Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Mike Braddock our ARISE South Lakeland Location Pastor for a conversation about faith, family, ministry, healing, and learning what it truly means to experience the presence of God. And before we get into the deeper parts of his story, we learn a few things about Pastor Mike, including his love for the TV show Bones, his musical side, and why this country boy might just have a food truck in his future. Born and raised in a rural area, Pastor Mike was affectionately known as "Little Michael." His parents had recently left the military when they found out they were expecting him, and much of his childhood was spent outside enjoying country life. But life changed after his parents divorced. Without his dad in the home, Pastor Mike had to grow up quickly. His family moved nearly every year, bringing seasons of transition and uncertainty that would ultimately become part of the story God was writing in his life. At 10 years old, Pastor Mike made a profession of faith, but his journey with God continued to deepen as he grew older. During his teenage years, life included football, joining a band, singing, playing music, and eventually experiencing an encounter with God that would change the direction of his future. Through a prophetic word, Pastor Mike began to recognize God's call on his life, eventually stepping into ministry in 2008. He shares how he met his wife at church, transitioned into a new church, moved into worship ministry, and eventually relocated to Virginia. After 15 years of full-time ministry, Pastor Mike opens up about one of the biggest misconceptions he had about ministry. Being surrounded by the things of God does not automatically mean you're personally experiencing the things of God. His story is a reminder of how important it is for pastors, leaders, and believers to protect their personal relationship with Jesus in the middle of serving others. Pastor Mike also shares one of the most unforgettable moments of his ministry. While preaching in a developing country, he witnessed an extraordinary moment of healing involving a man with a tumor in his throat. It's an experience that has stayed with him and strengthened his faith in the power of God. The conversation also gets personal as Pastor Mike talks about walking through church hurt, finding healing, and the journey that first brought him to ARISE Church. He shares where God led him next and the story of how he eventually returned to ARISE. Today, one of the things Pastor Mike values most about ARISE Church is its authenticity. He is passionate about discipleship, community, and helping people develop a genuine relationship with Jesus that goes beyond simply attending church. And there's another side of Pastor Mike you may not know. Along with being a talented musician and singer, he loves to cook and would love to have his own food truck one day. From the country boy everyone knew as "Little Michael" to more than a decade of full-time ministry, Pastor Mike's story is filled with unexpected turns, powerful encounters, healing, and restoration. His journey reminds us that ministry isn't simply about doing things for God. It's about continuing to know Him, experience Him, and allow Him to transform us along the way. Do you have a question for Pastor Mike Braddock? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast  

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Keren Emmanuel, Riverview Location Pastor at ARISE Church, for a conversation about identity, calling, family, ministry, and the unexpected places where God meets us. And if there's one thing you should know about Pastor Keren, it's that if Denzel Washington is in it, he's probably watching it. In the words of Denzel himself, "My man!" Born and raised on the east side of Florida to Haitian parents, Pastor Keren grew up in the projects in a strict Christian household. His father was a pastor, and Keren describes himself as a quiet kid who followed the rules and mostly kept to himself. His childhood was filled with church, playing outside, video games, and being surrounded by faith. But while Pastor Keren grew up around God, he eventually realized that knowing about God wasn't the same as knowing Him personally. College became a very different season. Pastor Keren played football, began partying, and found himself trying to numb what he was feeling internally. Eventually, he dropped out of college and returned home, unsure of what his future would look like. Then God met him in one of the most unexpected places: on a forklift at BJ's. At the time, his girlfriend, now his wife, Erica Emmanuel, had faithfully continued inviting him to church. What followed was a radical encounter with Jesus that completely changed the direction of Pastor Keren's life. He shares what it looked like to surrender his life to Christ, discover his call to ministry, and begin walking out that calling one step at a time. Pastor Keren began serving in ministry as a volunteer in 2010 before stepping into full-time ministry in 2012. Through the years, he's learned to navigate the highs and lows of ministry while recognizing God's grace in every season. He also looks back on an unforgettable moment in youth ministry that continues to mark him today. His ministry journey began in Englewood, Florida, but eventually God began opening a door to ARISE Church. Dr. Brent reached out to Pastor Keren to talk about youth ministry, and Pastor Keren's answer was no. More than once. But then Dr. Brent asked him a question that caused him to think differently about the opportunity: "What is holding you back?" That question became part of a journey that would ultimately bring Pastor Keren to ARISE Church. After serving in several different roles, Pastor Keren now leads as the Riverview Location Pastor. One of the things he loves most about ARISE is that serving here continually challenges him to grow, both as a leader and as a follower of Jesus. And if you think you have Pastor Keren figured out, there are a few more chapters to the story. Before becoming the pastor many know today, he had a punk rock skater phase and even stepped into the world of MMA fighting. From growing up as a pastor's kid to walking away from what he knew, encountering God on a forklift, and eventually saying yes to a calling he initially resisted, Pastor Keren's story is a reminder that God knows how to meet us exactly where we are and lead us into a future we never could have planned for ourselves. Do you have a question for Pastor Keren Emmanuel? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Josh Jordan for a conversation about family, faith, sports, ministry, and the moments when God's plans took his life in a completely different direction. First, we learn one very important thing about Pastor Josh: he loves sushi! Pastor Josh shares what it was like growing up, including eight years of his childhood spent on a farm. Homeschooled and raised with a love for the outdoors, some of his earliest memories include camping, horseback riding, playing sports, and being involved in church. His family eventually traded farm life for the suburbs, but their home continued to be anything but ordinary. Over the years, his family opened their doors to foster 19 children, giving Pastor Josh a unique perspective on family, compassion, and caring for others. Sports were also a huge part of his life. He played quarterback on his football team, but baseball became his greatest passion as a teenager. Primarily playing shortstop, Pastor Josh eventually went to college to pursue baseball. But during his first year, God began changing the direction of his life. Although he had given his life to the Lord at 12 years old, his first year of college became a defining season in his faith. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, heard God's voice in a way he never had before, and began asking questions that were bigger than baseball. God also set him free from addiction and began revealing a completely different purpose for his future. That journey eventually took Pastor Josh to Brazil for a month-long missions trip where God met him in a powerful way. The math major who thought his future would revolve around numbers and baseball suddenly found himself being called into ministry. Pastor Josh shares what it looked like to surrender his own plans and pursue God's call, even when the path didn't look anything like what he originally imagined. His journey into full-time ministry began as a Kids Pastor, leading to some incredible and unforgettable moments serving children and families. Now, after 13 years in ministry, Pastor Josh reflects on what has surprised him most about serving people and the moments that have marked him along the way. One of the most meaningful was watching his own daughter experience the presence of God for herself. He also shares the story of how God brought him to ARISE Church and why the presence of the Holy Spirit is one of the things he loves most about serving here. And there's one more thing you probably wouldn't guess about Pastor Josh and his family: they're decorated horseback riders! From farm life and foster siblings to baseball, missions, ministry, and family, Pastor Josh's story is a reminder that sometimes the future we imagine for ourselves looks completely different from the future God is preparing for us. When God calls, our job is to be willing to follow. Do you have a question for Pastor Josh Jordan? Email us at [email protected]   🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor José Medina, Pastor of ARISE Español, for a conversation about faith, family, ministry, restoration, and the unexpected ways God can use every part of our story. If Pastor José could take his dream vacation anywhere, there's one place at the top of his list: Israel. His dream is to one day walk where Jesus walked and experience the places he's spent his life reading about in Scripture. Born in Puerto Rico, Pastor José spent the first 12 years of his life surrounded by the mountains and beauty of the island. His grandfather was a farmer, and some of his earliest memories include picking and selling coffee, exploring the forest, riding bikes, discovering creeks and bamboo, and getting lost on adventures. Think of him as a Puerto Rican Tom Sawyer! His grandparents were also people of deep faith who had an incredible influence on his life. Growing up in church gave Pastor José a spiritual foundation that would become especially important later in his story. In this conversation, Pastor José shares when he gave his life to Christ, how he learned English, and how his journey in ministry began at just 14 years old. He also opens up about one of the most difficult seasons of his life. After going through a divorce, he walked away from the church for a time, but the foundation that had been built in his relationship with the Lord remained. Eventually, God brought him back and continued writing his ministry story. Pastor José reflects on what has surprised him most about ministry and shares a season of serving that he will never forget. He also tells the incredible and unexpected story of how a lost dog ultimately helped lead him to ARISE Church. What began as an unexpected connection eventually became a new chapter of ministry as Pastor José helped plant ARISE Español. Today, he shares what he loves most about serving at ARISE, his heart for reaching the Spanish-speaking community, and even a few things you might not know about him, including his experience working for Apple. Pastor José's story is a powerful reminder that even when our journey takes turns we never expected, God can use our foundation, our experiences, and even the most unlikely circumstances to lead us exactly where He wants us to be.   Do you have a question for Pastor José Medina? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast    

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jeremiah McAnulty, Youth Pastor at ARISE Church South Lakeland, for a conversation about growing up in church, finding his own faith, discovering his call to ministry, and seeing God work through the next generation. And before we get too serious, we learn one very important fact about Pastor Jeremiah: he's team Cocoa Pebbles. Born in Louisiana and the son of ARISE Executive Pastor Ken McAnulty, Pastor Jeremiah grew up surrounded by church and ministry. But being a pastor's kid didn't mean he had everything figured out. He shares what he was like as a self-described "knucklehead" growing up, his years in the gifted program, his love for math and school, and how he wrestled with arrogance during his high school years. Pastor Jeremiah also takes us back to his first day at Brandon Assembly, which happened to be during a youth service. Nearly 12 years later, ARISE has become an important part of his story, from attending as a student to now serving on staff, and leading students himself. In this episode, he opens up about his salvation experience, the vision God gave him at 18 years old that confirmed his call to ministry, and the journey that eventually led him into youth ministry. He also shares the story of meeting his future wife when they were just 12 years old before eventually beginning to date at 18. After three years on staff at ARISE, Pastor Jeremiah reflects on what has surprised him most about ministry: just how fulfilling it is to watch God work in people's lives. From his own years in youth ministry to now leading the next generation, his story is a reminder of what God can do through a life surrendered to His calling.   Do you have a question for Pastor Jeremiah McAnulty? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at ARISE Church, for a conversation full of laughter, incredible stories, and practical wisdom about serving Jesus through the local church. From growing up in a Christian home to being a proud product of the church van ministry, Pastor Pete shares how God used faithful people and consistent service to shape the course of his life. Homeschooled and heavily involved in church from a young age, he talks about serving as a teenager, discovering God's call to ministry, and how serving the local church became the foundation of his faith. Known for his quick wit and legendary dad jokes, Pastor Pete also shares hilarious stories from his childhood, including the driver's license photo where he somehow stood only 5'9" long. But beyond the humor are powerful moments that have marked his life and ministry. You'll hear incredible testimonies of God's faithfulness, including the miraculous healing of his son, the unforgettable story of a Buddhist monk giving his life to Jesus, and what 17 years of ministry have taught him about the importance of being continually filled before pouring into others. Whether you've heard Pastor Pete preach many times or are just getting to know him, this conversation offers a deeper look at the heart, humility, and passion behind ARISE Church's Teaching Pastor. Do you have a question for Pastor Pete Kramer? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with the man, the myth, the legend himself, Pastor Ken McAnulty, Executive Pastor at ARISE Church. Have you ever wondered what an Executive Pastor actually does? In this episode, Pastor Ken gives an inside look at his role, shares the story of how God called him to ARISE Church, and reflects on nearly three decades of ministry. Growing up as a pastor's kid, Pastor Ken experienced both the blessings and the expectations that often come with ministry. Although many know him today as a confident leader, he shares what it was really like growing up as a quiet, introverted, self-proclaimed nerd who moved around frequently. From giving his life to Christ at a kids crusade to discovering God's call on his life, Pastor Ken's story is one of faithfulness, humility, and God's direction every step of the way. Along the way, you'll also learn about his love for Michigan football, his favorite fiction and nonfiction books, hear some fun stories, and discover the defining moment in his 28 years of ministry that continues to shape the way he leads today. Whether you've attended ARISE for years or you're just getting to know Pastor Ken, this conversation offers a deeper look at the heart, wisdom, and servant leadership behind one of the key leaders of our church. Do you have a question for Pastor Ken McAnulty? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

The Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jonny Turpin, Connections Pastor at ARISE Church, for a conversation filled with laughter, powerful testimony, and the faithfulness of God. Born and raised in Bartow, Florida, Pastor Jonny shares what it was like growing up as a true country boy. From spending his days outdoors to life in a pastor's home, he reflects on the values that shaped him, his love for the cowboy lifestyle, and why you'll probably find him watching The Office when he has some downtime. But beyond the fun stories is a powerful testimony of God's transforming grace. Pastor Jonny shares how a life-changing encounter with Jesus at church camp completely changed the trajectory of his life. He opens up about his teenage years, how God led him to Englewood, and the journey that eventually brought him and his family to ARISE Church. Whether he's talking about his love for water sports, his passion for helping people find community, or the joy of serving alongside his family at ARISE, this conversation is full of encouragement, authenticity, and reminders that God is faithful through every season. In This Episode • Growing up in Bartow, Florida, as a country boy • What it was like being raised by pastor parents • His childhood, teenage years, and love for the outdoors • Why The Office is his favorite TV show • His passion for water sports and the cowboy lifestyle • The church camp experience that changed his life forever • How God led him to Englewood and eventually to ARISE Church • The blessing of serving alongside his family at ARISE • Encouragement for anyone seeking God's purpose for their life   Do you have a question for Pastor Jonny Turpin? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast  

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Danny Izquierdo, Youth Pastor at ARISE Church's Brandon location, for one of the most honest, heartfelt, and entertaining conversations of the season. From growing up between Venezuela and Tennessee to his unforgettable love for Nutella (yes, it counts as his favorite "candy"), Pastor Danny shares the story of a childhood marked by brokenness, high energy, and a deep longing to be loved. Behind the laughter and hilarious stories is a powerful testimony of God's redeeming grace. In this episode, Pastor Danny opens up about his radical encounter with Jesus, a moment when he went from feeling spiritually dead on the inside to experiencing the life-changing power of Christ. He shares how God called him into ministry, what it means to lead while you're still healing, and why authenticity is one of the greatest strengths a leader can have. You'll laugh, you'll be encouraged, and you'll be reminded that no past is too broken for God to redeem. In This Episode • Pastor Danny's childhood and family story • Growing up with Venezuelan roots and being born in Knoxville, Tennessee • Why Nutella is his all-time favorite "candy" • Life in a broken home and searching for acceptance • His radical salvation story and life-changing encounter with Jesus • How God called him into ministry • What it means to lead while bleeding • Funny stories, memorable moments, and fun facts you've probably never heard • Encouragement for the now generation and anyone believing God for a fresh start   Do you have a question for Pastor Danny Izquierdo? Email us at [email protected]   🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jason Vega, Worship Pastor at ARISE Church, for an honest and inspiring conversation about faith, family, worship, and the journey that brought him into ministry. Get to know Pastor Jason beyond the platform as he shares stories from his childhood, how he came to know Jesus, the moment he gave his life to Christ, and the experiences that shaped his passion for leading people into the presence of God. From his favorite worship songs to the role his family has played in his journey, this episode offers a personal look at the heart behind the worship ministry at ARISE Church. Whether you see Pastor Jason leading worship each weekend or you're meeting him for the first time, you'll be encouraged by his authenticity, his love for Jesus, and his desire to see people experience God's presence. 🔍 In This Episode you'll learn  Pastor Jason's childhood and faith journey The story of how he gave his life to Christ How God called him into worship ministry His heart for leading worship at ARISE Church  His favorite worship songs and the songs that have impacted his life What he hopes people experience every time they enter into worship 💬 Have a question for Pastor Jason? EMAIL US at [email protected] or comment below! 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast

This summer on Creating the Future, Dr. Brent Simpson is sitting down with some of the incredible pastors who help lead ARISE Church. In this first episode of the series, he welcomes Pastor Jeff Allen, Brandon Location Pastor, and Pastor Marilee Allen, Children's Pastor, for a candid conversation about faith, family, ministry, and God's faithfulness through every season. Together, they share the stories that shaped their lives, how they came to know Jesus, and the unique journey that led them to ARISE Church. From their personal salvation experiences to the calling God placed on their lives, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at two pastors who are passionate about helping people encounter Jesus and grow in their faith. Whether you've known the Allens for years or are meeting them for the first time, you'll be encouraged by their authenticity, their love for God's people, and their commitment to serving the local church. Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson  Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com  ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com  Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson  Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook

Many people believe in God but quietly struggle to trust Him. For some, that struggle comes from painful experiences with earthly fathers. For others, it comes from years of seeing God primarily through the lens of judgment, disappointment, fear, or performance. In this episode, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Chuck Ammons of Overflow Church in Valrico, Florida, to discuss his new book Reconstructing Dad: Discovering the God Who Looks Just Like Jesus. Together, they explore one of the most important questions in the Christian life: What is God really like? Pastor Chuck shares the personal journey behind the book, the burden that led him to write it, and why he believes so many believers are living as spiritual orphans rather than beloved sons and daughters. The conversation dives into difficult questions about Scripture, the Old and New Testaments, judgment, mercy, the Father heart of God, and how Jesus perfectly reveals who the Father has always been. Whether you've wrestled with your image of God, struggled to reconcile difficult passages of Scripture, or simply want to grow deeper in your understanding of the Father's love, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.   🔍 In This Episode ✅ Pastor Chuck's story and the journey of Overflow Church ✅ Why he felt compelled to write Reconstructing Dad ✅ How our earthly father experiences shape our view of God ✅ Why many Christians live like spiritual orphans instead of beloved children of God ✅ The "God of the Old Testament vs. God of the New Testament" dilemma ✅ Why Chuck says "Dad looks just like Jesus" ✅ How to read difficult passages of Scripture through the lens of Christ ✅ Justice, mercy, judgment, and the Father's heart ✅ The tension between hope and universalism ✅ What Chuck hopes readers take away from the book   📖 About the Book Reconstructing Dad: Discovering the God Who Looks Just Like Jesus invites readers to reconsider the images and assumptions they carry about God and return to the Father revealed in Christ. Through biblical exploration, theological reflection, and pastoral insight, Chuck argues that God's heart has always been revealed most clearly in Jesus.   👤 About Pastor Chuck Ammons Pastor Chuck Ammons serves at Overflow Church near Tampa, Florida. For more than two decades, he has helped people move from fear, striving, and spiritual exhaustion into a deeper understanding of God's love and acceptance. He is a pastor, author, speaker, husband to Jill, and father of five.   🔗 Connect with Pastor Chuck 🌐 Overflow Church: www.MyOverflowChurch.com 📘 Reconstructing Dad: Discovering the God Who Looks Just Like Jesus Pre-order 📱 Facebook: Pastor Chuck Ammons on Facebook 📸 Instagram: @chuckammons 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast   If this conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you see the Father more clearly, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Because the future isn't just something that happens to you... it's something you create.

What makes some churches flourish while others struggle? Why do some congregations experience sustained growth, spiritual vitality, and revival while others slowly decline? And what does decades of church research have to say about it? In this unique episode of Creating the Future, we're doing something we've never done before. Using AI-generated audio based entirely on my doctoral research at Liberty University, this episode combines both the extensive literature review and the original field research from my Doctor of Strategic Leadership project, Effective Change Leadership Within an American Pentecostal Church. Drawing from hundreds of academic sources, leadership studies, church growth researchers, revival historians, and interviews with church leaders, this episode explores one of the most important questions facing the Church today: How can churches effectively adapt to a changing culture without losing their spiritual power, biblical convictions, or dependence on the Holy Spirit? This episode also focuses on my research of Greenhouse Church in Gainesville Florida. In This Episode you'll learn:  ✅ Why church decline continues across much of America while many churches around the world are thriving ✅ The difference between church growth and church health ✅ What the research reveals about revival, renewal, and spiritual vitality ✅ Why adaptation is essential—but compromise is deadly ✅ The surprising leadership characteristics consistently found in flourishing churches ✅ The role of authenticity, humility, and trust in effective ministry leadership ✅ Why prayer may be the most overlooked leadership strategy in the modern church ✅ The connection between discipleship and long-term church health ✅ What Pentecostal and Charismatic churches may uniquely contribute in an increasingly secular culture ✅ The relationship between God's presence, spiritual gifts, and church effectiveness ✅ What church leaders can learn from both scholarship and real-world ministry practice 📖 Key Discovery One of the most fascinating findings from both the literature and the field research was that thriving churches often share a common pattern: They remain deeply rooted in biblical truth while continually adapting their methods to reach changing people. They refuse to change their message, but they remain willing to change their methods. And perhaps most importantly, they consistently cultivate an atmosphere where people can genuinely encounter the presence of God. 📖 About This Episode This episode is a little different than our normal conversations. The audio was generated using AI technology based directly on the literature review and research findings from my doctoral project. Rather than reading hundreds of pages of academic research, you'll hear the key insights distilled into a conversational format designed to make the findings accessible, engaging, and practical. Think of it as the "reader's digest" version of a doctoral dissertation—without the footnotes. 📖 Connect ⛪ Greenhousechurch.org 🌐 BrentSimpson.com ⛪ MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Follow @DrBrentSimpson 📱 Follow @MyAriseChurch 🎧 Enjoying the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a pastor, church leader, ministry volunteer, or anyone passionate about the future of the Church.

What does it actually look like to walk away from God? After our recent Sunday message on conditional security, one question kept surfacing: "How does someone actually drift away from their faith?" In this episode, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Pete Kramer to explore what the Bible says about spiritual drift, apostasy, and how believers can recognize warning signs before they find themselves far from God. Most people don't wake up one morning and decide to reject Christ. More often, it's a slow drift—a gradual cooling of the heart, a neglect of spiritual disciplines, isolation from healthy Christian community, and small compromises that slowly move us away from where we once were. Together, Brent and Pete discuss: ✅ Why apostasy is usually a process, not a single event ✅ The biblical warning signs of spiritual drift ✅ The difference between struggling with sin and walking away from God ✅ Whether someone can accidentally apostatize ✅ Why Christian community is essential for staying spiritually healthy ✅ The role of conscience, conviction, and the Holy Spirit ✅ Deathbed repentance and the thief on the cross ✅ Practical steps to take if you feel yourself drifting spiritually Whether you're wrestling with doubts, concerned about a loved one, or simply want to strengthen your walk with Christ, this conversation offers biblical clarity, pastoral wisdom, and hope. The good news? No matter how far you've drifted, God's grace is still reaching for you. “Can I Lose My Salvation?” Watch this message that began this conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31PtAmDyuCg ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com

The baptism in the Holy Spirit has been one of the most debated, misunderstood, and life-changing experiences in the Church for generations. In this episode of Creating the Future, Dr. Brent Simpson and Pastor Ada Simpson sit down for an honest, biblical, and practical conversation about the baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, spiritual empowerment, and how the Holy Spirit transforms everyday believers. This isn’t a conversation about hype, emotionalism, or weirdness. It’s about power, intimacy with God, and living the Christian life the way it was always intended to be lived. Together, they discuss: • What the baptism in the Holy Spirit actually is — and how it differs from salvation • Whether this experience is for every believer or only certain Christians • What the Bible really says about speaking in tongues • Why so many believers feel spiritually exhausted and powerless • What to do if you’ve prayed to receive but nothing seemed to happen • How people actually receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit • How to navigate this topic when family members or spouses disagree • Why spiritual fire sometimes fades — and how to reignite it This episode is filled with biblical teaching, personal stories, pastoral wisdom, and encouragement for anyone hungry for more of God. Whether you come from a Pentecostal background, a skeptical background, or no church background at all, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to pursue a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️Check out my last message: https://www.youtube.com/live/Me5kZgmz-0s?si=t4mcfz-06kMlpin5

In Part 3 of this powerful 3-part series on women in ministry, Dr. Brent Simpson and Pastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at Arise Church, tackle the two passages most commonly used to prohibit women from speaking, teaching, or leading within the Church. For many Christians, these verses have shaped the entire conversation surrounding women in ministry. But are these passages being interpreted correctly? What was happening culturally and contextually when Paul wrote them? And how should modern believers approach difficult and debated Scriptures with both conviction and humility? In this episode, Dr. Brent and Pastor Pete carefully examine the historical context, theological interpretations, and broader biblical framework surrounding these controversial passages. Rather than avoiding the difficult texts, they walk directly into them, discussing both sides of the debate while challenging listeners to study Scripture deeply and thoughtfully. This conversation is honest, nuanced, and rooted in a desire to faithfully understand the heart of Scripture while remaining committed to biblical authority.  In this episode: • The two passages most commonly used against women in ministry • “Women should remain silent in the churches” explained • Understanding 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 • Historical and cultural context behind Paul’s words • Different interpretations Christians hold today • The importance of interpreting difficult passages carefully • How Scripture, theology, and church practice intersect • Why this conversation still matters in today’s Church ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com

In Part 2 of this important 3-part series on women in ministry, Dr. Brent Simpson is once again joined by Pastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at Arise Church, for a deeper conversation, exploring the positive biblical evidence for women serving in ministry, and leadership roles within the Church. Throughout church history, this topic has sparked passionate debate, difficult questions, and strong opinions. But what does the Bible actually reveal when we examine the broader narrative of Scripture, the ministry of Jesus, the early Church, and the women God clearly used throughout biblical history? In this episode, Dr. Brent and Pastor Pete discuss key biblical examples, theological perspectives, and practical implications surrounding women in ministry. They explore women leaders in both the Old and New Testaments, the role of women in the early church, and why many believers see strong scriptural support for women teaching, leading, prophesying, and serving in ministry today. This conversation is thoughtful, honest, biblical, and designed to encourage listeners to study Scripture deeply while approaching the discussion with humility and grace. ✨ In this episode: • Biblical examples of women leaders • Women in the ministry of Jesus • Female leaders in the early Church • Deborah, Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia, and more • How culture has influenced church practice • Why this conversation matters for the future Church • The importance of studying difficult topics biblically ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com Watch the Sermon Here.

In this episode of Creating the Future, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at Arise Church, for Part 1 of a powerful 3-part conversation on women in ministry and women leaders in the Church. Why is this conversation so important right now? Why do some Pentecostal churches affirm women in ministry theologically, but struggle to fully practice it practically? And how should Christians approach difficult conversations like this with both truth and humility? In this candid and thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Brent and Pastor Pete begin exploring the historical, theological, cultural, and practical tensions surrounding women in church leadership. They discuss the gap that sometimes exists between doctrine and application, the influence of church culture and tradition, and why this issue continues to shape the future of the modern Church. Whether you strongly agree, strongly disagree, or are still wrestling through the topic yourself, this episode is designed to encourage deeper thought, honest conversation, and a sincere pursuit of biblical truth.  In this episode, you'll learn: • Why this topic matters right now • Women in ministry in Pentecostal history • The difference between theology and church practice • Why some churches believe in women leaders but rarely platform them • Cultural influences on church leadership • How churches handle difficult theological conversations • Why this conversation impacts the future of the Church  Connect with Dr. Brent:  All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson  BrentSimpson.com  MyAriseChurch.com  Listen to the audio podcast: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. What’s Really Going On? You’re not crazy. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone. We are living in the most informed generation in human history…—and somehow also the most anxious, overwhelmed, and divided. In this episode, Dr. Brent breaks down what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Why does it feel like everything is getting worse… even when the data says it’s not? Why does your mind feel constantly overloaded? And what is the real cost of living in a world where you’re exposed to everything, all the time? This conversation will challenge the way you see your phone, your news feed, and even your own thoughts. What We Cover in This Episode: • The shocking rise in anxiety—and what changed around 2012 • Why your brain is overwhelmed (and it’s not your fault) • How social media and constant information are rewiring your thinking • The “negativity instinct” and why bad news sticks • Why the world is actually getting better—but feels worse • How misinformation is eroding trust and dividing society • What Socrates warned about—and why it matters today • The dangerous connection between information overload and anxiety • A biblical perspective on truth, clarity, and peace in a noisy world A Different Way to Live In a world drowning in noise, clarity is a choice. This episode isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about learning how to see clearly again. To filter wisely. To think deeply. And to anchor your life in something stronger than headlines and algorithms. Because peace isn’t found in knowing everything… It’s found in knowing what actually matters. Key Takeaway You are not overwhelmed because you’re incapable. You’re overwhelmed because you’re carrying more than you were designed to carry. Share This Episode If this episode helped you, share it with someone who feels overwhelmed right now. It might be exactly what they need to hear. Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 https://BrentSimpson.com 💬 https://MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the podcast here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/ Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode—these conversations grow because you help them grow.

In this episode of Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future… In 399 BC, a man was sentenced to death in Athens. No army. No violence. His only crime—he asked too many questions. So why does society feel threatened by someone whose only weapon is an idea? In this episode, we look at a pattern that shows up across history. From Socrates to Galileo, from Nelson Mandela to Martin Luther, there’s something consistent—when ideas begin to challenge the foundation of what people believe, systems of power respond. Because every system is built on shared beliefs, and when those beliefs are questioned, everything starts to feel unstable. We talk about why thinkers are often silenced, how asking the right question at the right time can shift the way people see the world, and why that can feel dangerous to those in control. This is where philosophy, culture, and faith all intersect. Even Jesus led this way—asking questions that exposed hearts and opened minds. My hope is this challenges you to think differently about the power of questions. Because the right question doesn’t just inform—it unlocks. And sometimes, the most disruptive thing you can do is simply ask what others are afraid to. ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️You can listen to the podcast here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

In this episode of Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future…What if the challenges we’re facing today aren’t new at all? What if they were identified over 2,000 years ago by a man who paid for his ideas with his life? In this episode, I kick off a new philosophy series by looking at Socrates—who he was and why his critique of democracy still matters. He questioned a system where every voice carries equal weight, regardless of wisdom, and warned that it could lead to decisions driven more by emotion than truth. We explore the danger of the crowd, why persuasion often wins over wisdom, and how societies don’t collapse overnight—they drift when truth is replaced by what people want to hear. My hope is this leaves you thinking differently—asking better questions about truth, leadership, and the future we’re building. ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️You can listen to the podcast here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

In this episode of Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future, I sit down with Pastor Vago Lightbourne from The Truth Center Church in Brandon, Florida for a timely and honest conversation. We’re tackling a cultural issue that has become increasingly common—and increasingly confusing: the overuse of the word “racism.” Somewhere along the way, disagreement started getting labeled as hatred. But is that accurate? And more importantly, is it helpful?In this conversation, we unpack the difference between being wrong and being racist, why labeling people too quickly shuts down meaningful dialogue, and how we as Christians can lead the way in truth, grace, and discernment. This isn’t about ignoring real racism—it exists, and it matters. But it is about having the wisdom to recognize that not every disagreement is rooted in a sinful heart. We also explore how to have difficult conversations without demonizing people, how to examine our own hearts honestly, and how to reflect Christ in a culture that often jumps to conclusions. This episode will challenge you to think deeper, speak wiser, and lead better conversations in your world. ✨ Connect with Vago Lightbourne: 💬 All Social Media: @VagoLight 🌐 https://www.mytcc.us ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️You can listen to the podcast here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

The case for the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just historical — it’s personal. And in Part 2, Dr. Brent Simpson brings it all the way home.   In Part 1, we built the foundation — the empty tomb, the minimal facts, and why every alternative theory falls apart under honest scrutiny. Now in Part 2, we go deeper. We look at the eyewitnesses. We examine what psychology and neuroscience say about the hallucination theory. We track the sociological explosion of the early church. And we walk through the cumulative verdict — fact by fact — until the conclusion becomes almost impossible to avoid.   If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, start there. Then come back here.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVER Why the eyewitness testimony in 1 Corinthians 15 is considered by scholars — including skeptical ones — to be among the earliest and most reliable records in all of ancient history The striking detail about women being the first witnesses to the resurrection — and why that detail alone is one of the strongest markers of authentic reporting The before-and-after transformation of the disciples: from terrified and hiding behind locked doors to boldly preaching in the same city where Jesus was executed — and what psychology says about that shift How the disciples died — Peter, James, Thomas, Andrew, and more — and why their martyrdom is considered the strongest evidence of sincere belief The sociological case: how the early church grew at 40% per decade in the very city of the crucifixion, and why sociologist Rodney Stark says it defies conventional explanation Why the hallucination theory doesn’t just fail theologically — it fails scientifically. Clinical psychologist Gary Collins and neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks explain why The cumulative verdict — eight confirmed facts laid side by side, and what the most reasonable conclusion actually is What Harvard Law co-founder Simon Greenleaf concluded when he applied legal evidentiary standards to the resurrection accounts The pastoral turn: what the resurrection means for death, forgiveness, transformation — and for you personally Stay connected and keep building: 💬  All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐  BrentSimpson.com 🏡  MyAriseChurch.com

What if the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just something you believe by faith — but something you can investigate with evidence? In Part 1 of this special Easter conversation, Dr. Brent Simpson makes the historical case for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not a church talk. Not a feel-good Easter message. A real, evidence-based conversation that takes the question seriously — and follows the facts wherever they lead. Whether you’re a lifelong believer who’s never dug into the evidence, a skeptic who thinks faith and reason don’t mix, or someone who’s just asking honest questions — this episode was made for you. Because at the end of the day, Christianity doesn’t ask you to check your brain at the door. It points to a historical event and says: go check. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVER Why the resurrection is the hinge everything in Christianity swings on — and what the Apostle Paul said about it that should make every Christian stop and think The Minimal Facts Approach — the historical method used by scholars across the theological spectrum, including skeptics, to examine the resurrection What Roman historian Tacitus and Jewish historian Josephus — neither of them Christians — said about Jesus’s death The stunning medical evidence from the Journal of the American Medical Association confirming what happened at the crucifixion Why the empty tomb is one of the most accepted facts in ancient history — even among non-Christian scholars The significance of more than 500 eyewitnesses — and why Paul’s challenge to go verify them is not the move of someone making things up The conversion of Paul and James — two of the strongest skeptics in the story — and what could possibly explain it Why the Swoon Theory and the Stolen Body Theory both collapse under honest scrutiny S. Lewis’s famous Lord, Liar, or Lunatic argument — and why there’s no comfortable middle ground CONNECT WITH ME: 💬  All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐  BrentSimpson.com 🏡  MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️  Listen to Creating the Future on Podbean and everywhere podcasts are found: Podbean: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

🔥 5 Reasons Christian Couples Have MORE & Better Sex Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson Where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jonny Turpin to tackle a topic that often gets whispered about in church—but deserves clarity, confidence, and truth: Why do Christian couples often report having more sex and better sex than their peers? Backed by research, Scripture, and real-life wisdom, this conversation reframes sexual intimacy not as something shameful—but as something designed, protected, and blessed by God within marriage. This episode is for: Married couples who want to grow closer Engaged or dating couples preparing for marriage Singles who want a healthy, biblical vision for intimacy Anyone curious whether faith helps or hurts intimacy (spoiler: it helps) 💡 The 5 Reasons We Discuss 1️⃣ More Intimacy (Not Just Sex) Christian marriage emphasizes whole-person intimacy—spiritual, emotional, and physical. You can have sex without intimacy, and intimacy without sex, but healthy marriages pursue both. 2️⃣ Less Porn, More Trust When couples follow God’s design, there’s less secrecy and fewer substitutes—leading to greater trust and freedom in intimacy. 3️⃣ Less Infidelity Shared faith builds accountability, commitment, and covenant thinking—reducing betrayal and strengthening security. 4️⃣ A Greater Sense of Service Christian love shifts intimacy from selfishness to service—moving from “What do I want?” to “How can I love and please my spouse?” 5️⃣ It’s God’s Will Sexual intimacy in marriage isn’t tolerated by God—it’s designed by Him. God wants married couples to enjoy one another fully and faithfully.   📊 What the Research Shows Sociologist Brad Wilcox (University of Virginia) notes: “Husbands and wives who share a common faith report more sex and greater sexual satisfaction than their peers… For most husbands and wives, more faith equals better sex.” — State of Our Unions Survey 2022 He also found that shared faith is linked to: Greater sexual fidelity Higher relationship quality Happier wives More stable marriages Faith doesn’t repress intimacy—it strengthens it. This episode reframes sex through a biblical lens—not with guilt or awkwardness, but with honesty, hope, and wisdom. God’s design doesn’t limit pleasure; it protects and multiplies it.   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the podcast on Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

🍓 Let’s talk about Dr. Brent’s Florida Strawberry Festival Favorite Food Alongside Pastor Jonny Turpin The Florida Strawberry Festival is officially open—and what better way to kick it off than talking about the food everyone comes for? In this lighthearted and local episode, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jonny Turpin to talk about their favorite places and must-eat foods at the Florida Strawberry Festival. From classic staples to can’t-miss treats, we share what we look forward to every single year and why these spots have become traditions for so many families. Whether you’re heading to the festival today or planning your visit later this week, this episode will help you eat wisely and joyfully. 🍰 A Few of the Festival Favorites We Talk About The legendary strawberry shortcake from Transforming Life Church The always-worth-the-wait corn dogs from Smitty’s Corn Dogs The famous, melt-in-your-mouth donuts from Peachy’s Donuts Along the way, we talk about: Lots of other amazing foods we recommend Local Plant City things to do. This episode is part nostalgia, part local love, and part food-driven joy—perfect for listening on the way to Plant City or while standing in line for your next snack. ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the podcast on Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. In this powerful episode, Dr. Brent sits down with David Bradshaw, founder of Awaken the Dawn, to unpack one of the most compelling modern prayer and worship movements in America. David shares the unlikely and faith-filled story behind how Awaken the Dawn was birthed, including the early steps of obedience that led to the first historic gatherings on the National Mall. What began as a simple “yes” to God became a national moment marked by worship, prayer, humility, and the tangible presence of God. This conversation goes beyond events and into the heart of revival—why God’s presence must always be paramount, how humility protects leaders from drifting into performance, and why God so often chooses what looks foolish in the eyes of the world to accomplish His greatest purposes. We also dive into Communion America, a movement filled with jaw-dropping testimonies and undeniable God stories, reminding us that unity, repentance, and simple obedience still move heaven today. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, intercessor, or believer hungry for more of God, this episode will stir your faith and challenge how you think about ministry, success, and revival.   ✨Connect with David Bradshaw: www.awakenthedawn.com   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: You can listen on Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found: 👉 https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Brent sits down with Dr. Michael Brown to talk honestly and deeply about revival—what it is, what it isn’t, and why the church must learn to discern it wisely. Dr. Brown shares firsthand stories from the Brownsville Revival, offering rare insight into what God was genuinely doing during that historic move, as well as the challenges, criticisms, and long-term fruit that followed. Rather than nostalgia or hype, this conversation focuses on spiritual discernment, biblical grounding, and lasting transformation. We also hear personal, behind-the-scenes stories from Dr. Brown’s time with two giants of the modern prayer and revival movement—Leonard Ravenhill and David Wilkerson. These moments reveal the weight, cost, humility, and prayer life that marked true revival leaders—far beyond public platforms and emotional moments. This is a sobering, encouraging, and deeply pastoral conversation for anyone hungry for a genuine move of God—and wise enough to want it rooted in truth.   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brown: www.TheLineofFire.org   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: You can listen on Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. In this episode, Dr. Brent sits down with Mike Santiago, lead pastor of Focus Church and one of the most respected voices in modern church planting and leadership. Pastor Mike has trained hundreds of church planters across the United States, helping leaders build healthy systems, sustainable growth models, and Spirit-led cultures that last. He is also a revivalist who travels extensively, carrying a deep burden for the move of God in this generation. This conversation goes deep into what actually builds strong churches—not just hype, but structure, leadership clarity, and spiritual depth. In this episode, we talk about: What effective church leadership looks like in today’s rapidly changing culture Why systems don’t replace the Spirit—but actually help steward revival Common mistakes churches make that keep them stuck under 200 in attendance Practical shifts that help churches break the 200 barrier and continue growing The balance between numerical growth and spiritual health How pastors can lead with both faith and foresight What the future of the church may look like in the next decade Why revival and leadership development must go hand in hand This is a must-listen conversation for pastors, church planters, staff leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the local church. It’s honest, practical, and deeply hopeful. 💬 Learn more about Focus Church: https://www.focus.church/ 🌐 Connect with Pastor Mike Santiago: @MikeSantiago on Instagram 🎙️ You can listen to the podcast on Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/ ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com

Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson Where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. In this powerful episode of Creating the Future, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Evangelist Pat Schatzline for a timely and Spirit-filled conversation about hearing the voice of God, the revival stirring around the world, and prophetic insight into what God is doing—and about to do—next. Together, they explore what it means to discern God’s voice in a noisy world, how genuine revival is marked, and why this current moment feels different from past spiritual movements. Pat shares insights from what he’s seeing globally, along with encouragement and caution for leaders, churches, and believers navigating a growing hunger for God. This conversation will challenge, inspire, and sharpen your spiritual discernment as we talk about revival that doesn’t just stir emotions—but transforms lives. In this episode, we cover: How believers can clearly hear and discern the voice of God The difference between emotional hype and authentic revival What’s happening in revivals around the world right now The role of spiritual leadership in sustaining a move of God Prophetic insight into the future of revival and awakening How to stay grounded, humble, and obedient during times of spiritual momentum About Evangelist Pat Schatzline Pat Schatzline is a respected evangelist and prophetic voice who has traveled extensively, ministering in churches, conferences, and revival settings across the globe. His passion is to see people awakened to God’s presence, truth, and purpose in this generation. ✨ Connect with Pat Schatzline at http://www.patschatzline.com/ ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the audio podcast on Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/ 🙏 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s hungry for revival and clarity in hearing God’s voice.

Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson — where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.In this solo episode, Dr. Brent unpacks one of the most important spiritual conversations of our time — revival.   This is not just a look back at historical awakenings… it’s a call to recognize what God is doing right now and how we must respond. In this episode, you’ll hear: 🔥 What revival really is Revival is not just emotional services, packed altars, or loud worship. Revival is God awakening hearts — starting with individuals — and then spreading into families, churches, cities, and nations. 🔥 Gen Z’s role in the coming revival Why this generation is uniquely positioned for spiritual awakening. Why hunger, honesty, and authenticity are marking Gen Z. And why God often chooses the young to carry fresh fire. 🔥 How we prepare for revival Revival doesn’t start in crowds — it starts in consecration. We talk about personal hunger, spiritual alignment, humility, prayer, repentance, holiness, and obedience as the real preparation for what God wants to do next. Dr. Brent also challenges listeners to stop merely talking about revival and start positioning themselves for it. This episode is for anyone who believes God is not finished with this generation… For anyone who senses a holy stirring… And for anyone who wants to be part of what God is about to do. If you’ve been praying for revival — this episode will help you understand how revival actually begins. Watch the Great Awakenings Revival at Arise Church here: https://www.youtube.com/@myarisechurch   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who is hungry for God’s move.

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. In this episode, Dr. Brent continues the Great Awakenings conversation with Pastor Ada Simpson by addressing one of the most important questions facing the modern church: How do we discern true revival from artificial spirituality? Using Jonathan Edwards’ historic work The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, Dr. Brent walks us through eight biblical tests that help separate genuine moves of God from emotional hype, spiritual excess, or personality-driven movements. Together, we explore why the church is especially vulnerable to strange fire in this generation, and how both cessationism and unchecked revivalism can lead believers away from healthy, Christ-centered spirituality. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why revival must exalt Jesus above experiences, gifts, and personalities • How conviction, repentance, and holiness mark genuine moves of God • Why love for Scripture is non-negotiable in authentic revival • How theology protects revival from emotional deception • Why love, humility, and compassion are evidence of God’s Spirit • How character change matters more than emotional encounters • Why perseverance over time proves revival’s authenticity • Why dependence on God increases when revival is real Dr. Brent also explains what Jonathan Edwards warned us not to use as proof of revival — including emotional reactions, physical manifestations, visions, or dramatic experiences. The conversation then shifts to modern revival culture, including: Why some revival movements resemble entertainment more than encounter • What it means to host heaven instead of hosting speakers • Why God’s presence matters more than church programs • How 1 Samuel 19 demonstrates true revival through God’s sovereign activity • Why authentic revival makes hype unnecessary Finally, Dr. Brent leaves listeners with one powerful question every Christian should ask when encountering any spiritual movement. This episode is not about criticizing revival — it’s about protecting it. If you care about awakening, holiness, discernment, and genuine moves of God, this conversation is essential.   🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com

In this powerful and timely conversation, Pastor Pete Kramer sits down with Dr. Brent Simpson for a wide-ranging discussion on awakening, wonder, revival, and what God is stirring in the Church right now. Using Arise Church’s annual “State of the Church” message as a backdrop, this episode moves beyond numbers and momentum into the deeper question of spiritual awakening—both personal and corporate. Dr. Brent reflects on salvations, baptisms, miracles, missions, and why awakening always begins within before it ever transforms a church, a city, or a nation. This episode is both pastoral and prophetic, calling listeners to move from form to fire, from routine to wonder, and from spiritual dryness into renewed hunger for God. 🔥 What’s Covered in This Episode Why the annual “State of the Church” matters more than statistics—it reveals spiritual health, not just growth • What stands out most from a year marked by salvations, baptisms, healings, deliverances, and global missions • Why so many Christians lose their sense of awe—and how wonder can be restored • The difference between renewal, revival, and awakening—and why the order matters • How the First Great Awakening was a rediscovery of the Holy Spirit and why that was revolutionary • The cultural, spiritual, and generational signs pointing toward another awakening • Why God is leading Arise Church into a season of fasting and revival now • What it really means to have “a form of godliness but deny its power” • The first step for someone who feels spiritually dry but deeply hungry • Why David’s prayer, “I will awaken the dawn,” is the right cry for this moment • A direct word to listeners who sense God stirring their hearts right now 🙌 Key Takeaway Great awakenings don’t start in crowds—they start in hearts. Before God awakens a church, He awakens a people. Before He awakens a people, He awakens you. 🎯 Call to Action If you feel hunger stirring, don’t silence it. Lean in. Create space. Awaken the dawn in your own soul. Join us in prayer, fasting, and expectation—and watch what God does next. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent ✨ All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 Website: BrentSimpson.com 🏡 Church: MyAriseChurch.com

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson “where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.” In this episode, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Dan Turpin, a retired pastor with over 50 years of ministry experience and more than five decades of practicing the spiritual discipline of fasting. This conversation goes beyond theory and into wisdom—what fasting really is, why Jesus practiced it, why He expected His followers to fast, and how to approach fasting in a healthy, biblical, and grace-filled way. Together, they unpack the heart behind fasting, the different types of fasting found in Scripture, how long a fast should last, and whether fasting is always about food or can include other forms of intentional surrender. Pastor Dan also shares practical insight on how to handle hunger, headaches, and fatigue during a fast, how to break a fast wisely, and who should not fast due to medical or life-stage concerns. They address common fasting mistakes many Christians make—such as using fasting to try to manipulate God, measuring spirituality by intensity, or simply skipping meals without spending time with God. This episode is especially helpful for anyone new to fasting, returning to fasting, or wanting to deepen their understanding of why fasting has been such a powerful and formative discipline throughout church history. Topics covered include: • Why Jesus fasted and why He said “when you fast,” not “if you fast” • Whether fasting changes God or changes us • Different biblical types of fasting • How long to fast and how often • Whether fasting is required or optional for Christians today • What to do when fasting feels physically difficult • How to break a fast properly • Who should and should not fast • Common fasting mistakes believers make ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ You can listen to the podcast on Podbean or anywhere podcasts are found: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, Where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. In this special 2025 Wrap-Up episode, Pastor Josh Jordan, Saturday Pastor at Arise Church, sits down with Dr. Brent Simpson to reflect on a year marked by healing, preparation, and deep personal formation. This conversation looks back at the books, podcasts, music, and themes that shaped 2025—and looks ahead to what God may be stirring for 2026.   📚 Dr. Brent’s Top Books from 2025 (Must-Reads) Dr. Brent shares the books that most shaped his thinking this year: From Broken Boy to Mended Man: A Positive Plan to Heal Your Childhood Wounds and Break the Cycle — Patrick Morley Second Half for the Man in the Mirror: How to Find Your Significance — Patrick Morley Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling — Nijay Gupta The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End — Neil Howe The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness — Morgan Housel Bonus pick: Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis — Scott Payne & Michelle Shephard   🎧 Dr. Brents Top Podcasts Worth Listening To Podcasts Dr. Brent Listens To: Sloth Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times — AJ Swoboda & Nijay Gupta Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture — Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) The Sean McDowell Show Top Creating the Future Episodes from 2025: 7 Questions for Reinventing Yourself for Life’s Next Season The Controversy & Crisis That Created Trinitarian Theology — Interview with Dr. Bryan Litfin What Quantum Physics Can Teach Us About Prayer — with Dr. Craig Sterling Bonus Episode: Easter Name Traditions Podcast   🎶 Dr. Brent’s Top Songs of 2025 Made for More — Josh Baldwin & Jenn Johnson (Bethel Music) When a Cowboy Prays — Brandon Lake Momma Loves Me — NEEDTOBREATHE   📖 All Books Dr. Brent Read in 2025:  Here is the complete reading list from last year: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos — Jordan B. Peterson A Love Journey with God — Marziyeh Amirizadeh A Million Little Miracles: Uncover the Supernatural Work of God Through Everyday Things — Mark Batterson And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle — Jon Meacham Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life — Jordan B. Peterson Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West — Cormac McCarthy Captive in Iran: A Remarkable True Story of Hope and Triumph amid the Horror of Tehran's Brutal Evin Prison — Maryam Rostampour & Marziyeh Amirizadeh Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis — Scott Payne & Michelle Shephard Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World — Tom Holland Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown — Eric Blehm Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus — Mary Shelley From Broken Boy to Mended Man: A Positive Plan to Heal Your Childhood Wounds and Break the Cycle — Patrick Morley Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069 — William Strauss & Neil Howe Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization — Brad Wilcox Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance — Bob Buford How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen — David Brooks Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter — T. Wright John Wycliffe: A Life From Beginning to End — Hourly History Living in the Line of Fire: How to Stand Strong Against the Attacks of the Enemy — Michael L. Brown Loved Like Never Before: Experiencing the Heart of the Father — Ken Shigematsu Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts — Oliver Burkeman Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ — Dallas Willard Redemption at Hacksaw Ridge: The Gripping True Story That Inspired the Movie — Booton Herndon Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering — Malcolm Gladwell Rivals!: Frenemies Who Changed the World — Scott McCormick Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind — Yuval Noah Harari Second Half for the Man in the Mirror: How to Find Your Significance — Patrick Morley Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You — John Ortberg Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-Down World — Stephen E. Strang Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God — Ken Shigematsu Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling — Nijay Gupta The Assemblies of God: A Chapter in the Story of American Pentecostalism — Edith L. Blumhofer The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy — William Strauss & Neil Howe The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End — Neil Howe The Generous Life: 10 Essential Virtues for Leading a Purposeful and Prosperous Life — Rob Ketterling The Joy Model: Seven Steps to Build a Joyful Life — Jeff Spadafora The Man in the Mirror: Solving the 24 Problems Men Face — Patrick M. Morley The Old Man and the Sea — Ernest Hemingway The Other Talent: A Story of Two Elite Athletes and the Power of Courage — Matt Fitzgerald The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness — Morgan Housel The Seven Mountains Mandate: Taking Your Place of Influence — Laurie Skipper The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives — Dallas Willard The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed — Bryan Litfin Think and Grow Rich — Napoleon Hill Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us — Seth Godin We Who Wrestle with God — Jordan B. Peterson While Time Remains: A North Korean Girl's Search for Freedom in America — Yeonmi Park Why Are There Differences in the Gospels?: What We Can Learn from Ancient Biography — Michael R. Licona You can shop the majority of these titles here! ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 Website: BrentSimpson.com 🏡 Church: MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: 👉 https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/  

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. Today I sit down with Pastor Ken McAnulty, Executive Pastor of Arise Church, for one of the most practical and needed conversations in the church today… What Should Modern Christians Think About Tithing? Tithing is one of the most misunderstood topics in modern Christianity. Some people feel guilty. Some feel confused. Some feel pressured. Others want to honor God but aren’t sure what it really looks like. This episode cuts through the confusion and gives you clarity, confidence, and a biblical foundation for honoring God with your finances.   We walk through the 10 biggest questions people ask about tithing, including: • Is tithing still required for Christians today? • Does it have to be 10%? Does regular giving count as a tithe? • Should I tithe on gross or net? What about bonuses or tax returns? • Who should tithe? Should pastors tithe? Should teens tithe? • Where should my tithe go—my local church or anywhere I feel led? • What if I’m in debt or feel like I can’t afford to tithe? • Does God really bless tithers? Am I cursed if I don’t tithe? • What if I tithe but don’t see financial blessing? • What if my spouse doesn’t want to tithe? • Does giving time or talent count as tithing? • And… can I automate my tithe or is that less spiritual? Pastor Ken brings pastoral wisdom, biblical truth, and decades of real-life ministry experience to help you understand God’s heart behind generosity. Whether you're new to tithing, wrestling with questions, or wanting to grow in your faith, this episode will help you move forward with peace and purpose.   ✨ If this conversation blessed you, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE. It helps the message reach more people just like you.   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson BrentSimpson.com MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Audio Podcast: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

In this episode, Dr. Brent sits down with Pastor Joshua Jordan — someone he has personally mentored for several years and who now serves on staff at Arise Church. What started as a simple Q&A on social media turned into a flood of mentorship-related questions, so today we tackle them head-on. This is a practical, honest conversation about mentoring, calling, spiritual growth, and what it takes to develop into the leader God has created you to be.   What We Cover in This Episode How to Choose the Right Mentor What to look for, what to avoid, and how to recognize someone who can genuinely help form your character and calling. Mentor vs. Spiritual Father We tackle the difference between receiving wisdom from a mentor and receiving identity, covering, and formation from a spiritual father/mother — and why both can matter. How to Approach a Mentor Practical steps for starting the conversation, honoring the relationship, and positioning yourself to grow. Discerning God’s Voice vs. Personal Ambition How to tell when a desire is from God, when it’s flesh, and how mentors help you untangle the difference. Growing Into a Calling that Feels “Too Big” What to do when God speaks identity over you that doesn’t match how you currently see yourself — and how mentors guide you into confidence, maturity, and Christlike character. Developing in the Five-Fold When You Lack a Mentor or Covering Can you grow without a person directly discipling you? Yes. Is there a healthier way? Absolutely. We talk through both. Can a Mentor Help You Grow in Spiritual Gifts (Like Prophecy)? How to develop gifts responsibly, biblically, and in community — and what healthy vs. unhealthy guidance looks like.   Why This Conversation Matters We’re living in a generation hungry for guidance, identity, clarity, and discipleship. Mentorship isn’t a luxury — it’s a biblical model of spiritual formation. This conversation gives you tools to: Find a mentor Become a mentor Discern God’s calling Grow in your spiritual gifts Develop into the leader God intended Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’re already guiding others, this episode will help you grow with wisdom, humility, and confidence.   Connect with Pastor Joshua Jordan @joshuajjordan   Connect with Dr. Brent 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Brent is joined by his wife, Pastor Ada Simpson — who leads all prayer and inner healing ministries at Arise Church. Together, they unpack how forgiveness brings freedom, restores peace, and breaks the spiritual cycles that keep people stuck. Ada shares from years of praying with people, leading freedom sessions, and seeing firsthand how the Holy Spirit heals hearts that choose the hard but holy path of forgiveness. This episode is practical, honest, biblical, and full of hope.   We walk through five essential steps to living in forgiveness:   Remember How Much You’ve Been Forgiven Forgiveness starts at the foot of the cross. If Jesus has forgiven us of so much, how can we withhold forgiveness from others? Remembering God’s mercy softens the hardest places of our hearts. (Matthew 18:32–35; Ephesians 4:32) Choose to Release the Offense to God Forgiveness is first a choice, not a feeling. We “let go” of the debt and entrust justice to God. Freedom begins when you stop holding the person hostage in your heart. (Colossians 3:13; Romans 12:19) Pray for the Person Who Wronged You Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. Prayer may not instantly change emotions, but it opens the door for God to change your heart posture and bring healing. (Matthew 5:44) Bless Instead of Repay Blessing someone doesn’t excuse their sin — it simply prevents you from becoming like them. Responding with goodness breaks the cycle of darkness and aligns you with the Kingdom. (Romans 12:20–21; 1 Peter 3:9) Walk Out Forgiveness Daily Forgiveness is often a journey. When old memories resurface, release them again. Jesus’ “seventy times seven” teaches us that forgiveness is a lifestyle of refusing bitterness and allowing the Holy Spirit to restore peace. (Matthew 18:21–22)   If you’ve been struggling with anger, offense, or hurt — this episode will help you breathe again. Freedom is possible, and forgiveness is the doorway.   Connect with Dr. Brent 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

In this gripping and eye-opening episode, Dr. Brent is joined by Nigerian pastor and leader Dr. Henry Oloruntobo to talk about the growing wave of persecution facing Christians across Nigeria. Few places on earth are more dangerous for believers — and few stories are more important for the global church to hear. Dr. Henry shares firsthand experiences, the spiritual climate on the ground, and the incredible resilience of believers who continue to gather, worship, and preach the gospel despite extreme violence and daily threats.   Why Nigeria Matters Nigeria is currently considered the most lethal place in the world to be a Christian. According to the latest persecution data: More Christians are killed in Nigeria than in all other countries combined. The global estimate is around 12 Christians killed every day, with a staggering percentage occurring in Nigeria. More than 380 million Christians worldwide face persecution or discrimination — and Nigeria is at the center of the crisis. Attacks on churches, pastors, villages, and Christian homes number in the thousands each year. The violence is fueled by extremist groups, political instability, tribal conflict, and targeted religious hatred. This episode confronts the heartbreaking reality — and the incredible hope — of Nigeria’s suffering but steadfast church.   What We Discuss in This Episode The current conditions for believers in Nigeria What life looks like for pastors, families, and churches in areas targeted by extremists. Why persecution is intensifying How radical groups, political dynamics, and spiritual forces are contributing to escalating violence. Stories of courage, survival, and faith Dr. Henry shares powerful real-life moments where God’s presence met believers in their darkest hours. How the global church should respond We talk about prayer, advocacy, support, and standing with our brothers and sisters as Hebrews 13:3 commands: “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison.” (NIV) A biblical lens on persecution Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 12:26 (“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it”) remind us that their suffering is our suffering — because the church is one body.   A Call to Pray and Stand With the Persecuted Church This episode ends with a challenge: The believers of Nigeria are not statistics — they are family. As the church in Acts showed us, the global body of Christ is called to respond with: Prayer Support Solidarity Courage Love Their faith under fire should awaken ours. You can connect with Dr. Henry at The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Good Seed Assembly. Giving to help the persecuted church can be done through Arise Church’s “Legacy” fund. Connect with Dr. Brent 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson — where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.   4 Steps to Not Being Triggered This Thanksgiving & Holiday Season with Dr. Kimberly F. Boone This conversation is a life-giving, wise, and hope-filled guide to navigating the holidays with peace. Dr. Kimberly Boone joins Dr. Brent to help you prepare your heart, manage emotional triggers, and enter the holidays from a place of freedom instead of frustration. Dr. Kimberly Boone is a Doctor of Christian Counseling in Clinical Psychology, a Certified Life Coach, and a woman known for her contagious joy, her prophetic encouragement, and her passion to see God’s people walk in freedom. She helps people break the lies that keep them bound and step confidently into their Christ-given identity.   In this episode, we talk about four powerful steps that can transform your Thanksgiving and your entire holiday season: Know Yourself and Accept Your Needs Understanding your emotional boundaries, capacity, and limits brings peace. Kimberly explains why self-awareness is a spiritual discipline — and how honoring your needs is not selfish, but wise. Acknowledge Any Trauma Holidays can surface old wounds. Kimberly walks us through the importance of naming pain, validating your story, and letting God heal what has previously been ignored or minimized. Recognize the Triggers Before the turkey hits the table, identify the patterns, people, environments, or conversations that tend to activate you — and learn how to disarm them with wisdom and grace. Be Kind to Your Heart This season, tenderness is not weakness. Kimberly shares how to partner with the Holy Spirit to walk in compassion toward yourself, slow down your internal reactions, and remain grounded in God’s love.   If you want to walk into Thanksgiving whole, grounded, and ready to respond instead of react — this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Kimberly Boone 🌐 Website: MyLifeRestoredCounseling.com and myarisecoach.com 📱 Social Media: @MyLifeRestoredCounseling 📚 Books by Dr. Kimberly Boone   Connect with Dr. Brent 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

This week on Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, I’m joined by family and marriage therapist Kingsley Grant — Who also serves as a keynote speaker, licensed psychotherapist, and leadership communication strategist — to talk about something we all need during the holidays: 👉 How to keep peace with your family at Thanksgiving — without losing your mind or your witness. Kingsley has spent decades coaching leaders and families on emotional intelligence and conflict navigation. His insights are practical, biblical, and incredibly freeing.   In this episode, we break down: ✅ The 5 Steps to Getting Along With Your Family This Thanksgiving Don’t Expect Thanksgiving to Be a Hallmark Movie “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18 → Peace starts with realistic expectations. Know What Triggers You — and Have a Plan “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise person quietly holds them back.” — Proverbs 29:11 → Awareness prevents blow-ups. Don’t Take the Bait — No Matter How Tempting It Is “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1 → Emotional maturity is spiritual maturity. Focus on the Good Stuff and Leave the Rest Behind “Give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 → Gratitude shifts atmosphere. Leave With Lots of Love, Less of Leftovers “Above all, clothe yourselves with love…” — Colossians 3:14 → Love is the lasting impression. 💡 Closing Thought “Peace at Thanksgiving doesn’t mean everyone behaves — it means you choose to stay steady when they don’t.” You can’t control the room, but you can control your response — and that’s where peace begins.   🔗 Connect with Kingsley Grant Social Media: @Kingsleygrant Website The Joyful Wife: 7 Connection Skills To Better Understand Your Husband Other Titles by Kingsley   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson Website: https://BrentSimpson.com Arise Church: https://MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Podcast (audio): https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. This week, I’m joined by Pastor Jose Medina from Arise Español for a heartfelt and practical conversation on how to speak a blessing over your children. If you’ve ever wondered what a biblical blessing looks like today—or how to tangibly pass faith, identity, and confidence to your children—this episode gives you a simple, Spirit-filled framework. What We Cover Why every child needs a spoken blessing, not just silent love • The biblical pattern from the Father blessing Jesus • When and how to establish moments of blessing in your home • A clear 5-part structure for a powerful blessing prayer • Practical language, Scriptures, and examples • How blessing calls greatness out and prepares children for their future The 5 Ingredients of a Blessing Identity — Name who they are and whose they are Scripture — Speak God's truth over their life Affirmation — Recognize character, gifts, and growth Commissioning — Call them forward into purpose and maturity Love & Affection — Seal it with connection, delight, and commitment The Pattern God Gave Us When the Father blessed Jesus, He spoke: • Identity — “You are my Son” • Affection — “Whom I love” • Affirmation — “With You I am well pleased” That divine pattern still shapes sons and daughters today. ✨ Example Blessing (Age 13 Rite of Passage) Father God, thank You for the gift of my son/daughter, [Name]. Today I affirm who You’ve made them to be. As Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52), I pray the same for [Name]. I bless you with courage to make wise choices, strength to resist temptation, and confidence in your identity as a child of God. You are my beloved son/daughter, and I am proud of you. May you know that you are never alone—for God is with you and I am with you. Feel free to use this language and make it your own.   Connect with Jose Medina Instagram: @josianmedinaa Arise Español: https://myarisechurch.com/espanol   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent 💬 Social: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Podcast Audio: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

In today’s episode, Dr. Brent guides you through a sacred self-inventory — not around your goals, but your identity with the help of Pastor Keren Emmauel (Arise Church’s Riverview Location Pastor). This episode is for anyone sensing a holy restlessness… that the season you’re in may be expiring, and something new is trying to be born. Using framework insights from Halftime by Bob Buford and The Second Half by Patrick Morley, Dr. Brent unpacks 7 catalytic questions that will help you clarify who you are becoming… before life decides it for you.     7 Questions from Today’s Episode: Who do I actually want — or need — to become in this next season of life? What parts of my current identity need to die so something better can live? What would obedience or faithfulness look like in this season? What grace is lifting — and where do I already sense new grace appearing? What pace is God calling me to run — compared to past seasons? What would be the bold move? What would be the wise move? What is the holy move? What specific goals should I now create, based on the answers above?   Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 📚 Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford https://www.amazon.com/Halftime-Moving-Success-Significance/dp/031034375X 📚 The Second Half: Real Stories, Real Men, Real Faith by Patrick Morley https://www.amazon.com/Second-Half-Real-Stories-Faith/dp/0310284290   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen on Podbean or any podcast platform: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/  

Welcome to Creating The Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future. In today’s episode I open up about the intentional rites of passage I created for my sons — including the moment I took one of them to Washington, D.C., laid hands on him, and called him into manhood. We explore: ·Why nearly every culture in history created rites of passage — and why the modern West is an exception ·The devastating effects of that vacuum (prolonged adolescence, identity confusion, reckless risk-taking) ·The one core question every boy is asking: Do I have what it takes? — and why that question must be answered by a father ·Biblical and historic roots of initiation and blessing (Bar Mitzvahs, Maasai warriors, Quinceañeras, baptism as a rite of passage) ·Neuroscience meets discipleship — why meaningful, emotional, set-apart experiences become permanently imprinted ·The 6 elements of a powerful rite of passage every father can create at any age ·Why fathers must speak identity and affirmation — or culture will do it for them ·A call to action for every dad, mentor, or leader listening This may be one of the most important conversations I’ve ever initiated — because if we do not initiate the young, they will burn down the village to feel the heat. ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 💬 MyAriseChurch.com  Listen to the Podcast Anywhere: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

📖 Episode Description: Smartphones are everywhere, and for today’s youth, they can be both a tool and a trap. In this special conversation, I sit down with Pastor Jeff Allen (Arise Brandon Location Pastor) and Arise Youth Leader Jiovanni Cintron to talk about everything parents should know before giving their child a phone. Together we unpack: When is the right age to give a child their first phone. The apps every parent needs to install to help guard against online predators and pornography. The warning signs that your child may be engaging with inappropriate content. How phones affect mental health, identity, and relationships in teenagers. Practical steps for building trust, accountability, and boundaries around technology. How parents can lead—not just restrict—so kids see phones as a tool, not a trap. This episode is filled with wisdom, practical tools, and candid conversation to help you parent with confidence in the digital age.   👤 About the Guests Pastor Jeff Allen: A leader with many years of experience around equipping families and students to navigate culture with wisdom and faith. Jiovanni Cintron: Arise Youth Leader, speaking from real-life experience working with teens in today’s smartphone-driven world.   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

📖 Episode Description: Few names in history spark as much debate as Christopher Columbus. For some, he’s a bold explorer who changed the course of history. For others, he represents oppression, cruelty, and colonization. But what’s the truth? In this special Columbus Day conversation, I sit down with Rafael Ortiz—author of Christopher Columbus The Hero and Christopher Columbus The Hero 2—to dig into the history, controversy, and modern revisionism surrounding Columbus. Together, we explore: Why Columbus has become one of the most polarizing figures in modern culture. The strongest accusations against him—and how historical sources actually measure up. What primary records (like journals and legal documents) reveal about his leadership. How 15th-century context changes the way we interpret his actions today. Why Columbus statues, holidays, and education have become cultural battlegrounds. What lessons we can draw from history about how to handle controversial figures today. Whether you’ve grown up celebrating Columbus Day or questioning it, this episode will challenge assumptions and invite you to see the story through a fresh lens.   👤 Guest Bio – Rafael Ortiz Rafael Ortiz is a researcher and author committed to re-examining the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus. His books, including Christopher Columbus The Hero and its sequel, tackle the accusations that have fueled modern debates, using primary sources and historical analysis to paint a fuller picture of the explorer’s life. 📚 Find Rafael’s books on Columbus here: https://www.christophercolumbusthehero.com/p/books-written-or-published-by-rafael.html   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

📖 Episode Description: In this episode, I sit down with Steven Widner, University of South Florida Chi Alpha Director, to unpack one of the most pressing questions facing young adults today: Is it a good practice to live together before marriage? Drawing from a detailed study and years of ministry experience, we tackle: The cultural rise of cohabitation and why it seems so normal. What research reveals about the long-term impact of living together before marriage. Why the Bible points us to a better way—and how this affects our walk with Christ. How cohabitation often undermines trust, commitment, and God’s design for marriage. Practical steps for those already living together who want to honor God moving forward. This honest conversation is designed to challenge assumptions, bring biblical clarity, and encourage young believers to pursue relationships God’s way.   👤 Guest – Steven Widner Steven Widner is the Chi Alpha Campus Director at the University of South Florida, where he disciples students, raises leaders, and addresses tough cultural issues with Biblical truth. His passion is helping young adults experience authentic community and walk in the fullness of God’s calling for their lives.   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

📖 Episode Description: In this episode of Creating the Future, we continue the More Than Me series with a powerful look at the mission of the Church. The Church is not just about attracting crowds or offering self-help. It exists to be a Kingdom outpost—a place where heaven touches earth. In this message we explore: Why the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future inheritance. How Jesus has given us power and authority to bring freedom, healing, and transformation. What it looks like to live as representatives of heaven in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Why operating in both power and authority is key to dethroning the enemy and enthroning Christ. How to recognize where satan has been given illegitimate authority—and how to take that territory back for God. This message will challenge you to step into your calling, see your life as Kingdom territory, and live as part of God’s unstoppable mission. 👉 Watch the original message here: https://youtu.be/Uq3FTLj-Pmw?si=8SPGPXaFbgmndOzS   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

📖 Episode Description: This bonus episode of Creating the Future steps aside from our normal rhythm to reflect on the personal character of Charlie Kirk in the wake of his tragic death. In a world full of soundbites and secondhand opinions, it’s vital to return to original sources if we want to understand truth. That’s why in this episode, we lean on the words of my friend and mentor Dr. Frank Turek, who knew Charlie personally and spoke about his life, faith, and integrity. Much of this episode is an edited version of Frank’s powerful podcast where he shares who Charlie was behind the scenes—not just the public figure, but the man he knew. We encourage you to watch the full conversation at your convenience here: 👉 Frank Turek on Charlie Kirk (YouTube) Together, let’s remember Charlie not only for his public voice, but also for the character that shaped his private life.   👤 About Dr. Frank Turek Dr. Frank Turek is a Christian apologist, speaker, and author of books such as I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist and Correct, Not Politically Correct. Through his ministry, CrossExamined, he has trained thousands to defend the faith with clarity and courage. Frank was also a personal mentor to Charlie Kirk. You can learn more about Dr. Frank Turek here: https://crossexamined.org/   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

📖 Episode Description: In this special 1700-year anniversary conversation on the Nicene Creed, I sit down with author and scholar Dr. Bryan Litfin to discuss his groundbreaking new book The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed. Together we explore: Why the early church used baptism creeds to shape faith and discipleship. The question: Was Jesus really God, or just a demi-god? How the Nicene Creed gave clarity to the divinity of Christ. What role race and ethnicity played in the early church—were some church fathers Black? The shock persecuted Christians must have felt when Christianity went from outlawed to endorsed at the Council of Nicaea. This episode will help you see the Nicene Creed not as a dusty artifact, but as a living confession of faith that still grounds the Church today.   👤 Guest Bio – Dr. Bryan Litfin Dr. Bryan Litfin is a professor, historian, and author dedicated to helping Christians understand the story of the early church. He holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Church History and has written multiple books, including both fiction and scholarly works. His latest release, The Story of the Trinity, unpacks the intense debates, courageous leadership, and powerful faith that gave birth to the Nicene Creed. Learn more about Bryan and his work at BryanLitfin.com. 📚 Get The Story of the Trinity here: Amazon Link   ✨ Connect with Dr. Brent: 💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson 🌐 BrentSimpson.com 🏡 MyAriseChurch.com 🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean