As we head into Good Friday and Easter weekend, a local Pastor joined us to talk about Jesus dying on the Cross and rising again...growing up as a pastor's kid and his own call into ministry...what it was like starting a brand new church...how we can lay down our lives daily, as Jesus died for us...opportunities for churches on Easter...and their year-long prayer chain.

(3:25) The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was Plan A, but we can't live up to His standard. Pastor Grant Collins of Fountain City Church in Columbus GA explains that and how it applies to our lives.

(13:48) His dad was a longtime pastor, and they were at church a lot. What kind of help does he give Pastor Grant, over the last few decades ago of ministry (also sharing those moments he felt called). And being obedient to God helps you discovery your unique calling.

(27:45) Starting or planting their church 7 years ago, it was scary and their family almost went to Turkey instead. Pastor Grant had a wakeup moment that helped change his definition of faith and lead a mission-focused church without empty religious traditions. He says here are things we can do to take up our cross daily: disown ourselves, be convicted by His Word, put ourselves in God's presence, be rooted in community, have accountability partner(s), get involved in church.

(52:30) Is his church doing Easter different than other Sunday services? Regardless, he knows it's one of the most attended and calls this an opportunity to share the Gospel, connect people with community. Fountain City Church is also leading a 2025 "Unbroken Prayer Chain for the Chattahoochee Valley" which other churches, businesses, small groups, etc. can sign up to pray certain days or weeks to help with what this pastor calls a spiritual "awakening" in this area: https://fountaincity.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2643050.

And Pastor Grant closes us in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.