In this soul-stirring conversation, Laura Nicholson shares her remarkable journey of finding value beyond relationship status. As Director of Second2None School Support, worship leader, and soon-to-be adoptive mum, Laura opens up about navigating church hurt, embracing singleness, and discovering her unchanging worth in God. Contrary to what many church cultures imply, Laura demonstrates how a single life can be filled with purpose, community, and impact—proving that our value isn't determined by our status but by who we are in Christ.

Laura Nicholson is the founder and director of Second to Non School Support, providing clerking services to over 150 schools across the northwest UK and beyond. Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is an accomplished worship leader and musician in her local church. She has experience as a foster carer and is currently in the process of becoming an adoptive parent. Laura's journey through performance Christianity to authentic faith offers wisdom for anyone struggling to find their place in church or society.

1. Your value transcends status - "Knowing your value in God is crucial because that's the thing that will never change. Your feelings will come and go, but your value, where you put your trust, is crucial."
2. Community heals - "Pray to God that he brings the right people to you at the right time. He doesn't want you on your own."
3. Church culture needs balance - Laura challenges the family-centric nature of many churches: "It's not about what you don't have. It's looking at all the amazing things that are going well."
4. Singleness has unique benefits - "My forties have been some of my best years so far. I'm the most steady and secure I've ever been."
5. Faith empowers purpose - Laura's journey into fostering and adoption demonstrates how faith can empower significant life decisions regardless of relationship status.

Have you struggled with finding your value beyond relationship status or navigating church as a single person? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Connect with us:

• Website: crowd.church
• Instagram: @crowdchurch

New episodes of What's The Story? are available every week. Subscribe to hear more stories of faith and courage from everyday people.

What's The Story? is a podcast aimed at people who are curious about faith but don't see the point in church, sharing real stories of God moving in the lives of everyday people.

What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim Patton's decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. In this raw conversation with Anna Kettle, Kim shares how her anxious resistance to God's call transformed into purpose and peace. From struggling with health issues and career confusion to managing a household of toddlers and teenagers, Kim reveals how surrender and daily dependence on God can sustain us through seemingly impossible seasons. Her story proves that our most painful chapters can become doorways to a life more meaningful than we could have planned.

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• How Kim's 10-year infertility journey led to adopting biological sisters and a ministry with teenage girls
• Practical ways to manage anxiety and overwhelm while serving others
• Why "absolute dependence on God" is the key to surviving impossible seasons
• How to build a support system of prayer partners during difficult transitions
• The transformative power of seeing your life as a "living sacrifice"

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Main Links

• Kim Patton's website: kimpatton.com
• Kim's book "Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons" on Amazon (both print and audiobook versions)
• Book Therapy Podcast (released bi-weekly)

Ministry Links

• Waiting in Hope Infertility Ministry
• Her View From Home (publication Kim writes for)

CROWD Church Links

• CROWD Church website: crowd.church
• What's the Story Podcast website: whatsthestorypodcast.com

Social Media

• Kim's Instagram
• CROWD Church's Instagram

Join Sadaf Beynon on "What's the Story?" as she explore tales of faith and resilience with guest Tamala Anderson, an inspiring author and founder of Pursuing Christ Ministries. Discover Tamala's journey through personal trials and her unwavering faith that led to a transformative ministry. Subscribe for more uplifting stories and visit Crowd Church for a digital sanctuary to explore the Christian faith.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:41 Introduction of Tamala Anderson

4:22 Tamala's Background and Faith Journey

7:07 Facing Unexpected Challenges

11:31 Navigating Early Days of Single Parenthood

16:09 Impact on Children and Family Dynamics

21:33 Health Challenges and Miraculous Recovery

28:42 Transformation Through Faith

34:01 Tamala's Ministry and Writing

38:56 Key Message and Encouragement

41:42 Conclusion and Farewell

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Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Faith During Hardships: Tamala emphasises the importance of seeking a deeper connection with God during life's challenges. She shares how her faith was transformed through personal trials, highlighting that turning to God can provide strength and guidance when facing adversity.

2. The Power of Forgiveness: Tamala discusses the significance of forgiveness, even when deeply hurt. She acknowledges the difficulty of forgiving those who have wronged us but stresses that it is essential for healing and moving forward. This process often requires divine assistance, as it can be beyond human capability alone.

3. God's Faithfulness and Our Role: Tamala underscores that while God is always present and faithful, individuals must actively seek Him. She points out that God asks us to take steps towards Him through prayer, waiting, and being still. This active pursuit allows us to experience His presence and guidance more profoundly.

Join host Matt Edmundson on "What's the Story?" as he explores faith and courage with guest Jonathan Lewis, founder of Fathers for Fathers. Discover insights into healthy masculinity, the power of faith, and the journey of overcoming life's challenges. Subscribe for more inspiring stories and visit Crowd Church for a digital sanctuary to explore the Christian faith.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

5:31 Political Climate

11:47 Eternal Perspective

18:54 Trust in God

26:48 Masculine Expectations

35:06 Personal Struggles

43:53 Joy in Trials

50:26 Godly Masculinity

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Key Takeaways:

1. Seek Peace Beyond Material Wealth: Jonathan emphasises the importance of finding peace that transcends material possessions and financial security. He suggests that true peace comes from a deeper spiritual understanding and relationship with God, rather than relying solely on tangible assets.

2. Embrace Humility and Character Building: He highlights humility as a key characteristic of a godly man. Jonathan shares that going through life's challenges with a humble spirit can refine one's character, leading to personal growth and a deeper connection with God.

3. Trust in God's Plan Amidst Life's Trials: Jonathan advises trusting in God's plan, even when life presents significant challenges. He shares personal experiences of hardship and how maintaining faith and trust in God can lead to personal peace and eventual positive outcomes, even if they are not immediately apparent.

Join host Sadaf Beynon on "What's the Story?" as she explores the inspiring journey of Thomas Abbott, a missionary kid turned global traveller, who shares his experiences of faith, family, and cultural transitions. Discover how Thomas's upbringing in Pakistan and his work in China shaped his worldview and spiritual convictions. Don't forget to subscribe for more compelling stories and visit Crowd Church for a digital space to explore faith.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

6:04 Thomas Abbot's Global Journey

13:59 Experiencing Faith in Pakistan

23:32 Baptism in China

32:18 Returning to the UK

37:59 Meeting Rachel

47:23 Belief in Six-Day Creation

55:29 Authority of Scripture

1:03:53 Church Leadership

1:11:27 Jesus Manifesto

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Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Your Unique Path: Thomas highlights the importance of recognising and embracing one's unique journey, especially when it involves cultural and faith-based differences. Growing up in diverse environments, he learned to be comfortable with being different and saw it as a purposeful part of his life. 

2. Live with Integrity and Faith: Thomas credits his parents for living a life of integrity and faith, which deeply influenced his own beliefs. He emphasises the significance of not just talking about faith but living it out authentically. 

3. Understand the Urgency of Mission: Through his belief in a literal six-day creation, Thomas developed a sense of urgency about living a life on mission. He suggests that understanding the world through a biblical lens can instil a sense of immediacy in fulfilling one's purpose and sharing the gospel. 

Join Matt Edmundson on "What's the Story?" as he explores tales of faith and courage with guest Steven Pemberton. Discover Steven's journey from an angry youth to a devoted Christian, husband, and father, and how his faith transformed his life and family. Subscribe for more inspiring stories and visit whatsthestorypodcast.com for show notes and updates.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

3:58 Steven's Early Faith Journey

7:04 Clarification on Being "Saved"

10:15 Teenage Years and Faith Challenges

14:24 Leaving the Church

18:34 Forgiveness and Personal Growth

23:10 Church's Decision on Marriage

27:25 Anger and Personal Development

30:42 Marriage Challenges and Overcoming Infidelity

33:04 Returning to Church and Renewed Faith

36:53 Impact on Family and Community

41:23 Surviving Infidelity in Marriage

47:51 Lessons from Adversity

51:12 Outro

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Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Forgiveness: Steven highlights the importance of forgiveness, not just as a religious concept but as a practical tool for personal well-being. He shares how holding onto anger and resentment can manifest physically and emotionally, and how releasing these feelings through forgiveness can lead to a healthier, more peaceful life.

2. Value Community and Relationships: Steven discusses his journey from being isolated and angry to valuing community and relationships. He emphasises the significance of surrounding oneself with community because "that's where God does his best work".

3. Trust in God During Adversity: Steven's story illustrates the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges. He shares how trusting in God during difficult times, such as marital struggles and career changes, has led to personal and spiritual growth. His experience underscores how faith and God's grace can provide strength, direction, and the means to endure when facing adversity.

Welcome to this weeks episode of "What's the Story," in this episode host Matt Edmundson interviews Jonathan Lewis, President of Eastport Financial Group Incorporated, author of "Deep Water" and "More Than Money," and founder of Fathers for Fathers. Jonathan shares his faith journey, struggles, and the transformative power of Christianity in his life.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Transformative Power of Faith: Jonathan's faith journey highlights the significant transformation that true convictional Christianity can bring to a person's life. At 34, he experienced a pivotal moment of surrender to Christ, which profoundly impacted his approach to life, business, and relationships. His story emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plan and letting go of personal idols to experience genuine spiritual growth.
2. The Importance of Forgiveness: Forgiveness plays a central role in Jonathan's narrative. His decision to forgive his ex-wife and seek her forgiveness, despite the pain and difficulty, led to a profound sense of freedom and healing. This act of forgiveness not only improved his personal well-being but also demonstrated the power of following Christ's commands in bringing about reconciliation and personal peace.
3. Supporting and Empowering Men: Jonathan's initiative, Fathers for Fathers, addresses the critical issue of male despair and suicide, particularly among those estranged from their children or struggling with personal failures. The organization aims to support men through various means, including mentorship, immersive studies, and practical guidance. Jonathan's call to action for men to rise above victimhood and villainy, embrace their God-given identity, and take actionable steps toward personal and spiritual growth is a powerful message of hope and empowerment.

If this episode connected and you would like to find out more join us for our weekly Crowd Church livestream every Sunday at 6pm. God Bless.

Join us in this powerful episode of "What's The Story?" as host Sadaf Beynon sits down with Eunice Hill, a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to the strength of faith, resilience in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Eunice opens up about the significant loss she faced in her early life, her passionate dedication to missionary work, and the invaluable lessons she has learned about faith and forgiveness along the way.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Life and Loss: Eunice shares the impact of losing both her parents at a young age and how their deep faith provided a strong foundation for her own spiritual journey.
• Missionary Calling: Discover how Eunice's commitment to missionary work and education, particularly in Pakistan, was driven by a desire to support missionary kids separated from their parents.
• Challenges and Triumphs: Eunice recounts the difficulties she faced while living and working in a different culture, and how her faith helped her overcome these challenges.
• The Power of Forgiveness: Learn about Eunice's insights into the importance of forgiveness, both in seeking it and granting it, to prevent bitterness and promote healing.
• God's Timing and Goodness: Eunice reflects on how her understanding of God's timing and goodness has evolved through her life experiences and shaped her resilient spirit.

In this episode of "What's the Story," Anna Kettle sits down with Esther Stamp, a remarkable woman whose faith and resilience were put to the ultimate test when her husband, Darren, was falsely accused and arrested for a crime he did not commit. Esther's story is one of unwavering faith, community support, and finding joy amidst the darkest times. Join us as we delve into her journey of navigating this life-altering challenge while holding onto her faith and supporting her family.

Episode Highlights:

1. Faith Over Feelings: Esther shares how she chose to believe in God's goodness despite feeling distant from Him throughout the ordeal. She emphasizes the importance of clinging to theological truths over fleeting emotions.
2. Community Support: Discover how Esther's church family rallied around her, providing practical and emotional support that helped her navigate the challenging two-year period.
3. Finding Joy in Darkness: Despite the grim circumstances, Esther and her family found moments of joy and laughter. She discusses how they maintained a sense of normalcy and humor during this difficult time.
4. Navigating Public Scrutiny: Esther opens up about the challenges of dealing with public gossip and judgment while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her children.
5. Lessons Learned: Reflecting on the entire experience, Esther shares the invaluable lessons she learned about faith, resilience, and the power of community.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that explores the depths of faith and the strength of the human spirit. Whether you're facing your own trials or looking for a story of hope and resilience, this episode is sure to resonate with you.

Connect with Us:

Website: What’s The Story Podcast

Crowd Church: Crowd Church

In this episode of "What's The Story Podcast," host Sadaf Beynon sits down with John Boyle, who shares his incredible journey of overcoming a traumatic childhood, battling PTSD and alcoholism, and ultimately finding hope and redemption through faith in God. John’s candid and raw account provides deep insights into the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith and support.

Episode Highlights:

1. John’s Early Life: Growing up in a violent home in West Virginia and its profound impact on his mental health.
2. Struggles with PTSD and Alcoholism: How John coped with his PTSD through alcohol and the eventual realisation of his dependency.
3. Turning Point: The moment John decided to ask God for help and began his journey toward sobriety and healing.
4. The Role of Faith: How returning to church and developing a relationship with God provided John the strength to overcome his addiction and manage PTSD.
5. Life After Recovery: John’s continued efforts to help others by sharing his story, writing his memoir "Appalachian Kid," and volunteering to support those struggling with similar issues.

Join us as we get into John Boyle’s raw and inspiring story, illustrating that no matter the adversity, there is always a path to recovery and hope. Be sure to listen, subscribe, and leave a review.

Connect with Us:

• Website: What’s The Story Podcast
• John's Book: Appalachian Kid: How Hope Changed Everything
• Social Media: LinkedIn - John P Boyle
• Crowd Church: Crowd Church

Don’t miss this riveting episode filled with resilience, hope, and the power of faith. Listen now to "What's The Story Podcast" and be inspired by John Boyle’s journey of surviving a violent childhood and overcoming life's toughest challenges.