When your calling gets hard—or even questioned—do you keep going? Explore the high cost and deep purpose of leading with conviction when the dream gets tested.

Stepping into global leadership, Kristin Shuler shares the unexpected challenges, moments of self-doubt, and the spiritual resilience needed to serve faithfully. From navigating culture shock and spiritual attacks to orchestrating generational leadership transitions, this conversation unpacks what it takes to stay devoted to a dream that’s bigger than yourself. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how massive visions come to life, why collaboration gets messy (and matters), and how to anchor yourself when obstacles threaten to derail you.

Key Takeaways

• Discover how Kristin Shuler found her calling at 12—and what it feels like when your dream faces real-life confrontation and doubt.
• Concrete family strategies for balancing high-impact leadership, motherhood, and Great Commission priorities.
• How humble, intentional leadership transitions prevent vacuums and set organizations up for lasting impact.
• The nitty-gritty of collaborating and letting go of “our way” for a Kingdom vision—why it’s so hard but so necessary.
• Practical encouragement for any leader in a tough season: return to your why, clarify your priorities, and step out in obedience even when it’s costly.

Subscribe for more honest stories from builders, leaders, and dreamers.
Like this episode? Drop a comment below—what helps you keep going when your dream is tested?
#Leadership #Dreams #Faith #Mission #WomenInLeadership #Unity #Podcast #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps

00:00 — Hearing God’s call and the cost of obedience
00:50 — Welcome and intro to Kristin Shuler
01:32 — The Santa gifts debate: wrapped or unwrapped?
03:01 — [Speaker B] frames the scale of Kristin's leadership and vision
04:06 — Early influences: childhood, church, and the spark of a missions call
05:46 — Mission heroes and learning radical obedience
07:41 — How Kristin found her place at East West
09:37 — When the dream gets tested: doubt and cultural confrontation
12:25 — Balancing executive leadership, motherhood, and priorities
15:27 — The cost and challenge of stepping into President role
17:23 — Navigating gender in international leadership
19:16 — Generational leadership transitions: intentionality and humility
24:11 — What problem is East West really tackling?
26:06 — Equipping multipliers & the power of collaboration
28:24 — Hard lessons in Kingdom-minded partnership
31:08 — Methodology friction: why simple alignment isn’t so simple
34:06 — The deeper value and cost of unity
36:04 — Kristin’s advice for leaders about not letting the dream die
37:11 — Wrap-up and closing thanks

What happens when your calling gets tested? Explore how faith, grit, and clarity can rebuild what feels lost.

When NewSpring Church faced a turning point, Brad Cooper had a decision: stay and persevere, or walk away. In this honest conversation with Aaron Coe, Brad Cooper shares his journey through upheaval—the hard questions, the debt, and the daily choices not to give up. This episode isn’t just for pastors—it’s for anyone wondering whether to keep fighting for the dream that matters. Hear how conviction, unity, and practical faith can transform crisis into a foundation for fresh vision.

Key Takeaways:

• Why staying when it’s hard can shape your soul and your impact—no matter how uncertain tomorrow feels
• The role of “just making the next right decision”—instead of dramatic overcorrection—during crisis and change
• How NewSpring tackled huge church debt by moving “at the speed of cash flow”
• What “always reforming” means for building something solid and future-proof
• The power of unity: why influence without notoriety and locking arms beyond denominations unleashes real impact
• Why seeing your dream to the finish line takes daily faithfulness, not just grand passion

Subscribe for more honest conversations on grit, vision, and keeping your dream alive.
Like this episode? Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.
Hit Like and join the conversation.
#DontLetTheDreamDie #Leadership #Faith #Resilience #Teamwork #Perseverance #ChurchLeadership #Vision

Timestamps

00:00 Super serious question: Are Santa’s gifts wrapped or unwrapped?
01:16 Clemson connections and family traditions
02:06 Brad Cooper’s childhood, faith, and family business roots
04:51 How parental influence shaped Brad Cooper’s approach to calling
06:12 From athlete to pastor: pivotal moments that led to ministry
08:15 The leadership transition at NewSpring: shock, pain, and first decisions
10:58 Why resolve to stay can change everything
12:14 Making the decision to persevere when quitting seems easier
13:14 Redefining passion as the pain you’ll endure to see it through
15:21 “Just keep doing the next right thing”—navigating uncertainty together
16:01 Learning to reform and anchor in Scripture, not just trends
18:01 The church’s financial reckoning and moving at the speed of cash flow
21:09 Stepping from survival to stability and dreaming again
23:20 Imagining the church’s future: everyday relationships and missional living
26:55 Impact outside Sunday: vision for the kingdom in every sector
29:33 Navigating polarization, diversity, and unity in a megachurch context
31:18 Influence without notoriety—the model of humble impact
33:08 Why post-denominational collaboration is essential for real change
35:10 Future orientation: picking a fixed point for purpose
36:18 The new opportunities for churches outside denominational walls
38:07 Walls, partnerships, and why the work is too big for narrow boundaries
39:19 What if I hadn’t stayed? The cost of giving up, and honoring daily faithfulness
41:48 Fourth-quarter finishers and what it means to end well
42:35 Final encouragement: legacy, perseverance, and the fruit that comes from staying in the game
43:28 How you don’t let the dream die: God gets the glory, you get the joy, the world gets the good
43:41 Closing remarks and episode wrap

When the dream is bigger than you, how do you keep going—especially when the cost gets personal? Journey through the story of Illuminations, where unity, sacrifice, and grace reshape a global mission.

What does it take to unite dozens of organizations, overcome deep fragmentation, and shave a century off a world-changing timeline? In this episode, Aaron Coe sits down with former NFL kicker Todd Peterson, who helped lead a radical collaborative movement to translate the Bible into every language. They explore the hard-won battles behind partnership, the uncomfortable truth about finances in mission, and the real price paid—spiritually and relationally—by leaders who chose to work together. More than just a win for Bible translation, their conversation reveals how humility, generosity, and perseverance can spark acceleration where division once stalled progress.

Key Takeaways:
- How collaborative impact in Bible translation turned competing organizations into partners—and sped up global access by decades
- Why tackling the financial side of mission work is essential for real progress—and how generosity multiplies results
- The personal and spiritual costs paid by leaders who pursue unity, including the unseen battles and setbacks
- Why robust cooperation isn’t just a logistical win, but a spiritual one: God commands blessing where there’s unity
- Practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of collective efforts, from neighborhood projects to global movements

Subscribe for more honest conversations and practical insights.
Like if you found this helpful.

Comment: What’s your biggest lesson about collaboration or generosity?

#BibleTranslation #Leadership #Collaboration #Mission #Illuminations #Generosity #Faith #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps
00:00 My story is a story of grace: Todd Peterson's pivotal college football moment
00:17 “Not on our watch”—spiritual urgency and early resistance
01:12 Introducing Todd Peterson: NFL years and mission-driven life
01:59 Unmerited favor, stewardship, and entering Bible translation
02:59 How passion for youth, sports, and leadership led to a focus on God’s word
03:40 Bible translation’s timeline and the first collaboration spark
04:33 Birth of Illuminations: solving fragmentation, embracing unity
06:20 Painting the landscape: agencies, Bible societies, and the need for partnership
07:33 Early choke points—data, copyright, and sausage making
08:44 The AI challenge: agencies unite instead of competing
09:56 Breaking down giver/receiver dynamics and spiritual arrogance
11:14 Culture shift: unity, vision, and why “not on our watch” matters
12:07 The YouVersion story—why digital distribution required unified effort
12:54 Illuminations as precursor: unity catalyzes solutions
13:38 Repository, access, and self-perpetuating good behavior
15:12 Isaiah 60:3—the biblical heart behind Illuminations
15:34 Solving the distribution issue and unlocking global reach
16:26 Old habits, new tricks: value-driven change accelerates engagement
18:19 What’s next: hurdles and opportunities for collaborative impact
18:51 Collective impact essentials and fundraising breakthroughs
20:21 Brave CEOs, shared donors, and “all boats rise”
22:24 Empirical results: generosity transforms giving
23:19 Why finances are the catalytic third leg of sustainable impact
25:07 The gospel’s model for generosity—and breaking scarcity mindset
27:40 Ministry leaders, business perspective, and trusting God for provision
29:27 Positive reinforcement and winning behavior
29:42 Honoring the personal cost of collaboration
30:54 How far we’ve come: updated timeline and goal for 2033
32:16 What "eradicate Bible poverty" really means—impact metrics
33:28 Aspirational targets, acceleration, and the AI advantage
34:26 Quality, speed, and how Illuminations avoids “sloppy” translation
35:01 Why this level of cooperation is unprecedented in missions history
36:17 The real price: personal, spiritual, and emotional costs paid
37:07 “Is it worth it?”—stories from CEOs and resource partners
39:12 Stakes are high: spiritual warfare and obstacles
39:54 Family adversity, enemy resistance, and staying the course
41:40 Encouragement for those dreaming of working together
42:22 Wisdom for aspiring collaborators: unity, humility, perseverance
45:08 “Team together”—final reflections on why partnership wins
45:23 Football predictions and the lighter side of perseverance
47:02 Celebrating friendship, faithfulness, and the long journey

What does it take to make a big dream a reality when compromise—and giving up—seems easier? Hear what really happens behind the scenes when passion, politics, and purpose collide.

Former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff Todd Womack joins Aaron Coe for an honest conversation about driving major change from inside public service—and what he learned about seeing tough dreams through. From fighting modern slavery legislation to building coalitions against the odds, they unpack why “perfect” solutions rarely exist, where real progress is made, and how holding a big vision (without letting ego take over) can launch world-shifting change. If you’re wrestling to keep your own dream alive, this episode shows both the reality checks and the rewards along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover why the “perfect” dream is often impossible—but 80% can be better than none.
• See how deep conviction (and humble compromise) turn vision into progress, even through relentless setbacks.
• Learn why dreamers must balance core convictions with the willingness to adapt if they want to build coalitions.
• Find out how raising awareness, not just passing laws, can sometimes move the needle more than expected.
• Hear practical advice for anyone considering public service or advocacy—what it takes, where you can have impact, and why expertise matters.

Get inspired to dream big, stand firm, and keep showing up—even when things get messy.

———

Follow for real stories, honest lessons, and field notes to keep your dream alive.
Like and comment to share your story or questions—we want to hear what you’re building.

#DreamBig #PublicService #Leadership #NeverGiveUp #ModernSlavery #PolicyChange #CoalitionBuilding #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps

00:00 — The tension of imperfect solutions and big dreams
00:32 — Introducing Todd Womack & Aaron Coe’s long history
01:15 — From childhood dreams to unexpected doors into public service
03:30 — Saying yes to opportunity: The path from local to national politics
04:52 — The real role of vision in transforming communities
05:51 — How Passion City & IJM sparked a crusade against modern slavery
07:11 — Moments of awakening: Realizing your own influence
08:09 — Building unlikely alliances between faith, advocacy, and government
09:09 — Unexpected obstacles: politics, abortion, and hard delays
10:03 — Navigating social issues and pivoting for progress
11:24 — Why widespread awareness can sometimes be the greatest win
12:01 — Lessons from hard-fought legislation: what Todd Womack would do differently
13:36 — The reality of compromise vs. perfection in public life
14:53 — Crucible moments: when to let go of “pure” dreams to get results
16:44 — Difference between the original dream and what actually gets done
18:26 — How struggle and education built a movement, not just a law
19:22 — Advice for holding tightly to conviction while staying flexible
19:33 — Why dreaming BIG (and letting go of ego) attracts others
20:51 — The powerful upside of compromise and coalition-building
21:35 — Is true collaboration a thing of the past in politics?
22:22 — How Congress has changed—and why relationships still matter
23:23 — The lost arts of humility, humanity, and bipartisan negotiation
24:50 — Life after DC: helping others’ dreams become reality
26:44 — From multinationals to local projects: strategic advocacy in action
28:14 — Todd Womack’s own dreams and what energizes him now
29:51 — Finding purpose and impact at the edges of government
30:14 — Should you go into public service? Honest encouragement
31:53 — Becoming an expert, mastering your moment, making a difference
32:21 — Closing encouragement: keep fighting for your dream

What if you’re the biggest thing standing between you and your dream? This episode uncovers the tough truths—and surprising breakthroughs—of chasing your dream, even when no one gives you permission.

Writer and storyteller Jason Dyba joins Aaron Coe to share his journey from self-doubt and “safe” choices to leaving security behind and making space for the creative work that matters most. Together, they dig into the unseen biases, invisible hurdles, and real-life sacrifices it takes to move from dreaming to doing—especially later in life. Discover why the easiest “yes” can steal the dream you actually want, and what it really looks like to show up when the stakes are high. If you’ve ever thought it’s too risky, too late, or too daunting, this conversation will help you clarify, name, and unblock your next step.

Key Takeaways

• Why your biggest hurdle is often yourself—and what to do about it
• The pain and payoff of saying “no” to good things for the sake of your real dream
• How self-limiting beliefs and cultural narratives quietly shape your expectations
• The power of “permission”—and why you must give it to yourself
• Practical strategies for making consistent progress, not just waiting for inspiration
• Why putting your “yes” on the calendar is the most honest commitment

—
Subscribe for more real, honest conversations that keep your dream alive.
Like this episode if you need the reminder that it’s never too late.
Drop a comment: What’s one “good lie” you’ve believed about your own dream?

#Dreams #Creativity #ChasingYourDream #Inspiration #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingDoubt #DontLetTheDreamDie

Timestamps

00:00 One of the biggest hurdles: Our own biases
00:05 Waiting for permission to dream
00:12 Yes vs. No: Pathways to possibilities
00:19 The good lies we believe about our dreams
00:56 Introducing Jason Dyba and shared projects
02:34 Jason’s story: Family, work, and creative life
03:21 Living what you once dreamed—and why it doesn’t always feel dreamy
04:26 Why clarifying your dream is so challenging
05:15 The self-limiting beliefs and hurdles in creative life
06:26 Cultural influence: Not knowing any artists or dreamers growing up
08:16 How influential mentors break your limits
09:09 Waiting for someone else’s permission—and realizing you must give your own
10:22 No epiphany, but small wins building confidence
11:39 Naming the “meta-dream”—writing a lasting story
12:00 Leaving safety behind: Navigating career shifts and dream pursuit
14:27 The hardest decisions: Saying no to what’s good (and familiar)
16:53 The practical transition: Freelancing, family, and risk
18:58 Time as the currency of your dream
20:18 The hardest trade-offs (family vs. focus)
21:28 Seeing through the “good lies” we tell ourselves
22:40 Choosing your best yes for a decade, not just a day
23:12 Why saying “no” can unlock limitless potential
24:00 The dangers of curiosity and impulsive yeses
25:37 Progress: What showing up looks like, every day
26:49 The real yes is on your calendar
27:42 Encouragement for anyone with a “smaller” dream
28:54 Don’t wait for permission or the “right” circumstances
30:02 The value of accountability and tracking the journey
31:00 Final thoughts: Show up, do the work, let the dream live

How far would you go to give away your most valuable asset—just to fulfill your mission? This episode dives into the radical reshaping of a global organization, showing what it costs to chase a dream worth everything.

When Geoff Morin stepped up as CEO of Biblica, the team faced declining revenue—and an even greater existential crisis: Were they truly reaching the people who most needed God’s Word? Instead of doubling down on business as usual, Geoff Morin, his board, and team took a leap—pivoting the whole ministry toward “radical generosity.” By opening licenses and giving away what had been their prime source of income, Biblica risked almost everything.

The result? Exponential impact, unmatched collaboration, and a personal journey of nighttime prayers and perseverance. If you’re leading or dreaming, this is the real-world story of pressing on when what’s at stake is bigger than any spreadsheet.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “radical generosity” became the core strategy for Biblica—and what that changed across the organization.
• The deep link between open-handed mission and exponential reach, especially for first-time Bible engagement worldwide.
• What happens when you burn the ships: Relinquishing 85% of revenue to unlock mission acceleration.
• How open collaboration is reshaping the future of global ministry—and why going solo will soon look outdated.
• The personal cost of vision-driven change: late nights, faith-driven risks, and holding dreams loosely.
• Practical encouragement for leaders: Perseverance doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means refusing to let go of your calling.

Subscribe for more conversations on perseverance, impact, and pushing dreams forward. Like if you appreciate honest stories of mission-driven leadership. Comment: Would you give away your organization’s main asset for the sake of your mission?

#Leadership #Perseverance #BibleTranslation #RadicalGenerosity #Dreams #ChristianMinistry #Collaboration #Innovation

Timestamps:

00:00 — The radical pivot: Biblica’s journey to generosity

01:06 — Meet Geoff Morin: From global marketing to Bible mission

03:03 — Biblica’s translation legacy, including the NIV

04:47 — Why Biblica changed everything for the sake of impact

06:26 — The 1809 vision: Radical beginnings, radical return

08:05 — Wrestling with mission in the 2020s

10:17 — Breaking the missional cul de sac: Letting go of IP revenue

13:21 — Open licensing and global reach: How it works

14:36 — The business risk and ‘giving it away for free’

15:17 — Mission growth: From 3x revenue to 10x engagement

18:23 — Experimentation and innovation in translation

19:12 — Measuring first-time engagement, not just numbers

21:13 — Exponential influence: Partner platforms and collective impact

22:02 — Illuminations, YouVersion, and sector-wide change

23:46 — Beyond translation: Mobilization and access for everyone

25:23 — The real cost: Perseverance, faith, and late-night prayer

28:05 — Dreaming forward: What’s next for Biblica and collective ministry

31:02 — Encouragement for leaders: Seek first the kingdom

32:05 — Closing remarks and future hopes

Ever stared down an impossible dream—and wondered if faith or grit would be enough to make it real? See what it truly takes when the calling is bigger than you.

Jennie Allen joins Aaron Coe to share the behind-the-scenes story of Gather25, a global movement that brought millions of believers together—across continents and languages—with technology that didn’t exist when the dream began. From sleepless nights and an $18M fundraising cliffhanger to miraculous provision and honest questions about wisdom versus risk, this episode shines a light on both the pain and the beauty of building something unprecedented for a higher purpose. If you’ve ever had a vision that pushed the limits of reason, you’ll find hope, practical lessons, and unfiltered honesty in Jennie’s journey.

Key Takeaways
Why pioneering a “global gathering” demanded faith, grit, and new tech
The real tension between faith and wisdom when money and risks pile up
How to navigate crucible moments—when your chips are on the table
Fundraising miracles (including a last-minute $2.5M lifeline)

Why gospel movements can drive cultural innovation ahead of everyone else
How ordinary yeses (not just one giant leap) shape extraordinary impact
Get involved

Visit gather27.com to sign up for updates on the next global gathering
Subscribe for more real stories of vision and perseverance Like and comment—what’s your biggest dream and what’s threatening it?

#DontLetTheDreamDie #JennieAllen #AaronCoe #Gather25 #FaithAndRisk #DreamBig #GlobalChurch #revival

Timestamps
00:00 Convicting moment: “I will do anything You call me to”
00:05 Dreaming of a global gathering for 25 hours
00:11 Facing tech limits and spiritual fatigue
00:43 Starting the conversation: Jennie introduces her calling and background
01:37 Early surrender, blog inspiration, and faith journey begins
02:14 Ministry impact, harvest moments, and the “yes to Jesus” theme
02:57 Consequences of obedience: spiritual warfare and sleepless nights
04:24 The founding and growth of If Gathering (since 2014)
05:14 Breaking the internet with grassroots events and livestreams
06:30 Urgent dream: Gathering the global church in 25 hours
07:02 Pitching the vision before the tech existed
07:39 Live translation miracles—80+ languages via AI
08:18 Pioneering technology beyond the Olympics
09:48 Why gospel movements are often culture’s innovators
10:53 Mobilizing 2.5B Christians to reach 8B people
11:08 How Gather25 unfolded: continents, languages, and scale
12:54 Gathering stats, favorite moments, and international stories
13:25 7 million gathered—why it started as a “pilot”
15:03 Reflecting on cost, pain, and the decision to keep going
16:07 How fundraising stretched faith ($18M challenge)
17:06 The conviction to keep it “pure and simple,” no sponsors first year
18:11 Red Sea moments: trusting provision when hope ran thin
19:00 The $2.5M miracle, felt at the edge of exhaustion
20:00 Why pushing through is “scary as crap”—the honest story
20:28 When to pivot: tension between faith and wisdom
23:26 Difference between pioneering and sustaining ministry
24:55 Building wise, not naive: Board, partners, and contingency plans
26:16 Rallying volunteers and team: not holding dreams alone
26:26 Living with urgency—what’s driving Jennie now
29:54 Signs of awakening: campus revivals, global sending, digital connection
31:10 Why hope and optimism matter more than ever
32:24 How listeners can join Gather27 and shape the next chapter
33:40 The power of “group projects”—when everyone plays a part
34:08 Sent to reconcile: more than just a gathering
34:17 Wrapping up—the stories behind the numbers
35:13 Gratitude and inspiration—for anyone dreaming boldly

Hard truths, bigger dreams: 3.7 million churches worldwide lack a trained pastor—can a new global alliance change the future?

How do you solve one of Christianity’s biggest crises? Aaron Coe sits down with Mark Yarborough, President of Dallas Theological Seminary, to unpack the urgent need for accessible pastoral training across the planet. It’s a candid conversation about holy discontent, getting out of your comfort zone, and what’s at stake if we don’t reimagine theological education for everyone.

Discover the story behind the Global Pastor Training Alliance and why collaboration—not competition—could be the key to helping millions. From Miami’s “one trained pastor” analogy to the radical idea of “give it away,” this episode is about the tension between simplicity and sophistication, and finding purpose in the crisis.

Key Takeaways

• The global church faces a staggering crisis: millions of congregations lack trained leaders.
• Western churches are often unaware of the vast pastoral training gap—vision casting is essential.
• The Global Pastor Training Alliance unites nine ministries and business leaders to tackle this impossible problem together.
• Formal theological education remains vital but must be paired with accessible, non-formal training for real impact.
• Simple models for training don't mean lower standards; working “where people are” unlocks scale and effectiveness.
• Embracing collaboration and generosity transforms not only institutions but personal purpose

Subscribe for more honest conversations. Like if you believe the global church deserves equipped leaders. Comment with: What’s one risk or “holy discontent” you’re wrestling with in your life or work?

#pastortraining #globalchurch #theologicaleducation #dontletthedreamdie #leadership #mission #churchgrowth #futurecitynow

Timestamps

00:00 — The global crisis: 3.7 million churches without trained pastors
00:06 — How long would it take to reach every unreached place?
00:17 — The Miami analogy: picturing the challenge
00:23 — Personal wake-up call: 25 Bibles, global scarcity
00:52 — Welcome + introducing Mark Yarborough
01:34 — What drives Mark Yarborough? “The grace of God.”
02:40 — Roots of calling: family, faith, scholarship
04:29 — Holy discontent: when the reality hits
05:25 — The “Perspectives” moment, global missions class
06:37 — Weeping over the stats: 150 years to reach the world
07:35 — Practical steps: from college to calling
08:19 — Key influencer: Ramesh Richard and global connections
10:17 — Dallas Seminary’s alignment, starting Global Ministries
11:43 — What is the Global Pastor Training Alliance (GPTA)?
13:55 — Why collaboration across ministries matters
14:49 — The tension for traditional seminaries
16:09 — Obstacles and vision casting: crisis awareness
17:39 — The real numbers: West vs. Majority World pastors
18:58 — Miami’s single-trained pastor—putting it in context
19:52 — Anecdotal snapshot: the average global pastor
20:16 — Training dilemmas: formal versus accessible education
21:26 — Dallas Sem’s unique role and limitations
23:52 — Why “give it away”? Making training free
24:28 — Simpler models: not lower standards
25:57 — “Work with people where they are”
26:39 — The simplicity and depth of the gospel
28:55 — Message to other formal institutions
29:56 — What western seminaries must consider
31:45 — Personal transformation through global engagement
34:50 — Impact on Dallas Seminary & students
35:21 — Changing the culture of ministry collaboration
35:34 — What the future could look like if GPTA succeeds
36:48 — 10-year vision for the church
38:20 — What if simplicity trumps sophistication?
40:45 — Keeping the focus on Christ
41:10 — Encouragement for when your dream is dying
43:31 — Wrapping up: the hope for a global shift