually lands on chicken salt and vinegar, Aurelia's chip preference, which she's been committed to since childhood fish-and-chip Sundays after church.But beneath the laughs is a thoughtful reflection on what it means to be a Christian studying law. Tim introduces the Hebrew concept of shalom, bringing wholeness and rightness to the world, and suggests that even writing wills brings shalom by ensuring the right people get the right things and honouring a person's intentions. Aurelia takes that idea and runs with it, realising that good lawyering, across corporate law, acquisitions, or litigation, is about bringing the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.The travel stories are spectacular. Aurelia describes submitting an assignment 15 minutes late after throwing up all night from exhaustion at Cambridge, then presenting anyway because she refused to let it ruin her graduation celebration. She talks about hiking a glacier in Iceland at sunset during a snowstorm, visiting her grandfather's childhood home in Rotterdam without maps because she joked she'd "just know the way," and taking communion for the first time at a tiny English-speaking church in Amsterdam.And then there's King's College London—a dream Aurelia had at 17 that she'd forgotten about until she randomly checked her uni emails (rare for her) and saw an opportunity to study transnational law. She applied on the last day, got accepted despite being one subject short of the credit requirement, and spent six months studying with professors who are military advisors, UN court specialists, and leading experts in marine insurance and international institutions in crisis.

Four years ago, Rob appeared on Episode 36 of Chip Lunch. A lot has changed since then.Rob's back, and he's more confident, more grounded, and deeper in his faith; but the path to get there wasn't smooth. From hanging up his rugby boots after too many concussions, to moving to Tasmania for six months searching for independence and clarity, to coming back and diving into Bible college while leading youth at MCC, Rob's journey has been one of learning to let God lead instead of doing it all himself.This conversation is honest about the struggle. Rob talks about the pressure he put on himself to be like the leaders who shaped him. He shares how he tried to extract all their wisdom and condense it into something he could use to disciple the younger kids, and how exhausting that was. "I was trying to do it by myself without any prayer or reflection," he admits. God had to step in and remind him: "You don't have to do everything. I didn't say you had to."There's also the Tasmania chapter, six months living on his own in Hobart, attending church, trying to find work, and learning what it means to truly rely on God when you're completely out of your comfort zone. Rob talks about the spiritual darkness he saw there, the loneliness of not knowing anyone, and the eye-opening realisation that independence without God's guidance is just isolation.Despite the rocky path, despite the self-doubt and the struggles, Rob kept showing up. He came back from Tasmania, said yes to Bible college even though he hated school, and threw himself into leading youth at MCC with a group of rowdy kids who challenge him every week. And through it all, God has been teaching him patience, spiritual discipline, and what it means to be present and relational in a way that points people to Jesus.

Julie's story spans decades: from raising three kids largely on her own with help from her mother and grandmother, to becoming the anchor of a four-generation household that almost became an ABC documentary.She shares memories of growing up with a kangaroo in the backyard, a horse named Cherokee, and a grandmother who worked so hard she couldn't make it to church until later in life.But beneath the delightful stories about accidentally fleeing a car park after a minor bump and studying Egyptology for four years "just for fun," there's something deeply moving about Julie's faith. She became a Christian after attending a Billy Graham crusade, and that decision shaped how she raised her kids through turbulence and divorce, how she welcomed her grandson Mazen into their home, and how she continues to show up for family even as mobility becomes harder.

This conversation starts where you'd least expect, with the Winter Olympics, Law & Order marathons, and a passionate rant about moguls being terrifying. But it quickly moves into Julie's remarkable story: growing up with her mother and grandmother in Rockdale, living in the back of a shop, and eventually buying a house in Gymea Bay thanks to a kind real estate agent who lent them money interest-free because they couldn't get a loan.But the heart of this episode is Billy Graham. In 1959, Julie attended a crusade at Moore Park and everything changed. She was 15 or 16, already going to church but not yet a Christian in the way she would become. Billy Graham's calm, believable way of speaking gave her what she'd been looking for: clarity, understanding, and a faith she could take ownership of. "I wanted calmness," she says simply.From there, Julie's life was shaped by that decision. She trained as a secretary at Gymea TAFE, worked various office jobs, married a naval officer and spent two years at the Naval College in Jervis Bay with her mother and grandmother in tow. She raised three kids, knocked down an old house and built a new one, and showed up at church faithfully for decades.

The conversation with Michael Greaves continues....Part two dives into what 19 years of youth ministry has taught Greaves about what actually matters on a Friday night. Spoiler: it's not the program. It's not whether the game works or the band sounds good. It's the friendship, based on Jesus.From feathers still turning up in church couches two months after a Home Alone 4D movie night, to the Halloween night where zero kids showed up until later, to teenagers spontaneously grabbing drums and keyboards mid youth group, this is youth ministry.Greaves shares something that cuts through a lot of ministry pressure: everything on a Friday night, other than sharing the gospel, is negotiable. The point was never perfection. The point is being there, being friends, and pointing people to Jesus.There's also a fun conversation about the energy recent convert teenagers bring, the rowdy year nine atheist who wants to debate God, the kids with zero filter and zero expectations, and why that chaos is actually one of the greatest gifts to a ministry.Greaves, we love you.

Michael Greaves is back on Chip Lunch following a five year hiatus, and after 19 years of youth ministry, he's got a lot to say. From WWE nostalgia and the death of MTV to navigating Gen Z meme culture mid-gospel talk, we're ready for a big does of Greaves-dom.Greaves cuts through every youth leadership anxiety with a simple answer: you're not committing to being charismatic or entertaining. You're committing to being their friend. That's it.The conversation traces his journey through nearly two decades of youth ministry: dusty church halls, COVID-era Discord youth groups, coordinating across two separate youth groups, fun nights that didn't turn out the way they wanted and others that unexpectedly did, all based on long-term, low-key relational ministry: showing up week after week, remembering names, offering friendship, and consistently pointing young people to Jesus.

Marking 200 episodes of Stories of Jesus Changing Everything with Archbishop Kanishka Raffel!We welcome the Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney, to share his remarkable journey from Buddhism to leading one of Australia's most influential Christian denominations.Archbishop Raffel's story begins in 1986, when a humid Sydney night and a pocket-sized Gospel of John transformed everything. Raised in a devout Buddhist family after immigrating from Sri Lanka in the 1970s, Kanishka spent his early twenties earnestly pursuing enlightenment through meditation and the eight-fold path. He was committed to gaining total control over every aspect of his life, until a friend on a beach mission told him something that shattered his worldview: being a Christian meant losing control of his life to Jesus Christ.From reading John's Gospel three times in one night to the prayers of his Christian grandmother and teenage friends, Kanishka's conversion story reveals how God orchestrates every detail, even before we know we need saving.They chat about the Archbishop's 17-year ministry in Perth, his unexpected call to become Dean of Sydney Cathedral, and ultimately his election as the first non-European Archbishop of Sydney. Kanishka shares the challenges of public ministry in an increasingly secular culture, the loneliness of leadership, and why he asks people to pray specifically for "the fear of God rather than the fear of humans."From debating theology over chili salt preferences to discussing the power of persistent prayer across generations, this episode captures exactly what Chip Lunch does best, revealing the extraordinary work of an ordinary God in the lives of people because Jesus Changes Everything.

Rachel returns for part two, sharing the origin story of her relationship with Chris, reflections on parenting three different daughters, and why consistency matters even more now than when she was youth leading.The love story begins with Chris making Rachel watch The Perfect Catch to explain that the Penrith Panthers season comes first. We hear about the legendary cheese dip incident, the mutual realisation at a flower shop, and being abandoned in the bush when Chris saw a snake.Rachel opens up about parenting Callie, Pippa, and Bonnie, three very different daughters who need to be loved differently according to their unique needs plus other parenting wisdom.The conversation covers 18 years teaching early childhood, leading Kids with Karen on Saturday nights, watching two and three-year-olds grow in understanding of God, and why the village approach to raising children matters.Rachel shares what she'd tell year 10 Rachel about friends leaving church, why persistence matters, and how showing up consistently might be exactly what someone else needs.Plus the epic toaster wedding gift prank on Greaves and Ange.

Rachel shares how youth group became her refuge during her parents' separation and shaped her entire approach to ministry and teaching.Rachel grew up as the youngest of three, waiting years to finally join youth group. When her chance came in Year 5, it coincided with her parents splitting and youth became the place where this quiet child could finally be wild and free.We discuss navigating high school friendships as people prioritised parties over church, the sadness of watching confirmation classmates disappear by Year 11, and what it means to keep showing up. Rachel reflects on how experiencing inconsistent leadership shaped her commitment to being there every single week when she started leading.The conversation covers her journey from irritating Chris with excessive enthusiasm, to leading with Joel and to 18 years teaching early childhood. Plus stories about elaborate chip preparation and working at Michel's Patisserie.

Gemma returns four years after being our very first guest, and so much has changed. With Joel and Brayden, they explore her journey from anxious early twenties to finding contentment and joy.When Gemma first appeared in 2020, she was living at home during COVID, working casually, and navigating youth ministry. Now she's married, teaching full-time, and stepped away from youth leadership to join Late Night. But the real transformation is internal.Gemma shares about deleting social media from her phone and discovering she's happier without it. She reflects on resilience, not as being fazed by hard things, but as depending on God through difficulty. The conversation covers modelling healthy phone habits for students, the heartbreak of identity shifts when leaving youth ministry, and learning to find joy in seasons rather than rushing to the next milestone.They also discuss teaching at a Christian school, trusting God through changes, contentment versus happiness, and fixing our eyes on Jesus when life is good and when it's not.

The OG3 reunite (and add in Hudson) for a year-in-review special, a look back at Schoolies, youth camp, Week Away, and standout moments of 2025.They start with this year's Schoolies where they became bingo legends winning six of twenty games in matching mint green shirts. But beyond the laughs, they discuss what makes church Schoolies meaningful: welcoming young adults into Christian community and exploring what Christian freedom actually looks like.Ethan reflects on college highlights, from Augustine hating Greek to a Genesis 2 lecture about God as a delighted father. Brayden shares finishing four years of theological study with a late-night email. They discuss youth camp bringing campuses together, the boys hall construction company theme, and impromptu baseball games.The conversation explores why rituals matter in a culture that's lost them, how Schoolies addresses the emptiness many feel after finishing school, and why hanging out across age groups keeps us from staying immature.

Join us for Lewis's yearly update as he reflects on his journey from self-proclaimed atheism to vibrant Christian faith and youth leadership.Lewis shares how book clubs during Australia's bushfire season led to reading "Silence" and C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" with friends. But intellectual arguments weren't what ultimately convinced him. It was the radical love at Soul Revival Church, where adults genuinely cared for teenagers and his rough friends were welcomed.We discuss the transformative power of intergenerational church community, why Lewis believes hanging out only with your age group keeps you immature, and how immediately serving in youth ministry shaped his faith. Lewis opens up about experiencing his grandfather's death as a Christian versus his non-Christian family, discovering grace as what "keeps life going," and why he's increasingly convinced Christianity offers something no other religion can provide.The conversation challenges the assumption that you need a dramatic crisis to come to faith. Lewis reminds us that ultimately, "it's just you and Jesus" and that's enough.

Emily shares what it was like sitting her HSC exams from her bedroom during lockdown — complete with a cardboard desk and online supervision. She opens up about discovering her identity in Christ rather than her marks, and how that brought peace and gratitude through the chaos.They talk about humility, resilience, and learning to trust that you’re not in control — and that’s a good thing. Emily also reflects on how her faith shapes her studies in medicine and her understanding that everything is a gift from God.

Brad takes us through his life journey from teaching himself to program at age seven, to studying aerospace engineering, transitioning into cybersecurity, and eventually helping plant Soul Revival church. Following his accident Brad consistently points back to God's work, saying "but God and only God" has carried him through. We discuss the physics and aftermath of the accident, detailed rehabilitation processes for brain injury, learning compensating strategies for cognitive challenges, turning visual navigation into verbal storytelling, the balance between acknowledging hard work and giving God glory, marriage to Suzanne and raising two remarkable children, the philosophy of "raising adults, not children," career pivots and trusting God's timing, and what he would tell his younger Christian self.Content Warning: This episode discusses traumatic injury, brain injury, and medical recovery.Brain Injury AustraliaBeyond BlueLifeline: 13 11 14

Brad shares his journey from childhood faith to a life-changing accident that redefined everything—and reveals how God's fingerprints were all over his recovery.From planting churches as a kid in the Sutherland Shire to designing rockets as an aerospace engineer, Brad's story is full of "but God" moments. But nothing prepared him for the morning a cycling accident left him unconscious for 16 days with severed arteries and a broken neck in three places.The odds of survival were almost zero. The first responders who showed up were an off-duty police officer, a running mate with nappies, and an ER nurse—all in the right place at the right time. The ambulance that arrived in 4 minutes and 32 seconds during peak hour happened to carry the only trial dressing in Australia for major arterial bleeds.Brad opens up about growing up choosing service over comfort, making hard faith choices as a teenager, and what it's like learning to live with a severe traumatic brain injury. He graduated as an aerospace engineer, but some of those abilities are gone now. He grieves that loss, but he's not giving up. He's taking it all back with God's help, running marathons, and telling his story to anyone who will listen.This is a story about asking "Why am I here?" and finding boldness to share faith in unexpected places. Because God's gift isn't the injury—it's the recovery, and the platform it's given him to share his faith.

In Part 2 of his story, Joel and Braden explore with Jairus what it means to be consistently Christian in a world that doesn't always understand. Jairus doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. He talks about his family's story—his parents' long struggle to have children, the miracle of his birth, and how people he now meets in Adelaide still tell him they prayed for him before he was born. He shares how traveling to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India as a young kid exposed him to real suffering and gave him perspective that keeps him grounded when peers at school "carry on like clowns" without realising how blessed they are.The conversation explores what it's like when your mates already know not to invite you out on Saturday nights because you'll be at church and late night youth. Jairus explains why he never changes how he acts around non-Christian friends, why living consistently matters more than immediate conversions, and how standing out as different—"What are you doing Saturday? I'm going to church"—plants seeds that might grow 20 years later.We also hear about youth leading, building relationships with Year 10 boys who don't come to church but show up every Friday, and the reward of seeing two of them start coming to church. Jairus shares about running at national championships in Adelaide with his grandfather watching,  who FaceTimed him every day and he struggled through lockdown and then witnessed God's work culminating in baptism and representing NSW. And he reflects on the Easter Sunday when he baptized his brother Zach in the river, a moment that became a core memory.Jairus's simple affirmation through chaos? "Life sucks, but God's got me."This is Part 2 of Jairus' story. Listen to Part 1 for Jairus's journey through lockdown, discovering running as meditation, and how discipline carried him through the HSC.

We chat with Jairus just days after he finishes his HSC. Apart from discussing the post-exam haze and the pressure surrounding university admissions, they discuss Jairus' faith journey, his baptism and the role of faith in overcoming challenges.Jairus shares how his faith has been tested by his grandmother's illness and how running and a supportive community helped him through difficult times. The conversation also delves into the impact of COVID lockdowns on teenagers, particularly the challenges of isolation and identity formation and the importance of his faith-based community and the unique relationships he has formed at Soul Revival.

Emily gets real with Joel and Brayden about faith, identity, and the struggle of trying to be “perfect” when you know you’re not.From growing up in a Christian school to teaching medical ethics at uni, Emily shares how her faith guides her through big questions about life, morality, and influence — without making her feel like she has to have it all figured out.They chat about: 💬 Why “I can’t be perfect” is actually a step into real faith 📚 How school shaped her understanding of God and identity ⚖️ Discussing ethics, morality, and real-world dilemmas as a Christian 💡 Staying grounded in truth while engaging with the wider world 🎵 And yes… there’s even a bit of Taylor Swift talk

We sit down with Jwanel to hear her inspiring journey of faith, career, and community. From navigating the challenges of university and corporate life to finding her place at Soul Revival Church, Jwanel shares candid insights on personal growth, courage in faith, and the importance of authentic Christian community.We also explore the power of mentorship, the impact of church culture, and the lessons she wishes she could tell her younger Christian self. This episode is a celebration of honesty, encouragement, and the joy of being rooted in God’s Word while living life authentically.

Jwanel shares her powerful story of how God brought her from a season of anxiety, burnout, and deep depression to a life filled with joy and peace.She opens up about what it was like to lose her sense of purpose and struggle with negative thoughts — and how, in one transforming moment of prayer, she experienced freedom from the weight she’d been carrying.As she reflects on her journey, Jwanel talks about learning to rest, let go of perfectionism, and trust God’s timing in every part of her life — including singleness, purpose, and identity. Her story is an honest and encouraging reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is near, and He can bring lasting hope and renewal.

We sit down with Gerald who shares his remarkable journey from Malaysia to Sydney, filled with culture, resilience, and surprising moments of kindness.From discovering Vegemite and honey on buttered toast, to unforgettable encounters with strangers who showed compassion at McDonald’s and even concerned bikers checking on his daughter, these stories remind us that small acts of care can leave lasting impacts.He also reflects on his studies, career twists, and how a chance phone call led him into IT sales—a role that brought both challenges and deep joy. Eventually, his love for Australia, sparked in part by Peter Allen’s “I Still Call Australia Home,” brought him and his family back to Sydney to start a new chapter.

We sit down to continue Megan's story, a school chaplain, climber, and social work student. She shares what it means to serve in a pastoral role in public schools, where one-on-one ministry is about care, listening, and support rather than preaching. She opens up about the challenges of carrying emotional burdens, the comfort she finds in prayer, and the privilege of pointing people to Christ—even indirectly.Outside of chaplaincy, Megan finds joy and mental health benefits in climbing, music, and being part of a supportive community. We also hear about her training at Youthworks, her path into community services and social work, and her vision of working with kids, families, and mental health in the future.

In this episode of Chip Lunch, we sit down with Megan, a school chaplain, climber, and social work student. Megan shares what it means to serve in a pastoral role in public schools, where one-on-one ministry is about care, listening, and support rather than preaching. She opens up about the challenges of carrying emotional burdens, the comfort she finds in prayer, and the privilege of pointing people to Christ—even indirectly.Outside of chaplaincy, Megan finds joy and mental health benefits in climbing, music, and being part of a supportive community. We also hear about her training at Youthworks, her path into community services and social work, and her vision of working with kids, families, and mental health in the future. Megan’s story highlights the importance of faith, perseverance, and community in navigating both ministry and personal growth.

Godfrey shares his incredible journey from becoming a Christian in the mid-90s to now leading ministry work across six African countries.He reflects on the challenges of evangelism in the face of poverty, limited access to Bibles, and opposition from other religions and traditional customs. He also speaks about his family, the importance of prayer, and the deep sacrifices that come with ministry.Through it all, he highlights the transforming power of the gospel, the urgent need for prayer and support, and the unity found in faith that transcends backgrounds and cultures.

We were privileged to sit down with Godfrey from Malawi, who shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an evangelist. 🌍From growing up in a crowded home with limited food and water, to discovering faith in Christ and experiencing a life-changing transformation, Godfrey’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering faith. He opens up about:- His early life in Malawi and the struggles of his family- How he came to accept Christ and the impact it had on his heart- His time in Bible college and the lessons that shaped his calling- Becoming involved with Sowers International and training others in evangelism- Leading and advising the Sowers program across six African countries

Alison continues her story with Joel and Brayden, sharing ten years as missionaries in Austria. From landing in minus 18-degree weather with two young kids to memorable language learning mishaps (like asking for a "home snake test"), she reflects on the challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry. Alison shares how simple relationships - like Wednesday afternoon coffee visits - became seeds of gospel growth, watching local leaders rise up to lead the church they helped establish. Returning to Australia brought unexpected struggles as their third-culture kids wrestled with identity and belonging. Through pastoral ministry years to finding their place at Soul Revival, Alison's story encourages trusting God's timing through every season and embracing the unexpected journey He has planned.

Alison joins Joel and Brayden to share her journey from growing up in a Christian family to making her faith her own. Raised in the snowy town of Cooma with parents in ministry, she wrestled with identity and faith through high school before fully committing to Jesus at 17.From eating hot chips out of a tank loaf to discovering friends who quietly went to church, Alison reflects on the everyday moments and challenges that shaped her. She also shares about ten years as a missionary in Austria — the joys, struggles, and lessons of serving overseas and raising three children in a different culture.Returning to Australia brought fresh challenges, but also renewed passion for helping others grow in their faith. Alison’s story is an encouragement to embrace your unique journey with God and live it out with courage and community.

While on Soul Revival Church’s 2025 Week Away, Joel and Ethan sit down with guest speaker Lee Murray for a heartfelt conversation on church planting, sanctification, and spiritual formation.Lee shares the motivation behind choosing sanctification as the conference theme, his personal reflections on holiness, and how his family has embraced the call to plant a new church on the southern Gold Coast with Liberty Church. This episode is packed with wisdom, authenticity, and practical insights for anyone exploring the Christian life, ministry, or mission.Find out more about Lee's Church

Week Away starts now! We hit record on the drive down to Week Away so you can join us for the ride!Ethan, Joel, Brayden, and Hudson are in the car chatting all things  — what we’re excited for, stories from past years, and what to expect this week. You'll also hear why Hudson almost got kicked out of the car!Stay tuned for:How do you sell Week Away?Will the salons happen?Why some people are reading C.S. Lewis before Week AwayWhat maps app do you use?Pen choicesA little trivia hintA dash of infrastructure chatHit play at the intersection of President Ave and Princes Highway and cruise with us all the way to Week Away.

Tim jumps back after his trip to the United States to speak at the Intergenerate Ministry Conference – and he’s brought some top-shelf stories with him!We hear about:Tim’s favourite moments (and odd discoveries) from his US travels 🇺🇸The food, the people, the quirksA surprisingly deep dive into a French historical figure he’s now weirdly obsessed withHow travel can shape our thinking – especially as Christians

Jamie opens up about ADHD, financial struggles, addiction, a near-fatal car accident, and ultimately, recovery through faith. Brayden and Joel sits down with Jamie to explore how such challenges shaped his life and how God's grace led to transformation.⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Medication, focus, and learning strategies01:42 – Talking accents and travel dreams (Canada)04:40 – Ministry beginnings at Blakehurst Church08:07 – Post-high school path: IT traineeship and work life11:31 – Early fascination with technology13:47 – AV, music, and IT: Church influence and passions16:18 – Turning 18: Financial impulsivity and growing debt18:16 – ADHD medication, anxiety, and distance from God20:44 – Debt cycles and emotional toll23:32 – Addiction struggles: Alcohol, gambling, and depression25:10 – Church neglect and hitting rock bottom30:27 – Chloe’s support and renewed faith37:33 – Stood down from ministry: heartbreak and confusion39:09 – Leaving the church, Chloe's decision to follow40:43 – Starting again at Soul Revival Church (Cronulla)50:10 – The car accident: Emergency response saves a life51:14 – Facial injuries and coma: LaFort III fracture55:37 – 8.5-hour surgery and sinuses removed01:01:03 – ICU confusion and becoming aware01:02:50 – Post-traumatic amnesia and brain injury01:03:14 – OT cognitive tests and memory recall01:07:34 – Awake arm surgery with nerve block01:14:14 – Miracle recovery with minimal long-term damage01:16:49 – Regaining self, healing, and reflection01:20:40 – Life-changing moment: quitting alcohol and trusting God01:26:23 – Advice to younger self: Let God take control01:28:00 – Trusting God through pain01:29:52 – A miraculous testimony of survival01:31:01 – Mental health, joy, and serving others#Testimony #FaithAndRecovery #MentalHealth #ChristianStory #Transformation

In this first part of our two-part conversation, Jamie joins us to talk all things hot chips, childhood memories, and his journey through faith, moving homes, school experiences, and living with ADHD.From the comforting crunch of thick-cut chips to navigating personal identity and late ADHD diagnosis, Jamie opens up with honesty, humour, and depth.👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive further into Jamie’s adult life, faith in action, and practical strategies for managing ADHD in daily life.👇 Chapters below 👇⏱️ Chapters00:00 - Intro01:58 - Jamie’s ideal hot chips: crispy, soft, and chicken salt03:08 - Sauce preferences and love for thick-cut chips06:33 - Childhood memories of fish and chips in England08:10 - Growing up in a Christian family and personal faith journey11:38 - Early love for drums and watching the church drummer12:52 - Moving houses 10+ times and the reasons behind it17:00 - School experiences and finding support through Mr. C23:10 - Mr. C's role in shaping Jamie’s attitude and faith24:28 - Choosing faith personally, not just through upbringing34:14 - High school struggles, loneliness, and identity35:18 - Feeling like a “tryhard” and experiences of bullying42:38 - ADHD struggles at school and late diagnosis at 1845:28 - Life-changing moment: medication and its impact46:24 - Improved memory and academic performance47:42 - How medication helped shape Jamie’s career path52:00 - Understanding the Bible better and spiritual growth55:19 - Managing hyperfocus and balancing priorities56:52 - Side effects: anxiety and social challenges57:15 - Medication’s effect on personality and friendships58:50 - Being off medication: hyperactivity returns01:00:07 - Learning strategies beyond medication🎧 Don’t miss Part 2 — coming soon!

🚊 Light Rail Plans, McDonald’s Chips & Building Community 🍟In this episode, we’re joined by Craig Pring for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with a proposed light rail route and ends with real talk about community, discipleship, and legacy.🎉 REGISTER NOW for Week Away 2025!👉 https://wa25.splashthat.com/👕 Order your Week Away merch by June 15: https://www.soulrevivalchurch.com/shop⏱️ Timestamps:00:35 – Light Rail Plan: From Cronulla to Kernel04:44 – Craig’s love for McDonald’s chips and all things salty and fried05:41 – Adelaide favourites: Balfour’s Frog Cake, iced coffee, and city pride11:07 – Work-life balance struggles with increased travel11:44 – Protecting weekends and staying grounded20:28 – Reading the Bible and finding Jesus in hard passages23:32 – Partnership between Soul Revival and MCC25:24 – Positive ministry changes at MCC: Sunday breakfasts and liturgy30:40 – Deeper relationships and community building32:10 – Youth integration into Sunday services36:02 – Becoming more intentional about welcoming newcomers40:05 – Outward-focused ministry and making disciples41:19 – Service teams and community ownership42:17 – Making big events more inclusive50:24 – Celebrating MCC’s 130th anniversary51:57 – Building legacy and unity across gatherings52:33 – Goals for the next year: integration, discipleship, community59:44 – Register now for Week Away 2025!01:00:01 – Merch drop deadline: June 15

Producer Hudson jumps in the hot seat as we dive into everything from travel stories and health challenges to deep reflections on God’s creation, career uncertainty, and the impact of youth ministry. 

Dave shares his incredible journey through ministry, personal loss, health battles, and unwavering faith. From life in Western Australia to the challenges of grief and cancer, this conversation is a deep reminder of God’s sustaining grace through life’s hardest moments.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:57 – Life in Western Australia & Meeting the “Snow Geese”05:00 – Return to Sydney & Work at St. John’s08:18 – Reflections on Ministry & Christian Life12:42 – Tragic Death of Family Member Judy13:04 – Coping with Grief & Finding Comfort in Faith14:03 – Supporting Judy’s Son & Family Response20:44 – Career Shift & Onset of Heart Problems25:54 – Heart Procedure: Stents & Medical Costs26:37 – Ongoing Health Monitoring & Medicare Challenges27:31 – Cancer Diagnoses & Esophageal Treatment36:41 – Jane’s Cancer Battle: Surgery & Radiation38:37 – Community Support Through Treatment39:24 – Trusting God Through Life’s Challenges41:23 – The Taproot Analogy: Staying Connected to Jesus42:06 – Scripture, Trust, and Spiritual Strength52:11 – Living Under God’s Grace52:26 – Reflections on the Conversation & Encouragement52:42 – Closing Remarks & Listener Appreciation🙏 If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based stories and reflections.

Dave shares his extraordinary life story—starting with Bible college at Capernwray, diving into Christian ministry, and facing life-changing moments of love, betrayal, and spiritual growth. From icy winters in Canada to tropical summers in Australia, Dave opens up about trusting God through heartache, cultural transitions, and finding unwavering faith alongside his wife, Jane.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:46 – Starting the 6-month Bible study course at Capernwray03:30 – Learning about the Holy Spirit and its impact on my life07:27 – Staying on to work with guests and becoming more outgoing12:21 – Experiencing extreme cold: -42°C temperatures and frozen hair13:21 – A planned wedding falls through, testing my faith17:16 – Working at Pioneer Ranch Camps and preventing a fire incident24:52 – Setting up a drop-in center for kids25:29 – Meeting Jane and the journey to proposing28:37 – Getting married and moving to Australia36:44 – Jane's upbringing in Malaysia and her strong faith37:34 – How Jane's faith positively influenced me38:01 – Reflecting on my marriage and gratitude for JaneThank you for watching. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, feel free to comment below.

Dave shares his journey from England to a man navigating faith, family, and identity in Australia. From growing up in the Brethren church to questioning religion and discovering grace, this episode offers laughs, reflection, and deep insight.

In part two of our powerful and wide-ranging conversation with Scott, we explore how faith in Jesus shapes leadership, the realities of military life, lessons from parenthood, and what it means to have moral courage in the face of adversity. We also hear what it's like to fly helicopters on peacekeeping missions and in war zones from Bougainville and East Timor to Afghanistan and Iraq. Scott's story is one of conviction, sacrifice, and spiritual grounding.📌 Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Faith and Leadership02:10 – Napoleon’s Quote on Jesus03:25 – How Faith Shaped Army Leadership11:40 – Becoming a Military Pilot: Training & Deployment14:21 – Helicopter Combat Training Journey17:43 – Deployment: Iraq and Other Locations21:28 – Challenges of the Military Lifestyle24:47 – The Strain on Relationships and Marriage28:31 – Lessons from Parenthood and God’s Love32:45 – Perceptions of Military Members36:54 – Moral vs Physical Courage (General Slim Quote)39:00 – Combat Experience: Terror and Moral Choices43:10 – Anecdote: The Convoy Escort Mission43:43 – Camaraderie and Protection in Combat44:13 – Understanding Danger and Perspective53:56 – Moral Conviction in Daily Life55:49 – Keeping Records and Defending Truth57:12 – Remembering Sacrifice and Standing Against Evil01:05:06 – Church Community and Connection01:06:26 – Friendship and Mission at Kronala01:09:22 – Reflection: Staying Grounded in Faith🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations that explore life, faith, and leadership.

In this heartfelt episode of Chip Lunch, we chat with Chloe about her journey through faith, love, and life’s unexpected turns. Chloe shares how she met her husband Jamie while running the church live stream, their growing friendship, and how it later grew into them eventually getting married in 2024.We hear what lead them Soul Revival Church — quite literally, after hearing the music from a nearby balcony! She also opens up about the comfort and strength she found in Jesus, during the aftermate of Jamie's recent life-threatening car accident that resulted in serious injuries and a miraculous recovery.This episode is a powerful reminder of God’s presence in both ordinary moments and life-altering trials. We also talk about the role of Christian community, the slow and steady walk of faith, and why following Jesus means more than just showing up on Sundays.

In this episode, Chloe shares candid reflections on her early life, school experiences, and journey of faith. We kick off with her hot chip preferences and her disinterest in high school maths. She then opens up about feeling left out at church during her younger years, but a mission trip to Vanuatu in Year 10 marks a turning point, deepening her faith and reshaping her outlook. Growing up in a Christian household and attending a Christian school laid the groundwork, but it wasn’t until she felt truly included and challenged that her beliefs became personal and significant.Chloe also talks about her rebellious school years, shifting priorities after graduation, and how a gap year spent helping her church with live streams sparked her interest in production and deepened her involvement in the church community. Now working in PR and navigating early career challenges, she reflects on her sheltered schooling, surprising experiences at university, and the openness of young people to talk about life and faith.

From a powerful experience at a Billy Graham crusade in the 70s to a challenging career in the construction industry where he strived to live out his faith, Craig shares his journey of navigating life's ups and downs. Discover how finding a local church community enriched his life and strengthened his Christian walk.Craig also opens up about a serious health scare that served as a wake-up call, leading him to re-evaluate his priorities and find new purpose in serving others at including serving with the Salvation Army. He reflects on how God has been working in his life, even when he wasn't aware, and how fatherhood highlighted his relationship with God. This episode is a testament to God's constant presence and growth in our lives.