Up and to the Right

What does it mean to be a godly man in today’s world? 

In this episode of Up and to the Right, Pastor Rodney sits down with longtime friend, North Church trustee, and business leader Gary Nelson for an honest conversation about faith, leadership, generosity, and legacy. Gary shares how his upbringing, military service, commitment to the local church, and love for God’s Word shaped his life, while offering practical wisdom for men navigating work, family, and purpose. The conversation also explores the impact of generosity, the importance of spiritual disciplines, and Gary’s passion for global Bible translation through Illuminations, with the goal of making God’s Word accessible to every heart language on earth. 

Listen in for a powerful discussion on living faithfully, serving others well, and leaving a legacy that points people to Christ.

‼EPISODE RE-RELEASE‼

This past weekend, we had the honor of welcoming back our good friend, Pastor Gibson Anduvate, who delivered a powerful message at North Church! For today’s episode, we’re throwing it back to a previous conversation with Pastor Gibson and Philip Mungai as they share the incredible impact of ICC Nairobi and the Kenyan Assemblies of God. From stories of faith and leadership to the way God is moving across Kenya, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the Church is alive, growing, and making a difference around the world.

What does it really take to grow as a leader, disciple others well, and build a life rooted in spiritual discipline? 

In this episode, Rodney Fouts sits down with Angela Grunewald to talk about North School of Ministry and how it’s helping people grow in leadership, character, spiritual formation, and community. 

From powerful cohort relationships to practical disciplines like reading, self-awareness, and spiritual growth, this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at how NSOM is equipping people of all ages and backgrounds to become stronger followers of Jesus and leaders in every area of life.

What does it look like to build a life that stays on fire for God?

In part two of this conversation, Pastor Rodney and Farah Stout reflect on the legacy of Grandma Helen and the four foundations that shaped her faith: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, the people of God, and complete surrender to God.

From passionate worship to unwavering commitment to the house of God, this episode is a powerful reminder that following Jesus was never meant to be casual—it was meant to consume us.

If you’ve ever felt spiritually distracted, disconnected, or hungry for more of God’s presence, this conversation will challenge you to live with eternity in view and keep the main thing the main thing.

Ever wondered how a life rooted in Christ can impact generations? Tag someone who needs to hear this!

In this episode, we honor the life of Pastor Rodney's grandmother, Helen Ruth Fouts, and the legacy she leaves behind. Her story is one of deep faith, perseverance, and a love for God that shaped not only her family, but countless others.

It’s more than just a life well-lived; it’s about a foundation that doesn’t shake. Through grief, loss, and hardship, her life showed what it means to stay anchored in the Word of God and led by His Spirit.

Every story shared reminds us that faith isn’t built overnight—it’s cultivated daily. The way she lived continues to speak, challenging us to build lives that point others to Jesus.

This is what a surrendered life looks like, and it’s an invitation for all of us to live with that same purpose.

What kind of legacy are you building? Let’s talk about it! 

Ever wondered how prison ministry transforms lives from behind bars? Tag someone who needs to hear this!

This past weekend, we shared the incredible impact of our prison ministry at North Church. The response from our community was overwhelming. Many were unaware of the life-changing work happening behind those walls.

It’s more than just outreach; it’s about genuine connections. Inmate-led churches are popping up, showing that faith can thrive anywhere. The men and women in these programs are not just inmates; they are leaders, disciples, and examples of transformation.

Every visit brings hope not just to them, but to us as well. The gratitude expressed by the inmates reminds us of our purpose: to go where hope is needed most.

This is a God thing, and we’re just here to support and empower these incredible individuals pursuing Christ.

What’s your take on the role of the church in prison ministry? Let’s talk about it!

Tried everything… but still stuck? This might be the piece you’ve been missing.

Tag someone who needs this breakthrough.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Alton Kiing goes deeper into what it actually took to walk in lasting freedom. From therapy to prayer to a 17-day water fast, he shares how desperation led him to fully surrender and how God met him there in a life-changing way.

This isn’t just about behavior change. It’s about getting to the root. Alton unpacks how renewing your mind, applying the Word of God, and developing a real fear of the Lord are essential to breaking cycles that feel impossible to escape.

Freedom didn’t come from trying harder. It came from dying to the old life and fully stepping into a new identity in Christ.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I keep going back?” this conversation will challenge and equip you to finally move forward.

Struggling in silence? This conversation might be the breakthrough someone’s been praying for.

Tag someone who needs to hear this.

In this powerful and honest conversation, Pastor Rodney sits down with Alton Kiing to talk about worship, calling, and the hidden battles many people face. What starts as a conversation about music and purpose quickly turns into something deeper—real talk about addiction, shame, and the journey toward freedom.

Alton shares his personal story of how early exposure led to a long struggle with pornography, and how what felt normal eventually became a stronghold. But through confession, community, and renewing his mind with truth, he began to walk in real freedom.

This episode is a reminder: what stays in the dark keeps you bound—but what you bring into the light can finally be healed.

You don’t have to fight alone.

Ever wondered why baptism is a big deal? Here’s the truth that might change your perspective.

Tag someone who’s been curious about baptism! 

Baptism isn’t just a ritual. It’s a powerful statement of faith. Jesus modeled it for us, not out of necessity, but as a perfect example of obedience and identity. 

When He stepped into the water, He showed us that faith calls for action. Many love Jesus but hesitate at baptism, thinking it’s optional. But it’s more than just a dip in the water. It’s stepping into God’s purpose and publicly declaring, "I belong to Christ!"

Think about it: if Jesus did it, why not us? Baptism isn’t about being saved. It’s about showing the world who we are and whose we are.

So, what’s holding you back?

Let’s embrace this journey together and celebrate the joy of our faith!

Holy Week is here! Are you ready to embrace the power of community? 🙌 

Tag someone who needs to hear this message!

This week is monumental for the church as we prepare for Easter. It’s not just about the celebration; it’s about the journey we take together. 

Expecting a flood of people eager to experience the gospel, we’re gearing up for an incredible weekend filled with heartfelt worship and connection. From the parking lot to the stage, every detail matters. 

This weekend is more than just an event. It’s a Kingdom Investment Weekend. It takes all of us to create a welcoming environment where lives can be transformed.  

Remember, every smile, every greeting, and every invitation counts. Let’s make this Easter a celebration of hope and community for everyone!

Join us and be part of something bigger.