ML Podcast

Listen in to a special episode of the ML Podcoast... Mother's Day edition!This conversation with Maggie Byers, Megan Oyler, and Missy Potts illustrates what discipleship looks like in the trenches of everyday life.  The wisdom shared reminds us that discipleship happens around the dinner table, during car rides, and even while shopping. What stands out is the emphasis on consistency over perfection, and the powerful truth that our children and those we influence need to see us living out our faith, not just talking about it. Whether we are parenting toddlers or adult children or we are part of the village, the call remains the same: point people to Jesus through how we love, listen, and live.

The conversation with R.W. explored the transformative power of intentionality in our relationship with Jesus and with others. R.W. shared his personal journey, demonstrating how God can redeem our past and use it for His glory. Now serving as the Church of God Associate State Pastor, R.W. reminded us that our spiritual growth is not accidental, it requires deliberate choices to pursue Jesus daily, fill ourselves spiritually so we can pour into others, and never underestimate how God might use even our smallest interactions to draw people closer to Him.

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus in our everyday lives? The conversation with Jenna Potts reminds us that faith is not about having everything figured out or presenting a perfect version of ourselves. Instead, it's about choosing to say yes to Jesus each day, even when life gets messy and complicated. We discover that discipleship happens not in grand, dramatic moments, but in the small, consistent steps we take toward Christ. Our faith must be lived out loud through our actions, not just our words. Whether it is showing up when we would rather stay in bed, opening our Bible when it feels like a chore, or simply being present with others in an authentic relationship, these everyday choices build our faith.  This is an invitation to stop overcomplicating our spiritual journey and instead focus on intentional, relational discipleship that points others to Jesus through how we live, speak, and love.

Our conversation with Brian Tuttle invites us to consider what it truly means to live out our faith in the everyday spaces where we spend most of our time. We are reminded of the powerful truth that following Jesus is not just about Sunday mornings, but about carrying His presence into our workplaces, conversations, and daily interactions. We are challenged to see our workplaces as mission fields, where simple acts like offering to pray for someone or displaying Scripture can plant seeds of faith. The question becomes: Are we willing to say yes to living authentically as followers of Jesus, even when it requires courage? This is not about being perfect, but about being present with Christ and allowing His light to shine through us in the ordinary moments of life.

Evan Gabriel shares his powerful journey of surrendering the "I" and embracing God's unexpected plan. This powerful testimony reminds us that God's calling often comes when we least expect it, sometimes completely contrary to our own plans and aspirations. The central lesson revolves around removing the 'I' from our faith journey—shifting from 'I never considered this' to 'what does God want for me?' His story illustrates how God prepares us through seasons we don't understand at the time, only to reveal in hindsight that every experience, every challenge, every redirection was orchestrating our readiness for His purpose. Most compelling is the call to simply listen—to position ourselves in a posture of 'yes' to God's voice, because ignoring His direction doesn't make it go away; it only ensures we'll learn the hard way. Evan invites us to examine our own lives: What has God been preparing us for that we haven't yet recognized? Where is He calling us to step out in faith despite our feelings of inadequacy?

This conversation with Bethany Birkhead reminds us that following Jesus is not a destination but a journey of continuous learning and unlearning. We are challenged to embrace the truth that we are never enough on our own, and that is exactly the point. When we stop trying to measure up to impossible standards and instead rest in Christ's sufficiency, we discover the freedom to serve authentically. The discussion highlights how ministry to youth and marginalized communities requires us to be clothed in the fruit of the Spirit daily, recognizing that sometimes our very presence, not our words, becomes the devotion. Bethany invites us to consider how our own broken stories can break down walls with others, creating spaces where the gospel can take root in unexpected soil. This is not about our adequacy. It is about His abundance filling every gap we cannot bridge ourselves.

What does authentic faith look like in a world that constantly demands perfection? This conversation with Brooke Brink reminds us that following Jesus isn't about fitting into molds or achieving flawless Christianity—it's about a genuine, messy, beautiful relationship with Him. Brooke invites us to consider how transformation happens not through our own efforts to clean ourselves up, but through allowing Jesus to come in 'like a wrecking ball' and do the work only He can do. The powerful truth emerges that when Jesus has done so much for us, there's simply no reason not to believe Him—even in valleys, on mountaintops, or anywhere in between. So stop scrolling and start listening, replace your pursuit of perfection with the pursuit of His presence, and remember that five minutes in His Word beats hours of distraction every time.

Laura White shared her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in Romania to finding freedom and purpose in Christ. Her story is an example of the transformative power of forgiveness, the faithfulness of God through life's darkest valleys, and how surrendering our will to Him opens the door to experiencing His perfect plan. In her testimony, we hear that no matter where we come from or what we've experienced, God can take our broken pieces and create something beautiful for His glory.

This podcast episode explored the profound truth of finding our identity in Christ and the importance of Christian community. Peggy Ault shared her personal journey of adoption - both earthly and spiritual - and how understanding whose we are transforms our understanding of who we are. Her testimony reminds us that when we're anchored in God's love and surrounded by faithful believers, we can weather any storm life brings. This has significant implications for how we approach our daily walk with Christ and the intentionality we bring to building meaningful relationships within the body of Christ.

Life rarely unfolds the way we plan it. We map out our futures with careful precision—our careers, our families, our comfortable routines. But what happens when God interrupts those plans with something wildly different? What happens when He asks us to say yes to the unexpected?The Moores shared their remarkable journey of faith, adoption, and ministry. Through seasons of heartbreak and unexpected blessings, they said "yes" to God's leading—even when it seemed crazy. Their testimony challenges us to be "all in" for Christ, trusting that He knows where He's taking us even when we don't understand the journey.The journey of faith is often paved with these "crazy yeses"—moments when we're called to step beyond our comfort zones and trust that God's plan is bigger and better than anything we could imagine for ourselves.What "crazy yes" is God calling you to today?

Gwen Jacob's testimony explored the unwavering faithfulness of God through heartbreak, loss, rejection, and even a life-threatening accident. Her journey reminds us that being a Christian does not exempt us from trials, but it does guarantee that we never face them alone. God's presence in the midst of our struggles and His commitment to restoration are central themes that emerged from her story. Just as we heard in this weekend's message about Jesus being present in the fire, Gwen's life demonstrates that our Savior walks with us through every valley and brings us out on the other side.

Dave Riley's conversation reminded us that faith journeys don't always involve dramatic Damascus Road experiences. Sometimes the most profound testimonies come from steady, faithful obedience over decades. His story explored how pursuing Jesus evolves from childhood faith to mature discipleship—marked by gratitude for both monumental and mundane moments, recognition of God's sovereignty in daily details, and intentional investment in the next generation. The implications for our spiritual life are clear: faithfulness in the ordinary is just as valuable as dramatic conversion stories, and our consistent presence in others' lives can make eternal differences.

What does a lifetime of faithful service look like? Betty Stewart walks us through her journey with Jesus from six years old to today. Through the decades, she discovered the profound truth that our spiritual journey is rarely about dramatic moments, but rather about consistent, daily surrender to God's presence. Starting from a simple childhood invitation to Sunday school, we witness how one act of obedience can ripple across generations.Betty's reminder to us is beautifully simple yet deeply challenging: never give up—to wake each morning thanking God for His presence and asking Him to shape us into who He wants us to be.

Meet Anthony Gevedon, a high school student whose journey with Jesus is transforming his life. He is learning that following Christ sometimes means sacrifice - less video games, better sleep habits, and more vulnerability with family. But the rewards are worth it!Anthony's story reminds us: • Small sacrifices lead to big spiritual growth • Being bold about your faith can impact others • Disconnecting from technology helps connect with GodWhether you're a teen or a parent, Anthony's example challenges us all to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly. How is God calling you to grow today?

In this conversation, we are reminded of the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to serve others. The Outreach House ministry exemplifies Christ's call to feed both body and soul. Just as Jesus fed the 5000, this ministry nourishes the community physically and spiritually. We are challenged to consider: How can we be the hands and feet of Jesus in our neighborhoods?Dave Stutz shared his personal journey of faith and how he became involved with the Outreach House. He reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those who may feel uncomfortable entering a church building but are still in need of prayer, support, and basic necessities.

Lisa Abshear's story explored the profound impact of faith during times of grief and loss. Her journey highlighted God's unwavering faithfulness, the importance of processing emotions in healthy ways, and the transformative power of pursuing a deeper understanding of Scripture. Lisa's experiences remind us that even in our darkest moments, God is present and working to bring healing and hope.

Life often takes us on unexpected journeys, filled with twists and turns that challenge our faith and push us to grow. But through it all, there's a constant thread - God's unwavering faithfulness and His perfect plan for our lives. The podcast explored Dylan Schirmer's personal faith journey, highlighting God's faithfulness in the midst of challenges and His persistent calling on Dylan's life. D

In our spiritual journey, we're reminded of the power of answering God's call in our lives. Doug Snow shared Psalms 16:9, which emphasizes God's faithfulness and the joy we can find in His presence. This serves as a powerful reminder that when we align ourselves with God's purpose, He guides us on the path of life and fills us with eternal pleasure. During their conversation, Doug and Pastor R.W. encouraged us to stay rooted in the Word and in prayer, allowing God to refine our calling and purpose. 

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of profound transformation. Theresa Hartley shares her journey of transformation from "church goer" to "pursuer of Jesus." Her story shows us how perseverance in faith, even through difficult times, can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. God's love is constant and unwavering, waiting for us to be ready to receive it fully.

In this powerful testimony, we witness the transformative power of faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Imagine a routine hip surgery turning into a fight for life, with complications spiraling into sepsis, cardiac arrest, and 25 minutes of CPR. For Vicky Davis and her family, this nightmare scenario became a reality. Yet, in the depths of crisis, a story of faith, community, and God's miraculous intervention emerged. The story reminds us that even when hope seems lost, God is still at work.

Mike Gabriel joined us on the ML Podcast to share we a powerful testimony of faith. He walks us through his story of salvation and learning to trust God. His story illustrates how obedience to God, even amidst financial struggles, can lead to unexpected blessings. It's a reminder that our faith journey often begins with small steps of trust.

Our recent podcast featured Ray and Margie Starr. Their story explored the importance of deep spiritual roots, serving together in ministry, and the value of intergenerational relationships. The Starrs' experiences remind us of the importance of staying committed to our local church family and continually seeking ways to serve and grow, regardless of our age or life stage.

In our journey of faith, we often discover hidden qualities within ourselves that God can use for His purpose. Katie's story reminds us that through experiences like mission trips, we can uncover these qualities like patience, leadership, and empathy we never knew we possessed. Katie's story is a beautiful illustration of how God works in us, transforming our hearts and revealing our true potential. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to step out of our comfort zones and allow God to shape us. Let's challenge ourselves to be open to God's work in our lives, trusting that He can bring out qualities in us we never thought possible.

In our journey of faith, we often encounter the challenge of 'blooming where we're planted.' This powerful metaphor reminds us that God calls us to thrive and make an impact right where we are, even in the midst of life's storms. Their story emphasized the importance of trusting God through life's ups and downs, the power of prayer, and the impact of living out our faith in everyday situations. Their experiences remind us of the profound ways God works in our lives when we remain faithful and open to His guidance.

Welcome to the ML Podcast—a place where stories and honest conversations come together to meet people right where they are. Everyone has a story or two or three or more of what God is doing in their heart and in their life. These stories have the power to touch the hearts of others and change lives for eternity. So we knew we had to do something. We needed a way to get these stories out there—to encourage, inspire, and remind us all that God is at work. That is what led us to the podcast. It is our way of saying, “Hey, look what God is doing… and imagine what He will do next.”It all started with a simple idea tossed around between coffee and conversation: “What if we started a podcast?” The church is not a building—it is a community. And sometimes, that community shows up in your earbuds.

The purpose of the ML Podcast is to highlight how people DISCOVER, CONNECT, GROW and SHARE through the story of their journey with Jesus. These stories will provide encouragement and inspiration to live a Christ-centered life.