Why Most Churches Miss Their Community's Real Needs

Lori DeVillez w/ Trotter's House | Fight For Your City

What happens after babies are saved? That’s the question we tackle in this episode of the Fight for Your City Podcast. Pastor Jonah Carpenter sits down with Lori Devilles, who leads Trotter House, a nonprofit serving families in Evansville and across the nation. Trotter House goes far beyond crisis intervention — offering free pregnancy tests, sonograms, mentorship, life skills classes, children’s programs, and long-term support for both women and men. This conversation shines a light on the part of the story we rarely hear: how families are cared for after the decision for life is made, and what it takes to walk alongside parents and children for the long haul.

Behind the Music - The Pain of Worship Ministry | Fight for Your City Podcast w/ Caleb Morgan

Check Out Caleb on Social Media and Send Him a Message If You Are Looking for A Fantastic Musician with a Servant's Heart!https://www.facebook.com/caleb.morgan.92351Welcome back to the Fight for Your City Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Caleb Morgan, a worship leader in Evansville who has an incredible story to tell. Caleb opens up about how his journey in music started, the family roots that shaped him, and the unexpected battles he faced along the way.He talks honestly about the hidden struggles that come with leading worship — the pressure to perform, the pride that can creep in, and even the seasons of depression where he almost gave up playing altogether. Caleb shares how he learned to treat music as more than just sound, but as a conversation with God.We get into the side of worship ministry most people don’t see: the long rehearsals, the burnout that musicians and pastors carry, and the way churches sometimes value gifts over souls. Caleb reminds us that God doesn’t just care about the music — He cares about the person behind the instrument.You’ll hear us talk about rest, humility, and why it’s okay to take time off and be poured into. We wrestle with the question of whether musicians should be paid, and how churches can do a better job of caring for the hearts of their worship leaders.At the heart of this episode is a message we all need to hear: your soul comes first, your gift comes second.If you’ve ever felt the weight of ministry, struggled with burnout, or wondered how to balance serving and resting, this conversation will speak to you.

Ministry, Foster Care, and Filling the Gaps in the Church | Nyles Head

In this episode of the Fight for Your City Podcast, Pastor Jonah Carpenter sits down with Nyles Head, ordained minister and case manager for the Department of Child Services (DCS) in Vanderburgh County. Together they explore the urgent intersection of foster care, ministry, and the role of the local church. Nyles shares firsthand insight into how DCS works to keep kids safe, reunify families, and support those in crisis—while also revealing the hidden needs foster families face that government programs can’t always meet. From immediate essentials like beds, clothing, and school uniforms to long-term care like co-parenting classes, churches and nonprofits are stepping in to fill the gap. Jonah and Nyles also trace the biblical roots of adoption and orphan care, discuss how the early church set the standard for caring for the vulnerable, and reflect on James 1:27 and Acts 2 as a call for today’s believers. The conversation goes further into ministry training, seminary education, and the balance between theology and preaching to real people’s needs—including the importance of unlearning cultural “Christian sayings” that don’t come from Scripture. Whether you’re a pastor, foster parent, church leader, or believer who wants to make a difference, this episode will challenge you to see the gaps in your community and ask: Where can my church step in?

Emma Carpenter | The Call of Teaching, the State of Public Education, and the Church’s Mission

What does it really mean to be called to teach in today’s public school system? In this episode of Fight for Your City, Pastor Jonah Carpenter sits down with 1st grade teacher Emma Carpenter for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about faith, education, and the next generation. Emma opens up about her journey into teaching, the moments that confirmed her calling, and the daily challenges she faces working in a secular environment. From early mornings in the classroom to the unique struggles her students carry with them, she shares how her faith shapes her approach to teaching and why she believes education is one of the most important mission fields in America. As we dive into the realities of the American public school system, we explore the cultural pressures and systemic challenges that shape both teachers and students. Emma talks about the balancing act of maintaining her convictions while navigating policies and expectations that often leave little room for open expressions of faith. We discuss the importance of resilience, creativity, and compassion in the classroom, and how a teacher’s influence can extend far beyond the lesson plans. Through her experiences, Emma offers a candid look at what’s really happening in schools today and why the Church must be paying attention. This conversation is a call to action for anyone who cares about the next generation. We talk about the role the Church can play in supporting educators, encouraging students, and being a presence in the community without overstepping legal boundaries. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or simply someone who believes in the power of education, this episode will challenge you to see public schools not just as institutions, but as mission fields where the light of Christ can shine in subtle yet powerful ways. Emma’s story is a reminder that every classroom holds the potential for ministry — and that God is still at work in the places we might least expect.

Why Most Churches Miss Their Community's Real Needs

Churches everywhere are struggling to reach new people—but what if the real problem isn’t resources… it’s vision? In this episode, Jonah Carpenter breaks down why so many small churches hit a wall with evangelism, and how to break through by discovering the overlooked needs right in your own neighborhood. You’ll learn how to identify the unique “niches” in your community, how to use your building creatively, and why your church might be sitting on the exact solution your city needs. If you’re a pastor, leader, or church member who wants to actually make an impact—this episode is your call to action.