In this episode of the pod, we sit down with Pastor John Padula, Outreach Pastor at The Altar Church in Coeur d’Alene, for a real and hope‑filled conversation about how Jesus changes lives. John shares his personal story—where he came from, how he encountered Christ, and what led him into a life of ministry and outreach. Along the way, they talk about faith, recovery, discipleship, and why following Jesus isn’t about having it all together, but about being honest, dependent, and transformed over time. Whether you’re curious about faith, walking through your own struggles, or simply wanting to hear what authentic Christianity looks like lived out, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and hope. Be Bold For Jesus Conference 2026 ✝️ https://bebold4jesus.org/spokane/ ✌️ Stay Connected with Be Bold For Jesus ✌️ https://bebold4jesus.org Instagram: @bebold4jesusministries 📍 The Altar Church – Coeur d’Alene https://altarcda.com 🇺🇸 Get To Know John 🇺🇸 https://padula4commissioner.com/about/ www.facebook.com/p/Padula-4-Commissioner-61555534364681/ 🏠 Our Sponsors 🏠 https://aphbuyshomes.com https://cogocapital.com/ https://patriotmobile.com/bb4j 🎥 Chapters 🎥 (0:00) – Welcome & Episode Introduction Setting the heart of the conversation and introducing Pastor John Padula. (0:40) – Meet John Padula Outreach Pastor at The Altar Church and longtime servant in the community. (2:05) – Why Run for Local Office? John shares his heart for integrity, local values, and serving his county. (4:30) – Outreach as a Lifestyle Street ministry, evangelism, and meeting people where they are. (6:20) – Ministry Beyond the Pulpit Seattle, Spokane, addiction recovery, and loving the lost without conditions. (8:45) – The Altar Church & Community Outreach Local and global missions, rehabilitation programs, and discipleship. (9:30) – John’s Testimony Begins From addiction, incarceration, and brokenness to encountering Jesus. (10:45) – Hearing the Gospel for the First Time A moment that changed everything. (12:30) – What Salvation Actually Did New life, peace, joy, and true transformation. (14:00) – Christ vs. Religion Why behavior modification isn’t the gospel. (15:50) – Identity in Christ What it means to be a new creation. (17:00) – Wholeness Only Jesus Brings Why true recovery starts with Christ. (18:30) – Sanctification & Spiritual Growth Learning to walk, growing through failure, and maturing in faith. (20:00) – “Am I Too Far Gone?” Hope for anyone who feels beyond saving. (21:20) – A Butterfly, Not a Better Caterpillar Understanding real transformation. (23:00) – Accountability & Spiritual Fathers Why honesty and discipleship matter. (25:00) – Using Your Story for God’s Glory Redemption without shame. (28:30) – Grounded in Scripture Walking through key biblical passages on new life. (31:00) – Grace, Sin & the Modern Church A clear call to authentic repentance and faith. (33:00) – Dying to Self Why Christianity is Christ living through us. (35:30) – How to Connect with Pastor John & The Altar Church (37:10) – Election Info, Final Encouragement & Podcast Sign‑Off