How secure is your faith-firewall? Are you constantly battling faith-breaches, compromises, or spiritual malware? In this episode, Chris Cooper, a cybersecurity professional and founder of Lighthouse in Me, LLC, draws striking parallels between protecting data and guarding our souls. Just as companies build defenses against digital threats, Christians must protect their hearts and minds from spiritual attacks. God's Word, says Chris, is the Christian’s firewall and eternal policy for protection. Obedience to Scripture determines its effectiveness.

Chris's faith journey took a pivotal turn during a career setback, when he realized that true security doesn't come from self-reliance but surrender to God. Letting go of his personal agenda, Chris describes how he embraced God's plan and built his "faith-firewall" through Scripture. Drawing from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, Chris learned how to invest his time, skills, and finances for God's glory. 

Viewing work as ministry is a transformative faith practice for Chris. In a world that often separates the sacred from the professional, he believes that his vocation is a platform for worship, serving others, and modeling his faith. Whether managing digital threats or mentoring colleagues, every task is an opportunity to bring eternal value into the workplace.

More about Chris:
Chris is a seasoned executive leader and devoted Christ follower who brings a unique blend of professional expertise and faith-driven purpose to everything he does. With a career rooted in technology, cybersecurity, privacy, compliance, and risk management, Chris has helped organizations navigate complex challenges with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to stewardship.

Outside of his professional life, Chris has a long history of community involvement. He’s served as a United Way volunteer and Campaign Chairman, helped launch multiple Bible studies over the past decade, and currently serves on both The Salvation Army Midland Division Advisory Board and the Gateway Citadel Advisory Council. Chris is married to his wife Wendy, and together they share a beautifully blended family of five children. In late 2024, they launched Lighthouse in Me LLC, a faith-based initiative focused on inspiring and empowering others to live boldly in their faith. Chris also serves as the Market President of C-Suite for Christ St. Louis, where he is passionate about building trusted leadership, fostering meaningful community, and creating spaces where faith can flourish.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Silicon Valley is often seen as the epicenter of progress and innovation. But for veteran tech executive Tina Brown, it is God’s appointed mission field. In a region where technology is often hailed as a panacea for human problems and where faith can feel out of place, Tina is courageously pointing people to Jesus.

As President of Vector Holding Group, Tina is championing a Christ-centered leadership model she calls “Love Leadership,” rooted in the core values of culture, customer, and compassion. Guided by 1 John 4:19 and Galatians 5:14, she fosters safe spaces where employees can grow through mistakes and experience Christ’s love and forgiveness. Her faith-driven approach has not only earned the respect of others, but has opened the door to deeper relationships and inspired many to live with greater purpose. One of her greatest joys is seeing those she has discipled move on and become love-driven leaders.

Tina shares how a providential meeting with Brandon Mann became the catalyst for launching three BBT Bible study groups, designed to equip her colleagues and friends to lead with biblical wisdom. Through these studies and her daily leadership, Tina is proving that when we lead with love, the workplace becomes a powerful place to reflect Christ and spread the Gospel.

Also, sign up to join Tina live during our May Community Connection 

More about Tina:

Tina Rogers Brown is the President and Co-Founder of Vector Holding Group, a purpose-driven business strategy and execution firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Vector specializes in delivering comprehensive and innovative solutions across marketing, security, technology, and supply chain management, with a commitment to empowering clients through a holistic and a human-centric approach. Prior to founding Vector, Tina served as Chief Operating Officer of Overland-Tandberg, a multinational cybersecurity and data protection company that operated in over 90 countries. Her career spans over 25 years in technology manufacturing, cybersecurity, and M&A, with leadership roles at companies like AT&T, Texas Instruments, and Deloitte. She holds an MBA from The Wharton School and was recognized as one of the “50 Women to Watch for Boards” in 2023.

Tina committed her life to Christ at the age of 15 and has since been a passionate advocate for biblical financial stewardship and freedom, teaching and serving through Crown Financial ministries for over two decades. Recently, she has felt a clear call to plant the seeds of the gospel among executive and corporate leaders in Silicon Valley and beyond. Her message of Love Leaders

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

When BBT co-leaders Jordan Sharp and AJ Chrest faced the sudden elimination of their jobs at a Fortune 500 company, they found themselves at a crossroads. The hardest part wasn’t just the loss of employment — it was the loss of the community, friendships, and a culture they cherished.

Despite the uncertainty, those around them noticed their remarkable calm and peace. Leaning on God’s promises, AJ and Jordan modeled unshakeable faith, believing that God had entrusted this job-loss trial to them to strengthen their faith.

On January 8, 2024, they launched Gen 1 Agency, a name deeply symbolic of the first generation of their new venture, and the genesis of God's new beginning for them.  At the heart of Gen 1 is a steadfast commitment to serve people over profits, a value firmly rooted in their faith.

Remarkably, their original BBT Bible study group that was formed under the former company has remained intact, demonstrating how faith connections transcend corporate walls. They credit BBT for providing the structure and platform that helped their group stay together.

Join us as Jordan and AJ share their inspiring story of resilience, trust in God, and new beginnings.

More about Jordan and AJ:

Jordan Sharp is a seasoned professional in the insurance industry. He embodies the core values that define Gen 1 Agency. His leadership style fosters a culture of integrity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to our mission.

Jordan is not just a leader of Gen 1 Agency but a devoted spouse and a loving parent. Standing by his side is his wife Kendra. She is his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they have built a foundation of love, for their 3 children.

As Jordan leads Gen 1 Agency with a commitment to family values, he understands the delicate balance between professional excellence and personal fulfillment. The Sharp family not only reflects the essence of Gen 1 Agency but also serves as a testament to the belief that true success is measured by the strength of our connections and the bonds we build at home.

AJ Chrest is passionate about fostering growth and development. Having a background in training, she believes in the power of knowledge and continuous improvement. With over 15 years of business experience; 10 being in the insurance industry, her commitment to people sets her apart. 

Her marriage to her spouse; Jacob, is the strong foundation for success that extends beyond the home. AJ and Jacob are the proud parents of two boys. Her faith and family is the anchor, providing inspiration and grounding her in the values that matter most. 

AJ leads Gen 1 Agency with a strong commitment to the success of others.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Have you ever wondered what it takes for a man to truly embrace God’s call as a father, husband, and workplace leader? Chris Grainger’s journey of spiritual growth led him to found The Lion Within Us, a ministry that helps men grow in faith through accountability and support. From his own faith struggles as a teen and young adult without mentorship, Chris now mentors and disciples men to take responsibility and address common challenges like intimacy, finances, and pornography in a safe, judgment-free space.

At the heart of Chris’s mission is the Biblical principle that “iron sharpens iron.” Through The Lion Within Us mastermind groups, men disciple one another by giving and receiving tough, yet honest instruction in love. While the refining process can be brutal and abrasive at times, it ultimately builds character and faith. Chris also instructs men on the power of their influence, explaining that every interaction with family or neighbor will either draw others closer to Christ, or push them further away from Him.

Chris demonstrates that when Christian men come together to confront life's toughest challenges, God's power is unleashed, equipping them to lead their families, impact their communities, and confidently embrace their God-given purpose.

About Chris
Chris Grainger is the Founder of The Lion Within Us and has a passion for serving others. He is building a community that provides Christian men encouragement to become the leaders God intends them to be. Chris connects with others by sharing personal stories and reflections of professional success, hurdles encountered and how every circumstance is an opportunity to build the Kingdom. At home Chris is married to his wonderful wife Rebekah and has 3 daughters Chloe 14, Ava 12, Lily 3 and a son Judah 2! He enjoys spending time with the fam, trail running, working on the farm, coaching youth sports and anything that involves getting outside.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Author Drew Hall is a man on a mission! While his mission fields are many—devoted husband, doting father, and a longtime youth pastor, teacher, and coach—his goal remains singular: "Show them Jesus." Whether at home, at work, or in ministry, he builds relationships through common ground, presence, transparency, and time in God’s Word.

In this episode, Drew shares how his wife's cancer scare became a defining moment in their journey of trusting God’s sovereignty. Through fear and uncertainty, they leaned on faith, learning to surrender while holding fast to hope. 

Beyond his family, Drew is passionate about discipleship, believing that true success isn’t in the sermons he preaches but in the lasting truths he imparts about God. He strives to live a life that aligns with what he teaches on Sundays, knowing that authenticity is key to earning trust. As he puts it, “If you don’t show that you care about the little things, people won’t trust you with the big things.” 

Tune in for a conversation that will encourage you to model your faith in the everyday moments and in all of the mission fields to which God calls you.

About Drew
I was born in Gadsden, Alabama, to Alan and Karen Hall. My parents were blue-collar workers who worked hard to give my sister (Heather) and me the best chance to have a successful life. One of the greatest things it lead me to was accepting God’s call on my heart to preach the gospel. I started preaching at 16 and it is still a guiding passion of my life.
My love of sports and God intersected after high school. While my playing time was over, God opened the door for me to be a part of a team again. I was given a scholarship to be the manager for the baseball team at Jacksonville State. The most important thing that happened there was was meeting the love of my life Gena. She is still the greatest person I have ever met. And honestly she is way out of my league. So I believe that God is in the miracle business.
I live with Gena and our two daughters ( Emory Kate and Sadie) in Alabama. I have been a classroom teacher for twelve years and a pastor/ youth pastor for 5 years. I wrote my first book (Tier One Christianity) in 2021 and fell in love with sharing the gospel through writing. My second book is more for teens and young adults and is called How to Keep it Real. When I am not teaching, coaching, or preaching I love watching the Atlanta Braves and the University of Alabama as well as working out. I am a fan of movies and reading.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Whether you're in the boardroom or in the field, this episode delivers game-changing wisdom that will inspire you to play the long game and win with God.

In this episode, we visit with Adrian Bracy, Executive Director for The Steward Trust. Adrian is a trailblazer who spent 18 remarkable years in the C-Suite of the NFL, breaking barriers and redefining leadership. She shares her journey of navigating the fast-paced, male-dominated world of professional football, revealing the strategies that helped her pivot with purpose, and lead with vision and passion.  

Through candid stories, she opens up about overcoming biases, managing conflict, and cultivating resilience, highlighting how prayer and self-awareness became her signature moves—both in her career and personal life. Her insights transcend the gridiron, offering universal lessons on leadership, strategy, and success.

 Adrian E. Bracy, MBA, CPA 

Adrian is an author, business and executive leadership coach, and motivational speaker. Currently she is the Executive Director for The Steward Trust aka The Steward Family Office. She is also the retired Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Metro St. Louis where she served for nearly 12 years.  

After spending 18 years in senior financial management with the National Football League (The Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, and most recently CFO for the Arizona Cardinals), Bracy transitioned to the non-profit sector to follow her passion—that is, “to inspire and make a difference in the lives of women and girls.” 

Bracy has received numerous awards throughout her career including Black Enterprise 50 Most Powerful Blacks in Sports; Black Enterprise 50 Most Powerful Women in Business; St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Businesswomen, St. Louis American Nonprofit Executive of the Year award. 

Bracy graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore with a degree in accounting and Nova Southeastern University with a master’s in business administration. Bracy is a certified John Maxwell Coach, Trainer and Speaker. She sits on the boards of The Missouri Botanical Gardens, Sub-District and The St. Louis Sports Commission. Adrian is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated.  She is a lifetime member of the National Association of Black Accountants and the National Black MBA Association. She’s the author of Halftime: Learn to Pivot as a Leader and Identify Your Next Step. 

Bracy and her husband Vernon have one son, Donovan and daughter-in-law, Royalle. They are members of Shalom Church (City of Peace) in Florissant, MO.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Today, we welcome back Stephanie Wagner, a seasoned leader with 19 years of experience at The Boeing Company, where she currently serves as a BDS Quality Auditor. In an environment where faith and science often seem at odds, Stephanie has consistently witnessed the truth of Romans 1:20 - that God uses science, research, and creation to reveal Himself to others. Since 2016, Stephanie has lead a BBT study group at Boeing. With each job assignment change, she has started a new BBT Bible study group to provide support and accountability for herself and others. Stephanie’s leadership style is grounded in the conviction that leaders should model vulnerability and uphold a higher standard, especially when they are in positions of influence. In this episode, Stephanie shares a very personal testimony of how her faith was strengthened through the trust and support of her Bible study group. Her story is a powerful reminder of how faith, prayer, and community can help Christians in the workplace stay true to the course God has set before them.

About Stephanie

Stephanie has spent her entire life immersed in the aircraft industry. Inspired by her father’s 34-year career at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, she followed in his footsteps and has now been with Boeing for 19 years. With an MBA, an MS in Data Analytics, and a BS in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge to both the commercial and defense sectors of aviation. She has a passion for investigative analysis, uncovering root causes, and improving processes.

Beyond her professional life, Stephanie resides in Missouri with her husband and two children. She is actively involved in her church’s worship team, hosts BBT Bible studies at work, and enjoys hiking, skiing, and diving into forensic investigation shows. 

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

As Lori Drury enters her fourth year at the helm of BBT, she reflects on God’s faithfulness and the rich harvest yielded by her team’s efforts. With heartfelt transparency and passion, Lori looks back on BBT's 2024 milestones, celebrating achievements and lessons learned. The year's notable achievements included the launch of several new Bible studies and the debut of "Community Connections" - monthly events designed to help members across groups to grow together in faith, both locally and globally.

The conversation is filled with inspiring stories of lives transformed through BBT's mission to connect Christians in the workplace and equip them to live out their faith at work. Lori also looks to the horizon, sharing exciting opportunities for growth and expansion in 2025.  Tune in to hear how BBT remains steadfast in making disciples, connecting believers, and inspiring members to “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23

Lori Drury is the Executive Director and CEO of BBT. 

Lori has shown dedication to the BBT mission and vision as well as advancement of the organization's strategic priorities since she joined the Leadership Team in February 2016. She served as Communications Director from 2016 until July 2021, when she was promoted to the role of Executive Director and CEO. Lori brings marketing, business development, and brand awareness experience from her previous roles at Cushman & Wakefield, the University of Missouri, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, and entrepreneurship. Lori earned a Bachelor of Science Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Missouri. In her spare time, outside of family and work, she volunteers her time with several professional and community organizations in St. Louis. She and her husband, Kory, have two young sons and enjoy doing outdoor activities together.

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

As we step into a brand new year, we invite you to embrace a powerful challenge: living out your faith at work with Cultural Intelligence! To guide us on this journey, we are joined by Cultural Intelligence Strategist Dr. Amy Narishkin, CEO of Empower Partners, LLC. Dr. Amy has worked with hundreds of business leaders in the US and other countries to navigate cultural differences and retain talent in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

Dr. Amy and podcast host Jay Strydom candidly discuss their unique real-world experiences, the risks and rewards of challenging one's cultural assumptions, and how Jesus Himself practiced Cultural Intelligence - engaging with individuals from different cultures, breaking down barriers, and spreading love.

This episode is a rich blend of faith, practical wisdom, and actionable steps to create environments where everyone feels “valued, heard, seen, and engaged.” Join us as we uncover how embracing Cultural Intelligence can strengthen your witness, foster genuine connections across cultural divides, and help you fulfill Christ’s command to love others. 

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Christmas memories and traditions are different for everyone. We invite you to get to know us - the BBT Leadership Team: Lori, Karen, Sarah and Jay - as we reflect on our favorite holiday memories and ways we keep Christ in Christmas. This years' Faith for Work podcast has reached all across the U.S. and into Europe, Africa and Asia. Would you like to be a guest next year or know someone who would? Fill out this form and Jay will reach out to you.

About the Team

Lori Drury is the Executive Director and CEO of BBT. Lori knew BBT since the very first Bible study. She experienced every role with BBT. Her journey to and within BBT was God's plan for her leadership role today...for a time such as this. Lori has shown dedication to the BBT mission and vision as well as advancement of the organization's strategic priorities since she joined the Leadership Team in February 2016. She served as Communications Director from 2016 until July 2021, when she was promoted to the role of Executive Director and CEO. Lori brings marketing, business development, and brand awareness experience from her previous roles at Cushman & Wakefield, the University of Missouri, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business, and entrepreneurship. Lori earned a Bachelor of Science Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Missouri.

Karen McMurray is a life-long learner and emerging theologian, pursuing a MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. From the day she said “yes” to Christ, she has passionately sought to live out her life-scripture, John 17:3: “to know the One True God and make Him known to others”. Karen brings over 30 years of experience from both the corporate and entrepreneurial arenas. She has been an active BBT member for 14 years. She earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas University and a MBA from Webster University.

Sarah Harre has been with BBT since 2013 and while her current title is Content Director, she's really our utility player. From the moment she started she has learned and filled nearly every role for the company. From marketing, communications and the curriculum you use, she is passionate about doing it all to support you! She is grateful for all the ways God works in this world and especially for the part you play in helping people grow in their faith and live it out in the workplace.

Jarrod (Jay) Strydom is a dynamic and versatile leader with extensive experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Prior to coming to BBT, Jay held roles as CEO, Executive Director, Sales Executive, and Br

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Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”