The Missional Life Podcast

The Missional Life
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The Missional Life Podcast is the premier podcast for those wanting to impact the world and ‘Live The Mission’ of God in their lives. Featuring resources, tools, tips and inspiring guest interviews with some of the most dynamic leaders, ‘The Missional Life Podcast’ is for world changers!

  1. 3d ago

    What the Persecuted Church Can Teach Us About Courageous Faith with Ryan Brown

    How can Christians stand with believers who follow Jesus at great cost—and what can their faith teach us? Ryan Brown of Open Doors US joins The Missional Life Podcast to share the story of Brother Andrew, the ministry’s work alongside persecuted Christians, and the prayer requests believers under pressure are actually making. Rather than asking only to escape hardship, many pray for courage to remain faithful witnesses in the middle of it. Ryan explains why the persecuted church is not merely a group to rescue but a gift to the whole body of Christ, modeling an eternal perspective and a faith that shapes culture instead of being shaped by it. The conversation also explores comfort, compassion fatigue, Sabbath, and the danger of believing God’s work depends entirely on our relentless effort. This episode will expand your view of the global church and give you a practical first step: pray with believers in the places where following Jesus is most costly. About the GuestRyan Brown serves with Open Doors US, a global Christian ministry supporting believers who face persecution and discrimination for their faith. His work helps Christians understand the persecuted Church, pray with greater purpose, and stand alongside believers following Jesus at great personal cost. Why ListenUnderstand why Open Doors prays with the persecuted church, not merely for it.Learn what believers under pressure most often request from the global church.Receive a challenging perspective on comfort, courage, and consumer Christianity.See why persecuted believers are a gift and example to Christians everywhere.Discover a sustainable theology of mission that includes prayer, rest, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Big TakeawaysThe most faithful support begins by listening to what local believers say they need.Many persecuted Christians ask not simply for hardship to end, but for courage to remain faithful witnesses.The global church is one body; persecuted believers offer Western Christians needed examples of eternal perspective and costly obedience.Comfort is a gift to receive gratefully and then extend to others.Prayer is active participation in spiritual struggle, not a ceremonial final step.Relentless overwork can hide the false belief that God’s mission depends entirely on us; Sabbath restores dependence on Him. Missional ChallengeChoose one country from the current Open Doors World Watch List. Pray for that nation for seven days using the requests supplied by local believers. Share one story with your family, small group, or church, and ask: “How can we pray with our brothers and sisters rather than only feel sorry for them?” Let prayer lead to one concrete act of generosity, advocacy, or encouragement. Suggested Chapters00:17 — Meet Ryan Brown and Open Doors US00:58 — From Brother Andrew’s Bible smuggling to global ministry03:50 — Supporting churches where pressure is greatest07:22 — Isolation, North Korea, and prayers that cross borders10:06 — The purpose of the World Watch List12:58 — What persecuted Christians ask us to pray15:47 — The eternal perspective that sustains faith18:49 — Why the persecuted church is a gift to us22:02 — Comfort, cultural discipleship, and spiritual wakefulness26:12 — The church under pressure in sub-Saharan Africa33:57 — Contextual support: discipleship, trauma care, and livelihood41:13 — Compassion fatigue, Sabbath, and dependence on God46:33 — Prayer is the frontline LinksOpen Doors US: https://www.opendoorsus.org/ World Watch List: https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/persecution/countries/ Hashtags#TheMissionalLife #OpenDoors #PersecutedChurch #PrayForThePersecuted #WorldWatchList #GlobalChurch #ChristianMissions #FaithUnderPressure #LiveTheMission #ChristianPodcast

    What the Persecuted Church Can Teach Us About Courageous Faith with Ryan Brown

  2. Sep 7

    The Internet Is the Mission Field: Jamie Radtke on Reaching the Unreachable

    What if the greatest mission field in history isn't a remote jungle or a war-torn country — it's the screen in your pocket? Jamie Radtke, CEO and President of ExploreGod, shares how her organization has gone from sharing the gospel 400,000 times a day to over one million times every 24 hours through digital discipleship. You'll discover how a vision born before smartphones became a movement that reaches into Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria — places traditional missionaries simply cannot go. This conversation will open your eyes to the breathtaking scope of what God is doing on the internet right now, and why the harvest is far bigger than most Christians realize. ## About the Guest Jamie Radtke is the CEO and President of ExploreGod (formerly Global Media Outreach), a global digital discipleship ministry that has been harnessing the power of the internet to share the gospel for more than twenty-three years. Under her leadership, ExploreGod now shares the gospel over one million times every single day, with thousands of seekers entering discipleship conversations through a worldwide network of online missionaries. Jamie brings a combination of strategic vision and pastoral heart to a movement that is reaching into some of the world's most spiritually inaccessible places — one digital conversation at a time. --- ## Reasons to Listen 1. **The Mission Field Has Moved.** If you've ever felt the call to reach the world but weren't sure where you fit, Jamie reframes the Great Commission in a way that is both spiritually grounding and practically relevant to where most people actually spend their time today. 2. **Real Stories, Real Faith.** From a man in Mauritius who surrendered his life to Christ after a divorce, to a former Muslim who now shares the gospel with thousands of other Muslims online, this episode is filled with first-hand accounts of God's unmistakable work in the digital harvest. 3. **A Clear On-Ramp to Join the Mission.** Jamie walks through exactly what it looks like to become an online missionary — the training, the time commitment, and the joy of it — so listeners leave with a concrete next step, not just inspiration. --- ## Big Takeaways 1. **The Internet Is a Mission Field.** The most effective missionaries today go where people already are, and billions of people worldwide are spending six to twelve hours a day online — making digital evangelism not an alternative to missions but the frontier of it. 2. **Discipleship, Not Just Decisions.** ExploreGod has learned that moving someone from an online gospel presentation to a thriving local faith community takes far longer than most assume, which is why genuine discipleship — walking with a new believer through prayer, Scripture, baptism, and community — is at the heart of their model. 3. **Anonymity Creates Openness.** The digital screen removes the tribal, racial, and cultural barriers that often slow in-person witness, allowing seekers to share vulnerably and honestly with an online missionary in ways they might never risk face-to-face. 4. **Anyone Can Be a Missionary.** Whether you're a retired grandmother in her living room, a stay-at-home mom between nap times, or a twenty-year-old digital native in Nairobi, ExploreGod has a place for you in the harvest — and the training to get you started. 5. **The Harvest Is Accelerating.** In the last five years alone, the pace of gospel response has more than doubled — contact volume has grown from 2,000–4,000 seekers per day to 8,000–10,000 — and Jamie describes it in unmistakable terms: God is doing something extraordinary right now, and the need for more laborers has never been more urgent. --- ## Missional Challenges 1. **Pray for the Digital Harvest This Week.** Set a daily phone alarm for one minute each morning this week, and use that minute to pray specifically for the people around the world who will scroll across a gospel ad today — ask God to open their hearts, connect them to an online missionary, and bring them into lasting faith. 2. **Explore Becoming an Online Missionary.** Visit exploregod.com/volunteer and prayerfully read through what volunteering looks like; consider whether you can commit five hours a week to walking with a seeker somewhere in the world, and take one step forward in the application process by the end of this week. 3. **Share This Episode With One Person in Your Church.** Think of a friend, a small group leader, or a pastor who has a heart for global mission but doesn't know yet that the frontier has moved online; send them this episode with a personal note about the story that moved you most, and invite them to explore how your church could partner with or pray for ExploreGod. --- ## Chapters - **0:12** — Introduction - **1:01** — How the Mission Field Has Changed - **4:27** — Go Where the Fish Are - **6:00** — Where the Gospel Is Spreading - **9:22** — How the Digital Ministry Works - **14:25** — Removing Barriers - **16:00** — After a Decision for Christ - **20:25** — Digital + In-Person - **22:25** — Discipleship, Not Just Decisions - **24:25** — Who Can Be an Online Missionary? - **27:05** — Churches and Digital Mission - **30:55** — Transformation Stories - **35:11** — Transcending Borders - **38:07** — ROI of Digital Missions - **40:00** — Becoming an Online Missionary - **42:40** — What Draws People to the Gospel - **46:00** — What Gives Jamie Hope - **47:23** — Fun Questions - **49:55** — Connect and Partner --- ## Guest Website & Social Media **ExploreGod** - ExploreGod Website: - Volunteer with ExploreGod: - ExploreGod Instagram: - ExploreGod Facebook: #themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #exploregod #digitalevangelism #onlinemissions #greatcommission #digitaldiscipleship #missionfield #JamieRadtke #christianpodcast

    The Internet Is the Mission Field: Jamie Radtke on Reaching the Unreachable

  3. Aug 31

    The Way of the Ox: Faith Through Adversity with Dr. David Stine

    ***************************************************************** We experienced a few audio challenges while recording this episode, but the conversation was simply too valuable not to share—thank you for listening with a little extra grace. ***************************************************************** The Way of the Ox: Endurance That Thrives in the Storm Hard seasons can make us question our calling, our strength, and even God’s nearness. Dr. David Stine offers a different response: face the storm with honest faith, receive God’s grace, and keep moving one step at a time. Through the vivid metaphor at the heart of his new book, "The Way of the Ox: Endurance to Thrive in the Storms of Life", David shows how pressure can develop spiritual strength rather than simply deplete it. His testimony of navigating cancer reveals what these principles look like when suffering becomes deeply personal. You’ll gain practical insight for discerning whether to persevere, slow down, finish well, or let go of an assignment. This hope-filled conversation will equip you to walk through adversity without denying the pain or abandoning the purpose God is forming in you. About the GuestDr. David Stine is an author, leadership coach, strategist, consultant, and the president and founder of Advance Partners, where he helps churches and nonprofit organizations strengthen donor development, leadership, fundraising, and storytelling. He previously served as chief executive officer of Bethel Media, the media and business arm of Bethel Church in Redding, California, and was the founding pastor of Metro Church in Washington, D.C., which grew to approximately 6,000 people across three campuses during his leadership. Dr. Stine holds both master’s and doctoral degrees in Practical Theology and Leadership. He is the author of The Way of the Ox, Hearing from God, and The Whole Life, bringing together pastoral experience, organizational strategy, and hard-won lessons about resilient faith. Reasons to Listen 1. Strength for Hard Seasons: David offers a memorable biblical picture for facing winter instead of spending your life running from it. 2. Grit and Grace: Learn how steady obedience and God’s sustaining grace work together one step at a time. 3. Wisdom for Leaders: Discover how to discern whether God is asking you to persevere, simplify, finish, or release something that once mattered. Big Takeaways 1. Face the Winter: Difficulty is not always a detour. Ask what God may be forming in you as you move faithfully through it. 2. Take the Next Step: You do not need the entire path today. Put one foot forward and trust God to restore your balance. 3. Remember His Faithfulness: Build a record of what God has already done; yesterday’s faithfulness strengthens tomorrow’s courage. 4. Grit Needs Grace: Endurance is not self-powered striving. Receive God’s strength as you practice faithful obedience. 5. Release the Old: Starting something new may require finishing or laying down an old assignment. Prayerfully simplify before adding more. Missional Challenges 1. Name Your Winter: Identify the difficult season you have been avoiding and ask God what faithful movement looks like within it. 2. Take One Step: Choose the smallest clear act of obedience available to you and complete it within 48 hours. 3. Finish Before Starting: Review your commitments and prayerfully close, delegate, or release one thing before beginning another. Chapters 00:12 — Welcome and The Way of the Ox 03:00 — Why We Want Instant Deliverance 07:00 — What the Musk Ox Teaches About Adversity 10:00 — Qiviut: What Grows in the Cold 14:00 — Faith Refined Like Gold 17:00 — A Cancer Story and Faith Through Suffering 23:00 — Finding God’s Next Step 27:00 — Remembering What God Has Done 31:00 — Grit, Grace, and Moving Forward 35:00 — The Trap of Endless Striving 39:00 — When God Is Doing a New Thing 44:00 — Finishing Well Before Starting Again 49:00 — Slow Down, Scripture, and Final Questions Guest Website and Social Media Advance Partners: https://www.advancepartners.org/ Author website: https://davidstine.com/ The Way of the Ox: https://www.whitakerhouse.com/product/way-of-the-ox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidistine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidistine #themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #Jesus #DavidStine #TheWayOfTheOx #ChristianLeadership #ResilientFaith #Purpose #FaithInHardTimes #ChristianPodcast

    The Way of the Ox: Faith Through Adversity with Dr. David Stine

  4. Aug 24

    Gen Z Revival: Turning Passion Into Kingdom Impact with Abby Ralph

    What if Gen Z could become one of the most influential generations for the gospel? Abby Ralph of 1630 shares why she sees tremendous spiritual potential in young adults and how Christians can help turn that passion into lifelong discipleship and leadership. You’ll hear why Scripture, community, mentorship, civic engagement, and courageous faith matter in a culture filled with competing voices. Abby also shares encouraging stories from 1630 gatherings and young adults discovering that God can use them right where they are. This episode will inspire you to stop sitting on the sidelines and start investing in the next generation. About the GuestAbby Ralph serves as the Young Adult Director for 1630, the young-adult initiative of Christians Engaged, focused on equipping ages 16–30 in discipleship, leadership, biblical worldview, and civic engagement. Abby earned degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Arkansas and previously worked for the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her passion is helping the next generation follow Jesus, understand their calling, and become leaders who influence their communities for the Kingdom of God. Reasons to ListenDisciple Gen Z — Discover practical ways parents, pastors, mentors, and everyday Christians can build authentic relationships with young adults instead of assuming discipleship requires a complicated program.Stand on Truth — Learn why Scripture, biblical literacy, Christian community, and discernment are essential for navigating social media, AI, cultural pressure, and competing worldviews.Turn Faith Into Action — Abby challenges believers to move beyond passive Christianity and recognize that God can use ordinary acts of courage, leadership, mentorship, and civic involvement for Kingdom impact. Big TakeawaysReturn to Scripture — The loudest voice in your life shouldn’t be an algorithm. Regularly read Scripture so you can recognize biblical truth and evaluate the messages competing for your attention.Discipleship Can Be Simple — Mentoring someone doesn’t always require a curriculum. Invite a younger believer to coffee, dinner, a game night, or simply into your everyday life and allow genuine relationships to create opportunities for spiritual growth.Choose Community — Digital connection cannot completely replace Christian fellowship. Intentionally build relationships with believers who will encourage you, challenge you, pray with you, and keep pointing you toward Christ.Courage Needs Christ — Boldness alone isn’t enough. Christian courage should be directed by the Lord so believers know not only what truth to speak, but when and how to speak it with both conviction and grace.Get Off the Sidelines — Apathy convinces us that one person cannot make a difference. Instead, prayerfully identify the sphere God has given you—your family, church, workplace, school, community, or government—and faithfully begin serving there. Missional ChallengesInvite Someone In — Identify one younger Christian you can intentionally encourage this week. Invite them to coffee, a meal, or an activity and focus first on listening, building relationship, and learning where they need encouragement.Turn Down the Noise — Set aside intentional time this week to replace social-media consumption with Scripture. Ask God to reveal which cultural voices are shaping you more than His Word.Step Into the Arena — Choose one practical way to engage your community rather than simply commenting about its problems. Pray, serve, mentor someone, learn about a local issue, participate in your church, or find another concrete opportunity to bring biblical faithfulness into your sphere of influence. Chapters00:00 – Meet Abby Ralph and the 1630 Movement 00:57 – How 1630 Began and Its Mission for Young Adults 03:38 – Redeeming Social Media and Technology for the Gospel 06:35 – The Discipleship Gap in Today’s Church 08:30 – Why Church History Matters 10:20 – Bringing Christian Faith Into Every Sphere 11:45 – Why Young Adults Disengage From Civics 14:40 – Staying Grounded in a Noisy Digital Culture 16:45 – Inside 1630’s Washington, D.C. Trips and Leadership Programs 19:35 – Return and America Reads the Bible 24:25 – What Gen Z Christians Are Wrestling With 27:45 – Courageous Christian Leadership in Cancel Culture 30:15 – Be Courageous—and Led by the Lord 31:30 – Letting Scripture Define Love 32:30 – Why Abby Has Hope for Gen Z 34:00 – AI, Technology, and the Future of Discipleship 35:40 – How Parents, Pastors, and Leaders Can Disciple Gen Z 38:10 – Why Meals and Relationships Matter in Ministry 40:05 – Abby’s Prayer for the Next Generation 41:45 – Fun Round: Explaining Gen Z to Moses 44:15 – What Gives Abby Hope About Gen Z 45:00 – Final Encouragement and Closing Website & Social MediaCurrent official sources identify Abby Ralph with Christians Engaged and 1630, and the 1630 Show is currently listed under her name. 1630 Website: Christians Engaged: The 1630 Show: 1630 Instagram: Hashtags#themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #GenZForJesus #ChristianLeadership #Discipleship #BiblicalWorldview #KingdomImpact #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #NextGeneration

    Gen Z Revival: Turning Passion Into Kingdom Impact with Abby Ralph

  5. Aug 17

    Redeeming the Digital World: John Stewart’s Mission to Build Faith-Based Media That Points to Jesus

    Technology can disciple people toward Jesus—or quietly pull them away from Him. John Stewart explains why Christians cannot abandon digital spaces and how FaithChannel is working to create a safer, faith-centered streaming environment for families, churches, filmmakers, and creators. You’ll hear practical insight about Christian entertainment, cultural influence, algorithms, innovation, and the future of faith-based media. Most importantly, you’ll be encouraged to consider how your own skills, choices, and influence can help redeem culture for the Kingdom of God. About the Guest John Stewart is the founder and CEO of FaithChannel and founder of FaithNetwork. A U.S. Air Force veteran and internet-technology pioneer, he has spent decades helping churches and ministries use digital tools while building a free, curated home for faith-centered entertainment. Reasons to Listen 1. **Media With a Mission:** Hear how a web-development calling grew into a global vision for free Christian streaming and original storytelling. 2. **A Safer Choice:** Learn why curation, not merely parental controls or algorithms, matters for families seeking meaningful entertainment. 3. **Technology With Discernment:** Explore how Christians can use AI and digital platforms as tools without replacing human creativity or the Holy Spirit. Big Takeaways 1. **Technology Can Serve Mission:** Digital tools become missional when they carry truth, beauty, and the gospel to people who might never enter a church. 2. **Access Expands Reach:** Removing cost barriers can open faith-filled content to families and nations that subscription models overlook. 3. **Curation Builds Trust:** A safe platform requires intentional human judgment, not blind dependence on recommendation algorithms. 4. **Support What You Value:** Watching, sharing, reviewing, praying, and financially backing Christian creators helps more meaningful work get made. 5. **AI Is Not the Spirit:** Use technology with wisdom, but never confuse efficient generation with prayerful, Spirit-led creativity. Missional Challenges 1. **Audit Your Attention:** Review what your household watched this week and ask whether it strengthened faith, relationships, or purpose. 2. **Support One Creator:** Watch, share, review, or purchase one project from a Christian filmmaker, musician, or storyteller. 3. **Create With Prayer:** Before using any creative technology this week, ask the Holy Spirit to guide both your message and your method. Chapters 00:12 — Welcome and John’s Calling in Technology 03:00 — From Web Development to FaithChannel 07:00 — Building a Platform for Christian Content 10:00 — Why FaithChannel Became Free 13:00 — Safe, Curated Entertainment for Families 18:00 — Creating Original Faith-Based Content 22:00 — A Five-Part Vision for the Future 26:00 — Spiritually Impactful and Culturally Engaging Stories 30:00 — Why Ministries Need Technology Independence 35:00 — How Believers Can Support Christian Media 39:00 — AI, Creativity, and the Holy Spirit 44:00 — Where to Watch and Final Encouragement Guest Website and Social Media FaithChannel: FaithNetwork: Instagram: #themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #Jesus #JohnStewart #FaithChannel #ChristianMedia #FaithBasedFilms #ChristianEntertainment #KingdomCreatives #ChristianPodcast

    Redeeming the Digital World: John Stewart’s Mission to Build Faith-Based Media That Points to Jesus

  6. Jul 27

    How to Experience God in Everyday Life with Mike Blackaby

    Description: What if God is speaking far more often than you realize? In this conversation, Mike Blackaby shares how believers can recognize God's presence in the ordinary routines of life—not just during miraculous moments or spiritual highs. Learn practical rhythms that help cultivate intimacy with God through everyday faithfulness. If you've ever felt spiritually dry or wondered why God seems distant, this episode offers hope and practical encouragement. About the Guest Mike Blackaby is a pastor, author, and speaker who co-authored Experiencing God in Everyday Life alongside members of the Blackaby family. Building upon the legacy of Experiencing God, Mike encourages believers to recognize God's presence in ordinary routines and develop sustainable spiritual habits that deepen intimacy with Christ. He holds a PhD in Worldview and Apologetics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is passionate about helping believers think deeply and live missionally. Reasons to Listen Practical Faith Learn simple rhythms that help you experience God during ordinary moments instead of waiting for extraordinary ones.Lasting Transformation Discover why consistency—not spiritual highs—is the key to long-term discipleship.Actionable Wisdom Walk away with practical ideas you can implement immediately, including gratitude practices, silence, Sabbath, and habit-building. Big Takeaways God Is Already Present You don't have to manufacture God's presence; you simply need to become more aware of where He is already working.Small Rhythms Matter Daily habits shape who you become far more than occasional spiritual experiences.Valleys Build Character Spiritual maturity is formed through everyday faithfulness, not just mountaintop moments.Silence Creates Space Intentional silence and solitude help us hear God's voice amid life's constant noise.Start Small Lasting transformation begins with manageable habits that fit naturally into your current season of life. Missional Challenges Practice Two Minutes of Silence Spend two uninterrupted minutes each day simply acknowledging God's presence.Attach a Spiritual Habit Connect one new spiritual practice—such as gratitude or prayer—to an existing daily routine like showering, driving, or making coffee.Look for God Today Before ending your day, identify one ordinary moment where you saw evidence of God's presence. Suggested Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Introducing Mike Blackaby 01:00 Why Experiencing God in Everyday Life Was Written 06:30 Why We Miss God in Ordinary Moments 15:00 Spiritual Rhythms That Build Lasting Faith 18:00 The Power of Silence and Solitude 26:00 Building Habits That Actually Stick 32:00 Why Valleys Matter More Than Mountaintops 40:00 Consistency Over Spiritual Highs 44:00 Mike's Personal Spiritual Rhythms 50:30 Where to Find the Book 51:30 Fun Questions & Family Traditions 56:00 Gardening, Rest, and Healthy Rhythms 59:00 Final Encouragement & Closing 10 Hashtags #themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #ExperiencingGod #MikeBlackaby #ChristianLiving #Discipleship #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #DailyFaith #Jesus Links Blackaby Ministries on Facebook Blackaby Ministries on YouTube Buy The Book on Amazon Buy the book from Blackaby store ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________ >>>CLICK HERE to get your FREE 31 DAY MISSIONAL DEVOTIONAL and to learn more about 'The Missional Life' ministry _______________________________________

    How to Experience God in Everyday Life with Mike Blackaby

  7. Jun 15

    When God Feels Distant: Kyle Strobel on Finding Faith in Spiritual Dryness

    Have you ever felt like God was silent, distant, or absent? In this powerful conversation, Kyle Strobel shares how seasons of spiritual dryness can become some of the most transformative moments in a believer's life. Discover why faith isn't built on emotional highs and how God often does His deepest work in the desert. If you're struggling with doubt, discouragement, or spiritual fatigue, this episode offers biblical hope and practical encouragement. About the Guest Kyle Strobel is the Director of the Institute for Spiritual Formation and Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology at Talbot School of Theology. He is a theologian, author, speaker, and co-author of When God Seems Distant and Where Prayer Becomes Real. His work focuses on spiritual formation, prayer, and helping Christians experience genuine transformation in Christ. Reasons to Listen Hope for Dry Seasons Discover why spiritual dryness is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong, but may actually be evidence that God is deepening your faith and transforming your heart. Practical Spiritual Formation Learn practical ways to continue praying, reading Scripture, and walking with Jesus when emotions and motivation disappear. Biblical Perspective Gain a deeper understanding of the Psalms, suffering, weakness, and God's surprising work in seasons that feel spiritually barren. Big Takeaways God Works in Deserts Seasons of spiritual dryness are often places where God exposes deeper issues of the heart and teaches us to trust Him by faith rather than feelings. Feelings Aren't Faith God's presence is not measured by emotional experiences. Mature faith learns to trust God's promises even when He feels distant. Weakness Reveals Need Spiritual growth happens when we recognize how much we need God's forgiveness, grace, and transforming work. The Psalms Give Language Honest prayers found in the Psalms help believers bring their confusion, disappointment, and struggles directly to God. Transformation Over Information Knowledge alone cannot produce Christlike character. Spiritual formation requires surrender, humility, and dependence on Jesus. Missional Challenges Pray the Psalms Daily Spend the next seven days praying one Psalm each day, allowing Scripture to shape your honest conversations with God. Practice Honest Prayer Bring one area of discouragement, doubt, or weakness directly to God instead of hiding it behind religious performance. Encourage a Struggling Believer Reach out to someone who may be experiencing spiritual dryness and remind them that God remains faithful even when He feels distant. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Kyle Strobel 01:00 – Kyle's Personal Journey Through Spiritual Darkness 05:00 – Discovering the "Dark Night of the Soul" 10:00 – Why Information Doesn't Equal Transformation 13:00 – Understanding Spiritual Dryness in the Christian Life 16:00 – The Lifeline of Honest Community 17:00 – Learning to Pray the Psalms 19:00 – Why Churches Rarely Discuss Spiritual Dryness 25:00 – Passion vs. Deep Affection for Jesus 26:00 – Moving from Zeal to Steadfast Faithfulness 34:00 – What Churches Need to Understand About the Desert 37:00 – Practical Ways to Walk with God in Dry Seasons 43:00 – Finding God in Weakness 44:00 – Final Encouragement for Struggling Believers 45:00 – Fun Questions & Favorite Psalms 49:00 – Where to Connect with Kyle Strobel Guest Website & Social Media Buy 'When God Seems Distant' Book Website Kyle Strobel Substack #themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #Jesus #KyleStrobel #SpiritualFormation #PrayerLife #ChristianGrowth #FaithJourney #WhenGodSeemsDistant #ChristianPodcast

    When God Feels Distant: Kyle Strobel on Finding Faith in Spiritual Dryness

  8. Jun 8

    From Gender Confusion to Identity in Christ with Kyla Gillespie

    What happens when every solution the world offers still leaves you empty? In this powerful episode, Kyla Gillespie shares her journey through gender confusion, transition, addiction, and ultimately life-changing restoration in Christ. Hear how God pursued her through deep brokenness and called her back to Himself with truth, grace, and love. This conversation offers hope for anyone wrestling with identity, purpose, or faith. Discover how Jesus transforms lives in ways no human solution ever can. About the Guest Kyla Gillespie is an international speaker, author, ministry leader, and founder of Renewed & Transformed Ministries. After spending years wrestling with gender dysphoria, same-sex attraction, addiction, and eventually transitioning and detransitioning, Kyla now shares her testimony of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Her passion is helping the Church engage conversations about identity, sexuality, and discipleship with both truth and grace. Reasons to Listen Powerful Redemption Story Hear firsthand how God pursued Kyla through addiction, gender transition, and deep personal brokenness, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Practical Ministry Insights Learn how biblical friendships, authentic community, and discipleship can transform lives and help people navigate difficult identity struggles. Hope for Today's Culture Gain biblical wisdom and encouragement for addressing some of the most important conversations facing families, churches, and believers today. Big Takeaways God Calls Us Home No matter how far we wander, God lovingly pursues His children and invites them back into relationship with Him. Identity Begins with Christ Lasting peace is not found in self-definition but in discovering who God says we are. Community Matters Deeply Authentic Christian friendships provide a safe place for truth, grace, healing, and spiritual growth. Transformation Takes Time God often works through a process of discipleship, Scripture, prayer, and faithful relationships rather than instant change. No One Is Beyond Hope God's power to restore and redeem is greater than any struggle, addiction, shame, or confusion we face. Missional Challenges Build One Meaningful Friendship Intentionally spend time with someone who is different from you this week and listen to their story without judgment. Practice Honest Vulnerability Share one area of struggle with a trusted believer and invite them to pray and walk alongside you. Become Better Equipped Read a book or resource on biblical identity and sexuality so you can engage these conversations with both truth and compassion. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Kyla Gillespie 01:00 – Why Kyla Wrote TransFormed 04:00 – Childhood Experiences and Gender Confusion 08:00 – Same-Sex Attraction and Teenage Struggles 13:00 – Family Divorce and Emotional Pain 17:00 – Alcoholism and Walking Away from Faith 20:00 – Pursuing Gender Transition 27:00 – Meeting Faithful Christian Friends 33:00 – The Power of Community and Discipleship 38:00 – Surgery, Emptiness, and Crying Out to God 40:00 – "Return to Me, Kyla" 44:00 – Embracing God's Design 47:00 – Encouragement for Those Wrestling with Identity 52:00 – Advice for Parents, Pastors, and Leaders 55:00 – Kyla's Book and Ministry Resources 56:00 – Fun Questions and Closing Thoughts Guest Website & Social Media Website: Kyla Gillespie Ministries Buy: 'Transformed' book on Amazon! #themissionallife #themissionallifepodcast #KylaGillespie #IdentityInChrist #GenderIdentity #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFreedom #JesusChangesLives #BiblicalTruth #RedemptionStory

    From Gender Confusion to Identity in Christ with Kyla Gillespie
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About

The Missional Life Podcast is the premier podcast for those wanting to impact the world and ‘Live The Mission’ of God in their lives. Featuring resources, tools, tips and inspiring guest interviews with some of the most dynamic leaders, ‘The Missional Life Podcast’ is for world changers!

Information

  • Creator
    The Missional Life
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Missional Life
  • Show Website
    The Missional Life Podcast