DoorWays® Ministry Podcast

What happens when faith becomes familiar—but no longer transformational? In this episode, Ric Shields sits down with Dr. Linda Pattillo to explore the often-overlooked book of Zephaniah. Together, they unpack a message that confronts spiritual complacency, challenges false security, and calls God’s people back to humility and active pursuit of Him.This isn’t a comfortable conversation—but it’s a necessary one. Zephaniah reminds us that God’s warnings are not rooted in anger, but in love. His desire is not to condemn, but to restore. If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith has drifted into routine, this episode invites you to listen closely, seek deeply, and rediscover what it means to truly trust God.

In this episode of the DoorWays Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields is joined by Justin Jones to explore the powerful and often uncomfortable message of the Book of Micah. Together, they unpack how Micah confronts spiritual hypocrisy, challenges empty religious routines, and calls both leaders and everyday believers back to a faith marked by justice, mercy, and humility.This conversation pushes beyond surface-level Christianity to ask: Are we truly living what we claim to believe? Or have we reduced faith to performance, branding, and routine? Micah’s ancient voice still speaks today—inviting us to realign our hearts and rediscover what God actually requires.

What if the hardest part of following God isn’t obedience—but mercy?In this episode of the Doorways Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields sits down with Pastor Joe Cook to unpack the deeper message of the book of Jonah. Far beyond a story about a fish, Jonah reveals the tension between God’s boundless compassion and our limited love.Why did Jonah run? Not because he feared judgment—but because he knew God would show mercy.Together, they explore what happens when we struggle to love our enemies, prioritize comfort over calling, and quietly resist God’s heart for others. This conversation will challenge you to examine who your “Nineveh” is—and whether you’re willing to extend the same grace you’ve received.

What happens when faith becomes comfortable, and worship becomes routine? In this episode, Ric Shields is joined by Dr. Jordan Dunn to explore the powerful and often uncomfortable message of the prophet Amos.Amos confronts a culture that looked spiritually strong on the outside but was drifting from the heart of God—challenging wealth without compassion, religion without justice, and worship without sincerity. This conversation unpacks how it’s possible to be deeply involved in religious activity and still miss true intimacy with God.If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith is more about outward expression than inward transformation, this episode will challenge and invite you back to authentic worship marked by justice, humility, and wholehearted devotion.

The book of Hosea is raw, uncomfortable, and deeply personal. In this episode, Rick Shields sits down with Pastor Brian White to explore one of the most shocking prophetic stories in Scripture—a marriage marked by betrayal, redemption, and relentless love. Through Hosea’s story, we’re invited to confront an unsettling truth: we often see ourselves as the faithful one, but in reality, we may be the wandering one. Yet even in our unfaithfulness, God’s love pursues, restores, and calls us back.This conversation dives into spiritual drift, modern-day idolatry, and the tension between God’s justice and mercy—revealing a hope-filled message that still speaks powerfully today.

We’re kicking off a brand-new series, Ancient Voices: The Minor Prophets Speak, with biblical scholar Dr. Linda Pattillo. In this episode, we explore why these often-overlooked books are anything but minor. From understanding the difference between foretelling and forthtelling to rediscovering God’s heart for justice, righteousness, and steadfast love, this conversation reframes how we read the Old Testament—and how we live today. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the prophets or unsure of their relevance, this episode will give you a fresh starting point.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Steve Glenn’s story reaches its turning point.After a lifetime of striving, success, and devastating failure—including time in federal prison—Steve begins to confront the deeper question: Who am I, really?What he discovers changes everything.From unexpected moments of grace to a completely new understanding of failure, identity, and purpose, this episode reveals how God can use even our darkest seasons for redemption—and ultimately, for His glory.

What happens when the person who’s supposed to define your identity… disappears?In this powerful episode, Steve Glenn shares the raw, unfiltered story of growing up without a father—navigating multiple identities, abuse, abandonment, and a deep longing to belong. From shocking childhood moments to a life driven by the need to prove his worth, Steve’s journey exposes the hidden wounds of fatherlessness.This is more than a story—it’s a reality millions are living. And it raises a question we can’t ignore: what does it cost a child to grow up without a father?

After surviving a night of unimaginable violence, Kimberly Harr faced a long road of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.In this powerful follow-up conversation, Kimberly shares what happened after the trauma—the quiet, painful, and deeply sacred process of rebuilding her life. From grieving under a pergola with nothing but tears and prayer, to choosing forgiveness when it felt impossible, Kimberly reveals how God slowly restored what was broken.This episode is about more than survival. It’s about surrender, healing, and discovering that even in our darkest seasons, God is still writing a story of hope.If you’ve ever wondered whether healing is possible after deep pain, Kimberly’s story will remind you that it is.

After 23 years of marriage, Kimberly Haar thought the hardest chapter of her life was behind her. But one night, everything changed. In a terrifying four-hour ordeal, Kimberly was assaulted, abducted, and forced to witness an act of violence that could have ended multiple lives.In this powerful episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast, Kimberly shares the unimaginable events that nearly destroyed her—and the faith, courage, and resilience that helped her survive. Her story is difficult, raw, and deeply moving, but it’s also the beginning of a journey toward healing, grace, and hope.This is not just a story about trauma. It’s a story about standing again after the unthinkable.

At 17, Chris lost the use of his legs.What followed could have been a life defined by limitation. Instead, it became a life marked by purpose.In this powerful episode, Chris shares the holy moment that changed everything, the day he told God, “This isn’t fair… but I forgive You.” What happened next sustained him for more than 40 years.If you’re walking through a hard season and wondering whether your setback has rewritten your future, this conversation is for you.

At 17, Chris Davis was an athlete with dreams of becoming a surgeon. Within months, a spinal cord tumor left him paralyzed and facing a future he never imagined. In this first conversation, Chris shares the early days, the symptoms, the surgery, and the sobering moment a physical therapist told him he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.Instead of spiraling into fear about the future, Chris made a quiet decision: focus on today and lean on God for strength. This episode is about the shock of sudden loss and the first steps of faith that carry you through it.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Bryan and Laura Davenport share what sustained their family through the long journey of loving their son Benjamin and through the sacred ache of losing him. They reflect on choosing joy without pretending the pain isn’t real, protecting peace in their home, and learning to hold sorrow and resurrection hope at the same time.This episode is an honest look at grief that does not deny tears, faith that does not give up, and the steady presence of God in the middle of goodbye. It is a conversation for anyone walking through loss and for those who want to walk with them well.

In this moving episode, Bryan and Laura Davenport share the story of their son, Ben, who lived with a degenerative neuromuscular disease. They reflect on love, loss, and what it means to trust God through grief, offering honest hope for anyone walking through a hard season.

From thriving homebuilder to facing health crises and financial collapse, Chad Lane’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s presence doesn’t disappear in hard seasons, and that surrender can lead to unexpected restoration.

In this moving conversation, cancer survivor and small business owner Becky Rathbone shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment, fear, and unexpected strength. She opens up about the emotional and spiritual challenges of walking through breast cancer as a young mother and wife—and the ways God revealed His presence in the smallest and most surprising moments. If you or someone you love is navigating a hard season, Becky’s honest, hope-filled story will encourage your heart.

What do you do when life feels unbearable? Anne’s story is one of pain, persistence, and grace. Through abuse, widowhood, and near-death, she discovered a constant truth: no matter the season, God was always right there.

A melanoma diagnosis brought Dr. Sam Farina face-to-face with fear and uncertainty. It also placed him among people searching for hope. In this episode, he reflects on how God used a hard season to create meaningful ministry in unexpected moments.

When war becomes daily life, how do believers continue to serve? In this episode, Ric Shields is joined by missionary and humanitarian Jim Gilbert to share firsthand stories from war-torn Ukraine. Together they explore trauma, resilience, and what faithful ministry looks like when missiles fall.

Behind many struggling teens is a story of bullying. This episode explores how bullying silently affects teenagers and offers practical guidance for listening well, responding wisely, and helping teens move toward safety and hope.

In Part 2 of this conversation on gender dysphoria, Ric Shields speaks with Dr. Linda Seiler about the three primary types of gender dysphoria, the cultural forces shaping today’s confusion, and the lasting consequences of medical transition. Drawing from both personal testimony and clinical insight, Dr. Seiler points to the hope, healing, and transformation found in Christ.

Dr. Linda Seiler spent her childhood convinced she was meant to be a boy—but God wrote a different story. In this honest conversation, she shares her journey out of gender confusion and offers biblical clarity for a culture that’s rapidly changing. Ric Shields and Dr. Seiler bring compassion, insight, and hope to a topic many Christians wrestle to understand.

Teen substance abuse is escalating faster than most parents realize. In this powerful episode, Ric speaks with Julie Tittjung of Freedom House Adult & Teen Challenge, a woman who didn’t just study addiction; she survived it. From vaping to fentanyl, peer pressure to bullying, and the devastating rise of overdose deaths, Julie exposes the realities today’s teens are facing and the hope that still breaks through the darkness. Whether someone you love is struggling or this is a world you barely know, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

In this episode, Ric sits down with 16-year-old Greyson Wootton, not a researcher, not a psychologist, but a real high school student living the real pressures of teenage life. From risky behaviors and body image to academics, identity, and belonging, Greyson offers honest insight into what life is really like for teenagers in 2025.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the DoorWays Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields shares a powerful true story of God’s unexpected provision: an unopened envelope, an honest prayer, and a miracle that made generosity possible. He also invites listeners to explore the newly restored DoorWays website. Filled with encouragement, biblical insight, and a reminder that God supplies seed to the sower, this episode will strengthen your faith and renew your heart for gratitude and giving.

Your kid sits you down. They look nervous. And then you hear the words you weren’t expecting today: “We’re dating.”…Now what?In this episode, the team dives into the moment every Christian family eventually faces — when a child starts stepping into dating relationships. We talk about the tension between wanting to protect our kids and wanting to build trust with them, how to respond without overreacting, and why creating open communication is one of the strongest tools a parent can have.

In this podcast, Ric Shields speaks with Dr. Nicholas Westers, a leading expert on self-injury and adolescent psychology. They discuss why people may harm themselves, how to recognize the hidden pain behind it, and how to respond with compassion rather than fear. This episode offers clarity, hope, and encouragement for anyone who wants to understand and make a difference.

In this powerful episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast, host Ric Shields talks with Lydia Maier, a woman who battled years of self-harm, depression, and suicide attempts before finding true freedom through faith. Once a psychiatric patient, now a missionary in Switzerland, Lydia shares how God transformed her pain into purpose and how prayer and grace can bring healing to even the darkest places.

Poverty isn’t always visible—but for many teens in rural communities, it shapes every part of life. In this episode, Ric Shields talks with counselor Jessica Dixon-Neal about the unseen challenges young people face when access to care, resources, and opportunity is out of reach. Together, they share stories of resilience and remind us that consistent compassion can help restore hope where it’s hardest to find.

Teen depression is real, and it's closer than we think. In this powerful conversation, Ric Shields speaks with Laura Smith from Grand Mental Health to talk about the hidden battles teenagers face and how faith, presence, and love can change everything. They discuss the impact of social pressure, family stress, and the hope that comes through compassion and care.

Over 80% of teens have seen pornography… but 75% of parents think their kids haven’t. In this powerful and painfully honest episode, Ric Shields and youth pastor Titus Schmitt expose how porn is quietly shaping a generation. They share real, hopeful steps families can take to fight back and find freedom.

Social media is one of the most powerful influences in a teenager's life today. In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields and guest Macee McAtee explore how parents, pastors, and mentors can guide teens to use their online presence for good. Learn how to help teens navigate comparison, identity, and influence while shining the light of Christ in a digital world.

What if we shifted our mindset from “rescuing kids” to “redeeming families”? In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields sits down with Gary and Tammie Webb of OCJ Kids. Together, they share powerful stories of foster teens, the importance of strengthening families, and how small acts of compassion can transform lives forever. 

Every foster teen carries a story most of us never hear. Gary and Tammy Webb, directors of OCJ Kids, shed light on the hidden struggles of broken homes, trauma, and the uncertainty of life in the system. They share how their ministry comes alongside foster youth with practical support, mentorship, and hope, and challenge the church to step in and meet teens where they are with the love of Christ.

What does it take to truly reach the hearts of today’s teenagers? Youth pastors Matt Brunner and T.J. Sorgenfrei share how discipleship and evangelism go hand in hand, why authentic faith matters more than polished programs, and how prayer and presence remain the most powerful tools in shaping the next generation.

Raising teens isn’t easy, but it’s not hopeless either. In this episode, Adam and Christa Hoch share real-life stories, faith-filled wisdom, and practical tips for navigating the ups and downs of parenting teenagers. From communication and controlled freedom to showing grace (for your kids and yourself), this conversation brings encouragement, laughter, and hope for every parent walking through the teen years.

Blended families come with challenges but also incredible rewards. Aaron and Sydney Johnson open up about their story, offering practical tools and faith-filled encouragement to help others on the same journey.

Whitney Barth, Executive Pastor at More Church in Arlington, TX, opens up about experiencing her parents’ divorce and the deep impact it had on her life. She shares heartfelt insights on the fears, identity struggles, and loyalty conflicts children face, along with practical guidance for parents to help their kids find stability and hope.

Vicki LaFave shares her journey through a 36-year marriage that ended in divorce, the fears and losses she faced, and the faith that carried her through. Now remarried and leading a ministry for single moms, Vicki offers hope, wisdom, and encouragement to women navigating the pain of divorce and the path to renewal.

Joe and Danielle Cook, lead pastors at Hope Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, share how years of regular date nights and open communication built the strong foundation that now carries them through the empty nest years. They reflect on the freedom and change that comes when the kids are gone, the evolving role of parenting adult children, and the opportunities for renewed purpose in this new season of life.

Chris and Cara Rathbone share how they navigate marriage, parenting, and leadership as pastors. They explore the pressures of ministry life and the four key attitudes that keep them grounded in faith and each other.

Chresten and Bridgette Tomlin, married and in itinerant ministry for 27 years, share the joys and challenges of life on the road. They discuss how parenting, finances, and intentional connection have shaped their marriage, and offer practical insight for couples learning to balance ministry, family, and faith.

Infidelity shatters trust, but it doesn't have to end the story. In this powerful episode, Dr. Bill Buker unpacks the root causes of marital affairs and offers a redemptive path forward. With wisdom and compassion, he explores how couples can rebuild connection, restore trust, and experience deeper intimacy through forgiveness and faith.

Why Most Couples Struggle With Money, and How to Fix ItChris and Betty Jo Anderson share how couples can manage money with wisdom, unity, and purpose. Using their "FINANCES" framework, eight practical & biblical principles,  they offer tools for budgeting, saving, giving, and growing together to build a stronger financial foundation and marriage.

Pete and Mary Kay Blum share insights from their 40-year marriage, focusing on spiritual, soul, and body oneness. They explore how deep intimacy grows through spiritual connection, secure attachment, and mutual enjoyment. Addressing common challenges like communication and unforgiveness, they offer practical wisdom on aligning marriage with God’s design, emphasizing that listening is one of the greatest acts of love.

Patti Schatzmann shares her journey as the wife of a man who battled a 40-year porn addiction before finding healing and becoming a missionary. She opens up about the impact on her trust and self-worth, and the challenges of confronting addiction in marriage. Patti offers hope, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone facing similar struggles.

David Schatzmann opens up about his 40-year battle with pornography addiction, how it began in childhood, how it nearly destroyed his marriage, and how healing finally came through honesty, accountability, and faith. A powerful story of hope, restoration, and real freedom.

Dr. Jason and Robyn Fullerton, pastors of Spirit Church in Bartlesville, explore intimacy in marriage beyond the physical. They emphasize vulnerability, authenticity, and Christ-centered connection, offering practical insight for building deeper relationships.

Dan and Mandy Wootton, lead pastors at Carbondale Assembly of God in Tulsa, Oklahoma, share their experiences as the parents of four children. The Woottons discuss their journey from friendship to marriage, their decision to have a large family, and the impact of children on their relationship. Dan and Mandy provide advice for single and married individuals aspiring to be parents, highlighting the significance of raising godly children in today's world.

Conflict, Communication, and ConnectionDarren McKinnis, a Gottman Certified therapist, joins Ric Shields to discuss common disagreements in marriage and strategies for managing them. Darren explains that many conflicts are unresolvable, requiring couples to find workarounds and communicate from the heart. The episode concludes with encouragement to listen with open ears and hearts, fostering deeper understanding and connection in relationships.