Pastor Jeff welcomes Carrie Leake, wife of Rolling Hills Student Pastor, Dane Leake, for a heartfelt conversation on this episode of Every Day Matters. Carrie shares a glimpse into their family life, three young kids, a backyard full of chickens, and a home filled with gardening and homeschooling. She also opens up about growing up in a pastor's home and the moment in college when she truly surrendered her life to Christ, setting the foundation for everything that came next.

Carrie reflects on two of the hardest seasons of her life. Just weeks after she and Dane got engaged, her father was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. She moved home to help care for him, leaning on Psalm 42 as her lifeline through his decline and eventual passing. Years later, she and Dane walked through his battle with severe depression, a season that stripped away their plans and forced them to trust God with Dane's healing above their calling to ministry. Through it all, Carrie learned that God's past faithfulness fuels our hope for the future.

Now on the other side of both seasons, Carrie and Dane have rebuilt their family rhythms around Sabbath, healthy boundaries, and deep community. Her encouragement is simple: stay rooted in God's word, and don't be afraid to invite others into your hardest moments. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter.

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Resources from the episode:
Rolling Hills Community Church

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff sits down with longtime friend, decorated Air Force pilot, and financial advisor, Pat Moore, for a conversation about a lifetime of faith. Pat shares how he came to know Christ as a young boy and how his faith deepened through marriage, military service, and the influence of mentors and community. Then, in his early fifties, an unexpected encounter with The Purpose Driven Life challenged him to surrender a longtime struggle and embrace God's purpose in a new way.

Pat reflects on his years flying F-106 fighter jets, sharing the near misses and high-stakes moments that strengthened his trust in God's protection. Rather than looking for God only ahead, he learned to see His faithfulness in the "rearview mirror" and "side windows"—recognizing His presence in every season. That perspective carried him from the cockpit into a career in financial planning and eventually into full-time evangelism, fueled by a passion to share the peace only Jesus can give.

Now in his seventies, Pat co-founded Hope for America, a digital evangelism ministry that uses online advertising to connect with people searching for hope in the midst of loneliness, anxiety, grief, and more. The ministry has generated more than 1.5 million impressions and helped lead hundreds of thousands of people to pray to receive Christ. Pat's story is a powerful reminder that God never stops calling us, and that every day is an opportunity to point someone to Jesus.

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Resources from the episode:
Rolling Hills Community Church
Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Hope 4 America

Pastor Jeff sits down with Rolling Hills Executive Pastor, Eric Rojas, to discuss the faith that shaped his life. Raised by a single mom in South Elgin, Illinois, Eric faced financial hardship and an absent father, but his mother introduced him to Jesus, a foundation that would guide his life and ministry.

Eric shares how a college rededication led to a clear call to ministry and how he and his wife, Rachel, intentionally discipled their three children through everyday moments. Now a grandfather of seven, he reflects on the joy of seeing generations of his family walking with the Lord.

He also opens up about a difficult season marked by chronic pain, multiple back surgeries, and depression. Through prayer, biblical counsel, and the support of his wife, Eric experienced God's faithfulness in the darkness. His story is a powerful reminder that surrender to Christ matters in every season of life.

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Resources from the episode:
Rolling Hills Community Church
Care & Counseling Ministry
Serve at Rolling Hills
Join A Group
Watch Online 

What does it actually look like to follow Jesus in everyday life—not just on Sundays? Pastor Jeff and Kelly Minter explore that question on this episode of Every Day Matters. Kelly shares updates from her life and ministry, including finishing seminary, working on a new Bible study in Acts, and revising her Amazon ministry book. She reflects on how being stretched and supported through different seasons has deepened her conviction that real life is found in surrender and serving others.

They also talk through the Gospel of Matthew and how it shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament story. Kelly highlights the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ miracles, and the message of the kingdom of heaven, showing how Jesus transforms hearts, not just behavior. Together, they emphasize that God’s kingdom is already breaking in through Jesus as He heals, restores, and calls ordinary people into meaningful purpose.

Jeff and Kelly remind listeners that the church is meant for every believer to use their gifts in God’s mission. Whether teaching, serving, encouraging, or simply loving the people in front of us, everyone has a place in the harvest field. With the promise of Jesus’ presence, the invitation is simple: live surrendered, live sent, and trust that every day really does matter.

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Resources from the episode:
To pre-order Kelly's new Bible study through the book of Acts, click here
To follow along with our Matthew sermon series, click here
Listen to Kelly's sermon in our Matthew sermon series!
Click here if you're interested in a Rolling Hills Group
Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff talks with his longtime friend and college roommate, Wayne Williams, a pastor in Waco, Texas. Wayne shares how his faith began at Baylor University through the influence of Christ-centered friendships and a personal moment of surrender to Jesus. That decision reshaped his future, leading him into ministry and a lifelong commitment to following God in everyday life.

Jeff and Wayne reflect on how relationships shape who we become. Marriage, friendship, and family all grow through intentional connection and shared faith. Wayne shares about his marriage to Beth, their shared values, and the joy of watching their children walk with the Lord. Both highlight how community and spiritual friendship are not optional but essential to a life of faith.

They also discuss the church as a spiritual family where people are formed and sent out. From Renew Church in Waco to everyday friendships, the message is clear: we become like the people we walk with, and walking with Jesus leads to a fuller, more grounded life. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter.

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Resources from the episode:
Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

Pastor Jeff sits down with his wife, Lisa, to celebrate 25 years of marriage and reflect on the journey they’ve shared. They talk about embracing every season, from early adventures to raising kids, and learning not to rush past the present. Through each stage, they’ve discovered the importance of finding joy, trusting God, and making the most of where He has them right now.

Lisa shares about one of their hardest seasons, losing her mom unexpectedly while preparing to welcome a new baby. In the middle of grief, God provided a strong church community that surrounded them with care and support. Together, they highlight how meaningful it is to stay connected to others who can encourage and walk with you through both joy and loss.

They also share simple rhythms that have strengthened their marriage, including honest communication, laughter, serving together, and keeping God at the center. Through every challenge and celebration, they’ve learned to stay on the same team and invest in their relationship daily. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter.

Top 5 Keys to 25-years of Marriage
1. Keep God first (keep the main thing the main thing)
2. Pray for and with one another.
3. Have great community around you.
4. Work together - raising kids and in life
5. Don’t let little things become big things (always stay in love)

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Resources from the episode:
To explore finding a group for you, click here
Click here to serve with Rolling Hills Community Church
Go on mission with Rolling Hills
Click here to serve with our Rolling Hills Community Center
Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff talks with Zac Woodfin, strength coach for the Tennessee Titans, about living out faith in everyday life. Zac shares how growing up in a Christ-centered home laid a foundation, but it was in his transition from high school to college that he chose to stop living a double life and fully follow Jesus. That decision continues to shape how he leads his family, invests in athletes, and lives with purpose.

Zac reflects on the highs and lows of pursuing an NFL career, including the disappointment of being cut and the joy of briefly reaching his dream. Through it all, God taught him that his identity is not in football, but in Christ. Now, he carries that truth into his work, building a culture of accountability, prioritizing time with Jesus, and being intentional with his family each day.

Jeff and Zac remind us that what we do is not who we are. When our identity is rooted in Jesus, we can face success and setbacks with confidence and peace. When we live surrendered, every day really does matter.

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Resources from the episode:
To explore finding a group for you, click here
Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

In this special post-Easter conversation, Pastor Jeff reminds us that Easter isn’t just a day we celebrate, it’s a way we live. The resurrection invites us into a daily relationship with Jesus where our faith grows beyond Sunday moments and into everyday life. Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Christ for years, simple steps like spending time in God’s Word, being part of a church, and living in community help your faith stay active and real.

He encourages us to choose faith over fear. In a world filled with uncertainty and anxiety, the resurrection reminds us that God is greater than anything we face. Just as the disciples moved from fear to boldness, we’re invited to trust God and live with confidence, knowing He is in control and at work in every situation.

Pastor Jeff also challenges us to reorder our lives around God’s purposes through prayer, obedience, and sharing our faith. As we turn from sin and lean into His plan, we begin to see that miracles are still happening today. When we trust Him fully and live with intention, our everyday lives reflect His power and purpose. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter.

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Resources from the episode:
To learn more about baptism or to attend a baptism class, click here!
Explore your faith through our Alpha Course
If you'd like to learn about becoming a partner at Rolling Hills, click here!
To jump into our year-long reading plan, click here!
Click here to serve with Rolling Hills Community Church
Go on mission with Rolling Hills
Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

Bryson Kessler, former Rolling Hills staff member and founder of Clover and Bee, shares how following Jesus extends into every part of life—ministry, business, and family. She reflects on seasons of grief, including her mother’s passing and her sister Beth’s decade-long battle with cancer, and how those experiences shaped her faith and daily reliance on God.

Through these trials, Bryson learned the power of active trust, surrendering control, and saying “yes” to God every day. She emphasizes the life-changing practice of gratitude, inspired by Beth’s steadfast faith, and how noticing God’s work even in small, everyday moments brings peace and joy.

Bryson also reminds listeners that resurrection power isn’t just for eternity. It equips us to face daily challenges, forgive, and live fully in God’s love. Anchored in scripture, her story inspires believers to trust, surrender, and live with hope. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter.

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Resources from the episode:
Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

Pastor Jeff sits down with Scott Koon to talk about the quiet but powerful influence of growing up in a home where faith was lived out daily. Scott reflects on how watching his parents serve others and stay rooted in God’s Word shaped his own faith, family life, and the way he approaches his career and relationships today. Their example reminds us that the small, faithful moments of everyday life leave a lasting legacy.

Scott opens up about his 2020 leukemia diagnosis, grueling treatments, and recovery during COVID-19. Leaning on prayer, Psalm 23, and the support of his church and friends, he emphasizes the importance of accepting help, showing up for others, and keeping an eternal perspective through life’s struggles.

Now fully in remission, Scott encourages living intentionally, being present, and nurturing relationships today rather than waiting for tomorrow. His story reminds us that every moment is an opportunity to reflect God’s goodness. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter.

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Resources from the episode:
Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church