In this episode, Pastor Kurt introduces The Café Bible Study, a new conversational ministry at Encounter Church in Wildwood, Florida. Inspired by the fellowship of the early church in Acts 2, Pastor Kurt explores typology—the study of Old Testament patterns that point to Jesus. He highlights the powerful connection between the timing of the Passover lamb sacrifices and the crucifixion of Christ, ultimately reminding listeners that the Bible is a grand revelation of God's infinite grace and love.

In this episode, hosts Joni and Kurt Richey welcome their dear friend and devoted servant of the Gospel, Louise Blessing. The episode centers on the theme of a life lived with "no regrets," framed by the apostolic resolve found in Acts 20:22-24.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt welcomes Marii Cruz, the Youth and Young Adult Pastor at Encounter Church. They have a great conversation about the changes of youth ministry. Pastor Marii shares her personal story—from her Puerto Rican roots and her time as a single mother in leadership to navigating marriage and ministry with her husband, Aaron. Together, they discuss the unique challenges of reaching everyone from middle schoolers to thirty-year-olds, the importance of protecting family time, and the powerful rewards of seeing young lives transformed by an encounter with Jesus.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt reflects on his return mission to El Salvador with The Thirst Initiative, moving from the "brokenness" of his first trip to the focused action of providing clean water to those in need. He describes the complex coordination of these projects as a "divine conspiracy," arguing that while God promises future healing for a broken world, our current highest calling is to serve as "living sacrifices." By contrasting Western abundance with global thirst, Richey challenges listeners to recognize that when a solution is within our reach, we have a spiritual mandate to act as essential pieces of God’s plan.

In this landmark episode, Pastor Kurt takes us inside the walls of the newly dedicated Encounter Church building. It was a weekend of "firsts" and "faithfuls," marked by a Celebration Service of over 600 people, a bustling Open House, and a formal Dedication Ceremony attended by national leaders, local law enforcement, and community pillars.

In this milestone episode, we celebrate a historic moment for Encounter Church as we move from four years in a tent to the dedication of our new 22,000 sq. ft. facility. Drawing from Joshua 3, this message explores how to step into a future you’ve never seen before.

Just as the Israelites faced a flooded Jordan River, we are called to move forward with faith. We discuss the "Wet Feet" principle: the miracle only happens when we are willing to "go stand in the river" before the waters part. Whether you are part of the Encounter family or facing your own "Jordan," this episode is a call to follow the Cross, consecrate your heart, and watch God make a way on dry ground.

Key Points

Following the Covenant: Navigating the unknown by keeping our eyes on the grace and love of the Cross.

Consecration vs. Idolatry: Understanding that our dedication is not found in a building, but in Christ alone.

The Step of Faith: Why God waits for the "soles of our feet" to touch the water before He stops the flow.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt celebrates Encounter Church’s move from a tent to a new facility by sharing four steps to standing firm in faith. Drawing from Philippians 3, he explores the importance of pressing past the past, living authentically in your current spiritual growth, embracing the Cross without apology, and eagerly awaiting Christ’s return. Pastor Kurt reminds us that while seasons and structures change, our victory is found in remaining anchored to the Word of God.

In this 1st Anniversary episode, Pastor Kurt reads and discusses the bedrock promises of John 14. Discover the peace that thrives in the midst of conflict and the assurance that the Holy Spirit abides in you—not just on your best days, but forever.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt talks about the constant tension between old and new—from vintage clothes and new restaurants to church traditions and modern trends. He highlights that both the new (Isaiah) and the old (Jeremiah) are valued in the Bible. The core message is that the conflict is unnecessary because God is eternal and uses both; the true test is whether something is "true" and "faithful," not whether it's old or new. Be encouraged to embrace unchanging truth while remaining open to God's fresh work.

In this 50th episode, Pastor Kurt talks about the transformative power of gratitude through the biblical lens of "counting your blessings." Pastor Kurt challenges listeners to move beyond measuring success by material wealth or social media status, instead embracing a "win-win" faith that finds God’s goodness in both mountaintop celebrations and the darkest valleys of pain. By anchoring hope in the finished work of Christ and the promise of eternity, this milestone episode serves as a powerful reminder that while human achievements are worth celebrating, the immeasurable love and victory of God are the ultimate reasons to praise.