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  • Episode 12 - Standing Your Ground for the Gospel: Street Ministry & Landmark Religious Freedom

    Episode 12 - Standing Your Ground for the Gospel: Street Ministry & Landmark Religious Freedom
    Aug 26 2026
    In this episode of The Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett talks from The Pour Coffee Shop on Panama City Beach to break down the true mission behind the Ark—a local ministry and 140-bed transitional housing facility dedicated to giving people hope and a fresh start.

    Derrick is joined by special guest Rich, a seasoned street minister with decades of experience sharing the gospel across the country. Rich shares his powerful personal journey from self-described workaholic to bold evangelist, revealing eye-opening statistics about what everyday people actually believe about eternity and faith.

    Together, they recount the incredible legal battle that started right on Panama City Beach and went all the way through federal district court—ultimately setting a landmark precedent for First Amendment rights and public street ministry that Rich later used to stand his ground at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on overcoming the fear of sharing your faith, effective evangelism strategies, stepping out of your comfort zone, and making a lasting spiritual impact right where you are.
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    44 Min.
  • Episode 11 - Serving the Least of These: Community, Discipleship, and Ministry at The Ark

    Episode 11 - Serving the Least of These: Community, Discipleship, and Ministry at The Ark
    Aug 11 2026
    Welcome back to The ArkCast, the podcast where we talk about all things related to The Ark Ministry in Panama City Beach, Florida! 🌊✨ In this episode, host Derek Bennett sits down with Caden Knutson (assistant to the pastor at The Ark Church) to talk about faith in action, life-changing community programs, and what ministry looks like on the ground. From transitional housing for over 130 individuals to life-skills classes, mentoring, and worship, discover how God is moving in Panama City Beach 24/7.


    📌 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: The Heart of The Ark: How transitional housing, clothing closets, financial literacy, and mentoring empower people to get back on their feet.


    The Pour Coffee Shop: The unique role of a local coffee house serving as a gathering spot for fellowship, interviews, and community right across from the beach.


    Tuesday Night Gatherings: Why worship, a shared meal, and "glory sightings" build deep roots for residents and volunteers alike.


    Faith Festival: How to get involved, volunteer, or host a booth at the upcoming Faith Festival at Aaron Bessant Park.


    📍 CONNECT & GET INVOLVED:☕ Visit The Pour Coffee Shop: Open 6 days a week (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM)


    🎪 Faith Festival Info & Registration: faithfestivalpcb.com
    📱 Follow The Ark: Check out The Ark Church & The Ark Ministry on Facebook and Instagram!
    👍 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode! Leave a comment below with your favorite part of the discussion or how God is working in your community! 🙏✨
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    27 Min.
  • Episode 10 - Second Chances & Community Coffee: Inside The Arc Ministry with Co-Director Liz

    Episode 10 - Second Chances & Community Coffee: Inside The Arc Ministry with Co-Director Liz
    Jul 2 2026
    In this episode of the Ark Cast, host Derrick Bennett sits down live at The Pour coffee shop in Panama City Beach with his sister-in-law and co-director of The Ark, Liz. Together, they share the powerful history, mission, and heart behind this unique, faith-based transitional housing ministry.

    Repurposed in 2016 from a historic 1974 Methodist youth retreat known as Noah's Ark, the ministry now provides a healthy, full-circle community for men, women, and children navigating financial crises, homelessness, or major life transitions. Liz dives deep into how they operate 100% dependently on God, using real-world life skills, graceful rules, and community connection to help residents successfully restart their lives.

    Key Takeaways from This Episode
    • The Pour Coffee Shop as the "Front Door": More than just a highly-rated local coffee spot, the shop serves as a safe space for the public to connect with the ministry and functions as the primary intake portal for those seeking housing or immediate assistance.
    • The Story of the "Lisa Meal": Named in honor of a beloved former employee, individuals coming off the streets can walk into the coffee shop and ask for a "Lisa Meal" to receive food, a hot shower, or clothing.
    • A Unique Transitional Model: The facility houses roughly 100 people and features a structured $100/week rent program to practice real-life responsibility. Residents are also given savings incentives, like a $2,500 return match at the six-month mark to jumpstart their independence.
    • Grace and Second Chances: The Ark operates on a forgiving open-door policy, frequently welcoming back residents who have previously stumbled but are ready to interview with a renewed mindset.
    • Funding & The Upcoming Faith Festival: Operating entirely on private donations rather than government grants, the ministry is gearing up for its annual Faith Festival on October 24th at Aaron Park. This year's festival aims to raise funds to completely remodel their "Compassion Closet" and add public street-outreach showers.
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    34 Min.
  • Episode 9 - What is Salvation? Finding Truth Through Friendly Debate!

    Episode 9 - What is Salvation? Finding Truth Through Friendly Debate!
    Jun 24 2026
    Is Christian salvation eternally secure, or can a believer fall away from grace? In this episode of the ArkCast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with friends Scott and Josh at The Pour coffee shop in Panama City Beach for a lively, respectful debate on one of the most generation-spanning questions in biblical theology.


    Diving deep into scripture, Scott and Josh put on their opposing theological "hats" to play a game of scriptural ping-pong—tackling grace vs. works, faith vs. lawlessness, and how to harmonize the promises and warnings found in the Bible. Whether you are studying the law of non-contradiction or trying to understand complex verses from Paul, James, and Jesus, this episode breaks down opposing viewpoints while demonstrating how true brotherhood can ultimately find unity in Christ.



    Tune in to hear how the Ark —a place of transitional housing, community support, and spiritual growth—brings people together to find truth through friendly debate.
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    48 Min.
  • Episode 8 - All Things Ark: Stories of Faith, Family, and Community

    Episode 8 - All Things Ark: Stories of Faith, Family, and Community
    Jun 9 2026
    Welcome to ArkCast, a podcast recorded straight from The Pour coffee shop on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Hosted by Derrick Bennett, this show dives deep into the heart of The Ark Ministries—a faith-based outreach providing transitional housing, meals, clothing, and job support to those finding their feet in Northwest Florida. But this isn’t just a show about a ministry; it’s a conversation about the messy, beautiful reality of community.

    From local leaders and residents to the volunteers and families pulling up a chair at our Tuesday night community dinners, we’re exploring what it really looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Whether you're looking to grow your faith, get involved in local outreach, or just love a good story of restoration, you’ve found a home here. Grab a coffee and join the conversation!
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    40 Min.
  • Episode 7 - Serving Coffee, Community, and Christ at The Pour PCB

    Episode 7 - Serving Coffee, Community, and Christ at The Pour PCB
    Jun 2 2026
    In this episode of Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with his nieces, Kia and Izzy—the operators behind The Pour, a vibrant, live coffee shop right across from the world’s most beautiful beaches. But The Pour is much more than just a place to get fresh-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and coffee; it is the front door to The Ark, a local transitional housing and outreach ministry that has spent over a decade loving people like Jesus.Kia and Izzy share heartfelt, quirky stories about what happens when worlds collide at the espresso machine. From empowering transitional housing residents with employment to inspiring regular customers to step out of their comfort zones and serve, they illustrate how a simple cup of coffee can foster deep community. They also dive into the beautiful legacy behind the "Lisa Meal" for neighbors in need, the power of their community mentorship program, and how local talents are unlocked when you ask someone, "What are your dreams?"Tune in to hear how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, donating, attending their weekly public Tuesday Night gatherings, or stopping by their upcoming local events like the Sip & Thrift pop-up on the back deck of The Pour and the annual Faith Festival.Key Takeaways & Timestamps
    • Meeting The Pour & The Ark: Introduction to the unique connection between the coffee shop and the transitional housing ministry in Panama City Beach.
    • Meet the Operators: Kia and Izzy share their love for their small town and what led them back home to run the shop.
    • Hiring with a Purpose: How the coffee shop provides community integration and employment opportunities for residents working to rebuild their lives.
    • The Power of Serving: A regular customer's heartwarming experience being handed the keys to help a neighbor in need get clothing and a hot shower.
    • The Story of the "Lisa Meal": Remembering a beloved community member and how her legacy continues to feed the transient population with dignity.
    • Community Mentorship & Structure: How everyday people—from retired financial planners to musicians—use their unique gifts to pour into others.
    • Local Events & Fellowship: Details on the Tuesday Night chapel gatherings, the monthly Sip & Thrift back-deck pop-up market, and the massive Faith Festival coming to Aaron Bessant Park.
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    42 Min.
  • Episode 6 - Faith, Fitness, and Fatherhood: Building a Kingdom

    Episode 6 - Faith, Fitness, and Fatherhood: Building a Kingdom
    May 26 2026
    In this episode of ArkCast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with his son-in-law, Jake Howard, at the Pour Coffee House to discuss the intersection of physical health and spiritual growth. Jake shares his personal journey from growing up in San Diego to finding a deep, "sold-out" relationship with Jesus during his college years. He opens up authentically about his lifelong struggle with eating disorders and how he eventually leveraged a national body transformation victory to benefit the ministry. The conversation highlights the practical ways the Ark community serves as the "hands and feet" of Christ. Jake details his efforts in establishing an on-site gym at the Ark to provide residents—many of whom struggle with addiction—an outlet for physical discipline and brotherhood. Derrick and Jake also explore:
    • The Theology of Fitness: Viewing the body as a vehicle for the Spirit and a tool for righteousness.
    • Family Ministry: The creation of a "Family Group" that removes common barriers for young parents by providing meals and childcare, allowing them to study scripture and find community.
    • Lessons from Parenting: How raising young children provides a clearer picture of our own relationship as children of God.
    • Faith Festival 2026: A look ahead to the upcoming community-wide event on October 24th designed to unify local churches through music and fellowship.
    The episode concludes with a reminder that spiritual growth, much like physical training, is a "day by day" process of being refined through discipline and trial.
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    40 Min.
  • Episode 5 - Homelessness and Addiction to Homeownership: James’s Powerful Story of Transformation

    Episode 5 - Homelessness and Addiction to Homeownership: James’s Powerful Story of Transformation
    May 19 2026
    In this episode of the Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with James, a former resident who experienced a radical life transformation through the services and community at The Ark. The Ark is a faith-based transitional housing facility in Panama City Beach that provides roughly 140 beds along with financial planning, job opportunities, and essential resources. James candidly shares his journey from growing up in Lake Butler, Florida, to struggling with a decades-long cycle of drug addiction. After losing his business, his home, and nearly losing his relationship with his children, a series of "God moments"—including a last-minute insurance approval for rehab—led him to the doors of The Ark during a freezing night in December 2022. The discussion highlights the holistic support provided by The Ark, including:
    • Spiritual Growth: James discusses his transition from atheism to leading a Bible study and joining the Emmaus discipleship community.
    • Financial Literacy: By utilizing The Ark’s financial planning classes and savings accounts, James was able to build the credit and funds necessary to recently purchase his own home.
    • Family Restoration: The facility’s family studio apartments allowed James to reunite with his daughter, and eventually, his entire family was restored and now lives together in their new home.
    • Creative Outlets: James also shares his passion for the Ark Band, where he plays electric guitar as part of the ministry’s outreach and community events like the Faith Festival.
    Derek and James conclude by inviting listeners to visit The Ark or The Pour, their associated coffee shop, to see the growth and "full circle" transformations happening within the community.
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    37 Min.