Dents in the Darkness

On this episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Shane Pruitt to talk about the critical issues facing today’s young people. While this generation is navigating significant challenges, there is also real hope in what God is doing in and through them.In our conversation, Shane shares insights from his book Not My Jesus, addressing how our culture often reshapes Jesus into our own image—and why restoring the biblical Jesus is essential for authentic discipleship. We also explore practical ways to disciple and minister to the next generation with truth, clarity, and compassion.Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). With more than 20 years of ministry experience as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor, Shane brings deep wisdom and practical insight. He is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Shane and his wife, Kasi, live in Texas with their five children.      Books & Bible Studies Not My Jesus – Bible Study Book with Video Access – 8-week study on reclaiming truth and rejecting cultural versions of Jesus: Lifeway listing: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/not-my-jesus-teen-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005850065 Reaching Generation Alpha: A Ministry Guide for Discipling the Church Beyond the Screen — upcoming book by Shane Pruitt & Shelly Melia (ministry to young children/Gen Alpha): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reaching-generation-alpha-shane-pruitt/1148263529   The GenSend Podcast – equipping leaders to reach, disciple, and mobilize the next generation (official GenSend podcast hosted in part by Shane Pruitt): https://www.gensend.org/leader-resources/

In this episode of Dents in the Darkness, host Michael Schooley (Converge Northeast & the Northeast Collaborative) is joined by NEC President- Pastor Dan Nichols of Grace Christian Fellowship (Cortland, NY) and Justin Bleuer of Berean Bible Church for a conversation centered on the Northeast Collaborative (NEC).Together, they reflect on key celebrations from the past season, the stories of encouragement God is writing across the Northeast, and what is coming in 2026. This episode also unpacks the heart behind NEC—why collaboration matters, how churches are stronger together, and the long-term vision for seeing healthy, gospel-centered churches planted and strengthened throughout the region.If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing to Dents in the Darkness, leaving a review, and sharing it with a pastor or church leader in the Northeast.New episodes released monthly.

In this special episode of Dents in the Darkness, we bring you a live Q&A session with Dr. Crawford Loritts from the Northeast Leaders Summit 2025. Dr. Loritts shares wisdom on perseverance, spiritual resilience, and what it takes to be a leader who finishes well in ministry. This conversation is rich with decades of pastoral experience, honest reflections, and practical encouragement for anyone called to lead.Why longevity in ministry matters now more than everThe foundational habits that sustain pastors and leadersHow to navigate discouragement, criticism, and seasons of doubtThe importance of character formation over platform buildingWhat Crawford has learned after a lifetime of preaching, shepherding, and leadingEncouragement for younger leaders stepping into ministry todayDr. Crawford Loritts was the main stage speaker at NLS 2025 and is a respected pastor, speaker, and leadership mentor who ministers across the country. He is the author of numerous books, including the influential Leadership as Identity. His decades of ministry experience have shaped a powerful voice for leaders seeking to remain faithful for the long haul.

In today's episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Mike Seay, Worship Consultant at the Multiply Group, to talk about the intentional development of worship leaders. Drawing from his experience in both local church leadership and national coaching, Mike unpacks practical strategies for identifying, equipping, and releasing worship leaders who are spiritually grounded and musically skilled. Whether you're a lead pastor, worship pastor, or ministry leader, this conversation will give you tools to build a worship leadership pipeline that lasts. What You’ll Learn:Why developing worship leaders is more than just teaching musicHow to create a culture of spiritual formation in your worship teamHow pastors and worship leaders should partner together.Practical systems for mentoring and multiplying leadersCommon mistakes churches make when building worship teamsHow Multiply Group partners with churches to raise up worship leaders About Our Guest:Mike Seay serves as a Worship Consultant with the Multiply Group, helping churches across the country develop sustainable systems for worship ministry.  Resources & Links:Learn more about the Multiply Group: www.multiplygroup.orgConnect with Mike Seay on Instagram: @mikeseay

Join us for a conversation with Matta Rizkallah, founder and CEO of Manufacturing Automation Systems (MAS), as we unpack what it means to live out Business as Mission in the industrial automation space. Matta shares how his company began not only to serve market needs but to actively engage global mission initiatives and community transformation—all from Painted Post, New York.Key themes include:How to build a kingdom business.How MAS integrates innovation, social impact, and Christian values into its mission The challenges of being a business leader.How the church can help business leaders in their kingdom pursuit.Ongoing faith-based projects: building a school in Ghana and partnering with organizations like NuVenture Nepal and Potter’s Hands Foundation Manufacturing Automation Systems LLCThis episode is ideal for mission-minded entrepreneurs, church leaders, and Christians seeking to connect their daily work with eternal purposeManufacturing Automation Systems, Inc. – automation & robotics company providing engineered solutions to industries including defense, life sciences, and semiconductor manufacturing Empire State Development+1Books on Business as Mission - https://businessasmission.com/library/books/

If you're a pastor feeling the weight of leadership, you’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Derek Sanford, lead pastor of Grace Church in Erie, PA, and founder of the Grace Leadership Institute, to talk about leadership.Derek shares practical, time-tested wisdom on multiplying leaders, creating healthy team dynamics, and leading for the long haul without burning out. This episode is packed with insight for pastors looking to build sustainable leadership structures, raise up others, and stay faithful over decades—not just seasons. In This Episode:  Why teams matter (and how to build one)Building Leadership Longevity.How to identify, develop, and deploy emerging leadersStrategies for longevity in ministry and avoiding burnoutThe role of vulnerability and humility in healthy leadershipDerek’s book: ⁠Untapped Church: Discovering the Hidden Potential of Ordinary People in Your ChurchSign up for the Northeast Leadership Summit 

In this episode of Dents in the Darkness, we talk with Pastor Stephen Hay, Vice President of Church Health with Anago Partners—an organization dedicated to helping churches flourish.Stephen shares practical and spiritual insight on how churches can move from where they are to where God is calling them: places of vitality, health, and kingdom impact. Whether your church is stuck, struggling, or seeking greater clarity, this conversation offers hope and a roadmap forward.What You’ll Learn:What it means for a church to flourishHow to move from survival to Kingdom effectivenessThe common challenges in church health and renewalHow Anago Partners comes alongside pastors and leadersA powerful resource: Leading Change—a guide to help churches navigate transition and growth intentionally

In this episode of Dents in the Darkness, we sit down with Matthew Wilson from Compassion International to explore how this powerful ministry is changing the lives of children and families around the globe.You’ll hear the heart behind Compassion’s mission to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name, and how the organization partners with local churches to provide not only physical needs like food, healthcare, and safety—but also spiritual hope through the gospel.Whether you're a church leader, a sponsor, or just curious about how you can make a difference, this conversation will stir your heart and expand your vision for Kingdom impact.What You’ll Learn:The story and mission of Compassion InternationalWhy partnering with local churches is key to sustainable transformationHow Compassion supports the mind, body, and soul of each childReal stories of children going from surviving to thrivingA sneak peek into our upcoming trip to El Salvador!

Covid changed a lot of things including in person worship. There is a place for online worship but in this conversation we talk about the theological and spiritual good of gathering in person rather than just online.  Jonathan Griffiths is a Lead Pastor in Ottawa, Canada and also a writer.  He wrote the book "Gathered for Good: God's Good Design for the Local Church". A great conversation on the importance of the local church.

Quebec is one of the most unchurched, unreached areas in North America. Jacob Matthieu is a church planter and now Director of Development for SEMBEQ. In this podcast we talk about MULTIPLICATION. How do you reach those who are a couple generations away from any knowledge of Christianity. Why starting new churches, developing leaders is critical to seeing God move in Quebec.  We need others to grab on to a vision of MULTIPLICATION as Jacob has for Quebec.  

In this podcast, we talk with Mac Lake with Multiply Group. Mac has written multiple books on develop leaders at different levels of the church. From the Multiplication Effect which talks about a leadership pipeline to his latest book Leading Yourself. In this podcast we talk through helping your church develop a leadership pipeline.  How are you doing developing Leaders?

Pat and Josh join us in a conversation on  how the church can better use social media to reach and disciple people. Pat Linnell is the founder and leader of Grace Bomb which is a practical tool that helps people practice their faith.  to hear more about Grace Bomb. Josh works as a  Creative Director, Brand Marketing Director, Consultant & Content Creator. 

Bishop Victor Glover from Fathers on the Move joins us on the podcast to talk through how Fathers On The Move has been making a difference in those who are incarcerated.  Not only are they seeing these men stay out of prison, but they are also seeing men come to know Jesus! Churches being started within these prisons, and churches planted across the US as these men are discipled and move all over the country.  Fathers on the move is living out Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

Dents in the Darkness is back with it's 50th Episode!As we celebrate the 50th episode, we invite Justin Bleuer (Berean Bible Church/NEC Leadership Team, and Dan Nichols (Grace Fellowship Church/Founder of NEC) on the podcast to talk through what is happenings in NEC. Celebrating what God is doing, sharing some direction for the upcoming year.... and a few surprises along the way. There is a lot to get excited about as we look back and look ahead to what God has in store for us here at NEC. To find out more about NEC, email ⁠mike@necollaborative.com

Dents in the Darkness returns with "Leading From The Second Chair" with Pastor Paul Piraino from Victory High Wesleyan Church in Corning NY. Paul has been at the same church for 30+ years in many different roles.  Although he was the lead pastor for many years, he loved leading from the second chair.  This is a great conversation on how to lead well when you are not in charge and how team leadership can be a beautiful thing.   Resources: 1. Second Chair Leadership by Tracy Reynolds 2. Leading From The Second Chair by Mike Bonem

On this episode, Hosts Tim Madeira and Mike Schooley will sit down with Jamie Overholser, from Standing Stone Ministry, and hear about their focus on the much needed mission of soul care in pastors. They will speak into "what is soul care" and "what is the soul" first. Make sure to listen in and consider any shepherd's in your circles that might benefit from this ministry! Needing some guidance? Feeling alone? Wanting to grow as a leader? Experiencing burnout? We are here to support and help you prevent crises, navigate them if they happen, and increase your health so you, your family, and your ministry flourishes. Contact Jamie to have a conversation.⁠ Jamie's email address -⁠jamie.overholser@gmail.com⁠  https://standingstoneministry.org/⁠

In this episode, Tim Madeira and Mike Schooley interview with NEC Founder/President - Pastor Dan Nichols, along with Andy Needham - Converge Northeast Regional Vice President & Associate Director https://www.converge.org/northeast Andy is a trusted connector and champion for church leaders with twenty-four years of experience in regional ministry in the northeast. Serving and solving problems for pastors is his passion and joy. Developing leaders is a critical piece of seeing the movement of God in the northeast. Converge is partnering with NEC to invest in leaders through a cohort.    Apply here: https://bit.ly/evergreencohort

Aaron Damjanovich and Dave Holvig, from Eaglebrook Association joined us on the podcast to share who they are and their passion for Christ. Hear about their upcoming church training outside of Syracuse in August. You will hear the story of why Eagle Brook does this passion - and what they will be doing during this training!

After experiencing God's redemption, forgiveness & consequences from secret sin, our friends Derek & Andrea graciously & transparently let us into their story of how God is saving their marriage after Derek's affair within their former church. This interview gives us all great caution and great encouragement no matter where we are in our marriages and walks with Christ! 

Learn more about Lance Witt - our main speaker for #NLS24 on Saturday, November 9th in Cortland, NY! Lance has been leading churches and organizations for 40+ years. He was the lead pastor for 3 different churches and then spent 7 years as an executive and teaching pastor at Saddleback Church in Southern California. In 2007, Lance launched “Replenish” which is dedicated to “Helping people live and lead from a healthy soul.”  Over the last 17 years, Lance has encouraged, challenged and equipped thousands of leaders through speaking, personal coaching, LifePlanning, and writing books. Lance and his best friend Connie have been married for 45  years. They have two grown children and 4 beautiful granddaughters.  Northeast Leadership Summit 2024 (#NLS24) Lance's Website Lance's Books