Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Josh Jordan for a conversation about family, faith, sports, ministry, and the moments when God's plans took his life in a completely different direction. First, we learn one very important thing about Pastor Josh: he loves sushi! Pastor Josh shares what it was like growing up, including eight years of his childhood spent on a farm. Homeschooled and raised with a love for the outdoors, some of his earliest memories include camping, horseback riding, playing sports, and being involved in church. His family eventually traded farm life for the suburbs, but their home continued to be anything but ordinary. Over the years, his family opened their doors to foster 19 children, giving Pastor Josh a unique perspective on family, compassion, and caring for others. Sports were also a huge part of his life. He played quarterback on his football team, but baseball became his greatest passion as a teenager. Primarily playing shortstop, Pastor Josh eventually went to college to pursue baseball. But during his first year, God began changing the direction of his life. Although he had given his life to the Lord at 12 years old, his first year of college became a defining season in his faith. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, heard God's voice in a way he never had before, and began asking questions that were bigger than baseball. God also set him free from addiction and began revealing a completely different purpose for his future. That journey eventually took Pastor Josh to Brazil for a month-long missions trip where God met him in a powerful way. The math major who thought his future would revolve around numbers and baseball suddenly found himself being called into ministry. Pastor Josh shares what it looked like to surrender his own plans and pursue God's call, even when the path didn't look anything like what he originally imagined. His journey into full-time ministry began as a Kids Pastor, leading to some incredible and unforgettable moments serving children and families. Now, after 13 years in ministry, Pastor Josh reflects on what has surprised him most about serving people and the moments that have marked him along the way. One of the most meaningful was watching his own daughter experience the presence of God for herself. He also shares the story of how God brought him to ARISE Church and why the presence of the Holy Spirit is one of the things he loves most about serving here. And there's one more thing you probably wouldn't guess about Pastor Josh and his family: they're decorated horseback riders! From farm life and foster siblings to baseball, missions, ministry, and family, Pastor Josh's story is a reminder that sometimes the future we imagine for ourselves looks completely different from the future God is preparing for us. When God calls, our job is to be willing to follow. Do you have a question for Pastor Josh Jordan? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jeremiah McAnulty, Youth Pastor at ARISE Church South Lakeland, for a conversation about growing up in church, finding his own faith, discovering his call to ministry, and seeing God work through the next generation. And before we get too serious, we learn one very important fact about Pastor Jeremiah: he's team Cocoa Pebbles. Born in Louisiana and the son of ARISE Executive Pastor Ken McAnulty, Pastor Jeremiah grew up surrounded by church and ministry. But being a pastor's kid didn't mean he had everything figured out. He shares what he was like as a self-described "knucklehead" growing up, his years in the gifted program, his love for math and school, and how he wrestled with arrogance during his high school years. Pastor Jeremiah also takes us back to his first day at Brandon Assembly, which happened to be during a youth service. Nearly 12 years later, ARISE has become an important part of his story, from attending as a student to now serving on staff, and leading students himself. In this episode, he opens up about his salvation experience, the vision God gave him at 18 years old that confirmed his call to ministry, and the journey that eventually led him into youth ministry. He also shares the story of meeting his future wife when they were just 12 years old before eventually beginning to date at 18. After three years on staff at ARISE, Pastor Jeremiah reflects on what has surprised him most about ministry: just how fulfilling it is to watch God work in people's lives. From his own years in youth ministry to now leading the next generation, his story is a reminder of what God can do through a life surrendered to His calling. Do you have a question for Pastor Jeremiah McAnulty? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with the man, the myth, the legend himself, Pastor Ken McAnulty, Executive Pastor at ARISE Church. Have you ever wondered what an Executive Pastor actually does? In this episode, Pastor Ken gives an inside look at his role, shares the story of how God called him to ARISE Church, and reflects on nearly three decades of ministry. Growing up as a pastor's kid, Pastor Ken experienced both the blessings and the expectations that often come with ministry. Although many know him today as a confident leader, he shares what it was really like growing up as a quiet, introverted, self-proclaimed nerd who moved around frequently. From giving his life to Christ at a kids crusade to discovering God's call on his life, Pastor Ken's story is one of faithfulness, humility, and God's direction every step of the way. Along the way, you'll also learn about his love for Michigan football, his favorite fiction and nonfiction books, hear some fun stories, and discover the defining moment in his 28 years of ministry that continues to shape the way he leads today. Whether you've attended ARISE for years or you're just getting to know Pastor Ken, this conversation offers a deeper look at the heart, wisdom, and servant leadership behind one of the key leaders of our church. Do you have a question for Pastor Ken McAnulty? Email us at [email protected] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson 🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com 🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com 📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson 📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook 🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast