Power of OR - A podcast by and for Christian business leaders who want to be Spirit-led

Featuring: Jim Brangenberg  Org: iWork4Him  For years, Jim Brangenberg thought ministry happened primarily inside the church. Then God transformed his understanding of work, showing him that the workplace is one of the greatest mission fields in the world.  In this special episode of The Power of Or, host Brad Hawkins turns the microphone around and interviews co-host Jim about the experiences, convictions, and calling that led to the founding of iWork4Him. Jim shares how prayer, discipleship, and a fresh perspective on Scripture changed the way he viewed work – and why he believes every believer has a God-given assignment, both before and after retirement.  What You'll Hear in This Episode  How a daily prayer habit transformed Jim's view of work  The origins of iWork4Him and its mission to connect faith and work  Why every workplace can be a mission field  Lessons learned from interviewing more than 5,000 guests  The difference between discipleship as a program and discipleship as a lifestyle  How Jim and wife Martha have partnered in ministry for decades  Why retirement is not the end of your assignment, but the beginning of a new one  If you've ever wondered whether your work truly matters to God, this conversation offers a compelling conclusion!

Featuring: David Noble  Role: Financial Adviser, Pastor  What happens when God's direction doesn't make sense on paper? In this honest and deeply personal episode of the Power of Or podcast, David Noble shares the remarkable journey of balancing decades in financial services with a calling to ministry, discipleship, and radical obedience to God.  From growing up in a military family and moving 10 times before adulthood, to encountering Jesus at a young age, walking away from faith for years, and eventually surrendering fully to Christ at 28, David's story is filled with unexpected turns. He opens up about leaving a successful financial career to attend ministry school in North Carolina, pastoring a church that later closed, and learning how to trust God even when outcomes looked nothing like he expected.  Throughout the conversation, David, Bra, and Jim explore what it means to remain curious about God's purpose instead of becoming discouraged by setbacks. David also shares lessons from 33 years in the investment world, insights on fear and greed in the markets, the importance of hearing God together in marriage, and why relationships matter more than achievement.  What You'll Hear in This Episode  Why David believes discipleship matters more than simple conversion  The surprising story behind leaving financial services for ministry school  How he and his wife learned to make major life decisions in spiritual unity  What closing a church taught him about obedience and success  Powerful parallels between investing, narratives, fear, and faith  Why staying curious about God's plans changes everything  The importance of investing deeply in relationships  David's perspective on calling, transition, and why "I'm not done" still defines his life  Whether you're navigating career transitions, ministry calling, financial pressure, or simply trying to follow God faithfully through uncertainty, this conversation offers wisdom, humility, and encouragement for the journey.  In the end, David's story is a reminder that faithfulness is not measured by worldly outcomes, but by a willingness to keep saying yes to wherever God leads next. 

Featuring: Paul Nichols  Role: Retiree and Chaplain  What does a life of quiet faithfulness really look like? In this episode of the Power of OR, Brad Hawkins and Jim Brangenberg sit down with Paul Nichols, a retired manufacturing worker, longtime chaplain, pastor, husband, and faithful servant whose impact has stretched across decades of loving people well.  From factory floors and hospital rooms to funerals, Bible studies, and late-night phone calls, Paul shares how God used ordinary moments of service to transform lives. His stories are filled with wisdom, humility, humor, and a deep conviction that loving people where they are can change everything.  Rather than chasing recognition or comfort, Paul chose a life of consistency, compassion, and eternal perspective. His testimony is a powerful reminder that ministry is often messy, people are complicated, and love is still the most transformative force we can offer.  What you'll hear in this episode:  How Paul became a chaplain inside a manufacturing plant  Why "meeting people where they're at" matters so deeply  The challenges of loving difficult and broken people  Lessons learned from decades of ministry and listening  Why retirement doesn't have to mean checking out of purpose  Why Paul believes the key to life is simple: love people well  Paul's life is a picture of what can happen when someone quietly says "yes" to God day after day for decades. Whether he was praying with hurting coworkers on a factory line, helping struggling families at 2 a.m., or encouraging others through Scripture, his mission stayed the same: love others the way Christ loved him.  This conversation will challenge you to rethink influence, purpose, retirement, and what it means to truly serve people. If you've ever wondered whether small acts of faithfulness really matter, Paul's story answers that question with a resounding yes.