COGO Podcast

When Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of Jamaica, churches were left with damaged buildings, communities were hurting, and a long road to recovery was ahead. But what started as an effort to help rebuild damaged churches has turned into something much bigger. The stories coming out of Jamaica are a reminder that sometimes we set out to make a difference in someone else's life, only to discover how much our own lives will be changed along the way.

On this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody reconnects with Ohio Disaster Relief leadership Gordon Garrett and Aaron Holman to share an update on the work happening in Jamaica. More than 20 churches have been rebuilt or restored, but that's only part of the story. Relationships have been formed, lives have been changed, and a partnership is developing that could reach well beyond Jamaica. And as plans take shape for more teams in 2027, there's a bigger question for churches across Ohio: What might God do through your people if you simply give them the opportunity to go?

Watch here to see and hear a few testimonies from some others that went to Jamaica this past summer.

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What if the people your church is trying to reach aren’t going to walk through your doors? And what if God has already placed someone in your congregation who knows exactly how to reach them? Jon Wiest believes the next step in reaching our communities may look different than we expect. But what does that mean for the way we think about church, discipleship, and the people God has placed right in front of us?

On this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody and Jon explore what it means to be a pioneer leader, why the church may need to rethink its approach to reaching people, and how our everyday surroundings could hold more ministry opportunities than we realize. Jon also shares a perspective on your neighborhood, workplace, and community that might just change the way you see your role in God’s mission. You don’t have to be a pastor to make a difference. The question is, what might God be calling you to do right where you are?

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Check out Jon's bio and some additional articles he has written here.

Have you purchased Banding Together yet? What are you waiting for? Get it here!

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Pastors spend their lives caring for others, but who’s helping them prepare for their own financial future? It’s a conversation many in ministry put off, don’t fully understand, or simply don’t know where to begin. But what if planning for the future could bring more freedom to serve God in the present? On this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with Mark Senseman of Servant Solutions for an honest conversation about a part of ministry that deserves more attention than it often gets.

From preparing for retirement to understanding the financial decisions that affect both pastors and their churches, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to care for those who care for others. Whether you’re a pastor, a church leader, or someone who wants to see ministry leaders thrive for the long haul, you’ll be encouraged to think differently about financial stewardship and discover why taking the next step matters more than you might think.

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Mark would love to hear from you! Check out the Servant Solutions website and reach out to him here.

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What if some of the most important moments in our faith and leadership didn’t happen on a stage, in a meeting, or even inside a church, but around a table? Crystal Colp has spent much of her life discovering just how much can happen there. Some of those moments go all the way back to her childhood, and there’s one story involving her family’s dining room table that she’s saving for General Assembly. (If you haven't yet, REGISTER TODAY!) (yes, click the link!)

In this conversation, R.W. Moody and Crystal talk about the impressions people leave on us, the people who have shaped our lives, and why the table might be more significant than we realize. But there’s more to the conversation than just a table. Crystal shares some things she’s learned about developing people, leading well, and knowing when we need to slow down. You may find yourself thinking about your own table and who God has placed around it.

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Learn more about Crystal and her ministry at First Church of God in St. Joseph, MI, Click Here.

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What happens when you stop trying to build ministry according to a formula and start listening for what the Holy Spirit is saying? In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with Kevin McGuire, leader of 12 Stones Coffee Community in Franklin, Ohio, to talk about how a coffee shop became an unexpected place for community, conversation, discipleship, and lives being changed. You will hear the story behind 12 Stones and how a fresh expression of ministry emerged not from a strategic plan, but from a willingness to listen, strip away assumptions, and follow where God was leading.

At the heart of this conversation is a different way of thinking about discipleship, one that looks less like a program and more like a journey. Kevin shares about creating space for genuine relationships, allowing conversations to develop naturally, and trusting the Holy Spirit to work over time. For leaders wondering what a fresh expression of discipleship could look like in their own community, this episode offers an invitation to listen, trust, and take the next step God puts in front of them.

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Learn more about 12 Stones: https://12stones.coffee/#story 

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What happens when God takes control of a life and then uses that life to influence others? In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with Andrew Miller, executive pastor at Church of the Crossing in Indianapolis, for an honest conversation about leadership, discipleship, and the people who shape us along the way. Andrew shares his powerful story of finding freedom through surrender to Jesus, the mentors who recognized and cultivated his leadership gifts, and how those experiences continue to shape the way he leads today.

Learn more about where Andrew SERVES!

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What happens when a group of college students puts their musical gifts, creativity, and passion for Jesus together? In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with a few members of AU Movement, a college worship and songwriting collective from Anderson University. McKenna, Sam, CJ, and Connor share how AU Movement came together, their journey of writing original worship music, and how God has been shaping them through worship, discipleship, and community. They also talk about their first single, Commitment, and the heart behind creating music that points people to Jesus.

The conversation goes much deeper than music, exploring what it means to lead worship with authenticity, humility, and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit lead. With AU Movement preparing to lead worship at the Ohio State Youth Convention this November, they share what they are praying for and how they hope students encounter God through worship. From “go” and “intentionality” to “consecrate” and “creativity,” these students offer a powerful challenge to church leaders about empowering the next generation to live out the Great Commission.

Listen to AU Movement's first single, Commitment, HERE.

Check out a behind the scenes reel on Facebook and don't forget to follow them for future songs!

https://anderson.edu/au-movement/

Want to hear them in-person? Register and bring your youth to OSYC 2026.

Thanks for listening and don't forget you catch every episode on Youtube!

We'd LOVE to hear from YOU!

Churches today have more opportunities than ever to connect with people, but are we making the most of them? In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with Rev. Seth Brisker, lead pastor of Common House in Athens, Ohio, to explore how churches can thoughtfully engage people in today's digital world without losing sight of their mission. Drawing from his experience leading a church restart in a university community, Seth shares practical insights on reaching people where they are while staying grounded in the gospel.

From social media strategy to authentic discipleship, this conversation challenges ministry leaders to think beyond platforms and programs and focus on meaningful connection. Whether you're serving in a small church, leading a growing congregation, or simply looking for fresh ideas to communicate your church's mission more effectively, you'll come away encouraged, equipped, and reminded that every tool is most powerful when it's used to point people to Jesus.

Learn more about Seth and his ministry at Common House. 

Also, if you haven't yet, follow Common House on Facebook!

Thanks for listening and don't forget you catch every episode on Youtube!

We'd LOVE to hear from YOU!

The next generation isn't looking for shallow answers—they're searching for an authentic faith that transforms every part of life. In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. welcomes Rev. Sarah Zaske, speaker for the Ohio State Youth Convention, for a compelling conversation about reaching and developing today's students. Drawing from her experience as a pastor, church planter, and ministry leader, Sarah shares why she has so much hope for this generation and how the Church can come alongside them with truth, grace, and intentional discipleship.

Together, R.W. and Sarah discuss the unique challenges and incredible opportunities facing youth leaders today, from cultivating genuine faith to helping students embrace their God-given calling. Whether you serve in youth ministry, lead a church, or simply have a heart for investing in the next generation, this episode offers practical encouragement and fresh perspective that will inspire you to lead with greater purpose and confidence.

Learn more about Sarah and where she serves! Hope Chapel & Hope Cares KC.

Thanks for listening and don't forget you catch every episode on Youtube!

We'd LOVE to hear from YOU!

We'd LOVE to hear from YOU!

Media ministry is about far more than cameras, slides, and livestreams—it's about removing distractions so people can clearly see and hear the message of Jesus. In this episode of the COGO Podcast, host R.W. Moody sits down with Rev. David Bullock, Tech Consultant for COGO Ministries and Executive Pastor at Awake Church, to discuss how churches of every size can use technology with purpose, excellence, and intentionality. From presentation software and graphics to building effective tech teams, David shares practical wisdom that any church can begin applying right away.

Whether you're leading a church with a full production team or relying on a single volunteer at the sound booth, this conversation will encourage you to view media as a ministry—not just a task. David reminds us that excellence isn't about putting on a performance; it's about removing barriers that keep people from engaging with the Gospel. If you're looking to strengthen your church's communication, develop volunteers, and leverage technology to make a greater Kingdom impact, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

A Few Links to check out from the episode

Church Motion Graphics - A fantastic site to get graphics, sermon slide templates, social media content, and motion backgrounds. Free content available!

FILO CONFERENCE 2027 - A must attend conference for tech leaders and volunteers.

Learn more about where David serves! Awake Church

Questions about improving your Media for your worship services? David would love to hear from YOU! Email: [email protected]

Thanks for listening and don't forget you catch every episode on Youtube!

We'd LOVE to hear from YOU!