In this episode of Resurrection Stories, Pastor Robert Johnson of Church of the Resurrection interviews Melanie Hill, Director of Operations and Community Life at Resurrection West, who shares her remarkable journey of faith, ministry, and joy. Melanie reflects on her early years growing up in a church environment, her personal struggles, and how her experiences shaped her calling to ministry. She highlights the significance of mentors in her life, emphasizing the importance of building supportive communities both in ministry and beyond.

Melanie describes her 26-year journey in ministry, starting from youth ministry to her current role, where she helps foster community and collaboration. Her deep sense of purpose and joy comes from knowing she is where God wants her to be, and from witnessing the tangible impact Resurrection Church makes in its community and beyond.

The conversation touches on themes of resilience, faithfulness, and the importance of nurturing future generations of church leaders. Melanie’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of purpose, joy, and community in Christian life. Tune in for an encouraging and heartfelt discussion that will resonate with anyone seeking meaning and service in their own spiritual journey.

In this compelling episode of Resurrection Stories, hosts Angie McCardy and Robert Johnson sit down with Luke Nolkemper, a recent high school graduate with a story as remarkable as his talents. From navigating the challenges of a rare congenital heart condition to finding purpose through community and faith, Luke shares how his experiences at Resurrection shaped his outlook on life and deepened his connection to God. Luke’s journey involves music, wildlife research, and a passion for nursing, all of which reflect his boundless curiosity and commitment to living fully in the moment. Join us as we explore how one young man’s challenges led him to embrace his faith, give back through service, and inspire others.

In this episode of Resurrection Stories, Pastor Robert Johnson sits down with BJ Huffman, the Director of Modern Worship at Resurrection Church. BJ shares his powerful testimony, detailing his path from a troubled youth to a place of deep faith and service within one of the largest United Methodist churches in the U.S.

BJ’s story begins with a turbulent childhood marked by family struggles and rebellion, but his life took a dramatic turn when he was invited to lead worship at just 16 years old. That invitation set him on a journey that transformed his relationship with God and led to a lifelong commitment to ministry. Now, as a worship leader at Resurrection, BJ blends his love for music and passion for recovery ministry, helping others experience healing and spiritual growth.

Throughout the conversation, BJ discusses the importance of worship in building community, the power of diversity in worship, and how music can profoundly impact individuals by drawing them closer to God. He also opens up about the role of creativity in ministry and his excitement for upcoming projects like the Resurrection Collective.

BJ’s journey from brokenness to worship leadership is an inspiring testament to the healing power of faith and community. This episode is a reminder that, no matter our past, God can use our gifts to bring hope and transformation to others.

In this episode of Resurrection Stories, Robert Johnson, the Leawood location pastor at Resurrection, sits down with Pastor Ally Drummond, a remarkable young leader with deep roots in the Resurrection community. Ali shares her personal journey of growing up in the church, her faith development, and the moments that led her to a courageous life in ministry. From childhood memories of running through the still-under-construction Foundry Sanctuary to her transformative time volunteering at a hospice house, Ally’s story is one of faith, care, and bold leadership.

As they embark on launching a new Resurrection location in Lee’s Summit, Ally reflects on the call to serve and lead with compassion and conviction. She discusses her experiences at Perkins School of Theology, how Resurrection stands out in the faith community, and the deep sense of mission she carries in her work. Her story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to find their place in faith, ministry, and community.

This episode is an intimate look at the life of a pastor who embraces challenges with grace and embodies the core values of Resurrection. Ally’s passion for connection, care, and courage shines through, offering listeners a chance to be inspired by her commitment to the work God has called her to.

In this inspiring episode of Resurrection Stories, Robert Johnson, location pastor at Resurrection Leawood, sits down with Matt Williams, a former professional baseball player and current Digital Engagement Team Director at Resurrection. Matt shares his life journey, from playing baseball at Duke University and being drafted by the Chicago Cubs, to his eventual calling into ministry. His story is one of transformation, rooted in hard work, perseverance, and a growing faith in God.

Matt opens up about the challenges of balancing the high demands of professional sports with his personal faith, reflecting on key moments that led him to shift his identity from "Matt the baseball player" to "Matt the Jesus follower." He offers valuable insights for athletes, parents, and young fathers, discussing the importance of keeping sports and life in perspective, building strong family connections, and nurturing one’s faith in everyday life.
Through candid reflections and heartfelt advice, Matt encourages listeners to remain faithful, present, and purposeful in their walk with Christ. Whether you’re a parent, an aspiring athlete, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you empowered to embrace your faith journey and use your gifts for a higher purpose.

In this episode of Resurrection Stories, we meet Mikaela Tenny, the Student Discipleship Program Director at Resurrection. Mikaela shares her passion for working with students and the unique challenges and rewards of ministering to this age group.

Highlights:
A Lifelong Calling: Mikaela's dedication to youth ministry began at a young age, inspired by her family's deep involvement in the church. She recounts pivotal moments in her faith journey, including a turning point after her mother's passing that solidified her commitment to Christ.

Understanding Today's Students: Mikaela discusses the challenges faced by today's youth, including the pressure to succeed, mental health struggles, and the difficulty of navigating conflicting messages about truth and identity.

Ministering with Intentionality: She emphasizes the importance of meeting students where they are, providing them with age-appropriate resources and opportunities to explore their faith.

Creating a Welcoming Community: Mikaela highlights the significance of creating a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and loved, regardless of their background or identity.

Empowering Students through Service: She shares how Resurrection's Student Ministry facilitates mission trips and service opportunities, helping students step outside their comfort zones and make a tangible difference in the world.

Mikaela's unwavering passion for nurturing the next generation of Christians is evident throughout the podcast. Her insights and dedication offer a compelling glimpse into the heart of student ministry at Resurrection.

A Career Transition: Marna started her career in nursing in South Africa, then transitioned to clinical research. She and her husband moved to Kansas City for a job opportunity and became members of Church of the Resurrection. After 17 years in clinical research, Marna felt a calling to work with Matthew's Ministry, the church's special needs ministry. She began volunteering, eventually becoming the director.

Matthew's Ministry: A Beacon of Inclusivity: Matthew's Ministry serves individuals with special needs and their families. It offers a variety of programs, including the Sunflower Adult Learning Program, which features a bakery that makes delicious treats. The ministry is committed to making everyone feel welcome and providing a place where they belong.

Growing Up in South Africa: Marna grew up in the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa. She experienced apartheid firsthand and was able to vote in the first democratic election in 1994. Her faith was shaped by her upbringing in the church and her family's values.

A Welcoming Community: Marna and her family were drawn to Church of the Resurrection because of its welcoming community and Pastor Adam's messages. They found a home away from home and connected with other South African families in the area.

Embracing Diversity: Marna emphasizes the importance of patience, love, and care when working with individuals with special needs. She encourages people to volunteer with Matthew's Ministry and experience the blessings that come from serving others.

Marna's Message:
"Life will be better if you just eat the cookies from the Sunflower Bakery!" 

"Don't let your first time volunteering be your last. It may be uncomfortable at first, but it can become a wonderful blessing." 

"There is no requirement for experience or education to volunteer. All you need is patience and a loving, caring personality."

Jon Edlin's Journey of Faith and TraumaJon Edlin, Marketing and Engagement Lead Director at Church of the Resurrection, shares his harrowing experience of surviving a devastating tornado in Nashville in 2020. The traumatic event led to a profound crisis of faith, as Jon questioned God's role in the tragedy and struggled with feelings of anger and doubt.

Doubt as a Part of FaithJon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that doubt is a natural part of faith, and it's okay to question God during difficult times. He found solace in Adam Hamilton’s book, Why? Making Sense of God’s Will, which helped him reconcile his doubts with his belief in a bigger and more mysterious God.

Trauma-Informed Care and HealingJon advocates for trauma-informed care within the church, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. He credits EMDR therapy, a treatment for PTSD, with playing a crucial role in his healing process.

Embracing a Bigger FaithJon's message is one of hope and resilience. He encourages those who have experienced trauma to be open to different forms of healing, even those that may seem unconventional. He also emphasizes the importance of taking small steps in one's faith journey, allowing for questioning and disagreement along the way.

Jon's Work at Church of the ResurrectionJon's work in Marketing and Engagement at Resurrection is driven by his desire to share his story and offer hope to others who may be struggling with their faith. He believes that by sharing his experience, he can help others see that doubt is not a sign of weakness but rather an opportunity to grow in their faith.

The episode features Todd Davidson, who plays a vital role in student ministry at the Church of the Resurrection's Leawood location. Todd shares his journey and experiences in youth ministry, highlighting the importance of recognizing students as the present force within the church community.
Todd's Journey in Student Ministry 
Todd discusses his extensive background in student ministry, which spans over 27 years. He reflects on his personal growth from feeling undervalued as a youth to finding his calling in nurturing young individuals. His story underscores the transformative power of youth ministry, both for the students and for himself.

Impactful Moments and Future Aspirations 
Todd recalls significant moments in his career, such as mentoring a young man who eventually became a United Methodist pastor. These anecdotes illustrate the long-term impact of his work in student ministry. Todd expresses a passionate commitment to continuing his support for the youth, emphasizing their immediate significance to the church and community.

Concluding Thoughts 
The episode wraps up with Todd advocating for the empowerment of young people in the church, stressing the need to let them lead and influence the community now, rather than viewing them merely as the future.

Finding Jesus is in the Mundane of Everyday LifeThis week’s episode features Jay Peach, a member of the Worship Experience team at Resurrection. Jay has a passionate approach to life, deeply rooted in grace, which influences his family life and his role within the church.

Jay’s Role and Reflections on FaithJay discusses his role on the worship experiences team managing communion and coordinating greeters and ushers. Reflecting on his faith journey, Jay shares that he was raised by Baptist missionary parents and has been a Christian from a young age, with his faith deeply integrated into his identity.Personal Stories and InsightsJay recounts personal experiences, including his time spent in Gaza during his childhood, which gives him a unique perspective on the current conflicts in the area. He emphasizes the humanity of the people living in conflict zones, sharing poignant memories that connect him personally to these places.

Discussion on Ministry and Social IssuesJay touches on his seminary years, which were formative in shaping his views on social issues and ministry. He advocates for inclusivity and the significant impact that those in social ministries can have, regardless of their backgrounds.Family Life and Personal ChallengesJay opens up about his family life, mentioning his wife Susan's battle with cancer and their large, blended family. He shares the joys and challenges of managing a busy household and his approach to life that is filled with grace and acceptance.

Concluding Thoughts on Faith and GraceThe episode concludes with Jay sharing his core message of finding Jesus in the mundane aspects of life, illustrating how everyday moments are imbued with spiritual significance. This reflects his deep-seated belief in grace and inclusivity in all aspects of life, resonating with the podcast's themes of hope and transformation.