ASCEND

What happens after you say yes to Jesus?Salvation is the starting line — sanctification is the second lap.In this episode, Pastor Carl and Pastor J unpack one of the most misunderstood “church words” in Christianity: sanctification. It’s not about religion, perfection, or rule-following. It’s the daily pursuit of becoming more like Christ — being set apart for God’s purpose and learning how to stay in the race.Through personal stories, Scripture, and honest conversation, this episode challenges listeners to embrace the process, press into truth, and understand that faith is not a sprint — it’s a lifelong journey.You’ll hear conversations around:What sanctification actually meansWhy Christianity was never meant to be easyThe importance of truth, holiness, and spiritual growthHow the Holy Spirit helps us endure the hard seasonsWhy finishing well matters just as much as starting wellNo matter where you are in your faith journey, there is always another step to take.Where do you need to start ascending?

On this episode of the Ascend Podcast, Justin Graham and Melissa Graham bring a powerful conversation on the next generation—and why how you ascend matters more than you think.From parenting to pastoring, they unpack what it looks like to call others higher while continuing to grow yourself.Because the truth is—you were never meant to ascend alone.In a culture full of noise, this generation isn’t disengaged… they’re searching for truth. And when truth is spoken boldly, it changes everything.This episode challenges you to:Lead with intention and integritySpeak life into the next generationLive a faith that’s visible beyond SundayRaise the standard—and help others reach itBecause how you live today will shape who rises tomorrow.Run with us. Ascend together.

“You Were Running So Well — Now What?”Pastor J + Pastor CarlWhat happens after the encounter?After the conference, the altar moment, the decision, the breakthrough… now what?In this powerful episode, Pastor J and Pastor Carl talk about what it really means to walk out your faith after a life-changing moment with God. An encounter is powerful — but transformation happens in the days that follow. Monday morning matters.Hebrews 12 reminds us to strip off every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and fix our eyes on Jesus. But many believers find themselves slipping back into the very things God set them free from. Why? Because freedom requires partnership — God does His part, and we must do ours.This episode dives into:• Why the real battle often begins after the encounter• How to avoid getting re-entangled in old habits and strongholds• The importance of accountability, community, and replacing old patterns• Dealing with the root, not just trimming the surface• Sanctification — the journey of continually ascending and becoming more like Christ• What to do when Monday doesn’t feel spiritual• How to stay free from anxiety, addiction, depression, and destructive cycles• Why isolation is dangerous and brotherhood matters• What to do when you stumble — and how to get back up and keep climbingThe enemy wants you isolated, tangled, and defeated — but God calls you to keep ascending.If you’ve ever asked:“I had an encounter with God… but how do I walk this out?” — this episode is for you.Freedom is possible. Growth is possible. Don’t quit. Keep climbing.Get connected. Stay rooted. Keep ascending.

Season 2 of the Ascend Podcast launches with a powerful and timely conversation around one foundational question: Who are you following?In Episode 1, Check Your Circle, Justin Graham and Karl Kincaid unpack what it truly means to follow—not casually, not culturally, but intentionally and biblically. Following isn’t drifting, doing your own thing, or keeping Jesus as one option among many. Real following requires alignment—moving when He moves, turning when He turns, and matching His pace.The conversation highlights that while Jesus is the ultimate one we follow, God has also placed people in our lives to help guide, sharpen, and model faith. The problem arises when we imitate voices, lifestyles, or ideologies that are not rooted in Christ. If you follow someone, you will eventually imitate them—whether you intend to or not.Pastor Carl shares a compelling personal testimony, reflecting on how the example of others shaped his early life, the impact of misguided influence, and how God ultimately used Scripture, family, and community to call him back. His story points to the truth of “Train up a child in the way they should go” and how God’s call can resurface even after seasons of drifting. In 2008, Pastor Carl clearly heard the call of God on his life—reminding us that God calls everyone, but it’s our responsibility to choose whether we will follow.Justin emphasizes that everyone has a ministry. The real question is whether we will follow God’s call—or continue doing our own thing. Following Jesus requires denying self, a concept many struggle with today. We are often quick to distance ourselves from others, yet slow to disown our own flesh, pride, and desires. Jesus’ words in Mark 8:34 challenge us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.The episode also explores the danger of isolation and unhealthy circles. The wrong pack can quietly lead us off course, into confusion, compromise, or spiritual “lala land.” Influence matters. The blind leading the blind only creates more damage. Integrity, character, and trust must define the people we allow to lead us—and we must be honest about whether those voices are truly following Christ behind the scenes.At the same time, the hosts clarify an important balance: we are called to reach sinners, not follow them. Jesus modeled this perfectly—strong enough in His identity to lift others up without being pulled down. As followers of Christ, we must know who we are, walk in confidence, and rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to live differently.The conversation challenges listeners to evaluate modern distractions—social media, trending voices, ideologies, and even AI-driven influence—that subtly shape beliefs and behaviors. Many are intentional about who they follow online, yet far less intentional about following Jesus with the same passion.The episode closes with a strong call to stay connected to the local church. Following Christ was never meant to be done alone. We need pastors, community, Life Groups, and spiritual accountability. The local church keeps us grounded in the Word, protects us from offense, and helps us remain teachable. Correction, when rooted in love and Scripture, is not rejection—it’s discipleship.Check your circle.Check who you’re following.Align everything with the Word of God—because nothing trumps truth.This season begins with a clear challenge: Go all in with Christ.No lukewarm faith. No drifting.Follow Jesus—together.

In this episode, Justin unpacks Philippians 3:7–14 and the freedom that comes when we finally stop letting our past define our present. Paul’s words, “forgetting what is behind and pressing on,” aren’t about pretending our past never happened—they’re about refusing to give it control over our future.He dives into the truth about memory, nostalgia, pain, and why some things are worth releasing. You’ll learn what the Bible actually means by “forget,” how to overlook what once held you back, and how worship, prayer, and God’s Word become weapons that pull you forward.If you’ve been battling old mistakes, old mindsets, or old memories, this episode will speak directly to you. There is no limit to what God wants to do in your life—if you’re willing to stop caring for the things that keep you stuck and press toward the prize.Listen now and take a step higher with God.

In this powerful and transparent conversation, Matt Cahoon  opens up about what life looks like when the picture-perfect model of success collides with real questions of identity, grief, and trust.From the outside, Matt’s life seemed ideal—career, family, health. But his journey led him into a season that forced him to ask: Who am I? Am I a husband, a dad, or something more?Matt vulnerably shares the tragic story of losing his wife, child, and unborn child—and how that loss shook the very foundation of his faith. Yet, through pain and questions, God has been faithful to restore, bring healing, and write a new chapter of purpose and hope in his life.He takes us through Death Valley, California—both physically and spiritually—unpacking how the words of Psalm 23reshaped his understanding of trust:Walking through the shadow instead of settling in itRecognizing the light beyond the darknessFinding both protection and comfort in God’s presenceThis episode will challenge and encourage you if you’ve ever struggled to trust God again, battled grief, or wrestled with unmet expectations. Matt shares:Why solitude can slip into isolation if you’re not carefulHow community plays a vital role in healingWhy grief is unique, but perseverance is possiblePractical advice for navigating trauma, betrayal, and loss“You can’t heal what you don’t reveal.” – Matt CahoonIf Matt Cahoon can learn to trust God again—so can you.

In this episode, Justin Graham gets real about the moments in life that knock the breath out of us—times of anxiety, overwhelm, and fear that leave us asking, “What am I going to do?” Through personal stories and a powerful look at the life of Elijah, Justin reminds us that even heroes of the faith faced exhaustion, fear, and moments of wanting to give up.We discover that Elijah—who called down fire from heaven and outran a chariot—also felt crushed under pressure when Jezebel’s threat took the breath out of him. Yet God met him not in the chaos, but in the whisper, reminding him that he wasn’t alone and that his purpose wasn’t finished.Justin draws out practical truths:- You’re not alone—real life change happens in relationships, not isolation.- Fear and anxiety steal joy—but gratitude flips the script.- Gratitude vs. anxiety—your brain can’t hold both at once, so thankfulness becomes a weapon against fear.- Trust God over feelings—our strength and provision come from Him, not our own control.The challenge of this episode is simple but life-changing: put gratitude into practice, fix your eyes on God’s promises, and keep climbing. Your breath, your peace, and your joy are coming back.

In this episode of ASCEND, Justin tackles the tension we all feel when it comes to accountability. We say we want to grow—as parents, leaders, and individuals—but when someone challenges us, our instinct is often resistance: “Don’t tell me what to do.”Through a personal story of being called out in a tough season, Justin shares how honest accountability—paired with the conviction of the Holy Spirit—led to transformation.We’ll explore:Why we push back against correctionThe difference between insanity and growthHow accountability is key to rising to the next levelIf you’ve been stuck in a cycle and know something has to change, this episode is for you. There is more in you—and accountability might just be the key to unlocking it.

We love God because He loved us first. In this episode, Justin gets real about why choosing Jesus daily matters—and how saying no to sin is something we get to do. He breaks down how discipline, the Word, and local church community help keep us focused and fired up for what matters most.

Episode 2 of the Ascend Podcast is here — Train Naked.Justin pulls no punches: if you want to ascend, it’s time to strip off what’s weighing you down and get serious about discipline. No shortcuts. No excuses. This is about training your life for the things that last.

Hosted by Justin Graham, the Ascend Podcast is a call to rise to a higher standard of living and pursue God’s intended purpose for our lives. With a passion for integrity and personal growth, Justin—husband, father, and lead pastor of The Avenue Church—challenges listeners to go further in life and faith.Rooted in Psalm 24:3-4, Ascend explores what it means to have clean hands and a pure heart before God, moving beyond religion into a life of holiness and purpose. Through powerful conversations and biblical insights, this podcast will inspire you to embrace the journey of transformation, align with God’s presence, and reach your full potential.Let’s go higher. Let’s ascend.

Hosted by Justin Graham, the Ascend Podcast is a call to rise to a higher standard of living and pursue God’s intended purpose for our lives. Mark Your Calendars : Feb 18- LAUNCH DAY!Rooted in Psalm 24:3-4, Ascend explores what it means to have clean hands and a pure heart before God, moving beyond religion into a life of holiness and purpose.