Mission Control

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Cody Chester, the lead pastor of the first church plant of Launch 10X. Cody shares his incredible journey from being First Baptist Melbourne's first church planting resident to pioneering a vibrant community of faith in southern Brevard county. Tune in to hear how Cody navigates the challenges of bi-vocational ministry, building gospel community, and balancing family life, all while embracing change and answering the call to make disciples.   Highlights: Cody's transition from Texas to Palm Bay The role of community in church planting Embracing change and flexibility in ministry Balancing family, business, and church planting Impacting lives through adoption and faith Insights into bi-vocational church planting Navigating the challenges and rewards of making disciples Pioneering with Launch 10X: Cody's church planting journey Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights on church planting, community building, and the faith-filled journey god has brought Cody on.   Resources: - “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg- A recommended read on embracing God's calling. Connect with Us: - Visit our website at launchme.church - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. - Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.   Support the Show: - Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys.

In this episode, we dive into the captivating journey of Michelle, a woman who grew up at FBC Melbourne and followed the call of international missions, leaving Central Florida and stepping into a life of purpose and service overseas. She shares her experiences, challenges, and the profound impact that her faith has had on her decisions.   Episode Highlights: - Introducing Michelle's background and early life experiences. - Michelle's transformational mission trip that sparked her passion for international missions. - Navigating the challenges of leaving behind a teaching career to embrace a new calling of stay-at-home-mom - Michelle's heart for South Sudan and the unexpected turns her journey took during times of conflict. - Balancing the roles of motherhood and ministry in a foreign context. - Insights into Michelle's faith journey, including moments of doubt and unwavering trust. - The importance of community and support in fulfilling a call to missions. - How Michelle's family reacted to her decision and supported her throughout the journey. - Michelle's advice for those feeling the call to missions and seeking guidance.   Resources Mentioned: - SIM - The mission agency Michelle partnered with for her international journey. - “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg- A recommended read on embracing God's calling. Connect with Us: - Visit our website at launchme.church - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. - Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.   Support the Show: - Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys.

Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Jason Schack, who shares his unexpected journey from a teacher to a youth pastor and now a FCA missionary. Through his story, we explore the transformative impact of embracing God's call and saying "yes" to the unknown. Jason's experiences underscore the significance of obedience and how a single act of faith can lead to profound changes in individuals' lives, whether in the classroom, youth ministry, or community engagement. Discover the remarkable ways a simple "yes" can have an eternal impact and unveil God's purpose. In this episode: Jason's surprising transition from teacher to youth pastor and missionary. The role of faith and trust in facing uncertainties and following God's plan. The ripple effects of embracing God's call and the profound changes it brings. Insights into the dynamics of student ministry, community engagement, and volunteerism. Recommended Resources:  “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg- A recommended read on embracing God's calling.  Brevard FCA Website   Connect with Us: - Visit our website at launchme.church - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. - Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.   Support the Show: - Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys.

Joining us in Mission Control today is Katye Campbell. Katye is currently serving on the School Board here in Brevard County. Her husband, Jim, is the lead pastor at Bay West Church, a church plant of First Baptist Melbourne. In our conversation today we talk about how God opened her up to the idea of running for school board, how we had been preparing her along the way, and the importance of walking in obedience with the Lord at every step along the way.

Joining us in Mission Control today is Jerry Thornton. Jerry moved to Melbourne in 2021 and is currently serving as the Associational Mission Strategist for the Brevard Baptist Association after serving in pastoral ministry for over 20 years. In our conversation today we talk about his current season of ministry, unpacking what it means to be an associational mission strategist and the value behind church’s partnering together and the importance of saying yes to the ministry opportunities God presents to each of us. 

Joining us in Mission Control today is Glenn & Shannon Garner. The Garners are currently serving as IMB missionaries in the Czech Republic. In our conversation today, we talk about the times in life when a sense of direction from God seems so clear… only to be faced with what feels like closed door after closed door. How God can use those seasons to stretch us and prepare us for what he has ahead. 

Joining us in Mission Control today is Erik Axsom. Erik currently serves on the staff at FBC Melbourne supporting our groups and connections ministries.  In our conversation today we talk a lot about how God has guided him through many different seasons of ministry and how God has opened his eyes to see a broader context of what it means to live “on mission”.

Joining us in Mission Control is Aaron Still, the Church Planting Pastor at FBC Melbourne. Our conversation today is centered around church planting and this God-sized goal we feel God has given our church to plant 10 churches in 10 years.

Joining us in Mission Control is Scott Wilson, the lead pastor of FBC Melbourne. In our conversation today we talk about what it’s like to lead the church you grew up in, why it’s so important to be a “sending” church, and how God led him to this vision of Launch 10X.

The purpose of the Mission Control podcast is to share stories from within our FBC Melbourne faith community of people who are living out this vision. Regardless of who you are, we all have a role to play. We are all involved in God’s story. We pray that the stories shared through Mission Control will encourage you to see how God is calling you to be used by Him! 

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Eddie and Rye Myers, long-time members of First Baptist Melbourne, who share their transformative move to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eddie and Rye discuss how a work opportunity led their family to embrace international living and pursue their faith mission across borders. Tune in as they explore building community in a new country, the roles of volunteering and homeschooling, and the profound impact these experiences had on their family’s faith and relationships. Episode Highlights: • Eddie & Rye's transition from Florida to Canada during COVID-19 • Building community and finding a church home in a foreign country • Navigating cultural differences and integrating family life abroad • The importance of embracing mission work as a family • Homeschooling experiences and the pursuit of character building • Transitioning back to life in Florida with renewed perspectives • Lessons on maintaining focus and intentionality amidst busyness Resources Mentioned: • "Is God Calling Me?" by Jeff Iorg - A recommended read on embracing God's calling. • Classical Conversations - A homeschooling community that supported the Myers in Canada. Connect with Us: Visit our website at launchme.church Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org. Support the Show: Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next time as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Larry Bazer, the former pastor of First Baptist Melbourne, who served from 1986 to 2011. Larry shares his incredible journey from pastoring at First Baptist Melbourne to founding the international ministry SINT: Equipping the Church. Tune in to hear how Larry's early years in ministry, coupled with his passion for missions, have led to decades of teaching and evangelism in countries around the world such as Brazil, India, and Romania. Episode Highlights: Larry's early call to ministry at age 11 and his first sermon at age 15 His pastoral journey at First Baptist Melbourne and the foundation of SINT: Equipping the Church The pivotal mission trip to Brazil and its lasting impact on Larry's ministry The importance of teaching and training pastors in less-developed countries Highlights from his trips to China, Romania, India, and other countries The challenges and rewards of international missions, including language barriers and lost luggage The significance of building long-term relationships in mission fields Larry's renewed passion for preaching and writing in the wake of his wife's passing Resources Mentioned: “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg The Wordless Book (used in evangelistic efforts) Southern Baptist Convention's Advance 2 initiative Rhema Ministries (Ron Herod Evangelistic Ministry Association) There's Hope Foundation (Romania mission) Connect with Us: Visit our website at launchme.church Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org. Support the Show: Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next week as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Gary Steffes, a former professional hockey player turned ministry leader and executive director of Pure Encouragement. Gary has an intriguing journey that takes him from the ice rinks of Bakersfield, CA to building spiritual communities across the U.S. His mission is to instill confidence and faith in individuals, irrespective of age, and to demonstrate living victoriously from the inside out. Join us as Gary shares his transformative story of overcoming personal struggles, his commitment to trusting God's guidance, and the miracles that have shaped his path. Episode Highlights: Gary’s journey from professional hockey to ministry leadership. Overcoming personal struggles with confidence through faith. The significance of trusting in God’s guidance over personal strength. • Gary's experiences with financial miracles confirming his faith. Transitioning from a business model to offering ministry services without charge. Leading Journey groups with an organization called Influencers. Emphasizing the importance of eliminating financial barriers in ministry. Gary’s impactful move to Palm Bay, Florida, and the supportive community there. Highlights of his role in men's ministry and national connections. Divine interventions and spiritual confirmations that guided Gary’s path.   Resources Mentioned: “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg - A recommended read on embracing God's calling in your life Psalm 46 - A source of solace and guidance for Gary.   Connect with Us: • Visit our website at launchme.church • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. • Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.   Support the Show: Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys.   Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next time as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Travis Woernley, the church planting resident at First Baptist Melbourne. Travis opens up about his journey from a challenging past to answering God's call to plant a church in Titusville. Throughout this episode, you'll hear Travis share candid stories about seasons of waiting, the importance of community, and his unwavering dedication to ministry work. Join the conversation as Travis shares his transformational faith journey and his commitment to building gospel-centered communities.   Episode Highlights: • Travis Woernley's move back home at age 21 and spiritual awakening • His reconnection with his future wife, Crystal, and their faith journey • His "Feast Fridays" and the significance of building community • Travis's shift from a successful career in sales to full-time ministry • The role of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in his ministry path • Overcoming challenges in community-building and personal growth • Embracing God's timing and the metaphor of doors and transition periods • Travis's mentors, Dan Carter and Jason Schack, and their influence • Advice for entering ministry: faithfulness, stewardship, and embracing God's opportunities   Resources Mentioned: • “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg • Launch 10X initiative details • Acts 2:42-47 as biblical inspiration for community gatherings   Connect with Us: • Visit our website at launchme.church • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. • Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.   Support the Show: Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in hearing inspirational stories of how God is at work in their life.     Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next week as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Al Williams, a dedicated church member and active evangelist at First Baptist Melbourne. Al shares his transformative journey from a turbulent youth in New Orleans to serving in the military for 24 years, and ultimately, to a devoted life of evangelism and mentorship. Listen in as Al discusses his passion for spreading faith, his unique door-to-door outreach methods, and the profound impact he has seen in the Port Canaveral ministry. Episode Highlights: Al's early life challenges growing up in New Orleans and his yearning for faith. Transition from military service to becoming an enthusiastic greeter at First Baptist Melbourne. The humorous story of how Al eagerly sought out service opportunities with Pastor Scott Terry. Al’s instrumental role in the door-to-door evangelism and mentoring in the community. Personal anecdotes of successful evangelism in challenging neighborhoods. The importance Al places on sharing God’s message and addressing community struggles. The high conversion rates and divine interventions witnessed in Al’s outreach efforts. Inspiring stories of life-changing encounters Al's advice to churchgoers about embracing service and compassion within their community. The significance of recognizing and utilizing personal gifts in accordance with God’s plan. Resources Mentioned: "Is God Calling Me?" by Jeff Iorg Launch 10X and First Baptist Melbourne’s ministries Connect with Us: Visit our website at launchme.church Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org. Support the Show: Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us in our next episode as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.