Jesus On A Jon Boat

Can you truly find Jesus in an imperfect church?

In Dockside Discipleship Episode 15, Pastor Mikey interviews Rhonda Wilson, Highland Church’s office administrator, during a peaceful fishing trip by the pond. Together, they share an honest conversation about faith, doubt, and discovering Jesus within the Seventh-day Adventist Church—not because it’s perfect, but because Jesus is present.

This episode focuses on personal testimony, not debate. Rhonda opens up about her spiritual journey, the questions she wrestled with, and how her relationship with Jesus grew through real-life experiences, grace, and community.

If you’re searching for:
• Why Adventism
• Finding Jesus in an imperfect church
• Christian testimony and faith journeys
• Seventh-day Adventist experiences
• Honest conversations about church and belief

This episode is for you.

Filmed while fishing at a pond
Hosted by Pastor Mikey
Featuring Rhonda Wilson | Highland Church

Dockside Discipleship explores faith in everyday life—where Jesus meets us in ordinary moments.

In this conversation, Mikey and Jose Ayala explore the complexities of fatherhood, particularly within the context of Christian parenting. They discuss the importance of discipleship over mere behavior management, the cultural influences that shape parenting styles, and the significance of building trust and authenticity in relationships with children. The dialogue emphasizes the need for parents to model their faith and values, creating a nurturing environment where children can grow spiritually and emotionally. The conversation concludes with a prayer for guidance and blessings for families.

Takeaways

Discipleship involves guiding children spiritually, not just managing behavior.
Cultural influences, especially honor and shame, impact parenting styles.
Building trust with children is essential for effective parenting.
Authenticity in parenting fosters deeper connections with children.
Parents should model their faith and values consistently.
The response to a child's failure defines the parent-child relationship.
It's important to engage with children in their spiritual journey.
Parents can choose to break generational patterns of parenting.
Discipleship is about relationship, not just rules or expectations.
Glorifying God should be the primary focus of parenting.

In this heartfelt conversation, Mikey and Jose Ayala explore the significance of the Puerto Rican greeting 'Bendición' and its deep-rooted cultural and familial implications. They discuss the impact of pivotal life decisions, particularly in the context of fatherhood, and how these choices shape the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust, support, and faith in parenting, highlighting how one decision can lead to a ripple effect of blessings across generations. 

In this episode, Mikey Ayala interviews his cousin Stephen Avila, a firefighter in Texas. They discuss their family ties, personal journeys, and the impact of mentorship on their careers. Steven shares his experiences in the fire service, the challenges of maintaining faith in a godless environment, and the importance of community support for mental health. The conversation delves into the realities of emergency response, the emotional toll of witnessing trauma, and the significance of living out the Golden Rule in both firefighting and everyday life. In this conversation, Stephen Avila shares his experiences as a firefighter, emphasizing the selflessness required in the profession. He recounts personal stories that highlight the protective nature of brotherhood and the importance of building healthy relationships. The discussion transitions into the intentionality needed in faith and work, illustrating how overcoming challenges has led to a deeper sense of purpose. Stephen reflects on divine interventions in his life, culminating in a realization of the holistic support he now experiences in his career and personal life.

00:00
Family Ties and Personal Journeys

06:13
The Path to Becoming a Firefighter

11:51
Faith in a Godless Environment

17:53
Facing Trauma and Building Resilience

24:11
Community and Mental Health in Firefighting

32:01
The Power of Community in Firefighting

37:12
Engaging with the Marginalized

42:41
The Deep Calling of a Firefighter

46:39
The Burden of Service and Community Safety

56:54
Living Out Love and Support

01:01:07
Practical Steps to Center Jesus in Life

01:04:54
The Journey to Finding the Right Fit

01:08:47
Embracing Your Story for God's Glory

01:10:58
Finding Clarity in Your Path

01:11:50
The Importance of Community and Support

01:12:47
Living Out Your Faith in Everyday Life

01:13:58
The Power of Authenticity in Faith

01:14:56
The Journey of Self-Discovery

01:16:04
Building Confidence Through Support

01:17:03
The Interplay of Faith and Career

01:17:59
Finding Balance in Life

01:18:56
The Role of God in Career Decisions

01:19:45
The Significance of Personal Growth

01:21:06
The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter

01:21:57
Recognizing God's Hand in Your Journey

01:23:13
The Essence of Following Jesus

01:24:04
The Power of Vulnerability

01:24:58
The Journey of Reinvention

01:26:02
The Beauty of Transformation

01:26:58
The Miraculous in the Ordinary

01:27:57
Closing Thoughts on Faith and Life

01:28:58
Encouragement for the Journey

In this episode, Mikey Ayala interviews Ben Curet, who shares his journey from pastoral ministry to becoming a pilot. Ben discusses the importance of faith in navigating life transitions, the challenges of mental health in aviation, and the significance of authenticity in building relationships. He emphasizes the need for prayer and trust in God's guidance throughout one's career. The conversation highlights the value of being approachable and supportive in professional settings, as well as the impact of living out one's faith authentically.

Sound Bites
"Your story is God's story."
"People are attracted to transformation."
"Don't just pray, pray some crazy stuff."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ben Curet
02:16 Ben's Journey: From Pastor to Pilot
07:36 Navigating Career Transitions with Faith
16:12 Being a Christian in the Aviation Industry
20:46 Mental Health in Aviation: A Critical Discussion
27:01 Finding Purpose Beyond Titles
32:26 The Power of Everyday Voices
35:03 Practical Principles for Everyday Believers
35:50 Navigating Challenges in Aviation
41:16 Building Trust and Spiritual Conversations
51:32 Finding God's Direction in Life
55:52 Identity Beyond Profession

Summary

In this episode of 'Jesus on a John Boat', host Mikey Ayala interviews David Beckworth, an economist and elder at Highland Seventh-day Adventist Church. They discuss David's journey to becoming an economist, the role of faith in his career, and how he navigates the complexities of working in a secular environment while maintaining his Christian values. David shares insights on the importance of morning devotions, engaging with different worldviews, and the significance of being a good person in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity and the belief that God has a plan for each individual, encouraging young believers to trust in their journey and to live out their faith practically in their professional lives.

Takeaways

David's career path was unexpected and filled with detours.
Faith plays a crucial role in navigating professional life.
Morning devotions set the tone for the day.
Engaging with different worldviews is essential in a secular job.
Being a good person can open doors for conversations about faith.
Spiritual maturity helps in handling tough conversations.
God has a plan for each individual, even if it's not clear at first.
Daniel's story serves as a model for engaging in a secular world.
It's important to be productive and bring value to your workplace.
Trusting in God's guidance is key to navigating life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey
02:35 David's Career Path and Faith
05:24 Navigating Career Choices and God's Guidance
08:10 The Role of Family and Community
11:09 Finding Purpose in Economics
13:59 Spiritual Growth and Professional Life
16:42 Balancing Faith and Work
19:35 Living Out Faith in a Secular World
22:53 Exploring Theories of Providence
24:17 Conversations on the Trinity
25:57 Engaging in Religious Discussions at Work
28:26 Navigating Workplace Relationships
31:01 Making Tough Decisions in the Workplace
36:26 Finding Wisdom in Difficult Situations
40:19 Practical Steps for Daily Engagement

In this episode of 'Jesus on a Jon Boat', Pastor Kyle shares his journey in ministry, the challenges of Life, and the importance of finding God in personal struggles. The conversation explores the concept of the 'Jon Boat' as a metaphor for life's passions and how they can lead to extraordinary experiences. Kyle emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in ministry, the nature of brokenness, and the role of Jesus in our pain. The discussion also touches on mental health and the importance of community in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, the speakers explore the transformative journeys of individuals within the church, the evolving role of young adult ministries, and the need for innovative church structures that foster inclusivity and growth. They discuss the challenges of church planting, the importance of addressing mental health within faith communities, and the necessity of creating spaces that welcome diverse experiences and identities. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community support and the need for churches to adapt to the changing needs of their congregations.

What if going to a game could change someone’s life forever? 🏆🔥 In this episode of Jesus on a Jon Boat, I sit down with Jonathan Escobar, a man on a mission to turn stadiums into sanctuaries. His bold strategy? Taking people to sporting events as a way to build real relationships and open doors for the gospel!

🎟️ In this episode, we dive into:
✅ Why sports events are the perfect setting for meaningful faith conversations
✅ How shared experiences create deep connections for evangelism
✅ The power of hospitality and generosity in discipleship
✅ Jonathan’s vision for using sports culture to bring people to Jesus

This is NOT your typical approach to ministry—but it works! If you love sports and want to see how it can be a game-changer for sharing faith, you don’t want to miss this one.

summary

In this episode, Mikey Ayala interviews Corey Johnson, exploring his journey as a missionary, his current life, and how he integrates his passions into his faith. They discuss the importance of community, the shift in ministry perspectives, and how to find the extraordinary in everyday life. Corey shares his experiences in Palau and emphasizes the need for authenticity in sharing the gospel. The conversation culminates in a discussion about navigating spiritual experiences and the importance of connecting with others in their unique contexts.

takeaways

• Corey Johnson's name means 'taking a step ahead' and reflects his journey.
• Life is about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.
• Passion and intentionality are key in ministry and personal growth.
• You don't have to be a pastor to share the gospel.
• Engaging with people in their context is crucial for effective ministry.
• The gospel can resonate differently with everyone based on their background.
• Authenticity in sharing faith is more impactful than being right.
• Building relationships is essential for spiritual growth.
• Everyone has unique interests that can be used to connect with others.
• The approach to sharing faith is as important as the message itself.

Sound Bites

• "The gospel is for everyone."
• "You have these interests for a reason."
• "Jesus can be with you in that space."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Corey Johnson

03:00
Corey's Current Life and Mission

06:05
The Power of Passion and Community

08:53
Finding Connection Through Rejection

12:07
Gymnastics as a Ministry

14:52
The Shift in Ministry Perspective

17:58
Personal Experiences and Spiritual Growth

28:49
The Challenge of Acceptance

30:52
Finding Your Place in Faith

32:19
The Power of Authenticity

34:39
Consistency and Community in Creation

36:41
The Role of Passion in Discipleship

39:49
Redefining Discipleship

42:10
The Importance of Contextualization

44:54
The Carbon Copy Christian

49:22
Fishy Faith: Navigating Spiritual Health

55:04
The Challenge of Diverse Classrooms

58:03
Adapting Teaching Methods for Engagement

01:00:57
Building Relationships Through Understanding

01:03:39
The Importance of Context in Sharing the Gospel

01:09:27
Embracing Individuality in Faith

01:14:11
Connecting Interests with Faith

01:17:46
Final Thoughts and Connections

summary

In this episode of 'Jesus on a Jon Boat', Mikey Ayala engages in a heartfelt conversation with Grayson, a pastor and pickleball enthusiast. They explore the importance of authenticity in ministry, the concept of the 'Jon Boat' as a metaphor for life, and how everyday activities like playing pickleball can foster community and connection. Grayson shares his experiences of creating a welcoming home environment for friends and seminarians, emphasizing the significance of genuine relationships. The discussion also delves into the challenges of faith, the idea of 'fishy faith', and the importance of navigating spiritual struggles with grace and encouragement.

takeaways

• Jesus is present in our ordinary lives.
• Authenticity in ministry is crucial.
• Community can be built through shared activities.
• Creating a safe space for friends is important.
• Engaging with others authentically fosters connection.
• Encouragement can lead to personal growth.
• Struggles with faith are a normal part of the journey.
• It's okay to not have all the answers in faith.
• Finding joy in everyday activities can be spiritual.
• God is with us in all aspects of life.

titles

• Finding Jesus in Everyday Life
• The Power of Authenticity in Ministry

Sound Bites

• "I love playing pickleball."
• "I want to keep encouraging people."
• "Jesus is with you always."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Grayson and the Podcast

06:03
The Concept of the John Boat

17:02
Engaging in Ordinary Spaces

27:11
Encouragement as a Way of Life

29:27
Framework for Healthy Faith Engagement

30:27
The Importance of Engaging in Social Spaces

35:35
Challenging Traditional Beliefs about God’s Presence

39:25
Understanding Blasphemy and the Holy Spirit

44:31
Tools for Healthy Theology

48:15
Navigating Tension in Faith

52:05
Encouragement in the Struggle of Faith