First & Focused

Modern Missionary: From Engineering to Kingdom Mission with John Mullen

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2574588/fan_mail/new] St. Paul’s Outreach missionary John Mullen joins First and Focused to discuss leaving behind a successful engineering career to pursue full-time ministry, the spiritual hunger emerging among young adults, and why he believes the next generation may be more open to the Gospel than many realize. John shares his journey from mechanical engineering into missionary work, the influence of his father, the progression of his faith over time, and the vision he has for a restored Christendom in Columbus and beyond. This episode dives deep into purpose, surrender, leadership, discipleship, and what it truly means to go all-in with Jesus Christ. Key Themes * Faith and intellect working together  * Leaving career security for Kingdom mission  * Evangelism and discipleship  * Young adults and spiritual hunger  * Modern missionary work  * Hope for the future Church To connect with Jon click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mullen-a9302776/ To learn more about St. Paul’s Outreach click here: https://www.spo.org/ [https://www.spo.org/] To connect with Mark click here: https://www.markgreaves.com/

Nanotechnology, Venture Capital, and Trusting God in the Unknown with Andy Dickson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2574588/fan_mail/new] What does it look like to follow God while building at the edge of innovation? In this episode, we sit down with Andy Dickson—entrepreneur, venture builder, and leader in nanotechnology—to talk about faith, endurance, and long-term vision. Andy shares his journey from early days at CompuServe to launching companies like SmartPaint, Nanotherm, and now leading Novara. We dive into: * His faith journey and spiritual growth  * The challenges of pioneering new technology  * Lessons learned in seasons of waiting  * How personal trials reshaped his priorities  * Why faith-based relationships matter in business  * Where nanotechnology is heading in the future  This is a conversation about resilience, perspective, and trusting God when the path isn’t clear. Links * Novara: https://www.novaramaterials.com/about  * Carmen Ventures: https://www.carmenventures.com/ [https://www.carmenventures.com/] * Connect with Andy Dickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-dickson-047587/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-dickson-047587/] * Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com [http://www.markgreaves.com]

Childlike Faith in a Complex World with Dr. Jeffrey Broadnax

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2574588/fan_mail/new] How do you keep your faith alive when it becomes familiar? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jeffrey Broadnax shares wisdom from over 30 years in pastoral leadership, coaching, and ministry development. We discuss: * How to maintain childlike faith over time  * What great leaders are missing today  * His family’s powerful story—from slavery to leadership in just generations  * Why the Church is uniquely equipped to lead conversations on race  * The future of Christian leadership and ministry  Dr. Broadnax brings a rare combination of humility, wisdom, and clarity to some of today’s most important conversations. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or simply trying to grow in your faith—this episode will challenge and encourage you. * GIANT Worldwide https://www.giantworldwide.com/ * Grace Communion International https://www.gci.org/ * Connect with Dr. Broadnax: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeffrey-broadnax-69571529/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeffrey-broadnax-69571529/] * Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com [http://www.markgreaves.com]

The Power of an Ordinary Life: 50 Years of Faithful Leadership with Harvey Hook

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2574588/fan_mail/new] What if the most impactful life you could live isn’t extraordinary—but faithful? In this episode, we sit down with Harvey Hook, a respected ministry leader, author, and founder of The Gathering in Columbus, Ohio. With over 50 years of experience in ministry and leadership, Harvey shares what he’s learned about living a life of purpose, proximity, and consistency. We explore: * His early walk with Jesus and key influences  * The reality of spiritual warfare and its impact today  * Why he chose to live within the communities he served  * The story behind launching The Gathering and its regional impact  * Lessons from his book, The Power of an Ordinary Life  * Why he’s still building—now with Vista Village  Harvey’s life is proof that you don’t need a platform to make an impact—just faithfulness over time. * The Power of an Ordinary Life by Harvey Hook The Power of an Ordinary Life: Discover the Extraordinary Possibilities Within: Hook, Harvey A.: 9781414313443: Amazon.com: Books [https://www.amazon.com/Power-Ordinary-Life-Extraordinary-Possibilities/dp/1414313446] * Vista Village Initiative https://www.vistavillage.org/ [https://www.vistavillage.org/] * Connect with Harvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-hook-bb552b10/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-hook-bb552b10/] * Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com

Why Your Money Isn’t the Problem—Your Heart Is with Courtney Markley

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2574588/fan_mail/new] What if the way you think about money is shaping your relationship with God more than you realize? In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Courtney Markley—speaker, author, and founder of the Center for Financial Discipleship—to unpack the deeper connection between faith and finances. Courtney shares her unexpected journey from the fashion industry into financial counseling, and how God used that pivot to lead her into a calling centered on heart transformation—not just financial behavior. We dive into the conversations most people avoid: * Why money and faith are so emotionally charged  * What “financial discipleship” actually means  * The tension pastors feel when talking about generosity  * The truth behind “storing treasure in heaven”  * And how Christians can rethink legacy, giving, and stewardship  We also explore her newest project, Idle Treasure, where she brings together leading voices like Randy Alcorn, John Rinehart, and Leo Sabo to challenge the way we think about wealth and impact. This conversation is honest, challenging, and deeply practical—if you’ve ever wrestled with money, purpose, or generosity, this episode is for you. * Center for Financial Discipleship https://www.financialdiscipleship.center/ * The Heart of Money Podcast The Heart of Money - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-heart-of-money/id1662489505] * Idle Treasure Series Idle Treasure: a Christian response to the wealth sitting in donor advised funds - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idle-treasure-a-christian-response-to-the/id1869377292] * The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn  The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated Edition: Randy Alcorn: 9780525615033 - Christianbook.com [https://www.christianbook.com/treasure-principle-revised-and-updated-edition/randy-alcorn/9780525615033/pd/615033?en=bing-pla&event=SHOP&kw=christian-living-0-20%7C615033&p=1179517&dv=c&cb_src=bing&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=376791042&cb_adg=1229255078223764&cb_kyw=default&msclkid=79ca3712d17d1ef4f2455ecd3a6aedb7&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=B_Shopping%3A%20Books&utm_term=4580428018437815&utm_content=s-christian%20living] * Connect with Mark – markgreaves.com