What does it look like to share the gospel with confidence, build meaningful relationships with people who are far from God, and reach the next generation without turning faith into an argument? In the Season 3 premiere of Cornerstone Conversations, Pastor Josh Hersey sits down with Brian Smith Sr., senior pastor of Hope Church Movement in Phoenix, Arizona, for a practical conversation about evangelism, college ministry, discipleship, and the power of belonging. Brian shares his journey from fraternity life to following Jesus, the unforgettable question “When did you die?” that changed his life, and why salvation is not about making bad people good, but bringing spiritually dead people to life.
Together, they discuss how to share your testimony, build relational equity, identify your “plus one,” and use the SALT method: start a conversation, ask questions, listen, and tell your story and the gospel story. Brian also explains the crisis triangle, the battle to belong, and four simple truths that clearly communicate the gospel: we have all fallen, we cannot get up, Jesus took the fall, and Jesus got up. Whether you want to learn how to share your faith, reach college students, talk about Jesus without being pushy, or help someone belong before they believe, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical tools you can begin using today. Subscribe to Cornerstone Conversations for more honest discussions about following Jesus, growing as a disciple, and living out the gospel in everyday life.