Why Church Hopping Misses the Point—and When Sports Betting Becomes a Spiritual Problem

Brian From unpacks why church hopping often reflects consumer instincts rather than commitment, and why putting down roots—even in imperfect churches—matters for spiritual growth. He then turns to Super Bowl week and the explosive rise of sports betting, weighing cultural normalization against real…

The Ridiculous Freedom of the Gospel and Why Gen Z Is Listening with Joel Hess

Brian From talks with Reverend Joel Hess of St. James Chicago Church and School about his unexpected path into ministry and the joy of proclaiming the gospel as a completely free gift. Joel shares what he’s seeing on the ground in Chicago, where Gen Z is showing renewed curiosity about historic fai…

From the Wonder Years to the Way of Grace

Brian From reflects on family, faith, and the moments that quietly shape who we become—from a powerful weekend witnessing his daughter’s testimony to the enduring nostalgia of The Wonder Years. He explores what true transformation looks like through Jelly Roll’s bold Grammy testimony, asks hard que…

Unity, Judgment, and Slowing Down in a Divided Age with Kyle Isabelli

Brian From talks with Kyle Isabelli, lead pastor of Avenue Christian Church, about stepping into senior leadership at a young age—and doing so just as the pandemic upended everything. Kyle shares how preaching through the book of Romans has sparked honest, healthy conversations about unity, judgmen…

When Calling Meets Community Care with John Kuhlfal

Brian From talks with John Kuhfahl, Associate Campus Pastor at The Chapel’s Grayslake campus, about leaving a decades-long career in the pharmaceutical industry to step into ministry. John shares how his business background now fuels the Chapel Care Center, the largest food pantry and clothing clos…

When the Building Burns but the Church Endures with Jonathan Bergemann

Brian From talks with Pastor Jonathan Bergemann of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Downers Grove about leading a congregation through the aftermath of a devastating church fire. Jonathan shares how displacement, uncertainty, and worshiping as nomads clarified what truly defines the church—not prog…

Ministry, Turnover, and Gospel Hope in Chicago with Jonathan Masters

Brian From sits down with Jonathan Masters of Park Community Church to talk about pastoring in a city defined by constant movement, change, and opportunity. Jonathan explains Park’s unique model as a family of interdependent churches, the beauty and tension of shared leadership, and why seeing othe…

Immeasurably More, Amazing Grace, and Doing What Truly Matters

Brian From reflects on the surprising rise in Bible engagement through The Bible Recap and what it reveals about a deeper hunger for God’s Word and a belief in a God who does immeasurably more than we can imagine. He then turns to a sobering spiritual question—what could we ever do to repay our deb…

Philip Miller on Calling, Change, and the Heart of the Church

Brian From sits down with Philip Miller, senior pastor of Moody Church, to talk about his unexpected calling into ministry and what it’s like to shepherd one of Chicago’s most historic congregations. Philip reflects on preaching through the pandemic, leading a deeply diverse church, and staying fai…

Pastoring Through Change, Grief, and Renewal with Steve Carter lead pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook

Brian From sits down with Steve Carter, lead pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook, to talk about calling, leadership, and stepping into a historic church with deep roots and a strong legacy. Steve shares what he loves most about pastoring, the unique DNA of Christ Church, and how presence, characte…