At just seven years old, Lauren Burns was kidnapped by her father and taken to Jordan under false pretenses, leaving behind her mother in Texas. What followed was a gripping tale of faith, divine intervention, and miraculous rescue that can only be explained by the hand of God.

Lauren recently shared her powerful testimony on the GraceFilled Community Podcast, revealing how God's faithfulness shined through even in the darkest moments. Her story is a testament that even when life takes unexpected and painful turns, God is always working behind the scenes to bring restoration.

Love is not just an emotion or a fleeting feeling—it is the very essence of the Christian life. As believers, we are called to reflect His love in every aspect of our lives, especially within the church. When the apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, love is the first attribute mentioned. This is no coincidence. Love is the foundation upon which all other virtues stand. It is the defining characteristic of those who walk in the Spirit, setting believers apart as true disciples of Christ (John 13:35). When love is present, unity flourishes, and the church becomes a beacon of light to the world.

🏆 When we think of a champion, we often picture someone standing on a podium, raising a trophy in victory. But what if true championship isn’t about winning for ourselves, but lifting others to victory? In this special episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, Onyx Conklin shares her powerful journey of discovering that God's call to be a champion isn’t about personal achievement, but about encouraging and empowering others to reach their full potential.

The church is more than just a building; it is a living, breathing community of believers united in purpose. From the earliest days of the Church in Acts to the thriving local congregations of today, one truth remains unchanged: when God’s people come together in unity, nothing is impossible.

Change is inevitable, but for those who serve in the military, adaptability becomes a way of life. In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, Dr. Lena Jackson-Lynch shares her powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and family life as she navigated 21 years in the United States Air Force. Her story is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the strength found in community.

Life is full of unexpected challenges—some that shake us to our core. But even in the darkest moments, faith has the power to bring light, healing, and transformation. In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Saulnier, a woman whose journey of faith has been shaped by deep loss, trauma, and the unwavering love of God. Her testimony is an invitation to all of us: to move beyond religious routine and step into an authentic, life-giving relationship with God. 🎙️

Launching a new church is a divine assignment—one that requires more than just gathering people in a building. To establish a Kingdom-minded church culture, we must intentionally create a space where vision, generosity, service, discipleship, and genuine community thrive. From the very first gathering, the foundation we lay determines whether our church will be just another meeting place or an explosive force for God’s glory. 🔥

Have you ever felt like it’s too late to pursue your dreams? Do you wonder if your past experiences could ever align with your calling? If so, you’re not alone! In our latest GraceFilled Community Podcast episode, we sat down with Denise Payne, a passionate career counselor, to discuss how faith and divine guidance can lead to fulfilling careers—at any stage of life. 🎙️

Denise’s journey is a testament to the fact that God’s timing is always perfect. She founded Career Crossroads Counseling at the age of 50, after two decades of homeschooling her children. Rather than seeing her transition as a late start, she embraced it as a divine appointment, proving that God can use every season of our lives for His purpose.

Ministry leaders pour out their hearts daily—counseling, teaching, leading, and serving. They stand in the gap for others, praying over their struggles, guiding them through life’s storms, and offering spiritual nourishment. Yet, many pastors, missionaries, and church leaders are silently battling emotional exhaustion, burnout, and loneliness. Who ministers to the ministers?

The GraceFilled Community Podcast recently featured an insightful episode with Nicole Cater and her guest, John "JR" Rennie, the founder of Brushfires Ministry. This conversation dives into the crucial topic of discipleship and the importance of recognizing each individual's God-given design in serving His kingdom.

Planting a church is an exciting yet deeply spiritual endeavor that requires wisdom, strategy, and divine guidance. As the early church in Acts demonstrated, building a strong foundation is essential for longevity, growth, and kingdom impact. Whether you’re a pastor or a faith-driven leader, understanding the key pillars of church planting will help you establish a community rooted in both biblical truth and organizational excellence

📖 The Power of Testimony The first episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, titled "The First Aid Kit: Embracing Identity and Faith," takes us on an inspiring journey with Bambi Lynn. Through her vulnerability and faith, Bambi shares a story of redemption that challenges us to confront our own struggles and embrace the divine purpose etched into our lives. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://gracefilledcommunity.buzzsprout.com/2441885/episodes/16456440-the-first-aid-kit-embracing-identity-and-faith-bambi-lynn-s-journey-of-redemption-and-healing

The church has always been more than a place of worship; it is a lifeline for the community, a beacon of hope, and a source of transformation. In an age where social isolation, moral decay, and economic hardship are prevalent, the local church holds an irreplaceable role in bridging spiritual, emotional, and practical gaps. The impact of a church rooted in service and love extends far beyond its walls, touching every facet of the community.

In challenging times, maintaining a heart of gratitude can feel like a tall order, especially for those in leadership roles. Yet, Scripture repeatedly shows us that gratitude, even in seasons of trial, strengthens endurance and deepens faith. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” For Christian leaders navigating turmoil, gratitude isn’t just an attitude—it’s a spiritual discipline that fortifies resilience and inspires others.

In today’s digital age, a church’s website is more than just an online presence; it’s a powerful tool for outreach and witness. The early church in Acts 2:42-47 embraced every opportunity to connect with others and spread the message of Christ. Similarly, in a world where people often turn to the internet first, a church website serves as the modern-day “front door” of the church. But how exactly can a website influence a church’s ability to reach out and be a beacon of faith? Let’s explore.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses, emphasizing the significance of leading by example in spreading the Gospel. As Christian business leaders, our actions and choices in the workplace can significantly impact our teams and the broader community. By embodying our faith in our daily operations, we not only uphold biblical values but also encourage others to explore their faith.

In the early church, we see a remarkable display of generosity that went beyond mere donations. Acts 4:32-35 reveals that believers were united in heart and mind, sharing everything they had so that no one was in need. This spirit of generosity wasn't just a practice; it was a lifestyle, deeply rooted in the heart of Christ. Today, businesses can embrace this same ethos, building a culture of generosity that reflects God’s love and transforms lives.

When generosity is embedded within your business, it creates an atmosphere of positive change. Employees feel valued, communities benefit, and your business leaves a legacy that goes beyond financial gain. In fact, leading with a spirit of generosity opens doors to greater trust and loyalty, both from employees and customers alike.

The concept of servant leadership finds its roots in the early church, as exemplified in Acts 6:1-7. When the apostles recognized the need to address both the spiritual and practical needs of their growing community, they appointed deacons to serve. This was not only an act of delegation but also a demonstration of their commitment to servant leadership—ensuring that the community's needs were met with love and care. For Christian business owners today, this model remains essential for creating a kingdom-minded organization that reflects the values of Christ.

Servant leadership places the well-being of others first, empowering them to grow and succeed. It’s about leading by example and fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and mutual support. In a faith-driven business, adopting this leadership style can help cultivate a team that is not only productive but also spiritually aligned with the mission of the organization.