The Conversation

Pastor Geoff Pickup: Most Pastors Quit – He Didn’t. The Secret of Lasting in Ministry | The Conversation

In this episode of The Conversation, Pastor Geoff shares his remarkable journey of faith, leadership, and community building over 53 years of ministry. Discover how staying rooted in one place, valuing people, and enduring challenges have contributed to a lasting and impactful spiritual life.

Why Most Parents Fail to Disciple Their Children (And How to Fix It) | The Conversation Podcast

In this episode of The Conversation Podcast, Blessen sits down with author, speaker, and founder of Children Can, Olly Goldenberg, to explore one of the most important questions facing families today: How do we raise children who genuinely love God in a rapidly changing world?Olly shares his powerful story of coming to faith at a young age, sensing God’s call for the next generation, and dedicating his life to discipling children. From praying for the nation’s children at the age of twelve to leading large children’s ministries and raising five children of his own, Olly’s journey reveals a deep conviction: children are not the future of the church—they are part of the church today.The conversation moves into practical areas of family life—homeschooling, creating spiritual rhythms in the home, navigating technology, and building strong relationships with children. Olly challenges parents not to outsource discipleship but to intentionally shape a home wherefaith is lived, not just taught.

Chantelle Reid | Does physical training have spiritual effects? | The Conversation Podcast

In this episode, Chantelle Reid, an Olympian boxer, shares her inspiring journey from childhood training to competing at the highest levels of sport. She discusses the importance of faith in her life, the rigorous training regimen she follows, and the nutritional principles that support her athletic performance. Chantelle also opens up about overcoming significant setbacks, including a serious injury, and how her faith has guided her through challenges. She emphasises the importance of discipline, routine, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. Chantelle reflects on her legacy and the impact she hopes to have on others through her platform. "Olympian Boxer Journey""Chantelle Reid Interview""Faith in Sports""Training for Paris 2024 Olympics""Overcoming Sports Injuries""Discipline and Routine in Athletics""Nutritional Tips for Athletes""Inspiring Sports Stories""Boxing vs Kickboxing Transition""Athlete's Faith and Perseverance"

Martha Valecillos | From Crisis to Calling: 40 Years of Mission, Miracles & Faithfulness | The Conversation Podcast

In this episode of Conversations, we sit down with Martha Valecillos, a seasoned missionary from Venezuela whose life and ministry span more than four decades.Martha shares her powerful journey—from a dramatic encounter with Christ sparked by a miraculous healing in her family, to stepping out in faith as a single mother into global missions. Her story is a compelling testimony of God’s faithfulness through obedience, sacrifice, and trust.Inspired by missionary biographies—especially the lives of Gladys Aylward and William Carey—Martha developed a deep hunger to serve beyond the four walls of the church. Despite rejection, uncertainty, and the challenges of raising a son alone, she followed God’s call and found her place in missions through Youth With A Mission (YWAM).Since then, Martha has served faithfully in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Venezuela, witnessing God’s work across cultures and continents.In this conversation, we explore: • Life on the mission field today • Serving in Venezuela amid political and economic instability • Daily dependence on God for provision • Stories of miracles and perseverance • The resilience of the church under pressure • Spiritual disciplines and leadership shaped by sonship • The importance of deep communion with GodThis episode is both sobering and hope-filled—a reminder that the gospel continues to bear fruit, even (and often especially) in the most difficult places.

More Than Churchgoers: Becoming Kingdom People | The Conversation Podcast

In this opening episode of 2026, Blessen Mathew sits down with Pastor Henry Ita to explore the church’s theme for the year: Kingdom People, alongside the spiritual discipline of fasting. Building on previous themes of Kingdom Advance, Kingdom Enlargement, and Unshakeable Kingdom, this conversation moves from concept to lifestyle—what it truly means to live as people of God’s Kingdom every day. Pastor Henry reminds us that Jesus did not merely come to save individuals but to restore a Kingdom that humanity lost through the fall. Salvation is the doorway, but the Kingdom is the home we are meant to live in. Too often believers settle for a minimal faith—attending church, remaining spiritually passive, and never enjoying the full benefits God intends for His people. Fasting is presented not as a religious ritual, but as an ancient and essential discipline that brings the flesh into submission and sharpens spiritual awareness. In a culture driven by comfort and convenience, fasting calls Kingdom people back to hunger for God. This episode challenges listeners—individuals, families, and young people alike—to embrace discipline, intentionality, and spiritual depth, not just for a season, but as a way of life.