Courageous Conversations

Jason Ellis joins Matt Saunders (BCS HS Athletic Director) for an inspiring conversation about trusting God through uncertainty, leading with a purpose that goes beyond winning on the field, and pointing our student-athletes to something eternal.Key Highlights:Comfort is the enemy of growth, and growth happens in the valley – not the mountaintopBuilding the Briarcrest Leadership AcademyFight, Finish, Faith — Matt breaks down the philosophy behind these three words now emphasized throughout our athletic departmentMatt also recounted his experience coaching at Ole Miss under Ed Orgeron, his high school and youth football coaching experience, and how his experience in the world of corporate franchising led him back to a leadership role at BCS.

Japan: one of the most advanced nations on earth, yet less than 0.5% Christian. Some people there have never even heard the name Jesus.Briarcrest alum Cameron Wright ('16) shares how high school Ecuador trips at BCS planted a seed that led him, his wife, and their kids to move across the world for the gospel.🇯🇵 In this episode, learn why Japan has been called a "missionary graveyard" — and why Cameron was called to raise his family there for God's glory. "There's sacrifices involved, but what God calls you to is worth it."

In the latest episode of Courageous Conversations, Houston Kelly (’23), shares how his faith, family, and Briarcrest experiences shaped his journey as a musician and his time on NBC’s The Voice.Houston joined host Jason Ellis to discuss using a national platform to reflect Christ, showing kindness and grace in settings where faith may be unfamiliar, and learning to put God’s purpose above his own ambitions. He also shared how a challenging season in college taught him the importance of Christian community, accountability, and trusting God’s faithfulness, even when we make mistakes.Listen and subscribe today on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube!

🎙️ New Episode - Launching Season Three of the Courageous Conversations Podcast!In this edition, Jason sits down with Briarcrest mom Leah Walker for an encouraging conversation about faith, motherhood, community, and family discipleship.Leah shares how God taught her to move from simply adding Jesus to a busy life to truly surrendering her life fully to Him—and how that led to deeper community, Bible study, intentional parenting, and serving others.Topics include:· Why busyness crowds out community· Practical ways to disciple kids in everyday moments — car rides, family prayer, and modeling weakness as much as strength· Why reading Scripture for yourself matters more than secondhand opinions about it· Leah's encouragement for any parent feeling like they don't have time for the Lord: "Put your oxygen mask on first!"🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Courageous Conversations on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!

In this episode, Jason sits down with Garrett Vaughan (the second of three generations of Briarcrest Saints, and co-founder of BCS Dads in Fellowship) for a genuine conversation about faith, fatherhood, and friendship.Garrett shares how drifting from a close-knit Christian community in college led to spiritual stagnation, while being surrounded by other believers in his current stage of life has kept him grounded as a husband and father.Garrett and Jason discuss the importance of Christian men sharing struggles – spiritual and physical – and overcoming obstacles together. They also dive in on the importance of authenticity and consistency in marriage and parenthood.Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify and YouTube today! 🎧Want to be a part of BCS Dads in Fellowship? Learn more on our new website by visiting Current Parents > Parent Ministries.#ChristianPodcast