Episode 10 - Second Chances & Community Coffee: Inside The Arc Ministry with Co-Director Liz

Episode 10 - Second Chances & Community Coffee: Inside The Arc Ministry with Co-Director Liz

In this episode of the Ark Cast, host Derrick Bennett sits down live at The Pour coffee shop in Panama City Beach with his sister-in-law and co-director of The Ark, Liz. Together, they share the powerful history, mission, and heart behind this unique, faith-based transitional housing ministry. Repurposed in 2016 from a historic 1974 Methodist youth retreat known as Noah's Ark, the ministry now provides a healthy, full-circle community for men, women, and children navigating financial crises, homelessness, or major life transitions. Liz dives deep into how they operate 100% dependently on God, using real-world life skills, graceful rules, and community connection to help residents successfully restart their lives. Key Takeaways from This Episode * The Pour Coffee Shop as the "Front Door": More than just a highly-rated local coffee spot, the shop serves as a safe space for the public to connect with the ministry and functions as the primary intake portal for those seeking housing or immediate assistance. * The Story of the "Lisa Meal": Named in honor of a beloved former employee, individuals coming off the streets can walk into the coffee shop and ask for a "Lisa Meal" to receive food, a hot shower, or clothing. * A Unique Transitional Model: The facility houses roughly 100 people and features a structured $100/week rent program to practice real-life responsibility. Residents are also given savings incentives, like a $2,500 return match at the six-month mark to jumpstart their independence. * Grace and Second Chances: The Ark operates on a forgiving open-door policy, frequently welcoming back residents who have previously stumbled but are ready to interview with a renewed mindset. * Funding & The Upcoming Faith Festival: Operating entirely on private donations rather than government grants, the ministry is gearing up for its annual Faith Festival on October 24th at Aaron Park. This year's festival aims to raise funds to completely remodel their "Compassion Closet" and add public street-outreach showers.

Episode 9 - What is Salvation? Finding Truth Through Friendly Debate!

Is Christian salvation eternally secure, or can a believer fall away from grace? In this episode of the ArkCast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with friends Scott and Josh at The Pour coffee shop in Panama City Beach for a lively, respectful debate on one of the most generation-spanning questions in biblical theology. Diving deep into scripture, Scott and Josh put on their opposing theological "hats" to play a game of scriptural ping-pong—tackling grace vs. works, faith vs. lawlessness, and how to harmonize the promises and warnings found in the Bible. Whether you are studying the law of non-contradiction or trying to understand complex verses from Paul, James, and Jesus, this episode breaks down opposing viewpoints while demonstrating how true brotherhood can ultimately find unity in Christ. Tune in to hear how the Ark —a place of transitional housing, community support, and spiritual growth—brings people together to find truth through friendly debate.

Episode 8 - All Things Ark: Stories of Faith, Family, and Community

Welcome to ArkCast, a podcast recorded straight from The Pour coffee shop on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Hosted by Derrick Bennett, this show dives deep into the heart of The Ark Ministries—a faith-based outreach providing transitional housing, meals, clothing, and job support to those finding their feet in Northwest Florida. But this isn’t just a show about a ministry; it’s a conversation about the messy, beautiful reality of community. From local leaders and residents to the volunteers and families pulling up a chair at our Tuesday night community dinners, we’re exploring what it really looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Whether you're looking to grow your faith, get involved in local outreach, or just love a good story of restoration, you’ve found a home here. Grab a coffee and join the conversation!

Episode 7 - Serving Coffee, Community, and Christ at The Pour PCB

In this episode of Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with his nieces, Kia and Izzy—the operators behind The Pour, a vibrant, live coffee shop right across from the world’s most beautiful beaches. But The Pour is much more than just a place to get fresh-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and coffee; it is the front door to The Ark, a local transitional housing and outreach ministry that has spent over a decade loving people like Jesus.Kia and Izzy share heartfelt, quirky stories about what happens when worlds collide at the espresso machine. From empowering transitional housing residents with employment to inspiring regular customers to step out of their comfort zones and serve, they illustrate how a simple cup of coffee can foster deep community. They also dive into the beautiful legacy behind the "Lisa Meal" for neighbors in need, the power of their community mentorship program, and how local talents are unlocked when you ask someone, "What are your dreams?"Tune in to hear how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, donating, attending their weekly public Tuesday Night gatherings, or stopping by their upcoming local events like the Sip & Thrift pop-up on the back deck of The Pour and the annual Faith Festival.Key Takeaways & Timestamps * Meeting The Pour & The Ark: Introduction to the unique connection between the coffee shop and the transitional housing ministry in Panama City Beach. * Meet the Operators: Kia and Izzy share their love for their small town and what led them back home to run the shop. * Hiring with a Purpose: How the coffee shop provides community integration and employment opportunities for residents working to rebuild their lives. * The Power of Serving: A regular customer's heartwarming experience being handed the keys to help a neighbor in need get clothing and a hot shower. * The Story of the "Lisa Meal": Remembering a beloved community member and how her legacy continues to feed the transient population with dignity. * Community Mentorship & Structure: How everyday people—from retired financial planners to musicians—use their unique gifts to pour into others. * Local Events & Fellowship: Details on the Tuesday Night chapel gatherings, the monthly Sip & Thrift back-deck pop-up market, and the massive Faith Festival coming to Aaron Bessant Park.

Episode 6 - Faith, Fitness, and Fatherhood: Building a Kingdom

In this episode of ArkCast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with his son-in-law, Jake Howard, at the Pour Coffee House to discuss the intersection of physical health and spiritual growth. Jake shares his personal journey from growing up in San Diego to finding a deep, "sold-out" relationship with Jesus during his college years. He opens up authentically about his lifelong struggle with eating disorders and how he eventually leveraged a national body transformation victory to benefit the ministry. The conversation highlights the practical ways the Ark community serves as the "hands and feet" of Christ. Jake details his efforts in establishing an on-site gym at the Ark to provide residents—many of whom struggle with addiction—an outlet for physical discipline and brotherhood. Derrick and Jake also explore: * The Theology of Fitness: Viewing the body as a vehicle for the Spirit and a tool for righteousness. * Family Ministry: The creation of a "Family Group" that removes common barriers for young parents by providing meals and childcare, allowing them to study scripture and find community. * Lessons from Parenting: How raising young children provides a clearer picture of our own relationship as children of God. * Faith Festival 2026: A look ahead to the upcoming community-wide event on October 24th designed to unify local churches through music and fellowship. The episode concludes with a reminder that spiritual growth, much like physical training, is a "day by day" process of being refined through discipline and trial.