In this episode of Be The Encounter Podcast, hosts James & Katie explore what makes a healthy church culture and why it matters for spiritual growth. They discuss the importance of environments that allow for mistakes, vulnerability, and diversity, drawing parallels to Jesus' approach with his disciples.

Sharing personal stories, they highlight the need for correction rooted in love, transparent leadership, and safe spaces for development. The Trents encourage listeners to reflect on their own environments and seek out communities that nurture growth, authenticity, and grace, emphasizing that healthy culture is essential for lasting transformation.

Tune in now and discover how you can help create and experience a thriving church culture in your own life!

(0:41) Personal Updates and Defining Culture

(1:48) Healthy vs. Unhealthy Growth and Jesus' Approach

(5:25) Experiential Learning, Transparency, and Leadership

(11:22) Modeling Authenticity and Navigating Disagreement

(18:17) Kingdom Culture, Gifts, and Correction

(22:43) Valuing Correction and Evaluating Culture

(27:14) Personal Story, Encouragement, and Closing

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In this episode of "Be The Encounter Podcast," hosts James & Katie explore the transformative power of spiritual confidence. Drawing on biblical examples like Caleb and Nehemiah, they discuss how faith-based boldness shapes personal life, ministry, and legacy. They share personal stories of overcoming doubt, address challenges such as religious criticism, and encourage listeners—especially women—to embrace their God-given gifts. The episode emphasizes trusting God fully, rejecting unbelief, and living courageously, inspiring listeners to walk confidently in their callings and leave a lasting impact on future generations.

(0:40) Introducing Confidence

(0:54) Caleb's Spiritual Confidence

(4:45) Confidence & Legacy

(6:07) Spiritual Confidence vs. Arrogance

(6:56) Testimonies: Ministry & Confidence

(10:00) Women & Confidence

(12:25) Confidence in Relationships

(15:22) Biblical Boldness

(16:55) Practical Confidence

(18:20) Confidence, Faith & Unbelief

(19:52) Scriptural Foundation

(21:25) Religion vs. Living Faith

(23:02) Encouragement to Walk in Confidence

(23:39) Testimony: Trusting God in Business

(28:17) Faith Without a Plan B

(29:42) Closing Prayer & Encouragement

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In this episode of the "Be The Encounter Podcast," hosts James & Katie discuss Proverbs 2, emphasizing the pursuit of God's wisdom as a foundational "if-then" contract with believers. They explore the importance of discernment, prayer, and thanksgiving in overcoming anxiety and making wise decisions, especially within relationships. The Trents highlight the difference between fear and peace, encourage listeners to seek God's guidance above human advice, and remind them that thankfulness is the antidote to anxiety.

Ready to grow in wisdom and walk with greater peace? Listen now, reflect with us, and let God shape your decisions.

(0:40) Proverbs 2

(1:06) Pursuing Wisdom and Discernment

(3:32) The Fear of the Lord

(5:00) Hearing God's Voice

(5:54) Our Responsibility

(6:09) Wisdom Guards and Guides

(6:42) Seeking God's Wisdom Over Advice

(7:03) Pitfalls of Seeking Multiple Opinions

(8:56) How to Seek Godly Counsel

(9:56) Accountability and Conviction

(12:58) Unity and Peace in Decision-Making

(14:42) Obedience Despite Fear

(15:22) Prayer, Anxiety, and Thanksgiving

(18:02) Reflecting on God's Faithfulness

(18:56) Summary: The If-Then Contract

(19:51) Daily Pursuit of Wisdom

(20:48) Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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In this episode of the "Be The Encounter Podcast," James and Katie share candid stories from their faith journey, focusing on the challenges and rewards of obedience to God's calling. They discuss overcoming legalistic backgrounds, making bold moves in ministry, and trusting God through uncertainty, including career changes and homeschooling. Emphasizing Proverbs 16, they highlight the importance of surrender, practical steps, and discerning wise counsel. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer, encouraging listeners to trust God's guidance, embrace obedience, and believe that God works all things for good, even in difficult seasons.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation—tune in now to be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to step boldly into God's calling for your life! Listen today and let your faith be strengthened.

(02:00) – Early Faith Backgrounds, Legalism, and Naive Obedience

(04:51) – Major Faith Decisions

(11:24) – Financial Faith, God's Provision, and Transformation

(13:58) – Scriptural Foundation & Faith in Action

(17:00) – Hearing God, Overcoming Fear, and Modern Examples

(19:41) – God's Guidance, Navigating Uncertainty, and Humility

(22:23) – Step-by-Step Obedience, Career, and Homeschooling

(27:12) – Challenging the Education System & Wise Counsel

(30:44) – The Fear of God, God's Presence, and Redemption

(36:22) – Closing Prayer

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In the season three launch of the "Be The Encounter Podcast," James and Katie discuss how spiritual "encumbrances"—like sin, old mindsets, and past wounds—can hold believers back. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1 and personal experiences, they emphasize the importance of letting go of spiritual baggage to run the race God sets before us. They encourage listeners to embrace change, listen to God's voice, and start the new year by shedding old burdens for spiritual growth and transformation.

Tune in to this powerful episode and be inspired to step into a new season of freedom and spiritual breakthrough!

(1:05) Encumbrances, Sin, and Spiritual Baggage

(5:15) Letting Go and Practical Steps

(9:14) Endurance, Running Analogies, and Past Hurts

(12:04) Change in the Church: Resistance and Necessity

(16:27) God's Nature and Growth

(21:16) Closing Prayer & Final Thoughts

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In the season two finale of "Be The Encounter Podcast," hosts James and Katie Trent share practical ways to embody and share God's love during the holiday season. They discuss preparing spiritually, being mindful of words and actions, and intentionally blessing family, friends, coworkers, and strangers. The episode highlights teaching children simple evangelistic activities, serving the community, and representing Christ well. Listeners are encouraged to step out in faith, avoid negativity, and make the holidays a time to truly be an encounter of Jesus' love for others. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer and blessing.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation—listen now and share the episode with someone who needs encouragement this holiday season!

(0:41) Holidays as an Opportunity

(1:41) Avoiding Negativity & Preparing Spiritually

(4:20) Representing Christ

(6:18) Practical Kindness & Community Outreach

(7:15) Intentional Holiday Planning & Family Traditions

(8:02) Teaching Kids Evangelism & Creative Activities

(12:11) Resources & Serving

(13:20) Modeling Love for Kids

(14:58) Final Thoughts on Representing Jesus

(16:14) Closing Prayer & Season Wrap-Up

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Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In this episode of "Be The Encounter Podcast," James and Katie explore the fivefold ministry from Ephesians 4:11-13, discussing the vital roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in equipping the church. They highlight the church's tendency to underutilize these ministries, especially in America, and stress the need for experiential faith and active use of spiritual gifts. The hosts challenge listeners to move beyond passive church attendance, embrace all five ministries, and live out the gospel daily, empowering every believer to advance God's kingdom in their everyday lives.

Don't miss this powerful discussion—tune in now to discover how embracing the fivefold ministry can ignite your faith, strengthen your church, and empower you to walk in your God-given calling!

(0:41) Fivefold Ministry Overview

(4:36) Knowledge vs. Experience & Role of Teachers

(10:41) Importance of All Five Ministries & Warnings

(15:33) Personal Relationship with God & End Times Focus

(21:14) Living Ready, Spiritual Gifts, and Active Discipleship

(28:55) Closing Prayer, Encouragement, and Farewell

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

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Email: info@betheencounter.com

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In this episode of Be The Encounter Podcast, hosts James and Katie explore the power of prayer in marriage and relationships. They discuss common obstacles to effective prayer, such as bitterness and unforgiveness, and stress the importance of reconciliation and a clean heart before God. Sharing personal stories and practical advice, they encourage listeners to pray for their spouses, trust God's timing, and cultivate intimacy with Him. The episode concludes with a prayer for renewed connection, healing, and transformation in marriages, highlighting prayer as a vital tool for relational breakthrough and spiritual growth.

Don't miss this heartfelt and transformative conversation—tune in now to discover how prayer can bring new life to your relationships and inspire lasting change!

(0:40) Hindrances to Prayer: Bitterness & Offense

(1:12) Repentance & Reconciliation

(2:04) Power of Prayer in Relationships

(3:04) Testimony: Forgiveness & Healing

(6:47) Prayer in Marriage

(7:29) Self-Reflection & Letting God Work

(8:33) Practical Tips for Spousal Prayer

(10:49) Submission & Trust

(12:37) Processing Differences & Trusting God

(15:09) Purity & Connection in Prayer

(16:28) Intimacy with God & Natural Prayer

(17:18) Closing Prayer & Blessing

Website: BeTheEncounter.com

Facebook: @BeTheEncounter

Instagram: @BeTheEncounter

YouTube: @BeTheEncounter

Email: info@betheencounter.com

Go Deeper with Kingdom Encounter Center

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Website: KingdomEncounterCenter.com