The Pulpit and Porch

What does real leadership look like?In a culture obsessed with influence, titles, and recognition, Jake Holmes offers a different perspective: leadership is less about power and more about responsibility.In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, Tony Marr and Robert Kell sit down with Jake Holmes, Mayor of Bristol, Virginia and External Affairs Manager for Appalachian Power, to explore leadership, community, service, and the future of Appalachia.Together they discuss what people misunderstand about leadership, why strong communities matter, the unique strengths of Appalachia, and what it means to invest your life in a place and its people.Whether you’re leading a business, a church, a family, or simply trying to make a difference where you live, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about influence and purpose.Topics Include:• Leadership and responsibility• Building strong communities• The future of Appalachia• Public service and civic engagement• Faith, values, and character• Purpose-driven leadershipSubscribe to The Pulpit & Porch for weekly conversations about faith, leadership, purpose, storytelling, and personal growth.#ThePulpitAndPorch #Leadership #ChristianPodcast #Appalachia #CommunityLeadership #Purpose #FaithAndCulture #PersonalGrowth #BristolVA #PublicService

Most people don’t fail because they’re unqualified.They fail because they never start.In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Shelton to talk about the courage it takes to take the first step, especially when you don’t feel ready, equipped, or certain about the outcome.We talk about:Why waiting for “perfect timing” is usually just fear in disguiseWhat actually happens when you take the first step before you feel readyThe quiet momentum that comes from obedience over confidenceWhy starting small can still change everythingThis is a front-porch conversation for anyone who’s been stuck in the almost, the someday, or the what-if. If you’ve been waiting for permission, clarity, or a sign, this might be it.So… why not start?Connect with Dylan Shelton & Mobile MinistriesInstagram: @Mobileministries1TikTok: @mobile.ministriesYouTube: @mobileministries1Connect with The Pulpit & Porch PodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pulpitandporchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpitandporch/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePulpitandPorchIf this conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or gave you the nudge you needed, share it with a friend and join us back on the porch next week.

In Part 1, we talked about how not every moment becomes a story, but in Part 2, we go deeper.This episode is all about the truth beneath the event. The part we usually skip. The part that makes us uncomfortable. The part that actually changes us.Tony unpacks how real stories aren’t built on what happened, but on what was revealed about ourselves, our faith, and the way God shapes us through everyday moments. We talk about why some stories fall flat, how reflection gives our experiences meaning, and why Jesus taught with stories instead of explanations.If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters…If you’ve ever rushed past the hard part to get to the lesson…If you’ve ever felt like your story wasn’t “big enough”…This conversation is for you.Pull up a chair, grab some sweet tea, and let’s talk about the story beneath the story.#ThePulpitAndPorch#FindingTheKernelOfTruth#FaithAndStories#ChristianPodcast#Storytelling#FrontPorchFaith#RealConversations#FaithInRealLife

As the new year begins and the noise quiets, we do something that feels both rare and necessary: we pause.In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, we take a look back with gratitude. Not a highlight reel. Not a victory lap. Just an honest reflection on what this year gave us, what it took from us, and what it taught us along the way.We talk about the moments worth celebrating, the lessons we didn’t ask for, and why gratitude isn’t about pretending everything was good, but recognizing that God was present in all of it. We also share how this season of reflection is shaping the direction of the show, the conversations ahead, and why we believe these front-porch conversations matter now more than ever.Grab a cup of coffee.Take a seat on the porch. Let’s look back with gratitude, and forward with hope.#ThePulpitAndPorch,#LookingBackWithGratitude,#EndOfYearReflection,#FaithAndLife,#ChristianPodcast,#GratitudePractice,#ReflectAndReset,#FrontPorchConversations,#FaithInEverydayLife,#HopeForTheNewYear