Rough Drafts: How God Writes His Love in Our Stories

Stephen and Julia Pate: Ministry of Presence

Matthew welcomes special guests Stephen and Julia Pate for a two-for-one conversation that spans the Dateline (literally, they're in Japan!).
Stephen, a Navy Chaplain, and Julia, a Navy Pharmacist, share their incredible journey from the Bible Belt to a battleship, experiencing military life in Okinawa, Pearl Harbor, and beyond. They pull back the curtain on the scars and triumphs of local ministry, discussing the challenging process of faith deconstruction and how a crisis led them to a new, unexpected calling.
Listen as they discuss the unique environment of a military chaplaincy—a "ministry of presence"—where questions often speak louder than sermons, and the clarity that comes from facing things that truly matter. Julia also shares her own inspiring path from reluctant military spouse to active-duty officer, proving that God establishes the work of our hands, no matter the assignment.
Dive into this honest and moving episode about trusting God’s plan, even when it looks nothing like what you imagined.
 
PS> The Pates need me to tell you that their views are their own, not necessarily those of the Department of Defense or its components. They don't represent the Pentagon or anything like that. Any reference to commercial products, services, and stuff, doesn't imply endorsement by the Government.

Angela Moore: How Hard Could It Be?

Get ready for an episode that proves the most ambitious endeavors start with the simplest of questions: "How hard could it be?"
Meet Angela Moore, the self-proclaimed "Turkey in Chief" of the Given Gobble 5K, Dickson County's massive Thanksgiving Day race benefiting the local Help Center. What started as the dream of a few runners at church has mushroomed into an annual event that raises nearly $100,000!
In this this week's episode, Angela opens up about "God Winks" and Eerie Coincidences: Hear the back-to-back stories of interesting numbers in the race...and a perfectly timed rainbow. 
Are you training for the race, or just looking for a good God story? Press play now to hear what God is up to in the extraordinary rough draft of Angela Moore!
P.S. Need to sign up, volunteer, or sponsor? Find all the details and registration link for the Give n Gobble 5K at gg5k.org!

Jessa Gossett: 25 Hours

"I prayed every night for 32 weeks for a happy and healthy baby. And I got everything but that."
What happens when a prayed-for joy becomes an unexpected trauma? In this deeply honest and vulnerable episode, Jessa Gossett shares the story of her daughter, Addie. An emergency C-section at 32 weeks brought Addie into the world, but the effects of an unknown CMV infection months before meant her life would last for only 25 hours.
Jessa holds nothing back as she recounts the hospital chaos, the pain of leaving with empty arms, and the raw anger she felt toward a God she believed had abandoned her. This isn't just a story of loss; it's a powerful guide on how to show up for grieving parents, what not to say, and why the most important thing we can do is continue to speak the names of the children who were here, even for a short time. This is a difficult, but essential, conversation about grief, faith, and the 25 hours that changed everything.
(Note: This episode contains frank discussion of infant loss and medical trauma.)

Todd Steen: a Cascade of Events

The 5.8 Centimeter Catalyst: From Wild Youth to Spiritual Wisdom
Todd Steen was "10 foot tall and bulletproof" as a young man. As an adult, he became a relentless questioner, demanding to know why God allows things to happen.
His perspective was shattered by an unexpected medical "cascade": a series of events starting with a sore shoulder that led to open-heart surgery that saved his life from a ticking time bomb.
Join us as Todd walks us through the realization that the entire sequence was not a coincidence, but a divine intervention designed to teach him the most important lesson of his life: God's ways are higher than our ways.

Josh Gann: From the Dentist...to the Dealer...to a Director

Josh’s story began at the dentist's office and progressed through military service, PTSD, opioid addiction, and a DEA drug trafficking indictment. He shares the chilling story of hitting rock bottom, being "rescued, not arrested" through incarceration, and the pivotal moment in a Hope Center bedroom where the Holy Spirit changed everything. His message is clear: recovery is a byproduct of Jesus, and no life is too far gone for restoration. You're going to love his message!

Chazz Jackson: From Waffle House to Worship

Welcome back to Rough Drafts!
In this week's story, Chazz Jackson opens up about how a simple postcard became a catalyst for change. He shares about his deep dive into Christian apologetics, and the challenges he encountered on his way back home.

Bob Turner: Life-Changing Moments

Welcome to the first Rough Drafts of 2025!
Today's guest is a church leadership guru and an all-around great guy. You get to hear from Bob Turner as he shares a few moments that changed his life forever.

Taylor Rhodes: Embracing the Unexpected

**This is the last episode of 2024 - we'll take a two week hiatus and be back on January 7 for the new year!**
Do you know Taylor Rhodes? If not, you should! In this week's episode, Taylor shares the twists and turns of his life and how God used them to bring about something really beautiful.

Brianna Ramseur: God Answers Prayer

She's not boring! There's a lot in this episode, so you don't want to miss it. Join us as Brianna Ramseur shares from her God stories!

Thomas Southerland & Chris McCurley: The Life of a Minister

Ever wonder what a preacher does? So did we...
This week, Thomas Southerland, Minister at Water Street Church of Christ in Charlotte, TN and Chris McCurley, Minister at Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, TN join us for a conversation about our God stories in ministry. What's up with this weird job?