Leading Conversations

Brendan Prout joins us with a remarkable tale of transformation and faith. Growing up in a Navy family, Brendan's early religious experiences were varied and mostly social in nature, with a particular fondness for youth groups where he could meet girls. However, his perception of church life took a radical turn when he encountered a community that defied musical norms with an electric guitar-playing pastor. This unexpected encounter led Brendan to explore deeper spiritual questions, steering him towards a meaningful commitment to Christianity. Brendan's journey wasn't without its trials. The profound loss of his father in a plane crash set him on a path of rebellion and self-destructive behavior, but it also became a turning point. As he grappled with grief and personal turmoil, Brendan found his way back to faith, rebuilding his life and launching a flourishing college ministry.

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Discover how a young man's journey from anger and rebellion to a life of faith and ministry takes center stage in our latest episode featuring Josh Huseby, a devoted church planter from Bismarck, North Dakota. Explore the powerful narrative of overcoming personal loss and embracing a calling, as Josh recounts the transformative impact of his father's passing and how it catalyzed his initial defiance of faith. Learn how a pivotal moment during his college years reignited his spiritual path, leading him to a unique style of ministry that defies traditional conventions, rooted in his Norwegian heritage and the rugged beauty of North Dakota summers.

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What happens when life takes unexpected turns, leading you away from and then back to faith? Join us as we bring you the incredible stories of Dom and Allie Simmons from Fort Worth, Texas. From Allie's journey of growing up in the church, losing her way during college, and rediscovering her faith as a single mother, to Dom's tumultuous youth marked by gang involvement and a transformative encounter with a youth group, their narratives are nothing short of powerful. Together, they navigate the complexities of their personal faith journeys and their collective mission in ministry, sharing how they met in St. Louis and began their work at I Am Churc

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Has your faith ever been shaken to its core? Join us as Jay Kim from Westgate Church in Silicon Valley recounts his profound spiritual journey, marked by his mother's radical conversion from agnosticism to devout Christianity. Relive the 1990s evangelical youth culture with Jay, who opens up about his faith deconstruction during college and how a small group of steadfast mentors reignited his belief, steering him towards a calling in ministry. Discover how these transformative years reshaped his career aspirations from business to church leadership, setting him on a path of service and spiritual growth.

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Have you ever wondered how a quest for identity can lead to a profound spiritual transformation? Join us as we sit down with Marlon Minx, the National Director of Church Planting for Converge, and uncover his powerful journey from an Irish Catholic upbringing to embracing a life in ministry. Marlon opens up about his formative years, the heartache of losing his father early on, and how these pivotal moments shaped his path to Christ. You'll also get a glimpse into the humorous side of Marlon's life, as we compare the ins and outs of living in Iowa versus California, and the surprising advantages of Midwestern living.

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What happens when a passion for baseball intertwines with a deep-rooted faith? In this episode of the Leading Conversations podcast, we sit down with Mike Alford from Macon, Georgia, to explore his incredible journey. Growing up in a Christian home, Mike's love for baseball was matched only by the influence of his parents' authentic faith. From playing the game in South Africa to his impactful involvement in sports ministry with Athletes in Action, Mike shares stories that are both heartwarming and inspiring. His father's role as a pastor plays a significant part in his story, as does his own ventures into ministry and coaching, culminating in the release of his book "Stretched."

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What if the foundation of your faith journey began at six years old? Join us as we sit down with David Whitaker, president of Venture Church Network, who shares his compelling story of growing up as a pastor's son and navigating its unique challenges. From the blessings and pressures of being a pastor’s child to the critical role his parents played in maintaining a healthy environment amid church dynamics, David provides an honest and heartfelt look into his early life. He also opens up about his struggles with faith during his high school and early college years and the search for his own identity beyond the expectations set by his upbringing.

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In this conversation, J.D. spends some time with Chan Kwak. If you know anything about the city of Compton, CA, you would never imagine a Korean child who was brought to the United States in the middle of the night by his parents would plant a church and reach that diverse community—his story of perseverance and dedication to sharing the gospel with whoever would listen will inspire you when you hear it.

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In this conversation, J.D. speaks with Haig Kherlopian, a leader, a pastor, and even a stand-up comedian. He shares a brief history of the first Christian nation, Armenia, and details how ping-pong brought his family to the United States. You will want to hear his whole story. Listen and be encouraged.

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Today's conversation is with Jason Squires, a worship leader, songwriter, and speaker who travels around the country leading worship and teaching at conferences. His passion is leading people to Jesus through creativity and inspiring creatives to reach their full potential. Listen to his story and be encouraged.

Ministry Partner: https://mycccu.com/excel

Jason: https://jsmusic.net

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We want to help you find your next steps in ministry.
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Ministry Partner: Christian Community Credit Union