In this inspiring episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Jay Strother sits down with Keegan and Carla, global workers serving in Southeast Asia, to wrap up a special series on missions. Keegan and Carla share their unique journeys—how a passion for media, art, and counseling led them to serve with CREATE Labs and WELL International, using creative media and soul care to reach unreached people groups and support other missionaries. 

The conversation delves into topics like contextualization, the power of equipping local leaders, challenges of cross-cultural family life, and the need for soul care among missionaries. With honest stories and practical wisdom, Keegan and Carla invite listeners to consider their own passions as potential avenues for God’s work, reminding us that everyone—regardless of gifting—has a role to play in advancing the gospel.

Discover how a medical missionary in Kenya is bringing hope, healing, and discipleship across Africa. In this inspiring episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Britney—a pediatric surgeon—and her husband Micah share how God is using their gifts to train the next generation of African doctors, care for critically ill children, and lead Bible studies that equip future leaders.

Learn how their journey through medicine, missions, and marriage is impacting lives in Kenya and beyond. Whether you’re called to go or called to send, this conversation will deepen your view of global missions.

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Jay Strother sits down with Danielle Schneider, a seasoned global worker who has served in South Africa for over 17 years. Danielle shares her inspiring journey of being called to missions, the pivotal moments that led her to Living Hope Ministries, and her dual roles as a life skills educator and children's ministry leader at King of Kings Baptist Church. Together, they discuss the unique challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry, the importance of equipping national leaders, and how short-term mission trips can often serve as a launching pad for deeper involvement. Listeners will also hear about the impact of partnership between local churches and global ministries, as well as the personal side of missionary life—highlighting both the excitement and the sacrifices involved. The episode wraps up with practical advice for those discerning a call to missions and an invitation to pray for Danielle, Living Hope, and the ongoing gospel work among children and families in South Africa.

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Jay Strother kicks off a special August series focused on global missions by sitting down with Winston and Emmy Coltart, global workers serving in Zimbabwe. The conversation explores their remarkable journey from meeting on a short-term mission trip to planting a church and opening a gospel-centered coffee shop near a university in Zimbabwe. Winston and Emmy share candidly about the challenges and joys of ministry in Africa, adapting their outreach strategies, and how Romans 1:16-17 has shaped their boldness and confidence in sharing Christ. The episode is filled with inspiring personal stories, honest reflections on cross-cultural ministry, and encouragement for listeners to embrace their own call to obedience and mission, no matter where they are.

In this episode of Sermon Notes, host Jay Strother and guest Brandon Hayes, campus and teaching pastor at the church at Harpeth Heights, wrap up the "For the Church" series with a deep dive into Acts 18:18-23. Together, they discuss how the apostle Paul's pattern of everyday faithfulness and intentional discipleship was key to strengthening the early church—not just growing in numbers but building genuine depth and resilience among believers. 

The conversation highlights the rhythms of ministry, the importance of relationships within the church, and the value of spiritual fundamentals like prayer, gospel community, and encouragement. Jay and Brandon also share practical examples from their own pastoral experiences and reflect on how moments of faithfulness—even the understated and unseen—can have lasting impact for the church’s mission today.

In this episode of Sermon Notes, Wade Owens and Matt Pearson, campus and teaching pastors at Brentwood Baptist churches, have a heartfelt and insightful discussion centered on Acts 10:44-48—the pivotal moment when the Holy Spirit falls on Gentile believers for the first time. They explore the global scope of the gospel, the importance of immediate obedience in the life of a Christian, and why baptism was and should still be a bold, public declaration of faith. The pastors reflect on the early church’s passion for baptism, the significance of communal celebrations, and how these ancient practices can challenge and encourage believers today. They also address common hesitations around baptism and urge listeners to consider their own next steps of obedience and faith.

In this episode of Sermon Notes, Aaron Bryant and Wade Owens dive into Acts chapters 7 and 8, exploring how the early church responded to persecution—particularly through the story of Stephen’s bold faith and ultimate martyrdom. They reflect on the reality that while hardship and opposition might seem to threaten the gospel, God actually uses these challenges to advance His mission and scatter His people with purpose. The conversation offers practical encouragement for listeners facing their own forms of opposition today, emphasizing the importance of Spirit-empowered boldness, the benefits that can arise from suffering, and the joy that comes from being identified with Christ—in both comfort and adversity. Whether you’re experiencing subtle resistance in the workplace or wrestling with bigger questions of faith under pressure, this episode invites you to see persecution as an opportunity for growth, witness, and deeper dependence on Jesus.

In this episode of Sermon Notes, host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball dive into Acts 5:33-39, focusing on the wisdom of Gamaliel in the face of fierce opposition to the early church. Together, they unpack lessons on trusting God's sovereignty when facing resistance, exploring how faithfulness, courage, and perseverance grow in challenging seasons. Drawing from real-life stories and scriptural insights, Jay and Brian discuss the role of suffering, spiritual resilience, and the unexpected ways God works through both adversity and unlikely people. Whether you’re wrestling with setbacks or seeking encouragement in your faith, this conversation offers practical takeaways on cultivating a Christlike response to opposition and faithfully living out the gospel within today’s church.

In this episode of Sermon Notes, Brian Ball sits down with John Joseph, Campus and Teaching Pastor at the Church at Station Hill, to unpack Acts 4:32-35 as part of their "For the Church" series—a nine-week journey through the book of Acts. Together, they explore the radical unity and generosity of the early church, highlighting how believers shared their resources so that no one was in need. The conversation delves into the difference between biblical generosity and modern concepts like socialism, the role of the Holy Spirit in fostering boldness and compassion, and the importance of vulnerability in Christian community. Through personal stories, practical insights, and biblical wisdom, Brian and John challenge today’s church to pursue deeper unity, grace, and sacrificial service, making the case that the church isn’t just a gathering, but a family called to meet each other’s needs with love and humility.

In this episode of Sermon Notes, host Hunter Melton is joined by Harpeth Heights campus and teaching pastor Brandon Hays for a deep dive into Acts 4:19-20 as part of their nine-week “For the Church” series. Together, they explore the theme of gospel boldness in the face of resistance, reflecting on how Peter and John’s conviction and reliance on the Holy Spirit can inspire the church today. 

The conversation ranges from personal experiences in ministry at Woodbine and Harpeth Heights, to practical advice on living authentically, distinguishing true boldness from brashness, and the importance of being available, intentional, and prayerful in sharing our faith. Listeners are encouraged to realign their lives with the foundational truths and rhythms of the early church, stepping out in obedient boldness fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit.