Rough Drafts: How God Writes His Love in Our Stories

Zack Martin: The First Grader Who Read Obituaries

History isn’t just dates and dead people—it’s the story of how we got here. 🌍 This week on Rough Drafts, I’m talking to my old friend Zack Martin. We discuss everything from our college antics to the serious theology of why history matters. We cover why "unprecedented" times usually aren't, why we need to read the Bible with the "dead," and yes... why Zack read obituaries for fun in the first grade. If you think history is boring, this episode might just change your mind. Listen now! 🎧

Samuel Yocum: Ministry is Relationships

The "Pizza and Relationships" Episode On this episode of Rough Drafts, we welcome Samuel Yocum to the studio (fresh off a heavy breakfast burrito from Janine’s). Samuel shares his journey from being a "theater kid" with big dreams to finding his calling in youth ministry. We dive deep into what it looks like to grow up with "dual citizenship"—raised by parents fully committed to two different churches—and how that experience shaped Samuel’s ability to listen to others rather than just talk about them. In this conversation, we cover: * The "Westgate" Rumor: A local story that perfectly illustrates why we need to stop assuming and start having real conversations across denominational lines. * The Ministry of Hanging Out: Why relationships are the only currency that matters in youth ministry (and why you can't disciple a kid you don't know). * Unity in Grief: Samuel shares a powerful story from his time at Freed-Hardeman about how tragedy stripped away social barriers and brought a campus together. * God Doesn't Care About the Honda: A liberating take on "calling"—why we stress too much about finding God’s "secret plan" for our jobs and geography, when He’s actually calling us to holiness. * The Only Love You Don’t Have to Compete For: Dealing with people-pleasing and finding peace in the non-competitive love of God. Notable Quote: "If I never have any friends in life... if I never get a wife, if I never have a family... I have the love of God. And that is more than enough." — Samuel Yocum

Katie Hiatt: The World Needs Hugs

My favorite daughter joins us for this week's special Kid's Rough Drafts. Katie tells all the cool things about life in WBES and some of her favorite Bible stories, too.

In Memory: Nita Woodson

This week's episode is a special episode, honoring a friend who passed away in 2018.  Juanita Woodson was a Burns Church staple. In this episode, you'll hear a special interview conducted by Charlie Dauphin where she tells of her life, family, and faith. She talks about making her own toys from clay, some memorable childhood spankings, and love at first sight.

Stephen and Julia Pate: Ministry of Presence

Matthew welcomes special guests Stephen and Julia Pate for a two-for-one conversation that spans the Dateline (literally, they're in Japan!). Stephen, a Navy Chaplain, and Julia, a Navy Pharmacist, share their incredible journey from the Bible Belt to a battleship, experiencing military life in Okinawa, Pearl Harbor, and beyond. They pull back the curtain on the scars and triumphs of local ministry, discussing the challenging process of faith deconstruction and how a crisis led them to a new, unexpected calling. Listen as they discuss the unique environment of a military chaplaincy—a "ministry of presence"—where questions often speak louder than sermons, and the clarity that comes from facing things that truly matter. Julia also shares her own inspiring path from reluctant military spouse to active-duty officer, proving that God establishes the work of our hands, no matter the assignment. Dive into this honest and moving episode about trusting God’s plan, even when it looks nothing like what you imagined.   PS> The Pates need me to tell you that their views are their own, not necessarily those of the Department of Defense or its components. They don't represent the Pentagon or anything like that. Any reference to commercial products, services, and stuff, doesn't imply endorsement by the Government.