In this inspiring episode of the Merge podcast, host Chris Autry engages in a profound conversation with Wade Parker from Baptist Children's Homes. They delve into the transformative power of faith in the realms of adoption and foster care. Parker shares moving stories and insights into the organization's impactful work, highlighting the crucial role of birth mothers in the adoption process and the extensive support provided to them. The discussion also covers the challenges and rewards of foster care, the ministry's efforts in aiding intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals, and their significant work in combating sex trafficking in North Carolina. This episode is a powerful testament to how faith and compassion can bring about positive change in the lives of children and families, urging listeners to consider how they can contribute to this noble cause.

1. Introduction to the Merge Podcast
   • Host: Chris Autry
   • Focus: Leaders merging faith in Jesus Christ with their calling in culture
   • Special Focus: Joy of families and organizations supporting families, including adoptive families
2. Guest Introduction: Wade Parker
   • Role: Director of Development, Northeast region, Baptist Children's Homes
   • Background: Former bass guitarist for Sandstone, a band in Eastern North Carolina
3. Adoptive Care and Foster Care
   • Overview of Baptist Children's Homes' role in adoptive care
   • Emphasis on caring for birth mothers and their significant role in the adoption process
   • Discussion on the importance of providing support to birth mothers post-adoption
4. Impact of Baptist Children's Homes
   • Services beyond adoption: support for single moms, intellectually and developmentally disabled homes, and foster care homes
   • Personal stories of transformation and support provided by Baptist Children's Homes
5. Foster Care Ministry
   • Training and development of foster parents
   • Personalized care and support for foster families
   • Challenges and rewards of fostering
6. Ministry to the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled
   • Overview of group homes and support services
   • Personal stories highlighting the impact of this ministry
7. Sex Trafficking Victim Support
   • Baptist Children's Homes' role in providing support and care for sex trafficking victims
   • Discussion on the prevalence of sex trafficking in North Carolina
8. Partnership Opportunities
   • Ways individuals and churches can partner with Baptist Children's Homes
   • Financial support, volunteering, and legacy gifts
9. Closing Remarks
   • Reflections on the impact of adoption and foster care
   • Encouragement to live a life on mission for Jesus Christ

Faith, Family, and Football: The Autry's Story

Welcome to a heartwarming episode of The Merge podcast. Today, we're diving into the delightful world of the Autry family – Chris, Rebecca, and their son, Samuel. This episode is a beautiful blend of faith, family quirks, and the joys of ministry life.

First off, Chris introduces us to his lovely family, highlighting their 20 years of marriage and their journey with Samuel. The Autrys share a unique dynamic, with each member rooting for different sports teams – talk about a house divided during game season! But it's not just sports that make this family special; their extroverted and introverted personalities create a perfect balance, making every day an adventure.

The conversation then shifts to their life in ministry. Rebecca, with her rich background in music ministry, shares how serving alongside Chris has been a gift, complementing each other's work in the church. They reminisce about some hilarious moments from their early days in ministry – like Rebecca's infamous stair tumble and Chris's pulpit bloopers. Laughter is definitely a key ingredient in their family life!

But it's not all giggles and fun. The Autrys open up about the challenges and blessings of church planting, especially their move to Pittsburgh. This move marked a significant faith journey for them, learning to trust God's provision and embrace a new community.

One of the most touching parts of the episode is when they discuss adopting Samuel. This experience profoundly deepened their faith and trust in God, showing them a new aspect of His love and plan for their lives.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for this inspiring episode. Whether you're a pastor, a parent, or just someone who loves a good family story, there's something in here for you. The Autrys' journey is a testament to the power of faith, the beauty of adoption, and the joy of serving together as a family.

1. Introduction to the Merge Podcast
   • Host: Chris Autry
   • Focus: Leaders merging faith in Jesus Christ with their calling
   • Special focus on family and adoption for the Christmas episode
2. The Autry Family Introduction
   • Guests: Rebecca Autry and Samuel Autry
   • Discussion on family dynamics and uniqueness
3. Unique Aspects of the Autry Family
   • Diverse sports team preferences
   • Personality differences within the family
   • The family's love for sports and how it brings them together
4. The Autry Family as a Ministry Family
   • Their experiences and roles in ministry
   • The impact of being a missionary family
   • Insights into being a pastor's family
5. Adoption and Its Role in the Autry Family
   • Discussion on being an adoptive family
   • How ministry and adoption intertwine in their lives
6. The Autrys' Early Ministry Experience
   • Rebecca's role as a music minister and choir director
   • Chris and Rebecca's experiences serving together in churches
   1. Memorable Moments in Ministry
      • Humorous incidents and learning experiences
      • The importance of communication and complementing each other in ministry
   2. The Autry Family's Church Planting Journey
      • Moving to Pittsburgh for church planting
      • Challenges and reliance on faith during this transition
      • The significance of community support in their ministry
   3. The Impact of Adoption on Their Faith
      • The story of adopting Sam and how it strengthened their faith
      • Learning to trust God through the process of adoption

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Jerome Banks and Chris Autry delve into the intricacies of leadership, followership, and the role of faith in both.

From the importance of blooming where you're planted to the wisdom of Colin Powell, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for Christian business leaders, evangelical Christians, conservative Christian adults, military Christians, and military chaplains.

Leadership and Faith

• Rotary as a platform for humanitarian service and God's work
• The importance of being a servant leader
• Loving God and loving others as the ultimate mission

The Role of Failure

• Learning from mistakes
• The value of failure in leadership development

Unsung Heroes

• Recognizing the contributions of junior enlisted members and young officers
• The importance of the "line level" workers in the military

Influential Leaders

• The impact of Colin Powell's book "It Worked for Me in Life and Leadership"
• Three key rules: "It ain't as bad as you think," "Get mad and then get over it," and "Remain calm and be kind"

Followership

• The importance of being a good follower
• Showing grace and understanding that you don't have all the information

In this episode, we delve into the lives of military families, the challenges they face, and the role of faith in their journey.

Karina Banks, a former military officer, and Chris Autry, the host, share invaluable insights on leadership, humility, and the importance of community support.

Whether you're a Christian business leader, a military chaplain, or someone interested in the intersection of faith and service, this episode is for you.

The Military Experience

• Karina discusses her experience as a mother and soldier.
• Challenges of being an active-duty single parent.
• The role of military family readiness programs.

Church Support for Military Families

• The importance of recognition and support from the church community.
• How churches can offer practical help to military families.

Leadership Lessons

• The significance of humility and discipline in leadership.
• The role of senior non-commissioned officers in shaping leaders.
• The difference between being a boss and a leader.

Legacy and Faith

• Karina shares her desire to finish the race that God has set before her.
• The role of faith in shaping her military and post-military life.

In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the life and ministry of Chaplain Steve Bryant, who serves in the United States Army.

From the challenges of shepherding soldiers to the spiritual needs that are often overlooked, Chaplain Bryant provides invaluable insights.

Whether you're a Christian business leader, a military chaplain, or someone interested in the intersection of faith and service, this episode is for you.

The Role of a Military Chaplain

• Importance of being present with soldiers
• Daily routines, including physical training and counseling
• Unique challenges and joys of the role

Spiritual Needs of Soldiers

• The need for connection and community
• Finding purpose and direction in life
• How chaplains help soldiers navigate faith

How Churches Can Support Chaplains and Soldiers

• Quick integration into church activities
• Providing a sense of community and spiritual nourishment

Legacy and Leadership

• Chaplain Bryant's desired legacy
• The impact of genuine faith and love

In this episode of "The Merge," host Chris Autry sits down with active-duty soldiers Josh Woodruff and Joey Martin to discuss how they merge their faith in Christ with their military service.

From their personal salvation stories to the role of "battle buddies" in spiritual growth, this episode offers a candid look at the intersection of faith and military life.

Perfect for Christian Business Leaders, Evangelical Christians, Conservative Christian Adults, Military Christians, and Military Chaplains.

Introduction

• Host Chris Autry introduces the show and the guests, Josh Woodruff and Joey Martin.
• The episode focuses on military veterans who lead by faith.

Stereotypes and Joy

• Both guests defy the stereotype of soldiers being rough and gruff.
• Josh Woodruff shares his perspective on joy, referencing Psalms 35.
• Joey Martin talks about the transformation he experienced after becoming a Christian.

Salvation Stories

• Josh Woodruff was raised in a Christian home but had a period of rebellion.
• Joey Martin became a Christian in 2012 and emphasizes the power of a simple invitation to church.

The Importance of "Battle Buddies"

• Both guests discuss the need for spiritual "battle buddies" to help in good and hard seasons.

Favorite Places Lived

• The host asks about their favorite places they've lived since joining the military.

In this enlightening episode, host Chris Autry sits down with Dennis Conner, a Catalyst for the North Carolina Baptist Convention, to explore the intersection of faith and leadership.

From the peculiar joys of regional delicacies like liver mush to the challenges and rewards of church leadership, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to merge their spiritual life with their professional responsibilities.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, tune in to discover how faith can guide you in making impactful decisions.

Introduction

• Host: Chris Autry
• Guest: Dennis Conner
• Overview: Discussing the intersection of faith and leadership, with a focus on Dennis Conner's role as a Catalyst for the North Carolina Baptist Convention and his blog "Thursday's Thoughts on Leadership."

Topics Covered

• The Unusual Delight of Liver Mush
• Dennis Conner shares his love for liver mush, a regional delicacy.
• Chris Autry expresses his skepticism about the food item.

Early Life and Career

• Dennis talks about his blue-collar upbringing in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• His early career in the trucking business before transitioning to ministry.

Journey into Ministry

• Dennis shares his experience at Columbia Bible College and how he met his wife, Cindy.
• His time pastoring in different regions, including Phoenix, Arizona, and Chicago.

Leadership Insights

• Dennis discusses the importance of understanding leadership roles in the church.
• The inception of his blog "Thursday's Thoughts on Leadership."

The Merge with Chris Autry featuring Chris Horne

Today's guest is a busy guy. Chris Horne is a business owner, a real estate agent, and a community leader as the area Ambassador for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Chris Autry, the senior pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Fayetteville, hosts the Merge podcast. This episode continues the focus on business leaders who use their businesses to impact the community with the gospel. Special guest Chris Horne is the owner of Horne Flooring, a local real estate agent, and area rep for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.


Key Points:

1. Personal Insights:
   • Chris Horne shares the joy of being a father and the unconditional love of his children.
   • He emphasizes the importance of treating people well in business, valuing relationships over money.
2. Business Endeavors:
   • Chris Horne discusses the challenges and joys of being a business owner, especially in the flooring and real estate sectors.
   • The current real estate market in the Fayetteville region is explored, highlighting areas of growth and the reasons behind families' choices.
3. Journey to Real Estate and Flooring:
   • Chris Horne's journey began with his father's flooring trade, leading him to take over the business after his father's passing.
   • The 2008 financial crisis played a pivotal role in his career trajectory, pushing him back into the flooring business and later into real estate.
4. Community Involvement:
   • Chris Horne's passion for the community shines through as he discusses the value of local non-profits and the hard-working nature of Fayetteville residents.
   • He also delves into his role with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, emphasizing the importance of supporting and praying for schools and students.

Conclusion:

• Chris Autry commends Chris Horne for his dedication to serving the community, both in business and through his work with students.
• The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of living life on a mission to bring fame to Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Relationships Over Revenue: Chris Horne emphasizes the importance of valuing relationships and treating people well in all business endeavors.
2. Community Growth: The real estate market in Fayetteville and surrounding areas is booming, with new construction playing a significant role.
3. Missionary Mindset: Chris Horne's work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes showcases the importance of raising up missionaries for campuses to transform the country and world with the Gospel.
4. Life's Purpose: The overarching theme of the podcast is the call to live life with purpose, making a positive impact in the community and bringing fame to Jesus Christ.

Learn more about Chris Horne and FCA at:
https://www.cumberlandcofca.org/

Learn more about your host and the ministry of Temple Baptist Church when you visit http://www.templebaptistfay.com/

This week's guest opens up about mental health, stereotypes, stigmas, emotions and more.

LynnDee Horne, LCMHCS, is the Clinical Director of NarrowGate Counseling and has 18 years of counseling experience. The conversation is rich with takeaways on:

• The Joys of Motherhood
• The Joy of Working
• Myths about Biblical Counseling
• Counseling and the Church Culture
• The Viability of Mental Health Care
• Suicide Ideation and Response
• Stigma Associated with Mental Health
• Prioritizing Yourself Healthily
• The Difficulty of Change
• Adjustment Disorder
• Potty Humor

Meet LynDee and book a free, virtual consultation at:
http://www.narrowgatecounseling.com
888-9NARROW(888-962-7769)

Learn more about your host and the ministry of Temple Baptist Church when you visit http://www.templebaptistfay.com/