Here We Go Podcast

In this episode of HERE WE GO, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with pediatrician, speaker, and ministry leader Dr. Kishore Vellody to explore a remarkable journey from Hinduism to atheism to faith in Jesus Christ.Raised in a Hindu home outside Chicago, Kishore shares how his father's cancer diagnosis led him to question everything he believed, how science and medicine ultimately pointed him toward a Creator, and how reading Scripture with his future wife transformed his life forever. Along the way, he opens about the profound impact of his brother with Down syndrome, his calling to medicine, and his passion for helping families discover the dignity, value, and joy found in every human life.In This Episode:• Growing up in a Hindu family and wrestling with faith• How a cancer diagnosis led to atheism and deep questions about God• Discovering evidence of a Creator through medicine and science• Meeting Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew• Navigating family relationships after converting to Christianity• The lifelong impact of having a brother with Down syndrome• What people with Down syndrome teach us about love and dignity• Leading the Down Syndrome Center at Children's Hospital Pittsburgh• Common misconceptions surrounding Down syndrome diagnoses• Why families need information, hope, and community—not fear• Using medicine, ministry, and storytelling to point people toward Jesus• Finding God's purpose in suffering, uncertainty, and unanswered questionsTimestamps:00:27 Welcome 08:46 Kishore Intro10:33 Upbringing and Navigating a Hindu Home13:44 College Life, Questions, and Unexpected Christian Friendships15:42 How an Anatomy Lab Changed Everything17:06 Reading Scripture to Disprove Christianity20:00 Telling His Family He Had Become a Christian33:28 Lessons Learned from a Brother 36:50 A Calling to Care for Children and Families42:49 Addressing Misconceptions About Down Syndrome47:07 Supporting Families Facing a Prenatal Diagnosis53:57 Final Encouragement & Closing Thoughts👋 If this episode encouraged you: -Share it with a friend! -Leave a like! -Follow/subscribe wherever you listen👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

In this episode , Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with Jerrel Gilliam Executive Director of Light of Life Rescue Mission, for an honest and deeply challenging conversation about homelessness, dignity, justice, and seeing people through the eyes of Jesus.From growing up in Pittsburgh during seasons of racial tension to discovering a lifelong calling to urban ministry, Jerrel shares the experiences, faith, and family legacy that shaped his heart for serving others. Together, the conversation explores the realities behind homelessness, the myths and assumptions we often carry, and why simply seeing people matters more than we realize.In This Episode:• Jerrel Gilliam’s upbringing in Pittsburgh and his family’s story of faith• The influence of his father’s radical transformation through Jesus• Growing up between cultures and navigating racial tension• The journey that led Jerrel into urban ministry and service• The mission and heart behind Light of Life Rescue Mission• Common myths and misconceptions about homelessness• Why empathy and “seeing people” matters so deeply• Practical ways Christians can respond with compassion and wisdom• The difference between charity, dignity, and true neighboring• How Jesus consistently broke through cultural and social “boxes”• Why the Church must contend for both justice and compassionTimestamps:00:00 Welcome 10:06 Jerrel Intro12:00 Growing Up In Pittsburgh During Racial Tension17:50 Family, Competition & Growing Up28:20 Discovering A Calling To Urban Ministry34:32 The “Boxes” We Put People In40:45 Myths & Misconceptions About Homelessness50:00 Why Being Seen Matters So Much53:17 Practical Ways To Help People Experiencing Homelessness58:30 Deconstruction of The “Deserving VS Undeserving Poor” Concept1:10:30 The Mission & Future Of Light Of Life Rescue Mission1:24:40 Final Reflections & Encouragement👋 If this episode encouraged you:-Share it with a friend!-Leave a like!-Follow/subscribe wherever you listen👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

In this episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with attorney Chelsy Gevas from the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center to have an honest and thoughtful conversation about immigration, neighboring, and the heart of Jesus.While immigration is often treated as a political issue, this episode focuses on the people behind the headlines — refugees, asylum seekers, families, and neighbors navigating incredibly complex realities. Chelsy shares the story behind CIAC, how the ministry was born out of simply asking a local refugee community what they needed, and how God continues to use compassion and faithful presence to impact lives across Pittsburgh.In This Episode:• The origin story behind the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center• Why immigration conversations become so polarized• What Scripture says about loving the foreigner • The difference between refugees, asylum seekers, and immigration pathways• Stories of families navigating immigration challenges and separation• How fear and politics shape the way we see people• The role of the Church in caring for immigrants and refugees• Gospel as a framework for understanding Immigration• Practical ways ordinary people can love their neighbors wellTimestamps:00:00 Welcome & opening conversation15:15 Introducing Chelsy18:00 Beginnings of CIAC20:10 Chelsy’s story: law school, missions & calling24:24 Loving the local community29:40 Understanding refugees, asylum seekers & immigration pathways35:20 Process of CIAC Advocacy 37:00 Stories of families searching for belonging and safety41:20 Compassion & fear 47:45 What Christians are actually responsible for52:50 The temptation to oversimplify immigration52:50 Weaving Faith with Advocacy 01:01:50 Practical ways to support immigrants and refugees01:03:21 Final reflections & encouragement👋 If this episode encouraged you:-Share it with a friend!-Leave a like!-Follow/subscribe wherever you listen👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

In this episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting welcome back pastor, author, and friend Zach Meerkreebs for a powerful conversation about the Asbury Outpouring, revival culture, radical humility, and what it really looks like when God moves. More than a conversation about revival, this episode wrestles with the tension between authentic moves of God and manufactured hype—and why humility, curiosity, and surrender matter more than labels.In This Episode:• The story behind the Asbury Outpouring• Why Zach refuses to casually use the word “revival”• The role of humility and hunger in spiritual awakening• Powerful stories of confession, healing, and freedom• The hilarious and chaotic soccer team story• How discernment matters in moments of spiritual intensity• The difference between outpouring, revival, and awakening• The danger of hype, emotionalism, and spiritual branding• Why childlike faith still matters• Consecrated confidence vs pride• Zach’s book Lower and the call to radical humility• The heart behind Barnabas Collective and redeeming evangelism• How leaders can pursue renewal without losing heartTimestamps:00:00 Welcome Back & Introducing Part Two4:26 What Actually Happened At Asbury11:25 The Presence of God & Stories of Transformation16:30 The Soccer Team Story22:00 Revival Is Messy30:00 Revival vs Outpouring vs Awakening38:10 Radical Humility & Zach’s Book Lower45:00 Consecrated Confidence & Social Media Culture52:30 Barnabas Collective & Encouraging Leaders57:30 Worship Music, Friendship, and Final Thoughts👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting👉 Follow Zach Meerkreebs: @zachmeerkreebs

In this two-part special episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with pastor, author, and friend Zach Meerkreebs to explore the story behind the story. While many know Zach from the Asbury outpouring, this conversation goes deeper—into the formation, faith, and suffering that shaped his life long before that moment.This episode is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging—a reminder that God often does His greatest work in the hidden places of our lives.In This Episode:• Zach’s upbringing in a Jewish home and coming to faith in Jesus• How godly fathers and friendship drew him toward Christ• His early passion for evangelism and ministry• Walking through grief after loss• Wrestling with faith, prayer, and the character of God in suffering• What it means to stay close to God instead of withdrawing• The power of presence, friendship, and sitting with people in pain• Why you shouldn’t skip the story before the “moment”Timestamps:00:00 Welcome & Introducing Zach Meerkreebs07:05 Zach Is Here!11:40 Zach’s Story: Growing Up In A Jewish Home16:46 Early Evangelism & Calling To Ministry22:30 Esther’s Story: Diagnosis And Difficult News28:00 Choosing Faith In The Midst Of Uncertainty32:00 Learning To Sit With God Instead Of Striving35:30 What It Means To Rejoice In The Lord Always41:00 How To Walk With Others In Suffering45:00 Friendship, Presence, And Practical Care👋 If this episode encouraged you:-Share it with a friend!-Leave a like!-Follow/subscribe wherever you listen👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

In this Season 2 premiere, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting kick things off with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and honest conversation. From a Steelers vs. Packers bet and a worship song draft to a deeper look at calling, leadership, and the future of the Church.In This Episode:• Steelers vs. Packers fallout… and the jersey bet payoff• The NFL Draft coming to Pittsburgh and why it matters• A full Worship Song Draft across the decades• Songs that shaped our faith and church experience• How each of us discovered our calling into ministry• The growing leadership gap in the Church• Why fewer people are stepping into pastoral roles• The real pressures of ministry today: expectations, culture, and visibility• Burnout, identity, and staying healthy in leadership• The importance of relationships, community, and mental healthTimestamps:00:00 Season 2 Kickoff 02:50 NFL Draft Comes To Pittsburgh05:00 The Worship Song Draft22:00 Honorable Mentions + Worship Nostalgia28: 30 Leadership 41:00 The Church Leadership Gap51:40 Risk of burnout1:19:00 Healthy Leadership, Family, Boundaries01:16:00 Final Thoughts👋 If this episode encouraged you:-Share it with a friend!-Leave a like!-Follow/subscribe wherever you listenAnd if you’ve ever felt a nudge toward leadership or ministry, we’d love to hear your story.👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

“In this special Christmas bonus episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting reflect on holiday traditions, favorite Christmas movies, and the unique opportunities Christmas creates for the Church — offering practical insight for leaders and creatives during the busiest season of the year.” In This Episode:• Neighborhood Christmas decorations and holiday traditions• A fun “Mount Rushmore” draft of Christmas movies• Why Christmas is one of the most strategic moments of the year for churches• How churches can lean into their unique strengths during the holidays• Encouragement for creative and worship teams carrying heavy holiday workloads• How pastors and church leaders can better support their staff during Christmas Timestamps:00:00 Welcome Back & Christmas Decorations04:35 Mount Rushmore of Christmas Movies (Snake Draft)23:12 Christmas Movie Honorable Mentions & Debates27:44 Why Churches Should Leverage the Christmas Season37:41 Leaning on Your Church’s Strengths at Christmas50:50 Giving Your Congregation Invitational Tools57:17 The Burden on Creative Teams During the Holidays1:10:28 How Lead Pastors and Staff Can Encourage Their Teams 👉Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected].👉Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

“In this season finale, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting pull back the curtain on pastoral life — the calling, the cost, and the joy of leading God’s people with honesty, humor, and hope.” In This Episode: -Steelers, Packers and a pastoral wager  -When Communion goes wrong -Social media’s impact and the cultural pressure to “speak out” -The difference between personal conviction and biblical responsibility -What pastors actually do during the week -The beauty (and challenge) of church diversity -Understanding big vs. small church dynamics -The fivefold gifts from Ephesians 4 — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers -Why not every pastor can (or should) be great at all five -The importance of humility, empathy, and equipping the saints  Timestamps: 00:00  Welcome & Pastor Appreciation Month Treats  02:20  The World’s Crunchiest Communion Bread 04:30  Steelers Vs. Packers (Again) And A Pastoral Wager 08:13  Episode Theme: A Look Behind The Curtain Of Ministry Life 10:55  Social Media Pressures, “Speak Up Or Else,” And The Danger Of Consumer Christianity 17:34  Why Pastors Can’t Address Every Cultural Moment 21:32  Being Pro-Life “From Womb To Tomb” 24:31  Unity, Diversity, And The Apostle Paul’s Challenge 26:30  What Pastors Really Do Mon.–Sat.: Preacher, Shepherd, Leader 39:51  Shepherding The Church: What Care Looks Like In A Large Congregation 44:34  Why Pastors Can’t Do It All-And That’s Okay 47:42  The Importance Of Phone Calls, Handwritten Notes, And Presence 49:32  The “CEO” Role: Leadership, Organization, And Stewardship 52:00  Ephesians 4 And The Fivefold Ministry 1:06:02 Big Vs. Small Churches – Dynamics And Misconceptions 1:14:04 Urban Ministry; Diversity And Discomfort  1:29:53 The Call For More Pastors – Encouragement For The Next Generation  Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]. Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting Key Quotes: “If your pastor doesn’t say what you want them to say, that doesn’t make them unfaithful — it might make them wise.” “Every church has a context. Urban, suburban, rural — none of them are better, just different.” “Our job isn’t to do all the ministry. It’s to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” “In a multi-cultural church, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable — that’s how we grow in grace.”  Resources Mentioned: -Ephesians 4:11–12 – The fivefold gifts of the Church -Tim Keller: Church Size Dynamics – Article on church leadership and growth https://seniorpastorcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Tim-Keller-Size-Dynamics.pdf -Romans 12:18 – “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” -Christian Counselors Collaborative – https://www.cccpgh.org  

Tomorrow is Halloween, and you know what that means, loads of Christians are about to lose their minds on social media!  In this episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting tackle one of the most divisive topics in the church calendar: how should Christians approach Halloween and other cultural holidays? From trick-or-treating debates to Santa Claus controversies, they dive into the tension between personal conviction and biblical mandate.  In this episode: -Why Halloween might be the BEST night to be a neighbor -The truth about "pagan" traditions (spoiler: it doesn't mean what you think) -Jesus: The Original K-Pop Demon Hunter?? -How to handle cultural holidays without losing your mind OR your witness -Why your personal convictions don't have to become everyone else's  -The great candy debate (and a homage to Almond Joy) Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Shoutouts  1:30 - Halloween Candy Taste Test Begins  4:00 - Christians Losing Their Minds Over Halloween  6:14 - Pastor Alan's Fall Festival Fail  8:14 - Why Halloween is Peak Neighbor Night  11:00 - What’s in Your Headphones: Scary Movies Worth Watching  14:12 - The Real Question: Why Participate in Halloween?  18:27 - What Does "Pagan" Actually Mean?  19:59 - The Consistency Test for Cultural Boycotts  24:05 - Personal Conviction vs. Biblical Mandate  31:40 - Navigating All the Cultural Holidays  37:40 - The Santa Sermon that Went Wrong  38:42 - Making Space in the Church  40:00 - Bad Bunny, the Super Bowl and Being a Good Witness. 46:40 - The Truth About Loving People and "Stepford Christianity"  50:05 - Practical Advice for Halloween  51:40 - Gross Candy and a Homage to Almond Joy  Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]. Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah  Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting  

Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting are joined by Dr. Larry Heimann—Carnegie Mellon University professor, MIT grad, ACAC elder, and AI expert—for a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation about artificial intelligence. Together the crew unpacks how AI is shaping everyday life, from sermon prep to software design, and explores the theological and ethical implications of this rapidly changing technology. With depth, humor, and humility, they wrestle with what it means to be faithful image-bearers in an age of machines that “think.”In this episode:·       Using AI in ministry (and what “AI-assisted, not AI-generated” means)·       Dr. Heimann’s journey to finding Christ at MIT·       The difference between machine learning and generative AI·       Examples of AI in daily life·       The human side of technology: why spiritual encounter still matters more than information·       Ethical guardrails, hallucinations, and how faith can influence technology for good·       Raising and mentoring the next generation to be wise AI usersTimestamps00:00 Welcome & banter – “This one’s a heady one!”00:54 Who is Dr. Larry Heimann? (CMU, MIT, ACAC elder)02:30 AI use in ministry life07:10 “AI-assisted, not AI-generated” – finding healthy boundaries12:07 The danger of skipping the hard work of learning15:22 Meet Dr. Larry Heimann27:33 “What’s in your headphones?” – from Bach to Biggie33:01 Teaching app development & getting under the hood36:18 What is AI? (Machine Learning vs. Generative AI)46:20 The morality question: will AI replace or rule over us?57:00 AI, bias, and the problem of “hallucinations”1:09:53 Creativity, laziness, and preparing the next generation 1:19:43 Guardrails for families and healthy habits with tech1:26:18 Closing thoughts & takeawayResources Mentioned·       Evidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell·       More Than a Carpenter – Josh & Sean McDowell·       Wesley Huff – Christian apologist and speaker (YouTube / podcast)·       Frank Turek – CrossExamined (podcast, books, and videos)·       The Bible Project – Podcast & resources on biblical theology·       Honestly with Bari Weiss – cultural and current events podcast·       Wrinkly – Bible memorization app for iOS & Android (created by Ryan O’Dowd, mentored by Dr. Heimann)Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected] Alan Hannah: @alan_hannahFollow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with a special guest—Alan’s daughter, Alex Hannah—for an honest, funny, and very candid conversation about growing up with a pastor for a parent. From family pranks to missed birthdays, from church expectations to personal faith, Alex opens up about the ups and downs of being a “PK.” In this episode: -Growing up as a pastor’s kid: blessings and pressures -The perfect prank -Unspoken expectations & church-culture pressure -When ministry collides with family -Learning to rest, set boundaries, and show up for what matters -Alex’s reflections on finding her own faith -Why curiosity, grace, and authenticity matter most Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & intro banter 02:10 The “Real lives of pastors’ families” 09:22 Alex Hannah Intro 11:47 “What’s in your headphones?” music chat 17:34 Mixtapes, playlists & Pandora 20:13 The ultimate Aprils Fools prank 23:12 Growing up in church 25:30 Pastor’s-kid pressure 33:51 When church competes with family 41:26 Boundaries, rhythms and healthy ministry life 44:44 “Always on” – life in and out of the pulpit 56:26 How can congregations support pastors’ families 1:00:05 Closing reflections & wrap-up 👉Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]. 👉Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 👉Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting dive into the topic of evangelism—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to share your faith authentically. From “horror stories” of cringeworthy evangelism to a lighthearted Gen Z slang quiz, the conversation blends humor with practical wisdom. The guys also tackle big questions about global missions, cultural imperialism, and living out the Great Commission today. In this episode: -Evangelism “horror stories” and what not to do -Stats from Barna on how Christians view sharing their faith -Why evangelism isn’t just the pastor’s job -The power of authenticity, humility, and empathy -Gen Z slang quiz (slay, no cap, skibidi, and more) -Practical tools: the BLESS method & Front Yard Mission -Global evangelism vs. cultural imperialism -How to write and share your story Timestamps 00:25 Welcome & banter 02:00 Evangelism “horror stories” 06:45 Stats on faith conversations (Barna Research) 09:40 Gen Z slang quiz 19:10 Evangelism isn’t just for pastors 24:45 Authenticity, empathy, and sharing faith naturally 34:06 Practical tips for effective evangelism 43:02 Global missions & cultural imperialism 49:14 Takeaways and conclusion 👉Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at [email protected]. 👉Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 👉Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting welcome their first guest—Kent Chevalier, chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers—for a conversation about faith, football, and fame. From sideline prayers to the culture set byCoach Tomlin, Kent shares what it means to follow Jesus while navigating thepressures of celebrity and performance. The guys talk about fandom versus worship, the call to “deflect the glory,” and how humility, discipleship, and hidden faithfulness matter in both the NFL and everyday life.In this episode:·      Kent’s journey to becoming the Steelers’ chaplain·      Then fine line between fandom and worship·      Faith and humility in a culture of celebrity·      What it looks like to “deflect the glory” on and off the field·      Guarding our hearts against idolatry in sports, church, and culture·      Why secret service and hidden faithfulness matter more than platformTimestamps 00:25 Welcome & banter (Packers vs. Steelers) 11:10 Introducing Kent Chevalier 21:10 Faith, fame & football in Pittsburgh 24:35 The culture of Coach Tomlin 32:23 From fandom to fanaticism 34:25 “Deflect the Glory” – Kent’s challenge to athletes (and us) 01:06:48 Everyday faith: living with humility 01:11:24 What’s in Kent’s headphones 01:14:43 Closing & Takeaways 👉Subscribe and Share👉Send us your feedback at [email protected] Alan Hannah: @alan_hannahFollow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweetingFollow Kent Chevalier: kentchevalier.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Here We Go! Pastors (and friends) Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting launch the podcast with a candid conversation about faith, culture, and everything in between.This isn’t a football podcast (sorry, Steelers fans). Instead, it’s a space for grace-filled discussions about what it means to follow Jesus in the messy overlap of church and culture.In this episode:• The story behind the name Here We Go• Alan & Spencer’s ministry journeys (worship leading, church planting, pastoring)• When Christians overreact to culture—from comic books to Dungeons & Dragons• What it means to live “in the world but not of it”• Why unity matters more than personal preferencePlus: what’s in their headphones and a preview of Season 1 guests—including Steelers chaplain Kent Chevalier and Carnegie Mellon professor Dr. Larry Heimann.Timestamps00:00 Welcome & Launch00:38 Why “Here We Go” 03:10 Meet Your Hosts 09:40 Faith & Culture 15:55 What’s in Our Headphones 21:10 Cultural Panics 32:20 Unity Over Division 35:53 Village vs. Chameleon Christianity 48:30 Jesus & Unity 59:37 Season Preview 01:02:39 Closing👉 Subscribe and share this episode!👉 Send us your feedback at [email protected] Alan Hannah: @alan__hannahFollow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting