AVAIL Podcast

What if the Church became the heartbeat of its community again? In this inspiring episode, Pastor Kevin Foster of LifeBridge Community Church in Fresno, CA, shares the vision behind Run to the Brokenness—a call for churches to move from attractional to missional living. Kevin reveals how his congregation turned crisis into opportunity, feeding thousands, creating jobs, and partnering with their city to bring hope. He challenges pastors to redefine success and run toward the pain rather than away from it, reminding us that the local church can—and should—be the center of its community once again.

In this powerful conversation, Pastor Reina Olmeda—CEO of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, or NHCLC, and a leading mental health advocate—shares why mental wellness must be a priority for pastors and leaders. Drawing from her experience as a pastor and mental health expert, Reina unpacks the hidden struggles leaders face, the dangers of burnout, and the cultural stigmas that keep many from seeking help. She offers practical ways churches can create safe spaces for honest conversations, emphasizes that self-care is necessary, and points to bilingual resources through the NHCLC that equip leaders to thrive in every area of life.

What does it take to lead well through one of the most delicate seasons in a church’s life—pastoral succession? In this candid conversation, Pastor Josh Surratt of Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC, shares his unlikely journey from reluctant leader to embracing the role his father once held. Josh unpacks the principles that made their father-to-son transition healthy, the cultural shifts that sustain growth, and why detaching your identity from your role is vital for longevity in ministry. Whether you’re an outgoing or incoming leader—or somewhere in between—this episode offers a roadmap of honor, health, and hope for the future of the church.

From the NFL to prison to pastoring one of Atlanta’s most dynamic churches, Mayo Sowell’s story is pure redemption and grit. In this inspiring conversation, the founder of LIIV Atlanta and Blank Canvas Creative Co. shares how God transformed his life, called him back to the city he once left, and why reaching “the least of these” drives his mission. He also reveals what he learned from spending seven days living unhoused for a documentary project. Packed with lessons on contextualizing ministry, casting vision, and leading authentically, this episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to make real impact.

What happens when you fully surrender to God’s calling—no matter the cost? In this inspiring conversation, Pastor Chris Binion, lead pastor of Encounter Church in Rockwall, TX, and first-time author of YES!!!, shares his journey of embracing Kingdom assignments with unwavering faith. From navigating leadership transitions to discerning between good opportunities and God-given missions, Chris reveals the lessons, surprises, and growth that come with saying yes to God. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between comfort and calling, this episode will challenge you to trust God’s process and step boldly into your purpose.

Stories have the power to shape hearts, stir emotions, and lead people to encounter Jesus in new ways. On this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, Brennan McPherson, President of The Salvation Poem Project and director of Light of the World, shares how his team is bringing the story of Christ to life through 2D animation. Discover why they chose to tell the gospel through the eyes of John, how creative storytelling can serve as an act of worship, and how art can open doors for people around the world to fall in love with Jesus.

What if your greatest struggle became the key to someone else’s freedom? In this raw and redemptive conversation, pastor and author Dr. David Espinoza, Jr. opens up about his decades-long battle with pornography addiction—and how the grace of God, the 12-step model, and the courage of his wife changed everything. From early exposure at age seven to helping other leaders find healing, David’s story is a wake-up call and a lifeline. His workbook Life After Porn offers a biblically grounded pathway to restoration, freedom, and lasting transformation. If you're tired of hiding, this episode is a call to step into the light.

What if the key to transforming your city wasn’t fixing what’s broken—but uncovering what’s already good? In this compelling episode of the AVAIL podcast, Meghan Killingsworth—co-pastor of First United Methodist Church of Sanford—introduces us to the power of asset-based community development (ABCD). Rooted in the belief that God declared creation “very good,” Meghan unpacks why real ministry doesn’t start with people’s deficits—it starts with their dignity. Discover how ABCD reshapes outreach, discipleship, and justice by partnering with people, not working for them. This episode will challenge your assumptions and expand your vision of what Kingdom work can truly look like.

What does it mean to live a life of wisdom in a world of noise? In this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, Pastor Brandon Anderton unpacks the heart behind his new book The Way of the Wise—a 365-day journey through Proverbs. Brandon shares how his personal experiences, leadership challenges, and pursuit of godly wisdom have shaped his mission to help others live with intention. If you’ve ever wrestled with decision-making, spiritual maturity, or legacy-building, this conversation will stir your hunger for the kind of understanding that leads to lasting impact.

What does it take to build a team that thrives without burning out? In this episode of The AVAIL Podcast, leadership coach Sean Lovejoy—founder of Courage to Lead and author of Building a Killer Team—shares the hard-won lessons behind creating an organization that lasts. From systems to soul care, Sean reveals the three components of an unstoppable team: synergy, scalability, and sustainability. If you’ve ever struggled with control, burnout, or the pressure to grow, this conversation is packed with wisdom for leaders who want to build healthy teams that stand the test of time.