[This episode originally aired on Mental Health and Mission of the Church Podcast w/ Chip Judd. You can subscribe to his YouTube Channel here, where you will find a video version of this conversation] Hey, Seacoast. You’re about to meet Lauren, the woman whose decision changed my life forever. After 8 years of battling lung disease, I was running out of breath—literally. I was nearing the end of what my body could handle. Then came the call: “We have a match.”.” Those lungs belonged t...
[Go to www.seacoast.org/grief for more resources and support] Christmas brings out the jolliest of hearts for many — but for others, the season can stir up deep pain, longing, and grief. This year is Jill Forbes’ second Christmas since the sudden and unexpected passing of her husband, and in this conversation, she invites listeners into what this season looks like for her now. Jill shares her story with hosts Lynne Stroy and Joey Svendsen, opening up about what she’s learned so far, how she’...
In Episode 93, “A Feel-Good Story of a Beautiful Reunion," Seacoast staff member, Ann Meyer shared her story of being reunited with her biological family. Her mother and father made a difficult but loving decision to give Ann up for adoption—an act of deep sacrifice and love for their baby girl. In this Thanksgiving episode, you’ll hear from Ann’s biological mother, Donna Radford. Donna shares her heart of gratitude for being reconnected with her daughter, while also reflecting on the ...
In Episode 142, listeners heard stories of guests who are convinced of angelic encounters of rescue, encouragement, and prophetic guidance. But on this episode, listeners will hear stories of guests who have had possible encounters with angels of darkness—many refer to them as demons. From demon possessions to demon-infiltrated dreams and visions, all the guests share common sentiments. They all believe and have experienced firsthand that “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is...
On this special Veteran’s Day episode, we’re joined by Mark Merritt — a former U.S. Navy Commander and retired CIA Operations Officer who has trained and mentored Green Berets, Marine Special Operators, and Navy SEALs. You’ll hear Mark share what serving this country has meant to him, his heart for those in the military, and a few stories from his remarkable career — including how he recruited spies, and whether any of his secretive work ever presented moral dilemmas for him personally. Mos...
[Go to www.seacoast.org/grief for more resources and support] This conversation explores the profound journey of Kira Talerico, a mother navigating grief after the loss of her child, Vinny, to leukemia. In her book, Where Was God?, Kira shares her experience with loss, and how she managed to keep her faith amidst her grief. Kira will never be okay with her great loss, but she refuses to succumb to hopelessness. She shares how the Lord spoke to her in powerful ways to help her navigate the dep...
A “sister duo” joins this episode, as Katie Walters co-hosts with Joey Svendsen to talk to Katie’s sister, Pastor Jess Connolly. Katie and Jess share about the special bond they have and how Katie, who was once a domineering big sister when they were kids, now has a "mamma bear" defensiveness toward anyone who talks negatively about Jess on social media. Birthed out of a very painful season for their family, Jess just released her newest book, What Comes Next: 40 Days of Healing After H...
Founder of Hobby Lobby, David Green, released a new book called The Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity, that offers a Biblical framework for building multigenerational impact. In this conversation, hosts, Joey Svendsen and Jack Hoey, Jr. talk with David and co-author, Bill High, about the principles shared in their book, as well as a little about the Hobby Lobby story. From humble beginnings, David set out to be people-oriented in all of his business practices,...
Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson faced a long journey of infertility not knowing if or when the journey would end. As she walked through this grueling journey, God showed her the beauty and purpose that can be found in seasons of waiting on him. He taught her that all of life can be viewed as a joyful, soul-deepening, intimacy-building wait. Her book, Slow Burn: The Work and Wonder of the Wait, leads readers through this God-given insight. With Joey Svendsen and Katie Walters, the three discu...
On this episode, Roy Jacques, Chip Judd, and Joey Svendsen discuss their views on the current state of the Church. From rampant unacknowledged hypocrisy to over-zealous political affiliations at the expense of God's Kingdom, the three share whether, at times, they are uncomfortable being associated with the Church. Churches consists of people who hurt people, because humanity is flawed, even in the church. Chip reflects on his decades of ministry, including church consulting and counseling of...
Lisa Limehouse helps women and couples find hope and healing from the devastation of marital betrayal. Through her non-profit, Beauty Beyond Betrayal, she has helped hundreds of couples redeem their relationship and restore what was broken. In this conversation with host, Joey Svendsen, Lisa shares her own stories of being betrayed, but also of being the betrayer decades ago. With scripture and God's spirit of guidance at the core of her ministry, she educates listeners on the intricacies of ...
Long time Worship Pastor, Tara Banks has experienced the most difficult year of her life. In this episode she shares her story of God's faithfulness and describes her grateful heart despite the immense suffering. Through it all, Tara wrote a book called Finding Everyday Fruit: Discover and Develop a Life Formed by the Fruit of the Spirit. With host Joey Svendsen, the two discuss the Fruit of the Spirit in the context of her book; and switch topics to question worship services: Should b...
Pastor Joel Delph and his wife, Kelly, join Lynne Stroy and Joey Svendsen to close out this mini-podcast series that coincides with the Seacoast message series, Digital Detox. The four reflect on Joel’s message, Learning to Live Free, that highlighted smartphones as useful tools but terrible masters. Joel emphasizes that “not everything given to us is for us,” and each contributor shares their own specific distractions where this truth applies. From cancel culture to parenting in a tech-satur...
Dennis LaCosta, who attends Seacoast Church, was in the World Trade Center at the time of impact; and mentally and physically, he'll never be the same. On this episode, Dennis recounts that dreadful day with painful, personal recollections. No stranger to suffering, Dennis also shares about a childhood injury that almost took his life. Dennis reports to listeners that although there’s been pain, God will bring good out of it all. At the top of the episode, the host crew talks a bit abo...
Pastor Josh Walters is joined by his wife, Katie Walters, and friends Lynne Stroy and Joey Svendsen to continue the conversation from Josh’s message, “Getting off the Digital Treadmill” (Part 2 of the Digital Detox message series). The heart of the discussion centers on the freedom and life-giving benefits of breaking unhealthy digital habits—especially around smartphone use. Together, the group reflects on their first week of digital detoxing and the eye-opening insights it’s brought. ...
Currently on tour together, John Mark McMillan and Zach Bolen (frontman of the band Citizens) join the podcast to discuss faith, life on the road, songwriting, personal testimonies, and what being real with God looks and feels like to them. Many people interact with their songs as "worship tunes," but they don’t fit the Contemporary Christian Music mold and for various reasons, these guys aren't setting out to write worship songs. Throughout this episode you’ll hear their songs intertwined th...
Tomelex Copeland and Joey Svendsen represent Generation X in this first discussion of a 3-part bonus series, "Digital Detox," coinciding with the current teaching series on the weekends at Seacoast Church. They are joined by Mena Fox and Braden Sutton, both representing Generation Z, also bringing their take on society's relationship with smartphones. Each contributor of this discussion self-assess the health (or lack of) of their personal technology use and reflect on the current...
Host, Joey Svendsen lost his dad unexpectedly over the summer. On this episode, he is joined by three friends and fellow Seacoast staff as he shares what it was like to lose his father. He also describes what felt like supernatural activity right before his dad passed away in the hospital. Joey articulates the current state of his heart and counts his sadness as good grief as he tributes, with thanksgiving, the blessing of being raised and loved by his dad, Virgil Svendsen. Along the wa...
Tuning in from Houston, Texas, Robbie Madison, a former Seacoast worship leader, catches up with friends and hosts, Jack, Joey, and Lynne. Before moving to work in ministry for the NFL’s Houston Texans, Robbie served in several capacities at Seacoast, including missions, youth, and leading worship at multiple campuses. On this episode, Joey and Robbie recount stories of what it was like to work in ministry together for five years and Robbie shares how the many unique qualities of Seacoa...
Toby Slough has learned to find peace through the storms. In 1988, Toby was diagnosed with a panic and anxiety disorder, but rather than let it wreck his faith, God birthed a desire in his heart to see more people find peace and wholeness in their mental health. Toby and his wife founded Goby Ministries to provide books and resources that reframe the conversation around mental health and help people find God’s strength in weakness. On this episode, Toby's shares some of his story with J...