The Pioneer Assembly

By Bethany Barr Phillips

You’re invited to assemble with Bethany Barr Phillips and her friends as they do their best to pioneer faith conversations with honesty, encouragement, and sometimes, no resolve. With two types of epi... more

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FAQs about The Pioneer Assembly:

How many episodes does The Pioneer Assembly have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.

The Pioneer Assembly episodes:

May 29, 2026 How to Stop Fearing the Future | The Good Fight
We say we trust God with eternity, but what about tomorrow?
In this final installment of The Good Fight series, Bethany Barr Phillips tackles one of the most common struggles believers face: Fear of the future. The truth is, most of us aren't afraid of what's coming—we're afraid of not being in control of it.
When life feels uncertain, we often chase clarity, overthink decisions, and delay obedience while waiting for guarantees God never promised. But Scripture shows a different path: Faith isn't built through certainty. It's built through trust.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why fear of the future is often a control issue
• How faith and fear both look ahead but interpret uncertainty differently
• Why God rarely gives full clarity before calling us to move
• Five practical ways to walk into the future with confidence instead of anxiety
• How to stop demanding answers and start trusting God's presence
Whether you're facing a major transition, waiting on direction, or struggling with uncertainty, this episode will remind you that God is already in the future you're worried about.
Key Scriptures: Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 10:17
"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." — Corrie Ten Boom
The future isn't a threat. It's an invitation to trust God more deeply than ever before.

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25min
May 22, 2026Counting the Cost: What Following Jesus Actually Requires, ft. Jason Cook | The Good Fight
What does it actually cost to follow Jesus?
In this episode of Pioneer Assembly, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with pastor and longtime friend, Jason Cook, for an honest conversation about discipleship, suffering, surrender, disappointment, obedience, and the reality of counting the cost of the call.
Together, they unpack the tension between calling and comfort, the dangers of shallow Christianity, why so many people become disillusioned in their faith, and how the modern church often underprepares believers for suffering. From the prosperity gospel to perseverance, from loneliness to long obedience, this conversation refuses easy answers and instead points listeners toward a deeper, more durable faith.
They discuss:
What Jesus really meant by “count the cost.”
Why suffering & disappointment are part of discipleship.
The difference between calling, comfort, & unnecessary striving.
Why salvation is the starting line.
The role of community in discerning God’s voice.
How faithfulness is formed over time.
Whether you’re wrestling with disappointment, questioning your calling, walking through hardship, or simply trying to stay faithful in the long obedience of following Jesus, this episode is a reminder that the cost is real… but so is the presence of God.
“The decision to follow Jesus is a one-time decision for all time… that you make every single day.”
Scripture References:
Luke 14:27–33
Luke 9:23
2 Corinthians 12
About Jason: With over 20 years of public speaking, pastoral, and leadership experience, Jason Cook is truly a master of inspiring every room. He's been a leader in locker rooms, elder rooms, and boardrooms at a young age -- showcasing his wisdom, humility, and skill across multiple settings. Jason has been an entrepreneur, evangelist, itinerant preacher, church planter, team captain, business owner, and current Senior Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA. He holds an M.Div from Beeson Divinity School and serves on its Advisory Board. He and his wife, Courtney, have four children: Charlie, Cager, Boss, and Bishop. They live in the Atlanta area with their two dogs, Apollo and Minnie.
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39min
April 17, 2026Doing More for God Is Not Always Doing Your Best for God, Ft. Drew Worsham | The Good Fight
You can be doing a lot for God… and still be running yourself into the ground.
We’re continuing our Good Fight series on Pioneer Assembly—a place together for those called to go—and this conversation is one many people don’t realize they’re already in the middle of.
In this episode, we sit down with Drew Worsham to talk about healthy rhythms, burnout, and how easy it is to become spiritually and emotionally unhealthy without even realizing it. We explore the subtle ways hustle can disguise itself as faithfulness—and why exhaustion is not a badge of honor in the Kingdom.
You don’t have to be in vocational ministry to have questions like:
Have I confused being busy for God with being faithful to God?
How do I know when obedience turns into overextension?
Why is it so hard for me to rest without guilt?
We also look at 1 Kings 19, where Elijah—after a powerful spiritual victory—crashes emotionally and physically. And instead of pushing him forward, God meets him with rest, provision, and presence.
This episode is for anyone who feels:
tired but still pushing
called but overwhelmed
faithful on the outside… but empty on the inside
If that’s you, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, realign, and rediscover a pace with God that is actually sustainable. The goal isn’t just to start strong. It’s to finish well.
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38min
April 10, 2026When You Can't Hear God's Voice | The Good Fight
What do you do when you can’t hear God’s voice?
If you’ve ever felt like God is silent, distant, or not speaking, this episode will help you understand why and show you how to hear Him again.
In this episode of Pioneer Assembly, we continue our series, The Good Fight, by discussing one of the most common struggles in the Christian life: How to hear God’s voice in what may seem like a season of silence.
Many believers wrestle with questions like:
Why can’t I hear God?
Is God still speaking today?
How do I know if it’s God’s voice or my own thoughts?
What does the Bible say about hearing God?
We dive into biblical truth and practical steps to help you grow in spiritual discernment and reconnect with God’s voice. Rooted in Romans 10:17, this episode explores how faith grows through hearing God—and how to position yourself to listen again.
You’ll also hear a powerful personal testimony from host Bethany Barr Phillips’s cancer journey, where the difference between assuming God’s voice and truly hearing Him became life-changing.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – What to do when God feels silent
02:00 – The struggle: Why can’t I hear God?
05:30 – Silence does not mean absence
08:30 – Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)
12:00 – Bethany’s cancer story: assuming vs hearing God
20:00 – Why we struggle to hear God’s voice
29:00 – Practical ways to hear God again
40:00 – The good fight: choosing to keep listening
42:00 – Encouragement for silent seasons
44:00 – Final thoughts: positioning yourself to hear God
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26min
April 03, 2026Why the Cross Changes Everything (Even If You’re Doubting)
You keep trying to fix your life—but what if the answer was never you… What if it was always the cross?
Why does the cross actually matter?
Why did Jesus have to die?
And what does that have to do with your life right now?
In this episode with Bethany Barr Phillips, we pause the Good Fight and go beyond the surface to step into the weight of what happened on the cross—and why it changes everything.
Because the truth is… Most of us want closeness with God,
but we don’t realize that the cross is the only way back.
It's not just theology. This is personal. It’s about:
the distance you feel but can’t explain
the weight you’ve been carrying
the question of whether you’re too far gone
And the reality that Jesus already made a way.
The cross isn’t just a symbol or an archaic story.
👉 It’s where your sin was paid for
👉 It’s where love was proven
👉 It’s where your way back to God began
If you’re doubting, wandering, or not even sure of what you believe, this conversation is an invitation not to have it all figured out, but to come closer.
🎧 Press play, and don’t rush past this.
If this speaks to you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 — Why Does the Cross Matter? (Start Here)
A raw question that most people never fully ask—but changes everything.
01:10 — What Really Happened the Day Jesus Died
From praise to crucifixion—how everything shifted in days.
02:30 — Why This Isn’t Just History (It’s Personal)
Why the cross isn’t just a story… and why it matters to you.
03:45 — The Real Problem: Separation from God
Understanding sin, distance, and why we feel disconnected.
05:30 — Why You Can’t Fix This on Your Own
The truth about self-effort, control, and trying to “be enough.”
07:15 — The Weight of Sin (And Who Carries It)
Why sin has a cost—and why we couldn’t pay it.
09:00 — What Jesus Actually Did on the Cross
The moment everything changed—past, present, and future.
11:00 — The Cross Is Proof of God’s Love
Not just words—this is love demonstrated.
12:30 — Without the Cross, There Is No Hope
Why everything hinges on this one moment.
14:00 — Why We Avoid the Cross (And Why We Shouldn’t)
Facing the uncomfortable truth that leads to freedom.
15:30 — This Is Your Invitation Back to God
Not pressure—an open door.
17:00 — Why This Matters for You Right Now
Making it personal. Making it real.

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15min
March 27, 2026 Courage in Complex Conversations, Ft. Ryan McDermott | The Good Fight
Not every fight is the good fight.
In a world filled with cultural tension, complicated issues, and loud opinions, many Christians are left asking:
When do I step into the conversation?
When do I speak up?
And how do I engage without losing the heart of Jesus?
In this episode of the Pioneer Assembly Podcast, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Pastor Ryan McDermott to explore what it truly means to fight the good fight of faith—not by winning arguments, but by having the courage to stay in the conversation.
Together, they unpack:
• How to engage difficult and “gray area” issues with both truth and humility
• Why the real battle is not what you think
• How to hold strong convictions without becoming combative
• Why relationships—and sometimes even tacos—matter in hard conversations
• What it looks like to stay at the table when it would be easier to walk away
With honesty, humor, and real-life stories, this conversation reminds us that the good fight isn’t about proving a point—it’s about loving people well while holding onto faith.
📖 Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12
🎙 Guest: Ryan McDermott
Ryan also has some incredible resources and bible studies he's authored that the Pioneer Assembly recommends!
If you’ve ever struggled with how to navigate hard conversations in your faith, this episode will encourage you to lean in with courage, grace, and a pastoral heart.
Because sometimes, the good fight simply looks like this: Staying at the table.

Follow along the journey: Pioneer Assembly Instagram
For more in-depth content on this and more, check out:
Pioneer Assembly Substack
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32min
March 20, 2026Faith Without a Roadmap, Ft. Emma O'Brien | The Good Fight
What does it look like to follow God when He doesn’t give you the full plan?
If you’ve ever felt like God was calling you somewhere but you didn’t have clarity yet, this episode will encourage you to take the next step in the good fight of faith.
Continuing the The Good Fight series, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Emma O’Brien to talk about what it really means to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). Emma shares her powerful testimony of leaving everything familiar in Alabama to move to New York City—without a job, without a clear roadmap, and with nothing but trust in God’s voice.
From selling her car and stepping away from stability to navigating seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and complete dependence on God, Emma’s story offers a raw, honest look at obedience in real life.
This conversation dives into:
What it means to take a step of faith without having all the answers
The internal fight between fear and trust
How God provides in moments when there seems to be no way
The quiet but powerful “fight” of waiting on God
Learning to live day-by-day in dependence on Him
Now serving on staff with church plant, Spirit Church, in New York City, Emma reflects on how God was working in every step—even when it didn’t make sense at the time.
Because the good fight of faith isn’t about having the whole map— it’s about trusting the One who does.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT EMMA:
Emma is a born-and-raised Alabamian turned New Yorker living on mission in the Big Apple. She moved to NYC in total leap-of-faith fashion in 2025 and now serves in a full-time role at Spirit Church NYC, a brand new church plant where she oversees operations and communications and leads worship.
Follow her journey at @emma.in.new.york on Instagram and learn about partnering with her at emmainnewyork.my.canva.site.

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35min
March 13, 2026 The Good Fight: What Are Christians Actually Fighting For?
Are Christians supposed to fight… or be peaceful?
The Bible mentions peacemakers, yet Paul commands Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.”
So which is it?
In this episode of The Pioneer Assembly, we tackle one of the most misunderstood ideas in modern Christianity:
What does it actually mean to fight the good fight?
Is it:
• arguing on social media
• defending politics
• fighting culture wars
Or is it something much deeper?
We explore:
• What Paul meant when he told Timothy to fight the good fight
• The difference between fighting for Jesus vs. fighting like the world
• Why many Christians are fighting the wrong battles
• The dangerous line between religion and the gospel
• Why faith will eventually require courage, sacrifice, and endurance
And most importantly:
How do we actually fight the good fight today?
If you're tired of shallow answers and want real conversations about faith, truth, and the Christian journey, you're in the right place.
Welcome back to a brand new season of The Pioneer Assembly hosted by Bethany Barr Phillips —
The place to gather for those called to go.

...more
22min
August 21, 202510 Things You Need to Know About the Holy Spirit
What if there were 10 things you needed to know about the Holy Spirit? While there are certainly more, in this episode of the Pioneer Assembly, Bethany Barr Phillips explores ten essential things to know about the Holy Spirit. This is the episode to save, review, bookmark, whatever you have to do to have a place to look back and brush up when you need it.
We’d give the 10 to you in this description to give you a sneak peak, but then you might not get all of the explanation as to why we cover a few attributes we haven’t discussed in the Summer in the Spirit series. Did you catch that? There are a few twists.
We’ll give it to you like this: The discussion covers the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit's nature, His guidance in our lives, and the empowerment He provides for believers.
Let this episode serve as a comprehensive overview for those seeking to deepen their relationship with the Holy Spirit and understand His significance in their faith journey.

Takeaways
“Never think of the Holy Spirit, as an it, an attitude, or an influence. He is a person and has very definite ways.” - RT Kendall
Just because something is hard, doesn’t mean you misheard the Holy Spirit.
When someone claims that they are speaking by the Holy Spirit, but what they are speaking, does not line up with the word of God, disregard it.
Don’t discount that the Holy Spirit reveals the reality of Jesus.
The guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life will reveal so much more to you than your own search ever could.
When we display the fruits of the spirit in our life, we can be sure that the gifts of the spirit are operating where and how they’re supposed to be.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Holy Spirit Series
04:14 - Ten Key Insights About the Holy Spirit
17:06 - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
30:55 - Conclusion and Reflection on the Holy Spirit

Links
Pioneer Assembly Substack (for extra resources on the Holy Spirit)
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
R.T. Kendall’s book Holy Fire
...more
26min
August 14, 2025How are you “filled” with the Holy Spirit? Like, for real
Can you really be “filled” or “receive” the Holy Spirit, or is it just a one time deal? In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips explores receiving and being filled with the Holy Spirit. She emphasizes that this experience is not merely a one-time event but a continuous journey of prayer, pursuit, and obedience. The conversation delves into the nature of the Holy Spirit, the importance of understanding indwelling, and practical steps to cultivate a Spirit-filled life. Bethany encourages listeners to embrace the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives and to trust in God's faithfulness.

Takeaways
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit occurs at salvation.
Sanctification leads to greater empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
Obedience is crucial for being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is the foundation for a relationship with God.
Pursuing God helps us understand the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Holy Spirit
04:46 - Understanding the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
06:32 - Two Camps of Thought on Receiving the Holy Spirit
09:41 - Personal Experiences with the Holy Spirit
16:03 - Practical Steps to Receive the Holy Spirit
19:47 - The Importance of Obedience and Pursuit
22:04 - Conclusion and Encouragement

Pioneer Assembly Substack
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
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21min

FAQs about The Pioneer Assembly:

How many episodes does The Pioneer Assembly have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.