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HeavenEarth Conversations: Rural Roots and Real Faith: Joey Ott’s Journey to Finding Community at Heaven Earth Church
The HeavenEarth Church Podcast Exists to Amplify The Conversation Happening at HeavenEarth Church.
This conversation centers around the vision to be a church that make a lasting impact in our community by building relationships with all kinds of folks, helping people know and live like Jesus together.
You can help the HeavenEarth Church Podcast share and amplify this conversation by:
- Following or subscribing to the HeavenEarth Church Podcast,
- Give a five star rating to the HeavenEarth Church Podcast,
- Writing a review about your HeavenEarth Church Podcast Experience.
Please follow, rate and review at the following channels:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Podchaser
Welcome to the HeavenEarth Church Podcast, where we dive into real stories from members of Heaven Earth Church and explore how faith connects to everyday life. In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Brad Miller sit down with community member Joey Ott. Joey’s journey offers inspiration, insight, and honesty, giving listeners a closer look at why Heaven Earth Church is a spiritual home for those who may not feel like they fit elsewhere.
Episode SummaryDr. Brad Miller kicks off the episode by inviting Joey Ott to share about his background, starting with his roots in rural Corydon, Indiana. Joey paints a picture of life as a “farm boy,” discussing how the small-town atmosphere shaped his values—even as he now lives in the suburbs. Joey recalls his academic path, from North Harrison High School to Hanover College (where he pursued pre-med and played football), and on to graduate studies and a career as a chemist at Eli Lilly.
Joey’s story naturally transitions to his family, sharing about meeting his wife Amanda in high school, their journey through life together, and raising three sporty kids. Listeners get a feel for the Ott household’s love for athletics, learning, and personal growth.
The episode then delves into Joey’s faith journey, which began in the Catholic tradition and slowly evolved through personal experience and community service. Key moments included youth group involvement and impactful mission trips (notably to Guatemala), which fostered his appreciation for service and helped him see faith in a new light.
Joey shares how—and why—his family found a welcoming community at Heaven Earth Church, first through online services during the COVID-19 pandemic and then in-person. He describes the congregation’s genuine, “come as you are” environment, where authenticity and vulnerability are embraced. Joey highlights Ross Stackhouse’s unique conversational approach to sermons, which encourages reflection and participation rather than passive listening.
Dr. Miller and Joey reflect on the church’s mission to make a lasting impact in Franklin, especially through outreach initiatives like Recovery Church and housing advocacy. Joey recounts moments of personal transformation and feeling the Holy Spirit during worship, emphasizing the church’s life-changing effect on people from all backgrounds.
The episode closes with Joey’s encouragement: Heaven Earth Church is a safe, welcoming place for anyone—even if you feel you don’t fit in other churches. “Just come as you are,” he says, “there’s no judgment, only genuine community.”
Three Takeaway Points- Authenticity and Openness Are Central
- Joey’s experience highlights Heaven Earth Church’s genuine and welcoming spirit. He appreciates the “come as you are” ethos, where there’s no pressure to perform or pretend, and vulnerability is accepted.
- Faith Is a Journey, Not a Destination
- Joey’s story shows that spiritual growth can be gradual and emerging, rather than marked by big “aha” moments. Mission trips, youth groups, and real conversations have shaped his understanding of faith through service and relationships.
- The Church Makes a Real Impact
- Joey sees evidence of Heaven Earth Church’s commitment to positive change—especially through outreach like Recovery Church and collaborations addressing local housing needs. The environment supports people dealing with real-life struggles, creating space for healing, hope, and transformation.
Resources & Next Steps
Interested in learning more or joining the conversation? Visit heavenearthchurch.org. Whether you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to belong, Heaven Earth Church welcomes you—just as you are.
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By HeavenEarth ChurchThe HeavenEarth Church Podcast Exists to Amplify The Conversation Happening at HeavenEarth Church.
This conversation centers around the vision to be a church that make a lasting impact in our community by building relationships with all kinds of folks, helping people know and live like Jesus together.
You can help the HeavenEarth Church Podcast share and amplify this conversation by:
- Following or subscribing to the HeavenEarth Church Podcast,
- Give a five star rating to the HeavenEarth Church Podcast,
- Writing a review about your HeavenEarth Church Podcast Experience.
Please follow, rate and review at the following channels:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Podchaser
Welcome to the HeavenEarth Church Podcast, where we dive into real stories from members of Heaven Earth Church and explore how faith connects to everyday life. In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Brad Miller sit down with community member Joey Ott. Joey’s journey offers inspiration, insight, and honesty, giving listeners a closer look at why Heaven Earth Church is a spiritual home for those who may not feel like they fit elsewhere.
Episode SummaryDr. Brad Miller kicks off the episode by inviting Joey Ott to share about his background, starting with his roots in rural Corydon, Indiana. Joey paints a picture of life as a “farm boy,” discussing how the small-town atmosphere shaped his values—even as he now lives in the suburbs. Joey recalls his academic path, from North Harrison High School to Hanover College (where he pursued pre-med and played football), and on to graduate studies and a career as a chemist at Eli Lilly.
Joey’s story naturally transitions to his family, sharing about meeting his wife Amanda in high school, their journey through life together, and raising three sporty kids. Listeners get a feel for the Ott household’s love for athletics, learning, and personal growth.
The episode then delves into Joey’s faith journey, which began in the Catholic tradition and slowly evolved through personal experience and community service. Key moments included youth group involvement and impactful mission trips (notably to Guatemala), which fostered his appreciation for service and helped him see faith in a new light.
Joey shares how—and why—his family found a welcoming community at Heaven Earth Church, first through online services during the COVID-19 pandemic and then in-person. He describes the congregation’s genuine, “come as you are” environment, where authenticity and vulnerability are embraced. Joey highlights Ross Stackhouse’s unique conversational approach to sermons, which encourages reflection and participation rather than passive listening.
Dr. Miller and Joey reflect on the church’s mission to make a lasting impact in Franklin, especially through outreach initiatives like Recovery Church and housing advocacy. Joey recounts moments of personal transformation and feeling the Holy Spirit during worship, emphasizing the church’s life-changing effect on people from all backgrounds.
The episode closes with Joey’s encouragement: Heaven Earth Church is a safe, welcoming place for anyone—even if you feel you don’t fit in other churches. “Just come as you are,” he says, “there’s no judgment, only genuine community.”
Three Takeaway Points- Authenticity and Openness Are Central
- Joey’s experience highlights Heaven Earth Church’s genuine and welcoming spirit. He appreciates the “come as you are” ethos, where there’s no pressure to perform or pretend, and vulnerability is accepted.
- Faith Is a Journey, Not a Destination
- Joey’s story shows that spiritual growth can be gradual and emerging, rather than marked by big “aha” moments. Mission trips, youth groups, and real conversations have shaped his understanding of faith through service and relationships.
- The Church Makes a Real Impact
- Joey sees evidence of Heaven Earth Church’s commitment to positive change—especially through outreach like Recovery Church and collaborations addressing local housing needs. The environment supports people dealing with real-life struggles, creating space for healing, hope, and transformation.
Resources & Next Steps
Interested in learning more or joining the conversation? Visit heavenearthchurch.org. Whether you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to belong, Heaven Earth Church welcomes you—just as you are.