Influencers Global Ministries

Bryan reports live from the 25 anniversary Influencers Men’s International Summit. Take a look inside the Summit and meet some of the men who are attending. This year’s Summit proves to be a monumental event in the history of Influencers.

Rocky and Bryan recount the week leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection and a particular day when Jesus confronts the Pharisees one last time. As He calls them “Hypocrites” multiple times, Rocky calls those “fightin’ words.” They discuss what Jesus was so disgusted about with the Pharisees and contrast that to some of the final words He said to His closest followers, including “Abide with Me.” Enter into the drama of Holy Week and Jesus’ life and teaching.

Rocky interviews Bryan Craig about his new book coming out, entitled The Story of Influencers. They talk about why this book was written and how it tells the story of a movement of God and not a work of man. They talk about how the 25 year anniversary of Influencers is a perfect time to look back and commemorate and to appreciate all that God has done through this grassroots, organic ministry.

Bryan interviews Brandon Charles, Influencers Global Office Operations Coordinator. Hear a bit of Brandon’s story and faith journey and what led him to Influencers. You will also hear his perspective on the ministry and his new role.

Bryan interviews the 5 key speakers who will be giving talks at the upcoming Men’s Summit. Fred Stoeker will speak on “The Call to Jesus”, Gary Steffes will speak on “The Call to Follow Jesus”, Tony Schaar will speak on “The Call to Abide”, Josh Sherley will speak on “The Call to Make Disciples” and Sach Oliver will speak on “The Call to Influencers.” Get a flavor for what the Holy Spirit is doing as He is preparing our themes and schedule and the spiritual environment for the upcoming Summit. If you are a man on the fence about coming the Summit, this podcast will help you decide.

Bryan interviews Jeff Crowder, Journey Guide and Influencers Souly Coordinator and Chapter Leader of Souly Business Eastern Tennessee. They talk about the symbiotic relationship that has developed between Souly Business retreat ministry and Influencers Global Ministries as many Souly participants have gone through The Journey to further what God started the Souly conference. And many Influencers Chapters are starting to host Souly Business conferences. Jeff says, “It’s like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Each are good by themselves, but when you put them together, you get something really special.”

Bryan interviews four Regional Directors in Influencers… Henry Gutierrez (Latin America), Andy Collar (Maine), Mike Malak (Great Lakes) and Mike Hearne (Kansas). They each talk about their experience at an Influencers Global Summit. Three of them had never been through a Journey Group, nor knew much about the ministry, but they got invited by a trusted friend to come. These are compelling stories that God brings the men to the Summit who need to be there. It might be you who need to be there.

Bryan interviews Josh Sherley, Regional Director for Bakersfield. They talk about some of the uniqueness in the way Bakersfield Influencers are answering the call, but also talk about the upcoming Influencers International Men’s Summit, going over the themes of the talks and the speakers. This is going to be a very special event. Listen and then SIGN UP!

Bryan interviews Jim Pennington, Regional Director Influencers Central Coast and Fred Stoeker, fellow Influencer from Iowa and author of “Every Man’s Battle.” They talk about God giving Jim a vision about a men’s event at the Santa Maria Speedway that would involve Fred Stoeker as the main speaker. Jim was obedient to the vision and it was fulfilled last weekend as 1500 men gathered on a beautiful California evening to praise God, hear about Influencers and be challenged to sexual purity by Fred. Many men responded and God was glorified. Hear the story.

Part Two - Bryan interviews three of the founders of Influencers, Rocky Fleming, Bob Brown and Tony Elliott, members of the very first Journey group in 2001. They talk about the first Journey group invitation, though it wasn’t even called The Journey yet, nor was Journey to the Inner Chamber written. But Rocky simply said, “There’s more of God I want to know, and there’s more of me God wants.” And they embarked upon a journey to understand John 15 and Abiding. Here we are, 25 years later, reflecting on thousands of people in many cultures and languages, who have gone on this Journey to intimacy with Christ.

Part One - Bryan interviews three of the founders of Influencers, Rocky Fleming, Bob Brown and Tony Elliott, members of the very first Journey group in 2001. They talk about the first Journey group invitation, though it wasn’t even called The Journey yet, nor was Journey to the Inner Chamber written. But Rocky simply said, “There’s more of God I want to know, and there’s more of me God wants.” And they embarked upon a journey to understand John 15 and Abiding. Here we are, 25 years later, reflecting on thousands of people in many cultures and languages, who have gone on this Journey to intimacy with Christ.

Bryan got to share the Journey DNA with a group of women going through Guide Mentoring. We thought you might benefit from this discussion and hearing the questions asked. This group was extra special as it included several new women guides from Rwanda.

Bryan interviews Scott Lawson, our Virtual Regional Director, as they talk about the increased activity in Virtual Journey Groups and the demand for more Virtual Journey Guides. They also touch on the history of this movement and the nuances of guiding a group virtually vs. a live group. Some of our most impactful leaders would not be part of this ministry were it not for Virtual groups.

Rocky and Bryan ring in the new year with a discussion about the value of making plans and setting goals as we enter a new year. Is setting goals a lack of faith or is it an example of discipline? Hear their perspective as you process your own soul and your plans for 2026.

Rocky and Bryan share thoughts about the importance of understanding why Jesus came to the earth. He came to die. Ever since the Garden of Eden, when intimacy with the Father was lost due to sin, God had a plan to restore that intimacy. The plan was Jesus. Merry Christmas, Influencers. May this podcast help you as you “treasure up all these things in your heart” this Christmas.

Rocky and Bryan discuss Christmas and Rocky tells the story of his 11-year-old performance in the Christmas opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” which is the story of a crippled boy who encounters the Three Wise Men on their pilgrimage to find Jesus and worship Him. It opens up a discussion, not about the gift of Jesus to us, but also, what gift can we bring Him?

Bryan interviews Annie Craig, Madison Hill and Kenzie Klinkhamer, three young women in their 20’s who just completed a Hybrid Virtual Journey Group with women from New York City, Northwest Arkansas, Kansas City and Dallas. Their experience is very inspiring and lends validity to the statistics which say 80% of Gen Z are wanting more of The Bible. We are praying for a Discipleship revival among the next generation, and stories like this one tell us The Journey will help them.

Last week, several Influencers gathered at the Global Office for a Thanksgiving feast with Rocky, while many others joined us on Zoom. We got to hear from our founder about the things he is seeing in the world and in the ministry and the things for which he is thankful. He also talks about how God showed him new meaning to Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7 Listen and give thanks with us.

Influencers is holding a Day of Giving on Tuesday, November 25th, and Bryan Craig and Les Pearsey explain the initiative and our fundraising theology and philosophy, as well as outlining some specific projects needing funds. Please listen and pray about how you can participate. God is inviting us to greater influence for His Kingdom.

Bryan interviews our Costa Rican Regional Director Henry Gutierrez, who talks about the upcoming Latin American Summit, November 21-23, in San Jose, Costa Rica. Influencers men and women from multiple Latin countries will gather together for the first time for a weekend of refreshing, encouragement, soul enrichment, DNA infusion and for a global view of this movement called Influencers. Some of our U.S. leaders will be involved in hosting the event, but we need your prayer support.

Bryan interviews Julie Carlson, the Influencers Global Operations Coordinator and the Chair of the newly formed Influencers Women Global Council. They talk about the evolution of women going through The Journey and the intentional steps to fan the flame of the women’s movement. This is very encouraging to all you ladies out there. You are not alone.

For this broadcast, we share with you a talk Bryan got to give to a group of Bakersfield leaders on Grace. He talks about how we need Grace for salvation, we need Grace every day and how Grace is part of the Abiding relationship. Would people say you are a man or woman of grace?

Rocky and Bryan talk about Leadership and how the culture of an organization raises up leaders which reflect that culture. In the case of Influencers Global Ministries, our leaders reflect hearts that have been transformed by abiding in Christ, and we want to protect that culture as this ministry grows. God may be raising you up to be a servant leader in this movement.

Bryan interviews three Champions for the ministry while at the Staff Retreat. Tony Schaar, from Central Coast, California, Louis Hartzog from Montgomery, AL and Phil Van Horn, from Los Angeles, CA join a discussion about how they got involved and what God is currently doing in their regions. It’s exciting to watch God move.

Bryan interviews Influencers Bakersfield Regional Director, Josh Sherley and J.J. Gomez, a young man who is a Hearing-Impaired Translator, as they talk about the annual Bakersfield M24 event. 1500 men of all ages and backgrounds and churches gathered for 24 hours in Tehachapi, CA for worship, great food, and strong messages about Jesus’ salvation and Jesus’ work in sanctifying us in our personal lives and marriages. J.J. tells the story of translating these powerful messages to people from the deaf community, including some of his family members. God continues to expand our vision for who He wants to reach through Influencers.

Bryan interviews a 21 year old Influencer, Blayne Sewell, to get a younger person’s perspective on his generation, on the Charlie Kirk phenomenon, on Discipleship and College Journey Groups. The younger generation are looking for answers and they are looking for Christ.

Bryan and Rocky talk about the release of Rocky’s new book, The Path, and why he wrote it and who it’s for. It’s another spiritual adventure, with compelling characters and interesting situations, and one which takes us deeper into our own hearts. He also hopes to spark a movement of hope to help the next generation.

Rocky and Bryan discuss the growth of the ministry since its inception and the importance of remembering that the foundation of this ministry is Jesus Christ. Rocky talks about the peace he feels that the DNA of this Jesus process we call The Journey has many guardians who will protect it moving forward.

Bryan interviews Influencers Global Board member, Kyle Neely, who talks about a recent season of Brokenness and how God used it greatly. He explains how Brokenness leads to Godly sorrow which leads to Humility which leads to Repentance which leads to God’s grace. No matter if you are lost without Christ and need a Savior or if you are a seasoned Christian, Brokenness is the pathway to blessing.

Bryan sits down with Ken Lander, International Champion who lives in Costa Rica and Hassan Kibirango, from Rwanda, who were in Atlanta for a Souly Business conference. Hassan is a pastor in Rwanda, who was part of the first men who went through a Virtual Journey Group and have been reproducing it ever since. Hassan talks about the vision and the expansion of The Journey throughout his country and how plans to start a Souly Business conference are also in the works. Ken visited Rwanda 3 weeks ago as part of his coffee business, but also as a Discipleship Missionary and reports his eyewitness account of what he saw.

Bryan interviews Mike and Angie Malak, from Temperance, MI, who are our new Regional Directors for the newly created Influencers Great Lakes Region. They talk about how The Journey found its way to Michigan and the sifting that happened which made their calling clear. They also talk about a large barn project which will host many Journey events. To support Influencers- Great Lakes, you can make a tax-deductible donation HERE (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2DS8JBAESPFFL)

Bryan and Rocky discuss what it means to be a disciple of Christ versus being a disciple of the world. They talk about being crucified in Christ and surrendering to His will the rest of our life and understanding that it will be a battle.

Bryan sat down with Fred Stoeker, a member of his Virtual Journey Group, who also happens to be a very impactful Christian author. You may know him from “Every Man’s Battle.” Fred shares his heart-wrenching testimony of the difficult relationship with his earthly father that tormented him most of his life until the day he realized that God wanted to adopt him. It’s a story of hope for all of those who carry significant father wounds.

Bryan interviews the Influencers International Director, Tom Seay, about the development of our international discipleship efforts, lessons learned and what appears to be God’s strategy to help us make disciples of all nations. YOU are part of this, so you need to hear this.

Bryan interviews Marc Merk, from Northern Mississippi, and Jim Pennington, Regional Director, Central Coast California, about an amazing God story that started with Marc’s waiter at a steak house on the Central Coast. Jim adds his color commentary as they reflect on the power of an Influencer living it out in a tangible way. You will be inspired and may get a new idea for how to reach others with Christ’s love.

Bryan and Rocky discuss how we all leave a legacy, and it can be good or bad. Similar to generational sin, through Christ, we can pass down a legacy of love. They also discuss Rocky’s book, “Gabe’s Valley,” which is a story of legacy and becoming a “Gabe” to someone else.

Once a quarter, we are hosting a Lunch with Rocky Zoom call for people in different time zones to give them a private audience with our founder to discuss anything on their hearts. This time, Rocky dove into his roots and talks about many of the trials which helped to form his dependence and trust in the Lord. It was a great discussion, so we share it with you.

Bryan interviews our Bakersfield Regional Director, Josh Sherley, about the importance of seeking the Lord as we maneuver through life decisions and opportunities. They talk about “good ideas” versus “God ideas.” This is a very practical application of our abiding relationship with Christ and worth your time to listen.

God is moving in prisons all over the United States, and He is starting to use The Journey as a tool for discipleship. Bryan interviews Gornie Williams, from Tulsa, OK, who has had a calling to the incarcerated for many years, but only in the last few years did he see The Journey as a perfect complement to what he was already doing. He is working in Men’s and Women’s prisons and has even been broadcasting our recent Women’s Summit in a women’s prison. Gornie is praying for Influencers all over the country to help reach this “unreached people group” in the United States. Listen and be inspired.

Bryan interviews Ray St. Mary, one of our Influencers champions in Yakima, WA, who has successfully integrated The Journey in his Catholic parish. He talks about the blessings and revelations that have occurred for himself and other Catholic men and how he sees The Journey as a way to bridge the gap between Catholics and other Christian traditions.

Bryan sat down with Influencer Bob Johnson, originally from Bakersfield, who now lives in Boise, ID area. He talks about starting from scratch in a new area, but the power of grilling meat to attract men to Jesus. He talks about his challenges and missteps in trying to get The Journey started there and the blessing of learning to let the Holy Spirit lead. We are seeing the birth of Influencers Idaho through one faithful missionary.

Rocky and Bryan talk about the 17th Chapter of John, also called the “High Priestly Prayer.” Jesus has just washed His disciples’ feet, shared the Last Supper with them, talked to them about the Holy Spirit and Abiding and now, He prays for them. He not only prays for them, but He prays for us. There is SO much in this prayer, but Rocky and Bryan attempt to pull out some nuggets that apply to you and our mission as Influencers.

Bryan interviews Sonia Velasquez, one of the Colombian women who attended the recent Women’s Summit, as she talks about the marital struggles with her husband, Jahider, leading up to the Summit and how God changed her heart. Jahider was serving at the Summit and translates for her on this podcast. Their honest and transparency is refreshing and heart-touching and this is one example of the power of the Holy Spirit at work through this ministry. There are many women who may need to hear this podcast.

Rocky and Bryan give an eyewitness account of what they saw the Holy Spirit do at the Global Women’s Summit a few weeks ago. It was powerful! And they talk about the importance of this developing “Branch” of the ministry in spreading our message far and wide through the Journey Movie, especially considering 70% of Christian movie audiences are female. And they talk about the formation of a Global Women’s leadership team in the works.

Bryan interviews former District Attorney of Tulsa, OK, Tim Harris, who was part of the first Journey Group back in 2006 and who has guided many groups since. None of been more powerful and impactful than his current Journey group of mostly ex-cons, where God put him face to face with a man who he had helped put behind bars years ago. It’s a powerful Holy Spirit story of redemption and reconciliation.