Rough Drafts: How God Writes His Love in Our Stories

History isn’t just dates and dead people—it’s the story of how we got here. 🌍 This week on Rough Drafts, I’m talking to my old friend Zack Martin. We discuss everything from our college antics to the serious theology of why history matters. We cover why "unprecedented" times usually aren't, why we need to read the Bible with the "dead," and yes... why Zack read obituaries for fun in the first grade. If you think history is boring, this episode might just change your mind. Listen now! 🎧

The "Pizza and Relationships" Episode On this episode of Rough Drafts, we welcome Samuel Yocum to the studio (fresh off a heavy breakfast burrito from Janine’s). Samuel shares his journey from being a "theater kid" with big dreams to finding his calling in youth ministry. We dive deep into what it looks like to grow up with "dual citizenship"—raised by parents fully committed to two different churches—and how that experience shaped Samuel’s ability to listen to others rather than just talk about them. In this conversation, we cover: The "Westgate" Rumor: A local story that perfectly illustrates why we need to stop assuming and start having real conversations across denominational lines. The Ministry of Hanging Out: Why relationships are the only currency that matters in youth ministry (and why you can't disciple a kid you don't know). Unity in Grief: Samuel shares a powerful story from his time at Freed-Hardeman about how tragedy stripped away social barriers and brought a campus together. God Doesn't Care About the Honda: A liberating take on "calling"—why we stress too much about finding God’s "secret plan" for our jobs and geography, when He’s actually calling us to holiness. The Only Love You Don’t Have to Compete For: Dealing with people-pleasing and finding peace in the non-competitive love of God. Notable Quote: "If I never have any friends in life... if I never get a wife, if I never have a family... I have the love of God. And that is more than enough." — Samuel Yocum

My favorite daughter joins us for this week's special Kid's Rough Drafts. Katie tells all the cool things about life in WBES and some of her favorite Bible stories, too.

This week's episode is a special episode, honoring a friend who passed away in 2018. Juanita Woodson was a Burns Church staple. In this episode, you'll hear a special interview conducted by Charlie Dauphin where she tells of her life, family, and faith. She talks about making her own toys from clay, some memorable childhood spankings, and love at first sight.

Matthew welcomes special guests Stephen and Julia Pate for a two-for-one conversation that spans the Dateline (literally, they're in Japan!). Stephen, a Navy Chaplain, and Julia, a Navy Pharmacist, share their incredible journey from the Bible Belt to a battleship, experiencing military life in Okinawa, Pearl Harbor, and beyond. They pull back the curtain on the scars and triumphs of local ministry, discussing the challenging process of faith deconstruction and how a crisis led them to a new, unexpected calling. Listen as they discuss the unique environment of a military chaplaincy—a "ministry of presence"—where questions often speak louder than sermons, and the clarity that comes from facing things that truly matter. Julia also shares her own inspiring path from reluctant military spouse to active-duty officer, proving that God establishes the work of our hands, no matter the assignment. Dive into this honest and moving episode about trusting God’s plan, even when it looks nothing like what you imagined. PS> The Pates need me to tell you that their views are their own, not necessarily those of the Department of Defense or its components. They don't represent the Pentagon or anything like that. Any reference to commercial products, services, and stuff, doesn't imply endorsement by the Government.

Get ready for an episode that proves the most ambitious endeavors start with the simplest of questions: "How hard could it be?" Meet Angela Moore, the self-proclaimed "Turkey in Chief" of the Given Gobble 5K, Dickson County's massive Thanksgiving Day race benefiting the local Help Center. What started as the dream of a few runners at church has mushroomed into an annual event that raises nearly $100,000! In this this week's episode, Angela opens up about "God Winks" and Eerie Coincidences: Hear the back-to-back stories of interesting numbers in the race...and a perfectly timed rainbow. Are you training for the race, or just looking for a good God story? Press play now to hear what God is up to in the extraordinary rough draft of Angela Moore! P.S. Need to sign up, volunteer, or sponsor? Find all the details and registration link for the Give n Gobble 5K at gg5k.org!

"I prayed every night for 32 weeks for a happy and healthy baby. And I got everything but that." What happens when a prayed-for joy becomes an unexpected trauma? In this deeply honest and vulnerable episode, Jessa Gossett shares the story of her daughter, Addie. An emergency C-section at 32 weeks brought Addie into the world, but the effects of an unknown CMV infection months before meant her life would last for only 25 hours. Jessa holds nothing back as she recounts the hospital chaos, the pain of leaving with empty arms, and the raw anger she felt toward a God she believed had abandoned her. This isn't just a story of loss; it's a powerful guide on how to show up for grieving parents, what not to say, and why the most important thing we can do is continue to speak the names of the children who were here, even for a short time. This is a difficult, but essential, conversation about grief, faith, and the 25 hours that changed everything. (Note: This episode contains frank discussion of infant loss and medical trauma.)

The 5.8 Centimeter Catalyst: From Wild Youth to Spiritual Wisdom Todd Steen was "10 foot tall and bulletproof" as a young man. As an adult, he became a relentless questioner, demanding to know why God allows things to happen. His perspective was shattered by an unexpected medical "cascade": a series of events starting with a sore shoulder that led to open-heart surgery that saved his life from a ticking time bomb. Join us as Todd walks us through the realization that the entire sequence was not a coincidence, but a divine intervention designed to teach him the most important lesson of his life: God's ways are higher than our ways.

Josh’s story began at the dentist's office and progressed through military service, PTSD, opioid addiction, and a DEA drug trafficking indictment. He shares the chilling story of hitting rock bottom, being "rescued, not arrested" through incarceration, and the pivotal moment in a Hope Center bedroom where the Holy Spirit changed everything. His message is clear: recovery is a byproduct of Jesus, and no life is too far gone for restoration. You're going to love his message!

Welcome back to Rough Drafts! In this week's story, Chazz Jackson opens up about how a simple postcard became a catalyst for change. He shares about his deep dive into Christian apologetics, and the challenges he encountered on his way back home.

Welcome to the first Rough Drafts of 2025! Today's guest is a church leadership guru and an all-around great guy. You get to hear from Bob Turner as he shares a few moments that changed his life forever.

**This is the last episode of 2024 - we'll take a two week hiatus and be back on January 7 for the new year!** Do you know Taylor Rhodes? If not, you should! In this week's episode, Taylor shares the twists and turns of his life and how God used them to bring about something really beautiful.

She's not boring! There's a lot in this episode, so you don't want to miss it. Join us as Brianna Ramseur shares from her God stories!

Ever wonder what a preacher does? So did we... This week, Thomas Southerland, Minister at Water Street Church of Christ in Charlotte, TN and Chris McCurley, Minister at Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, TN join us for a conversation about our God stories in ministry. What's up with this weird job?

Guess what! Rough Drafts is coming back with a brand new episode next Tuesday. To get us back in the swing of things, we're re-releasing a favorite, our Thanksgiving 2023 episode where we hear not from 1 or 2 guests...but more than 20 who share moments of gratitude, buth small and large. Thanks for listening! We've got some great stories yet to come!

God likes to teach us lessons in unexpected places... It's amazing how often we end up "doing the work" when we're helping other people do the work...

Life doesn't come with an instruction manual. We make it up as we go! Susan shares her story from life in the FHU Bubble and more!

It's really cool when the story of God's people is part of the story of your whole life. That's the story you'll get today with Anita Fuson - a story that reminds us that God is still very much alive and at work in his world!

He could have been a shoe salesman...or an accountant...but he's ended up in ministry...for a long time! He's nearing retirement, so now is a good time to look back at some of the God stories along the way. Listen to Geoffrey Sikes, minister at the church of Christ at Trenton Crossing in Clarksville, TN as he shares his journey in ministry!

Since I've abused more than 70 guests....I guess turnabout is fair play. Today Monica Gossett and I swap seats...and she bullies me into telling parts of my story!

**Be sure to listen past the closing credits for a special ending!** This week, Chase Lewis shares his story! It's a story of a really scary time in life...and God's providence through it all!

This episode was a throwback for me...all the way back to 8th grade Bible at David Lipscomb Middle School. Today's guest is Mike McPherson - youth minister, coach, Bible teacher....he wears a lot of hats. You may have heard his story in the past about navigating depression...and navigating his wife's death to ALS. In our conversation today, he shares some of the...less-than-helpful...things that well-meaning people have said along the way. If you're in the Dickson area, Mike will be with us at Burns on Wednesday night at 4/24 to share Lisa's story. You don't want to miss it!

I met Tim Hines when we landed in Honduras last summer. Immediately, I knew he was going to be someone I wanted to know. He's got a fantastic sense of humor (that I'm still a little afraid of)...incredible faith... and a generous heart. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, either. You've heard great things from his son, Dalton, in a previous episode!

Big news from Burns Church! We welcome Chuck Ramseur to our staff as our new associate minister. In this episode recorded on day 1, you'll get to meet Chuck, hear his story, and how he ended up in ministry.

You're going to love today's guest! She's the chair of Kinsman Redeemer Homeless ministry in Dickson. She has a heart to help people...and she's going to tell you (at least!) two stories...her story, and the story of this ministry. She's going to open your eyes to the realities of the homeless in Dickson and so much more!

John Smith (yes, that's his real name!) serves at Dickson First Presbyterian Church and as an Air Force reservist Chaplain. He's also the brains behind Dickson's "Theology on Tap." He's got stories - but those aren't the stories he shares today! John takes us on the journey of his faith...the ups and downs...and how he went from performing to be God's favorite child to relishing the love of Jesus. You'll be blessed.

John Mark Hicks shares a story of loss and disorientation - how his understanding of God changed his implicit deal wit God.

It's Brittany 4 of 4 this week - the last of our month of Brittanii. Brittany Callaway shares her stories of sports and faith and surgeries...you'll be blessed!

The month of Brittany continues....with Brittany 3 of 4! Today you'll hear about how God's plans...well, they don't always line up with ours, but they turn out so much better. God knows what he's doing, especially when we don't!

I don't know anyone who does more to advocate for the special needs community and our kids in general than Robyn Lampley...and she's our guest on today's bonus episode of Rough Drafts! Just listen to these lines: "We say CAN not CANNOT." "Nothing ABOUT me WITHOUT me" "Assume competence." "Find the ability in the disability" "People-first language" "Stairs and stares" "No one wants pity." You're going to love her spirit and insights...and by the way, she's running for school board in Dickson County. That process has changed, so this race will be decided in the republican primary...and early voting has already started. Got questions for her? Reach out! [email protected]

It's the second of our month of Brit'ys.... Brittany Hardin! Today you get to hear from a volleyball coach, teacher, mom...someone you're going to really enjoy. One of my favorite parts of Brittany's story is hearing about how impactful the church she worshipped with during her college years was. It makes you appreciate that special time in life and that ministry.

You're in for some fun for the next few weeks on Rough Drafts....we're having....a month of Britneys...or Brittanies... well, they don't all spell them the same, but they sound alike! You'll get to hear from four friends who share a name and a church, and along the way, you'll find out what else they share. Going first is the newest Britney to my circle of friends - Britney Andrieu. She and her family traveled the Oregon trail, kind of, in reverse...well, they came here from California. Close enough, right? Her story is a story about friendships...and the power of a good church youth group. I think you'll find yourself wanting to reconnect with friends and play a game after this episode finishes!

A couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to do one of the coolest things I've ever done. Marshall Fuson invited me to join him on a trip to Santa Ana, Honduras, to see the completion of a project to dig a well & share water with an entire village. Today's guest is the man who made all of that possible - Dalton Hines. Dalton and his family serve as the on-the-ground missionaries in Honduras. I met him this summer, but spending a few days with him was incredible. I learned so much about what really goes into his work day in and day out. He shared his heart for helping people and loving people and making disciples, not just quick converts. He shares his perspective about raising his family in a third-world nation and how that compares to our experiences in the states. This is a long episode - mostly because I couldn't shut up and I kept asking one more question...we stayed up til midnight. It was so special! If you want to learn more about what Dalton's family is up to... here are some awesome facebook pages and videos to look at: https://www.facebook.com/reach1teach1honduras https://torchmissions.org/about-us https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1501929400586667 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc3jvtezSuI

It's amazing how clearly we can remember the hurtful words we heard decades ago, isn't it? That's where the title of this week's conversation comes from. Renee is the executive director of the Dickson County Help Center, Dickson's food bank, assitance ministry, thrift store, and location of all sorts of crazy good stuff. Her story could have very easily have gone a different way, but now, Renee lives with a passion for reaching women in the church and serving the community. It's one of those stories only God could write.

You heard from Sierra on Tuesday, now it's Joey's turn! Joey takes us through some really difficult times, moments that change everything. Consider this your warning, there are some tough moments in this episode, but God is good, and Joey shows us that God knows what he's doing!

Guess what! It's another couples' week on Rough Drafts. Today you'll hear from Sierra Wenck. She's got so much to share! You'll hear a story about a mission trip that doesn't go the way anyone planned. You'll hear about teaching and tragedy and the ups and downs of relationship. Come back Thursday and hear part 2 - Joey's story!

Ventriloquist. Intentional Interim. Barefoot runner. Author. Minister. Jerrie Barber wears a lot of hats and has learned a lot of lessons. In this week's episode, Jerrie shares a bunch of his stories including one of the most difficult days of his life, how he learned to enjoy criticism, and what happens when you run barefoot in Nashville.

We're back from our Christmas break with a fun one! Margaret Cole is the CEO of CareNet Pregnancy Medical Center in Dickson. She's involved in Leadership Dickson and Leadership Middle Tennessee and all the good things going on in our community. You got to meet her in Episode 52 ("The Three Charity Musketeers"), but today you get to hear her story. If you want to hear more about CareNet - check out Friends of CareNet.

You'd never think that a warning about a Coke machine could make a pretty good plan for life...but that's what Big Al got and that's what Big Al shares with us this week. Al Griffin shares his story...times of anger with God...times of frustration at church...but NEVER underestimate the power of God's Spirit to do big things!

How you win may say more about your character than how you lose. I knew I'd like Tim when I found out how he celebrated his election as Dickson County Sherriff: with a celebratory round of chocolate milks! You'll enjoy hearing Tim's God stories - the ups, downs, and middles of trying to do right. (PS> If I get arrested, assume it's because I chose this picture!)

Every morning when I drop the kids off for school twelve seconds before the bell rings, I get to see this week's guest. She's been an educator for 17 years. She's lived in Minneapolis, Augusta, and the cradle of civilization, Dickson, TN. She is a guru of helping kids who are navigating trauma, because she knows that *nothing* in life ever goes the way you plan it. Jessica Southerland, thank you for joining us this week!

Today's episode isn't so much a person's God story...but several God stories from three great organizations in Dickson. Paul Pitney represents the Dickson County Family YMCA. Margaret Cole is the guru of the CareNet Pregnancy Medical Center. Renee Boehm is czar of the Dickson County Help Center. And I'm really lucky to call all three friends and ministry partners. It's giving Tuesday, and you're certainly going to hear from these organizations and others who are asking for your support. I thought you'd enjoy hearing the hearts of these leaders in our community.

Nearly 50 of our friends join us for this Thanksgiving Special episode of Rough Drafts. What's a weird thing you're thankful for?

Griffin experienced a horrible fate - he was one of my youth ministry interns! So don't be surprised if he sounds beaten, broke down, and generally despairing of life itself. In this week's conversation, Griffin talks about "God story envy," finding God while fishing, the troubles of launching into life during covid, and his first years in full-time ministry.

You got to hear from his wife already this week...today you get a bonus episode...his side of the story! You'll enjoy hearing from Taylor Welch as he talks about his journey of faith.

What does faith look like when you're not really in church and life is kind of unstable? How do you think of God when you don't know much about him? Kayla Welch tells us the story of the friendship she found with God even from a very young age.

Morgan is so much fun! She shares her story from at least three different angles...geographically, spiritually, and relationally. Spoiler? You get to hear about her amazing little boy and becoming a mom.

Charlie Dauphin is another Burns, Tennessee, legend. Were it not for his leadership, the church in Burns would have closed decades ago. Listen as Charlie shares stories from his journey and life and lessons he's learned along the way.

Caleb Sams is a PK! But don't hold that against him. He enjoys the blessings of what he calls "generational faithfulness," but don't think for a minute that this makes someone immune to spiritual struggles. In today's episode, Caleb shares what it was like in the middle of his trial that God used to knock him off the fence towards a deeper faith.

"All your promises are true." These words became pillars that served as anchors of hope and faith during an expectant mom's biggest trials. You'll be encouraged today by Brittany Hunt's story and trust in a God who knows what he is doing, even when things are falling apart.