Halfway There

By Eric NevinsSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Spirituality Personal Journals

Halfway There episodes

December 20, 2021274: Jerry Dugan and Becoming a New Man
Jerry Dugan is the producer and host of Beyond the Rut podcast, a show that discusses pursuing and achieving your dreams without compromising your faith, family, or health. Today, Jerry shares about growing up through divorce, his dad's attempted suicide, and combat experiences that gave him resilience and perspective on life. He also shares how it all led him to give his life to Christ and eventually start serving men through his podcast. Jerry’s story reminds us that the Lord often has plans for us long before we know what they are.
Listen to Jerry’s story now!
Stories Jerry shared:
Growing up in a military family
Encountering racism in his own extended family
His family’s mix religious beliefs
His parent’s divorce and dad’s suicidal period
Praying during Operation Iraqi Freedom
Getting a wake up call in Baghdad
His wife’s prayer for him while he was at war
Giving his life to Christ after going to church for a year
Why he started Beyond the Rut to serve men
Why you should watch Dune
Great quotes from Jerry:
It’s a bigger world than the town I was living in.
The family we wound up with was the complete opposite of all the fears we had.
My daughter cannot know that she had a monster for a dad.
I had a plan to not really be a Christian.
Resources we mentioned:
Jerry’s website, Beyond the Rut
Related episodes:
Travis Johnson and World Changing Community
Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God
Cliff Haddox and the Story That Grows With You
The post Jerry Dugan and Becoming a New Man appeared first on Eric Nevins.
54 min
December 13, 2021273: Felicia Song and Digital Discipleship
Felicia Song is a professor of sociology who studies social and cultural impact of digital technologies. Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age. Today, Felicia share her experience growing up in a fundamentalist, Chinese church, discovering the Holy Spirit in college, and what she’s learned about God by studying sociology. We also talk about her book and how Christians can be wise as we live with technology. Felicia’s story reminds us to be wise about how we think and practice technology as Christians.
Listen to Felicia’s story now!
Stories Felicia shared:
Teaching sociology at Westmont
Growing up in a Christian family in New Jersey
The vibrant Chinese church she attended
Never not believing in God
Joining InterVarsity and interacting with non-Asian Christians for the first time
Attending a Vineyard church for the first time
Discovering that she came from a fundamentalist tradition
Going to L’Abri Fellowship
Noticing her students getting email for the first time
What she’s learned about God from studying sociology
How liturgy formed her experience
Why she wrote Restless Devices
Her encouragement for the way forward with technology
Great quotes from Felicia:
It’s not so much the content that shapes us; it’s really the form or the practices.
As human beings, we are meaning makers.
We live in a meaning-filled world because we serve a meaning-filled God.
We do not need to live under the tyranny of our technologies.
We serve a good Lord, but technologies are often brutal and merciless lords.
Resources we mentioned:
Felicia’s website
Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age by Felicia Song
Fundamentalism and American Culture (New Edition) by George Marsden
Truce Podcast
Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Related episodes:
Jay Kim and Why We Need Real People
Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Healing Our Broken Humanity
Os Guinness and Understanding Our Moment
The post Felicia Song and Digital Discipleship appeared first on Eric Nevins.
56 min
December 06, 2021272: Brian Sexton and Being Prepared to Serve
Brian Sexton is the host of The Intentional Encourager Podcast and author of People Buy From People: 10 Powerful People Lessons From the Ultimate People Person, My Dad. Today, Brian shares how prayer influenced his life early, his dad’s profound influence, and how he stopped running from a call to preach. He also shares an interesting connection between his family and his wife’s family that he never saw coming. Brian’s story reminds us that with a little intionality, we can all encourage someone every day.
Listen to Brian’s story now!
Stories Brian shared:
Growing up in Ohio in an influential area
The blister that prayer removed as a baby
His dad’s encouragement to know God
Why he always tries to live in repentance
Meeting his wife and how God provided
How his mother-in-law knew his grandfather
Sensing a call to preach during a revival
Learning the value of intentionality
How losing his dad sent him into the spiritual desert
The dream he had about his father
Learning to be his own man
The three points of encouragement
Great quotes from Brian:
People who want to be liberated will do just about anything to be set free.
God is the ultimate connector.
I was trying to reason with God about things he already knew.
If you have a cell phone, you can be an encourager.
Encouraged people, empower people.
Resources we mentioned:
The Intentional Encourager Podcast
Eric’s episode on Brian’s show
People Buy From People: 10 Powerful People Lessons from the Ultimate People Person–My Dad by Brian Sexton
Related episodes:
Vicki Proffit and the Encouragement of God
Blake Brewer and a Father’s Legacy
Sue Donaldson and the Welcoming Heart of God
The post Brian Sexton and Being Prepared to Serve appeared first on Eric Nevins.
58 min
November 29, 2021271: Hope Johnson and Waiting for God to Answer Prayer
Hope Johnson is a writer and podcaster based in Upstate New York. She is the host of Hope Unyielding, a podcast where people share stories of God's faithfulness in the dark and difficult times of their lives. Today, Hope shares the story of how she learned Russian, struggled during a year teaching English, and how she wrestles with God because her “five year plan” didn’t come to fruition. Hope is a deep thinker whose story will remind you to honor and love the Lord even when you feel like he’s abandoned you.
Listen to Hope’s story now!
Stories Hope shared:
Feeling called to be a writer
Growing up in Maine with a dad who was a professional magician
The example of faith in action that her parents set for her
The encouragement to pray whether she should go to Russia
Learning to separate God from his people in her mind
Going to Gordon College to major in linguistics
Teaching college courses in Russia
Struggling with mental health
The Muslim friend who had a dream about and helped her
Teaching international students English
Struggling with singleness
What it’s like to be a single person in the church
Surrendering her marital status to the Lord after a break up
Learning to be comfortable with being unsatisfied
Learning her identity is in Christ not her relationship status
What churches can do to better serve singles
Great quotes from Hope:
I wish everyone in the church who’s married would realize that there’s something they can learn from us.
I want to offer real stories where real hope shines through.
Faith and feelings are not synonyms.
I’ve learned to sit with not feeling satisfied and not feel guilty about it.
Resources we mentioned:
Hope’s website
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Related episodes:
Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams
Chuck DeGroat and the Invitation to Obscurity
Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind
The post Hope Johnson and Waiting for God to Answer Prayer appeared first on Eric Nevins.
53 min
November 22, 2021270: Dorsey Ross and the Story We All Tell
Dorsey Ross is a public speaker and podcaster. He was born with Apert’s Syndrome. Today, Dorsey shares his parent’s choice to nurture and support him, going to college when many didn’t think he could, and becoming a speaker and podcaster. Dorsey’s story is full of challenges that he’s overcome with God’s help. His spirit will encourage you to face your challenges, too.
Listen to Dorsey’s story now!
Stories Dorsey shared:
Growing up in Queens, New York
Being born with Apert's Syndrome
His parent’s decision to nurture him
Being picked on and in hospitals as a child
Giving his life to Christ at the age of 13 in a worship service
Asking God why he was born this way
Wanting to become a youth pastor
Going to college in spite of a teacher who didn’t think he could
The Bible study group that helped his anxiety
Going to Bible college and how that shaped him
Seeking a ministry position but the doors kept closing
Getting an opportunity to share his story
Beginning to speak around the country
Why he loves the story of Paul’s thorn in the flesh
Starting a podcast on a whim
Great quotes from Dorsey:
Can’t is not in my vocabulary.
He is our hope. He is our peace.
Whatever you’re dealing with, you’re not alone.
Resources we mentioned:
Dorsey’s website
Related episodes:
Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams
Cliff Haddox and the Story That Grows With You
Dr. Michelle Bengston and Overcoming Anxiety
The post Dorsey Ross and the Story We All Tell appeared first on Eric Nevins.
35 min
November 15, 2021269: Christa Hutchins and How Failure Refines
Christa Hutchins equips busy communicators and leaders with project management and problem solving skills so they can turn their big ideas into a successful ministry or business. Today, Christa shares how she experienced her faith as just one part of her life, how a public failure taught her humility, and how that led her to new opportunities. She also shares how she learned to use her gifts to help others bring their dreams to life. Christa’s story reminds us that God uses failure to refine us.
Listen to Christa’s story now!
Stories Christa shared:
Growing up in Florida in a Christian home
Being aware that she was a performer in church
How she decided to be a chemical engineer
Choosing to walk away from problematic behaviors in college
Joining a Christian group and being discipled
How her career progressed
Failing for the first time and how that influenced her faith
Having to face her pride and learn humility
Volunteering with Proverbs 31 Ministries
Learning that using her skills is ministry
The “new thing” that God was doing with her business
Strategies that help creative people
Great quotes from Christa:
Clarity comes from action.
Failure was part of the route to where God was leading me.
I love you too much to let your dream die.
Resources we mentioned:
Christa’s website
The Move Forward Journal (Use code HALFWAY to get 10% off)
Related episodes:
Merritt Onsa and the Patient Love of God
Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel
September McCarthy and Suffering as Sanctification
The post Christa Hutchins and How Failure Refines appeared first on Eric Nevins.
45 min
November 08, 2021268: Travis Johnson and World Changing Community
Travis Johnson is an active duty officer in the United States navy and the host of the Nonprofit Architect Podcast. Today, Travis shares about moving dozens of times as a child because of his mom’s mental illness. He also shares how he felt the Lord’s presence, got out of the abusive situation, and found stability in the Navy. Travis has found a way to give back by enabling and supporting nonprofit organizations through podcasting and his own service. Travis’s story reminds us that the Lord can use our background no matter how difficult.
Listen to Travis’s story now!
Stories Travis shared:
Starting his podcast Nonprofit Architect
Growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder needing to move often
Taking control of his family at 9 years old
Going to Bible camp one summer
Experiencing a supernatural happening before moving out
Joining the Navy to get a stable life
Finding a church in Oklahoma City that showed him what church should look like
The group who helped him understand the Christian life
Realizing people in Bahrain were just like him
How podcasting has changed his life
Great quotes from Travis:
No amount of shared DNA gives someone permission to treat you a certain way.
I just showed up with a good attitude and willing to help.
Everywhere you go, it’s just people.
Resources we mentioned:
Travis’s website
Christian Podcasters Association if you want to start one
Related episodes:
Amy Watson on Trauma, Healing, and Community
Trevor Kapralos and the Power of Community
Christina Dent and Compassion for Others
The post Travis Johnson and World Changing Community appeared first on Eric Nevins.
45 min
November 01, 2021Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams
Tiffany Jo Baker is a caffeinated mom of two teen girls, surrogate mom who has delivered five babies for three families dealing with infertility. Today, Tiffany shares how she went her own, self-destructive way as a teenager, and the dramatic steps her parents took to get her back. She also shares how she became a surrogate mom, and the calling the Lord gave her to help others bring their dreams to life. Tiffany’s story reminds us that no matter where you are, God has plans for you if you’ll only step into them.
Listen to Tiffany’s story now!
Stories Tiffany shared:
Growing up in a Christian family in Ohio
Going rogue in high school and how God redeemed
Her “burning bush” experience
Getting a fresh start in college
Learning spiritual disciplines and new thought patterns
How she became passionate about surrogacy
Pitching the idea to her husband
What she learned from being a surrogate
Her role in the body of Christ as a “dream carrier”
Getting released to speak and write
Securing an internship to learn online business
Learning to be present
Great quotes from Tiffany:
None of us have all that we need to do all that God has called us to do.
If you’re confident, people will give you the responsibility.
I do soul care, self care, and dream care.
Our minds are a powerful weapon.
Resources we mentioned:
Tiffany Jo’s website
Related episodes:
Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind
John Ramstead and From Accident to Purpose
Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God
The post Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams appeared first on Eric Nevins.
42 min
October 25, 2021266: Scott Distler and Creating Space to Listen
Scott Distler is an author and the lead pastor of an Evangelical Free church in Northern Michigan. Today, Scott shares about the mentors who shaped him, how a betrayal sent him into a dark time, and the steps he took to get out of it. Scott learned to slow down and make space for his relationship with God in the difficult season and he shares those lessons. Scott’s story reminds us that our identity must come from who Jesus says we are not our accomplishments.
Listen to Scott’s story now!
Stories Scott shared:
Pastoring a church in Northern Michigan
Spending his childhood in church
Feeling called to become a pastor as a junior in high school
Going to Bible school to learn Scripture
His mentor’s advice about how to pray specifically
The moment that he knew the Lord answered his prayer
How is pastor mentored him and his best advice
Becoming spiritually arrogant before his “cave experience”
When his main supporter turned against him at church
Learning that his source of significance is in the Lord
Starting to journal as a spiritual practice
Realizing that Jesus understands betrayal
The practice of gratitude he kept with his wife
Why he decided to write The Cave
Great quotes from Scott:
Even though my greatest hurts in life have come from the church, I still believe in the local church.
Everything that happens to you makes you bitter or better. The choice is yours.
My source of significance has to be Jesus.
Resources we mentioned:
Scott’s church website
The Cave: When Ministry Becomes Misery by Scott Distler
Ministering to Problem People in Your Church: What to Do With Well-Intentioned Dragons by Marshall Shelley
Related episodes:
Mark Brownson and Honesty with God
Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind
Jim Barnard Finds Hope in Suffering Through Community
The post Scott Distler and Creating Space to Listen appeared first on Eric Nevins.
45 min
October 18, 2021265: Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind
Alicia Michelle is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster and certified NeuroCoach. Known as the Mindset Makeover Coach, she equips Christian women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools so they know HOW to renew their minds in order to overcome negative thinking and cultivate godly confidence. Today, Alicia shares how campus ministry changed her life, the health crisis that made her reevaluate, and what she has learned about renewing your mind in a godly way. Alicia’s story reminds us that we are wonderfully made and learning about how always yields benefits.
Listen to Alicia’s story now!
Stories Alicia shared:
Her business as a neurocoach and being a mom
Growing up in Los Angeles
Becoming a Christian through Cru at college
The mentor who shaped her early walk with Jesus
Moving back to Los Angeles
Meeting her husband at church
Struggling with all the “shoulds” of having a new family
The health crisis that changed her identity
Leaving a missions trip with a health issue
How the Lord helped her slowly rebuild her life
How we change things we believe
Integrating brain science and spirituality
Great quotes from Alicia:
I heard Christians are nice.
It is strange to return to your hometown and not be the person you were.
Resources we mentioned:
Alicia’s website: Vibrant Christian Living
Related episodes:
Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life
Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw and the God Who Likes You
Dr. Michelle Bengtson and Overcoming Anxiety
Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel
The post Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind appeared first on Eric Nevins.
55 min

About Halfway There

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Each episode of Halfway There features an ordinary Christian sharing their story of spiritual formation on the journey of life with God. Go beyond the classic Christian testimony into the ups and…

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