In this real and unscripted episode, Pastor Ron Cathcart joins Sarah to reflect on 26 years of 2Rivers Church—how it started, what’s changed, and why the mission still matters. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, how Ephesians 3:20 has shaped our vision, and what it really means to be “passionate followers of Jesus.” Ron shares about leadership transitions, being “Papa” to grandkids, and what semi-retirement looks like for someone who never planned to retire from loving Jesus and His church. It all wraps up with a heartfelt prayer for the future of 2Rivers.

Highlights:

• Why the name “Two Rivers” wasn’t that deep (but still perfect)
• What a hymnal and a cracked door taught Ron about prayer
• How the leadership transition to Nick Tallo happened
• What makes this church unique—and why it’s still all about Jesus
• Grandpa moments, Ron-isms, and big prayers for the future

📍 Want to learn more about 2Rivers Church?
 Visit 2riverschurch.com

📍 Interested in Pastor Ron & Debbie’s full story?
 Check out the 25th Anniversary video interview https://2riverschurch.subspla.sh/pn6wcmz 

📍 Looking for ways to serve, connect, or grow in your faith?
 Explore next steps at:
 2riverschurch.com/serve
2riverschurch.com/connect
2riverschurch.com/give

📍 Listen to more episodes of the Passionate Podcast
 2riverschurch.com/podcast 

00:00 – Welcome to the Passionate Podcast
00:32 – Meet Ron: Unscripted, Unfiltered, and Always Himself
01:49 – Celebrating 26 Years of God's Faithfulness
03:29 – Family First: Meet the Cathcarts (And All the Grandkids)
05:13 – When Ron First Felt the Call to Ministry
09:49 – The Messy, Beautiful Beginning of 2Rivers Church
16:03 – Why We’re Called “Two Rivers Church” (The Real Story)
19:44 – Our Mission: Helping People Become Passionate Followers of Jesus
23:44 – Moments That Marked Us: Stories of God at Work
32:51 – What It’s Like to Look Back on 26 Years
33:16 – Ron-isms, Staff Laughs, and Leadership Lessons
34:51 – How the Transition to Nick Tallo Happened (And Why It Worked)
37:09 – Why Ron Didn’t Retire—And What “Semi-Retired” Means for Him
40:00 – Being Papa: Grandkids, Hawaii, and a Slower Pace That Still Moves
47:31 – Prayers from Grandpa: A Legacy That Started Before Day One
52:46 – Ephesians 3:20 and Our Vision for What’s Still to Come
01:01:07 – Ron’s Final Prayer: For Our Church, Our Future, and God's Glory