The Rob Skinner Podcast: Helping You Make This Life Count

📄 Can AI Help Advance the Gospel? | Nick Galang on Ministry, Technology & Church Growth Can AI actually help advance the gospel? In this thought-provoking interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with entrepreneur and ministry leader Nick Galang to discuss the future of AI, technology, church growth, and bivocational ministry. Nick shares why he believes Christians should not fear AI, but instead thoughtfully explore how it can be used to strengthen churches, support ministers, teach sound doctrine, and reach more people with the gospel. This conversation dives into: How AI can support ministry and church planting Why social media is already impacting church growth The importance of leveraging modern tools wisely How AI can assist creativity and innovation Building resources that teach sound doctrine The future of bivocational ministry Why experimentation and faith-driven innovation matter Nick also discusses how emerging technology is lowering barriers for creativity and entrepreneurship, making it possible for ordinary disciples to build tools, resources, and businesses that can support ministry and expand God's Kingdom. This episode is ideal for: Church leaders Entrepreneurs Creatives Ministry staff Church planters Christians curious about AI and technology 🔑 Key Takeaways AI is a tool — the issue is how we use it Churches should thoughtfully engage emerging technology Social media is already helping churches grow AI can support creativity, learning, and ministry Bivocational ministry will likely continue growing Christians have opportunities to shape technology for good 💬 Memorable Quotes "AI is neither evil nor good. It's how we choose to wield it." "The ideas and the options are literally unlimited." "The important thing is to experiment and explore — not be scared." "Why can't we leverage what God has allowed to happen for His glory?"

How God Is Opening Doors for Revival in India | Shaijus Philip What happens when ordinary disciples pray for God to open doors? In this inspiring interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with Shaijus Philip from India to talk about church planting, raising up new leaders, and how God is moving powerfully through faith, prayer, and sacrifice. Shaijus shares how the School of Mission has trained dozens of new ministry leaders, the exciting "30 Districts by 2030" evangelistic initiative in India, and the miraculous story of how a wealthy landowner opened his property for a new church planting effort. This episode is packed with: Inspiring stories of faith and perseverance Church planting vision across India Leadership development through the School of Mission Stories of miraculous open doors Lessons about following the Spirit instead of human strategy The power of unity, sacrifice, and evangelism Rob also reflects on the persecution Shaijus endured decades earlier while helping plant churches in India — and the incredible fruit that has come from decades of faithful service. If you need renewed faith for ministry, missions, or evangelism, this conversation will encourage you deeply. Key Takeaways God often opens doors in unexpected ways Prayer and fasting still move mountains Young leaders can be inspired into ministry Church planting requires faith and patience Unity across social and economic lines is powerful The Holy Spirit often leads better than human strategy Memorable Quotes "When the Spirit opens the door, amazing things happen." "People from every caste and background were treated equally." "We prayed for the Spirit to open doors." "Whoever has more will be given." Topics Covered Church planting in India School of Mission training Evangelism initiatives Leadership development Ministry in Kerala Missions and discipleship Persecution and perseverance Healthy church growth Faith and revival

📝 How a Plateaued Church Started Growing Again After COVID (Boston Interview #5) In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down with James Rosenquist, who leads a church in Pittsburgh that has recently begun growing again after years of plateau and decline. James shares an honest and vulnerable look at what it was like taking over church leadership during COVID, watching attendance shrink, experimenting with new ideas, and wrestling with discouragement. But instead of quitting, something shifted. This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth often begins not with better programs—but with deeper maturity, stronger leadership, perseverance, and renewed dependence on God. 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode What it feels like to lead during a season of decline Why "humanistic leadership" eventually runs out of steam The spiritual lesson James learned during sabbatical Why maturity and equipping leaders became the new focus The surprising power of consistency over flashy strategies How alumni and outside support helped reignite momentum Why church growth often starts with changing the leader first 💡 Key Takeaway Sometimes breakthrough doesn't come from a brand-new strategy. 👉 It comes from becoming a different person in the same situation. James shares how learning that "God is the reward" changed the way he viewed ministry, success, and leadership. 🌱 A Story of Hope for Church Leaders Many churches experienced setbacks after COVID. This episode offers encouragement for leaders who: Feel discouraged Feel stuck Are trying hard but not seeing immediate results Growth may take longer than expected. But perseverance, prayer, and equipping others still matter. 🔥 Encouraging Signs of Renewal After years of struggle: The church is growing again New baptisms are happening Former campus students have moved back to help strengthen the church New Bible studies are beginning through evangelism efforts And perhaps most importantly: 👉 Hope has returned. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for more leadership interviews from around the world Share this episode with a church leader who needs encouragement Join Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com 📌 Series Note This episode is part of a special series of short interviews from the Boston Church Builders Conference, featuring leaders focused on healthy church growth and revival.

📝 From Electrician to Ministry: How This Young Couple Is Building a Thriving Teen Ministry (Boston Interviews #3) In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down with Tim and Susie Tang Creel, who lead a thriving youth and family ministry in Auckland. Their ministry is growing fast—with over 35 teens and climbing—and what's even more inspiring is that they've only been in full-time ministry for about a year. So what's working? Tim and Susie share the simple but powerful principles behind their impact—along with the personal sacrifices, faith decisions, and daily habits that are helping them build something meaningful for the next generation. 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode The #1 factor driving growth in their teen ministry Why strong parent + teen leader relationships are critical How to stay spiritually strong in a ministry that constantly gives The role of humility and learning ("be a sponge") in leadership How they protect their marriage and joy in a demanding ministry Why Tim walked away from a stable career as an electrician The difference between a job you enjoy and a calling you can't ignore 💡 Key Takeaway Sometimes the clearest sign of your calling is this: 👉 What fulfills you the most isn't what pays the most—it's what aligns with your purpose. For Tim and Susie, a few hours of ministry each day became more meaningful than long workdays in a successful trade. That clarity changed everything. ❤️ A Challenge for You Where do you feel most alive? What are you doing when: You lose track of time You feel closest to God You know you're making an impact 👉 That may be pointing you toward your calling. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for more leadership and faith-building interviews Share this episode with someone in ministry or leadership Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com This is part of a special series of short interviews from the Boston Church Builders Conference, featuring leaders from around the world. Subscribe to listen to more leaders from around the world.

📝 What Leaders Are Hoping for Before a Major Conference (Boston Interviews #1) What are church leaders really hoping for when they come to a major conference? In this special episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down for a quick, candid conversation with leaders gathered in Boston just before the Church Builders Conference begins. Featuring: Chris Schwarzenberger (Spokane, Washington) Brock and Anne Roby (SF Bay Fellowship, San Francisco Bay Area) Pam Skinner Together, they share their expectations, hopes, and what they're really looking for going into the weekend—from deeper connection and meaningful fellowship to renewed vision and a sense of where God is moving. Whether you attend conferences or not, this conversation taps into something deeper: 👉 The desire to be encouraged, connected, and reminded that God is working beyond your local context. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Hear: Why fellowship is often the most powerful part of any conference The unique challenges of feeling isolated in ministry What leaders hope to gain beyond just teaching and sessions The importance of clarity, vision, and direction Why seeing what God is doing globally strengthens personal faith 💥 Key Takeaway Sometimes the most powerful thing you can experience… is simply being around people who remind you: 👉 You're not alone—and God is moving everywhere. 🌍 About This Series This episode is the first in a short series of on-the-ground interviews from the Church Builders Conference in Boston. Throughout the series, you'll hear real conversations with leaders, disciples, and friends—capturing the heart, vision, and impact of the conference as it unfolds. 🙌 Reflection Questions What am I hoping for when I seek spiritual growth? Do I prioritize connection and fellowship in my faith? Where do I need renewed vision or encouragement? 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content

📝 Feeling Anxious About the Future? Build This Foundation Instead Feeling pressure, uncertainty, or anxiety about your future? You're not alone. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob tackles one of the biggest challenges facing disciples today—how to stay grounded when everything around you feels unstable. From shifting job markets to rapid technological change, from global conflict to personal uncertainty, it's easy to feel like you're falling behind. But here's the truth: 👉 You don't need a perfect plan… you need a solid foundation. Drawing from powerful scriptures like Psalm 32, Hebrews 8:12, Ephesians 1:13, and Philippians 4:11–13, Rob walks through a simple but life-changing framework: Your past is redeemed Your future is secure Your present can be peaceful While the world teaches you to control everything, Jesus offers something better—true peace, confidence, and stability rooted in Him. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about what's next, this episode will help you reset your mindset and refocus your faith. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why anxiety often comes from focusing on things you can't control How to let go of regret and stop replaying your past What it means that your future is already secured in Christ Why trying to "figure everything out" creates more stress How to experience real peace—even in uncertain circumstances The difference between external stability and internal peace 📖 Key Scriptures Psalm 32:1–2 – Your past is forgiven Hebrews 8:12 – God remembers your sins no more Ephesians 1:13 – Your future is sealed by the Holy Spirit Philippians 4:11–13 – Contentment in all circumstances 💥 Key Takeaway You don't need to control your future to have peace… 👉 You need to trust the One who already has. When your past is redeemed and your future is secure, your present can finally be peaceful. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: Am I still living in my past—even though God has forgiven it? Am I trying to control a future that belongs to God? Am I tying my peace to circumstances instead of Christ? Then make a decision this week to rebuild your foundation—on Christ alone. 🔥 Practical Application Stop replaying what God has already erased Focus on daily obedience—not long-term control Choose contentment in your current situation Anchor your identity in Christ—not outcomes 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with someone feeling overwhelmed Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content

📝 The 3 Mindsets That Will Transform Your Faith (Most Christians Ignore This) What if your spiritual growth isn't about trying harder… but thinking differently? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob breaks down three powerful identities every serious disciple must embrace: 👉 Soldier. Athlete. Farmer. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:3–7, Rob explains how these aren't just metaphors—they're expectations for anyone who wants to live a no-regrets life and truly make an impact. Each identity reveals a critical mindset: The soldier teaches focused obedience The athlete teaches disciplined integrity The farmer teaches patient endurance Through personal stories—including his early days planting a church while working in real estate—Rob shares what it really takes to stay focused, disciplined, and faithful when results don't come quickly. If you've ever felt distracted, inconsistent, or impatient in your faith, this episode will challenge you to reset your mindset and refocus your life. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why distraction is one of the biggest threats to your faith How to develop real spiritual discipline (even when no one is watching) The importance of consistency over motivation Why results in your faith often take time to appear How to stay committed when life feels uncertain The mindset required to become a multiplying, impactful Christian 📖 Key Scripture 2 Timothy 2:3–7 "Join with me in suffering… like a good soldier of Christ Jesus…" 💥 Key Takeaway You don't drift into spiritual growth… 👉 You train, focus, and endure for it. When you think like a soldier, live like an athlete, and work like a farmer—your faith begins to transform. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: Where am I distracted like a civilian? Where am I undisciplined like an untrained athlete? Where am I impatient like a farmer ready to quit? Then take one step this week to refocus, train, and trust the process. 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with someone who needs focus and direction Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content

This One Leadership Skill Changes Everything (Most People Miss It) What if your future success came down to one simple—but overlooked—skill? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful leadership principle that impacts everything: 👉 Your ability to recognize and recruit the right people. Through a personal story that starts with an unexpected phone call during COVID, Rob unpacks how one decision—to invest in the right person—led to far more than he ever imagined. That young man didn't just become a leader… He became family. Drawing from 1 Samuel 14:52, this episode explores how great leaders don't just rely on their own talent—they surround themselves with strong, faithful, and courageous people. If you want to grow your leadership, your ministry, your family, or your impact, this message will challenge how you think about people. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your future depends on who you bring into your life The key traits of "mighty men" and "mighty women" How to recognize people with real potential Why chasing the wrong people holds you back The difference between passive people and proactive leaders How one bold decision can change everything 💥 Key Takeaway Great leaders don't just build themselves… 👉 They build with the right people. When you learn to recognize, recruit, and develop strong people, everything in your life begins to change. 🙌 Challenge Ask yourself: Who are the "mighty people" already around me? Am I investing in the right people—or chasing the wrong ones? Then take one bold step this week to call someone higher and bring them closer into your life. 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode helped you: Share it with someone building a team or leading others Leave a review Subscribe for more leadership and faith-based content

📝 They're Planting a Church in Sioux Falls (And It Starts This Summer) What does it look like to say yes to God when the path ahead is uncertain? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob talks with Braxton and Jinky Kieft about their exciting decision to help plant a new church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After years of ministry experience in places like Guam, Phoenix, and Northwest Indiana, Braxton and Jinky are stepping out in faith once again—this time to build a church from the ground up in one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest. They share how God changed their hearts, confirmed the calling, and gave them a vision for a church centered on faith, family, fellowship, food, and fun. This conversation is full of courage, sacrifice, prayer, and vision. It's a powerful reminder that God still moves through ordinary people who are willing to take bold steps of faith. Whether you've ever considered going on a mission team, planting a church, or simply want to be inspired by what God is doing, this episode will encourage you. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Hear: How Braxton and Jinky sensed God calling them to Sioux Falls Why Sioux Falls is such a strategic city for a new church The backstory of the small disciple group already there What they are looking for in a mission team Their vision for the first year of the church plant Why building unity and family culture will be a top priority What kind of people they hope will join the team How prayer, surrender, and faith have shaped this journey 💥 Key Takeaway Church planting still matters. And when people are willing to step out in faith, pray boldly, and build with vision, God can do something powerful in a city that has been waiting for reinforcements. 🙌 About This Episode Braxton and Jinky currently serve in Northwest Indiana and are preparing to move to Sioux Falls in the summer, with plans to launch the new church in the fall. Their dream is to build a strong, family-centered church that helps people follow Jesus and creates a lasting spiritual legacy in South Dakota. Faith For The Falls Is the Spirit Calling you? Come join us this summer in Sioux Falls SD as we plant a new church, and continue the mission of Jesus. 30 people. One City. One Dream. Braxton Kieft Evangelist, Sioux Falls Mission Team 269-326-0882 Bkieft@chicagochurch.org 🔗 Next Steps If this episode encourages you: Pray for the Sioux Falls church planting Share this episode with someone who loves missions Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com Read Rob's book The 10X Christian 🙏 Support the Podcast If the Rob Skinner Podcast has helped you, please: Leave a review Share the episode Subscribe for more inspiring conversations about faith, discipleship, leadership, and church planting

📝 The Hidden Reason You Feel Spiritually Weak (Check Your "Fuel") What you put into your life determines what comes out of it. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful and memorable lesson using a real-life story of a high-performance car that completely broke down—not because it lacked power, but because it was filled with the wrong fuel. The same is true spiritually. You can have passion, potential, and purpose—but if you're running on the wrong inputs, your spiritual life will eventually stall. Drawing from 1 Timothy 1:5, Rob explains how real, Christ-like love is produced—and why so many Christians struggle to sustain it. This episode challenges you to take a hard look at what you're allowing into your heart, mind, and daily habits. Because when you change the fuel… you change the outcome. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why spiritual burnout often starts with what you consume The three sources of genuine, Christ-like love How a "polluted" heart quietly weakens your faith The connection between your conscience and your spiritual power Why sincere faith—not performance—is the key to transformation How media, culture, and habits can subtly shape your spiritual life 📖 Key Scripture 1 Timothy 1:5 "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 💥 Key Takeaway You can't produce godly love if you're running on polluted fuel. What you consistently take in—through media, conversations, and habits—will shape who you become. If you want to grow spiritually, don't just try harder… 👉 Change what you're feeding your heart. 🙌 Challenge Take a moment today and ask yourself: What am I feeding my heart daily? What needs to be removed? What needs to be replaced? Then take one step to clear out the wrong fuel and replace it with something that strengthens your faith. 🔗 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: https://robskinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com 🙏 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe for more faith-building content

📝 Why You Feel Out of Place (It Might Mean You're Doing It Right) In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores a powerful truth that many Christians experience but don't always understand: 👉 What if feeling out of place is actually a sign you're living the right way? Drawing from his personal experience of living in Japan for 10 years—where he constantly felt like an outsider—Rob shares how that feeling revealed a deeper spiritual reality: as followers of Christ, we were never meant to fully blend into this world. Using 1 Peter 1:17, this episode challenges you to rethink what it means to live with purpose, conviction, and eternal perspective. If you've ever felt different, disconnected, or like you don't quite belong… this message will help you see that tension as a sign of faith—not failure. 🔑 Key Takeaways Feeling out of place can be evidence of living with conviction Your true citizenship is in heaven—not this world Christians are called to live differently, not blend in Tension with culture is a signal, not a problem Your habits, values, and decisions should reflect your eternal destination 📖 Scripture Mentioned 1 Peter 1:17 "Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." 🙌 Next Steps 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: 👉 https://RobSkinner.com 📘 Get The 10X Christian: 👉 Available on Amazon ⭐ If this episode encouraged you, leave a review and share it with a friend!

📝 Why It's So Hard to Make Friends as an Adult (And How Jesus Did It Right) Why is it so hard to make real friends as an adult? If you've ever felt isolated, overlooked, or disconnected—even in church—you're not alone. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob tackles a challenge almost everyone faces: building meaningful friendships in adulthood. Friendships used to happen naturally. But now? Life is busy. People are scattered. And connection takes intentional effort. Drawing from Scripture and practical insight, Rob shares how Jesus Himself modeled friendship—and how you can follow that same pattern to build relationships that bring joy, strength, and spiritual purpose. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why friendships were easier growing up—and why they're harder now The 3 key ingredients to friendship: time, location, and energy How Jesus intentionally built deep relationships Why waiting for others to reach out keeps you stuck The importance of initiating, inviting, and showing warmth How to overcome isolation and build meaningful connection Why the best friendships are built around a shared purpose in God ⚠️ The Big Truth: You won't drift into great friendships—you have to build them intentionally. 📖 Scriptures Referenced: Luke 6:12–13 – Jesus prayed before choosing relationships Mark 3:13–15 – Jesus called people to be with Him 💡 Key Takeaway: If you want great friendships, stop waiting—and start initiating. 🙌 Practical Challenge: This week: Pray for God to bring the right people into your life Initiate one new connection Invite someone to spend time together Put yourself in environments where relationships can grow 🔗 Resources & Next Steps: 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter. 📘 Get the book: The 10X Christian 🌐 Visit: https://robskinner.com 🎯 Final Thought: A 10X Christian doesn't wait for connection… they create it.

📝 4 Questions That Will Transform Your Faith This Week (10X Christian Mindset) What if your entire spiritual life could change… just by asking better questions? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares four powerful weekly questions that can completely transform your faith, your impact, and your effectiveness as a disciple. Too many Christians drift through their weeks—busy, distracted, and reactive. But the early church didn't drift—they lived with conviction and purpose. And you can too. Drawing from scriptures like Acts 17 and Acts 19, Rob challenges listeners to move from passive Christianity to intentional living. If you want to live a no-regrets life, multiply your impact, and grow into a 10X Christian, this episode gives you a simple, practical framework to start today. 🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your spiritual growth depends on the questions you ask The difference between passive faith vs. intentional discipleship The 4 weekly questions that transform your impact: Bring – Who will you bring to church this week? Study – Who will you study the Bible with? Build – Who will you build a relationship with? Strengthen – Who will you encourage this week? How to stop drifting and start living with purpose A simple challenge to immediately apply this in your life 💡 Key Takeaway: You don't drift into a powerful Christian life—you build it intentionally. 📖 Scriptures Referenced: Acts 17 – Paul's urgency for the lost Acts 19 – Teaching and transforming a region 1 Thessalonians – Sharing not just the gospel, but your life 🚀 Next Steps: Take 2 minutes today and write down: 1 person to bring 1 person to study with 1 person to build with 1 person to strengthen Then take action. 🔗 Resources & Links: 📩 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter 📘 Get Rob's book: The 10X Christian 🌐 Visit: https://robskinner.com 🎯 Final Thought: 10X Christians don't drift… they lead with conviction.