433. From Olympic Dreams to Church Growth in Spain: How Jeff Arias Learned to Trust God

From Olympic Dreams to Church Growth in Spain: How Jeff Arias Learned to Trust God What does it look like to spend decades building a successful career and then use everything you've learned to advance God's Kingdom? In this episode, Rob sits down with Jeff Arias, a bivocational minister serving in Madrid, Spain. Jeff shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Virginia, chasing Olympic skiing dreams in Colorado, becoming a disciple in 1986, building a successful business career, and eventually helping lead churches across Spain and Portugal. Jeff opens up about being fired from the ministry as a young man, rebuilding his life through perseverance and humility, working with Fisher-Price and Swimways, selling a successful company, and ultimately stepping into a self-supported ministry role in Europe. The conversation explores faith, business, leadership, retirement, greed, fasting, discipleship, and how Christians can make their lives count no matter their stage of life. In this episode you'll learn: • How Jeff became a Christian while attending the University of Colorado • The surprising acts of service that changed his heart • Lessons learned after being fired from ministry • How he built a successful business career • Why self-supported ministry is becoming increasingly important • The challenges and opportunities of ministry in Spain • How churches are growing across the Iberian Peninsula • Why fasting remains a powerful spiritual discipline • Practical advice for Christians preparing for retirement • How to keep your faith strong while building a career Whether you're a ministry leader, entrepreneur, retiree, or someone simply trying to stay faithful through different seasons of life, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Resources: Join the Fast for Revival: RobSkinner.com Books by Rob Skinner: The 10X Christian Before You Quit Connect with Rob: RobSkinner.com My goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

85 Years Old and Still Preaching: Why Al Baird Refuses to Retire What keeps a Christian faithful, fruitful, and full of vision at 85 years old? In this inspiring episode, Rob sits down with Dr. Al Baird, longtime church leader, teacher, and disciple-maker, who is still actively preaching and helping churches grow decades into his Christian journey. After losing his wife Gloria following 56 years of marriage, Al faced the challenge of finding purpose in a new season of life. Rather than slowing down, he accepted an opportunity to help revitalize the church in Bakersfield, California—a congregation that had lost momentum, vision, and hope. In this conversation, Al shares: • Why every Christian needs a dream • How he navigated life after losing Gloria • The opportunity he saw in Bakersfield • What happens when churches lose vision • Why retirement can be one of the most powerful seasons of ministry • How contribution and participation began growing again • Lessons learned from decades of ministry • The incredible example of George and Irene Gurganus • Why Christians should never retire spiritually • Practical advice for staying faithful over the long haul This conversation is filled with wisdom, perspective, and encouragement for Christians of every age. If you've ever wondered how to finish strong, this episode is for you. Connect with Rob: 🌐 RobSkinner.com 📖 The 10X Christian 📖 Before You Quit Join the Fast for Revival and receive encouragement leading up to the worldwide fast.

85 Years Old and Still Asking God for More: The Caleb Spirit At 85 years old, Caleb wasn't asking for comfort, retirement, or an easier assignment. He was asking for a mountain. In this episode, Rob explores one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible and reveals why Caleb's faith remained strong after 45 years of waiting. While others focused on obstacles, giants, and limitations, Caleb learned to see God in every situation. What made Caleb different? Why did he continue dreaming when others had given up? And how can his example help us experience personal revival, renewed purpose, and stronger faith today? If you've ever felt discouraged about the future, uncertain about your next chapter, or tempted to settle spiritually, this episode will challenge you to believe God again. In this episode you'll discover: • Why Caleb's mindset was different from the other spies • The power of seeing "Him who is invisible" • How faith changes the way we view obstacles • Why revival begins with believing God again • Lessons from modern-day examples of faithful perseverance • How to recover dreams you've quietly given up on Join Rob as he prepares for the upcoming Fast for Revival and encourages believers everywhere to trust God for greater things. Visit RobSkinner.com to learn more about the Fast for Revival and join believers around the world in seeking God together. Make this life count.

📄 They Sold Everything to Move to Albania for God What would make a young family sell nearly everything they own, leave a thriving ministry, and move across the world to one of Europe's least evangelized nations? In this inspiring conversation, Rob Skinner sits down with Kyle Plum as he prepares to move with his wife Monique and their three young children to Albania. Kyle shares the remarkable journey that led them from a successful ministry in San Diego to a bold new mission in Eastern Europe. He discusses how God opened unexpected doors, confirmed the calling through prayer, and ignited a vision for reaching a nation where evangelical Christianity remains extremely rare. In this episode you'll discover: • Why Albania captured Kyle and Monique's hearts • The surprising spiritual climate inside the country • What happened during their exploratory visit • How God confirmed the call through prayer and open doors • The challenge of raising children on the mission field • Kyle's vision for strengthening the church in Albania • The first 90 days of ministry plans • What missions teach us about faith, sacrifice, and God's Kingdom Whether you're considering missions yourself or simply want your faith challenged and inspired, this conversation will encourage you to trust God in bigger ways. Because sometimes the greatest adventures begin with a simple "yes." Key Quote "Heaven has to be real. Jesus has to be real. Otherwise this would be such a waste." "We're not going to Albania because we're special. We're going because Jesus is King." "The victory is already won. We simply have to follow Him."

📄 Don't Waste Your Summer Spiritually Summer can either become a season of spiritual growth… or spiritual drifting. In this powerful and practical episode, Rob Skinner shares why summertime is often one of the most spiritually dangerous seasons of the year—and how you can intentionally make this your strongest summer yet. Drawing from recent travels through Oregon, Washington, and Japan, Rob reflects on the importance of spiritual routines, staying connected relationally, making the mission fun, and building deeper friendships that last beyond summer. Rob also shares exciting details about the upcoming worldwide Fast for Revival, happening June 28–July 1, and invites disciples around the world to unite in prayer, fasting, repentance, and spiritual renewal. This episode covers: Why summertime often weakens people spiritually How unstructured time becomes dangerous Why evangelism can thrive during summer Practical ways to build spiritual momentum The importance of routines and accountability Why revival begins with hungry people How to avoid drifting spiritually this summer Details about the upcoming Fast for Revival If you want this summer to deepen your faith instead of weaken it, this episode will challenge and encourage you. 🔥 Key Quotes "Don't drift this summer. Grow this summer." "The devil knows how to use unstructured time." "Don't take a spiritual vacation." "Growth doesn't happen accidentally. You need a plan." "Revival always begins with hungry people." "You can have an amazing summer and grow spiritually."

📄 Why Holy Discontent May Be the Beginning of Revival Have you ever felt spiritually restless? Like something in your relationship with God, your purpose, or your spiritual life just isn't where it should be? In this deeply reflective episode, Rob Skinner shares why spiritual dissatisfaction may actually be one of God's greatest gifts. Drawing from recent travels to Japan, powerful moments of reflection, and key passages from Deuteronomy, Rob explores the idea of "holy discontent" — the realization that things are not as they should be and that God may be calling you into revival. This episode covers: Why modern Christians often feel spiritually exhausted What Rob experienced at the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo The difference between resume virtues and eulogy virtues Why spiritual drift happens slowly How revival begins with honesty Practical ways to reignite your spiritual fire this summer Why God specializes in restoration and returning people If you've been feeling spiritually dry, distracted, discouraged, or disconnected, this episode will encourage you to stop numbing your soul and return to God wholeheartedly. 🔥 Key Scriptures Mentioned Deuteronomy 28:65–67 Deuteronomy 30:1–6 2 Timothy 1:6 💬 Memorable Quotes "Holy discontent may be one of the greatest gifts God has given you." "Spiritually mature people let dissatisfaction drive them back to God." "You can go to church every week and still feel spiritually dry." "God is not looking for perfect people. He's looking for returning people." "Boston is filled with people building resumes. God is building souls." "Don't take a vacation from God this summer."

📄 How House Churches Are Spreading Across India | Faith, Prayer & Church Growth What is God doing in India right now? In this inspiring interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with Abraham and Evangeline Juliet from Bangalore, India, to discuss how disciples, leaders, and churches are multiplying across one of the largest nations in the world. With over 30 years of ministry experience, Abraham and Evangeline share powerful insights into prayer, house churches, leadership, evangelism, and creating environments where spiritual growth can flourish organically. In this episode: What's happening in the church in Bangalore How a church of 1,500 disciples stays unified Why growth begins with creating a "growth environment" The role of prayer and fasting in church health The rise of organic church planting in India Why house churches are spreading rapidly How kingdom kids are impacting the next generation The vision to establish house churches throughout Karnataka by 2030 Why leaders don't always need to be the visionary How flexibility and faith are shaping the future of missions This conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and practical ideas for churches around the world. 🔑 Key Takeaways Healthy churches create environments for growth Prayer and fasting are foundational for revival House churches build family and mission together Organic church planting is accelerating in India Leadership works best when dreams are shared across the church Every disciple can participate in the mission 💬 Memorable Quotes "We want to focus on creating a growth environment." "The growth of the church is in the DNA of every disciple." "I can be a cheerleader for many faith dreamers." "We don't want to plant churches — we want to plant house churches." "Unless the Lord favors it, it's not going to happen."

Revival Starts With Repentance | Preparing for the Worldwide Fast for Revival 📄 Revival Starts With Repentance | Preparing for the Worldwide Fast for Revival What if revival is closer than you think? In this powerful episode, Rob Skinner begins the countdown to the Worldwide Fast for Revival and shares why true revival never starts with excitement, emotion, or hype — it starts with repentance. After attending the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob returned home deeply convicted that God was calling him personally to deeper repentance, prayer, and spiritual renewal. In this episode, he opens up about: Why revival must begin in our own hearts The lesson that changed him at the conference His recent seven-day fast Seeing his son David baptized at age 33 Why communal prayer and fasting matter The danger of spiritual numbness and mediocrity The connection between repentance and revival The upcoming Worldwide Fast for Revival (June 28–July 1, 2026) This episode is both deeply personal and powerfully challenging. If you've been spiritually tired, distracted, or longing for renewed passion for God, this conversation will encourage you to seek God intentionally again. 🔥 Key Scriptures Mentioned 2 Chronicles 7:14 Psalm 51 Psalm 66:18 Acts 1:14 💬 Memorable Quotes "Revival never begins with excitement. It begins with repentance." "I don't just want churches revived. I need revival." "We want revival without repentance." "You can't cling to sin while expecting spiritual renewal." "The fasting is powerful — but the preparation starts now." "Revival doesn't begin when we point at everyone else's sin."

📄 How the Tampa Church Grew for 10 Straight Years | Darren Overstreet on Leadership & Revival What causes a church to grow steadily for an entire decade? In this powerful interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with Darren Overstreet, who leads the church in Tampa, Florida — a congregation that has experienced 10 straight years of healthy growth. Darren shares practical insights on leadership, discipleship, generational ministry, and why clarity and biblical conviction matter more than ever in today's culture. In this episode: The leadership culture helping Tampa flourish Why collaborative team leadership matters The church's "Growing Strong and Growing Young" vision Reigniting veteran Christians with fresh purpose Investing deeply in the next generation How Tampa's campus ministry grew from 6 students to nearly 50 Why young Christians are craving biblical clarity Darren's thoughts behind his book Wildfire How churches can engage modern cultural issues biblically This conversation is encouraging, practical, and filled with wisdom for church leaders, disciples, parents, campus ministers, and anyone passionate about revival and healthy church growth. 🔑 Key Takeaways Healthy churches empower leaders Older Christians still have an essential mission Young disciples want biblical clarity Team leadership creates long-term strength Churches grow when every generation is engaged Clarity is compassionate 💬 Memorable Quotes "Growing strong and growing young." "Clarity helps people be strong." "The younger people are craving biblical guidance." "People are empowered. People are trusted." "Our older leaders are mentoring our younger people."

📄 Can AI Help Advance the Gospel? | Nick Galang on Ministry, Technology & Church Growth Can AI actually help advance the gospel? In this thought-provoking interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with entrepreneur and ministry leader Nick Galang to discuss the future of AI, technology, church growth, and bivocational ministry. Nick shares why he believes Christians should not fear AI, but instead thoughtfully explore how it can be used to strengthen churches, support ministers, teach sound doctrine, and reach more people with the gospel. This conversation dives into: How AI can support ministry and church planting Why social media is already impacting church growth The importance of leveraging modern tools wisely How AI can assist creativity and innovation Building resources that teach sound doctrine The future of bivocational ministry Why experimentation and faith-driven innovation matter Nick also discusses how emerging technology is lowering barriers for creativity and entrepreneurship, making it possible for ordinary disciples to build tools, resources, and businesses that can support ministry and expand God's Kingdom. This episode is ideal for: Church leaders Entrepreneurs Creatives Ministry staff Church planters Christians curious about AI and technology 🔑 Key Takeaways AI is a tool — the issue is how we use it Churches should thoughtfully engage emerging technology Social media is already helping churches grow AI can support creativity, learning, and ministry Bivocational ministry will likely continue growing Christians have opportunities to shape technology for good 💬 Memorable Quotes "AI is neither evil nor good. It's how we choose to wield it." "The ideas and the options are literally unlimited." "The important thing is to experiment and explore — not be scared." "Why can't we leverage what God has allowed to happen for His glory?"