Ever wondered what it was like to be at the heart of the Jesus Movement on the West Coast? Join us on the Brave Men Podcast as we sit down with Philip Wagner, a devoted minister and founder, with his wife Holly, of Oasis Church in Hollywood. This is what happened during the vibrant 1970s Christian revival as hundreds of thousands came to Christ and defined a generation. From his collaboration with Maranatha Music to his leadership at the Vineyard Church under Ken Gullickson and Lonnie Frisbee, Philip offers an insider's perspective on the miracles, music, and spiritual awakenings that defined an era. 

You will be encouraged as our conversation explores the growth and challenges of Oasis Church - working to reach a major city with the power of authenticity, love, and acceptance. We probe into Philip and Holly's battle with cancer, their commitment to emotional health in leadership, and the dangers of comparison. This episode is a testament to faith, perseverance, community and the power of God. Don't miss this inspiring and hope-filled journey.

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network a global movement of leaders committed to building strong men, strong families and strong churches. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole. You can find Paul on socials at @paullouiscole

Visit https://CMN.men for more information and resources.

(00:11) Prominent Ministry and Church Leadership
(14:50) Revival and Spiritual Awakening
(24:20) Church Growth Through Authenticity
(29:58) Building Dreams Through Faithfulness
(39:23) The Power of Hope and Service
(51:38) Leadership, Comparisons, and Emotional Health
(01:03:37) Global Christian Men's Network Movement

At age 14, Luke Richey wasn't your typical teenager; he was hacking into banks and postal services. But that was just the beginning of his wild journey from a life of chaos to a man of faith.  Today Luke is a world leader in Augmented Reality and the front edge of internet development. 

It is a compelling story of his early days as a messed up teen-age hacker to becoming a world-class software developer. His innovative work with his company Gravity Jack is making waves in the tech industry. His journey is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive power of Jesus.

From battling substance abuse and suicidal impulses to experiencing a near-fatal overdose, his struggles brought him to the brink of despair. Yet, it was a divine encounter at church that led to his miraculous healing and spiritual awakening. Luke opens up about the emotional turmoil, the moment of God’s intervention, and the subsequent transformation that not only saved his life but also gave him a renewed sense of purpose. This episode offers a deeply moving narrative of redemption, resilience, and faith.

Here’s also a realistic explanation of how new AI and Augmented Reality can be used to bring the Gospel to men around the world - this is really fascinating. 

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. The host, Paul Cole, can be found on most social platforms at @paullouiscole . CMN has multiple outlets on YouTube and at CMN.men . You’ll find resources to build your life spiritually, disciple your family and tools to use for men’s groups and ministry to men. Tell someone, click subscribe and hang with us every week! 

(0:00:12) - Exploring Augmented Reality With Gravity Jack
(0:14:14) - Miraculous Healing and Transformation
(0:24:55) - Family Healing and New Beginnings
(0:29:30) - Expanding Possibilities Through Augmented Reality
(0:44:17) - Harnessing Technology for Global Impact
(0:50:43) - Strengthening Brotherhood Through Augmented Reality
(0:58:54) - Embracing Human Connection Without Limits

What happens when a distinguished leader decides to challenge deeply rooted religious attitudes and inspire a faith-filled journey across continents? Simon McIntyre, a pivotal figure in the C3 Church Movement, shares his transformative story from the early days of church planting in Australia to his influential roles in Europe and the Americas. Through his candid recounting of personal loss, remarriage, and heartfelt anecdotes, Simon provides profound insights that will resonate with anyone seeking a stronger passion for following Jesus Christ..

Simon’s journey is far from conventional. From a legendary plastic Jesus statue to the remarkable organic growth of C3 Church in Sydney to a global network of nearly 600 churches. Unplanned and divinely guided, C3's expansion showcases the power of genuine faith-led initiatives over human-centric planning. Simon’s reflections on the unpredictable path of church planting and navigating cultural divides offer a refreshing perspective on spiritual leadership and community building.

In this episode, we also tackle the complex themes of grief and hope, contrasting genuine assurance with wishful thinking. Simon’s heartfelt story of meeting Valerie and finding love again after the loss of his wife Helen highlights the importance of emotional readiness and divine timing. From the power of rest and historical Christianity to the balance between meaningful influence and the dangers of fame, Simon's journey offers invaluable lessons for those dedicated to a life of faith, leadership, and authentic spiritual growth. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, reflection, and inspiration.

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. The host, Paul Louis Cole, is a licensed minister with C3 Church Global, a family of churches in over 60 nations. For resources to disciple the men in your world go to CMN.men

(00:12) Christian Church Movement With Simon McIntyre
(09:11) Journey to Church Planting in Australia
(18:20) Unplanned Growth of C3 Church
(31:56) Navigating Hope Versus Fantasy in Grief
(38:44) Meeting Valerie and Overseas Church Planting
(45:52) Unplugging in the Wilderness
(55:30) Navigating Fame and Influence in Ministry
(01:07:51) Rediscovering Historical Christianity and Orthodoxy

Identity is under attack, and the stakes have never been higher. Ever felt like you weren’t enough or feared your past defines you? Here’s hope! Join me today on Brave Men as we confront the crucial themes shaping the lives of Christian men today. From the relentless attack on the family to the disruption of the family unit by fatherlessness to the devil's strategic distortion of our sense of self, we at war, and identity is one of our greatest weapons.

When a demon possessed man was healed by Jesus it reminds us that no one is too far gone for Jesus' love and redemption – that not one man is beyond the reach of grace. I encourage you to reflect on your own personal testimony as a powerful story for spreading hope and transformation, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus' grace for all, regardless of their past.

By understanding that we carry the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, we can find enduring hope and strength in our faith. Join us as we discuss practical insights to empower Christian men to stand firm in their purpose and lead their families and communities with unwavering faith and love.

Packed with strong, practical tools for daily living this episode will lift your spirit. Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network, a global movement of men following Jesus. Find tools for discipling men and sons at CMN.men

(00:12) Identity and Purpose for Christian Men
(07:58) The Power of Jesus' Grace
(22:41) The Power of Prayer and Authority
(34:59) The Transformative Power of Jesus

https://cmn.men

True identity is not found on a resume or LinkedIn profile … it’s found in your story. But what has shaped your story? Join me for a fascinating exploration of identity as we celebrate the launch of my new book, "Identity: Finding the Real You and Why It Matters." This episode is a deep dive into how the narratives we believe about ourselves influence our decisions and behaviors.

The Brave Men podcasts highlight men who are leaders because they’re honest, strong, vulnerable and filled with wisdom. But what can we learn from boxing? Here’s your answer. Fred Ichniowski is a leading business consultant and boxing commentator. And he’s also a dad … 

When Fred Ichniowski’s eight-year-old son asked him a profound question about life, it sparked a conversation that transcended simple fatherhood advice. In this enlightening episode, Fred, a seasoned business consultant and boxing commentator, joins us to share his unique insights on the powerful distinction between mentoring and coaching, and the impactful moments that have defined his career. 

Here’s wisdom and strength. Listen as we delve into Fred’s heartfelt stories, from his childhood connection with his father through boxing to his transformative journey in leadership and personal growth. Fred hits us with a memorable acronym about grace, influence, and leadership qualities that transcend titles—Humility, Vulnerability, Accountability, and Courage (HVAC). 

What’s the difference between coaching and mentoring? Fred has a great answer. Whether through mentoring, coaching, listening, or leading by example, this episode offers practical tools and inspirational stories to foster personal growth and effective leadership.

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network and is hosted by the President of CMN, Paul Louis Cole. Follow the ministry of CMN around the world by following Paul on socials ( @paullouiscole ). For tools and resources for discipling men find what you need at CMN.men

(00:12) Boxing Commentary and Life Transformation
(13:35) Life's Journey and Faith Transformation
(28:37) Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring
(38:56) Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
(47:19) Transformative Power of Grace and Influence
(58:53) Leadership Through Humility and Courage
(01:07:53) Global Men's Christian Network Movement

From our first day of ministry in the Middle East, we were struck by the vibrant faith of the underground church leaders, their stories a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. This episode pulls back the curtain on the remarkable expansion of Christianity in Iran, a land where faith comes at a high cost, following Jesus Christ a choice often made not just with your words, but possibly with your life.

Our special guest, David Yeghnazar from Elam Ministries, shares with us not just the history woven into his family's faith journey but also the broader narrative of Iran's church, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the Islamic revolution. This will encourage you and also compel you to greater works - to get things done where we live, while our brothers in other nations stay the course for Christ. These stories of resilience and discipleship are fuel for our mission, reminding us that the true measure of a man's faith is not found in serenity, but in the crucible of trials.

David and Paul also talk about the new Christian Men’s Network thrust into Arabic nations. CMN is actively translating resources for discipling men into Farsi, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian and other languages for the Middle East and Central Asian nations. 

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. A global resource center for tools to disciple men. Currently in 50 languages. You can find us at CMN.men  

https://www.elam.com/

@elamministries

@paullouiscole

(00:00) Suffering and Faith in Iran
(04:09) Iranian Church's Growth Amid Persecution
(16:57) Faithful Men Inspiring Global Impact
(23:05) Expanding the Church in Iran
(33:49) The Impact of the Gospel

Embarking on a spiritual quest often begins with a single step, a step that Steve Trevino (@pr.stevetrevino) has taken time and again, transforming not just his life but the lives of countless others through his dedication to discipleship. His journey from pastoring to uplifting pastors in the Middle East is a stirring testament to the profound impact one man can have. Our conversation with Steve unravels the tapestry of discipleship and mentorship, taking us beyond the pulpit and into the trenches where real growth and steadfast faith are nurtured through life's shared experiences. We're reminded that the path to spiritual maturity isn't just walked alone; it's a road built on the bonds of mentorship and community.

The transformative effect of service ripples through society like a stone cast into still waters, and this episode captures the essence of that impact. We recount the narrative of a simple church volunteer program that evolved into a movement, ensnaring the heart and spirit of an entire city. From individual acts of kindness to a collective force of change, we witness how volunteerism not only shapes the physical environment but also carves out spaces for personal growth and civic leadership. It's a powerful reminder that our humble contributions can indeed fan the flames of growth and inspire a legacy of service within our communities.

Journeying with us to the heart of global spiritual leadership, we examine how the gospel's message forges connections across cultures and continents. From the boardrooms of high-stakes business to the covert congregations of Iran's underground churches, the influence of servant leadership is unmistakable. We share insights into the burgeoning Christian movement in the Middle East, particularly in Egypt, where the seeds of faith are sprouting in the unlikeliest of places. Through stories of courage and conviction, this episode celebrates the leaders who are reshaping worlds, one conversation, one disciple at a time.

For more on Brave Men and our host @paullouiscole, make sure to follow us on socials. 

To donate to Christian Men’s Network, visit https://cmn.men/ - and make sure to follow all that God is doing through the ministry around the world @christianmensnetwork or on our youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianMensNetwork 

(00:00) Training Leaders in Men's Discipleship
(16:57) City Volunteerism and Community Impact
(23:08) Empowering Men to Make a Difference
(34:30) Church Impact in the Middle East
(40:03) Finding the Man of Peace
(55:48) Building Discipleship Through Conversation

Here’s some hope in your leadership journey. This week, explore the intrinsic connection between joy and a deep-seated relationship with Jesus with my guest, great friend Michael Murphy and our guest host this episode, my son Brandon Cole. They discuss how joy can act as a spiritual barometer and the profound impact of authentic community within the church. 

With Mike's insights from his book "XLR8" and his extensive experience in coaching pastors, along with Brandon's fresh perspective from his years leading a local congregation, C3 Fort Worth, this conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom to deepen your faith and leadership skills.

Unpacking the complexities of ministry to men and the evolving narrative of masculinity in today's society they confront the barriers in our culture today. Obstacles that obscure our joy, like unresolved conflicts and internal insecurities. They hit the need for authenticity in cultivating true joy and the fruits of the spirit. 

In this fascinating convo, they tackle the pressing issues facing church leaders - from the challenges of pastoral mentorship to the pitfalls of focusing too heavily on church attendance and finances as a metric. They rebuild the metric of success shifting it towards intentional disciple-making and investing in people as the hallmark of a thriving ministry. This episode is an invitation to all who seek to balance leadership, personal growth, and community in their lives, reminding us of the constants amidst a world in flux: the Holy Spirit, the Word, the Church, and our shared mission.

Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. A global men’s discipleship movement you can find the resources you need to disciple men at CMN.men

(0:00:00) - Finding Joy in Following Jesus

(0:05:30) - Men's Ministry and Legacy of Faithfulness

(0:15:29) - Evolving Masculinity and Joy in Christianity

(0:26:11) - Challenges and Revelations in Pastoral Work

(0:30:17) - Leadership, Disciple-Making, and Church Growth

(0:42:24) - Power of Positive Confession and Community

(0:52:23) - Navigating Church Leadership and Personal Growth

(0:59:05) - Generational Transition in Church Leadership

Unlock the transformative power of neuroscience-informed Christian counseling with licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, Josh Spurlock. Immerse your heart into a terrific conversation with our good friend Josh as we peel back layers of emotional and relational inhibitors. Dive with us into a profound discussion on the long-term effects of father wounds, the significance of intentional vulnerability, and the potential that lies within our God-given mechanisms for personal growth and deeper discipleship. What’s the harmony between current scientific research and our faith in Jesus? How does the power of the Holy Spirit transform our thinking?

We tackle the tough topics head-on, addressing the sensitive issue of pornography and its impact on relationships. With Josh's expertise, we examine the neurological dependencies it can create, comparative to substance abuse. We discuss strategies for confronting and healing from its effects by addressing underlying issues. The battle scars of life often linger beneath the surface, manifesting in ways that can challenge our relationships and personal well-being. As Josh and I candidly discuss the shadows cast by father wounds and the distortions created by pornography, we reveal a path forward—one punctuated by faith in Christ, vulnerability, intentional living, and the pursuit of deep, meaningful friendships.

Together, we navigate the delicate pathways of neuroplasticity, uncovering how our past, our pain, and our potential for healing are influenced by both our neurological makeup and our faith. This is about navigating life with grace, power and compassion. We discover it’s not just about us, but how we help others in the journey of life.

Brave Men podcast is a production of the Christian Men’s Network, a global men’s movement with coordinating offices in Peru, Indonesia, Uganda, Brazil, London and Texas. For resources to disciple your family or men in your church go to CMN.men

(00:00) Neuroscience-Informed Christian Counseling and Healing
(10:09) Neuroplasticity and Biblical Counseling
(19:48) Addressing Pornography's Impact on Men's Relationships
(36:09) Building Meaningful Male Friendships in Community
(43:59) Navigating Dysfunction and Finding Faith
(48:11) Navigating Father Wounds and Healing
(53:34) Healing Through Mentors and Relationships
(01:00:42) Understanding Anger and Emotional Connection
(01:17:29) Seeking Wisdom and Mentorship for Men