William and Ronnie delve into the complexities of nurturing and growing a relationship with God. To start off, Ronnie addresses a listener's question about balancing one's identity as a disciple with other significant life roles. The discussion extends to the importance of spiritual disciplines, community, personal experiences, and how encountering God's love manifests through everyday relationships and actions. The episode closes with a heartfelt song and prayer, reaffirming that our ultimate hope, joy, and peace come from God.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:24 Listener Question: Balancing Identities

03:23 The Role of Identity in Christianity

07:10 Fatherhood and Spiritual Leadership

18:40 The Importance of Baptism

19:48 Understanding Salvation and Relationship with God

52:11 Experiencing God's Love and Community

01:02:32 Experiencing God's Glory

01:04:14 Spiritual Disciplines Purpose

01:06:36 The Role of Discipline in Faith

01:28:44 The Importance of Community

01:37:52 Overcoming Obstacles in Faith

01:44:42 Final Reflections and Encouragement

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email any or all one the following:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

In this week's conversation, John, William, and Ronnie discuss what it means to truly have a relationship with God. Drawing on Scripture, personal stories, and years of ministry experience, they explore how faith matures over time, how to build unity in the church, and how to navigate challenges in discipleship. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own walk with God and how to engage meaningfully with others in their community.

[00:00] - Welcome and Setting the Stage

The hosts kick off the episode with introductions and humor, sharing the focus of the conversation: the personal journey of knowing God.

[00:52] - Understanding Church Divisions

A listener question sparks a dive into why church splits often happen. Ronnie examines biblical unity and why divisions are sometimes inevitable.

[20:00] - Dealing with Conflict in the Church

The hosts discuss how leaders can recognize and address divisive behaviors early, using Scripture and relationships to maintain unity in the body of Christ.

[40:00] - Safeguarding the Flock

Practical tips for protecting a church community, from vetting leaders to creating a culture that prioritizes accountability and spiritual growth.

[1:00:00] - Focusing on the One

Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep, the conversation shifts to the value of investing in individuals and being intentional in discipleship.

[1:20:00] - Maturing in Faith Through Life Stages

William and John reflect on their journeys of faith, sharing how their relationships with God have evolved from childhood to adulthood.

[1:40:00] - Trusting God in Difficult Seasons

The group discusses how faith can sustain us through life’s struggles, offering encouragement to listeners facing challenges.

[2:00:00] - Staying Centered on Jesus

Ronnie shares final thoughts on the importance of staying Christ-centered in ministry and relationships, highlighting the enduring value of faith, hope, and love.

[2:15:00] - Wrapping Up and Reflection

The episode closes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to evaluate their personal walks with God and to live out their faith intentionally.

Reflection Questions:

 1. How has your relationship with God changed through different seasons of your life?

 2. Are you prioritizing relationships and discipleship in your church community?

 3. What steps can you take to trust God more deeply during life’s challenges?

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email any or all one the following:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

In this episode Ronnie, John, and William discuss the topic of loneliness, somewhat initiated by an article from Christianity Today. John starts the conversation, highlighting recent discussions among church leaders about the increasing prevalence of loneliness. Ronnie shares his foundational notes, emphasizing the need for balanced emotional health, community, and a strong relationship with God. The episode touches on the effects of loneliness, the role of social media, and practical steps to build meaningful relationships within church communities. The conversation also delves into personal experiences, pastoral care, and the importance of mutual vulnerability in fostering deep connections.

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview
00:48 The Rising Concern of Loneliness
03:22 Personal Reflections on Loneliness
04:18 Understanding Loneliness: Emotions and Psychology
07:03 Loneliness in Modern Society
10:21 Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Loneliness
13:27 Personal Stories and Experiences
26:19 The Impact of Loneliness on Health
31:11 Loneliness and Spirituality
45:27 Social Media and Loneliness
52:54 The Impact of Capitalism on Self-Worth
53:30 The College Experience: Expectations vs. Reality
54:41 Devaluation of Older Adults in Society
56:41 Loneliness Among Immigrants
58:02 The Importance of Caring and Agape Love
01:00:15 Chaos in the Church and Society
01:02:44 The Power of Community and Relationships
01:07:54 Personal Reflections on Faith and Support
01:17:11 The Disconnect of Social Media and Real Connection
01:28:49 The Importance of Community in Mitigating Loneliness
01:40:39 The Power of Fellowship
01:41:26 Ownership of the Church Body
01:45:13 Building a Strong Foundation
01:56:17 Practical Steps to Combat Loneliness
02:06:14 The Importance of One-on-One Relationships
02:12:45 Balancing Life and Building Community
02:28:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email any or all one the following:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Ronnie, John, and William have a discussion on handling conflict, a universal experience. The discussion begins with listener questions, highlighting themes of empathy, deep care for others, and the challenges of loving difficult people. Ronnie addresses various types of conflict, especially within marriages, families, churches, workplaces, and communities. He outlines different conflict management approaches and emphasizes the importance of prayer, honest self-reflection, and practical strategies for resolving disputes. The episode underscores the need for peacemaking as a core Christian value, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the imperative to love and serve others selflessly. Concluding with the significance of bringing Jesus into conflicts and seeking unity through understanding and humility, these conversations provide valuable guidance for fostering harmony in all aspects of life.

00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement
02:27 Ronnie's Journey of Empathy and Love
22:57 Understanding Conflict and Its Roots
24:56 Conflict in the Church and Society
30:16 Unity and Division in Christianity
38:43 Fundamentalism and Misinterpretation of Scripture
47:22 The Call for Unity and Peace
49:55 Managing Conflict with Loved Ones
52:06 The Importance of Heart Posture
56:42 Unity in the Church
58:03 Conflict in Everyday Life
01:10:21 Approaches to Conflict Resolution
01:13:47 Creating Win-Win Scenarios
01:21:38 Conflict in Marriage
01:27:58 The Role of Servanthood in Conflict
01:34:05 The Importance of Truth and Honesty
01:34:21 Mentorship and Friendship in Discipleship
01:35:18 A Personal Anecdote: Basketball Conflict
01:40:09 Scriptural Guidance on Conflict Resolution
01:47:39 The Dangers of Avoiding Conflict
01:56:54 The Role of Peacemakers
02:08:39 When to End a Friendship
02:12:25 Closing Thoughts and Hymn

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email any or all one the following:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

In this episode Ronnie, John, and William engage in an extensive discussion on the intersection of politics and faith. They address the importance of understanding one's own political and spiritual journey, highlighting influences from personal experiences and scripture. Key topics include approaching politics with a kingdom mindset, living above the fray of earthly political battles, the spiritual responsibilities of Christians, and living as exiles in a worldly system. Emphasis is placed on embracing community diversity, practicing humility, seeking peace, and focusing on justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Ronnie also shares insights on how Christians should engage with political systems, highlighting the importance of prayer, wisdom, and maintaining a focus on God's kingdom.

Resources Referenced in the Episode:

1. Grant Trotter: The Hidden Spiritual Battle in Modern Politics
2. The New Paper: thenewpaper.co
3. The Flip Side theflipside.io
4. Ronnie's Principles of Politics Notes

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
02:25 Listener Questions and Responses
18:07 Diving into Politics
25:32 Personal Political Journeys
32:49 Historical and Theological Perspectives
49:12 The Role of Voting and Political Engagement
49:59 Representation and Underrepresented Groups
52:56 Living as Ambassadors of the Kingdom of God
54:59 Jesus' Perspective on Politics
58:04 Divine Order and Spiritual Warfare
01:07:16 The Sermon on the Mount and Christian Conduct
01:19:02 Critique of Political Parties and Leaders
01:34:41 Scriptural Guidance on Governance and Obedience
01:37:19 Obeying God Over Human Authorities
01:38:44 The Role of the Church in Society
01:39:42 Controversial Issues and Christian Perspectives
01:44:56 Living as Exiles and Foreigners
01:47:26 Guiding Principles for Christians
02:08:49 Embracing Diversity in the Church
02:15:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email any or all one the following:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

In this episode Ronnie turns the tables and interviews John and William. Together they engage in a series of candid conversations about the complexities of faith, relationships, and leadership in ministry. They highlight the importance of sharing real, imperfect stories to showcase God's work through flawed individuals, the transformative power of friendships, and the nuances of mentorship. Topics covered include balancing personal convictions with public perception, addressing difficult conversations within the church, the value of intergenerational leadership, and the autonomy within a network of churches. They also discuss mental health, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessity of authentic discipleship. Personal anecdotes and reflections underscore the episode's emphasis on humility, sincerity, and the profound impact of dedicated, lifelong ministry.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda
00:45 Ronnie's Reflections on Past Experiences
07:45 William's Perspective on Growing Up in the Church
10:30 John's Journey and Relationship with Ronnie
20:09 The Importance of Knowing the Backstory
25:42 Challenges and Misunderstandings in Ministry
50:25 Ronnie's Convictions and Personal Struggles
01:02:49 Navigating Relationship Slip-Ups
01:03:34 The Power of Humor in Disarming
01:04:58 Lessons from Jesus and John the Baptist
01:07:03 Struggles and Transparency in Ministry
01:08:55 The Reality of Life's Challenges
01:21:27 The Importance of Discipleship
01:47:01 Freedom and Leadership in Church
01:55:24 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

In this episode, John Von Runnen and William Royal sit down with lifelong pastor Ronnie Worsham to discuss the profound journey of church planting and how God shaped his call to lead a church planting movement. Ronnie and John share stories and takeaways from planting the Mission Church, Wylie Northeast, Denton North, Arlington Central, and East Plano.

This episode is particularly timely as the DFW Metro Family of Churches is preparing for upcoming church plants in Richardson and Fort Worth. Ronnie, John, and William discuss the spiritual and strategic foundations for planting churches, the heart for campus ministry—highlighting the need for flexibility, new wineskins, and empowering young leaders.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:24 Ronnie's Journey and Early Influences
02:09 Evangelism and Campus Ministry Movements
04:45 Challenges and Growth in Ministry
07:27 Church Planting and New Wineskins
23:52 Organizational Structure and Strategy
48:42 The Importance of Church and Ministry
50:23 Building a Diverse and Inclusive Church Community
51:17 Strategic Statements and Church Diversity
52:24 Creativity and Freedom in Church Practices
54:48 Kingdom Experience and Denominational Challenges
56:13 Growing Churches from the Ground Up
57:46 Creating an Environment for Growth and Conversion
01:00:29 Distributing Power and Innovation
01:02:42 Mitigating Risks in Big Churches
01:03:52 Freedom of Forms and Organization
01:12:38 Determining Factors in Church Planting
01:18:18 Challenges and Successes in Church Planting
01:34:28 Mark's Frustration with John's Planning
01:35:19 Reflecting on the Plano Plant
01:35:26 Diversity Challenges in Church Planting
01:37:08 Future Church Planting Plans
01:37:35 Collaborative Church Planting
01:40:04 Stories of Leadership Development
01:46:44 Unexpected Challenges and Benefits
01:47:15 Leadership and Commitment in Church Planting
01:48:00 The Importance of Unselfishness
01:51:28 The Role of Focus in Church Planting
01:55:08 Unexpected People Stepping Up
01:57:35 Surprises in Church Planting
02:09:13 Long-Term Goals and Vision
02:16:52 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

In this episode we continue pastor Ronnie Worsham's story, catching up to present day. Ronnie reflects on the foundational and doctrinal issues central to church movements and offers a Christ-centric philosophy of discipleship. The conversation also explores spiritual discernment, critiques on church leadership and organization, and the balance between theological beliefs and practical church management. Other topics include the integration of campus ministries, the evolution of church dynamics, and the significance of community and family in spiritual growth. Ronnie shares both successes and challenges faced in merging congregations, establishing new church plants, and navigating leadership roles. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, authentic relationships, and the power of heartfelt connections within the church community.

00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:04 Early Ministry and Church Planting
03:17 Challenges and Doctrinal Issues
05:51 Philosophy of Church Building
13:35 Campus Ministry and Organizational Insights
19:08 The Birth of Focus Ministry
40:08 Wylie Church Planting Journey
01:01:52 Leadership Gifts and Church Planting
01:02:55 Metro Plan of Evangelism
01:06:39 Focus Ministries and Kingdom Building
01:14:51 Leadership Challenges and Heartbreaks
01:29:12 Resourcefulness and Generosity
01:39:10 Fond Memories and God's Blessings
01:52:00 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

In this episode of 'It's a Pod Deal,' Ronnie Worsham joins hosts William Royal and John Von Runnen to discuss his journey in founding and growing Northeast Church. The conversation explores his transformation from spiritual skepticism to a purposeful ministry, highlighting his focus on creating an inclusive church community that values unity over uniformity. The episode delves into leadership dynamics, the importance of embracing diversity, and nurturing unconventional leaders. It also addresses challenges such as moral failures in churches and maintaining a vision for dynamic growth. Through personal stories, including Ronnie's own childhood injury, the discussion underscores his commitment to fostering a community grounded in freedom of thought, collective evangelism, and genuine Christian values.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:09 Planting Northeast Church
01:51 Transition to Conversational Storytelling
03:01 Reflections on Ministry and Personal Growth
04:06 The Baton Rouge Calling
04:35 Challenges and Revelations
05:48 Impactful Encounters and Lessons
08:12 Journey Through Different Ministries
08:43 The Plano Transition
13:14 The Dream and the Call
14:17 Starting Northeast Church
23:49 The Warehouse Church
32:30 Vision for a New Church
49:39 Embracing Freedom in Faith
50:28 Unity in Diversity
51:37 Understanding Different Perspectives
54:34 The Value of Youth and Freedom
01:03:27 Raising Leaders with Heart
01:17:29 Vision for Church Planting
01:33:27 Concluding Reflections and Hymn

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

In this episode of 'It's a Pod Deal,' hosts William Royal and John Von Runnen continue their conversation with pastor Ronnie Worsham. They explore Ronnie's ministry journey from his college days in Oklahoma to his dynamic efforts ministering in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arizona. The discussion delves into his early ministry challenges, including integrating diverse groups into an all-white church, and the evolution of his spiritual beliefs. Ronnie shares insights on the significance of personal discipleship, the impact of denominational challenges, and the essential role of love, vulnerability, and mentorship. Emphasizing a shift from traditional evangelical practices to a more inclusive and relational approach, Ronnie reflects on valuable lessons from mentors and the importance of fostering genuine faith and community.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:03 Ronnie's Early Ministry Days

01:36 The Influence of Church and Education

08:32 Transition to Colorado

09:04 Exploring Denominationalism

12:00 Challenges and Growth in Ministry

16:28 The Move to Arizona

28:48 International Ministry Experience

30:49 Struggles with Depression and Faith

36:59 Decision to Leave San Diego

38:07 Return to Oklahoma

43:12 Moving to Dallas and New Beginnings

47:51 Equipping for Ministry: Ephesians 4 Insights

50:01 Navigating Faith and Ministry Challenges

51:37 Exploring Educational and Ministry Opportunities

53:03 Settling in Plano: Church Visits and Reflections

57:45 Highland Oaks and Ministry Struggles

01:04:42 Starting a New Church and Facing Challenges

01:15:37 Evolving Ministry Perspectives and Practices

01:30:56 A Summer in Boulder: Ministry Beginnings

01:31:43 Training Leaders: Lessons from Tom Brown

01:32:04 The Role of Women in Ministry

01:32:36 The Organic Approach of Jesus

01:35:07 The Impact of Personal Relationships in Ministry

01:38:28 The Influence of Discipling Books

01:40:58 Campus Ministry Challenges and Insights

01:45:41 Real and Raw: Authentic Christianity

02:01:49 The Doctrine of Inclusion

02:05:57 Building from the Ground Up

02:09:24 The Power of Love in Ministry

02:12:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Do you have questions or topic ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] or [email protected].