Don't Let The Dream Die

Twenty years ago, Brett Younker was loading box trucks on cold Sunday mornings in Manhattan, chasing a dream to see New York City shaken for the glory of God. Today he's a worship leader at Passion City Church, a songwriter behind "Build My Life," and the voice behind a new record called Keep the Faith. But the road between then and now wasn't a straight line — and he's honest about the walls, the heartbreak, and the friends who took the exit ramp along the way.

Aaron B. Coe sits down with Brett to talk about what it actually costs to keep showing up when the dream feels shaky. They get into the slow, unglamorous craft of songwriting, the three-year journey of "Build My Life" before anyone sang it, and the afternoon session that produced "The Lord Will Provide" while Brett's wife was walking through a season of deep anxiety. Brett also opens up about the tension every public-facing leader knows: how do you use attention without getting addicted to it, and does the church sometimes confuse attention with impact?

The conversation moves through AI's uneasy place in the music industry, why Gen Z seems to prefer the cracks over the polish, what Asbury's leaders said about the songs carrying a move of God, and — eventually — a shared appreciation for Bruce Springsteen. An honest conversation for anyone building something that hasn't arrived yet.

Timestamps
00:00 Wrestling With God When Dreams Stall
00:39 Reconnecting After 20 Years in Ministry
02:18 What's the Dream Now?
07:01 Granite Chipped Away in Your 20s and 30s
09:40 The Unlikely Story Behind Build My Life
12:07 Attention Without Becoming Addicted
14:51 Does the Church Confuse Attention With Impact?
17:42 Protecting Your Soul From the Scoreboard
18:37 AI, Songwriting, and Artistic Integrity
24:00 Why Humanity Beats Perfection
26:00 Songs That Carry the Church Through Time
28:23 The Story Behind The Lord Will Provide
31:42 Bruce Springsteen and the Power of Music Culture
36:25 Closing Reflections and Goodbye

Welcome to a special LIVE episode of the Don’t Let The Dream Die Podcast with Courtney Pray Duke! Recorded Live at the Scholar & Scribe bookstore in Trilith, GA. 

When the unthinkable happens, can your dream survive? Discover how hope, raw faith, and gritty perseverance can carve a path forward—even when everything falls apart.

After losing her husband in a sudden accident, Courtney Pray Duke found herself in a world where her dreams felt shattered. In this episode, she shares the honest realities of walking through loss, wrestling with faith, and rebuilding a life—one small, stubborn step at a time. Aaron Coe and Courtney Pray Duke unpack what it means to trust, dream again, and let God restore what felt lost forever. This is a story about grief, healing, and learning to get up—over and over—no matter your age or your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• Discover how “God, I trust you” can become a lifeline, not just a phrase
• Learn why surviving deep loss is less about quick fixes—and more about faithful steps that someday add up to a new story
• How to ask God for new dreams when the old ones have died
• Why the secret isn’t a different set of circumstances but cultivating “Christ in me”
• Tactics for facing mundane, invisible battles—and why simply getting up can be a radical act of hope
• The real process of moving from devastation to restoration, one honest prayer at a time

Subscribe for more real stories of perseverance.
Like, comment, and share your own journey below!

#DontLetTheDreamDie #Perseverance #Faith #HopeAfterLoss #Grief #DreamAgain #Restoration #Podcast

Timestamps

00:00 First live podcast—introducing Courtney Pray Duke
02:10 The great Santa Claus wrapping debate
03:27 Life before loss—building a dream together
05:18 Remembering Andrew—faith, family, and calling
06:31 The accident: a day everything changed
08:14 “The pen felt crushed”—grieving the end of a dream
09:54 Wrestling with faith amid devastation
12:25 Immeasurably more: holding onto hope in the dark
13:53 The “machete” days—choosing to put one foot forward
15:45 Fighting through with faith: the daily battle
17:25 A catalyst for healing—God bringing dry bones to life
20:04 What trusting God actually looks like in hard moments
22:01 Lessons from suffering: forging new strength and dreams
24:47 Relearning hope—navigating guilt and restoration
27:14 The secret isn’t circumstances, it’s Christ in you
30:34 Living with eternity in mind—why our one life matters
32:03 Receiving a new dream: birthing the book
34:49 The meaning behind “And She Got Up”
37:42 For those who feel their dream is buried—where to begin
39:38 Final encouragement—why the dream isn’t over

What holds you back from exchanging a well-planned path for a calling that truly fits? Discover what it’s like to release old dreams—and find the faith (and courage) to embrace what’s next.

When Davis Powell stepped off the path to becoming a doctor and into the unknown, he didn’t just change careers—he changed his life. In this episode, Davis Powell, President & CEO of Seed Company, opens up about leaving a carefully mapped plan to follow a deeper sense of purpose, wrestling with comfort, community, and the weight of expectation. He shares how embracing guidance, letting go of people-pleasing, and tuning in to God’s peace led him to lead one of the world’s most ambitious Bible translation movements. The conversation gets real about calling, taking faithful risks, and redefining what true success looks like—even when it means letting a lifelong dream die, so something new can grow

Key Takeaways

• Why sometimes sticking to “the plan” is the comfort zone you need to escape
• How to discern if your dream is truly yours—or just old expectations
• The pivotal role of wise advisors who ask hard questions and speak truth
• What it means to pursue hard things with peace, not just grit
• The keys to leading boldly through ambiguity, especially when the stakes are high
• Lessons from translating the Bible into thousands of languages—and why collaboration beats competition

—
Subscribe for more inspiring episodes.
Like what you hear? Give it a thumbs up.
Comment and share your own journey of risk, faith, or chasing a new dream.

#calling #leadership #dreamchasing #Bibletranslation #faith #purpose #nonprofit #perseverance

Timestamps

00:00 — Are you following a plan or a calling?
01:17 — Davis Powell’s background and unexpected journey
02:17 — Early dreams, clarity through discomfort
04:03 — The shift from medical school to ministry
05:48 — Letting a dream die for something better
07:33 — On comfort, people-pleasing, and tough choices
09:24 — The power of wise voices and real mentorship
10:58 — Opening up to true community
12:16 — Is “hard” the only sign you’re on the right path?
13:05 — Recognizing grace and peace in challenges
14:26 — When “hard” things feel easy—finding your fit
15:14 — Connecting personal calling with Seed Company’s mission
17:03 — Why God’s Word for every language matters
18:45 — Inside Seed Company’s ambitious vision (and the “ASAP” goal)
19:24 — Milestones, challenges, and technology’s role
21:17 — The promise and pitfalls of AI in Bible translation
23:36 — Crucible questions: what keeps leaders up at night
24:45 — Bridging local capacity and taking real risks
26:41 — Translation vs. engagement—what success really means
28:46 — The gift and challenge of collaboration with Illuminations
31:18 — Why abundance beats scarcity—organizational (and spiritual) lessons
34:23 — Rapid-fire: Clemson Tigers, abundance, and not letting the dream die
35:25 — Final reflections and next steps for listeners

When your calling gets hard—or even questioned—do you keep going? Explore the high cost and deep purpose of leading with conviction when the dream gets tested.

Stepping into global leadership, Kristin Shuler shares the unexpected challenges, moments of self-doubt, and the spiritual resilience needed to serve faithfully. From navigating culture shock and spiritual attacks to orchestrating generational leadership transitions, this conversation unpacks what it takes to stay devoted to a dream that’s bigger than yourself. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how massive visions come to life, why collaboration gets messy (and matters), and how to anchor yourself when obstacles threaten to derail you.

Key Takeaways

• Discover how Kristin Shuler found her calling at 12—and what it feels like when your dream faces real-life confrontation and doubt.
• Concrete family strategies for balancing high-impact leadership, motherhood, and Great Commission priorities.
• How humble, intentional leadership transitions prevent vacuums and set organizations up for lasting impact.
• The nitty-gritty of collaborating and letting go of “our way” for a Kingdom vision—why it’s so hard but so necessary.
• Practical encouragement for any leader in a tough season: return to your why, clarify your priorities, and step out in obedience even when it’s costly.

Subscribe for more honest stories from builders, leaders, and dreamers.
Like this episode? Drop a comment below—what helps you keep going when your dream is tested?
#Leadership #Dreams #Faith #Mission #WomenInLeadership #Unity #Podcast #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps

00:00 — Hearing God’s call and the cost of obedience
00:50 — Welcome and intro to Kristin Shuler
01:32 — The Santa gifts debate: wrapped or unwrapped?
03:01 — [Speaker B] frames the scale of Kristin's leadership and vision
04:06 — Early influences: childhood, church, and the spark of a missions call
05:46 — Mission heroes and learning radical obedience
07:41 — How Kristin found her place at East West
09:37 — When the dream gets tested: doubt and cultural confrontation
12:25 — Balancing executive leadership, motherhood, and priorities
15:27 — The cost and challenge of stepping into President role
17:23 — Navigating gender in international leadership
19:16 — Generational leadership transitions: intentionality and humility
24:11 — What problem is East West really tackling?
26:06 — Equipping multipliers & the power of collaboration
28:24 — Hard lessons in Kingdom-minded partnership
31:08 — Methodology friction: why simple alignment isn’t so simple
34:06 — The deeper value and cost of unity
36:04 — Kristin’s advice for leaders about not letting the dream die
37:11 — Wrap-up and closing thanks

What happens when your calling gets tested? Explore how faith, grit, and clarity can rebuild what feels lost.

When NewSpring Church faced a turning point, Brad Cooper had a decision: stay and persevere, or walk away. In this honest conversation with Aaron Coe, Brad Cooper shares his journey through upheaval—the hard questions, the debt, and the daily choices not to give up. This episode isn’t just for pastors—it’s for anyone wondering whether to keep fighting for the dream that matters. Hear how conviction, unity, and practical faith can transform crisis into a foundation for fresh vision.

Key Takeaways:

• Why staying when it’s hard can shape your soul and your impact—no matter how uncertain tomorrow feels
• The role of “just making the next right decision”—instead of dramatic overcorrection—during crisis and change
• How NewSpring tackled huge church debt by moving “at the speed of cash flow”
• What “always reforming” means for building something solid and future-proof
• The power of unity: why influence without notoriety and locking arms beyond denominations unleashes real impact
• Why seeing your dream to the finish line takes daily faithfulness, not just grand passion

Subscribe for more honest conversations on grit, vision, and keeping your dream alive.
Like this episode? Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.
Hit Like and join the conversation.
#DontLetTheDreamDie #Leadership #Faith #Resilience #Teamwork #Perseverance #ChurchLeadership #Vision

Timestamps

00:00 Super serious question: Are Santa’s gifts wrapped or unwrapped?
01:16 Clemson connections and family traditions
02:06 Brad Cooper’s childhood, faith, and family business roots
04:51 How parental influence shaped Brad Cooper’s approach to calling
06:12 From athlete to pastor: pivotal moments that led to ministry
08:15 The leadership transition at NewSpring: shock, pain, and first decisions
10:58 Why resolve to stay can change everything
12:14 Making the decision to persevere when quitting seems easier
13:14 Redefining passion as the pain you’ll endure to see it through
15:21 “Just keep doing the next right thing”—navigating uncertainty together
16:01 Learning to reform and anchor in Scripture, not just trends
18:01 The church’s financial reckoning and moving at the speed of cash flow
21:09 Stepping from survival to stability and dreaming again
23:20 Imagining the church’s future: everyday relationships and missional living
26:55 Impact outside Sunday: vision for the kingdom in every sector
29:33 Navigating polarization, diversity, and unity in a megachurch context
31:18 Influence without notoriety—the model of humble impact
33:08 Why post-denominational collaboration is essential for real change
35:10 Future orientation: picking a fixed point for purpose
36:18 The new opportunities for churches outside denominational walls
38:07 Walls, partnerships, and why the work is too big for narrow boundaries
39:19 What if I hadn’t stayed? The cost of giving up, and honoring daily faithfulness
41:48 Fourth-quarter finishers and what it means to end well
42:35 Final encouragement: legacy, perseverance, and the fruit that comes from staying in the game
43:28 How you don’t let the dream die: God gets the glory, you get the joy, the world gets the good
43:41 Closing remarks and episode wrap

When the dream is bigger than you, how do you keep going—especially when the cost gets personal? Journey through the story of Illuminations, where unity, sacrifice, and grace reshape a global mission.

What does it take to unite dozens of organizations, overcome deep fragmentation, and shave a century off a world-changing timeline? In this episode, Aaron Coe sits down with former NFL kicker Todd Peterson, who helped lead a radical collaborative movement to translate the Bible into every language. They explore the hard-won battles behind partnership, the uncomfortable truth about finances in mission, and the real price paid—spiritually and relationally—by leaders who chose to work together. More than just a win for Bible translation, their conversation reveals how humility, generosity, and perseverance can spark acceleration where division once stalled progress.

Key Takeaways:
- How collaborative impact in Bible translation turned competing organizations into partners—and sped up global access by decades
- Why tackling the financial side of mission work is essential for real progress—and how generosity multiplies results
- The personal and spiritual costs paid by leaders who pursue unity, including the unseen battles and setbacks
- Why robust cooperation isn’t just a logistical win, but a spiritual one: God commands blessing where there’s unity
- Practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of collective efforts, from neighborhood projects to global movements

Subscribe for more honest conversations and practical insights.
Like if you found this helpful.

Comment: What’s your biggest lesson about collaboration or generosity?

#BibleTranslation #Leadership #Collaboration #Mission #Illuminations #Generosity #Faith #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps
00:00 My story is a story of grace: Todd Peterson's pivotal college football moment
00:17 “Not on our watch”—spiritual urgency and early resistance
01:12 Introducing Todd Peterson: NFL years and mission-driven life
01:59 Unmerited favor, stewardship, and entering Bible translation
02:59 How passion for youth, sports, and leadership led to a focus on God’s word
03:40 Bible translation’s timeline and the first collaboration spark
04:33 Birth of Illuminations: solving fragmentation, embracing unity
06:20 Painting the landscape: agencies, Bible societies, and the need for partnership
07:33 Early choke points—data, copyright, and sausage making
08:44 The AI challenge: agencies unite instead of competing
09:56 Breaking down giver/receiver dynamics and spiritual arrogance
11:14 Culture shift: unity, vision, and why “not on our watch” matters
12:07 The YouVersion story—why digital distribution required unified effort
12:54 Illuminations as precursor: unity catalyzes solutions
13:38 Repository, access, and self-perpetuating good behavior
15:12 Isaiah 60:3—the biblical heart behind Illuminations
15:34 Solving the distribution issue and unlocking global reach
16:26 Old habits, new tricks: value-driven change accelerates engagement
18:19 What’s next: hurdles and opportunities for collaborative impact
18:51 Collective impact essentials and fundraising breakthroughs
20:21 Brave CEOs, shared donors, and “all boats rise”
22:24 Empirical results: generosity transforms giving
23:19 Why finances are the catalytic third leg of sustainable impact
25:07 The gospel’s model for generosity—and breaking scarcity mindset
27:40 Ministry leaders, business perspective, and trusting God for provision
29:27 Positive reinforcement and winning behavior
29:42 Honoring the personal cost of collaboration
30:54 How far we’ve come: updated timeline and goal for 2033
32:16 What "eradicate Bible poverty" really means—impact metrics
33:28 Aspirational targets, acceleration, and the AI advantage
34:26 Quality, speed, and how Illuminations avoids “sloppy” translation
35:01 Why this level of cooperation is unprecedented in missions history
36:17 The real price: personal, spiritual, and emotional costs paid
37:07 “Is it worth it?”—stories from CEOs and resource partners
39:12 Stakes are high: spiritual warfare and obstacles
39:54 Family adversity, enemy resistance, and staying the course
41:40 Encouragement for those dreaming of working together
42:22 Wisdom for aspiring collaborators: unity, humility, perseverance
45:08 “Team together”—final reflections on why partnership wins
45:23 Football predictions and the lighter side of perseverance
47:02 Celebrating friendship, faithfulness, and the long journey

What does it take to make a big dream a reality when compromise—and giving up—seems easier? Hear what really happens behind the scenes when passion, politics, and purpose collide.

Former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff Todd Womack joins Aaron Coe for an honest conversation about driving major change from inside public service—and what he learned about seeing tough dreams through. From fighting modern slavery legislation to building coalitions against the odds, they unpack why “perfect” solutions rarely exist, where real progress is made, and how holding a big vision (without letting ego take over) can launch world-shifting change. If you’re wrestling to keep your own dream alive, this episode shows both the reality checks and the rewards along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover why the “perfect” dream is often impossible—but 80% can be better than none.
• See how deep conviction (and humble compromise) turn vision into progress, even through relentless setbacks.
• Learn why dreamers must balance core convictions with the willingness to adapt if they want to build coalitions.
• Find out how raising awareness, not just passing laws, can sometimes move the needle more than expected.
• Hear practical advice for anyone considering public service or advocacy—what it takes, where you can have impact, and why expertise matters.

Get inspired to dream big, stand firm, and keep showing up—even when things get messy.

———

Follow for real stories, honest lessons, and field notes to keep your dream alive.
Like and comment to share your story or questions—we want to hear what you’re building.

#DreamBig #PublicService #Leadership #NeverGiveUp #ModernSlavery #PolicyChange #CoalitionBuilding #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps

00:00 — The tension of imperfect solutions and big dreams
00:32 — Introducing Todd Womack & Aaron Coe’s long history
01:15 — From childhood dreams to unexpected doors into public service
03:30 — Saying yes to opportunity: The path from local to national politics
04:52 — The real role of vision in transforming communities
05:51 — How Passion City & IJM sparked a crusade against modern slavery
07:11 — Moments of awakening: Realizing your own influence
08:09 — Building unlikely alliances between faith, advocacy, and government
09:09 — Unexpected obstacles: politics, abortion, and hard delays
10:03 — Navigating social issues and pivoting for progress
11:24 — Why widespread awareness can sometimes be the greatest win
12:01 — Lessons from hard-fought legislation: what Todd Womack would do differently
13:36 — The reality of compromise vs. perfection in public life
14:53 — Crucible moments: when to let go of “pure” dreams to get results
16:44 — Difference between the original dream and what actually gets done
18:26 — How struggle and education built a movement, not just a law
19:22 — Advice for holding tightly to conviction while staying flexible
19:33 — Why dreaming BIG (and letting go of ego) attracts others
20:51 — The powerful upside of compromise and coalition-building
21:35 — Is true collaboration a thing of the past in politics?
22:22 — How Congress has changed—and why relationships still matter
23:23 — The lost arts of humility, humanity, and bipartisan negotiation
24:50 — Life after DC: helping others’ dreams become reality
26:44 — From multinationals to local projects: strategic advocacy in action
28:14 — Todd Womack’s own dreams and what energizes him now
29:51 — Finding purpose and impact at the edges of government
30:14 — Should you go into public service? Honest encouragement
31:53 — Becoming an expert, mastering your moment, making a difference
32:21 — Closing encouragement: keep fighting for your dream

What if you’re the biggest thing standing between you and your dream? This episode uncovers the tough truths—and surprising breakthroughs—of chasing your dream, even when no one gives you permission.

Writer and storyteller Jason Dyba joins Aaron Coe to share his journey from self-doubt and “safe” choices to leaving security behind and making space for the creative work that matters most. Together, they dig into the unseen biases, invisible hurdles, and real-life sacrifices it takes to move from dreaming to doing—especially later in life. Discover why the easiest “yes” can steal the dream you actually want, and what it really looks like to show up when the stakes are high. If you’ve ever thought it’s too risky, too late, or too daunting, this conversation will help you clarify, name, and unblock your next step.

Key Takeaways

• Why your biggest hurdle is often yourself—and what to do about it
• The pain and payoff of saying “no” to good things for the sake of your real dream
• How self-limiting beliefs and cultural narratives quietly shape your expectations
• The power of “permission”—and why you must give it to yourself
• Practical strategies for making consistent progress, not just waiting for inspiration
• Why putting your “yes” on the calendar is the most honest commitment

—
Subscribe for more real, honest conversations that keep your dream alive.
Like this episode if you need the reminder that it’s never too late.
Drop a comment: What’s one “good lie” you’ve believed about your own dream?

#Dreams #Creativity #ChasingYourDream #Inspiration #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingDoubt #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps

00:00 One of the biggest hurdles: Our own biases
00:05 Waiting for permission to dream
00:12 Yes vs. No: Pathways to possibilities
00:19 The good lies we believe about our dreams
00:56 Introducing Jason Dyba and shared projects
02:34 Jason’s story: Family, work, and creative life
03:21 Living what you once dreamed—and why it doesn’t always feel dreamy
04:26 Why clarifying your dream is so challenging
05:15 The self-limiting beliefs and hurdles in creative life
06:26 Cultural influence: Not knowing any artists or dreamers growing up
08:16 How influential mentors break your limits
09:09 Waiting for someone else’s permission—and realizing you must give your own
10:22 No epiphany, but small wins building confidence
11:39 Naming the “meta-dream”—writing a lasting story
12:00 Leaving safety behind: Navigating career shifts and dream pursuit
14:27 The hardest decisions: Saying no to what’s good (and familiar)
16:53 The practical transition: Freelancing, family, and risk
18:58 Time as the currency of your dream
20:18 The hardest trade-offs (family vs. focus)
21:28 Seeing through the “good lies” we tell ourselves
22:40 Choosing your best yes for a decade, not just a day
23:12 Why saying “no” can unlock limitless potential
24:00 The dangers of curiosity and impulsive yeses
25:37 Progress: What showing up looks like, every day
26:49 The real yes is on your calendar
27:42 Encouragement for anyone with a “smaller” dream
28:54 Don’t wait for permission or the “right” circumstances
30:02 The value of accountability and tracking the journey
31:00 Final thoughts: Show up, do the work, let the dream live

How far would you go to give away your most valuable asset—just to fulfill your mission? This episode dives into the radical reshaping of a global organization, showing what it costs to chase a dream worth everything.

When Geoff Morin stepped up as CEO of Biblica, the team faced declining revenue—and an even greater existential crisis: Were they truly reaching the people who most needed God’s Word? Instead of doubling down on business as usual, Geoff Morin, his board, and team took a leap—pivoting the whole ministry toward “radical generosity.” By opening licenses and giving away what had been their prime source of income, Biblica risked almost everything. 

The result? Exponential impact, unmatched collaboration, and a personal journey of nighttime prayers and perseverance. If you’re leading or dreaming, this is the real-world story of pressing on when what’s at stake is bigger than any spreadsheet.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “radical generosity” became the core strategy for Biblica—and what that changed across the organization.
• The deep link between open-handed mission and exponential reach, especially for first-time Bible engagement worldwide.
• What happens when you burn the ships: Relinquishing 85% of revenue to unlock mission acceleration.
• How open collaboration is reshaping the future of global ministry—and why going solo will soon look outdated.
• The personal cost of vision-driven change: late nights, faith-driven risks, and holding dreams loosely.
• Practical encouragement for leaders: Perseverance doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means refusing to let go of your calling.

Subscribe for more conversations on perseverance, impact, and pushing dreams forward. Like if you appreciate honest stories of mission-driven leadership. Comment: Would you give away your organization’s main asset for the sake of your mission?

#Leadership #Perseverance #BibleTranslation #RadicalGenerosity #Dreams #ChristianMinistry #Collaboration #Innovation

Timestamps:

00:00 — The radical pivot: Biblica’s journey to generosity 

01:06 — Meet Geoff Morin: From global marketing to Bible mission 

03:03 — Biblica’s translation legacy, including the NIV 

04:47 — Why Biblica changed everything for the sake of impact 

06:26 — The 1809 vision: Radical beginnings, radical return 

08:05 — Wrestling with mission in the 2020s 

10:17 — Breaking the missional cul de sac: Letting go of IP revenue 

13:21 — Open licensing and global reach: How it works 

14:36 — The business risk and ‘giving it away for free’ 

15:17 — Mission growth: From 3x revenue to 10x engagement 

18:23 — Experimentation and innovation in translation 

19:12 — Measuring first-time engagement, not just numbers 

21:13 — Exponential influence: Partner platforms and collective impact 

22:02 — Illuminations, YouVersion, and sector-wide change 

23:46 — Beyond translation: Mobilization and access for everyone 

25:23 — The real cost: Perseverance, faith, and late-night prayer 

28:05 — Dreaming forward: What’s next for Biblica and collective ministry 

31:02 — Encouragement for leaders: Seek first the kingdom 

32:05 — Closing remarks and future hopes

Ever stared down an impossible dream—and wondered if faith or grit would be enough to make it real? See what it truly takes when the calling is bigger than you.

Jennie Allen joins Aaron Coe to share the behind-the-scenes story of Gather25, a global movement that brought millions of believers together—across continents and languages—with technology that didn’t exist when the dream began. From sleepless nights and an $18M fundraising cliffhanger to miraculous provision and honest questions about wisdom versus risk, this episode shines a light on both the pain and the beauty of building something unprecedented for a higher purpose. If you’ve ever had a vision that pushed the limits of reason, you’ll find hope, practical lessons, and unfiltered honesty in Jennie’s journey.

Key Takeaways
Why pioneering a “global gathering” demanded faith, grit, and new tech
The real tension between faith and wisdom when money and risks pile up
How to navigate crucible moments—when your chips are on the table
Fundraising miracles (including a last-minute $2.5M lifeline)

Why gospel movements can drive cultural innovation ahead of everyone else
How ordinary yeses (not just one giant leap) shape extraordinary impact
Get involved

Visit gather27.com to sign up for updates on the next global gathering 
Subscribe for more real stories of vision and perseverance Like and comment—what’s your biggest dream and what’s threatening it? 

#DontLetTheDreamDie #JennieAllen #AaronCoe #Gather25 #FaithAndRisk #DreamBig #GlobalChurch #revival 

Timestamps
00:00 Convicting moment: “I will do anything You call me to” 
00:05 Dreaming of a global gathering for 25 hours 
00:11 Facing tech limits and spiritual fatigue 
00:43 Starting the conversation: Jennie introduces her calling and background 
01:37 Early surrender, blog inspiration, and faith journey begins 
02:14 Ministry impact, harvest moments, and the “yes to Jesus” theme 
02:57 Consequences of obedience: spiritual warfare and sleepless nights 
04:24 The founding and growth of If Gathering (since 2014) 
05:14 Breaking the internet with grassroots events and livestreams 
06:30 Urgent dream: Gathering the global church in 25 hours 
07:02 Pitching the vision before the tech existed 
07:39 Live translation miracles—80+ languages via AI 
08:18 Pioneering technology beyond the Olympics 
09:48 Why gospel movements are often culture’s innovators 
10:53 Mobilizing 2.5B Christians to reach 8B people 
11:08 How Gather25 unfolded: continents, languages, and scale 
12:54 Gathering stats, favorite moments, and international stories 
13:25 7 million gathered—why it started as a “pilot” 
15:03 Reflecting on cost, pain, and the decision to keep going 
16:07 How fundraising stretched faith ($18M challenge) 
17:06 The conviction to keep it “pure and simple,” no sponsors first year 
18:11 Red Sea moments: trusting provision when hope ran thin 
19:00 The $2.5M miracle, felt at the edge of exhaustion 
20:00 Why pushing through is “scary as crap”—the honest story 
20:28 When to pivot: tension between faith and wisdom 
23:26 Difference between pioneering and sustaining ministry 
24:55 Building wise, not naive: Board, partners, and contingency plans 
26:16 Rallying volunteers and team: not holding dreams alone 
26:26 Living with urgency—what’s driving Jennie now 
29:54 Signs of awakening: campus revivals, global sending, digital connection 
31:10 Why hope and optimism matter more than ever 
32:24 How listeners can join Gather27 and shape the next chapter 
33:40 The power of “group projects”—when everyone plays a part 
34:08 Sent to reconcile: more than just a gathering 
34:17 Wrapping up—the stories behind the numbers 
35:13 Gratitude and inspiration—for anyone dreaming boldly