In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, host Adam Whitescarver welcomes Jenny Stripling, Development Officer at Northside Neighborhood House (NNH), to explore the rich history, impactful programs, and current initiatives of this 100-year-old nonprofit serving Chattanooga’s northside community. Jenny shares her journey to Chattanooga, her passion for community service, and the many ways NNH empowers neighbors through education, stability programs, and unique resources like thrift stores and the Coffee Collective.

Together, they discuss the challenges facing local families, the organization’s innovative afterschool programs, and the importance of sustainable community engagement. From teaching life skills to providing rental assistance, NNH ensures neighbors not only survive but thrive.

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Timestamps for Key Discussion Points

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and mission by Adam Whitescarver
00:25 - Welcoming guest Jenny Stripling and introduction to Northside Neighborhood House (NNH)
01:07 - Jenny’s role as Chief Development Officer: fundraising, marketing, and volunteer coordination
01:50 - Jenny’s personal story and journey to Chattanooga
04:10 - What drew Jenny to NNH and transitioning from a national nonprofit to a local one
05:18 - Celebrating 100 years of NNH: Origins and early programs
07:43 - Growth and evolution: Responding to community needs over the decades
09:39 - Launching the Community Schools program and embedding staff in schools
11:20 - Afterschool programs: Clubs, mentorship, and skill-building activities
13:40 - Expanding NNH’s reach: Addressing poverty north of the river
16:19 - Resource deserts and innovative solutions: Coffee Community Collective
18:47 - Addressing housing insecurity: Good Tenants Workshop and practical solutions
24:58 - Increasing need for rental assistance: Shifting focus since the pandemic
27:02 - Why supporting vetted nonprofits like NNH ensures impactful giving
29:13 - Building relationships with staff and the community: A story of success at Red Bank High
31:37 - Empowerment programs: Cooking and computer skills for self-sufficiency
33:53 - NNH thrift stores: A critical resource generating operational funds
38:17 - Volunteer opportunities: Schools, thrift stores, and committees
42:16 - Using white papers and community insights to guide programming
44:50 - Prayer requests: Supporting students and families facing summer challenges
46:44 - Vision for Chattanooga’s northside: Building a thriving, stable community

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Prayer Requests

Pray for students and families facing food insecurity and challenges during the summer months.

Pray for continued provision and support for NNH’s stability programs, especially housing and financial assistance.

Pray for the success of NNH’s outreach efforts to build meaningful community partnerships and foster long-term relationships with neighbors.

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Resources Mentioned

Northside Neighborhood House: https://www.nnhouse.org

Coffee Collective in Soddy-Daisy: A hub for resources and community building

NNH Thrift Stores: Supporting the mission through donated goods

Good Tenants Workshop: Educating renters on housing rights and responsibilities

Get Involved:

Visit https://www.nnhouse.org to sign up for the newsletter, explore volunteer opportunities, or support NNH’s thrift stores.

Stay Connected:

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates on future episodes and community initiatives.

In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, host Adam Whitescarver sits down with Justin Wade, President of Partners for Christian Media, to discuss the growth and challenges of Christian media in Chattanooga. Justin shares his personal story, his leadership at J103, and the creative ways Partners for Christian Media reaches people through radio, streaming platforms, and community events. Together, they explore how local Christian radio, events like JFest, and online testimony projects like “Come On, Let’s Go” are impacting the community, spreading hope, and building meaningful connections.

----------------------------------------

Timestamps for Key Discussion Points:

00:00:03:04 - 00:00:25:22
Introduction
Adam Whitescarver introduces the podcast and welcomes listeners, giving an overview of the Chattanooga House of Prayer and the purpose of the episode.

00:00:26:00 - 00:00:49:06
Setting the Stage
Adam discusses the series focus on interviewing reputable nonprofits around Chattanooga, aiming to increase awareness and collaboration. He introduces guest Justin Wade, Executive Director of Partners for Christian Media.

00:00:49:06 - 00:00:56:11
Introduction of Justin Wade
A light-hearted exchange between Adam and Justin, setting the tone for the episode.

00:00:56:11 - 00:01:16:19
Partners for Christian Media
Justin Wade explains his role as the leader of Partners for Christian Media and introduces the organization's primary brands, including J103, JFest, Come On Let's Go, and JRadio.

00:01:16:20 - 00:01:43:00
Justin's Background
Justin shares his personal story, including being born and raised in Chattanooga, his family life, and his role at Partners for Christian Media.

00:01:43:02 - 00:01:54:22
Getting to Know Justin
Adam and Justin discuss Justin's active lifestyle, including his passion for running and triathlons, and how he balances that with family and ministry responsibilities.

00:01:55:00 - 00:02:25:02
Personal Life and Family
Justin talks about his daughters, his commitment to being present for his family despite a busy schedule, and the importance of making time for them.

00:02:25:04 - 00:03:04:06
Finding Time for Fitness
Adam and Justin continue discussing Justin's fitness routine, how he manages to train for long races like marathons and triathlons, and how he involves his family in supporting his training.

00:03:04:08 - 00:04:14:00
Work-Life Balance
A conversation about the balance between work, family, and personal time, and how Justin manages to stay active while fulfilling his leadership role at Partners for Christian Media.

00:04:14:02 - 00:05:14:02
The Role of the Family in Ministry
Justin reflects on how his family supports his ministry work, particularly during his triathlon training days, and the family dynamics of supporting ministry work together.

00:05:14:02 - 00:06:06:14
Professional Journey
Justin shares his journey of how he ended up at Partners for Christian Media, starting with a conversation over a job opportunity at J103 while working in a restaurant, and the unexpected path that led him into Christian media.

00:06:06:16 - 00:07:01:21
Early Days at J103
Justin describes his initial role at J103, waiting for traffic reports to come in while working at the station, and how he transitioned into more responsibility through a combination of boredom and initiative.

00:07:01:23 - 00:08:11:23
Learning on the Job
A humorous recount of how Justin took initiative to learn a new automation system at J103 and how this led to more opportunities for him within the organization.

00:08:12:01 - 00:09:01:23
The Evolution of Christian Radio
Adam and Justin discuss how Christian radio has evolved and the unique role J103 plays in the Chattanooga area, remaining locally based while other stations are more centralized.

00:09:02:01 - 00:10:17:01
Partners for Christian Media’s Impact
Justin explains the mission and model behind Partners for Christian Media, which includes a mix of community support from businesses and individuals, and how this hybrid model has helped them remain financially sustainable for almost 30 years.

00:10:17:03 - 00:11:01:08
J103 and the Community
The conversation shifts to J103’s local impact, focusing on how being based in Chattanooga gives the station a unique connection to the community, from local traffic updates to promoting local events and concerts.

00:11:01:10 - 00:12:05:08
Navigating Recessions and Challenges
Justin talks about how Partners for Christian Media has navigated challenges over the years, including economic recessions and the pandemic, and how the organization has adapted to these challenges.

00:12:05:10 - 00:13:01:08
Supporting the Community
Justin discusses how Partners for Christian Media prioritizes supporting local businesses and ministries and how they make decisions on who to partner with to ensure their mission aligns with Christian values.

00:13:01:10 - 00:14:00:13
Come On Let’s Go
An in-depth look at “Come On Let’s Go,” a platform for sharing Christian testimonies through video storytelling, and how it reaches people online who may not otherwise hear the gospel.

00:14:00:15 - 00:14:50:23
Testimonies with Impact
Justin shares the reach of Come On Let’s Go, with millions of views and thousands of people engaging with the gospel through personal testimonies, and how the platform has become an effective tool for online ministry.

00:14:51:00 - 00:16:00:23
The Power of Storytelling
Adam and Justin discuss the power of testimonies in reaching people who might not attend church, using online platforms to reach the lost, and the spiritual impact of sharing real-life stories.

00:16:01:00 - 00:18:00:00
JRadio and Other Ministries
Justin explains how JRadio was created to meet the demand for online music streaming, giving listeners a safe, Christian alternative to mainstream streaming services, while still fostering trust and community engagement.

00:18:00:00 - 00:19:00:00
JFest and Its Mission
Justin talks about JFest, the major Christian music festival hosted by Partners for Christian Media, its origins as a fundraiser, and how it has evolved into a major community event that brings people together from all walks of life.

00:19:00:00 - 00:21:00:00
How to Get Involved
The episode wraps up with Justin sharing ways people can get involved in the various ministries under Partners for Christian Media, whether through volunteering, sharing testimonies, or attending events like JFest.

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Prayer Requests:

Pray for wisdom and discernment as Christian media navigates a rapidly changing digital world.

Pray for God’s provision and guidance for upcoming events like JFest and the expansion of media ministries.

Pray for open hearts as Partners for Christian Media shares the gospel through testimonies and music.

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Resources Mentioned:

J103: https://www.j103.com/

Come On, Let’s Go – https://www.comeonletsgo.com/

JRadio – http://www.jradio.fm/

JFest – https://jfest.com/

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates on new episodes and community events.

In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, Adam Whitescarver sits down with Anthony Watkins, Executive Director of Hope for the Inner City, to discuss his journey into ministry and the impactful work his organization is doing in Chattanooga. 

Anthony shares stories of his upbringing in Indianapolis, his passion for serving, and how his nonprofit is working to support Chattanooga’s inner city through mercy ministries, intergenerational service, and community empowerment.

This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of poverty alleviation, the importance of community partnerships, and the need for mentoring and training to help individuals break the cycle of poverty. Anthony’s vision for Hope for the Inner City extends beyond meeting immediate needs; it’s about building relationships and empowering people to achieve self-sufficiency and transformation.

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Jump Through the Conversation

[0:00] Introduction to the podcast and Anthony Watkins’ background as Executive Director of Hope for the Inner City.

[0:24] Anthony shares his origins in Indianapolis and stories of his family’s roots in Kentucky.

[1:59] Reflecting on his early years and family experiences that shaped his heart for service and ministry.

[5:49] How Anthony transitioned from a chef to ministry work and what led him to Chattanooga.

[8:20] The moment Anthony knew Chattanooga was where he was called to serve.

[10:45] Discovering Hope for the Inner City and its impact on his life and leadership.

[12:02] The merging of Inner City Ministries and Hope for Chattanooga to form Hope for the Inner City.

[15:00] Anthony explains the breadth of Hope for the Inner City’s programs, including utility assistance, food distribution, and home repairs.

[19:25] Shifting from merely meeting needs to focusing on training, education, and long-term community impact.

[25:00] How Hope for the Inner City works with local mission teams to serve Chattanooga’s seniors.

[30:20] Exploring Hope’s vision for community transformation through discipleship, evangelism, and practical support.

[35:12] The abundance of resources available in Chattanooga and the responsibility of using them to help others.

[41:00] Anthony shares stories of transformation, including the powerful impact of financial literacy programs.

[45:30] Encouraging individuals and churches to get involved by offering time, skills, and resources to those in need.

[57:17] The importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for lasting change.

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Prayer Requests for Hope for the Inner City:

Pray for more volunteers and resources to support the growing needs of the community.

Pray for the individuals and families served by Hope for the Inner City to find hope, healing, and transformation through the services provided.

Pray for Anthony and his team as they work to build a sustainable model of support and empowerment for Chattanooga’s underserved communities.

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Links and Resources:

Hope for the Inner City website: https://www.wearehfic.org/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, Adam Whitescarver sits down with Tony Souder, CEO of One Hundred Years and founder of the Pray for Me Campaign, to discuss his work with Chattanooga’s youth leaders and his mission to connect generations through intergenerational prayer. Tony shares his journey into ministry, the early days of founding the Chattanooga Youth Network, and the development of the Pray for Me Campaign, which equips churches and individuals to build lasting, impactful relationships between adults and young people through prayer.

This episode highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships in the church, the development of prayer practices for youth, and how ministries can be more effective in discipling the next generation. Listen in to learn how you can engage with the Pray for Me Campaign to foster deeper community connections within your church.

--------------------------------

Jump Through the Conversation

[0:00] Introduction to the podcast and purpose of A Beautiful Church Podcast by Adam Whitescarver.

[0:25] Introduction to Tony Souder, his background, and ministry roles with One Hundred Years and the Pray for Me Campaign.

[0:40] Tony briefly explains his current work and role in intergenerational prayer and youth ministry.

[1:21] Tony’s personal journey and history: Born in Valdosta, Georgia, and his experience growing up in a military family.

[3:12] How Tony ended up in Chattanooga through his role as the first director of the Chattanooga Youth Network.

[4:07] The genesis of the Chattanooga Youth Network under the Chattanooga Resource Foundation.

[5:04] The strategy behind supporting youth leaders and building connections in Chattanooga through the Youth Network.

[6:10] Early challenges and successes of starting the network, including funding and building a collaborative culture among youth pastors.

[7:20] How Chattanooga’s youth pastors came together, overcoming perceived competition to work collaboratively.

[8:24] Building connections between youth leaders and forming regional networks and leadership communities for youth pastors.

[9:50] The role of prayer, accountability, care, and training in shaping the leadership communities and supporting youth leaders.

[12:18] The influence of Matt Brinkley and the importance of prayer and community in youth ministry leadership.

[13:15] The structure of these networks and gatherings for youth leaders, including prayer, training, and accountability.

[14:03] The development of the Pray for Me Campaign and its foundation in research showing the importance of multiple adult believers investing in young people's lives.

[16:17] How the Pray for Me Campaign creates intergenerational relationships to support youth and foster Christ-centered growth.

[17:39] The challenges of naming the campaign and how a key conversation with a church member led to the Pray for Me focus on prayer.

[19:20] The process of developing the Pray for Me Campaign into a practical ministry tool.

[21:04] How the Pray for Me prayer guide helps adults pray effectively for young people, focusing on Christ’s formation in their lives.

[23:15] How churches implement the Pray for Me Campaign: Recruiting adults as prayer champions for young people and fostering relationships across generations.

[25:16] The long-term impact of having three adult prayer champions for each youth throughout middle and high school.

[27:03] How the Pray for Me Campaign works across different church settings, from traditional youth ministries to family-focused ministries.

[29:09] Tony’s experiences working across denominations and making the Pray for Me Campaign adaptable for different church cultures.

[30:01] Tony’s personal journey and how prayer has shaped his ministry, especially through difficult times with his wife’s health.

[32:30] Stories of the Pray for Me Campaign’s impact: The powerful connection between Mr. Allen and Isaac, and how it illustrates the fast-tracking of belonging and relationships through prayer.

[34:18] How the Pray for Me Campaign builds community within churches and connects families across generational lines.

[35:02] The different age groups that can participate in the Pray for Me Campaign, from kindergarten through college.

[38:26] Barna research on the importance of intergenerational relationships for youth retention in churches.

[41:10] The Pray for Me Campaign’s reach and success: Translated into multiple languages and implemented in thousands of churches.

[46:08] How to implement the Pray for Me Campaign in your church and where to get resources.

[48:50] The importance of having a church champion for the Pray for Me Campaign and the step-by-step resources provided to help churches get started.

[51:25] How the Pray for Me Campaign is a valuable discipleship tool and its potential for creating deep relational connections within churches.

[54:23] The importance of prayer in building intergenerational relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within churches.

[58:22] How listeners can pray for Tony Souder, his family, and the continued growth of One Hundred Years and the Pray for Me Campaign.

[1:01:57] Tony’s vision for the future of the Pray for Me Campaign: Creating belonging and security within churches, leading to boldness in reaching out to others.

[1:04:22] Closing remarks and thank you from Adam Whitescarver.

-----------------------------------

Prayer Requests for the Pray for Me Campaign:

Pray for the continued growth of the Pray for Me Campaign, both nationally and internationally.

Pray for the youth leaders, pastors, and volunteers working to connect generations in meaningful prayer relationships.

Pray for more churches to embrace intergenerational ministry and for stronger connections between adults and young people.

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Links and Resources:

Pray for Me Campaign website : https://prayformecampaign.com/

One Hundred Years website: https://ouronehundredyears.com/

Youth Leader Collective website: https://youthleadercollective.com/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

This episode dives into the realities of trafficking in Chattanooga, the transformative power of prayer, and the importance of trauma-informed care in helping survivors heal from their past. Listen in to learn how churches and individuals can join forces with Love’s Arm to bring hope and restoration to those most in need.

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Jump Through the Conversation

[0:23] Introduction to Inza Hagins-Dyer and her role as Executive Director at Love’s Arm Outreach.

[0:59] Inza’s journey: From federal government work to leading Love’s Arm, her second career in ministry.

[2:54] History of Love’s Arm: Founded by Mamie Nankivell in 2005 to reach women involved in trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

[6:15] The challenges of scaling a ministry: Mamie’s transition to executive leadership and the role of prayer in sustaining the mission.

[8:32] The power of prayer: How consistent prayer shaped the success of Love’s Arm.

[11:40] Who Love’s Arm serves: Primarily women survivors of trafficking and addiction, and occasionally men who have experienced trafficking.

[14:17] The scope of trafficking in Chattanooga: The city as a major hub for trafficking in the Southeast.

[17:02] Common denominators of trafficking victims: Early childhood abuse, trauma, and the cycle of addiction.

[21:04] Real stories: Survivors’ paths to Love’s Arm and how trauma affects their decision-making.

[22:42] Love’s Arm’s approach: Trauma-informed care and its importance in rebuilding survivors’ lives.

[29:52] The role of volunteers and the need for unconditional love in ministering to survivors.

[34:18] Breaking free from trafficking: How addiction and trauma often keep survivors trapped in cycles of exploitation.

[37:48] How pornography fuels trafficking and sexual exploitation.

[39:55] Fundraising challenges: Measuring success and the difficulty of showing traditional “outcomes” in trauma recovery.

[45:10] Success stories: The first graduates from Love’s Arm’s long-term residential program and the impact on their lives.

[47:39] The power of love and forgiveness: Inza’s personal story of forgiveness after losing her mother to violence.

[52:47] Call to action: How listeners can support Love’s Arm through prayer, donations, and volunteering.

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Prayer Requests for Love’s Arm Outreach:

Pray for protection and healing for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Pray for Love’s Arm’s staff and volunteers as they continue to bring hope and restoration to those in need.

Pray for increased community support and resources to sustain and expand the ministry.

Links and Resources

Love’s Arm Outreach website: https://lovesarmoutreach.org/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

In this episode, Adam Whitescarver sits down with Patti Harris, the Director of the Greater Chattanooga Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). CEF is a worldwide ministry focused on evangelizing and discipling children, partnering with local churches, and establishing kids into local congregations for spiritual growth.

Patti shares her inspiring journey from a fashion merchandising career to leading CEF, highlighting how the organization’s mission to spread the gospel to children began in 1937 and continues to grow through their Good News Clubs and summer programs.

This episode dives into the opportunities for churches to partner with CEF, the life-changing impact of reaching children with the gospel, and the crucial role of volunteers. Listen in to discover how your church can get involved in local schools and communities to support the spiritual development of children.

----------------------------------------------------

Jump Through the Conversation

• [0:22] Introduction to the podcast, guest Patty Harris, and the focus on evangelism through nonprofits.
• [2:00] Introduction to Patty Harris and her background, moving from fashion merchandising to ministry leadership.
• [2:46] Patty’s journey into ministry and her roles with Scenic City Women’s Network, Crown Financial Ministries, and eventually Child Evangelism Fellowship.
• [3:55] Overview of Child Evangelism Fellowship: Its founding in 1937, global reach, and mission to evangelize and disciple children.
• [6:52] History of the Greater Chattanooga Chapter and its 50+ years of service in the area.
• [8:07] Programs offered by CEF, including the Good News Club and Summer Missionary Program.
• [10:24] How the five-day clubs work in partnership with churches and their role in reaching children during the summer.
• [12:27] The impact of volunteers, from teenagers to senior citizens, and the vital roles they play in the success of the Good News Clubs.
• [15:46] The power of church partnerships: Building relationships with children and their families through school-based evangelism programs.
• [19:46] Volunteer recruitment and training: How churches and individuals can support and lead Good News Clubs.
• [24:46] Challenges facing CEF: Resource needs, reaching more schools, and the threat of satanic clubs in public schools.
• [30:46] Prayer requests: Staff needs, protection from spiritual opposition, and expanding the ministry to all 102 elementary schools in the Chattanooga area.
• [40:46] Vision for the future: How evangelism through CEF can transform the city by reaching children and their families with the gospel.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Prayer Requests for Child Evangelism Fellowship:

Pray for protection against the spiritual opposition, particularly the rise of satanic clubs in schools.

Pray for the recruitment of staff and volunteers to continue the ministry’s expansion and effectiveness.

Pray for the outreach efforts to bring the Good News Clubs to all 102 elementary schools in the Greater Chattanooga area.

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Links and Resources

Child Evangelism Fellowship website: https://www.cefchattanooga.org/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

Welcome to A Beautiful Church Podcast!
In this episode, host Adam Whitescarver talks with Jonathan Ingraham, a local nonprofit leader from Chattanooga, about faith, work, and community. Jonathan shares his journey, the mission of Faith Co-op, and how integrating faith in the workplace brings purpose to daily life.

Timestamps for key discussion points:

00:22 - Introduction to the podcast and guest Jonathan Ingram
00:39 - Jonathan’s background and personal introduction
01:11 - The pronunciation of Jonathan’s name
02:19 - Rebranding from Chattanooga Faith, Work, Culture to Faith Co-op
03:20 - Jonathan's vocational journey and how he got to where he is today
05:23 - Chattanooga Fellows Program and its impact on college graduates
07:22 - How Faith Co-op fosters community and discipleship in the workplace
10:22 - The significance of rebranding and the importance of storytelling
15:20 - Narratives about work: Sacred vs. Secular divide
17:39 - The role of faith in finding purpose in everyday work
22:09 - Overview of Faith Co-op’s programs: Chattanooga Fellows, Main & Market Fellows, and Faith Driven Network
26:47 - Faith and Work 101: Bringing faith into businesses and churches
28:22 - Faith Co-op's podcast: Weekday Saints, sharing stories of faith in everyday work
30:54 - Story of collaboration between two professionals to solve a healthcare gap for adults with special needs
34:12 - The importance of applying the gospel to daily work and business settings
35:37 - Challenges faced by Faith Co-op and the push to include diverse industries and demographics
40:47 - How Faith Co-op supports churches and pastors in discipling congregants
44:22 - Prayer requests and Faith Co-op’s 2024-2025 theme: Seeking wisdom
50:22 - Closing thoughts and future directions for Faith Co-op
52:22 - Final reflections on the relationship between faith and work

For more info on Faith Co-op: https://faithcoop.org

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on faith and community impact!

#FaithAndWork #NonProfitLeadership #Chattanooga #FaithCoop #BeautifulChurchPodcast #CommunityImpact #ChristianWorkplace #Discipleship #JonathanIngram #FaithDrivenNetwork

Terry shares his journey from being a youth pastor to his current role at On Point, where he helps guide programs that focus on life skills, abstinence education, and building supportive relationships with students. This episode dives into the history of On Point, its mission to empower youth through education and support, and how the organization collaborates with schools and churches to create positive change. 

Listen in to learn how churches and individuals can get involved, the impact of life-changing mentorship, and the challenges facing youth today.

--------------

• [0:24] Introduction to the new season, podcast updates, and welcoming Terry Davis from On Point.
• [1:07] Overview of this season's focus: partnering with various nonprofits, both faith-based and secular.
• [1:38] Introduction to Terry Davis and his role at On Point.
• [2:24] Terry's background: From youth pastor to a key role at On Point.
• [3:33] How Terry got involved with On Point through volunteering as a youth pastor.
• [4:30] Overview of On Point: its origins, mission, and abstinence education programs.
• [6:30] Development of the "Life on Point" curriculum and its focus on year-long engagement with students.
• [9:10] The importance of building relationships with students for long-term impact.
• [12:44] Terry's role in community engagement and building partnerships with churches and organizations.
• [15:24] The need for volunteers and how churches can partner with On Point.
• [19:24] Impact stories: Transformational experiences and success stories from On Point programs.
• [24:24] Addressing the challenges faced by youth today: violence, anger, and the need for positive role models.
• [28:24] How to get involved with On Point: Volunteer opportunities, training, and the impact of even small acts of service.
• [30:24] Discussing the effectiveness of abstinence education and its approach.
• [36:09] Current challenges facing On Point as an organization: growing needs, limited resources, and the call for community support.
• [40:24] Vision for the future: Expanding reach, more community partnerships, and increasing financial support.
• [44:24] Prayer requests for On Point: Supporting students, creating safe spaces, and fostering a desire for growth and learning.
• [47:44] Closing thoughts and a call to action for listeners to get involved and make an impact.

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Prayer for On Point:

Pray for the students in the programs

Pray for them to know how to live life to the fullest

Pray for safety in our schools

Pray for calmness, focus, and desire for the students and organization to learn and grow.

-----------------------------------

Links and Resources

On Point Website - liveonpoint.org

Pray Chattanooga (formerly the Chattanooga House of Prayer) website - praychattanooga.com

The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.

This season is all about spiritual rhythms and disciplines, and we’ve been using the last few episodes to focus on sabbaticals, a continuation of the practice of sabbath rest. In this episode, Micki Ann chats with our final guest of the season, pastor Grady Davidson, as he outlines his sabbatical experience.

Grady began thinking about pursuing a sabbatical after nearly thirteen years as a pastor at Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church. With the support of his leadership, encouragement from mentors, and assistance from the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program, the Davidson family set off on a fifteen-week sabbatical. This time was broken up into trips and activities that focused on three areas: exploring the past, embracing the present, and envisioning the future. The result was a fruitful time of rest and refocusing that not only refreshed Grady and his wife but provided him with the perspective and wisdom needed for the unexpected Covid season that developed just months after he returned to ministry.

Join us for the final episode of season 5 as Grady shares the three areas he hoped to address through the sabbatical, and stay till the end to hear about “the spiritual gift of plodding.”

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:26] Rhythms of sabbath and sabbaticals
• [1:53] Introducing Grady Davidson
• [3:44] The importance of sabbaticals
• [5:15] Defining sabbaticals
• [6:41] Thoughts and conversations leading to Grady’s sabbatical
• [10:27] Areas of focus for sabbatical
  • Grady’s pulpit ministry
  • Family and marriage
  • Empowering congregation to serve
• [18:15] Preparing the church for Grady’s absence 
  • Finding a temporary pastor
  • Outlining worship services
  • Organizing special events
• [20:39] Content of Grady’s sabbatical
  • Exploring the past
    • Tour of Israel and Jordan
    • Road trips with wife to places they’d lived
  • Embracing the present
    • Beach time with family
    • Integrating The Daily Office
  • Envisioning the future
    • 11 day solo trip in Montana
• [33:00] Processing the past
• [38:46] Takeaways and returning to ministry
• [42:32] Change in spiritual practices
• [46:38] Call to denominational leaders to advocate for sabbaticals
• [48:23] Final thoughts: “the spiritual gift of plodding”

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer
• Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.

The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.

Last episode, Micki Ann and Rusty McKie introduced the topic of sabbaticals. In this episode, Micki Ann interviews pastor Tracy Edwards, who shares his story of working with his congregation to take a much-needed break from ministry.

In his seventeen years of pastoring, Tracy had never taken a sabbatical. It wasn’t until he was overwhelmed by the difficulty of leading a small congregation during the Covid crisis that he reached a breaking point. During a conversation with a counselor, Tracy was able to identify feeling dry and disconnected from God, problems which were affecting both his work in the church and his relationship with his family. With support and encouragement from his congregation and family, Tracy took a one-month sabbatical that culminated in a solo trip where the Lord spoke to the heart of the issue. 

This is the second of three episodes about sabbaticals. Listen in to this episode to hear more about Tracy’s experience and why sabbaticals are critical for ministry leaders.

About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.

Jump Through the Conversation:

• [0:50] Explaining the extended focus on sabbaticals
• [2:03] What is a sabbatical?
• [4:06] Introducing Tracy Edwards
• [9:23] The unique challenges of being a pastor
• [11:37] Factors leading to Tracy’s sabbatical
• [15:19] Turning point: General Assembly
  • Conversation with a counselor
    • Hose analogy
    • Circle exercise
  • Feeling “dry” and disconnected from the Lord
• [18:49] The issue of pastors not being able to connect with each other
• [20:59] The dry place and ministry
• [23:03] Steps Tracy took for restoration
  • Connected with local counselor
  • Talked to leadership about sabbatical
  • Honesty with congregation
• [27:31] How Tracy’s family was affected
• [29:52] Details about sabbatical 
  • Unplugging from work/church
  • 10-day vacation with wife and daughter
  • Solo camping trip
• [32:37] Pivotal moment alone with God
• [37:31] Encouragement to take sabbaticals and following Jesus’s example
• [42:46] Churches: pray for your pastor
• [45:53] Practicals for those who aren’t able to take a sabbatical 
• [47:03] True vacation means skipping Sundays

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Resources from the Chattanooga House of Prayer

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.