E078: Discover How Canva Can Help You and Your Ministry!

E078: Discover How Canva Can Help You and Your Ministry!

In this episode, RW sits down with Rev. Becky Heller, Director of Communications & Events at COGO, and they talk about how you can use Canva (more than just a FREE online editing program) and use it to help communicate with your church. You'll want to listen carefully to this episode as she encourages everyone to use Canva whether or not you are tech savvy or a professional graphic designer. Becky brings extensive experience and a commitment to supporting others in this role at COGO. After several years in various assistant roles, she founded her virtual assistant business in 2019, which she transitioned to a full-time role in 2020. She and her team focus on assisting small business owners and solopreneurs with their operational needs. She holds a Multi-Disciplinary degree in English with an Emphasis in Music from Mid-America Christian University and a Women in Ministry certificate from the same institution. In 2022, Becky was ordained in the Church of God. In her personal life, Becky serves in ministry alongside her husband, Tim Heller, at Meadow Park Church in Columbus. She is actively involved in ministry, leading a small group and participating in the worship and tech teams. Becky and Tim are also licensed foster parents and share their home with two dogs, Max and Maggie. becky@cogo.church Unlock the Power of Canva! [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pqDA9O3Sd8qsaUrnvgDljYhG1fNQXNVF/view] - Becky's Reference Guide https://www.canva.com/ [https://www.canva.com/] Thanks for listening and don't forget you catch every episode on Youtube [https://youtu.be/C5ezSJBrjKA]!

E077: Creating Space for Real Life Change

In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with Rev. Dr. Mirriam Knight-Wilson for an inspiring conversation about calling, leadership, and personal transformation. Mirriam shares her powerful testimony of growing up as the daughter of missionaries in southern Africa, discovering a deeply personal relationship with Jesus through seasons of hardship, and embracing a lifelong call to ministry. She reflects on the profound influence of her parents—especially her mother—in shaping her faith, leadership, and passion for serving others. The conversation also explores Rev. Dr. Knight-Wilson’s work as a licensed clinical psychologist, executive leadership coach, pastor, and advocate for trauma-informed leadership development. Together, R.W. and Miriam discuss the importance of mentorship, servant leadership, and creating opportunities for the next generation to grow in their gifts and calling. With wisdom drawn from years of ministry, counseling, and leadership development, this episode challenges listeners to pursue God’s purpose boldly while investing intentionally in the people around them. Make sure to check out Mirriam's podcast She Is Unleashed. https://www.youtube.com/@SheIsUnleashedConf [https://www.youtube.com/@SheIsUnleashedConf] Don't forget you can WATCH on YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwsIIJVO4dCDP6Z5OIIgqXHJ1YngkxcOp] all of our episodes! LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and DON'T FORGET TO SHARE! Thanks for listening and watching!

E076: Everyday Disciples Make Everyday Disciples

In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with author, pastor, and disciple-making leader Jeff Vanderstelt for a conversation that feels both challenging and deeply encouraging. Jeff shares pieces of his own story — from growing up around church while wrestling with a “mask” of Christianity, to the moment God met him personally and changed the direction of his life. Along the way, the conversation dives into what it really means to make disciples in everyday life and why genuine spiritual formation has to move beyond programs and Sunday routines. R.W. and Jeff also unpack the heart behind disciple-making movements, the importance of gospel-centered community, and how churches can help people follow Jesus in practical, everyday ways. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or someone simply trying to live your faith more intentionally, this episode offers honest insight and a refreshing reminder that discipleship is meant to be lived out where we already are. Jeff is the founder and visionary leader of Saturate [http://saturatetheworld.com/] and the Soma Family of Churches [http://wearesoma.com/]. He serves as a teaching pastor and director of missional communities at Doxa Church [http://doxa-church.com/] in Bellevue, Washington. Additionally, Jeff supports church planting globally through training and as a member of the advisory board of C2C Network [https://www.c2cnetwork.ca/]. He and Jayne, his wife of 24 years, have three children: Haylee, Caleb, and Maggie. Connect with Jeff at his website www.jeffvanderstelt.com [http://www.jeffvanderstelt.com/]  Don't forget you can WATCH on YOUTUBE! [https://youtu.be/n49qQiWSVKI?si=Tjrf5WMHUplMmaNJ]--- Thanks for listening and watching!

E075: Church Planting Starts at the Dinner Table

In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with Pastor Rebecca Palmatier to talk about faith, discipleship, and the adventure of church planting in rural West Virginia. Rebecca shares her journey of coming to know Jesus as a teenager through the influence of her father’s transformed life and how God later called her family to step into the unknown by rebuilding a struggling church and investing deeply in a small community. Through honest stories and personal experiences, she reflects on what it looks like to trust God when you feel completely out of your element. As the conversation unfolds, Rebecca explains how church planting stripped ministry back to its simplest and most important mission: making disciples. She and R.W. discuss the importance of relationships, hospitality, and living intentionally among the people God has called you to serve. From hosting “Dinner Church” gatherings in the park to learning how to respond quickly to God’s leading, Rebecca offers practical encouragement for leaders who want to make a genuine Kingdom impact. This episode is a refreshing reminder that discipleship is less about building platforms and more about faithfully loving people one relationship at a time. For more information about where Rebecca serves, visit: https://www.creeksidewss.com/ [https://www.creeksidewss.com/] Don't forget you can WATCH on YOUTUBE! [https://youtu.be/Z03bDmBkaYg] Thanks for listening and watching!

E074: Discipleship Starts with a Name

In this episode of the COGO Podcast, R.W. Moody sits down with longtime ministry leader Rev. Dr. Leslie Barnes to explore her journey of faith, leadership, and discipleship. Leslie shares how growing up in a Christ-centered family shaped her relationship with Jesus and led to over three decades of ministry at Arlington Church of God. Her story highlights the powerful influence of spiritual legacy and the importance of remaining rooted in a faith community that feels like family. The conversation centers on a relational approach to discipleship, emphasizing that sharing the gospel begins with genuine connection. Leslie reflects on the importance of “earning the right” to speak into someone’s life by building trust, learning names, and showing authentic care. She underscores how meaningful, everyday relationships—both inside and outside the church—create opportunities to reflect Christ’s love, especially within close-knit family dynamics. Through personal insight and practical wisdom, this episode challenges leaders to prioritize intentional relationships as the foundation for impactful ministry. For more information about where Rev. Barnes serves, visit: https://acogakron.org/staff/ [https://acogakron.org/staff/] and feel free to email her at minleslie@acogod.org Don't forget you can WATCH on YOUTUBE! [https://youtu.be/9fV-W7IAmCs]  Thanks for listening and watching!