S13 Ep 5 | Aaron Ellis

S13 Ep 8 | Missional Ambition and Stewardship : Kyle Kutz In this engaging interview, alumnus Kyle Kutz presents the origins and mission of Blue Trust, a faith-based wealth management firm founded by Ron Blue to help believers steward wealth biblically. Kyle recounts his career path into financial advising at Blue Trust, linking his mission to 2 Corinthians 5, differentiating missional and self-centered ambition. He and host Dr. Matt Davis highlight the importance of local church involvement and pushing oneself in extracurricular activities to become a “high-capacity” leader. They address unique opportunities available at smaller institutions. Concluding with a discussion of entrepreneurship, success, and stewardship, Kyle presents a Scripture-based framework that emphasizes God’s ownership of all resources and the believer’s responsibility to faithfully manage them for His purposes. About our guest Kyle Kutz (’15) is private family office director, senior family office advisor, and senior partner at Blue Trust. He offers technical, expert advice in financial, estate, trust, and investment planning to help families steward wealth with clarity and purpose through a biblical worldview. He and his wife, Corinne, actively serve in their church in Roswell, Georgia, and have two children.

S13 Ep 7 | Do Hard Things : Adam Morgan Guest Adam Morgan joins this episode for a fast-paced jaunt through topics ranging from politics, marriage and parenting to enemies of leadership, the history of Majesty Music, and the impact of entertainment in shaping values. Though seemingly unrelated, these subjects involve a common theme: adversity. He and host Dr. Matt Davis note that struggles are not indication that God has withheld blessing. On the contrary, they are an inevitable feature of sanctification, the end product of our lifelong mission to be Christlike. Adam also shares insights for a younger generation seeking God’s direction. He closes with a challenge to embrace commitment and faithfulness, to do hard things, despite a culture focused on comfort and risk avoidance. About our guest Adam Morgan, president of Majesty Music, is an attorney, composer, filmmaker, and radio host. As a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, he served as Chairman of the Transportation Committee and was elected as Founding Chairman of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus. Adam also served on the House Legislative Oversight and Education and Public Works Committee and earned such national honors as the Conservative Excellence Award from ACU/CPAC. He has published more than 70 songs; written children’s books; and since 2014, produced the Patch the Pirate children’s series. He and his wife, Megan, have three children.

S13 Ep 6 | Mortgages, Mentoring, & Measuring Success : David Kittle In this conversation, guest David Kittle explains how The Mortgage Collaborative, the membership-based network he built, helps smaller lenders compete in the mortgage industry. He and host Dr. Matt Davis discuss the importance of understanding financial systems, touching briefly on the 2008 mortgage crisis. The discussion then shifts to David’s personal mission, how after decades of notable achievement, he stepped away from daily operations to focus on mentoring men through one-on-one discipleship. Reflecting on personal failures as well, he stresses that true success is not measured solely by financial advancement. In closing, he offers advice to younger generations entering the workforce, noting the qualities he values most in job applicants and employees. About our guest David Kittle, a 50-year veteran of the mortgage lending business, is a founding partner of The Mortgage Collaborative. He rose from entry-level banking to ownership of multiple lending and title companies, with accomplishments that include leading the National Mortgage Bankers Association. He testified 14 times before Congress as a leader during the mortgage industry’s most tumultuous period and has had extensive radio and TV interviews, including appearances on CNBC and Fox News. David currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky.

S13 Ep 5 | Work Doesn’t Equal Identity : Aaron Ellis What’s your scariest prayer? How would you react to landing your dream job, only to have that door close? Guest Aaron Ellis shares his journey from a career he barely started in law enforcement to his current responsibilities with Answers in Genesis (AiG). The conversation touches on an eclectic blend of ideas including: • Serving others as Christ did • Academic integrity in an AI era • God’s redirection and its effect on identity • Viewing secular professions as ministry • Escalating threats targeting ministries What is it like at the Ark Encounter in the dark? Why does AiG need armed security? If nobody acknowledges your accomplishments, are they still meaningful? This dialogue has intriguing twists. Catch the full episode. About our guest Aaron Ellis, an MBU adjunct instructor, teaches criminal justice and business. He is also Director of Supply Chain, Risk, and Safety for Answers in Genesis. Convinced that unto whom much is given, much will be required, Aaron serves his community on local boards and by mentoring youth and coaching sports. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Florence, Kentucky, with their three children.

What if losing an eye helped you see for the first time? That’s what podcast guest Dan Wood explains in this episode. He also recounts his experience with cancer—a battle he assuredly did not win, but one God did. These experiences have given him a daily sense of amazement and dependence on God. As the executive director of the NCCAA, he reflects on the nature of sports, explaining the passion which is destined for failure. The conversation explores modern developments such as NIL compensation and the transfer portal, while also highlighting redemptive aspects: how sports shape character, how coaches teach and mentor, and how the NCCAA prioritizes student souls above the game itself. About our guest Dan Wood has been the executive director of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) since 2000. A golf aficionado and former soccer player, he has served in Christian higher education for 44 years as a coach, faculty member, and athletics director. He developed the NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE (GP4L) and has published numerous articles. He and his wife, Kelly, reside in Greenville, South Carolina, and have two grown children and one grandchild.

S13 Ep 3 | Stewarding Influence : Daniel Degner How do you steward your influence? In this OnMission episode, Daniel Degner, president of Wisconsin Family Council/Action (WFC, WFA), joins host Dr. Matt Davis to discuss the necessity of biblical leadership for spiritual and political impact. They analyze the pivotal constitutional amendment that redefined WFC’s mission, the implications of the Supreme Court Catholic charities ruling, and the rise of “toxic empathy.” They refute the “all is well” mentality following Dobbs v. Jackson and address traits of exemplary Christian politicians. Daniel concludes with a preview of a promising new white paper, and a state representative’s gripping testimony. About our guest Daniel Degner is president of Wisconsin Family Council, having joined WFC first as director of their Church Ambassador Network and then becoming interim president. He is simultaneously president of Wisconsin Family Action, a lobbying affiliate of WFC. Daniel has served in city government and on the boards of a non-profit and a Christian school. He and his wife, Victoria, live near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

S12 Ep 3 | Whatever You Want, Lord: Ken Butler “It’s always about submission”—these words by host Dr. Matt Davis capture the core of this episode with guest Ken Butler, Maranatha Baptist Bible Institute (MBBI) Director. Experiencing significant trials early in marriage, Ken and his wife, Amy, claimed 1 Samuel 3:18, believing that if a circumstance is from the Lord, it is good. This mindset defined Ken’s journey as he surrendered Air Force dreams for ministry and later traded the pulpit for a maintenance role, content to serve wherever assigned. The dialogue dives into the realities of pastoring in California, practical ways to discern God’s will, and the continued growth of MBBI. About our guest Ken Butler (’99, ’21) is Director of Maranatha Baptist Bible Institute. Upon college graduation he returned to his home state of California where he became an assistant pastor. Since then, he has ministered as an itinerate evangelist, church planter, and senior pastor. Ken and his wife, Amy (Cole ’00), have five daughters.

S13 Ep 1 | I Love People, Pastoring, Training, Understanding : Ralph Warren Season 13 launches with the warm, grandfatherly advice of Pastor Ralph Warren as he and host Dr. Matt Davis examine life transitions and practical ways parents can prepare their children. As a history buff, Pastor Warren briefly sketches highlights from six generations of his lineage. The conversation includes analysis of his multicultural church—its development, the quest for the “common good,” the biggest detriment, and strategies for grooming a spiritually mature congregation. The episode concludes with actionable steps and diagnostic questions to help young people discern God’s will. About our guest Ralph Warren, pastor of Lake County Baptist Church in Waukegan, Illinois, and our 2026 Spring Opening Meetings speaker, is passionate about learning. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he pursued degrees in laboratory medicine. Surrendering to be a pastor, he began studies in pastoral theology and earned master’s degrees in education and exegetical theology. He enjoys training young people in his church’s Christian school and in Bible colleges abroad. He and his wife, Tiffany, have two grown children.

Katie Schmoeckel is an associate professor in Maranatha’s Department of Humanities. An alumna who completed both undergraduate and graduate work at Maranatha, she worked as a historical guide and taught high school history for twelve years before joining the faculty full-time. She enjoys traveling to historic sites and preparing food for the bus ministry children in the Raven Ministry at her church.

Dr. David Handyside, retired dean of Maranatha’s School of Education, previously taught in both Christian and public schools and served as a school administrator. At Maranatha, he directed student teachers before becoming dean. He has faithfully served in his local church as a Sunday school teacher and deacon. In retirement, he serves on the Watertown School Board. He and his wife, Margaret, have been married 55 years, have two children ,and five granddaughters.