What happens when you love Jesus, but your story is still messy?

In this episode of the With Him Podcast, Raz and Mike sit down with longtime friend John Palazzolo for an honest conversation about faith, addiction, ministry, failure, community, and a God who simply refuses to give up on us.

John shares his journey from growing up Catholic and struggling with drugs and alcohol at a young age to a remarkable encounter with Jesus at 14. Years later, God began pursuing him again through a series of experiences that eventually brought him and his family to the Vineyard, where his life and ministry would take some unexpected turns.

Along the way, John found himself leading servant evangelism, becoming a senior pastor, stepping away from ministry, struggling again with addiction, and eventually rediscovering God's call on his life.

Through it all, one theme keeps surfacing: God is incredibly patient with broken people.

John talks openly about why trying harder wasn't enough, how authentic community and accountability helped him find freedom, and why being honest about our struggles matters. He also shares how God has led him and his wife into a new season of ministry through a simple microchurch community focused on Scripture, discipleship, serving others, and multiplication.

Raz, Mike, and John also look back at their years together doing servant evangelism and how something as simple as cleaning a gas station bathroom, handing someone a cold drink, or paying for a load of laundry can become an opportunity to show someone the love of Jesus.

John leaves us with a simple challenge: Slow down. Listen. Abide in Jesus. And when He speaks, obey.

Because following Jesus isn't about finally getting everything right. It's about learning to live life with Him.

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Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

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