#48: Niah & Allisha Merrill on Leading Worship, Adoption, and Being in God’s Waiting Room

On this MINI-CAST episode of STEP INTO THE STORY, Phil talks with Jesse DeYoung about parenting teenagers, the joy of seeing your kids love church, and the sacred privilege of being both a parent and a pastor in their lives. Jesse shares how his years in youth ministry shape the way he parents now, and why he believes kids don’t just need youth pastors and teachers—they deeply need their parents to be spiritual shepherds too. He describes a meaningful practice he’s developed: for the two years before each child enters high school, he reads through a special Bible just for them, underlining, making notes, and writing prayers in the margins. When they step into that new season, they receive a Bible filled with evidence of a dad who has been praying, thinking, and walking with God on their behalf. It’s a simple, powerful picture of legacy, Scripture, and the long, faithful work of loving our kids toward Jesus. Listen to the full conversation with Jesse here.

On this episode of STEP INTO THE STORY PODCAST, Phil talks with Jesse DeYoung, pastor at Flatirons Community Church, about the intersection of family, suffering, and ministry—and how God meets us in all three. Jesse reflects on the rich heritage of faith he received from his parents, including his father Brent’s years as a Walk Thru the Bible instructor, and the way his parents protected and involved their kids in ministry so that church became a place of joy, not resentment. He also shares a heartfelt account of walking through his dad’s long cancer journey, the grief of loss, and the “dark night of the soul” that followed—when belief in God still made sense in his mind, but felt distant in his heart. It’s an honest, hopeful, and deeply encouraging conversation for anyone who loves the church, has been hurt by the church, or is serving in leadership and longing to stay healthy over the long haul. It’s a heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

January 21, 2025 Welcome to the NEW TESTAMENT PODCAST from Walk Thru the Bible! In one year, you’ll listen through the entire New Testament.  Each day, you’ll hear a portion of the New Testament as well as  devotional thoughts from esteemed theologians like C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther, Susannah Spurgeon, A.W. Tozer, and more! Learn more and explore additional FREE resources including a Fathers of the Faith Guide AND a Daily Worship from the Heart Text by visiting: https://www.walkthru.org/ntpod. Thanks to our partners at Biblica for making the NIV audio Bible available. Find out more at www.biblica.com. The Listener’s Bible TM: NIV TM Edition Audio Copyright ℗ 2011 by Max McLean. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Holy Bible, New International Version TM, NIV TM Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “New International Version” is a trademark registered in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. ©2025 Walk Thru the Bible All rights reserved.

On this MINI-CAST episode of STEP INTO THE STORY Podcast, Sean McDowell talks with Phil about what apologetics really means and how it helps us grow in confidence as we follow Christ. (Hint: It’s not about arguing — it’s about offering a gentle and thoughtful reason for the hope we have in Jesus!) Sean explains the roots of apologetics, how it equips believers to respond with wisdom and clarity, and why asking honest questions is not the opposite of faith. He also shares why doubt can be a doorway to deeper trust in God, and how understanding the big picture of Scripture helps us see where we fit in God’s story. It’s an amazing, intellectual conversation you don’t want to miss! Find out more about Sean at: seanmcdowell.org

On this episode of the STEP INTO THE STORY Podcast, Phil Tuttle talks with Dr. Sean McDowell, a professor at Talbot School of Theology, author, and speaker, about the essential role of apologetics for both believers and unbelievers. Sean defines apologetics as providing a defense or reason for the hope we have, rooted in the Greek word apologia. He clarifies that apologetics serves two key functions: Equipping Christians with answers to build a confident faith and Removing barriers for unbelievers who are open to considering the claims of Christ. The conversation also touches on the common misconception that doubt is the opposite of faith, which Sean asserts is one of the worst things we do; he emphasizes that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but unbelief is. It’s a great conversation you won’t want to miss!

On this mini-cast episode of STEP INTO THE STORY Podcast, Phil talks with Christina Munoz Madsen on how Walk Thru the Bible’s Daily Walk Bible has transformed her life (and the lives of countless others).

On this episode of STEP INTO THE STORY, Phil talks with Christina Munoz Madsen about her journey through faith and Scripture, how the Daily Walk Bible transformed her life, and how she has created a ministry called “Every Word 365” that helps people read through the Daily Walk Bible every day.

On this mini-cast episode of STEP INTO THE STORY Podcast, Phil talks with worship leaders Niah & Allisha Merrill on being in God’s Waiting Room, how hard it is to wait, and what we can do while we’re waiting.

On this episode of STEP INTO THE STORY, Phil talks with worship leaders/songwriters Niah & Allisha Merrill about leading worship, living in a bus, the beauty of adoption, being in God’s waiting room, and the importance of being in the Bible especially when you’re waiting on God.

On this mini-cast episode of STEP INTO THE STORY, Chip Ingram discusses a significant takeaway from his time with Walk Thru the Bible, focusing on a period of financial strain and the compelling need to get back to teaching God’s word, which ultimately resulted in resources reaching a global audience. Listen (and watch!) to the full interview with Chip Ingram here: https://www.walkthru.org/blog/47-chip-ingram-on-finding-your-place-in-gods-story/