Dwelling Deeper: Stories from the Hard Places

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Dwelling Deeper: Stories from the Hard Places, Josh Roberts talks with Ashley Thomas, a missions leader who grew up as a pastor’s kid and never planned to serve in church ministry—until God rewrote her story.Today, Ashley leads a church that supports more than 350 missionaries and ministries locally, nationally, and around the world. She shares how faith, family, and calling intersected in unexpected ways—and how rest, mentorship, and creativity have sustained her along the way.Ashley also opens up about the prophetic moment that led her to Dwell, and the beauty she sees in a Church that’s becoming more intergenerational, intercultural, and creative than ever before.This conversation is about faithfulness when no one’s watching—and the joy of simply listening to where God is already at work.Favorite Quotes“I never wanted to be on church staff.”“Sabbath is key to my spiritual health.”“Ministry does not require perfection.”“We try to find those places where He’s moving.”“I find enormous joy in listening to people.”What You’ll LearnHow Ashley’s journey from reluctance to leadership reshaped her callingWhy mentoring and encouragement sustain long-term ministryHow her church mobilizes 350+ missionaries worldwideWhat the pandemic revealed about creativity and renewal in the ChurchHow contemplative prayer and creativity help leaders stay groundedChapters00:00 – Introduction to Ashley Thomas and Her Journey01:54 – Growing Up as a Pastor’s Kid04:08 – Turning Point: Sister’s Illness and Faith06:04 – Transitioning into Ministry08:45 – Working with Family in Ministry12:48 – Mentoring the Next Generation16:43 – Balancing Leadership and Personal Growth18:53 – Creating Space for Spiritual Renewal26:59 – Connecting with Missionaries Worldwide31:40 – Encouraging Visionary People34:30 – Ashley’s Journey to Dwell38:43 – God’s Call and the Future of the Church45:43 – The Impact of COVID on Church Dynamics49:16 – Dwell’s Intergenerational Community54:17 – Ashley’s Artistic ExpressionListen & FollowFollow and share Dwelling Deeper: Stories from the Hard Places on:👉 Apple Podcasts👉 Spotify

In this episode of Dwelling Deeper, host Josh Roberts engages Paul and Patty Durbin, leaders of Belay Church in Boulder, Colorado—a city known both for its vibrant culture and its deep resistance to established religion. The Durbins open up about the challenges of planting a church in one of the least religious cities in America, how their years in China shaped their ministry, and the unexpected ways COVID-19 slowed them down so they could lean into deeper, relational discipleship.Their story is marked by perseverance, grace, and the quiet power of ordinary moments. You’ll hear how they’ve learned to let expectations come from the Spirit of God, why sabbath and sabbatical matter, and how they’ve found joy working together in ministry. This is encouragement for anyone serving in a hard place: God is present, even in the unseen and the everyday.Memorable Quotes“COVID helped us take our time.”“This is the place where the prodigals run to.”“Expectations can come from the Spirit of God.”“Worship is in all the ordinary things.”What You’ll LearnWhy Boulder remains one of the most challenging places for church plantingHow lessons from China influence the ministry in the U.S.Why COVID-19 reshaped Belay Church into a slower, more relational communityThe importance of community, sabbath, and rhythms of rest in hard placesHow God shows up in the ordinary moments of life and faithResources & LinksBelay Church WebsitePaul Durbin on LinkedInPaul’s book: When Jesus Stole My BreadListen & ShareFollow and share Dwelling Deeper: Stories from the Hard Places on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

SummaryLas Vegas may be known as “Sin City,” but for Josh VanDusen, it’s a mission field where God is writing new stories of hope. As a microchurch leader with Resolute Church and a nonprofit director at Club Christ, Josh shares what it means to live faithfully in a city marked by transience, brokenness, and opportunity. He opens up about battling imposter syndrome, pursuing healthy rhythms of life and ministry, and watching lives change through simple obedience to Jesus.This conversation is a reminder that God delights in using unlikely people to do His work in hard places. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance leadership with soul care—or how to walk authentically in a culture that prizes performance—Josh’s story will encourage and challenge you.What You’ll LearnWhy authenticity is essential for building trust in ministryHow microchurch models foster discipleship in diverse urban communitiesThe role of Club Christ in equipping and empowering Las Vegas youthHealthy rhythms that sustain leaders facing burnout or discouragementStories of transformation that reveal God at work in unexpected placesSound Bites“It’s okay to rest.”“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey05:12 Living in Las Vegas: A Unique Perspective10:55 The Heart of Resolute Church16:48 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Ministry21:07 Empowering Urban Youth Through Reading Programs22:19 Transformative Stories from the Community22:29 Building Soft Skills for the Next Generation23:20 Community-Centric Approach to Education24:53 Transitioning into Nonprofit Leadership27:54 The Mission of Club Christ28:04 Finding Balance in Life and Work33:19 Encouragement for Leaders in Difficult SeasonsFollow and share Dwelling Deeper: Stories from the Hard Places. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Substack. Link: Club Christ, Resolute Church Las Vegas, Josh VanDusen,

Living Out Dreams Unshakable: Jason Hall on Faith, Microchurch, and MentorshipIn this episode of Dwelling Deeper, Josh Roberts sits down with Jason Hall—Dwell USA Task Force member, microchurch pastor in Katy, Texas, life coach, and founder of Dreams Unshakable.Jason opens up about his journey from the Air Force to microchurch leadership, and how God led him into coaching others to uncover their calling. Together, they explore what it means to live an integrated life of faith—one where discipleship, mentorship, and community are inseparable. Jason shares candidly about the fear that often holds people back, the power of soul care for leaders, and why microchurches offer a unique setting for authentic discipleship today.This episode is also a timely invitation: Jason will be leading the Fall 2025 Dwell Cohort—a six-week online journey for new Dwellers starting in October. If you’re ready to dwell deeply in God’s presence and your community, don’t miss it.What You’ll LearnWhy discipleship is more about relationships than programsHow to face the fear of the unknown with faith and courageThe unique role microchurches play in shaping authentic communityWhy mentorship and soul care sustain long-term ministryHow an integrated life brings deeper connection to God, family, and callingHighlighted Quotes“Discipleship breeds community.”“Fear of the unknown often keeps us from stepping into our God-given purpose.”“Serving others can open doors you never expected.”Guest LinksWebsite: dreamsunshakable.comEmail: [email protected]: @jasonjenniferhallFacebook: Jason & Jennifer HallLinkedIn: Jason HallDwell Cohort Info (Fall 2025)What: Six-week online small group for 5–10 new DwellersWhen: Starting early October 2025Where: ZoomDetails & Registration: dwellusa.com/upcoming-eventsListen & FollowFollow Dwelling Deeper: Stories from the Hard Places on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

SummaryIn this conversation, Josh speaks with Bill and Hannah White, who share their experiences in church planting and community involvement. They discuss the evolution of church planting, the importance of authenticity in ministry, and the challenges they faced along the way. The Whites emphasize the significance of family, community engagement, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. They offer valuable insights on defining success in ministry and the necessity of support and mentorship in difficult seasons.TakeawaysDon't do it alone; seek support and mentorship.Authenticity is crucial in ministry and community engagement.Define success on your own terms, not by others' standards.Community involvement is essential for effective ministry.The journey of church planting is filled with challenges and growth.Celebrate individual stories of impact over numerical success.Engagement beyond church walls fosters deeper connections.Be prepared for the unexpected in ministry.Strive for authenticity in all interactions.God's plans often exceed our expectations. Sound Bites"We never quit on the same day.""Don't do it alone.""Define success in your ministry."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Village Heights and Its Leaders01:33 The Journey of Church Planting04:31 Evolving Perspectives on Church Leadership07:21 Authenticity in Ministry10:27 Engagement in the Community13:25 Challenges and Lessons Learned16:22 Navigating Community Relationships26:50 Navigating Political Engagement as a Pastor31:09 The Power of Individual Stories in Ministry37:44 Saying Yes to God: Embracing Opportunities41:57 The Humbling Journey of Church Planting47:38 Defining Success in Ministry

SummaryIn this episode, Josh Roberts interviews Darlene Robinson, the visionary behind Dwell USA, a community focused on innovative church planting and leadership development. Darlene shares her journey from a rural upbringing to recognizing the United States as a mission field, emphasizing the need for new approaches in ministry. She discusses the challenges of being a female leader in a predominantly Catholic culture and the importance of community support in difficult contexts. The conversation highlights the mission of Dwell to connect individuals in hard places and the power of encouragement in sustaining ministry efforts.TakeawaysDarlene Robinson is a leader in church planting and community development.The U.S. is viewed as a mission field by Darlene.Innovative approaches to church are necessary to reach people today.Female leaders can break barriers in traditional religious cultures.Dwell aims to create communities in hard places.Community support is vital for those in challenging ministry contexts.Encouragement plays a crucial role in sustaining ministry efforts.Dwell connects individuals to combat feelings of isolation.The mission of Dwell is rooted in the incarnational method of Jesus.Stories of hope illustrate the impact of community support. Sound Bites"The United States is a mission field.""Your front porch becomes your church.""You're not alone in hard places."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Darlene Robinson and Dwell USA02:09 Darlene's Journey and Vision for Ministry10:26 Innovative Approaches to Church and Community16:41 Defining Hard Places and the Dwell Mission21:28 Building Community in Difficult Contexts26:17 The Power of Encouragement and Support

SummaryIn the inaugural episode of Dwelling Deeper, host Josh Roberts introduces the podcast's mission to share stories of ordinary people engaged in kingdom work in challenging environments. The podcast aims to highlight the importance of presence, persistence, and faith in ministry and nonprofit work. Josh emphasizes the value of community and connection, particularly through events like the Dwell Gathering, which fosters relationships among those committed to serving in hard places.TakeawaysDwelling Deeper focuses on ordinary people doing kingdom work.The podcast aims to share real stories from challenging environments.Presence and persistence are key themes in ministry work.Listeners can expect honest conversations with leaders in various fields.The Dwell Gathering serves as a community-building event.The podcast is for anyone committed to serving in their community.Josh Roberts has a diverse background in ministry and nonprofit work.The importance of staying rooted in difficult circumstances is emphasized.Encouragement and support are central to the podcast's mission.Listeners are invited to connect and share their experiences. Sound Bites"We're learning how to plant deep roots.""This podcast is about people doing kingdom work.""It's just real people sharing real life."KeywordsDwelling Deeper, ministry, nonprofit, community, faith, leadership, hard places, Dwell Gathering, stories, encouragementTo learn more about DwellUSA, visit https://dwellusa.com. tqY7DEj5xJopkmXpBt4E