436. Stop Waiting for "The One": How Fear Is Keeping You Single

Stop Waiting for "The One": How Fear Is Keeping You Single Are you waiting for certainty before you're willing to put yourself out there? Do you want to get married someday, but fear rejection, making the wrong choice, getting hurt, or simply never finding the right person? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob tackles one of the greatest obstacles facing Christian singles today: fear. After teaching a lesson on dating to approximately 200 young adults and married Christians in Boston, Rob noticed a common theme. Many people aren't struggling because they don't want to get married or because they never meet anyone. They're struggling because they're afraid to take the first step. Rob explains why God's answer to uncertainty isn't certainty—it's faith. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:6 and other biblical principles, Rob challenges singles to "sow their seed," take healthy relational risks, become the kind of person they hope to marry, and trust God with the outcome. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why fear may be a bigger dating obstacle than lack of opportunity • Why God doesn't ask you to know the future before taking action • The biblical principle of "sowing your seed" • Why a first date doesn't need to feel like a marriage proposal • How to become the kind of person you hope to marry • Why choosing someone who strengthens your faith matters • Rob's thoughts on Christian online dating • How Rob prayed for nine months before meeting Pam • Why taking care of yourself physically and emotionally matters • How to date without putting unnecessary pressure on every interaction • Why purity protects trust and strengthens your future marriage • Why friendship is more important than chemistry alone • How to replace the search for certainty with courage Rob also shares the story of his own journey toward marriage. After a relationship he thought would lead to marriage ended, he spent months praying and surrendering his future to God. Nine months later, Pam flew into Berkeley from Cairo, Egypt—and a little over a year later, they were married. The message is simple: Stop asking God for certainty. Start asking Him for courage. Walk forward. Trust Him. Sow your seed. Become someone worth marrying. Protect your purity. Build friendships. Pray faithfully. Then leave tomorrow where it has always belonged—in the hands of God. Learn more about Rob, his books, and the Rob Skinner Podcast at RobSkinner.com. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Walk Where Jesus Walked: The Holy Land Tour That Will Transform Your Faith Have you ever wanted to walk where Jesus walked? In this episode, Rob sits down with longtime minister and Bible teacher Mike Fontenau from Perth, Australia, to discuss an unforgettable opportunity—a guided Holy Land tour planned for October 2027. With more than twenty years of experience leading biblical tours through Israel, Mike shares how visiting the places you've only read about can completely transform your understanding of Scripture. From the Sea of Galilee and Capernaum to Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jericho, Bethlehem, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and beyond, every stop includes a Bible lesson that connects the location with God's story. Mike also explains how the tour is organized, what is included, safety considerations, and why this may be his final Holy Land tour. In this episode you'll discover: • Why visiting Israel brings the Bible to life • The major biblical sites included on the tour • Lessons taught where biblical events actually happened • Why Galilee and Jerusalem offer two very different experiences • What makes this tour different from a typical vacation • The current plans for the October 2027 trip • Tour costs and what is included • Thoughts on safety and travel in Israel • Why this may be Mike Fontenau's final Holy Land tour Whether you've dreamed of visiting Israel for years or simply want to deepen your understanding of Scripture, this conversation will inspire your faith and help you picture the Bible in an entirely new way. To learn more about future opportunities, stay connected through RobSkinner.com. My goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Before You Fast: 10 Ways to Experience Breakthrough with God What if your breakthrough is waiting on the other side of wholehearted prayer and fasting? In this episode, Rob prepares listeners for the upcoming 72-Hour Fast for Revival by sharing practical, biblical guidance on how to make the experience meaningful. Whether you've fasted many times or have never skipped a meal for spiritual reasons, this episode will help you approach God with faith, humility, and expectation. Rob explains why repentance always comes before revival, how to prepare your heart, practical tips for fasting safely, and why God promises to reward those who earnestly seek Him. This isn't simply about going without food. It's about drawing closer to God. In this episode you'll discover: • Why revival begins with repentance • How confession prepares your heart for prayer • Choosing the right type of fast • Why fasting should remain between you and God • Practical tips for staying healthy during a fast • Turning hunger into prayer • Creating a focused prayer list • Believing God for impossible breakthroughs • Inviting others into the Fast for Revival • Why God rewards those who earnestly seek Him Key Scriptures: Matthew 18:18–20 James 5:16 Psalm 66:18 Matthew 6:16–18 Jeremiah 32:27 Joel 2 Hebrews 11:6 Join believers around the world for the Fast for Revival: 📅 June 28 – July 1 Learn more and sign up at: RobSkinner.com My goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

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."