Revival Town Podcast

EP 291: What happens when a deeply personal prayer turns into a global anthem heard by millions around the world?

In this episode of Revival Town Podcast, we sit down with songwriter, worship leader, and author Stephen McWhirter—the voice behind the powerful worship song “Come Jesus Come.” With more than 100 million streams worldwide, a #1 spot on iTunes, and a Grammy Award-winning recording by CeCe Winans, the song has become a heartfelt cry for revival, healing, and the return of Jesus.

But behind the music is an even more powerful story. Stephen opens up about his brand-new memoir, Radically Restored, sharing his journey through addiction, brokenness, redemption, and the life-changing grace of God. Together, we discuss the stories behind “Come Jesus Come,” the overwhelming response to the song, the pain and healing woven throughout his testimony, and why no one is ever too far gone for restoration.

This episode is raw, honest, hope-filled, and deeply encouraging for anyone who has ever wondered if God could still use their life after brokenness.

EP 290: Before Christian rock and metal were accepted in church culture, Pastor Bob Beeman was standing in the gap—reaching people many others ignored and building a movement that would impact generations.

In Episode 290 of Revival Town Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Bob Beeman, founder of Sanctuary International and widely known as “The Father of Christian Heavy Metal.” For more than fifty years, Bob has ministered to artists, skeptics, outcasts, and people searching for authentic faith and community.

We talk about the early days of Christian metal and the resistance he faced while helping create space for bands like Stryper and Barren Cross. We also dive deep into his latest book, Teach. Meet. Eat. Pray., discussing everything from discipleship and distorted views of God to gossip, communion, authentic worship, pastoral care, and why Jesus asked so many questions in the Gospels.

This conversation is honest, challenging, pastoral, and deeply refreshing. Whether you grew up listening to Christian rock or simply care about the future of the Church, this episode will encourage you to lead with grace, truth, humility, and relationship.

EP 289: What an honor to welcome author, speaker, and legendary guitarist Stuart Garrard—better known around the world as Stu G—to Revival Town Podcast!

Stu joined us in the studio for an unforgettable conversation covering decades of music, ministry, creativity, and revival. Best known as the founding member and lead guitarist of the iconic worship band Delirious?, Stu reflects on the impact of songs that helped shape modern worship culture around the globe.

We talked about touring with Michael W. Smith, his role as a speaker for Compassion International, and what it was like reconnecting with Martin Smith at Big Church Festival. We also unpacked his solo projects, stories from the road, life after Delirious?, and the importance of authenticity in worship, creativity, and following Jesus for the long haul.

If Delirious? impacted your faith journey in any way, this episode is going to mean a lot to you. Honest, inspiring, nostalgic, and full of hope—this is a conversation we won’t soon forget.

EP 288: What if the story your church is telling… is the key to reaching the next generation?

In Episode 288 of Revival Town Podcast, Chuck Tate and Andy King sit down with Micah Stephens—Founder and CEO of Paper Giants, a company helping churches and ministries become powerful storytellers across every generation.

Micah is also the host of the Preach It Better Podcast, and in this episode, we dive into his journey, how Paper Giants came to life, and the impact it’s having by equipping pastors and leaders to communicate more effectively in today’s world.

This conversation is packed with insight, passion for the local church, and plenty of laughs along the way. Micah’s heart for helping churches win is contagious, and his perspective on storytelling will challenge you to think differently about how you share the message of Jesus.

If you care about reaching people, communicating clearly, and seeing your church thrive—this one’s for you.

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EP 287: What if your greatest impact on the next generation isn’t behind you… but in front of you?

In Episode 287 of Revival Town Podcast, Andy King and Chuck Tate sit down with Dan Hellige, President and CEO of Legacy Coalition, for a fascinating and deeply meaningful conversation about the power and purpose of grandparents in God’s Kingdom.

Dan’s journey has taken him from leadership roles at Caterpillar to entrepreneurship and coaching—helping others navigate life after retirement with intention. Today, he’s leading a national movement equipping grandparents to step into their biblical calling: discipling their families and shaping the spiritual future of generations to come.

In this episode, we unpack the heart behind Legacy Coalition, the role of the local church in empowering grandparents, and how every grandparent—no matter their past or present—can make an eternal difference.

Dan also shares from personal experience, offering wisdom from 40 years of marriage, raising five children, and loving on seven grandchildren right here in the Peoria area.

This conversation will challenge you to think bigger about legacy—and remind you that it’s never too late to invest in what matters most.

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EP 286: What happens when worship rises from three continents… and one calling?

In Episode 286 of Revival Town Podcast, Andy King & Chuck Tate sit down with Terry Richards and Andreas Larsen of the band At The Mountain—a powerful worship collective brought together in Kenya with members from Denmark and the USA.

With a shared passion for worship and a clear God-given assignment, At The Mountain is crafting a sound that’s as unique as their story—blending cathedral-style worship with modern, anthemic energy. Their music carries both reverence and intensity, capturing the beauty of the past while speaking to the sound of right now.

In this episode, we dive into how the band came together, what God did during their recent European tour, and what’s ahead this fall. We also talk about their brand-new album Transfiguration and the heart behind the music.

And don’t miss the ending—Terry shares a powerful divine appointment that will stir your faith and remind you that God is always working behind the scenes.

This is more than music. It’s a movement.

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EP 285: What happens when grit, faith, and a God-given dream collide?

In Episode 285 of Revival Town Podcast, Chuck Tate and Andy King sit down with entrepreneur, author, and speaker GiGi Butler—the founder of GiGi’s Cupcakes, now the largest cupcake franchise in the world.

Known as the “Queen of Sweet Success,” GiGi’s journey is anything but ordinary. From pursuing a career in country music to cleaning houses just to make ends meet, her story is a powerful reminder that purpose is often born in the most unexpected places.

In this inspiring conversation, GiGi shares how a moment of clarity sparked a bold leap of faith that led to building a global brand—and yes, it even includes a fascinating connection to Taylor Swift you won’t see coming.

This episode is packed with encouragement for dreamers, doers, and anyone believing God for more. If you’ve ever wondered if your story could turn into something greater—this one’s for you.

 Your dream isn’t random. It might just be divine.

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EP 284: What separates a burned-out pastor from a fired-up one?

In this special episode of Revival Town Podcast, it’s just Andy and Chuck behind the mics for a real, candid conversation sparked by two recent meetings Andy had—one with a pastor running on empty… and another planting a church with fresh passion and vision.

Same calling. Same title. Completely different posture.

Andy and Chuck unpack the tension between burnout and breakthrough, and why vision and passion aren’t optional—they’re essential. Whether you’re leading a church, a team, or simply trying to stay on fire in your walk with God, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to check your heart, refocus your vision, and reignite your passion.

Because ministry isn’t meant to be survived—it’s meant to be lived with purpose.

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EP 283: What if the creativity you’ve been searching for… is something God already placed inside of you?

In this episode of Revival Town Podcast, Chuck Tate and Andy King welcome back pastor, author, and creative leader Al Gordon for a powerful and inspiring conversation around his brand-new book, Spark: Ignite Your God-Given Creativity.

Al leads SAINT Church in East London and is the founder of RENAISSANCE, a global movement helping people encounter their Creator and step boldly into their creative calling. In this episode, he unpacks the heart behind Spark—reminding us that creativity isn’t reserved for a select few… it’s a divine gift wired into every believer.

This conversation is full of faith, vision, and practical encouragement to help you rediscover your imagination, reignite your passion, and step into the creative life God designed for you to live.

You were created to create. It’s time to spark what’s been sitting dormant. 🔥

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EP 282: A Haircut Can Change Lives.

What if discipleship was not just done in a sanctuary…  but in a barber chair?

This week on Revival Town Podcast, Andy and Chuck sit down with Jorell Glass, whose life story is as powerful as the ministry he’s building. After losing everything and relocating from Mississippi to Illinois, Jorell found himself in a season where God began to rebuild—not just his life, but his mission.

Jorell shares how barbering became his platform for discipleship—how conversations in the chair turn into prayer, mentorship, accountability, and transformation. What started as cutting hair evolved into launching a Christian barber school, equipping others to use their craft as ministry.

Did we mention how a preaching segment on a local hip-hop station became the catalyst for a church plant? Yes, you read that right. Only God.

This episode is a reminder that God doesn’t just use pulpits—He uses barber chairs, radio stations, and willing hearts.