Welcome to the Lighting the Way Today podcast! This is a podcast where we engage in conversations regarding how to connect God’s Word to situations that come up in everyday life.
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“Everybody is a beginner at some point....And that’s OK. In fact, it’s very exciting. It’s an opportunity for you to be able to trust God, to be able to turn to Him.” So many young adults feel like they’re faking adulthood, like everyone else somehow knows what they’re doing. In this episode, Hunter Mullins and minister Lauren Ely unpack imposter syndrome through a spiritual lens: why we minimize our gifts, what insecurity whispers to us, and how stepping into responsibility doesn’t mean you’re pretending. We look at Biblical identity, real workplace examples, and why humility is not the same
“When done correctly, these difficult discussions, they promote honest communication, they resolve conflicts, they facilitate change; and it’s one tool that we can use as we endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” Conflict is uncomfortable and often unavoidable and yet having difficult conversations can be vital for both unity and resolution between people. Join Taylor Thurlow and minister Aaron George in this episode as they talk about how our relationship with God shapes the way we approach difficult conversations. They explore why Christians often either avoid confli
“Just start praying about it….Get some people’s believing involved, and then when it’s the right time, God makes it clear to make that big decision. And I have peace when I make mistakes. I think part of understanding success is knowing why you failed. So it’s okay to fail because your heart is still pure for God and you know He’s got your back.” This bonus episode was recorded live at the Rock of Ages ’25 for the Teen Camp participants. Joanna Erickson has an insightful conversation with Marshall Nickolauson and his wife, Hope, about how trusting in God, and taking things one step at a time,
“When I go into the workplace, I don’t think about bringing in a personal agenda. I’m there to do my employer’s work to the best of my ability as a Christian.” Being a Christian at work can feel complicated, especially when your workplace doesn’t share your values. Instead of forcing conversations or shrinking back, this episode digs into what it means to live out your faith naturally through character, integrity, and presence. Jennifer Clesi interviews two ministers—Maria Rupp, who has worked for many years as a teacher in the public school system, and Sally Moudourou, who has spent most of h
“You have to not be circumstance-controlled....For me, I don’t want to let a bad work environment turn me into a bad worker. I have to fight to hold myself accountable and to work with integrity.” Many people are in jobs they didn’t plan on, don’t love, or don’t want long‑term. However, God is still present in the in‑between seasons where work feels “less than” or unclear. In this episode, Heather Neault interviews minister David Ely, and they talk about the frustration of waiting, the fear of falling behind, and how comparison can make the waiting feel even heavier when your job isn’t your dr
“I just think we need to back up a little bit and relax, learn to be patient, and see how God’s going to go to work....We know God’s Word works, so just believe God’s Word! And we will get to our desired destination.” In this episode, Lauren Schiano interviews Rev. Marcia Greene, a seasoned minister and the author of a Way Magazine article from 2011 entitled “When Healing Takes Time.” Healing (physical, mental, relational) doesn’t always happen in a straight line. In this episode, Lauren and Marcia talk about the frustration of slow progress, setbacks, and unanswered questions, and why compari
“Recovery is a process. True healing comes from God; and healing typically takes effort. It doesn’t just happen on its own.” Divorce is more than a legal process. It can cause emotional pain and impact a person’s spiritual life. In this episode, Sierra Bergman interviews Rev. and Mrs. Vern Edwards (Jill), and they talk about the potential grief, shame, relief, anger, and confusion that may come with the end of a marriage. They explore what it means to rebuild life when something you believed would last doesn’t, and how trust in God can meet people in the middle of divorce, not only on the othe
“Life does keep going, which is initially one of the hardest parts of grief, because it feels like your world has stopped....As you’re getting through that, back to the joy, just remind yourself that it’s not always going to be like this. Time is one of your biggest assets.” Grief doesn’t come with a timeline, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. In this episode, Taylor Thurlow talks to two ministers, Dr. Angela Priester and Hannah Sullwold, and they take an honest look at the effects of loss, how it might reshape routines, and may even impact our identity and beliefs, but they also show
“How sweet it is when you do overcome disagreements with someone else, when you decide that your friendship is more important than feelings of hurt or being upset, and you forgive each other. That bond can intensify.” Friendship can be one of the most meaningful and painful relationships we experience. In this episode, Heather Neault and minister Stacie Cook talk about why friendships can fade, fracture, or end altogether, and what we can do to be a good friend to others and mend relationships when needed. They also explore expectations, loyalty, and ways to keep relationships alive as friends
“Communicate directly, firmly, and lovingly. There’s a way to communicate in a very neutral, non-combative way....I think people appreciate honest communication.” Boundaries are often misunderstood. At times, they might get confused with walls, avoidance, or selfishness. In this episode, Steele Bergman interviews minister Laura Mittler, and they explore what healthy boundaries actually are, why so many people struggle to set them, and how they can help us establish healthy relationships with others and stay vital ourselves. Steele and Laura also talk about the difference between loving people
“I really believe that God wants us to be the friend that we wish we had. So if we feel lonely and we want a friend, be that friend. God made us for community and connection.” Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. At times, it’s about feeling unseen, unheard, and disconnected, even in crowded rooms or full schedules. In this episode, Jennifer Clesi interviews minister Kim Thomas, and they unpack why loneliness is so prevalent in modern life and why independence and productivity don’t actually cure it. They explore the idea that our need for connection isn’t weakness—it’s part of how God des
“All of the ‘causes,’ no matter how passionate we might be about them, all those causes fall short of the greatest cause, which is to reconcile people [back to God]. That’s the one that matters, and that one remedies all the others.” Join Sierra Bergman as she interviews Rev. Lyndon Sumlin about how we as Christians can approach social justice issues in our society. Social justice conversations often highlight power—who’s in and who’s out, who’s privileged and who’s oppressed. At times, these causes promise equality but can deepen division. But what does Scripture say about belonging, our valu
“You can choose how you want to use [a screen]. But if you’re not intentional in your choosing, then, a lot of times, it will decide for you.” In this episode, Hunter Mullins and Steele Bergman chat about how we can have healthy relationships with technology to maximize our spiritual lives and keep God as our priority. Do you often find yourself scrolling on your phone for hours, but lack time to handle needful responsibilities? Is the overload of information we’re constantly surrounded by in society wearing away at your quality time with God? Technology has a benefit, and there are ways we ca
“When [Jesus Christ] interacted with people whose lives did not align with God’s design, he showed both clarity and compassion. And compassion is huge.” Join Heather Neault and Rev. Gary Martin in this episode as they tackle one of the toughest questions Christians face today: How should Christians interact with the LGBTQ+ community, whether it’s family members, neighbors, or coworkers? And how do we do this without compromising on the Word? This episode touches on topics like God’s desire for all mankind to be saved, how to extend compassion and refrain from judgment with others, what living
“We have everything to gain; we literally have nothing to lose that’s worth holding on to by valuing people. God made diversity. He made us each uniquely different, and then in the same breath, God also gave us unity.” In this episode, Lauren Schiano interviews minister Marie George on principles from God’s Word regarding bridging generational divides. Generational stereotypes like “they’re too old-fashioned” or “they’re too inexperienced” can damage relationships between brothers and sisters in Christ. However, we can learn to value the strengths of other generations instead of getting caught
“We have to remember that we are all ambassadors for Christ, not a political party, not an agenda.” In part two of this two-part episode, Jennifer Clesi continues the conversation with Rev. Bryan Mittler and Rev. Michael De Quattro, in which they discuss more ways that God’s love can cross political divides. This episode further expounds on the believer’s role in political environments. Topics include remembering who we represent as ambassadors for Christ, focusing on the benefit and outcome of a conversation rather than proving we’re right, and knowing when to stay in a conversation and when
“We’re above the methods and the tactics that the adversary uses to put us on sides. When it comes to living life, we’re all in this together.” In part one of this two-part episode, Jennifer Clesi interviews Rev. Bryan Mittler and Rev. Michael De Quattro on how God’s love effectively bridges political division between people. In today’s culture, political tension can be especially strong, yet even in heated environments, God’s love can make an impact and bring people up to the higher level of unity on His Word. Bryan and Michael break down this concept and show Biblical examples of people who
“We have to approach witnessing with love and no other motive. We’re not there to get anything from anyone. We just want to go out there with an attitude of giving and with love and with the goal of being ambassadors and reconciling people back to God.” In this episode, Taylor Thurlow interviews Rev. Basil Makharita about sharing God’s Word with people of different belief systems than Christianity. Basil, who grew up Muslim, tells his personal account of getting to know God, and the man who took the time to answer his questions and walk him through the Scriptures. He also gives important insig
“For me, part of what makes a song truly great is that it’s striking that balance where you have both of those things—you have the truth of the Word, and you have the art of the song that grabs your attention and draws you in.” In this special fiftieth episode, Sierra Bergman wraps up the 2025 year by interviewing ministers and musical guests Andrea Thurlow and Kris Jones. This episode also includes a new song featuring both of our guests, “Praise You with My Life,” and a single from Kris, “Did You Pray?” Both artists also spend time in this episode talking about how writing and performing god
“We get to rely on God as our Source of stability. That stability doesn’t come from having ‘all of our ducks in a row’ per se, it’s from trusting in THE Source of stability, God.” In this episode, Taylor Thurlow interviews Mr. and Mrs. Jared Torell (Nancy), two ministers with The Way International, and they talk about walking powerfully through change. Having recently gone through many changes, including marriage, graduating from The Way’s minister training program, and successfully doing five moves in five years, Jared and Nancy share on some of their experiences with trusting God through tra
“When life gets messy or challenging, genuine faith has to show up different than just looking like a Christian.” In this episode, Heather Neault has a deep and thoughtful conversation with Mrs. Lyndon Sumlin (Vicky), a minister with The Way International, about the difference between having a true, vital, spiritual relationship with God and having the surface-level attributes of a Christian. Vicky addresses the negative effects this more presentational type of Christianity can have and what it means to instead love and live like Christ did. This episode is packed with powerful statements and
“In our walk as ambassadors for Christ, we’re always on the lookout to make sure we are putting truth on in our mind and exposing ourselves to that....Over time, that exposure to things that the adversary might be throwing [at us] can wear us down. So, we do want to step away from that.” In this episode, Lauren Schiano interviews Aaron Morphy about having integrity online, especially on social media, including ways we can speak the truth of God’s Word in love on these platforms. Aaron, who has a master’s degree in cybersecurity, gives unique insight into topics like internet safety, ideas for
“God encouraged my heart, and I took a stand in that birthing room. And I told everyone in the room that I was going to pray for my son, and that God could heal him.” In this episode, Hunter Mullins sits down with minister Matthew Duley and his son, Josef Duley, for a wholesome, encouraging conversation about taking a stand for God. Both father and son draw from their personal experiences, sharing moments in their lives where they made the decision to take a stand and saw the victories that followed. Matthew specifically shares about when his son was born and declared deaf by doctors. He praye
“What defines me is what the Word of God says about me—that I am a son of God with power, that I represent Christ on earth, that I can do the miracles and wonders that Jesus Christ did.” In this episode, Jennifer Clesi interviews Nicolás (Nico) González, who, along with his wife, Lilian, coordinates the work of The Way Ministry in the country of Argentina. Nico shares about what it means to be bold and confident in who we are in Christ. What does true, godly confidence look like? Have you ever wondered? Where can we draw our confidence from as Christians? Nico addresses these questions and mor
“To be all things to all men—how can you achieve that in your own life? How can you be relatable?” In this episode, Hunter Mullins interviews Josh Page, a young man who started a community event in South Carolina called “Cruisin’ to Christ.” This outreach event has a large focus on meeting people and teaching hot Bible, and it’s also centered around something Josh loves: car meets. Josh utilized something he has a passion for and turned it into a highly successful way to bring God’s love to others. Is there something in your life that you’re passionate about? Do you also love helping people wi
