God's favor and blessing. What does it look like and how does that translate to you and me?

Pastor Chad McDonald, is the Senior Pastor of Lenexa Baptist Church. He is a humble and faithful man that God is using to reach our city, nation, and the world for Jesus Christ.

Growing up in a home where Jesus is preeminent and the Bible is the standard for living had a tremendous impact on Chad's childhood.

During today's interview, you'll gain insight into steps any parent can take to help their kids get on the right track and the importance of surrounding them with the right mentors.

In addition, Pastor Chad will provide a glimpse into his journey of becoming the Senior Pastor of one of America's most recognized and honored churches.

Life does not come without obstacles and challenges but like Pastor Chad, there are many who experience the favor and blessing of God on their life.

Why is that and how can others find it?

Proverbs 3:1-4 says, "My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man."

God is ready for you. These things await those who do not forget the teachings of God's Word, the Holy Bible.

And that journey begins by inviting Jesus Christ into your life.

With sporting activities consuming entire weekends, one of the toughest challenges today's youth face is how to make God the priority over sports.

To say Christian Newsome was active in athletics growing up is an understatement.

He earned a full scholarship to play football in college, even though his father didn't allow him to miss church for practice or games growing up.

Toward the end of his college years God began tugging at his heart. Christian turned down his final year of eligibility to finish school early and pursue a calling that would later impact thousands.

Christian is the Pastor of Journey Church International.

In today's podcast, Christian shares each step of prayer and preparation in the launch of a church that began with five families in a living room and has since witnessed an incredible work of God.

Every month Journey Church International ministers to nearly 2,000 people each month, have witnessed 1,500 spiritual decisions for Christ, baptized more than 300 people, sent 150 people on global mission trips and has already donated $800,000 toward mission work.

If you need encouragement or prayer please let us know by clicking the prayer icon.

Growing up in South Florida, Brandon Park attended church regularly with his parents.

They were very religious.

He knew all the right answers in Sunday School but was far from God. How can this be?

After rejecting God once, he was given a second chance, and this time, he didn't miss the opportunity.

A graduate of Liberty University with a Bachelors, two Masters, and a Doctorate degree, Brandon began pastoring at the age of 19 and is now the Senior Pastor of Connection Point Church, formerly First Baptist of Raytown, a church that will celebrate 175 years of ministry.

Passionate about making disciples for Christ, he and a friend launched the Life Coach with Brandon Park app, a web-based platform that equips and enables Christians to connect in a deeper and more meaningful way as they grow in their walk with Jesus with others.

What does a life dedicated to Christ and his work look like?

Pastor Brandon Park shares his story of how God stirred his heart as a young man and has now faithfully served Him for many decades.

Brandon offers incredible insight into what it takes to fulfill God's purpose in life and make strong disciples for Jesus Christ. I hope you'll take time to check out his Life Coach with Brandon Park app to assist you in discipling others and building lasting relationships.

ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

How do you handle an unexpected job loss that forces you to take a significant pay cut, lose all the amenities that come from working with a Fortune 500 company, and left wondering into your late 20's if Mrs. Right will ever show up?

Dwight Widaman was the youngest of five children. His parents lived through the Great Depression and his dad served in three wars.

He worked his way through High School to help support his family only to lose his father to a stroke as a teenager.

Today, he is the owner of the Metro Voice Newspaper, a Christian publication that supplies 70,000 readers in over 1,100 locations, throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan area with the latest on cultural, political, and socioeconomic issues of our day from a biblical worldview.

What was it that helped him navigate the landscape of so many of life's twists and turns?

Dwight will answer these questions and more as he shares his story and offers encouragement, inspiration and the source of his strength.

In an age where the depth of relationships with others has become little more than clicks, likes, and emojis, it's so important we don't lose a genuine love for people.

In today's podcast, Pastor Steve Dighton will share his story from owner of a men's clothing store to discovering God's ultimate purpose in life.

In 1990, with less than 100 members, Steve Dighton became the founding Pastor of what is now Lenexa Baptist Church. The church has since grown to more than 6,000 members.

Now, after nearly three decades of service, upon his retirement he serves as Pastor Emeritus leaving the church completely debt free with over $26 million in assets and a spiritual legacy that continues around the globe through loving others and pointing them to Jesus Christ.

Whether you're a layman, pastor, ministry leader, or someone just searching for purpose, Pastor Steve will provide insight on life, ministry and leaving a lasting legacy.

What happens when two people from very different backgrounds come together?

In today's podcast, this is a place where two worlds collide and later transform an entire community from guns, drugs, and prostitution.

Growing up, Jason, a lover of sports and great athlete, dealt with numerous struggles. From the use of drugs to selling them and everything in between.

Courtney on the other hand, grew up in a loving Christian home and went to church and Sunday School every Sunday.

They later met and falling in love almost instantly, married and began a rapidly growing family of now five children.

As a family, they began Carry the Cross Ministries, packed up their belongings and moved from the comforts of the suburbs into a more impoverished part of town.

You won't want to miss hearing the incredible story of dedication, sacrifice, and selfless love they so freely give to others and because of it, many have found true hope.

The Neland family is an inspiration to us all and we should, without hesitation, take greater steps of faith because of their example.

For Christ, Steve Barnes

Today we're asking the question "What are you afraid of?"

I recently finished a must read book authored by Eric Blehm titled Fearless, which chronicles the undaunted courage and ultimate sacrifice of Navy Seal Team Six Operator Adam Brown.

Adam was fearless in his commitment to protect the freedoms and people of our great nation and gave his life in doing so.

The true source of his strength was found in his relationship with Jesus Christ.

The bible says in Psalm 118:6, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

This is the attitude that so many men and woman who have served our country had in battle when they paid the ultimate price and gave their life in order to preserve the incredible freedoms the United States of America enjoys. And for those warriors, we give thanks on this Memorial Day weekend.

Yet there is a healthy fear that precedes being fearless.

It's a fear each of us need if we're going to be successful in fulfilling God's mission for our life.

Proverbs 1:7 tells us it is in the fear of the Lord that brings wisdom. But what does that fear look like?

In today's podcast we'll dive into this all important truth.

After marrying his teenage sweet heart and having two children by their early 20's, Jim Gillespie and his wife reached a crisis point of differences which led to divorce.

Later, he and his wife were able to renew their love and remarry but that wasn't the end of their struggles.

Jim pursued careers in several lucrative businesses only to end up bankrupted and jobless on more than one occasion.

Together, they faced enormous medical problems fighting diabetes and breast cancer. The toll this took on them physically, emotionally, and financially was exhausting.

Most people dealing with these mountain-sized battles would have thrown in the towel long ago.

What was it that enabled Jim to push through and come out stronger and with a greater sense of peace now more than ever?

Jim answers those questions in today's podcast.

Jim serves in many capacities but is Kansas City's Executive Director for I Am Second, a web-based resource to share the love of Jesus through celebrity testimony.

Are you carrying heavy burdens today? Are you searching for peace in the midst of a storm?

God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. All we must do is place our trust in his Son Jesus Christ and you too will discover the grace of God, even in the midst of difficulties.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live a life filled with passion and purpose?

Although Mark Scribner grew up in a pastor's home, he rejected the call to vocational ministry during his early years.

Instead, he moved West with his wife to pursue a career and prosperity, but Mark found himself empty, frustrated and searching.

Only after returning to his roots, and a car accident that nearly killed him, Mark began to discover his God purpose in life and surrendered to it.

Today, Mark is offering hope and encouragement to people who are struggling to have a basic need…clothing.

Through the Great Garment Giveaway events, Mark and his team provide new and free clothing to those in the midst of tough times.

His story is powerful and his life is touching thousands.

Like Mark, many of us fight the call God has on our life and we end up taking a longer route to discover it than if we would just surrender to His plans and purpose for our life.

Are you running from God today? Are you trying to avoid His prompting in your life?

God wants to do something special in your life, stop resisting and go the distance with Him, you won't regret it.

Despite the challenges faced growing up as an only child of a single mother, Dave Gordon found his God purpose.

Dave married his childhood sweetheart and later discovered his career working for a radio station owned by the legendary Oak Ridge Boys.

Dave is now the General Manager for Life 88.5, a contemporary Christian music station that has nearly 270,000 Facebook followers.

Dave's story will inspire and offer hope, especially if you are a single parent or grew up fatherless.