Confessions Of A Pastor

In this week’s episode of Confessions of a Pastor, Pastor Keith is joined by Pastor Kara for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the season we’re living in, how their personal lives often mirror what God is doing in the Church, and Easter at Journey Church! Together, they reflect on the realities of today’s world—the tension, the hope, and the invitation to stay rooted in Jesus through it all. They share openly about how God has been moving in their own lives, and how those same themes are often reflected in the life of the Church as a whole. This episode is real, encouraging, and full of perspective for anyone navigating our current culture or longing for deeper faith!

In this week’s episode of Confessions of a Pastor, Keith sits down with worship leader and songwriter Martin Smith for an honest and inspiring conversation about the global Church, the stories behind some of the songs that have shaped worship around the world, and what it really looks like to steward a lifelong relationship with Jesus.Martin shares the heart and moments that led to writing some of his most well-known songs, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how worship is often born out of real encounters with God, seasons of faith, and deep personal devotion.Together they also talk about the beauty and complexity of the worldwide Church — how God is moving across nations, what unity in the Body of Christ can look like, and why intimacy with Jesus must remain the foundation of it all.This episode is full of wisdom, stories, and encouragement for anyone who loves worship, cares about the Church, or simply wants to grow deeper in their walk with Jesus.

In this episode of Confessions of a Pastor, Pastors Keith and Kara talk about the recent wins, spiritual battles and weirdness that comes with pastoring a church full of people!

In this episode of Confessions of a Pastor, Pastors Keith and Kara talk about the power-packed last month at Journey Church! They celebrate Journey Church in Bend’s 16th birthday and cast vision for Kingdom Come!

In this episode of Confessions of a Pastor, Pastors Keith and Kara talk candidly about death and life through the Gospel of John, the realities of church leadership, and the moments that shape faith along the way. From drinks of choice to the recent Bethel Church scandal, they reflect on navigating truth, accountability, and grace when the church feels complicated. The conversation also celebrates Journey Church in Bend’s 16th birthday and highlights voices like Jonathan Traylor, pointing back to the hope found in Jesus. Honest. Unfiltered. And grounded in the invitation to move from death to life.

In this powerful episode, Pastors Keith and Kara share about their recent trip to New York, and dove into the theme God has given them for 2026: Kingdom Come.

In this episode, Pastors Keith and Kara reflect on what God has done at Journey Church in Bend throughout 2025. They celebrate moments of unity, growth, and deepened faith — and share how God has moved powerfully through their church community. From answered prayers to seasons of stretching and trust, this conversation is a testimony to what happens when a church comes together with expectation and obedience.

"When God calls you higher, the battle often hits harder." In this episode, Pastors Keith and Kara open up about the unseen challenges that leaders face — the fatigue, the pushback, and the spiritual pressure that shows up long before anyone sees results. They also share powerful moments of unity, healing, and confirmation that reminded them God was still leading the way. A raw, honest conversation for anyone walking through a fight no one else sees. This episode is full of stories of what God is doing at Journey church through young people, witches, inmates and more! There is Hope for EVERYONE!

In this powerful episode, Pastors Keith and Kara pull back the curtain on one of the most significant moments in their ministry to date — their first-ever Intercessor Gathering. They share how God stirred a fresh vision for prayer, spiritual authority in their church, and what it looked like to gather people who are called to fight battles in the spirit before victories are seen in the natural. Through honest reflection and real-life stories, they talk about the unseen battles that often intensify when God begins to move — from unexpected exhaustion and resistance, to supernatural unity, healing, and breakthrough moments that confirmed they were stepping into God’s assignment.

In this powerful episode, Pastors Keith and Kara get real about the unseen battles that come with following God’s call. From moments of sickness and exhaustion to supernatural stories of healing and breakthrough, they open up about what it looks like to stand firm when the enemy comes against what God is doing.Through raw testimony and honest reflection, they remind us that spiritual warfare is not a sign of God’s absence—but of His activity. Every challenge, every attack, and every miracle points back to one truth: it’s all for His glory.

In this honest and eye-opening episode, Pastors Keith and Kara dive into the spiritual reality often overlooked: every genuine move of God attracts both momentum and resistance. From breakthrough moments at Journey Church in Bend, Oregon to the unexpected backlash that follows, they share real stories of revival colliding with rivalry.It’s raw. It’s vulnerable. It’s a front-row look at the battles that arise when heaven advances. Yet through every challenge, one truth remains clear—God’s work will not be stopped.

In this raw and revealing episode, Pastors Keith and Kara pull back the curtain on ministry life, sharing powerful stories of how God has moved—sometimes in unexpected and even uncomfortable ways—through Journey Church in Bend, Oregon. From the inspiring to the messy, the miraculous to the humbling, they open up about the real experiences behind the pulpit. It's honest, it's unfiltered, and above all, it's a testament to how God uses all things—good, bad, and ugly—for His glory.

Pastor Keith and Pastor Kara open up about the global impact of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the ripple effects it has brought to our lives, our churches, and the world around us. This honest conversation is filled with personal reflection, faith-filled perspective, and a deep sense of hope—reminding us that even in dark times, the best is still ahead.

Pastor Keith and Pastor Kara can't contain themselves. In this season opener they share about recent milestones, like Church In The Park and the grand opening of Journey's new kids wing. But, the greatest story is the hope of Jesus Christ!

Pastors Keith and Kara discuss the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Prophetic & catch up on how God's been moving in their lives and Journey Church. Just one prophetic word can change a life forever.

The start of 2025 has been amazing. From so many people putting their hope in Jesus to healings. God is doing a new thing and we want MORE! Keith and Kara share some of the amazing stories they've been experiencing the first few weeks of the new year.

Jesus said you can tell a tree by it's fruit. Pastors Keith and Kara testify to the amazing fruit at Journey Church in Bend, Oregon. From 31 baptisms last Sunday, to 374 baptisms this year. There is so much to be grateful for; even in the most difficult hour.

Pastor Keith and Kara talk about the movement of God Journey is experiencing, people continuing to surrender their witchcraft, a local school of wizardry and the power of prayer!

On this episode, Pastors Keith and Kara share about seeing victory over witchcraft, burning books, people fully surrendering to Jesus and so many people going public with their faith! We are living in a Babylonian world but the light shines brightest in the darkness!

Pastor Keith and Kara reflect on the value of hard things, the hope we have in Jesus & living as Daniels in a Babylonian world. Also remember, you are the best of the best of the very, very best!

Pastors Keith and Kara share some encouraging stories of God's goodness in their lives, church, and beyond. From silent auctions to healings, God is moving mightily. Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness.

Pastors Keith and Kara reflect on a few of the incredible changes God is leading Journey through, from 162 baptisms at Church in the Park to reforming the Oregon prison system. Going where Jesus would go to reach people Jesus would reach is the cry of our hearts!

Pastors Keith and Kara share about visiting an Oregon vineyard, John 15, more water leaks and reframing our pain.

Pastors Keith and Kara discuss celebrity church culture, share their recent journey of physical sickness and all-out spiritual war, and how leaks in their life are a reminder breakthrough is coming!

In this episode, Keith and Kara discuss a powerful Pursuit Night at Journey Church, from people falling at the weight of His glory to people receiving spiritual gifts. To God be the glory!

Keith and Kara share about deliverance, freedom and just some of the many transformed lives after Easter. To God be the glory!

Keith and Kara reflect on the ways of Jesus. When Jesus removes our distractions, healing, power & freedom come.

Keith and Kara reflect on the countless stories of transformed lives, from financial giving to long shots giving their lives to Jesus. Clearly, God is on the move!

Keith & Kara discuss Journey's 14th birthday & tell stories of the past. Through it all God is preparing the Church for revival. Transformational stories point towards an even greater movement of God for such a time as this.

Keith & Kara reflect on miracles God is working through His church, the presence of God in worship & the donation of a car. God is in the big and the small. Through it all we see God's plan for the church unfolding through real people in our day.

Keith and Kara unpack speaking in tongues and how they continue to grow in the understanding of spiritual gifts, God's Word and all that God wants to do through the Church. Join them on this journey and believe that in your life, the best is yet to come!

Keith and Kara reflect on the last few weeks. The most unpredictable baptisms, salvations & transformed lives. This is just the beginning of greater things still to come.

Keith and Kara look back at the last few weeks and how God works in the midst of disruptions, like ice storms. They take a deeper look at what being a disciple looks like and how Rooted a discipleship experience has impacted Journey Church.

Keith and Kara reflect explain why they took a break the last few weeks, the devil is real and so is victory. They look back on 2023 and look forward to 2024! To God be the glory.

Keith and Kara discuss how the Jezebel spirit sneaks into both the church and our lives, and how to have victory over it. They also share testimonies & why there won't be any presents this year under their tree!

Keith & Kara talk about salvations, deliverance and healings in both Uganda and locally in Bend, Oregon. They share about their personal journey and what Jesus is doing today.

Keith and Kara reveal the theme for 2024 & discuss what it means to truly follow Jesus.

Keith and Kara reflect on Sunday and all that God is doing. People are getting baptized, sharing their testimonies, and putting into practice spiritual gifts.

Keith & Kara reflect on what God did at Journey Church in Bend on Sunday. From anxiety being dropped off at the altar to a massive Guerrilla Love offering. God is moving!

Pastors Keith and Kara share their experience through the MORE initiative. The good (people being saved), the bad (the perception of money and the church) and the ugly (some people leave). In all this God is doing a mighty work! We are asking God to do MORE in our day, in our time and in our city!

Keith and Kara talk about church in the park!! Church in Drake Park in Bend, OR. All the stories, all the baptisms, and MORE!

We just can't wait for season 2 to talk about God's goodness and faithfulness. The Lord is working in the little and the large. Trust God with everything and then write it down. He will do it.

Pastor Keith and Kara celebrate the 10th episode, reflect on all that God is doing and challenge the listener to live fully surrendered to Jesus. From miracles of provision for a Ukranian family to kids giving their lives to Jesus, don't miss what the Lord is doing and wants to do in you. God's promises are true and available to you!

Being a PK (Pastor's Kid) can be tough. This week hear first hand stories of the good, the bad and the ugly of being a PK. Keith and Kara interview their firstborn Makenna and the conversation is relentlessly real.

Pastor Keith and Kara have declared war on the enemy. People are repenting, getting saved, leaving sin and getting healed; God is moving. In Jesus, we truly have all we need!

We all have the opportunity to meet with a living God. Could a Great Awakening happen in our day? Keith and Kara talk about the state of faith in our generation.

Pastor Keith and Kara have a daughter graduating high school & reminisce on the years of generosity and how impactful it is. It's time for some serious guerrilla love to happen through the Church!

Kara asks, "What's your most embarrassing moment?" Keith and Kara share embarrassing moments, how God uses everyone and the circle of life. Life is short, make the most of it.