Episode 26: Trusting God Through Tragedy

How can pastors address a divided culture while keeping Jesus at the center? Gary Lewis, Mark Williams, Loran Livingston, and David Cooper discuss faith, politics, viral sermons, and the pressures facing today’s pastors. An honest conversation about protecting the church’s prophetic voice, praying for leaders, and staying faithful to the gospel. Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of the Between Sundays Podcast HERE

Pastor Brian Rabon of Hope Chapel joins Gary Lewis, Mark Williams, Loran Livingston, and David Cooper for an honest conversation about church planting, longevity in ministry, and the importance of rest. After more than 20 years of pastoring, Brian shares lessons from starting a church with just eight people to reaching a point where he knew something had to change. He discusses how a sabbatical helped him rediscover Sabbath and a healthier rhythm for ministry and family. From recognizing when you're more than just tired to trusting God when He calls you to step out, this episode is an encouraging conversation about staying focused on the calling God has given you. Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of the Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

What does faithful ministry look like across generations? In this episode of Between Sundays, Gary Lewis, Mark Williams, Loran Livingston, and David Cooper sit down with longtime pastor and ministry leader Bobby Gilley and his grandson, Pastor Adrian Franklin of South Gastonia Church of God. After nearly 30 years of pastoring the same congregation, Reverend Bobby shares lessons learned through decades of ministry, including the moment God reminded him that the church wasn't his "wagon to pull." His assignment was much simpler: preach, pray, and love, and trust God with the rest. Pastor Adrian shares what it has been like to follow his grandfather as pastor, honor the legacy of previous generations, find his own pastoral voice, and lead a multigenerational church into the future. The conversation also explores the loneliness of leadership, building trust through longevity and love, resisting comparison, persevering when ministry gets difficult, and staying faithful to God's calling. Whether you're beginning your ministry or have served for decades, this episode is a powerful reminder: the church belongs to God. Be faithful with what He's placed in your hands and trust Him with the results. Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of the Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

Evangelists Mike and Jimille Mills join Between Sundays for a powerful conversation about missions, loss, and the faithfulness of God. They share the story of their son, Mikey, who rededicated his life to Christ while serving alongside his father on a mission trip to Ecuador. What followed was a remarkable transformation as Mikey began sharing his faith and reaching people who had little or no connection to the church. His desire to reach others was captured in one simple request: “Can we do just one more?” Months later, Mikey was tragically killed in a car accident. As Mike and Jamil walked through unimaginable grief, they began discovering just how many lives their son had quietly impacted, and how his testimony continues to point people toward Jesus. Learn more about the Mills Family Ministries HERE Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of the Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

In this episode of Between Sundays, Gary Lewis, Mark Williams, Loran Livingston, and David Cooper welcome Dr. Will Graham, Executive Vice President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Will shares stories of God opening doors for the Gospel around the world, reflects on the legacy of his grandfather Billy Graham, and talks about his own journey from local church pastor to evangelist. From seeing lives changed at the “end of the earth” in Ushuaia, Argentina, to praying for opportunities in places that seem impossible to reach, Will reminds us that no person or place is beyond the reach of God. It’s an encouraging conversation about answering God's call and trusting Him with the harvest. Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of the Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

What happens when a pastor experiences devastating failure, walks away from ministry, and believes his calling is over? In this deeply personal episode of Between Sundays, Gary Lewis, Mark Williams, Loran Livingston, and David Cooper sit down with Pastor Chad Smith of The Pointe Church in Toccoa, Georgia. What begins as a conversation about church growth and pastoral succession quickly becomes a remarkable testimony of God's relentless grace and restoring power. Pastor Chad shares the story of a moral failure that led him out of ministry, nearly destroyed his marriage, and left him convinced that God could never use him again. But through the faithfulness of his wife, the prayers of his daughter, and the mercy of God, a new chapter began. Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of the Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

In this episode of Between Sundays, the conversation travels to Jamaica as the hosts welcome Bishop Roy Notice, National Administrative Bishop of the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica. Bishop Notice shares the remarkable story of the Church of God in Jamaica, a movement born from humble, persecuted beginnings that has grown into one of the largest and most influential churches in the Caribbean. The discussion explores revival history, doctrinal integrity, discipleship, Pentecostal identity, and the importance of staying rooted in Scripture amid a culture of competing voices and spiritual confusion. This episode is ultimately a testimony of resilience, faith, and the power of the global Church standing together. Give to Disaster Relief [HERE](coggive.com) Learn more about Men and Women of Action HERE Learn more about Operation Compassion HERE Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of the Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

In this episode of Between Sundays, Gary Lewis, Mark Williams, Loran Livingston, and David Cooper welcome Phil Cook, President of Lee University, for a candid conversation about faith, leadership, Christian higher education, and the move of God among the next generation. Dr. Cook shares his personal ministry journey, his deep Church of God roots, and how Lee University became a place of healing, calling, and transformation in his own life. The group discusses why young leaders need safe, Spirit-filled spaces where they can encounter God, grow in their faith, and prepare for ministry and the marketplace. This episode is a powerful reminder that failure is not the end of the story, calling is greater than career, and God is still raising up the next generation for His purpose. Learn More About Lee Universtiy HERE Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

In this special edition of Between Sundays, Lori Lewis, Sandra Livingston, Barbie Cooper, and Sandra Kay Williams speak directly to navigating the demands of marriage, ministry, motherhood, leadership, caregiving, and personal faith. They reflect on the pressures of unrealistic expectations, the challenge of finding balance, the importance of boundaries, and the grace of God that sustains us through every season. This episode is a powerful reminder that God is faithful, His grace is sufficient, and no season of ministry is lived alone. Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of Between Sundays Podcast HERE.

In this powerful episode of Between Sundays, the crew welcomes Bishop Ishmael Charles, Field Director for the Caribbean, for a conversation about prayer, missions, mentorship, and the life-changing power of investment in others. Bishop Charles shares the remarkable story of a prayer movement that began during COVID with a small group on Zoom and has now grown into a global daily gathering reaching 73 countries. What started as a way to keep a local congregation connected has become a years-long outpouring of prayer, worship, testimonies, communion, and ministry that continues every single morning. This episode is a testimony to what can happen when prayer becomes a priority, when people invest in others, and when the gospel is carried to the nations. Watch and Subscribe to the Video Version of Between Sundays Podcast HERE. To learn more about supporting World Missions, click HERE