Influencers Global Ministries

Bryan and Rocky enter the Garden of Gethsemane with Peter, James, John and Jesus, the One Who asks us to Watch with Him. We see His agony, our weakness, and the demonstration of true Love. And three days later, we enter the empty tomb and celebrate His resurrected life, which promises us that same resurrection. Happy Easter.

Following up on Bryan’s blog last week about applying John 15 and Abiding to your marriage, Abiding With Your Spouse, he interviews Rocky to talk about God’s design for marriage and how abiding in Christ is the only way we will know how to love each other in marriage. If you find yourself struggling in your marriage right now, you especially might want to listen to this. God has a plan to heal your marriage, and it starts with YOU.

Bryan gathered the key men who have been called to communicate God’s messages during our upcoming Summit. You will hear from Rocky Fleming, Josh Sherley, Nate Sweeney, Frank Khalil and Henry Gutierrez, as they share a brief message from their hearts about the Summit and the Topic they will present. The Summit is getting close, and excitement is building. What’s keeping you from coming?

Bryan and Rocky talk about the life of a Disciple and how no matter how old we are or how far we’ve come, there are always burdens. It’s how we deal with these burdens that makes all the difference. Hear Rocky talk about a recent experience with burdens and how the Holy Spirit coached him through it. They also talk about the importance of the upcoming Men’s Summit and the call to all Influencers to Come to Him.

Executive Director Bryan Craig was asked to speak to a group of Influencers leaders during a Zoom Mentoring Table Talk, and the topic was Spiritual Gifts. He talks about what they are, how you get them, and how to better understand their function. This is a big part of The Journey process and will help you go deeper in finding out how God wants to use you.

Hear Roberta’s heart-wrenching story of losing her husband when she was a young mother of four, and how her faith has evolved through many experiences, trials and seeing her son-in-law go through The Journey. She and her daughter, Nicole, led the first Women’s Journey group in Memphis, which started a movement! Now, Roberta is forming a team of ladies to lead our 2nd Influencers Women’s Summit. All you ladies will want to listen.

Rocky and Bryan discuss the transformation process that occurs when a believer begins to Abide in Christ. Paul teaches that it could be compared to Moses’ encounters with the Lord on the mountain and the glow that remained. When Christ is abiding in us and we in Him, a believer begins to look more like Christ and through that, a newfound freedom. All of this is a work of the Holy Spirit. Listen and start your path toward freedom.

Brian Bird, our newly hired screenwriter, was in town last week for some important creative development meetings as we laid the groundwork for how to turn Journey to the Inner Chamber into a feature film. It was a special, Spirit-filled time, and we are excited to see how things are coming together. It is clear that God guided us to a faithful man who not only has the professional experience and reputation to help us, but he has a heart that resonates with the DNA of our ministry. You will enjoy getting to know him and his story and perspective.

This is a BIG week for the movie project with Kevin Ernst, our Development Producer and Brian Bird, our newly-hired screenwriter, in Northwest Arkansas for some creative development meetings. Bryan sat down with Kevin to talk about where we are and where we are going and how you Influencers can be involved.

Bryan and Rocky talk about our upcoming Summit April 4-7 of this year, why we do these gatherings and what is unique about this particular one. They also talk about the history of our summits, going all the way back to the early days in “Malibu” and “SOTO.” We hope you will listen to this podcast and prayerfully consider joining us! Registration information available HERE.

In December, Rocky and Bryan spent a few days in Bakersfield meeting with key leaders and pastors. They got to record a Podcast as they spoke to the Influencers Bakersfield Mentoring Luncheon. It was a great opportunity to talk about Rocky’s testimony, the heart and DNA of this ministry and what we see God doing around the world. Listen and be inspired.

When Rocky and Bryan visited Bakersfield last month, Bryan sat down for a chat with Jessica Smith, the woman who keeps this big, bustling Region organized and on track. She shares her faith journey and the impact this ministry has made on her personally and comments on the ways she sees God moving today.

Bryan and Rocky share their annual Christmas podcast, and they talk about the mystery and faith embedded in the Christmas story, including the appearance of Angels throughout. These Messengers from God, though powerful and intimidating, brought the people of faith hope, direction and surprises. And they pointed all to Jesus, the One who would give joy, peace and hope to the world.

As you may know, the 3rd leg of The Journey is Live it Out, and we have noticed over the years that Influencers Regions who have men and women abiding in Christ results in an outward expression of Christ’s love that affects their community. Hear such a story of how Colins Rimer, on of the first Influencers in Bakersfield met a man named Tommy Romero who was running a Christian men’s home out of his house. Influencers ended up partnering with Tommy and Jessica Romero on a huge faith adventure of buying a church and a two-story building and creating “Tommy’s Legacy,” a group home for men, “Fanny’s House,” a group home for women, and Legacy Christian Church. This is a great God story.

Rodney has been a Corporate Pilot, a Pastor for 20 years, and an Entrepreneur, who now ministers to pastors in his company doing church construction. God invited Rodney to The Journey in a very busy season that, 3 months later, became a dark season, and he learned the true meaning of abiding in Christ. Hopefully, Rodney’s story will inspire you, especially if you find yourself in a dark place.

Bryan sits down with special guest Kevin Ernst, who is part of The Journey Movie Team. Kevin is Development Producer for Journey Feature Films, helping us hire a screenwriter and make preparations for Fundraising, Hiring a Production Company and helping produce Journey training materials to prepare for the anticipated flood of new Journey Guides after the movie. Enjoy getting to know Kevin and his story and his perspective on this project as a newcomer to Influencers. Also, you’ll get an exciting movie update.

Rocky and Bryan talk about the first Thanksgiving and the first public proclamation, calling the citizens of this country to Thanksgiving and Prayer. The Wampanoag people were the natives who took care of the pilgrims who were dying and starving…the name of the tribe means “People of the First Light.” May we Influencers, who abide in Christ, be People of the First Light to those in our families and our circles this Thanksgiving, some of who are walking in darkness. Listen and give thanks with us.

Listen to Part 2 of the interview where Bryan sits down for a chat with Global Board members Greg Huett and Danny Fields, as they talk about recent challenges and opportunities to our growing ministry. They reflect on who Influencers is, why we exist, what we believe and the extreme blessings of being a part of this ministry. You will be encouraged.

Bryan sits down for a chat with Global Board members Greg Huett and Danny Fields, as they talk about recent challenges and opportunities to our growing ministry. They reflect on who Influencers is, why we exist, what we believe and the extreme blessings of being a part of this ministry. You will be encouraged.

A lot of discussion has been taking place recently about Influencers and our relationship with the local church. This interview, done on Feb 1, 2018 with Pastor Nate Sweeney, who is also an Influencers Global Ministries Board member, was a great example of how this “marketplace ministry” called Influencers is helping pastors and local churches.

Melinda was a woman who was raised with a strong Christian upbringing, experiencing many amazing miracles in her family. She longed for her husband to be the spiritual leader of their family. Then, he found The Journey and things began to change. Suddenly, she started longing for what he had found. Get to know this special, key member of our Global staff and be inspired by her story.

Bryan sits down with Sach Oliver, an attorney in Rogers, AR who has been very involved on our Journey Productions team who is embarking on The Journey Movie project. Sach talks about his own journey and how The Journey helped him discover the forgiveness he had been longing for. And he talks about his perspective on the movie, why we are making it and where we are in the process.

Bryan and Rocky talk about the times in which we live and what we see going on with Influencers. There are many encouraging, exciting things happening with so many, but there is always a tension to remember from where we came. Like the Church in Ephesus in Revelation, we believe He is telling us to “Remember our first love.” The first love is His love. Isn’t this what Abiding is all about. Listen and see what you think.

Bryan and Rocky talk about weathering the storms of life and how Rocky recently was comforted by Jesus’ words “Watch with Me.” These are words that Jesus spoke to Peter, James and John during his dreadful time in the Garden of Gethsemane, but they are also words of hope and comfort to the person who has done everything they know to do and prayed all that they can pray…Jesus simply says, “Watch with Me and see what I will do.” Definitely worth a listen.

Ken Lander heard about The Journey through his association with Souly Business Retreat ministry, and when he heard they were having a Virtual Journey Group, he was eager to join. God had already been transforming this successful, over-achieving, man from being a "performer" to being a "seeker" and The Journey helped him become an "abider". Hear Ken's fascinating story and how God has used him with Influencers.

Bryan and Rocky talk about the Journey process.

As you read Rocky’s book, Journey to the Inner Chamber, there is a room described with the inscription over its doorway, “He Who Enters This Chamber Must Do So By Personal Abandonment and Absolute Trust.” Many a Journey participant has looked at this room and this requirement with fear and reluctance. Rocky talks about this special, “secret” place and how it’s waiting for all believers.

Bryan and Rocky discuss Jesus’ mandate in Luke 9:23-24 that we deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. What does this mean? What does it look like? Is this part of the Abiding process? Jesus says this is the pathway to finding our lives. Listen and explore this topic with us.

While on the Fan the Flame Tour in Wichita, Bryan sat down with Boone Baker, a pastor who was radically transformed by The Journey. He talks about how it took 10 years for him to realize The Journey was exactly what his congregation was needing and seeking. This is a powerful story that every pastor should hear.

Rocky and Bryan took the Fan the Flame Tour to Wichita, KS for a great weekend of connecting, encouraging, equipping and hearing reports of the Spirit’s work there. As Rocky has said before, we were probably more encouraged than anyone. We decided to broadcast this Podcast from the stage as we met with 100 Influencers, men and women from Kansas. They loved it, and we think you will too!

Bryan and Rocky discuss the recent announcement by Influencers that we are moving forward with a movie production of Rocky’s book, Journey to the Inner Chamber. They talk about how this came about, the scope of the project and the need for Influencers everywhere to help us meet the need for Journey Guides after the movie. They also are calling everyone to be in PRAYER. Exciting stuff!

Rocky and Bryan discuss this quote by Fred Buechner, "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." They talk about just what is the thing called "Calling" and how do you find it, how is it formed, is it really a place of joy? This podcast may be just for you.

Bob is yet another example of God using the YouVersion Bible app Reading plans we published to help people find our ministry. Bob found us the way many do, as he was searching for a deeper walk with Christ. Coming to Christ later in life, Bob has been on fire to make up for lost time and sold out for what God has for him. Here his story and be inspired.

Andy Collar was searching for a way to help men in Maine go deeper with Christ and with each other. He is in the video production business and one of his clients asked him if he knew about “Influencers”. That led Andy to attend one of our national conferences where he could “check us out.” What he found was that this ministry and this process we call The Journey was exactly what he had prayed for God to send him. Now this avid fisherman is truly a fisher of men. Listen and be inspired.

Bryan interviews George Carnall, an Influencer from the Memphis Region who talks about God calling him to the prison system to make disciples. Listen to George’s fascinating, inspiring account of starting the first Journey Group in Parchman Prison in Mississippi.

Rocky sits down with Bryan and gives a report on his 3rd leg of the Fan the Flame Tour as he traveled up to Columbus, OH and into Temperance, MI. Rocky stands amazed at what he witnessed, and he learned that charm and hospitality was not reserved JUST for people from the South.

Rocky sits down with Bryan before he heads out on the road again for the Fan the Flame Tour to talk about why Jesus did not entrust Himself to men. It helps us understand our own dynamics of trust with other people we encounter and how we can trust others more only if we entrust them to God.

Bryan interviews the 2 ladies who started The Journey in Atlanta about 4 years ago to hear an update of how God has been working. It’s not only been reproducing but it is also working its way into a Christian school. Exciting stuff!

Bryan interviews the newest member of the Influencers Bakersfield leadership team, Josh Sherley. Get to know this young man, who is another example of God answering our prayer to raise up leaders to steward and serve this ministry. He talks about how learning about Grace in his first Journey group changed everything. Listen, learn and be inspired!

Bryan and Rocky discuss Rocky’s most recent stops on his Fan the Flame Tour and talk about Courage. Just as God told Joshua to be courageous, He is telling Participants who are graduating from a Journey Group to be Courageous as they move onto God’s purposes for their lives. But what is Courage…based on the world’s view or God’s view? Listen and find courage.

Bryan interviews Mike Hearne, our Champion in Wichita, Kansas, who talks about his heart for men’s ministry which led him to pursue Influencers. Four years ago, he read an article about the Influencers in Bakersfield in his church’s denominational newsletter, and it prompted him to seek more. It wasn’t long before the first Journey group in Wichita, KS got started and now the discipleship fire is spreading across Kansas. Listen and be inspired- this could happen in your city!

Rocky and Bryan discuss the concept of a “deconstruction of one’s faith”, something which seems to be driving some believers away from their faith. But for the one who deconstructs his faith down to the bedrock of Grace and re-constructs it on God’s Word, amazing transformation can take place. Listen and be challenged.

Bryan and Rocky discuss the early church and the prejudices and problems that existed and how Discipleship was the key that raised up leaders, brought about unity and met the needs of the community. We believe God is still raising up key leaders for his purposes through Discipleship. This is why Influencers exists.

For years, there has been a vision stirring to make a movie based on the book, The Journey to the Inner Chamber, and after much prayer from our Board and our Prayer teams, we are moving forward with this project. Bryan interviews Jed Mitchell, an Influencer from Memphis, TN, about the concept for this movie and the potential structure for producing it. We need your prayers and your support!

Recently, our Regional Director of Orange County, Pete McKenzie was asked to speak to a Bakersfield Mentoring group and his topic was Marriage. Pete was married 50 years to his sweet bride, Suzan, who went to be with the Lord a few years ago. He does a great job talking about the sacred responsibility of being married.

Judas is the main villain in the account of Jesus’ last week on earth, before his crucifixion. Rocky and Bryan discuss what we can learn from Judas’ betrayal and what might have led him to desert Jesus. Before we are too quick to judge Judas, perhaps we should think of how we may have betrayed Jesus. This was a critical time in Judas’ life and it is a critical time for us, as well.

Bryan recently attended a Souly Business retreat in California. Souly Business is a 48-hour dive into intimacy with Christ, founded by some businessmen in Atlanta, GA, who wanted to help men catch a vision for the true richness of life in Christ. Bryan interviews Kevin Silberberg and Ben McKnight, two of the original Influencers Bakersfield leaders, who were hosting the Souly Business event from the stage. They talk about how Souly Business has been a great on-ramp for The Journey and how it has created a community of strong brotherhood in Bakersfield.

As you may know, The Journey has been taking off in Costa Rica and Latin America and we continue to refine our Spanish curriculum to reach across all Spanish cultures and dialects. Finally, Spanish Journey Groups are beginning to happen in the U.S.! Bryan interviews a young bi-lingual leader in Bakersfield, CA, John Vasquez, who talks about his efforts leading the first Spanish-speaking Journey group where he lives.

Bryan interviews Marc Merk, a key part of the initial leadership team in Central Coast, CA, who felt a calling from the Lord to move to Southhaven, Mississippi to help the Influencers effort in the Memphis area and with a heart to build integrated Journey groups with men of different races. Marc has found fertile soil within black churches and multi-racial churches who are hungry for discipleship. He’s also found himself doing prison ministry. Hear Marc’s inspiring story.