A Beautiful Church

An Interview with Jenny Stripling of the local non-profit ‘Northside Neighborhood House’

In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, host Adam Whitescarver welcomes Jenny Stripling, Development Officer at Northside Neighborhood House (NNH), to explore the rich history, impactful programs, and current initiatives of this 100-year-old nonprofit serving Chattanooga’s northside community. Jenny shares her journey to Chattanooga, her passion for community service, and the many ways NNH empowers neighbors through education, stability programs, and unique resources like thrift stores and the Coffee Collective.   Together, they discuss the challenges facing local families, the organization’s innovative afterschool programs, and the importance of sustainable community engagement. From teaching life skills to providing rental assistance, NNH ensures neighbors not only survive but thrive.   ---------------------------   Timestamps for Key Discussion Points   00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and mission by Adam Whitescarver 00:25 - Welcoming guest Jenny Stripling and introduction to Northside Neighborhood House (NNH) 01:07 - Jenny’s role as Chief Development Officer: fundraising, marketing, and volunteer coordination 01:50 - Jenny’s personal story and journey to Chattanooga 04:10 - What drew Jenny to NNH and transitioning from a national nonprofit to a local one 05:18 - Celebrating 100 years of NNH: Origins and early programs 07:43 - Growth and evolution: Responding to community needs over the decades 09:39 - Launching the Community Schools program and embedding staff in schools 11:20 - Afterschool programs: Clubs, mentorship, and skill-building activities 13:40 - Expanding NNH’s reach: Addressing poverty north of the river 16:19 - Resource deserts and innovative solutions: Coffee Community Collective 18:47 - Addressing housing insecurity: Good Tenants Workshop and practical solutions 24:58 - Increasing need for rental assistance: Shifting focus since the pandemic 27:02 - Why supporting vetted nonprofits like NNH ensures impactful giving 29:13 - Building relationships with staff and the community: A story of success at Red Bank High 31:37 - Empowerment programs: Cooking and computer skills for self-sufficiency 33:53 - NNH thrift stores: A critical resource generating operational funds 38:17 - Volunteer opportunities: Schools, thrift stores, and committees 42:16 - Using white papers and community insights to guide programming 44:50 - Prayer requests: Supporting students and families facing summer challenges 46:44 - Vision for Chattanooga’s northside: Building a thriving, stable community   --------------------------------   Prayer Requests   Pray for students and families facing food insecurity and challenges during the summer months.   Pray for continued provision and support for NNH’s stability programs, especially housing and financial assistance.   Pray for the success of NNH’s outreach efforts to build meaningful community partnerships and foster long-term relationships with neighbors.   ------------------------------   Resources Mentioned   Northside Neighborhood House: https://www.nnhouse.org   Coffee Collective in Soddy-Daisy: A hub for resources and community building   NNH Thrift Stores: Supporting the mission through donated goods Good Tenants Workshop: Educating renters on housing rights and responsibilities   Get Involved: Visit https://www.nnhouse.org to sign up for the newsletter, explore volunteer opportunities, or support NNH’s thrift stores.   Stay Connected: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates on future episodes and community initiatives.

An Interview with Justin Wade of the local non-profit ‘Partners for Christian Media’

In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, host Adam Whitescarver sits down with Justin Wade, President of Partners for Christian Media, to discuss the growth and challenges of Christian media in Chattanooga. Justin shares his personal story, his leadership at J103, and the creative ways Partners for Christian Media reaches people through radio, streaming platforms, and community events. Together, they explore how local Christian radio, events like JFest, and online testimony projects like “Come On, Let’s Go” are impacting the community, spreading hope, and building meaningful connections.   ---------------------------------------- Timestamps for Key Discussion Points: 00:00:03:04 - 00:00:25:22 Introduction Adam Whitescarver introduces the podcast and welcomes listeners, giving an overview of the Chattanooga House of Prayer and the purpose of the episode. 00:00:26:00 - 00:00:49:06 Setting the Stage Adam discusses the series focus on interviewing reputable nonprofits around Chattanooga, aiming to increase awareness and collaboration. He introduces guest Justin Wade, Executive Director of Partners for Christian Media. 00:00:49:06 - 00:00:56:11 Introduction of Justin Wade A light-hearted exchange between Adam and Justin, setting the tone for the episode. 00:00:56:11 - 00:01:16:19 Partners for Christian Media Justin Wade explains his role as the leader of Partners for Christian Media and introduces the organization's primary brands, including J103, JFest, Come On Let's Go, and JRadio. 00:01:16:20 - 00:01:43:00 Justin's Background Justin shares his personal story, including being born and raised in Chattanooga, his family life, and his role at Partners for Christian Media. 00:01:43:02 - 00:01:54:22 Getting to Know Justin Adam and Justin discuss Justin's active lifestyle, including his passion for running and triathlons, and how he balances that with family and ministry responsibilities. 00:01:55:00 - 00:02:25:02 Personal Life and Family Justin talks about his daughters, his commitment to being present for his family despite a busy schedule, and the importance of making time for them. 00:02:25:04 - 00:03:04:06 Finding Time for Fitness Adam and Justin continue discussing Justin's fitness routine, how he manages to train for long races like marathons and triathlons, and how he involves his family in supporting his training. 00:03:04:08 - 00:04:14:00 Work-Life Balance A conversation about the balance between work, family, and personal time, and how Justin manages to stay active while fulfilling his leadership role at Partners for Christian Media. 00:04:14:02 - 00:05:14:02 The Role of the Family in Ministry Justin reflects on how his family supports his ministry work, particularly during his triathlon training days, and the family dynamics of supporting ministry work together. 00:05:14:02 - 00:06:06:14 Professional Journey Justin shares his journey of how he ended up at Partners for Christian Media, starting with a conversation over a job opportunity at J103 while working in a restaurant, and the unexpected path that led him into Christian media. 00:06:06:16 - 00:07:01:21 Early Days at J103 Justin describes his initial role at J103, waiting for traffic reports to come in while working at the station, and how he transitioned into more responsibility through a combination of boredom and initiative. 00:07:01:23 - 00:08:11:23 Learning on the Job A humorous recount of how Justin took initiative to learn a new automation system at J103 and how this led to more opportunities for him within the organization. 00:08:12:01 - 00:09:01:23 The Evolution of Christian Radio Adam and Justin discuss how Christian radio has evolved and the unique role J103 plays in the Chattanooga area, remaining locally based while other stations are more centralized. 00:09:02:01 - 00:10:17:01 Partners for Christian Media’s Impact Justin explains the mission and model behind Partners for Christian Media, which includes a mix of community support from businesses and individuals, and how this hybrid model has helped them remain financially sustainable for almost 30 years. 00:10:17:03 - 00:11:01:08 J103 and the Community The conversation shifts to J103’s local impact, focusing on how being based in Chattanooga gives the station a unique connection to the community, from local traffic updates to promoting local events and concerts. 00:11:01:10 - 00:12:05:08 Navigating Recessions and Challenges Justin talks about how Partners for Christian Media has navigated challenges over the years, including economic recessions and the pandemic, and how the organization has adapted to these challenges. 00:12:05:10 - 00:13:01:08 Supporting the Community Justin discusses how Partners for Christian Media prioritizes supporting local businesses and ministries and how they make decisions on who to partner with to ensure their mission aligns with Christian values. 00:13:01:10 - 00:14:00:13 Come On Let’s Go An in-depth look at “Come On Let’s Go,” a platform for sharing Christian testimonies through video storytelling, and how it reaches people online who may not otherwise hear the gospel. 00:14:00:15 - 00:14:50:23 Testimonies with Impact Justin shares the reach of Come On Let’s Go, with millions of views and thousands of people engaging with the gospel through personal testimonies, and how the platform has become an effective tool for online ministry. 00:14:51:00 - 00:16:00:23 The Power of Storytelling Adam and Justin discuss the power of testimonies in reaching people who might not attend church, using online platforms to reach the lost, and the spiritual impact of sharing real-life stories. 00:16:01:00 - 00:18:00:00 JRadio and Other Ministries Justin explains how JRadio was created to meet the demand for online music streaming, giving listeners a safe, Christian alternative to mainstream streaming services, while still fostering trust and community engagement. 00:18:00:00 - 00:19:00:00 JFest and Its Mission Justin talks about JFest, the major Christian music festival hosted by Partners for Christian Media, its origins as a fundraiser, and how it has evolved into a major community event that brings people together from all walks of life. 00:19:00:00 - 00:21:00:00 How to Get Involved The episode wraps up with Justin sharing ways people can get involved in the various ministries under Partners for Christian Media, whether through volunteering, sharing testimonies, or attending events like JFest.   ------------------------------------------ Prayer Requests:   Pray for wisdom and discernment as Christian media navigates a rapidly changing digital world.   Pray for God’s provision and guidance for upcoming events like JFest and the expansion of media ministries.   Pray for open hearts as Partners for Christian Media shares the gospel through testimonies and music. ----------------------------------------------------------   Resources Mentioned:   J103: https://www.j103.com/   Come On, Let’s Go – https://www.comeonletsgo.com/   JRadio – http://www.jradio.fm/   JFest – https://jfest.com/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates on new episodes and community events.

An Interview with Anthony Watkins of the local non-profit ‘Hope for the Inner City’

In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, Adam Whitescarver sits down with Anthony Watkins, Executive Director of Hope for the Inner City, to discuss his journey into ministry and the impactful work his organization is doing in Chattanooga.  Anthony shares stories of his upbringing in Indianapolis, his passion for serving, and how his nonprofit is working to support Chattanooga’s inner city through mercy ministries, intergenerational service, and community empowerment.   This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of poverty alleviation, the importance of community partnerships, and the need for mentoring and training to help individuals break the cycle of poverty. Anthony’s vision for Hope for the Inner City extends beyond meeting immediate needs; it’s about building relationships and empowering people to achieve self-sufficiency and transformation.   -------------------------------   Jump Through the Conversation   [0:00] Introduction to the podcast and Anthony Watkins’ background as Executive Director of Hope for the Inner City. [0:24] Anthony shares his origins in Indianapolis and stories of his family’s roots in Kentucky. [1:59] Reflecting on his early years and family experiences that shaped his heart for service and ministry. [5:49] How Anthony transitioned from a chef to ministry work and what led him to Chattanooga. [8:20] The moment Anthony knew Chattanooga was where he was called to serve. [10:45] Discovering Hope for the Inner City and its impact on his life and leadership. [12:02] The merging of Inner City Ministries and Hope for Chattanooga to form Hope for the Inner City. [15:00] Anthony explains the breadth of Hope for the Inner City’s programs, including utility assistance, food distribution, and home repairs. [19:25] Shifting from merely meeting needs to focusing on training, education, and long-term community impact. [25:00] How Hope for the Inner City works with local mission teams to serve Chattanooga’s seniors. [30:20] Exploring Hope’s vision for community transformation through discipleship, evangelism, and practical support. [35:12] The abundance of resources available in Chattanooga and the responsibility of using them to help others. [41:00] Anthony shares stories of transformation, including the powerful impact of financial literacy programs. [45:30] Encouraging individuals and churches to get involved by offering time, skills, and resources to those in need. [57:17] The importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for lasting change.   ----------------------------------   Prayer Requests for Hope for the Inner City:   Pray for more volunteers and resources to support the growing needs of the community.   Pray for the individuals and families served by Hope for the Inner City to find hope, healing, and transformation through the services provided.   Pray for Anthony and his team as they work to build a sustainable model of support and empowerment for Chattanooga’s underserved communities.   ---------------------------------------   Links and Resources:   Hope for the Inner City website: https://www.wearehfic.org/   Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

An Interview with Tony Souder of the local non-profit ‘One Hundred Years’

In this episode of A Beautiful Church Podcast, Adam Whitescarver sits down with Tony Souder, CEO of One Hundred Years and founder of the Pray for Me Campaign, to discuss his work with Chattanooga’s youth leaders and his mission to connect generations through intergenerational prayer. Tony shares his journey into ministry, the early days of founding the Chattanooga Youth Network, and the development of the Pray for Me Campaign, which equips churches and individuals to build lasting, impactful relationships between adults and young people through prayer. This episode highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships in the church, the development of prayer practices for youth, and how ministries can be more effective in discipling the next generation. Listen in to learn how you can engage with the Pray for Me Campaign to foster deeper community connections within your church.   --------------------------------   Jump Through the Conversation   [0:00] Introduction to the podcast and purpose of A Beautiful Church Podcast by Adam Whitescarver. [0:25] Introduction to Tony Souder, his background, and ministry roles with One Hundred Years and the Pray for Me Campaign. [0:40] Tony briefly explains his current work and role in intergenerational prayer and youth ministry. [1:21] Tony’s personal journey and history: Born in Valdosta, Georgia, and his experience growing up in a military family. [3:12] How Tony ended up in Chattanooga through his role as the first director of the Chattanooga Youth Network. [4:07] The genesis of the Chattanooga Youth Network under the Chattanooga Resource Foundation. [5:04] The strategy behind supporting youth leaders and building connections in Chattanooga through the Youth Network. [6:10] Early challenges and successes of starting the network, including funding and building a collaborative culture among youth pastors. [7:20] How Chattanooga’s youth pastors came together, overcoming perceived competition to work collaboratively. [8:24] Building connections between youth leaders and forming regional networks and leadership communities for youth pastors. [9:50] The role of prayer, accountability, care, and training in shaping the leadership communities and supporting youth leaders. [12:18] The influence of Matt Brinkley and the importance of prayer and community in youth ministry leadership. [13:15] The structure of these networks and gatherings for youth leaders, including prayer, training, and accountability. [14:03] The development of the Pray for Me Campaign and its foundation in research showing the importance of multiple adult believers investing in young people's lives. [16:17] How the Pray for Me Campaign creates intergenerational relationships to support youth and foster Christ-centered growth. [17:39] The challenges of naming the campaign and how a key conversation with a church member led to the Pray for Me focus on prayer. [19:20] The process of developing the Pray for Me Campaign into a practical ministry tool. [21:04] How the Pray for Me prayer guide helps adults pray effectively for young people, focusing on Christ’s formation in their lives. [23:15] How churches implement the Pray for Me Campaign: Recruiting adults as prayer champions for young people and fostering relationships across generations. [25:16] The long-term impact of having three adult prayer champions for each youth throughout middle and high school. [27:03] How the Pray for Me Campaign works across different church settings, from traditional youth ministries to family-focused ministries. [29:09] Tony’s experiences working across denominations and making the Pray for Me Campaign adaptable for different church cultures. [30:01] Tony’s personal journey and how prayer has shaped his ministry, especially through difficult times with his wife’s health. [32:30] Stories of the Pray for Me Campaign’s impact: The powerful connection between Mr. Allen and Isaac, and how it illustrates the fast-tracking of belonging and relationships through prayer. [34:18] How the Pray for Me Campaign builds community within churches and connects families across generational lines. [35:02] The different age groups that can participate in the Pray for Me Campaign, from kindergarten through college. [38:26] Barna research on the importance of intergenerational relationships for youth retention in churches. [41:10] The Pray for Me Campaign’s reach and success: Translated into multiple languages and implemented in thousands of churches. [46:08] How to implement the Pray for Me Campaign in your church and where to get resources. [48:50] The importance of having a church champion for the Pray for Me Campaign and the step-by-step resources provided to help churches get started. [51:25] How the Pray for Me Campaign is a valuable discipleship tool and its potential for creating deep relational connections within churches. [54:23] The importance of prayer in building intergenerational relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within churches. [58:22] How listeners can pray for Tony Souder, his family, and the continued growth of One Hundred Years and the Pray for Me Campaign. [1:01:57] Tony’s vision for the future of the Pray for Me Campaign: Creating belonging and security within churches, leading to boldness in reaching out to others. [1:04:22] Closing remarks and thank you from Adam Whitescarver.   -----------------------------------   Prayer Requests for the Pray for Me Campaign:   Pray for the continued growth of the Pray for Me Campaign, both nationally and internationally.   Pray for the youth leaders, pastors, and volunteers working to connect generations in meaningful prayer relationships.   Pray for more churches to embrace intergenerational ministry and for stronger connections between adults and young people.   -------------------------------------   Links and Resources:   Pray for Me Campaign website : https://prayformecampaign.com/   One Hundred Years website: https://ouronehundredyears.com/   Youth Leader Collective website: https://youthleadercollective.com/   Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/

An Interview with Inza Hagins-Dyer of the local non-profit ‘Love's Arm Outreach’

This episode dives into the realities of trafficking in Chattanooga, the transformative power of prayer, and the importance of trauma-informed care in helping survivors heal from their past. Listen in to learn how churches and individuals can join forces with Love’s Arm to bring hope and restoration to those most in need.   ---------------------------------------   Jump Through the Conversation   [0:23] Introduction to Inza Hagins-Dyer and her role as Executive Director at Love’s Arm Outreach. [0:59] Inza’s journey: From federal government work to leading Love’s Arm, her second career in ministry. [2:54] History of Love’s Arm: Founded by Mamie Nankivell in 2005 to reach women involved in trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. [6:15] The challenges of scaling a ministry: Mamie’s transition to executive leadership and the role of prayer in sustaining the mission. [8:32] The power of prayer: How consistent prayer shaped the success of Love’s Arm. [11:40] Who Love’s Arm serves: Primarily women survivors of trafficking and addiction, and occasionally men who have experienced trafficking. [14:17] The scope of trafficking in Chattanooga: The city as a major hub for trafficking in the Southeast. [17:02] Common denominators of trafficking victims: Early childhood abuse, trauma, and the cycle of addiction. [21:04] Real stories: Survivors’ paths to Love’s Arm and how trauma affects their decision-making. [22:42] Love’s Arm’s approach: Trauma-informed care and its importance in rebuilding survivors’ lives. [29:52] The role of volunteers and the need for unconditional love in ministering to survivors. [34:18] Breaking free from trafficking: How addiction and trauma often keep survivors trapped in cycles of exploitation. [37:48] How pornography fuels trafficking and sexual exploitation. [39:55] Fundraising challenges: Measuring success and the difficulty of showing traditional “outcomes” in trauma recovery. [45:10] Success stories: The first graduates from Love’s Arm’s long-term residential program and the impact on their lives. [47:39] The power of love and forgiveness: Inza’s personal story of forgiveness after losing her mother to violence. [52:47] Call to action: How listeners can support Love’s Arm through prayer, donations, and volunteering.   ---------------------------   Prayer Requests for Love’s Arm Outreach:   Pray for protection and healing for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation.   Pray for Love’s Arm’s staff and volunteers as they continue to bring hope and restoration to those in need.   Pray for increased community support and resources to sustain and expand the ministry.   Links and Resources Love’s Arm Outreach website: https://lovesarmoutreach.org/   Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/