COGO Podcast

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!

E073: This Generation Is Ready! Inside the 2026 OSYC Leadership Team

In this episode of the COGO Podcast, RW Moody sits down with the student leadership team behind the Ohio State Youth Convention (OSYC)—Andrew Long, CeCe Salguero, Jade Peronne, Paige Gill, Rylan Webb, and Sheridan Deem. The conversation feels real and unfiltered as they talk about what it’s actually like to step into leadership as students—figuring things out as they go, working together, and learning how to lead with both confidence and humility. They also share the heart behind OSYC and why it matters so much to them. It’s not just about putting on an event—it’s about creating space for students across Ohio to encounter God in a meaningful way. You’ll hear the challenges they’ve faced, the moments that have stretched their faith, and the passion they carry to make an impact in their generation. If you haven't yet, put on your calendar OSYC 2026, November 6-8 at Maiden Lane Church and the theme is EMANATE. Churches will receive more information soon and check COGO's socials for promotions in the near future. Begin praying for this event today! Don't forget, you can also watch our podcast on YOUTUBE [https://youtu.be/a6ZLffJflWc]! Thanks for listening!

E072: The Calling You Can't Ignore!

In this episode of the COGO Podcast, host R.W. Moody sits down with Pastor Tim Riley, lead pastor of Connection Point Church in Sidney, Ohio, for an engaging and honest conversation about ministry, leadership, and answering God’s call. Tim shares his journey from growing up in a ministry family within the Salvation Army to pursuing a career in professional counseling—only to later realize that God was calling him into pastoral leadership. With transparency and humility, he reflects on the internal struggles and pivotal moments that led him to embrace his calling and step into the role he now serves in today. Throughout the conversation, R.W. and Tim explore the challenges leaders face in aligning their lives with the Great Commission, as well as the importance of wrestling with big questions about the future of the Church. Tim offers thoughtful insights shaped by both his counseling background and ministry experience, encouraging listeners to lean into their God-given calling even when the path is difficult. This episode is a meaningful resource for church leaders seeking growth, clarity, and renewed purpose in their ministry journey. To learn more about where Tim Riley is currently serving, visit: https://www.connectionpt.church/leadership [https://www.connectionpt.church/leadership] Don't forget, you can also watch our podcast on YOUTUBE! https://youtu.be/NfACJCHLLfM Thanks for listening!

E071: Authentic Faith Starts Now!

In this episode of the COGO Podcast, host R.W. Moody sits down with Isaac Steiner to explore the heart of discipleship, student leadership, and reaching the next generation. Isiaac shares his personal journey of faith—from growing up in a Christ-centered community to a defining moment in his teenage years that solidified his relationship with God and redirected his calling into ministry. Together, they emphasize the importance of empowering teenagers with the Great Commission, noting that faith often takes root early in life and that young people are not “future” believers—they are called to live on mission now. The conversation highlights a growing hunger among today’s generation for authenticity over performance, urging leaders to move away from superficial expressions of faith and instead guide students into genuine encounters with Christ. Isaac stresses that discipleship is a slow, relational process that cannot be mass-produced, calling leaders to invest deeply in a few rather than superficially in many. He challenges churches to truly value young people—through time, resources, and intentional leadership opportunities—while also encouraging older generations to “age with grace” by mentoring and uplifting those coming behind them. Ultimately, the episode is a call to return to the simplicity of the gospel and to form disciples who fully reflect Christ. Don't forget you can watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwsIIJVO4dCDP6Z5OIIgqXHJ1YngkxcOp] Plus, please like, subscribe, and SHARE! Thanks for listening!