Everybody's got a story. Today, we're getting to know Joel Aurand, the new Student Ministry Director at our Aurora Campus. Joel spent ten years teaching at Harvest Christian Academy before stepping into this new role, and if you've never met him, this is your chance — to hear how he got here, what he's learned along the way, and what he's excited about now that he's shepherding students full-time.

It's also a bittersweet one — this is the final episode of Conversations with Jeff Bucknam. But don't worry, we're not going anywhere. In a couple of weeks, Jeff will be back with his co-host, Pastor Tommy Creutz, for a brand-new podcast called The Threshing Floor—where they'll separate the wheat from the chaff on some of today's biggest biblical questions. What's true. What's not. Why it matters. We'll see you there.

Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Co-host: Pastor Tommy Creutz Guest: Joel Aurand Sound design, mixing, and editing: Louis Go Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith

Everybody's got a story. Today Pastor Jeff gets to know Eric Freckman — a husband, a father, a financial planner, and a faithful Christ-follower and member of the Rolling Meadows Campus of Harvest Bible Chapel. Eric helps people make wise decisions with their money for a living. Today he's just here to have a conversation. Pull up a chair. Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Co-host: Pastor Tommy Creutz Guest: Eric Freckman Sound design, mixing, and editing: Louis Go Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith

Matthew Bhushan just walked across a stage to collect his high school diploma. In a few days, he'll walk onto a college campus in Iowa for the first time. In between those two moments is a story about what it looks like to head into a new season with your faith intact — maybe even stronger than when you started. Matthew joins Pastor Jeff to talk about his relationship with Jesus, what he's learned so far, and what he's carrying with him into freshman year. Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Co-host: Pastor Tommy Creutz Guest: Matthew Bhushan Sound design, mixing, and editing: Louis Go Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith

Welcome to a new season of Conversations with Jeff Bucknam! Everybody's got a story — and this one might be one of the most personal conversations yet. Pastor Jeff sits down with his oldest son, Ethan Bucknam, who serves as Worship Director at our Crystal Lake Campus. He's grown up in ministry, lived on three continents, and has a front-row perspective on what it means to follow Jesus as a pastor's kid. This is a conversation worth hearing. Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Co-host: Pastor Tommy Creutz Guest: Ethan Bucknam Sound design, mixing, and editing: Louis Go Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith

Everybody's got a story. And today's is one of the most compelling we've had. Pastor Jeff sits down with Dr. Jon Kelly — Lead Pastor of Chicago West Bible Church, husband to Danielle, and father of three sons. Jon was born in Chicago and raised in Philadelphia. He's a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, and holds a doctorate in Global Missions from Southern Theological Seminary. But what makes Jon's story remarkable isn't just his credentials — it's the road he traveled to get here. As someone formerly incarcerated, Jon's journey is a testament to the redemptive power of God. God had other plans for Jon Kelly. And today, he tells us about them. Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Co-host: Pastor Tommy Creutz Guest: Dr. Jon Kelly Sound design, mixing, and editing: Louis Go Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith

Everybody's got a story. And today's is a rich one. Pastor Jeff sits down with Dr. Lina Abujamra — a physician, an author, and a speaker who grew up in Lebanon, where she came to faith in Jesus Christ, before coming to the States to study medicine. The Lord has given her a platform that has encouraged countless people to follow Jesus — and today she shares some of that story with us. They also touch on a topic close to Lina's heart: women serving in ministry, and what that can look like in the local church. However you found this podcast today, we think you'll be glad you stayed for this one.

Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Guest Co-host: Wesley Cassford Guest: Dr. Lina Abujamra Sound design, mixing, and editing: Wesley Cassford Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith

Everybody's got a story. Today's comes with a soundtrack — and possibly waffle fries. Pastor Jeff sits down with Eli Moore, a worship leader at Harvest's Elgin Campus and part of the Vertical Worship team. Eli's wife is also an owner-operator of a Chick-fil-A, which automatically makes this one of the most interesting conversations we've had. Don't miss it. Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Guest Co-host: Wesley Cassford Guest: Eli Moore Sound design, mixing, and editing: Louis Go Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith

What if hospitality isn't a personality trait — it's a theological conviction? Today, Pastor Jeff is joined by Paul Haske, an elder from our Elgin Campus, and they're unpacking what the Bible actually says about opening our lives and our homes to others. It's more than being friendly. And I think this conversation might change how you see your front door. Executive Producer and Host: Pastor Jeff Bucknam Co-host: Pastor Tommy Creutz Guest: Paul Haske Sound design, mixing, and editing: Louis Go Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Sherri Smith