Guys Like Us

From being a butcher and surfer to now serving as a Pastor at Church of the City in NYC and author, Jon Tyson opens up to what he’s seeing now in New York and in the world. In Jon’s latest book the “The Burden is Light” he writes contrasting one concept against the other, looking at worldly views and biblical views. We see the full weight and power of God’s word which is able to be the stronger of the two forces. Jon shares his time in Australia as a child, coming to the United States, and responding to his calling uncovering and sharing God’s love in places where the gospel needs to be heard. With intensity and intentionality with a group of friends we can focus on values such as the reading scripture, praying for each other, confessing our sins, fasting, and empowering others to their calling. You can find more information on the book at www.theburdenislight.com

Brandon Porter II is an author, finance professional, and a Disciple of Christ. In this episode we chat about his book, “If Obama Had a Son- The Truth You’ve Never Thought About.” We break down legacy looking in the white house and how the family name has carried over from father to son and paralleling it to Brandon’s life, walking in the footsteps of those who have set the path in front of you, his father. Two trends come out on top, gratefulness and an understanding of who you are. “When you know who you are, you can handle where you are” Racism exists in the heart of men, with the killings of Trayvon Martin and then Michael Brown, Brandon felt the magnitude of the racism issue. One encounter on an elevator helped catalyze Brandon’s platform to speak on something greater than himself. Racism is systemic. Through love, education, and truth, we can greatly impact justice and reconciliation with all people.

When we surrender to God, and lean on His power, we live a richer life in Christ. Guys Like Us is joined with Jeff Ehmann, Co-Founder of MicroMech, tech start up in Calgary, Canada, improving the auto-service industry through convenience, reliability, and overall quality. The mechanics come to you! Jeff shares how he made a transformative move from Canada to New Zealand to attend bible school. His adventurous spirit led him to become an entrepreneur and serve employees with good jobs and also customers who face an auto-service pain point. Hear how Jeff works through some of his biggest challenges, how he thinks about growth, and his advice for getting deeper in your faith.

Sam Eaton is a millennial on a mission! Founder of Recklessly Alive Ministries, helping people be more alive. Sam’s story on depression and suicidal thoughts was the driver of this mission, but by no means is the end point. Your identity is not the shame, the doubts, or anything else that does not show your true identity as a child of God. Love shows up when you least expect it and when you most need it. A powerful message that will inspire you to keep your head up when you feel down, hopeless, or alone. Sam and I discuss his article “ 59% of Milennials Raised in a Church Have Dropped Out- And They’re Trying to Tell Us Why”, a timely article that was shared over 681,000 times. Let us focus on what brings us together rather than what can divide us. You can find Sam at www.recklesslyalive.com and his article at https://faithit.com/12-reasons-millennials-over-church-sam-eaton/

Peter Greer, father, husband, author, President and CEO of HOPE International, and a Disciple of Christ. HOPE International is a Christian faith-based organization focused on alleviating physical and spiritual poverty through Christ centered microenterprise development. Peter found international business as a means to impact the world, and through faith creating hope for people. Stories open up the mind, the heart, and the soul with one another. Peter’s mission is to invest in people and build the kingdom of God. Peter shares more into his process of mission drift, clarity and intentionality of practice. The small pieces and decisions of the person or organization do matter! Mission drift happens slowly, like a ship, you must keep an eye for where you are headed. Finally, hear some life lessons from Peter looking back to what he knows know compared to 15 years ago. Trust that God is at work and keep movin’, it’s an exciting time to be alive. Check out peterkgreer.com and hopeinternational.org

Henry Kaestner, Co-Founder and Managing Principal at Sovereign’s Capital, a private equity fund which invests in Christian faith entrepreneurs in the US and Southeast Asia. He is also a Co-Founder of Bandwidth.com, a telecommunications company where he served as CEO from 2001-2008. The company was the 4th fastest growing privately held company in the country from 2003 to 2007. Most importantly, he finds his identity in Christ. It took time, but now Henry has deeper understanding on the concept of giving and what responsibility means as a child of God. He owns it all, but when we give it all, we experience real fulfillment. God doesn’t need your money, but he wants your heart! When looking at potential companies, one-part Henry looks for is people who are intentional about their faith. More often than not, the people and companies that Sovereign’s Capital are investing in struggle with identity, and that’s the truth. Let us equip entrepreneurs who have untapped potential to make great change and impact in their communities.

David Bailey, Founder and Executive Director of Arrabon, an organization existing to equip you and your community to effectively engage in reconciliation. Raised in Richmond, VA, David saw the effects of the city as the former capital of the confederacy. The church was divided both for and against slavery. David strives to ultimately move people toward action of race and class reconciliation. To understand unity, we have to go back to Genesis 1 when all was good. Then we have to move into Genesis 3 with Adam and Eve when life became broken. As a Christian, you repent of your sins, forgiving what you’ve done but then you change your mind and heart and engage in positive actions against your previous ways. There is a call to more than just being cool with people of color (act of conciliation). History plays a role in understanding and living in REconciliation rather than just conciliation. David shares an example of someone who builds a kingdom business in the business world. On April 8th, 2018 the documentary “11 AM” debuts in Richmond. The film tells the story of a community of musicians who are working to write a new narrative by raising up culturally competent leaders who are desiring change in the shameful legacy of the Church segregation. We can be the Arrabon, the hope.

Do you have hundreds of clothes in your closet, don't use most of them, and still unable to find a daily outfit? Well, there's good news, Cladwell has a solution to end this problem, with aspirations to make a big dent in our consumerism culture. But first, Founder & CEO Blake Smith walks us through his path leading up to creating this business. From early responsibilities stepping in as a youth leader at his church to then making money with money as a finance professional and finally creating new partnerships with an entertainment company flexing sales and marketing skills, Blake experienced business through multiple perspectives. When the time aligned, he was prepared to enter into the growth of his own venture. Cladwell's mission is to empower men and women to find the right clothes to be ready for anything. To fight fear and help people live confidently. Blake is a man of self-freedom and justice who lives out these values with his family and his work at Cladwell, truly a Disciple of Christ.

Chris Chancey, a man that helps guide people to where they can be used best, despite where they come from and where they are right now. CEO and Founder of Amplio Recruiting, Chris started a staffing company that places refuges to companies across the United States and London, England. Chris has found that doing great work and showing your best self demonstrates a faithful life. Our notion that we have to speak out about our faith at work is not always the way to do it. People show themselves regardless. You don't have to say anything but the question is, how do you represent yourself? How do you represent Jesus? Consistency is key. Hear a great method that Chris uses to welcome people into the power of God for those that might not know Jesus.

J. Caleb Perkins shares a message on walking in purpose. From Michigan, to Oklahoma, and now New York City, J.Caleb provides a sneak peak of a few of his biggest life moments. One story changed the trajectory and caused him to move to the Big Apple with no job, little money, but a grand vision. The vision is called Remedy Network, a community that hosts educational talks for millennials and promotes mental health advocacy. We are designed on purpose and for a purpose, own it. His latest book, "Remedy Network: A Millennial's Journey on Connecting New York City Through Stories," is now available on Amazon!