Words of Life: Weekly Christian Podcast with Testimonies & Teachings from the Salvation Army

Salvation Army Soundcast
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

WORDS OF LIFE is a 15-minute, weekly show from The Salvation Army. It features interviews and powerful testimonies, engaging conversations about topics impacting the church today, and deep dive Bible studies. The show is available on your favorite podcast store and is airing on more than 200 radio stations around the world.

  1. Can Christians Struggle with Mental Health?

    1d ago

    Can Christians Struggle with Mental Health?

    Mental health struggles affect people from every walk of life, including pastors, ministry leaders, and faithful followers of Christ. Yet many Christians still wrestle with the misconception that strong faith should eliminate emotional pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, or suffering. In this episode of Words of Life, our Biblical Justice Roundtable continues with an honest and hope-filled conversation about mental health, shame, vulnerability, counseling, and the vital role the Church can play in creating safe places for healing. Host Chris Benjamin is joined by Dr. Ian Mudge, Major Sandra Pawar, Hilary DeJarnett, and Sheena Evans as they explore why so many people hide their struggles, how shame thrives in isolation, and why healing often begins when we share our stories within trusted community.   DIAL 988 for the emotional crisis line The Salvation Army Pathway of HopePathway of Hope Freedom Collective Anti-human traffickingAnti-Human Trafficking Resources National Human Trafficking Hotline888-373-7888 Therapist Finder Recommended Reading: Biblical Justice The Good News About Injustice – Gary Haugen Generous Justice – Timothy Keller Poverty & Pathway of Hope Bridges Out of Poverty – Ruby K. Payne, Philip DeVol, and Terie Dreussi Smith When Helping Hurts – Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert Human Trafficking Girls Like Us – Rachel Lloyd The Locust Effect – Gary Haugen & Victor Boutros Ending Slavery – Kevin Bales Mental Health, Trauma & Recovery The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk Refugees & Welcoming the Stranger More Than Just a Refugee – Sandra Pawar Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min
  2. Walking With the Broken: A Christian Response to Human Need

    Jun 24

    Walking With the Broken: A Christian Response to Human Need

    What does Biblical Justice really mean? How should followers of Jesus respond to some of the most difficult challenges facing our communities today? In this special roundtable episode of Words of Life, host Chris Benjamin is joined by Dr. Ian Mudge, Major Sandra Pawar, Hilary DeJarnett, and Sheena Evans. Together, they begin a thoughtful series exploring topics such as mental health, addiction recovery, homelessness, poverty, refugee care, human trafficking, trauma-informed ministry, and Christian compassion. Rather than approaching these issues through politics or opinion, this conversation focuses on Scripture and God's heart for people. Our guests share their personal faith journeys, ministry experiences, and the calling that led them to serve those facing some of life's greatest challenges. The Salvation Army Pathway of HopePathway of Hope Freedom Collective Anti-human traffickingAnti-Human Trafficking Resources National Human Trafficking Hotline888-373-7888 Therapist Finder Recommended Reading: Biblical Justice The Good News About Injustice – Gary Haugen Generous Justice – Timothy Keller Poverty & Pathway of Hope Bridges Out of Poverty – Ruby K. Payne, Philip DeVol, and Terie Dreussi Smith When Helping Hurts – Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert Human Trafficking Girls Like Us – Rachel Lloyd The Locust Effect – Gary Haugen & Victor Boutros Ending Slavery – Kevin Bales Mental Health, Trauma & Recovery The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk Refugees & Welcoming the Stranger More Than Just a Refugee – Sandra Pawar Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min
  3. The Hidden Cost of Caring for Others

    Jun 17

    The Hidden Cost of Caring for Others

    What does it cost to care for others in the middle of crisis? In this powerful episode of Words of Life, we hear from Bobbi Geery of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services as he shares the unseen emotional, physical, and spiritual weight carried by disaster relief workers. As our upcoming Biblical Justice roundtable series approaches, this conversation sets the stage by asking an important question: Who cares for the caretakers? Bobbi gives listeners a behind the scenes look at disaster response operations during major hurricanes and emergencies, coordinating personnel, deploying canteens, troubleshooting nonstop crises, and supporting teams working around the clock. But beyond the logistics, this episode explores the human side of disaster ministry: exhaustion, adrenaline, decision fatigue, missed family moments, and the emotional toll of constantly serving others in times of devastation. If you would like to learn more about The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services, check out these previous Words of Life episodes:The History of Disaster Response Recent Disaster Responses How Does The Salvation Army Respond to a Disaster? Survivors and Recovery https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min

  4. Jun 10

    Sharing the Gospel Inside Prison Walls

    What happens when the Church chooses to see people not by their worst mistake, but through the lens of grace? In this episode of Words of Life, we continue our conversation with Barry Brown, Divisional Director of Correctional Ministries for Texas with The Salvation Army. Barry challenges common misconceptions surrounding incarceration and shares how authentic Christian presence can bring hope, dignity, and transformation to people both inside correctional facilities and beyond. Barry speaks candidly about the assumptions many people make about incarcerated individuals, that everyone is beyond redemption, guilty without question, or spiritually disconnected. Through years of ministry experience, he offers a different perspective rooted in compassion, humility, and the Gospel. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Misconceptions we often have about incarcerated individuals Why “guilt by association” and quick judgment can be dangerous The growing impact of digital discipleship and prison outreach through the Edovo platform How Words of Life and Salvation Army resources are reaching people inside correctional facilities Powerful stories of transformation through consistent Bible reading and pastoral care One of the most moving moments in this conversation is Barry’s story of a man on death row whose simple act of reading Scripture with another inmate created a ripple effect of faith and discipleship that continues years later, even leading to Bible study conversations over the phone with his elderly mother. This episode is a reminder that no life is beyond God’s reach and no person is without value. Whether someone is incarcerated, serving as correctional staff, or trying to rebuild life after prison, the Church has an opportunity to reflect the love and hope of Christ. https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min

  5. Jun 3

    Bringing Hope Behind Prison Walls

    In this powerful episode of Words of Life, we sit down with Barry Brown, the Divisional Director of Correctional Ministries for Texas with The Salvation Army. Drawing from nearly three decades of ministry inside correctional facilities, Barry shares how God transformed his own life and called him to serve incarcerated individuals, correctional staff, and families impacted by incarceration. Barry opens up about his personal faith journey from walking away from church as a teenager to rediscovering God’s purpose for his life after the death of his father. He explains how that experience ignited a passion to bring hope into some of the darkest places in society. Throughout this conversation, we explore: Why prison ministry is one of the most overlooked mission fields today The importance of ministering not only to inmates, but also to correctional officers and prison staff Biblical foundations for prison ministry found in Matthew 25, Hebrews 13, Isaiah, and the life of Jesus The power of “the ministry of presence” through consistency, authenticity, and compassion How churches can help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities Why acceptance, second chances, and genuine relationships matter in Christian ministry Barry reminds us that no one is forgotten by God, not those behind bars, not their families, and not those working within the correctional system every day. If you’ve ever wondered how the Church can better love its neighbors and reflect the heart of Christ, this episode will challenge and inspire you. https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min

  6. May 27

    Beyond Sunday: Activating Your Church in the Community

    In this episode of Words of Life, we conclude our series on Community Engagement with a special focus on church leadership and community engagement. Joined by Major Paul Ryerson, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in Central Oklahoma, this conversation is a practical and inspiring guide for pastors, ministry leaders, and church teams who want to make a real difference beyond the walls of their church. Major Ryerson shares what it means to be a “shepherd to shepherds,” equipping pastors to lead with vision, purpose, and outward focus. He challenges leaders to rethink how ministries are formed, not based on assumptions, but on real community needs discovered through relationships and data. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Church leaders set the tone: A community-focused pastor cultivates a mission-minded congregation. Don’t guess, engage: Effective ministry begins by listening to your community, not brainstorming in isolation. Go where people already are: Build relationships through local organizations like civic groups, chambers of commerce, and leadership programs. Start with listening: Meet with church leaders, learn the existing vision, and identify opportunities to serve both inside and outside the church. Collaboration creates impact: Partnerships with local leaders, law enforcement, and public services can uncover and meet real needs. Real-world example: Hear how a simple connection led to a mobile food program and ultimately helped children access vaccinations and return to school. It’s never too late to start: Whether you’re new in leadership or rethinking your approach, meaningful community engagement can begin today.   https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min

  7. May 20

    Rethinking How We Share the Gospel- Author, Preston Fidler

    In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with author Preston Fiddler ( 1000 Cups of Tea ), we continue exploring what it means to share the gospel through authentic relationships, not agendas. Too often, Christians can unintentionally treat people like projects. But what if evangelism started with genuine love instead? In this episode, we unpack a transformational mindset: we don’t love people to convert them, we love people because we’ve been converted. Preston shares practical wisdom on how to build meaningful, cross-cultural relationships rooted in compassion, listening, and patience. You’ll hear how simple moments like sharing your personal testimony or offering to pray for someone can open doors for God to move in powerful ways. Whether you’re an introvert, new to sharing your faith, or someone longing to connect more deeply with your neighbors, this episode will encourage and equip you to take simple, faithful steps. https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife https://www.language180.com/books   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min

  8. May 13

    Author, Preston Fidler- 1,000 Cups of Tea

    What if sharing the gospel wasn’t about having all the right words, but about building real relationships? In this episode of Words of Life, we’re joined by author and missionary Preston Fidler, whose book 1000 Cups of Tea has helped inspire this series on community engagement and neighboring well. Drawing from decades of cross-cultural ministry experience, Preston shares how meaningful relationships, not methods, are at the heart of effective, Christ-centered outreach. Preston’s journey began with a simple but profound realization: the gospel is best shared through conversation, not scripts. From a memorable moment struggling to communicate in a taxi overseas to years of ministry in Asia and Central Asia, he discovered that true connection happens when we listen, engage, and meet people where they are. This episode also challenges a common misconception about evangelism. Sharing your faith isn’t just for pastors or missionaries, it’s for every believer. You don’t need to travel across the world to live on mission. It starts right where you are, with your neighbors, your community, and the people you encounter every day. https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Learn more about Preston's ministry here https://www.language180.com/books   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 min
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WORDS OF LIFE is a 15-minute, weekly show from The Salvation Army. It features interviews and powerful testimonies, engaging conversations about topics impacting the church today, and deep dive Bible studies. The show is available on your favorite podcast store and is airing on more than 200 radio stations around the world.

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