Hazen Stevens Podcast

How do you start strong—not just in a new year, but in life, leadership, and faith? And more importantly, how do you stay strong when challenges come?In this special Start Strong session, Hazen Stevens, Lead Pastor of GateCity Buckhead, sits down with Jim Blanchard, former Chairman and CEO of Synovus Bank, for an honest and inspiring conversation about navigating calling, pressure, and purpose across seasons.Over his 35-year tenure, Jim helped lead Synovus through dramatic growth, economic cycles, and moments of personal testing—not with perfection, but with a deep trust in God’s placement and purpose. In this conversation, Hazen and Jim explore what it means to be placed by God in leadership, to walk faithfully through personal and professional storms, and to finish strong by His grace.They share insights on:-What it really means to start strong—and why it matters-How to stay anchored through setbacks, suffering, and pressure-Seeing every challenge as part of God's refining work-The importance of humility, prayer, and perseverance in leadership-Trusting God's placement in seasons that don’t make sense-This is more than leadership talk—it’s a deep reminder that the strength to stand comes from the One who placed you there.

In this powerful message, Pastor Hazen Stevens teaches that the Kingdom of God is worth more than anything we could ever give up to gain it. Like a man who joyfully sells everything to buy a hidden treasure, we’re called to radical surrender—not out of duty, but out of delight. The true cost is not what we lose, but what we miss if we don’t see the value of the Kingdom now. Key Scriptures: Hebrews 12:1–2, Matthew 13:44–46, Matthew 6:19–20 Main Points: 1. The Kingdom’s value is hidden to some—but revealed to those who seek 2. Surrender is not loss, but wise investment in eternal treasure 3. People sacrifice everything for earthly wealth—how much more for what lasts forever? 4. We don’t want too much—we want too little 5. True obedience often comes before others recognize its worth ➤ For more, visit presencecenteredlife.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cwL-oacp9N9nBQfYeE4L3Y-PRjdOYp5k7d7Y5C4hEHw/edit?usp=sharing#StartStrong #SellAllForTheKingdom #PresenceCenteredLife #EternalTreasure #Matthew13 #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon #KingdomJoy #RadicalSurrender

In this opening message of the Start Strong series, Pastor Hazen Stevens challenges us to begin the year not with impulse, but with intention. Jesus told us to “count the cost” of discipleship—because unfinished towers and unplanned battles lead to loss. Drawing from Scripture and stories of victory and failure, this message calls us to build wisely, prepare thoroughly, and follow Jesus with resolve.Key Scriptures: Luke 14:28–33, Proverbs 24:3–6, Ephesians 6:12, Psalm 90:12Main Points:1. Discipleship is costly—but the cost is purposeful2. Preparation matters more than passion under pressure3. Lasting lives are built with wisdom, not impulse4. You are both building and battling—neutral ground doesn’t exist➤ For more visit presencecenteredlife.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d0FCBEfmE_1uUico7Xd7bXNMf6dltNUIsYmnpHkQm_4/edit?pli=1&tab=t.0#StartStrong #CountTheCost #PresenceCenteredLife #WiseBuilders #SpiritualWarfare #FollowingJesus #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In this climactic Christmas message, Pastor Hazen Stevens declares that the same Child laid in a manger will one day return as King and Judge. From Bethlehem to the Cross to the Throne, the story of Jesus is not just about comfort—it’s about Kingdom. The manger invites us to humility, but the second coming demands worship. The question isn’t if He is King—it’s how you’ll respond. Key Scriptures: Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:7, Matthew 2:11, John 18:33–36, Matthew 25:31–32Main Points: 1. The manger shows His humility; the throne will reveal His glory 2. Jesus is both Savior and Judge—first the Cross, then the Crown 3. From Herod to Pilate to the thief—every heart must decide how to respond 4. He will return in power—what will your response be? ➤ For sermon notes and more, visit presencecenteredlife.com. Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l9b-4pWg1HMp1cgZJuoBXl461RVzJ_q0x6aou787OI4/edit?usp=sharing#MessiahSeries #GodInTheFlesh #JesusIsKing #PresenceCenteredLife #FromMangerToThrone #SecondComing #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #ChristmasMessage #SundaySermon

In this Christmas message, Pastor Hazen Stevens invites us to journey with the Magi—outsiders who traveled a thousand miles not just to witness a miracle, but to kneel before a King. The story of the manger reveals God’s humility and healing; the star reveals His authority and reign. We can’t stop at the stable—we must follow the light all the way to surrender. He came not only to heal but to rule. The question is: how far will you go to kneel?Key Scriptures: Matthew 2:1–12, John 1:11–12, Matthew 16:25Main Points:1. The manger speaks of healing; the star declares authority2. The Magi responded with surrender and costly worship3. Herod resisted—clinging to control and self-rule4. Every heart must decide: surrender or resistance5. Jesus is Savior and Lord—He heals, and He reigns➤ For sermon notes and more, visit presencecenteredlife.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13a228mDepMeXo9aGqHfxBriozpQZRyO_PHzS1DtDF6g/edit?usp=sharing#MessiahSeries #AThousandMilesToKneel #PresenceCenteredLife #MangerAndStar #WorshipTheKing #JesusIsLord #GateCityBuckhead #ChristmasMessage #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In this Advent message, Pastor Hazen Stevens unpacks the prophetic arc that leads to Christmas: from Micah’s Shepherd-King to Isaiah’s Suffering Servant. The arrival of the Messiah is more than a moment in history—it’s the beginning of healing. He entered our brokenness to make us whole. Whether wounded physically, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually, the promise still holds: Healthy Today—Messiah makes us whole.Key Scriptures: Micah 5:2–4, Luke 2:1–20, Isaiah 9:6–7, Isaiah 53:3–5Main Points:1. The Messiah came in humility to bring peace and healing2. Prophecy foretold His mission: to suffer in our place3. Healing is possible—physically, emotionally, spiritually—because of His wounds4. He still enters the humble places today, including yours➤ For more, visit presencecenteredlife.comNotes:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qtd07e2wmF1gndouZC4kacD3HhLBM5X0Jo1Up_rbVhY/edit?usp=sharing#MessiahSeries #ChristIsComing #PresenceCenteredLife #Isaiah53 #ProphecyFulfilled #AdventHope #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon #HeCameToHeal

In this powerful message, Pastor Hazen Stevens traces the promise given to Abraham—“your offspring shall possess the gates of his enemies”—and connects it to our present mission. From Genesis to the Great Commission, from unreached peoples to the YouVersion app reaching 1 billion downloads, we are part of a generational and global story. The call is simple: PRAY, SERVE, GIVE, FORM, and REACH—because the blessing wasn’t just for us. It’s through us.Key Scriptures: Genesis 22:17–18, Matthew 16:18, Matthew 28:18–20, Acts 1:8, Galatians 3:29Main Points:1. We are heirs of Abraham’s mission to bless all peoples2. The Great Commission is our modern-day gate to possess3. Our obedience links generations and reaches the unreached4. When we open our hearts, God opens doors➤ For sermon notes and more, visit presencecenteredlife.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JSAMdyM4Zuht43b0FKRScVhi6QkzCO11B1WeTul0YlA/edit?usp=sharing#BlessedToBeABlessing #PossessingTheGates #PresenceCenteredLife #MissionsHeart #UnreachedPeoples #GreatCommission #FromAbrahamToUs #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In this message from the Blessed to Be a Blessing series, Pastor Hazen Stevens teaches how true blessing isn’t just received—it’s released. Like Abraham, we walk in blessing by faith, and like Jesus, we live it out as salt and light in the world. Through humility, purity, and good works, we carry the kingdom into dark and decaying places.Key Scriptures: Genesis 12:1–3, Matthew 5:3–16, Romans 12:21, Ephesians 5:8–9Main Points:1. The blessed life costs something—but brings heaven to earth2. Salt preserves and purifies; light reveals and radiates3. Five ways to be salt and light: invite, pray, testify, live with integrity, and serve➤ For sermon notes and more, visit presencecenteredlife.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1det-p4Q2XKchQ124El79nvkmoUJIlxW1xUsIQd_x6NA/edit?usp=sharing#BlessedToBeABlessing #SaltAndLight #PresenceCenteredLife #FaithInAction #KingdomWitness #AbrahamicFaith #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon #Matthew5

In this opening message of the Blessed to Be a Blessing series, Pastor Hazen Stevens explores the pilgrim faith of Abraham—a faith that leaves the familiar, believes in the unseen, and surrenders the precious. Just like Abraham, we are called to follow God's blessing not for comfort, but for multiplication—so the nations might be blessed through us.

Key Scriptures: Genesis 12:1–3, Hebrews 11:8–16, Galatians 3:8, Romans 4:20–21, Genesis 22:16–18

Main Points:

1. Leave what is secure and familiar

2 . Believe through delay and impossibility

3. Surrender even what’s most precious so blessing can multiply

➤ For sermon notes and more, visit presencecenteredlife.com

Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s3leLQLqY_f3_Kf3NCTvBvoOfYztZW6avMzRq02qMJc/editusp=sharing

#BlessedToBeABlessing #PilgrimFaith #PresenceCenteredLife #FaithInAction #LegacyOfFaith #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #AbrahamicPromise #SundaySermon #Hebrews11

In this final message of the Legacy series, Pastor Hazen Stevens teaches on “Keystone Changes”—Spirit-led shifts that realign your life from the inside out. Just as a keystone holds an arch together, these pivotal acts of obedience—though often small—stabilize and strengthen every other area. Keystone changes aren’t just helpful habits; they are turning points that lead to lasting transformation. Examples include practicing Sabbath rest (making you Healthy), receiving inner healing (making you Whole), and surrendering your life fully to God (making you Holy).Key Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Peter 1:3, Isaiah 61:1, Romans 12:1, Psalm 37:3–5Main Points:1. Keystone changes are Spirit-led shifts that realign everything2. One keystone change can become the turning point for your whole life3. Examples: Sabbath rest (Healthy), heart healing (Whole), surrender (Holy)➤ For sermon notes and more, visit presencecenteredlife.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gV27ZRy00IcI--e_urVrkTH2xjDp17pA-9wyAdD8MJA/edit?usp=sharing#LegacySeries #KeystoneChanges #PresenceCenteredLife #HealthyWholeHoly #SabbathRest #InnerHealing #SpiritualSurrender #FaithInAction #GateCityBuckhead #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon