Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Mike Braddock our ARISE South Lakeland Location Pastor for a conversation about faith, family, ministry, healing, and learning what it truly means to experience the presence of God.
And before we get into the deeper parts of his story, we learn a few things about Pastor Mike, including his love for the TV show Bones, his musical side, and why this country boy might just have a food truck in his future.
Born and raised in a rural area, Pastor Mike was affectionately known as "Little Michael." His parents had recently left the military when they found out they were expecting him, and much of his childhood was spent outside enjoying country life.
But life changed after his parents divorced. Without his dad in the home, Pastor Mike had to grow up quickly. His family moved nearly every year, bringing seasons of transition and uncertainty that would ultimately become part of the story God was writing in his life.
At 10 years old, Pastor Mike made a profession of faith, but his journey with God continued to deepen as he grew older. During his teenage years, life included football, joining a band, singing, playing music, and eventually experiencing an encounter with God that would change the direction of his future.
Through a prophetic word, Pastor Mike began to recognize God's call on his life, eventually stepping into ministry in 2008. He shares how he met his wife at church, transitioned into a new church, moved into worship ministry, and eventually relocated to Virginia.
After 15 years of full-time ministry, Pastor Mike opens up about one of the biggest misconceptions he had about ministry. Being surrounded by the things of God does not automatically mean you're personally experiencing the things of God. His story is a reminder of how important it is for pastors, leaders, and believers to protect their personal relationship with Jesus in the middle of serving others.
Pastor Mike also shares one of the most unforgettable moments of his ministry. While preaching in a developing country, he witnessed an extraordinary moment of healing involving a man with a tumor in his throat. It's an experience that has stayed with him and strengthened his faith in the power of God.
The conversation also gets personal as Pastor Mike talks about walking through church hurt, finding healing, and the journey that first brought him to ARISE Church. He shares where God led him next and the story of how he eventually returned to ARISE.
Today, one of the things Pastor Mike values most about ARISE Church is its authenticity. He is passionate about discipleship, community, and helping people develop a genuine relationship with Jesus that goes beyond simply attending church.
And there's another side of Pastor Mike you may not know. Along with being a talented musician and singer, he loves to cook and would love to have his own food truck one day.
From the country boy everyone knew as "Little Michael" to more than a decade of full-time ministry, Pastor Mike's story is filled with unexpected turns, powerful encounters, healing, and restoration. His journey reminds us that ministry isn't simply about doing things for God. It's about continuing to know Him, experience Him, and allow Him to transform us along the way.
Do you have a question for Pastor Mike Braddock? Email us at [email protected]
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