Beyond The Pulpit

Life Church, Lead Pastors Jon and Andrea Schwartz & Friends

BEYOND THE PULPIT is a podcast hosted by Lead Pastors Jon and Andrea Schwartz of Life Church in Lehigh Valley, Berks County, PA and beyond. Join us for honest, engaging conversations that go deeper than Sunday mornings. Through real stories, church updates, and meaningful discussions, we’re here to help you love God, love people, and do something with your faith. Whether you’re part of the Life Church family or just exploring, there’s something for everyone. Let’s go beyond the pulpit together! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12/08/2025

    S4 EP8: Exponential Reach: Global Faith in Action

    Guests: Jon & Jenn Barratt Hosts: Pastor Jon Schwartz & Pastor Andrea Schwartz Release Date: December 8, 2025 Episode Summary How far can one act of faith go? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jon and Jenn Barratt from Project Rescue: a global ministry focused on restoring hope to survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Together, we explore how exponential reach begins with surrendered hearts, and how partnerships in prayer, giving, and mission create real-world impact that stretches across borders, generations, and destinies. Guest Bios Jon and Jenn Barratt serve with Project Rescue, a ministry dedicated to rescuing and restoring survivors of sexual exploitation. Jenn, a former registered nurse with a B.S. in Nursing from Evangel University, joined Project Rescue after nine years in healthcare and became Executive Director in 2022. Jon, whose early career included professional sports, began serving with Project Rescue in 2010 and now leads as CEO of the Project Rescue Foundation, strengthening global initiatives and long-term impact. Together, they are passionate about bringing hope, healing, and restoration to vulnerable communities, and they share this mission alongside their two daughters, Gemma and Madison. Resources & Mentions – Jenn’s Instagram – Jon’s Instagram – Project Rescue Website – Project Rescue Instagram – Life Church Vision Message — Beyond the Pulpit is a podcast hosted by Life Church. To learn more about Life Church, visit lifechurchusa.org or follow us online: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  2. 11/10/2025

    S4 EP6: GO: Hearing God’s Voice for 2026

    Hosts: Pastor Jon Schwartz & Pastor Andrea Schwartz Release Date: November 10, 2025 Episode Summary Each year, God gives us a prophetic word to guide Life Church into a new season of mission. In this episode, Pastor Andrea sits down with Pastor Jon to reflect on the fresh word God has spoken for 2026: GO. This is not just a word, it's a directive. Building on the journey from strengthening to reengineering to exponential growth, 2026 is the year of obedient activation. It’s about going and making disciples, locally and globally, in our homes and neighborhoods, in worship and in witness. If you’ve been sensing a shift in your spirit, this conversation will clarify what’s next and challenge you to walk in obedience to the Great Commission, right where you are. Guest Bio Pastors Jon and Andrea Schwartz lead Life Church with a deep commitment to transforming lives through the gospel. Jon, originally from Brooklyn, NY, combines his diverse heritage with a passion for ministry, transitioning from a career in Accounting and Finance to full-time ministry. Andrea, rooted in the Lehigh Valley, applies her expertise in psychology and school counseling as the Executive Pastor of Next Gen ministries. Together, they embody a vision of healing and wholeness through God’s word. Alongside their three daughters—Anabelle, Charlotte, and Stella—they are dedicated to making Life Church a beacon of hope and life, believing that the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are our sources of healing, hope, and love. Resources & Mentions Jon Schwartz InstagramAndrea Schwartz InstagramVision Sunday Video— Beyond the Pulpit is a podcast hosted by Life Church. To learn more about Life Church, visit lifechurchusa.org or follow us online: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  3. 10/13/2025

    S4 EP4: Exponential Worship: Living a Life of Praise Beyond Sundays

    Episode 4: Exponential Worship – Living a Life of Praise Beyond SundaysGuests: Pastor Maribel Landis & Reverend Kyle George Hosts: Pastor Jon Schwartz & Pastor Andrea Schwartz Release Date: October 13, 2025 Episode Summary Worship isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are. This episode unpacks what it means to live a lifestyle of worship beyond the Sunday experience. With guests Pastor Maribel and worship leader Rev Kyle George, we explore how praise, posture, and presence lead to exponential spiritual growth and carry God's presence into every space we enter. Guest Bios Pastor Maribel Estrella-Landis, MWS is the co-founding pastor and Executive Pastor of Worship of Life Church, having served in full-time ministry for over 35 years with her husband. She holds a Master of Worship Studies degree from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies and has dedicated her life to equipping pastors, leaders, and youth across generations. As the founder of lifeSOW (Life Church School of Worship), Pastor Maribel has developed a dynamic discipleship and leadership program designed to raise up worshippers who serve with integrity, excellence, and a Christ-centered heart. Her ministry emphasizes keeping Jesus at the center of worship—offering heart, life, and skill fully to Him. Known for her biblical teaching, authentic leadership, and passion for the Kingdom of God, Pastor Maribel continues to empower and inspire others, leaving a lasting impact both locally and globally. In addition to her pastoral work, she is also a Registered Nurse and has served as a bilingual Oncology Nurse Educator, reflecting her lifelong commitment to care, compassion, and service.  Reverend Kyle George serves as the Worship Director of Life Church, overseeing worship teams across seven locations. With over a decade of experience in worship ministry, he is passionate about leading people into the presence of God and raising up strong worship leaders. He is committed to bringing a level of excellence and discipleship to every team he leads. Rev. Kyle is a devoted husband to Chloe and proud father of their two young sons. Resources & Mentions Pastor Maribel Landis InstagramRev. Kyle George InstagramLife Church Next Steps Beyond the Pulpit is a podcast hosted by Life Church. To learn more about Life Church, visit lifechurchusa.org or follow us online: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  4. 09/29/2025

    S4 EP3: Called to More: The Journey from Comfortable to Commissioned

    Episode 3: Called to More – The Journey from Comfortable to Commissioned Hosts: Pastor Jon Schwartz & Pastor Andrea Schwartz Release Date: September 29, 2025 Episode Summary God’s call on your life will often stretch you beyond what’s comfortable, and that’s where growth begins. In this candid episode, Pastors Jon and Andrea share personal stories of surrender, obedience, and leadership that required big faith. If you’ve ever felt the tension between staying safe and stepping into more, this conversation will stir your spirit to follow God with renewed courage and clarity. Hosts Bio Pastors Jon and Andrea Schwartz lead Life Church with a deep commitment to transforming lives through the gospel. Jon, originally from Brooklyn, NY, combines his diverse heritage with a passion for ministry, transitioning from a career in Accounting and Finance to full-time ministry. Andrea, rooted in the Lehigh Valley, applies her expertise in psychology and school counseling as the Executive Pastor of Next Gen ministries. Together, they embody a vision of healing and wholeness through God’s word. Alongside their three daughters—Anabelle, Charlotte, and Stella—they are dedicated to making Life Church a beacon of hope and life, believing that the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are our sources of healing, hope, and love. Resources & Mentions Jon Schwartz InstagramAndrea Schwartz InstagramDISC Personality TestEnneagram Personality TestMyers-Briggs Personality TestRebekah Lyons - Beyond the PulpitRebekah Lyons - Rhythms of RenewalCompassion International Beyond the Pulpit is a podcast hosted by Life Church. To learn more about Life Church, visit lifechurchusa.org or follow us online: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  5. 09/01/2025

    S4 EP1: Grace that Multiplies: The Ripple Effect of Freedom

    Episode 1: Grace that Multiplies – The Ripple Effect of FreedomGuests: Pastor Chris Durso Hosts: Pastor Jon Schwartz Release Date: September 1, 2025 Episode Summary What happens when grace meets our brokenness and calls us to freedom? In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Chris Durso to talk about how God's unearned grace doesn’t just save—it multiplies. From reclaiming joy and identity to walking in purpose, this conversation explores how receiving grace unlocks exponential freedom that impacts families, communities, and future generations. Guest Bio Pastor Chris Durso is the Lead Pastor of Good Company Church and founder of the SoHo Bible Study in New York City. He also serves as the Chaplain for the Brooklyn Nets, bringing spiritual support and leadership to the NBA community. A globally respected communicator and bestselling author (Misfit and The Heist), Chris has spent over two decades building the local church and inspiring others to live lives marked by grace and purpose. Above all, he’s a devoted husband to Yahris and proud dad to Dylan and Chloe. Resources & Mentions Chris Durso WebsiteChris Durso InstagramGood Company ChurchSoHo Bible StudyThe Heist – Book by Chris DursoStay the Course – Book by Chris DursoThe Wounded Healer - Book by Henri Nouwen Beyond the Pulpit is a podcast hosted by Life Church. To learn more about Life Church, visit lifechurchusa.org or follow us online: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
4.6
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

BEYOND THE PULPIT is a podcast hosted by Lead Pastors Jon and Andrea Schwartz of Life Church in Lehigh Valley, Berks County, PA and beyond. Join us for honest, engaging conversations that go deeper than Sunday mornings. Through real stories, church updates, and meaningful discussions, we’re here to help you love God, love people, and do something with your faith. Whether you’re part of the Life Church family or just exploring, there’s something for everyone. Let’s go beyond the pulpit together! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.