Together, they wrestle with difficult questions: What does it mean that God is both merciful and just? Why does Nahum offer no call to repentance? And how should we respond when evil refuses to change?

This conversation doesn’t offer easy answers—but it invites us into a deeper trust in God’s character. Because the same God who judges evil is also a refuge for those who trust in Him.

This isn’t a comfortable conversation—but it’s a necessary one. Zephaniah reminds us that God’s warnings are not rooted in anger, but in love. His desire is not to condemn, but to restore. If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith has drifted into routine, this episode invites you to listen closely, seek deeply, and rediscover what it means to truly trust God.

This conversation pushes beyond surface-level Christianity to ask: Are we truly living what we claim to believe? Or have we reduced faith to performance, branding, and routine? Micah’s ancient voice still speaks today—inviting us to realign our hearts and rediscover what God actually requires.

In this episode of the Doorways Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields sits down with Pastor Joe Cook to unpack the deeper message of the book of Jonah. Far beyond a story about a fish, Jonah reveals the tension between God’s boundless compassion and our limited love.

Why did Jonah run? Not because he feared judgment—but because he knew God would show mercy.

Together, they explore what happens when we struggle to love our enemies, prioritize comfort over calling, and quietly resist God’s heart for others. This conversation will challenge you to examine who your “Nineveh” is—and whether you’re willing to extend the same grace you’ve received.

Amos confronts a culture that looked spiritually strong on the outside but was drifting from the heart of God—challenging wealth without compassion, religion without justice, and worship without sincerity. This conversation unpacks how it’s possible to be deeply involved in religious activity and still miss true intimacy with God.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith is more about outward expression than inward transformation, this episode will challenge and invite you back to authentic worship marked by justice, humility, and wholehearted devotion.

 Through Hosea’s story, we’re invited to confront an unsettling truth: we often see ourselves as the faithful one, but in reality, we may be the wandering one. Yet even in our unfaithfulness, God’s love pursues, restores, and calls us back.

This conversation dives into spiritual drift, modern-day idolatry, and the tension between God’s justice and mercy—revealing a hope-filled message that still speaks powerfully today.

After a lifetime of striving, success, and devastating failure—including time in federal prison—Steve begins to confront the deeper question: Who am I, really?

What he discovers changes everything.

From unexpected moments of grace to a completely new understanding of failure, identity, and purpose, this episode reveals how God can use even our darkest seasons for redemption—and ultimately, for His glory.

In this powerful episode, Steve Glenn shares the raw, unfiltered story of growing up without a father—navigating multiple identities, abuse, abandonment, and a deep longing to belong. From shocking childhood moments to a life driven by the need to prove his worth, Steve’s journey exposes the hidden wounds of fatherlessness.

This is more than a story—it’s a reality millions are living. And it raises a question we can’t ignore: what does it cost a child to grow up without a father?

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Kimberly shares what happened after the trauma—the quiet, painful, and deeply sacred process of rebuilding her life. From grieving under a pergola with nothing but tears and prayer, to choosing forgiveness when it felt impossible, Kimberly reveals how God slowly restored what was broken.

This episode is about more than survival. It’s about surrender, healing, and discovering that even in our darkest seasons, God is still writing a story of hope.

If you’ve ever wondered whether healing is possible after deep pain, Kimberly’s story will remind you that it is.

In this powerful episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast, Kimberly shares the unimaginable events that nearly destroyed her—and the faith, courage, and resilience that helped her survive. Her story is difficult, raw, and deeply moving, but it’s also the beginning of a journey toward healing, grace, and hope.

This is not just a story about trauma. It’s a story about standing again after the unthinkable.

What followed could have been a life defined by limitation. Instead, it became a life marked by purpose.

In this powerful episode, Chris shares the holy moment that changed everything, the day he told God, “This isn’t fair… but I forgive You.” What happened next sustained him for more than 40 years.

If you’re walking through a hard season and wondering whether your setback has rewritten your future, this conversation is for you.

Instead of spiraling into fear about the future, Chris made a quiet decision: focus on today and lean on God for strength. This episode is about the shock of sudden loss and the first steps of faith that carry you through it.

This episode is an honest look at grief that does not deny tears, faith that does not give up, and the steady presence of God in the middle of goodbye. It is a conversation for anyone walking through loss and for those who want to walk with them well.

…Now what?

In this episode, the team dives into the moment every Christian family eventually faces — when a child starts stepping into dating relationships. We talk about the tension between wanting to protect our kids and wanting to build trust with them, how to respond without overreacting, and why creating open communication is one of the strongest tools a parent can have.

Chris and Betty Jo Anderson share how couples can manage money with wisdom, unity, and purpose. Using their "FINANCES" framework, eight practical & biblical principles,  they offer tools for budgeting, saving, giving, and growing together to build a stronger financial foundation and marriage.

Darren McKinnis, a Gottman Certified therapist, joins Ric Shields to discuss common disagreements in marriage and strategies for managing them. Darren explains that many conflicts are unresolvable, requiring couples to find workarounds and communicate from the heart. 

The episode concludes with encouragement to listen with open ears and hearts, fostering deeper understanding and connection in relationships.

Ric Shields and Pastor Taylor advocate for the spiritual and communal aspects of marriage, underscoring the shared memories and deep connection that develop over time. They conclude with encouragement for both married couples and those considering marriage, emphasizing the spiritual significance and lifelong commitment involved.

Linda shares her personal experiences with anxiety, stemming from a traumatic childhood and abusive relationships, and highlights practical tips for managing anxiety. The episode provides valuable insights into understanding and coping with anxiety from both a professional and personal perspective.

Megan discusses the overwhelming emotional burden, the support from her community, and the ambiguous loss her family faces. She emphasizes the importance of community support and prayer, and shares her ongoing story through her own podcast (www.megandaubert.com), encouraging others to invest in their communities and show up for those in need.

Pastor Phil shares personal experiences and insights on the symptoms and causes of depression, such as biological factors, life changes, and unrealistic expectations. He highlights the importance of rest, diet, and spiritual practices like prayer and reading scripture in managing depression. The conversation also touches on the value of transparency and vulnerability in ministry, and the need for support from others and professional help when dealing with mental health issues.

The episode concludes with a prayer for those struggling with depression, encouraging listeners to seek God's presence and support in their journey towards healing.

The episode concludes with a call for compassion and understanding towards children with challenging behaviors, and a reminder of the significant influence adults have on children's spiritual, physical, emotional, and behavioral development.

Rebekah emphasizes the need for parents to listen, validate their children's feelings, and seek professional help when necessary. Parenting is hard, but support and wisdom are available.  She concludes with the reminder, “It is not a parenting fail to ask for help.”

Jason's story highlights the impact of cultural shame and honor on his behavior and the transformative power of Christian community and accountability in his recovery. The LeadMeNot app, developed from his personal struggles, aims to help users understand and manage their digital habits through AI and community support. Jason emphasizes the importance of transparency and holistic healing in overcoming digital addictions.

Join us as they share every day adventures experienced in their new “paradise.”

Blum also discusses the common reasons for pastors or ministers to seek help, including trauma, unresolved grief, and communication difficulties. 

Mary Kay concludes by offering encouraging words to pastors or ministers who may be feeling frustrated or discouraged.

Lauren shares the story of Hannah, a Muslim woman, who after living in the US for eight and a half years finally heard about Jesus through a co-worker. Lauren emphasizes that anyone can share their faith, not just pastors or missionaries.

The "Say Hello" ministry offers free resources on their website to help Christians reach out to Muslims in their communities.

Lauren emphasizes the importance of seeing Muslims as individuals made in God's image and not letting fear or prejudice hinder relationships. She encourages Christians to be honest with themselves and God about their feelings towards Muslims and to ask for His help in loving them as He does.

Five years ago, tragedy struck when her beloved son, Zach, died at home. This devastating loss set her on a path that no one, not even Jackie herself, could have ever foreseen. 

Can one truly recover from debilitating grief and loss? How long does it take, and what does it take to emerge whole from that abyss? 

Thanks for joining us as we discuss Jackie's Journey.

As a manager, a leader, or an influencer, what hats do you wear? Do you remember to change hats as you interact with others through the course of the day?

Thanks for joining us as we discuss “Leading Others by Changing Hats.”

Are you afraid of what you don’t understand? Then take the time to listen to this podcast and grow your knowledge as we discuss, “CONNECTING” on the DoorWays® Leadership and Influence Network podcast.

Larry & Sharon Smith have served the nation and people of Bangladesh for 44 years. What keeps them there is not the simplicity of living, nor the hope for accolades because of their many accomplishments. The passion that drives them is “Rasing Up a Generation to Serve God.”

 On this episode with Sharon Smith, we learn some of the background to their vision and how God has helped them to discover important ministry pathways to impact a nation of +170 million people where only 0.003% identify as Christian.

 Join us for this important conversation on your favorite podcast app.

Along that same vein, working with emerging leaders also requires an incredible amount of consistency and training. But before you know it, little by little, they start to repeat what they're hearing.

In this episode, Elizabeth Farina shares some important “Tips for Growth in Your Leadership Journey.” Thank you for joining the DoorWays® Leadership and Influence Network podcast on your favorite app.

They may seem like simple lessons. Truthfully, they are. And if you will put these simple lessons to work, your organization may be more effective than ever. 

Those big questions he asked led him to places neither of us ever envisioned. His career in the United States Air Force took him to places like Korea, Japan, Turkey, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. After more than 24 years of honorable service, James Tims retired at the rank of Colonel while serving as the director of chaplains at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD.

It sounds like a successful career, but James doesn’t find success in his accomplishments. Thanks for joining us on this episode as we talk about, “Real Success.”

This is good stuff. We’re confident that you will benefit from listening to it.

In Episode 5 we’re joined again by Gary Webb, the founder and director of OCJ Kids in Phoenix, AZ, In addition to talking about recovery from failure, we’ll also hear how Gary grows leadership in his staff and team of volunteers.

We’ll  chat with Gary about their ministry to foster kids within the community and how their teams work to meet needs not previously addressed. While he says he doesn’t see himself as a leader, we’ll let you decide if that’s true or not.

 The first principle is, “Be Willing to Rise to the Occasion.” When an opportunity presents itself, step into it and exceed the expectations of that opportunity.

 The second principle is, “Be Teachable and Invite Feedback.” Be willing to lay down your defenses, listen, implement the feedback, and adapt new pathways when necessary.

Confident, well-spoken, and with great content, we know you'll enjoy this episode with Elizabeth Farina.

 It’s how we want to view this podcast. We don’t want to go from bad to good, we want to go from good to great. Honestly, we’re probably going to start at a notch above “okay” but with high hopes to grow into something better.

 Along with my cohost, Mike Atkinson, we plan to provide a weekly program with just under 20 minutes of good content to help you to be or become the person of influence God has designed you to be. We welcome your input and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.

 We’re calling this the DoorWays® Leadership and Influence Network Inaugural Podcast and we hope you’ll enjoy it.