The Misfit Messengers Podcast

We’re back for Episode 151! This week, Jenny and Amanda are tackling a topic that often gets misunderstood, avoided, or just plain done wrong: Fasting. If you’ve ever thought fasting was just a "spiritual hunger strike" to get God’s attention, think again! We’re diving deep into Isaiah 58, where God pulls no punches about what kind of fast He actually wants. Spoiler alert: It’s less about skipping lunch and much more about breaking chains.

Big milestone alert! We’ve hit the big 1-5-0, and to celebrate, Amanda and Jenny are getting back together for a deep dive into one of the most personal corners of the New Testament: The Book of Philemon. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it was originally just a private letter—but it packed such a punch for the early Church that it became Scripture! We’re looking at how a messy situation between a runaway slave and his master became the ultimate blueprint for restored relationships. Whether you're dealing with a friendship fallout or just love a good redemption story, this one is for you. Let’s celebrate 150 episodes together!

Ever felt completely overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of God? We’ve all been there! This week, we are diving into the breathtaking scene in Isaiah Chapter 6. We’re breaking down the prophet Isaiah’s life-changing encounter with the Almighty—think high-flying seraphim, shaky foundations, and a serious realization of human frailty. It’s a powerful look at what it truly means to encounter Holiness, and more importantly: How are we supposed to respond?

Episode 148: Under New Management! ⛓️🙌 This week, we’re cracking open Romans Chapter 6 for a dive into one of the most paradoxical, challenging, and ultimately freeing concepts in the New Testament: what it actually means to be a "slave to Christ." It sounds heavy, but trust us—it’s a game-changer. We’re breaking down the shift from being "slaves to sin" to finding true life under the "mastery" of Grace and how being "bound" to Christ is actually where real liberty starts.

Guess Who’s Back?! 🎙️ Hey friends! The wait is over—we are officially back in your ears! To kick things off, we’re taking a little trip back in time. These next three episodes were actually recorded during the heat of the summer, but don’t let the "back-dated" status fool you—the energy is fresh, and we are officially back in the studio recording new content as we speak. Get ready for some (hopefully!) great topics and even better conversation. This Week’s Episode: Live from CBLI We’re diving into the deep end with our first episode, and we brought backup! We sat down in person with our awesome friends, Andy and Corey Wheeler, at The Salvation Army’s Central Bible Leadership Institute (CBLI). Together, we’re unpacking the Book of Philippians—finding joy, perspective, and maybe a few laughs along the way.

Thank you for your patience. This summer has created quite a challenge to our ability to record, edit, and publish episodes for the podcast.  In today's episode, we chat about grace. How does our understanding of grace change over time? As we grow in faith and maturity, how do we deepen or adjust how we show and receive grace? Join us in the conversation on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast.

How do you understand the character of God—do you see Him more as just, loving, both? That's the question we tackle in today's episode. And how do we live out the understanding of God's character?  Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast Merchandise available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

We welcome back Justin Steckbauer to the podcast to talk about hearing and obeying GOD's call on your life, even when it's not what you expect. Hear his story of confirming GOD's call to another ministry opportunity.  How do you best hear GOD's voice? Where do you meet with GOD?   Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast Merchandise is still available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

In today's episode, we talk about radical stories of answered prayer inspired by Jenny's reading of Dirty Glory by Peter Greig. What does your prayer life look like? What does following Jesus mean to you? What does it look like? A foundational building block to building a relationship with Jesus is prayer. What is a wild story of GOD's answering prayer in your life? Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We have t-shirts and such available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX  Proceeds of sales go to the worldwide efforts of The Salvation Army.

The clothes make the man is a long-used phrase. Does it matter what we wear? Throughout the Bible, there are many references to clothes, not just physical ones, but spiritual and metaphorical ones as well. In today's episode we chat about a few different images of clothing through the Bible.  Speaking of clothing, we do have t-shirts and sweatshirts still available. Proceeds from sales go to the work of The Salvation Army throughout the world. https://shorturl.at/fxCJX   We aren't much for social media, but we are on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast

Going back to Genesis, Adam and Eve, the serpent, the first disobedience. What does that mean now? Why are we so easily deceived? Why is self-control so hard?  Friends, satan wants to keep us deceived. If you find yourself believing the lies of the enemy, pray for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to them, to speak truth to you. He will answer those prayers. Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We have t-shirts and sweatshirts available here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

Today we welcome back guest Katelyn North to the podcast to talk about listening for and obeying the voice of the GOD. The GOD who spoke to Moses through the burning bush is the same GOD who speaks to His people today. How can we listen for His voice in the noise of the world around us?   Merchandise available here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX Check out the rest of our episodes: https://themisfitmessengers.podbean.com/  

Today, we continue our conversation about Jessie Penn Lewis's book Soul & Spirit , discussing the different types of Christians: carnal, soul-ish, and spiritual. How can we grow in our faith walk? How can we become more spiritual (GOD-conscious) as we live for His glory?  And don't mind Amanda's dive into weirdness...it's been a long week.  Catch us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast Also we still have t-shirts available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

What's the difference between the soul and the spirit? Can you be a Christian and still live in the flesh or in self-will? Come along as we chat about these topics. There's always more when growing in relationship with GOD. We can never plumb the depths of who GOD is.   Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast Find t-shirts and sweatshirts here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

Listen as we discuss Matthew 7:24-27 where Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with words about wise disciples putting His words into practice and those who don't. Following Jesus means listening and doing what He has taught us. Jesus' teaching is generally straightforward but rarely easy to do. Reach out to us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast  

Amanda shares some of her experiences in Greece and Turkey on a trip following in the footsteps of the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. What happens if we dig deeper? In life? In the dirt? In the Word of GOD?  And what can happen if we build deeper relationships with people?  Have a suggestion or comment? Reach out on Facebook: the Misfit Messengers Podcast We do still have merch available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX  

Corey joins us on today's episode, talking about an amazing Old Testament story from 2 Kings 6 where the LORD shows up in a supernatural way. Check out 2 Kings 6:8-23 for the whole story. What would our lives look like if we asked for GOD to open our eyes to what He is doing in the world? What would that boldness mean for our faith? GOD is doing incredible things in this world. Do we have the eyes to see? Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We have t-shirts and such available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

"God forgave me, a shoe thief." Listen as we share stories of the awe and wonder and love of GOD. GOD can even forgive shoes thieves, and you, and us. And what's an Ebenezer you ask? Or maybe you don't ask, but we'll talk about it anyway. It's not the Scrooge guy, but a beautiful picture of the help of GOD. Where can you see and feel the wonder of GOD? If you look for it, you will find it. Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We still have t-shirts and such available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

Today we host guest Justin Windell. We discuss his current sermon series on the Gospel of Mark and what it looks like to share the "seeds" of the Gospel with people. In addition, we chat about leadership and discipleship. Join us for the conversation! Have any questions, thoughts, or ideas? Reach out on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast. We still have merch available. Find it here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX Blessings on your week, friends. May GOD bless you so that you can bless others!

Matthew 16:24-26 challenges believers to surrender fully to Christ, but with surrender comes freedom. Listen as we chat about what it means to surrender and how often our unwillingness to surrender is the source of pain and discomfort.  Also, don't be a six-year-old who insists on wearing Krocs and shorts in negative-degree winter temperatures, figuratively in your spiritual walk. Listen for that story! We still have t-shirts and such available. Find them here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX We'd love to hear from you. Reach out via Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We are grateful to those of you who do send us a note. Thank you!

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD." - 1 Corinthians 1:18 GOD has a tendency to use people that the world overlooks for His purposes in Kingdom work. We have felt that way most of our life. Today we talk about the power of GOD in the message of the Gospel, which can seem like foolishness to those who do not know Jesus: "For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than human strength." - 1 Cor. 1:25  

What does the word covenant mean to you? It seems an old fashioned word or maybe one just used in religious circles. Today we chat about what it means to be in covenant relationship with GOD. Our relationship with GOD is just that, a relationship; not transactional, but a relationship which is transforming at its heart. What do you think? We'd love to hear from you. Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We do have t-shirts still available at: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX All proceeds from sales go to the work of The Salvation Army around the world.  Remember friends, GOD blesses us so that we can bless others!

We welcome guest Justin Steckbauer on the podcast in today's episode and take a deep dive look into holiness and holy living in surrender to the Holy Spirit. Justin was with us at the training college studying to become Salvation Army officers. While we were there we held a weekly conversation called Tea & Theology where we discussed deep faith and Bible related topics. Having him on this week felt like the good 'ole days of Tea & Theology.  We still have t-shirts available. Find them here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX All proceeds from sales go to The Salvation Army's work around the world. Have a blessed day!

Hope. What does that word mean to you? Is it something in the realm of fairy tale land, or is it a real and living thing? Today we look to the prophet Jeremiah to find hope even though arguably one of the most difficult chapters in the history of Israel in the Old Testament. He speaks of a hope that acknowledges the reality of life, not like those perpetual optimists who wouldn't believe Jerusalem could be destroyed. A hope through the storm.  GOD has been faithful in the past, HE is faithful now, and HE will be faithful in the future. That's a real hope!

Happy New Year friends! Today, we chat about being in the presence of GOD as an intentional practice that can help alleviate stress and anxiety while building our relationship with our Creator GOD. What are practices you use to maintain and build your relationship with GOD?  January is as good a time as any to start some new habits. Maybe practicing GOD's presence can work for you.

Firstly, we hope you are having a blessed Christmas season. Never forget Jesus at the center of our hope. Secondly, today's episode we dive into a conversation about failure in leadership. How can we fail well? How can we take our failures and learn and grow from them? Join the conversation on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast. May your 2025 be a year filled with blessings and opportunities for growth. Lean into the Holy Spirit for your strength!

What comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Toys? Santa? Trees, lights, crazy schedules?  Jesus is the reason for Christmas, His birth, His coming to earth to save the people from their sins—Jesus as Immanuel, GOD with us. Jesus provides the rescue for us from our sins and leads us to life in Him. That's the best message for Christmas. Have any questions or comments? Reach out to us on Facebook: the Misfit Messengers Podcast. We still have t-shirts available. Find them here:  https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

Today, Amanda shares a heartwarming story from Thanksgiving about redemption and reconciliation. Know that no matter how far away from GOD you might feel, He is right there waiting and wanting you to come. He wants a relationship with you. Also, we experienced a few technical difficulties towards the end of the episode so bear with us. We still have t-shirts available for purchase if you'd like one. They can be found here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX All proceeds from sales go to The Salvation Army World Services which helps the work of The Salvation Army around the world. Have a suggestion or comment? Reach out to us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast.

Jesus + nothing = everything! Do we love Jesus with no strings attached? Do we follow because of who He is or what He can give? As we grow in our walk, may we learn to love with no strings attached. Sorry for the delay in release (though you might not have even realized it), I was sick last week and unable to get this episode out on time. So bonus: you get two episodes this week. We pray you all were able to have a beautiful Thanksgiving. 

The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree in the gospel of Mark may strike some as an odd story to include. We agree, but we take some time today to talk about why Mark has included this story and what it might mean for Christians today who pretend to be something they are not.  People crave authenticity. It is a human need. Are you an authentic person? God knows the real you anyway. Let's find freedom to be ourselves in Christ and His community of faith.

Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" is one of the most misused quotes from the Bible. Today, we talk about contentment and peace as a fruit of thankfulness. We place Philippians 4:13 into its context, where Paul uses it to describe his ability to have contentment, whether he is full or hungry or has nothing or much.  The world teaches us to be unsatisfied with our current situation and that we need more or better things. In Christ, we can find contentment that brings peace no matter our circumstances.  Have a comment, suggestion, or question? Reach out on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We still have merchandise for sale if you'd like:  https://shorturl.at/fxCJX  All proceeds from sales go to The Salvation Army's work around the world.

What happens when you follow GOD, but He calls you to something different? How do you know what you're hearing is from GOD? What happens when your plan and GOD's plan seem to diverge? Listen as we think and chat about these things.  We don't have all the answers. We are seeking GOD's will for our lives every day. Sometimes it seems easy to clearly hear GOD speaking. Other times we cannot. We take a look at Acts 16 where Paul hears from the LORD to leave the province of Asia and go to Macedonia. His ministry seemed successful in Asia, what is GOD doing?  Have some thoughts, suggestions, or topics you'd like us to discuss? Reach out on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast 

Habakkuk is not one of those books often looked at by Christians in the modern world, but it sure does speak to the times we live in today. Habakkuk lived in a time of political corruption, perverted justice, violence, and economic distress. Sound familiar? His open honesty before God are words we echo today. How long oh LORD?  How can we have hope through difficult times? How can we keep faithful when the world around us is so chaotic? We must trust that GOD has a plan. And He does. So, we press on through the valleys and the mountains, in the storm, and on sunny days. We press on in the strength and confidence only GOD can give.

Today, we welcome guest Shannon Forney to the podcast. Shannon has been a faithful listener from the beginning and has years of ministry experience in a wide range of Salvation Army contexts. Listen as we chat about growth in our spiritual walk, the stretching that happens by serving in a variety of places, and how GOD continues working faithfully through it all. Have a question, comment, or topic suggestion? Reach out to us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We still have merchandise for sale if you are interested. Profits from sales go to the work of The Salvation Army across the world. https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

Discipline can be hard. Crafting daily rhythms to grow in being a follower of Jesus takes intentionality and effort. In today's episode, we chat about discipleship and a thing called, "A Rule of Life" which is a set of practices and guidelines that help structure a person's life and deepen their relationship with God. How do you grow in your relationship with GOD? What intentional practices do you do each day, week, or month, to deepen your walk with Jesus?  Our walk can have seasons of growth or stagnation, even regression. What are ways to help be consistent as we follow the LORD? Want to get in touch with us? Reach out on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast

In today's episode we begin our conversation at Ezra 7:10 - "This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel." (New Living Translation). Seeking to follow God means studying and obeying His Word, as well as teaching it to others to do the same. God continues to daily mold and shape us into the people He has called us to be. Got any ideas, thoughts, comments? Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast  We pray God will bless you today and every day so that you can share His blessings with those around you.

Ephesians 6:16 reads, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (New International Version). What happens when the Church gathers together with our shields to help protect each other's vulnerabilities? When our faith falters, or we struggle with the enemy's arrows? Let us be better at helping one another in the kingdom by bringing our shields together to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ.  You can still purchase t-shirts and hoodies if you'd like. Find them here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX. Proceeds go towards the work of The Salvation Army across the world.  Have a comment or suggestion? Reach out on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast We appreciate all who listen and wrestle with the things we discuss. Our desire to be a blessing!

We welcome Amanda's father on today's episode. We chat about art and its use for the glory of God. Papa Epp, as he's known, has a great deal of life experience, including time spent overseas and with the U.S. Marine Corps. He uses his art to share the Gospel with people. His website for those who might be interested: papaepp.com Also find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast  Have any ideas for future topics? Any questions you'd like to ask? We'd love to hear from you.

Today, we welcome returning guest Andy Wheeler with an impromptu conversation about integrity and identity in leadership. We also conversed about Gen Z and Gen Alpha lingo, which may or may not have caused belly aches from laughter. The Gospel is the Gospel no matter who we are. The language we use can sometimes open doors that otherwise might have remained closed.  At times, towards the end of this episode, the sound quality gets a little rough. It's because we were laughing so hard that the microphone had trouble picking us all up. Bear with it. We hope you have as much fun listening to this as we had making it. We pray you are able to have late-night chats with friends, unplanned and unscripted, that encourage and challenge life in Christ. Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast

On today's episode, we discuss mental health and its connection to faith, prayer, and the Christian community. We welcomed Charise, a clinical social worker and mental health professional, as a guest to chat about some really important topics about emotional and mental health and healing.  Are you struggling with your mental health? There's help out there. If you live in the U.S. you can dial 988 to speak with a caring person who can help guide you to help in your area. You can also reach out to us at The Misfit Messengers Podcast on Facebook. Our Gmail account is currently down, but we will try to have it back up and running soon. 

The Old Testament can, at times, be intimidating. It doesn't have to be. In today's episode, we dive into the story of King Josiah and the prophetess Huldah. Josiah's responsive heart leads the kingdom of Judah back again to covenant relationship with God. His leadership guides the people. In addition, Huldah provides a key word directly from GOD to the people. What an incredible story of faithfulness by a woman in a culture and time where women were often relegated to the sidelines! We do still have t-shirts and hoodies for sale. Proceeds from those sales go to The Salvation Army's work internationally. Find them here: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX We appreciate all of you who listen and give us feedback. We are open to hearing your suggestions. Find us on Facebook: the misfit messengers podcast

On the episode today, we welcome guest Jacqui Gray, the community center director at The Salvation Army St. Paul Central Corps. He speaks about addiction and faith. Addiction can make one feel isolated and alone, but there is help and God desires all to be saved. There is hope! Need help? You can reach out to a local Salvation Army. We're also here if you need to chat or get connected to resources. Email: [email protected] or Facebook: the misfit messengers podcast You can still get t-shirts or hoodies if you'd like. Follow this link: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

What is faith? That's our conversation today. Is it okay to doubt or have questions? How does God relate to us? What happens when we fail? What about those who don't have faith in Jesus? Join us as we chat about faith and trust in the Lord. Have questions of your own? We'd love to hear from you. Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast Email: [email protected]

Join us on today's episode as we chat with guest Sarah Windell about her favorite parts of ministry. We discuss discipleship and meeting people where they are.  What's your favorite part of ministry? If you follow Jesus, how did you start that journey?   Find us on Facebook: the misfit messengers podcast Or via email: [email protected]

Integrity continues to be the topic of conversation as it sadly seems to be missing from the world today. Join Amanda and Corey as they converse sans Jenny (unfortunately, sometimes the internet does not cooperate).  Be aware that today's audio has some background noises. It was recorded at camp while at The Salvation Army Central Territory Bible Leadership Institute, and there are children abounding. This is us in our real lives, living for Jesus.

In today's episode we discuss a famous quote from Mother Theresa about living life in a world where we can often feel beat up by others. Mother Theresa encourages us to keep on keeping on through the difficulty since we do so for God, not human beings. Find us on Facebook: The Misfit Messengers Podcast or email: [email protected]

Do you study the Bible for yourself? Why is personal study of Scripture so important as we follow Jesus? How do we know how to interpret the Word of God? In today's episode we chat about studying Scripture so that we can understand it and apply it to our lives.  New to the study of the Bible for yourself? Here's some resources you might find helpful as you begin your journey.  YouVersion Bible App (bible.com) Blueletterbible.com Logos Bible software Note: the misfit messengers are not affiliated with any of these providers. We have just found them helpful in our own study of the Bible.  Have comments, questions, suggestions: reach out on Facebook (misfitmessengers podcast) or at [email protected]

What does it mean to be salt and light in the Kingdom of God? That's the conversation for today's podcast. Can you be a light when you only hang out with other lights? What about the kind of salt you bring to the people around you?  Jesus calls each of us to be salt and light, to bring Him glory, to point people to Him, to make the world better. What does that look like in your world?

More conversation on leadership and discipleship with our friends, Katelyn and Nathan. What does discipleship look like? How about holiness? How can we know God's will in our life?  While we're confident we don't have all the answers, listen as we chat about these things. [email protected] Facebook: The misfit messengers podcast Swag is still available: https://shorturl.at/fxCJX

Today we chat about a topic suggested to us by one of our listeners. We ask the question, "How do you maintain integrity in leadership?" Good question, fun conversation.  Do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to here from you.  [email protected]