Follow Forward

Tim Tucker

Follow Forward Podcast Real Stories. Global Voices. Christ-centered Leadership. The Follow Forward Podcast is a Christian leadership interview podcast capturing wisdom, faith, and lived experience from global Christian leaders who are shaping communities, ministries, and movements across Africa and beyond. Follow Forward extends the conversation into an ongoing discipleship and leadership resource. Each episode features long-form, reflective conversations that explore what it truly means to serve, lead, and follow forward in obedience to Christ. Rather than chasing influence or platforms, this podcast centers on a countercultural truth: great leadership begins with great followership—fixing our eyes on Jesus and faithfully stewarding the call God has placed on our lives. Listeners will hear real stories of perseverance, calling, failure, growth, and transformation from leaders in ministry, non-profits, social-impact spaces, and the local church. These conversations are designed to inspire emerging leaders, strengthen leadership teams, and invite supporters and partners into the deeper story of what God is doing across the continent. Whether you are a young leader finding your footing, a seasoned church or organizational leader, or a global Christian seeking cross-cultural perspectives, Follow Forward exists to equip you with practical wisdom, spiritual depth, and a renewed vision for leadership rooted in Christ. This is more than a podcast. It's a discipleship journey, a leadership resource, and an invitation to invest in the next generation of transformational leaders. 🎙️ New episodes release weekly from January 2026.

  1. 17 Jun

    More than a Game 🇺🇸⚽ China Maja

    More than a Game 🇺🇸⚽ China Maja 🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE  In Episode 22 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by South African football coach, mentor, and academy founder Bethuel "China" Maja for an inspiring conversation about faith, leadership, sport, and creating opportunities for the next generation.  Born in Mpumalanga and raised in Polokwane, China grew up in a family where faith and football were deeply intertwined. Influenced by his grandfather's ministry and his father's football career, he developed an early passion for the game and left home at just 12 years old to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.  In this episode, Tim and China reflect on their first meeting during a sports ministry outreach in Mali in 2001 and explore how God has used sport as a vehicle for discipleship, leadership development, and mission. China shares his remarkable journey from South African football academies to representing his country, studying and playing soccer in the United States, earning both a business degree and MBA, and eventually building one of the leading youth soccer development programs in South Carolina.  Together, they discuss the life lessons sport teaches beyond the field, including discipline, character, resilience, and servant leadership. China explains how his faith has guided every stage of his journey and how God opened doors that ultimately led him from player to coach, entrepreneur, and mentor.  The conversation also explores the vision behind KOSA (Kick Off Soccer Academy) https://www.kickoffsocceracademy.com/, the academy China founded to provide elite training while developing young people of character and purpose. He shares his excitement about expanding KOSA into South Africa (https://kosaafrica.com/), creating opportunities for young African footballers while emphasizing education, faith, and personal development alongside sporting excellence.  Whether you're a leader, coach, educator, parent, entrepreneur, or someone seeking to faithfully follow God's calling, this episode offers powerful insights into leadership, perseverance, and investing in the next generation.  Enjoy.  👤 ABOUT THE GUEST  Bethuel "China" Maja is a South African football coach, mentor, entrepreneur, and founder of KOSA Soccer Academy. Originally from Mpumalanga and raised in Polokwane, China pursued football opportunities in South Africa before moving to the United States, where he earned degrees in business and finance while continuing his soccer career. Today he leads youth development programs across the United States and South Africa, using sport as a platform to develop character, leadership, faith, and opportunity for young people.  👤 ABOUT THE HOST  Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.  🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD  Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.

    36 min
  2. 10 Jun

    Faithfulness over Fame 🇿🇦 Alistair Noah

    🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE  In Episode 21 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by South African artist Alistair Noah for a thought-provoking conversation about faith, creativity, identity, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world obsessed with influence and recognition.  Growing up in Kimberley, South Africa, Alistair was raised in a faith-filled home where music and worship formed part of everyday life. Yet like many young people, he wrestled with questions about faith, belonging, and authenticity. Although he knew about Jesus from a young age, it wasn't until a powerful encounter with God as a teenager that his faith became personal and transformative.  In this episode, Tim and Alistair explore the intersection of creativity and discipleship, discussing how artists can remain faithful to their calling without being consumed by the pursuit of fame, followers, and validation. Alistair shares how his music serves as an expression of his journey, processing life's joys, struggles, growth, and relationship with Christ.  Together they discuss the challenges of navigating social media, the dangers of selfish ambition, and the importance of accountability, humility, and surrender in a creative calling. Alistair also reflects on his growing passion for creating Afrikaans music that communicates God's heart to a new generation and speaks about the spiritual hunger he sees among young people searching for something MORE.  Whether you're a creative, leader, worshipper, artist, or simply someone seeking to live faithfully in your God-given calling, this conversation will encourage you to pursue impact over influence and obedience over popularity.  Enjoy.  🔑 KEY THEMES  • Following Jesus as a creative and artist  • Growing up in Kimberley, South Africa  • Faith becoming personal through encounter with God  • Creativity as an expression of discipleship  • The tension between influence and obedience  • Navigating social media and selfish ambition  • Authenticity, accountability, and spiritual growth  • Reaching the next generation through music  • The role of Afrikaans music in ministry and mission  • Impacting the one rather than chasing the crowds  • Christ-centred servant leadership • Finding purpose through surrender and obedience  👤 ABOUT THE GUEST  Alistair Noah is a South African Christian artist, songwriter, and creative communicator based in Cape Town. Originally from Kimberley, he is passionate about using music, storytelling, and creativity to point people towards Jesus and inspire a generation to live with purpose. Through both English and Afrikaans music, Alistair seeks to communicate God's heart with authenticity, artistic excellence, and a deep commitment to discipleship.  👤 ABOUT THE HOST  Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.  🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD  Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.  🔔 STAY CONNECTED  🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Follow Forward Podcast  📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: Grab a Towel Newsletter  🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: The Message Trust  📢 SHARE THE EPISODE  If this conversation encouraged you:  👍 Like  💬 Comment  🔁 Share with a creative, leader, worshipper, or disciple-maker  ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app

    28 min
  3. 4 Jun

    From Ashes to Beauty 🇿🇦 Clint Luikes

    Ep 20: From Ashes to Beauty 🇿🇦 Clint Luikes  🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE  In Episode 20 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by Pastor Clint Luikes from Cape Town, South Africa, for a powerful conversation about redemption, discipleship, servant leadership, and the transforming grace of God.  Growing up in a home marked by abuse, violence, and instability, Clint's early life was shaped by trauma and a search for belonging amid brokenness. As he entered adulthood, that pain led him deeper into substance abuse and destructive patterns, leaving him trapped in a cycle he couldn't escape. Yet even in his darkest moments, God was at work, drawing him towards a life-changing encounter with Jesus.  At the age of 32, following a life-threatening experience and years of inner turmoil, Clint surrendered his life to Christ. What followed was a journey of healing and transformational discipleship as he learned to follow Jesus, submit to godly leadership, and allow God to reshape every area of his life.  In this episode, Tim and Clint reflect on their shared history through The Message Trust and discuss the importance of mentorship, teachability, honour, and healthy transitions in ministry. Clint shares how God used discipleship and servant leadership to prepare him for a new season of ministry and the launch of Ashes to Beauty, a Christ-centred recovery ministry serving men and women battling addiction, homelessness, and hopelessness.  Enjoy.  🔑 KEY THEMES  • Redemption and transformation through Jesus  • Overcoming addiction, trauma, and brokenness  • The power of discipleship and mentorship  • Learning through teachability and accountability  • Christ-centred servant leadership  • Honouring leaders and navigating transitions well  • Recovery ministry and life transformation  • Following God's call with courage and wisdom  • Authenticity, transparency, and character in leadership  • Building ministries that restore hope and dignity  👤 ABOUT THE GUEST  Pastor Clint Luikes is the founder and leader of Ashes to Beauty, a Christ-centred recovery and restoration ministry based in Cape Town, South Africa. After experiencing radical transformation through faith in Jesus, Clint dedicated his life to helping people overcome addiction, trauma, homelessness, and hopelessness through discipleship, recovery programs, and servant leadership. Alongside his wife and team, he is passionate about seeing lives restored and communities transformed through the Gospel.  👤 ABOUT THE HOST  Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.  🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD  Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.  🔔 STAY CONNECTED  🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Follow Forward Podcast  📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: Grab a Towel Newsletter  🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: The Message Trust  📢 SHARE THE EPISODE  If this conversation encouraged you:  👍 Like  💬 Comment  🔁 Share with a leader, pastor, or disciple-maker  ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app

    34 min
  4. 27 May

    Prison to Purpose 🇺🇸 Paul Del Favero

    Ep 19: Prison to Purpose 🇺🇸 Paul Del Favero In Episode 19 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by Paul Del Favero for an honest and deeply hope-filled conversation about redemption, incarceration, mentorship, and the transforming power of Jesus.  After growing up in South Florida surrounded by addiction, violence, and brokenness, his life spiralled into drug dependency, crime, and eventually a 120-year prison sentence at just 20 years old. Sitting alone in a jail cell, overwhelmed by the weight of who he had become, Paul cried out to Jesus for the first time—and everything began to change.  What followed was not an instant fix but a long process of transformation. Through years of reading Scripture, wrestling with his past, and allowing God to renew his mind, Paul slowly discovered purpose in the middle of prison life. After serving 18 and a half years behind bars, he was released into a world that offered little support, few opportunities, and overwhelming barriers to reintegration.  Rather than returning to the life he once knew, Paul began building a new future rooted in faith, community, and service. Today, alongside his wife Stacey, he leads The Penitent Thief ministry (https://www.thepenitentthief.org/) in Orlando, Florida—providing housing, mentorship, discipleship, employment opportunities, and practical support for men and women coming out of incarceration. What started as a small step of obedience has grown into a thriving ministry impacting hundreds of lives every year.  Together, Tim and Paul explore the realities of prison systems, addiction, rehabilitation, and the stigma formerly incarcerated people often face.  🔑 KEY THEMES  Redemption and transformation through Jesus  Addiction, incarceration, and rebuilding identity  Prison ministry and reentry support  Mentorship as a catalyst for lasting change  The importance of community and belonging  Servant leadership through humility and presence  Breaking stigma around formerly incarcerated people  Faith, discipleship, and renewing the mind  Restorative justice and rehabilitation  Meeting people where they are with the Gospel  👤 ABOUT THE GUEST  Paul Del Favero is the founder of The Penitent Thief ministry in Orlando, Florida, a Christ-centred organisation serving formerly incarcerated men and women through housing, mentorship, discipleship, employment support, and reentry programs. After serving more than 18 years in prison, Paul experienced radical transformation through faith in Jesus and now dedicates his life to helping others discover hope, purpose, and restoration. Alongside his wife Stacey, he is passionate about practical ministry, community involvement, and creating pathways for lasting life change.  👤 ABOUT THE HOST  Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.  🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD  Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.  🔔 STAY CONNECTED  🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Follow Forward Podcast  📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: Grab a Towel Newsletter  🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: The Message Trust  📢 SHARE THE EPISODE  If this conversation encouraged you:  👍 Like  💬 Comment  🔁 Share with a leader or mentor  ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app

    37 min
  5. 20 May

    Called Beyond Comfort 🇺🇸 Jake Tirabassi

    Ep 18: Called Beyond Comfort 🇺🇸 Jake Tirabassi In Episode 18 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by long-time friend, Jake Tirabassi for an insightful conversation about mission, servant leadership, and learning to trust God through every season of life.  Growing up in a Christian home in the United States, Jake appeared to "do everything right" on the outside. But during a mission trip to Mexico at 18 years old, God confronted him with a deeper question: was he truly living with God, or simply trying to perform for Him? That moment became the catalyst for a lifelong journey of discipleship and surrender.  The conversation traces Jake's path from California to Northern Uganda, where he and his wife spent more than five years serving in communities affected by civil war, displacement, and poverty. What began as a short-term commitment turned into years of sports ministry, prison outreach, refugee support, and mentoring young people.  Jake shares remarkable stories of God moving through simple acts of obedience—including prison soccer matches that led to inmates encountering Jesus—and reflects candidly on the challenges of missionary life, spiritual exhaustion, culture shock, marriage strain, and rebuilding identity after returning home.  Together, Tim and Jake explore themes of servant leadership, integrity, trust, humility, mentorship, and stewardship. They unpack why relationships—not just resources—are often the key to lasting transformation and why learning dependence on God is one of the greatest lessons the mission field can teach.  At its core, this episode is about faithful presence: showing up while trusting God and allowing Him to work through ordinary obedience in extraordinary ways.  Whether you're involved in missions, business, leadership, mentoring, or simply navigating your own calling, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to keep following forward. Enjoy.  🔑 KEY THEMES  Living with God instead of simply performing for Him  Mission, discipleship, and sports ministry in Uganda  Leadership through humility, integrity, and stewardship  The importance of mentorship and relational investment  Lessons learned through hardship and dependence on God  Cross-cultural mission and navigating spiritual warfare  👤 ABOUT THE GUEST  Jake Turabasi is a mentor, leader, and former missionary passionate about discipleship, sport, and empowering young people. Originally from California, Jake spent more than five years serving in Northern Uganda through prison ministry, refugee outreach, and sports-based mission work. Today he continues to invest in mentorship and leadership development while carrying a deep passion for Africa and the next generation.  👤 ABOUT THE HOST  Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.  🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD  Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.  🔔 STAY CONNECTED:  🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Follow Forward Podcast  📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: Grab a Towel Newsletter  🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: The Message Trust  📢 SHARE THE EPISODE  If this conversation encouraged you:  👍 Like  💬 Comment  🔁 Share with a leader or mentor  ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app

    38 min
  6. 13 May

    Rejected to Redeemed 🇿🇦 Shaun Pretorius

    Episode 17: Rejected to Redeemed 🇿🇦 Shaun Pretorius  🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE  In Episode 17 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker sits down with Shaun Pretorius for a deeply honest conversation about rejection, redemption, leadership, and the transforming power of Jesus.  Raised in Cape Town and shaped by a childhood marked by insecurity and rejection, Shaun shares how years of addiction, broken identity, and searching for acceptance eventually led him to a life-changing encounter with Christ at the age of 23. What began as a Christmas Eve church invitation became the turning point that radically redirected the course of his life.  Shaun opens up about growing up in Mitchell's Plain and Northpine, wrestling with feelings of not belonging, and trying to numb the pain through drugs and destructive choices. But through God's grace, Shaun experienced freedom, and a healed identity—one rooted not in rejection, but in being fully known and loved by Jesus.  The conversation also explores Shaun's journey into leadership with The Message South Africa, including the transition into the role of CEO after Tim Tucker's tenure. Together, Tim and Shaun reflect candidly on mentorship, succession, friendship in leadership, and the importance of building Kingdom culture through trust, humility, and authenticity.  This episode is about more than leadership. It's about identity, perseverance, healing, and learning to trust God through both blessing and battle.  Enjoy.  🔑 KEY THEMES  From rejection to redemption through Christ Addiction, broken identity, and finding freedom The cost and blessing of following Jesus Leadership, succession, and mentorship Friendship and vulnerability in ministry Trusting God through suffering and uncertainty Prayer, resilience, and God's faithfulness in crisis Reaching young people trapped by gang culture and hopelessness Finding purpose in pain and calling in brokenness  👤 ABOUT THE GUEST  Shaun Pretorius is the CEO of The Message South Africa and a passionate evangelist and leader based in Cape Town. After encountering Jesus following years of addiction and brokenness, Shaun has dedicated his life to reaching young people with the hope of the gospel. His leadership is marked by authenticity, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving communities affected by poverty, gang violence, and hopelessness.  👤 ABOUT THE HOST  Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.  🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD  Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.  🔔 STAY CONNECTED:  🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Follow Forward Podcast  📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: Grab a Towel Newsletter  🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: The Message Trust  📢 SHARE THE EPISODE  If this conversation encouraged you:  👍 Like  💬 Comment  🔁 Share with an emerging leader  ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app

    36 min
  7. 4 May

    Faith in the Fire 🇳🇬 Following God in Nigeria

    Ep 16: Faith in the Fire 🇳🇬 Following God in Nigeria 🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 16 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by disciple-maker and missionary Ali "OG" Sampson for a raw and compelling conversation about obedience, identity, and following Jesus in one of the most challenging contexts in the world. Known as "OG" — meaning 'Obey God' — Ali shares how God redeemed his identity and calling, transforming his life from confusion and brokenness into a mission focused on discipling young people in Nigeria. Raised in a Christian home but lacking deep discipleship, Ali's journey includes seasons of drifting, wrestling with faith, and ultimately encountering God in a way that reshaped everything. Now based in Jos, Nigeria, Ali and his wife, Ruth, are on the frontlines of ministry—working with young people impacted by poverty, violence, and systemic oppression. In a region marked by persecution and instability, their focus is clear: not just making converts, but raising disciples who can multiply and transform their communities. This episode explores the tension between calling and comfort, the cost of obedience, and the power of long-term discipleship in places where faith is tested daily. From a providential email connection to a growing partnership with The Message Trust, Ali's story is a powerful reminder that when we say "yes" to God, He can use our lives far beyond what we imagine. At its core, this episode is about faith under pressure—and what it really means to follow Jesus when it costs something. Whether you're navigating your own calling, leading others, or wanting to understand the realities of the global Church, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you. Enjoy. 🔑 KEY THEMES * Redeeming identity: from "OG" as culture to *Obey God* as calling * The gap between conversion and true discipleship * Why disciple-making—not just mobilising—is the mission * Following God when the path is unclear or costly * Ministry in contexts of persecution, poverty, and instability * The role of prayer, resilience, and obedience in leadership * Multiplication: raising disciples who make disciples * Responding to trauma and injustice through the gospel 👤 ABOUT THE GUEST Ali "OG" Sampson is a disciple-maker and missionary based in Jos, Nigeria. Passionate about reaching young people in hard-to-reach communities, he focuses on raising disciples who will multiply and bring transformation in their contexts. Together with his wife Ruth, he is helping build a growing movement of disciple-making in partnership with The Message Trust. 👤 ABOUT THE HOST Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of *Grab a Towel*, *Grief and Grace*, and *Finding Life After Death*, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast. 🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose. 🔔 STAY CONNECTED: 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: [https://linktr.ee/followforwardpodcast](https://linktr.ee/followforwardpodcast) 📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: [https://grabatowel.site/contact/](https://grabatowel.site/contact/) 🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: [https://messageglobal.org/](https://messageglobal.org/) 📢 SHARE THE EPISODE If this conversation encouraged you: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔁 Share with an emerging leader ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app

    28 min
  8. 22 Apr

    From Addiction to Assignment 🇰🇭 Michael Kenyon

    Episode 15: Addiction to Assignment  🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE  In Episode 15 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by missionary and disciple-maker Michael Kenyon (https://www.kenyoncovenant.com/) for a powerful conversation about transformation through calling and the long game of discipleship.  Growing up in a small town in Northern California, Michael's early life was marked by broken family relationships and a deep drive to prove himself. After pursuing a career as a chef and seemingly achieving everything he set out for, his life took a dramatic turn, leading to homelessness and addiction on the streets of America.  It was in that lowest place that Jesus met him. What followed was a journey of restoration and surrender that would ultimately lead him across the world to Cambodia.  Now living in Cambodia with his family, Michael is part of a ministry working with young people coming out of trafficking, poverty, and generational trauma. Through a deeply relational and intentional approach, he is helping raise up leaders by focusing not on quick results but on long-term discipleship that brings lasting transformation.  At its core, this episode is a compelling reminder that no story is beyond redemption—and that when we follow Jesus faithfully, He can turn survival into a life of service.  Whether you're involved in ministry, leadership, or simply seeking to understand your calling, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Enjoy.  🔑 KEY THEMES  From brokenness to calling: how God redeems every part of our story The power of discipleship as a long-term, relational investment Why belonging is essential in reaching people with the gospel Addressing trauma, poverty, and purpose through holistic ministry Raising leaders who disciple others for generational impact Trusting God's guidance even when the path doesn't make sense  👤 ABOUT THE GUEST  Michael Kenyon is a missionary and disciple-maker based in Cambodia. Originally from the United States, he encountered Jesus after a period of homelessness and addiction, and now dedicates his life to walking alongside young people from vulnerable backgrounds. Through business, mentorship, and community, Michael is passionate about raising leaders who will bring lasting transformation to their communities.  👤 ABOUT THE HOST  Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.  🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD  Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.  🔔 STAY CONNECTED:  🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/followforwardpodcast  📩 Sign up for Tim's monthly newsletter: https://grabatowel.site/contact/  🌍 Learn more about The Message Trust: https://messageglobal.org/  📢 SHARE THE EPISODE  If this conversation encouraged you:  👍 Like  💬 Comment  🔁 Share with an emerging leader  ⭐ Leave a review on your podcast app

    42 min
5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Follow Forward Podcast Real Stories. Global Voices. Christ-centered Leadership. The Follow Forward Podcast is a Christian leadership interview podcast capturing wisdom, faith, and lived experience from global Christian leaders who are shaping communities, ministries, and movements across Africa and beyond. Follow Forward extends the conversation into an ongoing discipleship and leadership resource. Each episode features long-form, reflective conversations that explore what it truly means to serve, lead, and follow forward in obedience to Christ. Rather than chasing influence or platforms, this podcast centers on a countercultural truth: great leadership begins with great followership—fixing our eyes on Jesus and faithfully stewarding the call God has placed on our lives. Listeners will hear real stories of perseverance, calling, failure, growth, and transformation from leaders in ministry, non-profits, social-impact spaces, and the local church. These conversations are designed to inspire emerging leaders, strengthen leadership teams, and invite supporters and partners into the deeper story of what God is doing across the continent. Whether you are a young leader finding your footing, a seasoned church or organizational leader, or a global Christian seeking cross-cultural perspectives, Follow Forward exists to equip you with practical wisdom, spiritual depth, and a renewed vision for leadership rooted in Christ. This is more than a podcast. It's a discipleship journey, a leadership resource, and an invitation to invest in the next generation of transformational leaders. 🎙️ New episodes release weekly from January 2026.