Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by No Regrets Founder, Steve Sonderman for Part One of a powerful two-part series: Lessons in Ministering to Men. Drawing from 37 years of ministry experience, Steve shares wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone leading or investing in men.

The conversation begins by celebrating the incredible momentum from this year's No Regrets Conference—159 host sites, a sold-out gathering of 3,000 men at Elmbrook Church, and countless stories of surrender, prayer, and life change. The movement continues, and you can still access conference sessions and sign up for the follow-up study.

In this first episode, Steve unpacks five foundational lessons he's learned over nearly four decades:

• What we are doing matters. Ministering to men is challenging, but when a man's life changes, it impacts his family, workplace, church, and community.
• Become friends and change the world. Men are lonely. Relationships are transformative. Ministry was never meant to be done alone—Jesus had a team, and we need one too.
• Have a big enough vision to think small. Bigger isn't always better. Real movements begin with a few men committed to discipling others.
• Prayer is the front lines. The walls around men's hearts are high, and only prayer can soften them.
• Lead with humility. True leadership begins with listening and serving, following the example of Jesus.

This episode is filled with perspective, encouragement, and practical direction for anyone serious about helping men grow.

You can still watch the conference sessions and join the follow-up study at: https://noregrets.pathwright.com/library/surrender-follow-up-study-242034/749353/about/

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by Brett Clemmer, CEO and President of Man in the Mirror, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about community, loneliness, and the urgent need for men to thrive together.

Brett brings both deep research and personal experience to the discussion, offering insight into how different generations of men have been shaped—and why today's men are more isolated than ever. While Brett shares about the strong foundation he received growing up—particularly the confidence instilled in him by his father—he also speaks candidly about a season in his own life when success and busyness came at the expense of his family. Traveling constantly for work and filling weekends with ministry, Brett realized he was doing what he thought was "for" his family, but in reality, he was neglecting them. It was through joining a small group and opening up that he discovered he wasn't alone—many other men were struggling with the same issues.

In this episode, Brett challenges men to become catalysts for creating communities where others can flourish. He addresses the frustration of living in an algorithm-driven culture that keeps us divided and distracted, and he speaks directly to the loneliness epidemic facing men today. If loneliness is the problem, relationships are the solution.

Albo and Brett discuss the powerful movement happening among young men—particularly on college campuses—where many are boldly rediscovering Christian faith and speaking truth with conviction. They explore how simple gatherings—men slowing down, sharing hobbies, and having real conversations—can become fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to work.

The message is clear: when men come together in authentic community, God moves. Create the space. Trust the Spirit. Watch what happens.

Learn more about Man in the Mirror at https://maninthemirror.org/ Discover more about community initiatives like Sons United at https://sonsunited.org/

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber is joined by Mike Young, founder of Noble Warriors and a leader with decades of experience in men's ministry. Mike shares his powerful journey of faith—how the pull of the Holy Spirit and encouragement from his wife led him into full-time ministry, and how discipleship transformed his life and calling.

Mike reflects on the reality that he wasn't truly discipled until he was 30 years old. Though he was sitting in the pews and secure in his salvation, he never had someone walk alongside him in spiritual formation. That experience changed everything and ultimately led him into ministry focused on helping men grow deeper in Christ.

Together, Nate and Mike discuss how the simple, consistent practice of discipleship can fuel and reset a men's ministry. When ministries feel stuck—same people, same conversations, no progress—it may be time to shift from an addition mindset to a multiplication mindset. Growth requires spiritual discomfort, intentional time in God's Word, and investing deeply in a few men who can then disciple others.

Mike shares practical encouragement for leaders: start by asking a man his story. Look for the guy who seems disconnected. Spend time with those who think differently than you. Young men today are curious and hungry to learn about Jesus—they're looking for seasoned men who will walk beside them and help them live out their faith.

This episode is both an opportunity and a challenge to step up, invest intentionally, and help launch a new movement of discipleship in your church.

Learn more about Noble Warriors at https://noblewarriors.org

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by Kenny Luck, Lead Pastor of Mariners Church in Trabuco Canyon and Founder and CEO of Every Man Ministries. Kenny shares powerful leadership insights and reflects on the moments that shaped his calling and faith.

Kenny talks about how hearing a message from Billy Graham changed the trajectory of his life, leading him to take bold risks to bring the gospel to those who didn't yet know Jesus. Saying "yes" to the adventure of following Christ eventually led him into missions, the marketplace, and continued service within the local church. Along the way, Kenny saw how one transformed man can begin transforming many—ultimately leading to the launch of Every Man Ministries.

In this conversation, Kenny unpacks what surrender truly means: being with Jesus to become like Jesus, trusting God enough to "get in the boat," and embracing the mystery of following Christ. He also shares his heart for mentoring, calling out the lies that keep men stuck, and speaking truth into the lives of younger men so they can bear spiritual fruit.

Kenny encourages listeners to reflect on where they are placing their trust—are we surrendering to what we see, or to the unseen work of God? This episode is an invitation to continue surrendering to Jesus, again and again.

Listen to Kenny's Ultimate Surrender message from the 2026 No Regrets Conference and join the follow-up study on the No Regrets App.

Learn more about Kenny and Every Man Ministries at https://www.everymanministries.com

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Steve Carter is joined by host Nate Gruber for a powerful conversation about leading through drastic change and remaining faithful in the middle of life's storms.

Steve shares how Jesus radically transformed his life and the lives of his family—beginning with his early coming to Christ when a group of friends took him under their wing and taught him what it meant to follow Jesus. Those same friends encouraged him to share his faith with his parents, leading to the remarkable experience of baptizing them. He also reflects on how a pastor intentionally sought him out to mentor him, shaping his calling and leadership.

The conversation turns to a defining season of hardship, when a scandal forced Steve to wrestle deeply with what he truly believed. Choosing to stand with victims came at great personal cost, testing his faith, his forgiveness, and his trust in God.

Steve also previews his message as a platform speaker at the No Regrets Conference, centered on the invitation adversity provides. When we face what we don't deserve, God can use those moments to shape our character and draw us deeper into His power. As Steve reminds us, surrender opens us up to what God longs to do in and through our lives.

This episode is an encouragement to men who feel like they're carrying the weight alone. Steve challenges listeners to stay open, honest, and connected—to invite other men into the deeper streams of life where real growth happens.

Learn more about Steve at https://www.stevecarter.org/

Hear more from Steve Carter at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org.

In this episode of the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by one of our 2026 No Regrets speakers, Simon Mbevi, founder and Executive Director of Transform Nations—an organization committed to community transformation through transformative leadership, healthy families, and lasting community change.

Pastor Simon shares his powerful story of surrender—how God invited him to lay down his own plans and dreams to embrace a greater calling. Choosing to let his life count for something beyond himself, he reflects on what it truly means to let God lead and to live for a purpose greater than personal success.

Together, they explore what surrender looks like in everyday life: living for an audience of One, releasing the need for approval, and allowing Jesus to be Lord—even when surrender doesn't feel attractive. Pastor Simon emphasizes that following Christ is a journey of trust, one that requires slowing down, embracing silence and stillness, and learning to hear God's voice.

They also discuss the importance of humility and community—inviting others to speak into our lives and help us see what we might miss on our own. A key reminder from this conversation: we stand tallest when we are down on our knees.

Hear more from Pastor Simon at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org.

In this episode of the No Regrets Podcast, Steve Sonderman and Albo Esilaba share practical, encouraging advice for churches and individuals hosting the No Regrets Conference on February 7, 2026. With world-class speakers and a growing global audience, the conference will cover topics including parenting, spiritual growth, mental health, work, men's ministry, marriage, and more.

Steve and Albo offer simple tips to help hosts prepare well: build a team so you're not doing it alone, make the event your own by integrating it into your existing men's ministry, get the word out early, and most importantly—pray. Prayer, they remind us, is the front line, and building a prayer team to cover the event is essential.

They also talk about what happens after the conference. For individual men, the goal is to join a follow-up study to process and apply what was learned. For churches, resources like DiscipleMaker 101 and 201 can help turn conference momentum into a disciple-making movement within your church.

There's still time to sign up—whether you're in southeastern Wisconsin or anywhere in the world. You can begin registering now. Be sure to check out the pre-conference Bible study and download the No Regrets app for schedules, details, and updates at https://www.noregretsconference.org.

This week on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber welcomes Jonathan Misirian, pastor of Southbrook Church in Franklin, Wisconsin. Jonathan reflects on growing up in church, his struggle with Sunday-only faith, and how God drew him into a life of authentic, surrendered leadership.

Jonathan tells the story of how Southbrook Church began intentionally building relationships with their city—reaching out to local schools, the police department, and public works teams simply to say thank you. That small step of appreciation opened doors for real partnership, trust, and influence in the community.

They talk about how living out your faith in everyday life can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to evangelism. Jonathan shares simple, practical ways people can show up and share Jesus in their own way—without pressure to be someone they're not. Evangelism, he explains, doesn't have to be forced; it can be as natural as being faithful, present, and genuine.

Jonathan also reflects on surrender as one of the most powerful acts in the Christian life—something we don't do once, but something we recommit to daily, much like a marriage. As people search for meaning and truth, Jonathan believes this is a pivotal moment to live in such a way that others begin asking questions about Jesus.

Hear more from Jonathan at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber talks with Pastor A. R. Bernard, Founder and Pastor of Christian Cultural Center, one of the largest and most influential churches in the United States. Pastor Bernard shares his remarkable story—from being raised by a single mother who immigrated to the U.S., to finding Christ while working in the world of finance, and eventually stepping out of a successful banking career into full-time ministry.

Together, Nate and Pastor Bernard explore what it truly means to surrender to God and follow His calling. They talk about engaging—not avoiding—the culture we live in, recognizing that God works through real-world events and real people.

They discuss what it means to seek the Kingdom of God in everyday life, our responsibility as Christians in the world, and the transforming power of God's grace at work within us. Pastor Bernard also shares powerful insights on spiritual maturity—reminding us that maturity doesn't come with age, but through the responsibility we take for our actions and choices.

He highlights the importance of having clear principles and values that govern decision-making and create healthy boundaries. The conversation also touches on one of the great challenges men face today: isolation, and how spiritual maturity calls us out of it.

This is a rich conversation on calling, character, and living faithfully in the world God has placed us in.

Learn more about A. R. Bernard: https://arbernard.com https://www.youtube.com/@ARBernard

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by Bob Merritt, retired pastor of Eagle Brook Church in Minnesota. Under Bob's leadership, Eagle Brook grew to more than 28,000 people across 10 locations. In this honest and meaningful conversation, Bob and Albo talk about pride, humility, friendship, and trusting God through every season of leadership.

Bob shares one of the lowest moments of his life and career—when he nearly lost his job at the church. That season became a powerful wake-up call. From that moment on, Bob committed to leading with humility, staying willing and available, and letting God direct his path.

They also discuss the grief and loss that can come with retirement, the challenge of releasing a role that shaped so much of one's identity, and learning to trust God in the uncertainty that follows. Bob reflects on what he would tell his younger self—encouraging counseling to better understand strengths and weaknesses, seeking help where needed, and investing deeply in friendships.

Bob shares how prioritizing relationships has brought unexpected joy into his life and why leaving space in our schedules matters. When our lives are too tightly planned, we can miss God's invitations and opportunities.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that humility, friendship, and surrender are essential—not just in leadership, but in every stage of life.

Learn more about Bob at https://www.bobmerritt.com

Hear from Bob Merritt and many other great speakers at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org.