Impact Nations Podcast

Send us a textIn this second installment of our Advent 2025 series, Tim and Steve reflect on the Advent theme of peace—not a passive feeling, but a bold, active calling to become peacemakers in a world marked by anxiety, division, and injustice.Drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and personal stories, they explore what it means to receive Christ’s supernatural peace and extend it to others.

Send us a textWelcome to a special episode of the Impact Nations Podcast! This week, Tim is joined by two of Impact Nations’ core team members—Jordan Moody (Project Manager) and Bill Verbakel (Program Director)—for an inside look at the making of this year’s Gift Catalog.From story collection to global collaboration with partners in Uganda and Nepal, discover what it takes to bring together this powerful annual tool that tells stories of rescue, transformation, and Kingdom impact—and makes it possible for you to participate directly in that impact.

Send us a textWe’re kicking off a powerful four-part Advent series with this week’s theme: HOPE. But not hope as wishful thinking—hope as trust.In this deeply reflective episode, Tim and Steve explore what it means to wait well. Drawing from scripture, Church history, and personal experience, they show us how waiting is actually an active, hope-filled posture of spiritual maturity.

In the powerful conclusion to our Resurrection series, Tim and Steve explore what it really means to live in light of Jesus’ resurrection.This episode takes a hard look at the way Western theology has drifted into escapism—through rapture teaching, disembodied heaven myths, and even the use of violence in the name of Christ. They unpack the biblical and early church vision of new creation, how our glorified bodies will participate in it, and what happens when we die.

In this fifth episode of our Resurrection Series, Steve and Tim turn to Paul’s sweeping proclamation of the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15—the “resurrection chapter.” They unpack what it means to have a living hope through the resurrection of Christ and why that matters for us today.Key topics include:The centrality of resurrection to the GospelPaul’s response to Greek dualism and modern misunderstandingsThe enemies of Christ: death, sin, and the powers (not people!)What Scripture and the Church Fathers say about resurrected bodiesThe difference between defeat and destruction of deathWhat “God will be all in all” really meansWhy our work today echoes into eternityQuote of the week:“The resurrection doesn’t point to an alternate reality—it invites us into the ultimate reality we’re already part of.”

In this fourth episode of our Resurrection Series, Tim and Steve journey down the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13–35) to explore how the resurrected Christ reveals Himself in all of Scripture—especially the Old Testament.Far more than symbolic or prophetic references, we discover that Christ is eternally present in the Scriptures—indwelling time itself and inviting us to encounter Him in a living, sacramental way.This episode dives into:Why Luke 24 contains the longest resurrection story in the GospelsHow Eucharist opens our eyes to recognize ChristWhat "sacramental time" means and why it mattersChristophanies, typology, and Jesus’ ongoing presence in the Old TestamentWhy reading Scripture with Jesus changes everythingThe beauty of Christ pursuing us—even when we’re stuck in disappointment

In this third episode of our Resurrection Series, Tim and Steve explore one of the most misunderstood disciples—Thomas. Was he really a doubter… or just a man who longed for the same encounter his friends had? This powerful conversation will challenge how we think about doubt, belief, church community, and what it means to bear the marks of grace.

What does it mean that Jesus still has scars after the resurrection? Why does He breathe on His disciples? And what is the significance of Mary Magdalene’s encounter in the garden?In this powerful follow-up to Episode 1, Tim and Steve explore John 20:11–23, uncovering deep truths about identity, commissioning, and the Spirit-breathed birth of the Church.In this episode, we discuss:Mary Magdalene as the first apostleJesus’ command: “Do not cling to me”Peace as more than a greeting—it’s a commissioningThe new creation breath of the SpiritResurrection life in a wounded world

We're back with a brand-new series on the Impact Nations Podcast—this time, digging deep into the resurrection of Jesus.Tim and Steve Stewart kick things off with the Gospel of John and explore how three often-overlooked details—the folded face cloth, the angels inside the tomb, and Jesus being mistaken as a gardener—are actually rich with theological meaning and profound relevance for our lives today.

This week, we revisit a listener favorite: a deeply enriching conversation with theologian and author Dr. Bradley Jersak. Together with Tim and Steve Stewart, Dr. Jersak unpacks the meaning, history, and spiritual depth of liturgy in Christian tradition—and how it still speaks powerfully today.

We’re continuing our special series replay from The Restoration Conversation! This week, Bethany Sweesy sits down once again with powerhouse leaders Christina Stewart (Impact Nations) and Annabelle Nakabiri (The Remnant Generation) to talk about building transformational culture, measuring real impact, and leaving a lasting legacy in your organization or ministry.

As we prepare to launch our upcoming series on the resurrection, we’re revisiting a powerful episode from The Restoration Conversation. Board member Bethany Sweesy sits down in Uganda with Christina Stewart (Impact Nations) and Annabelle Nakabiri (The Remnant Generation) to discuss transformational leadership.Whether you're a seasoned leader or someone waiting for permission to step into your calling, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. From rescuing vulnerable girls to leading global organizations, Christina and Annabelle share practical insights and deep spiritual wisdom on leading with compassion, courage, and clarity.

As we gear up for our new series The Other Side of the Cross, we’re revisiting a listener favorite—Episode 8-23. In this powerful conversation, Tim interviews Impact Nations founder Steve Stewart about his book Pursuing the Mystery of Christ.This episode challenges the fear-based gospel many of us were raised with, inviting us to explore the beauty, paradox, and eternal presence of Christ. From rethinking the Incarnation to reframing the gospel as a mystery to be pursued—not a formula to master—this is one of our most spiritually rich episodes.

Marc Alan Schelske: Recovering from Performance-Driven Faith & Journaling Your Way to Spiritual MaturityCan journaling be more than just keeping a diary? Can it actually foster emotional health, honest faith, and deeper connection with God?This week, author and pastor Marc Alan Schelske returns to the Impact Nations Podcast to share wisdom from his new book, Journaling for Spiritual Growth. Together with Tim, he unpacks how journaling helps us move from religious performance to authentic transformation.

What is the difference between the gift of prophecy and the office of a prophet? Are we really all meant to hear God’s voice?This week, Tim welcomes Murray Dueck and Tricia Warren—founders of Samuel’s Mantle and co-hosts of their brand-new podcast—to unpack the biblical invitation to hear God personally. Together, they demystify prophecy, reflect on their 25-year journey in prophetic training, and call the Church back to relational intimacy with the Holy Spirit.✨ In this episode:Why the name “Samuel’s Mantle” mattersThe biblical and practical meaning of a prophetic mantleMisunderstandings about prophecy in the modern ChurchWhy many Christians don’t believe they can hear God—and how to overcome that lieWhat it means to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 14)Funny and profound stories from the coffee shop, the classroom, and more

Mercy Aiken: Genocide in Gaza, The Truth About the West Bank & What the Church Must DoThis week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Mercy Aiken joins Tim to unpack her recent travels across Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. A peace advocate and frontline relief coordinator, Mercy shares stories of hope, heartbreak, and what it truly means to follow Jesus into places of deep conflict and injustice.Highlights from the episode:Mercy’s experience being locked down in Bethlehem during the Iran-Israel conflictThe growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza—why food is there, but people are still starvingWhat’s really happening in the West Bank: road closures, economic collapse, and forced displacementConfronting genocide in the Bible and learning to interpret Scripture through the lens of ChristThe spiritual cost of dehumanization and nationalism in the ChurchHow to extend love across cultural, political, and religious linesWhat you can do right now to help—both practically and spiritually

Annabelle Nakibiri Ssebakijje: Rescuing Girls, Raising Leaders, and Growing a FarmThis week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Tim is joined by his dear friend and longtime partner, Annabelle Nakibiri Ssebakijje, director of The Remnant Generation in Uganda. For over 10 years, Annabelle has led a movement to rescue vulnerable girls from abuse and abandonment, offering them dignity, healing, and a future.Together, Tim and Annabelle explore:Her personal journey as a leader—and lessons she’s learned along the wayHow she’s empowering a team of women to bring national transformationWhat Westerners often get wrong in their approach to povertyBalancing family, ministry, and missionWhy she's becoming a farmer—and how Hope City Farm is the next big leap for TRGLearn more at: https://theremnantgeneration.orgSubscribe for new episodes every Thursday.#ImpactNations #AnnabelleNakibiri #TheRemnantGeneration #Leadership #HopeCityFarm #ChristianMissions #WomenInMinistry #FaithInAction #RescueAndRestore #ChristianLeadership

Christian Nationalism, Nonviolence & the Justice of GodThis week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Tim is joined by author and theologian Dr. Bradley Jersak to explore the Kingdom of God as a nonviolent revolution of love. They discuss violent prophetic imagery in Isaiah, the dangers of Christian Nationalism, and what justice really looks like in the light of Jesus.Bradley reflects on his own journey—from Baptist pastor to Principal of St. Stephen’s University—and shares why SSU is reimagining theological education around peace, justice, and mercy.Topics include:Interpreting violent OT passages like Isaiah 63Christian Nationalism vs. the way of JesusLessons from the early church on missions without empireFinding unity in a divided churchHow to respond to rising antisemitismDeveloping redemptive leadership through discipleship

Summer Series 2025From the Slums to the CEO's Chair: Emmanuel Trinity’s Incredible JourneyWhat happens when one computer, one mentor, and one surrendered heart collide with a God-sized vision? This week on the Impact Nations Podcast, Tim sits down with longtime partner and friend, Emmanuel Trinity, founder of ERA92—a dynamic, faith-driven social enterprise in Uganda that is transforming entire communities through tech training, discipleship, and business innovation.Born into poverty in one of Kampala’s most dangerous slums, Trinity’s story is one of breathtaking redemption. From surviving gang life and losing childhood friends to violence, to landing a job with Coca-Cola—and walking away from it all just six months later to return to the slums and serve—Trinity has dedicated his life to helping others escape the very darkness he once knew.In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear:How a single computer became the catalyst for a movement that now trains thousands of youth annually.The birth of ERA92 Eleva

Steve is busy preparing a few more episodes of our Road To The Cross series. Meanwhile, Tim will spend the next two months interviewing interesting people for your viewing pleasure.Starting August 7th, guests will include:  • Dr. Bradley Jersak (Principal of St Stephen’s University)  • Mercy Aiken (Expert on the West Bank and Gaza)  • Emmanuel Trinity (African Entrepreneur and Impact Nations Partner)  • Marc Alan Schelske (Author of “Journaling for Spiritual Growth”)  • Murray Dueck and Tricia Warren (Hosts of the Samuel’s Mantle podcast)  • Annabelle Nakabiri Ssebakijje (International speaker on protecting women, Impact Nations Partner)  • Dr. Cherith Nordling (Theologian, Author of “Knowing God by Name”)  • Randeep Matthews (Theologian, Expert in demonology)  • and more!We don’t know what order these guests will appear in, so tune in each week for a great surprise!