Better Together hosted by Brotherhood

We had an incredible time at the Better Together Men's Retreat this year. We were excited to add a panel discussion with Pastor Doug Reed, Pastor Mark Cuprik, Pastor Mikel Lagaras, Pastor Nathan Bacorn along with our guest speaker Rev. Barry Young.  We took our podcast equipment and were able to capture it. Take a listen and join everyday men, finding our purpose in order to walk out our mandate. 

Enjoy this week's podcast as we join Pastor Mikel Lagaras of Victory Christian Center Warren Campus and Pastors Doug Reed and Mike Miller of Bridge of Hope  as they discuss worship in the modern church setting and what is at the heart of it all. 

There have been many misconceptions and outright lies told in the media as to what is happening in the Middle East. As Christians, we know God is setting things up for the entrance of King Jesus. Listen as my friends Doug Reed, David Nekrutman, Pastor Steven Khoury and myself as we discuss the current events in Israel and particularly in Gaza. You may be asking yourself, "What can I do to stay connected and make a difference?" Visit this website for more information. https://www.holylandmissions.org/

We couldn't get all the goodness in one episode, so here is part two! We're talking with the Wakefields all things freedom. Financial freedom to start, as we are getting ready to launch a Financial Peace University here at Warren Campus, but the foundations of freedom are true whether its finances or anything else in our lives.Meet the Wakefields:Dan and Val met during high school in 1981 and are natives of this area. Dan graduated from Reserve and Valerie from Niles. They were married in August of 1986 and celebrate 35 years this year! Dan works for the McIntosh Group, which manufactures and distributes home audio products, and Val works for Novelis as an accountant. They have two children. Abigail is 26 and lives in North Carolina and Benjamin, 22, who lives in Alliance Ohio.Financial Peace University begins May 13th at 6:00 pm and runs for 9 weeks. The registration link is: https://www.financialpeace.com/classes/1134838Books mentioned in the podcast:The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Journey-Radical-Biblical-Generosity/dp/1937077713/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2EC4X0B557BR3&dchild=1&keywords=the+legacy+journey+dave+ramsey&qid=1616518373&sprefix=the+legacy+jour%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Circle-Day-Prayer-Challenge/dp/0310327121/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K8IQMV6IEZR3&dchild=1&keywords=draw+the+circle+the+40+day+prayer+challenge&qid=1616518405&sprefix=draw+the+circle%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1The Law of Identification by EW Kenyon https://www.amazon.com/Identification-Romance-Redemption-W-Kenyon-ebook/dp/B06ZZFKQR4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+law+of+identification+ew+kenyon&qid=1616518483&sr=8-1

This one! You don't want to miss this one! We're talking with the Wakefields all things freedom. Financial freedom to start, as we are getting ready to launch a Financial Peace University here at Warren Campus, but the foundations of freedom are true whether its finances or anything else in our lives.   Meet the Wakefields: Dan and Val met during high school in 1981 and are natives of this area. Dan graduated from Reserve and Valerie from Niles. They were married in August of 1986 and celebrate 35 years this year! Dan works for the McIntosh Group, which manufactures and distributes home audio products, and Val works for Novelis as an accountant. They have two children. Abigail is 26 and lives in North Carolina and Benjamin, 22, who lives in Alliance Ohio.  Financial Peace University begins May 13th at 6:00 pm and runs for 9 weeks. The registration link is: https://www.financialpeace.com/classes/1134838 Books mentioned in the podcast: The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Journey-Radical-Biblical-Generosity/dp/1937077713/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2EC4X0B557BR3&dchild=1&keywords=the+legacy+journey+dave+ramsey&qid=1616518373&sprefix=the+legacy+jour%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2 Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Circle-Day-Prayer-Challenge/dp/0310327121/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K8IQMV6IEZR3&dchild=1&keywords=draw+the+circle+the+40+day+prayer+challenge&qid=1616518405&sprefix=draw+the+circle%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1 The Law of Identification by EW Kenyon https://www.amazon.com/Identification-Romance-Redemption-W-Kenyon-ebook/dp/B06ZZFKQR4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+law+of+identification+ew+kenyon&qid=1616518483&sr=8-1

We were so excited to host Doc Mike Chichak and his wife, Kelly, today on the podcast. We talked about what it takes to step out in faith. The risk. The reward.Doc Mike works as a medical doctor, is a husband and father and serves at his church. He’s a busy man. But when the Holy Spirit speaks to add something in to his already busy schedule, the ultimate answer is always yes. Join us as we dig deep into this journey and take a look at what it actually looks like to say yes and what happens when we do. Meet the Chichaks:Michael and Kelly have been together almost 19 years. Through their life walk, they have had encounters with Jesus that have marked them, making their yes to God a consist theme. Michael is a physician, business owner, and writer. Kelly is a worship leader, who serves her community and church in multiple areas, and is a lover of all things Jesus. Each pursue God’s plans for their lives as they raise their 3 children ( Grant , Carter , & Joy.) Doc Thoughts Link: https://www.facebook.com/DocThoughtswithDrMikeChichakBook: Complete 101 Series by John Maxwell (Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-101-Collection-Every-Leader/dp/1400203953/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2O29Y6R3MK0JJ&dchild=1&keywords=john+maxwell+101+complete+collection&qid=1614005532&sprefix=maxwell+the+complete+%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-2 )

We're smack in the middle of winter, and in Ohio that means we still have a few months of cold and snow ahead of us. Frustrations come from unrealistic expectations and uncomfortable situations. We are so excited for you to join this conversation on seasons, snow and not getting frustrated. Share it with a friend who could use some encouragement. Thanks for listening, and don't forget - WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!

Thanks for hanging out with us today. We really miss everyone and just wanted to connect. You may have heard that some of us had COVID last month. We just wanted to take a minute and talk about our experiences, what it was like, what we learned, some bright spots and how God walked us through.

For some, the most wonderful time of the year can be the bluest time of the year. No matter what you do, depression and anxiety seem to plague your days and fill your nights. Join Mikel & Toni as they talk from experience about practical ways to walk through the holidays without depression or anxiety.

Join Mikel, Toni & Anne as they talk about their biggest pet peeves and what it looks like to live a life of love in today's charged culture.

I sat down with Todd Johnson this week to continue the conversation about racism in the church and in our nation. He had some very thought provoking perspectives. We pray that this discussion helps us move forward in unity and shows us how we can work through these issues and continue to advance the kingdom of God together in a very divided time. Through it all we know that Jesus reigns, and as we keep Him at the center of all conversations, He is the variable that draws all men into unity.

Anne sat down with her husband Ron for a conversation about living with social anxiety and discovering that you can still give God your YES! Ron has learned over the years that Aspergers is not a limitation but an opportunity and shares with us his success in both business as well as serving in the local church.

Pastor Alonzo is the Campus Pastor at Victory Christian Center's New Castle Campus. We had a frank, rich discussion about what's happening in our nation. Pastor Alonzo shares from his personal experience his perspective on so much that we're walking through right now. I was shocked and saddened as I listened to the stories, but there's much to be hopeful about. What do we as the church need to know? What do we as the church need to do? Where do we go from here? Get your paper and pen ready to glean from my friend, Pastor Alonzo Waters.

I'm so excited about this one! I was meeting with Pastor Mark Cuprik, Pastor Doug Reed, and Pastor Nathan Bacorn about our annual men's retreat and we got on the topic of fathers and sons. So many rich nuggets in this podcast. You can't really learn to be a father until you know how to be a son. It requires humility, integrity, honor and self-control. And we're thrilled to announce Bishop David Thomas will be our speaker at the retreat this year on this very topic. Make plans to join us October 9-10.

We've got some quick updates for you. Retreats. Fireside chats. What's next. Take a listen as Mikel and Toni give us all the updates about all the things.

We invite you in to take a peek at our life through the lens of our anniversary musings. It's been 24 glorious years. Well, not all of them were glorious, but here we are, still married and in love all these years later. We talk all things marriage, life, the importance of laughing, the dangers of predictable, and the secret to a marriage that lasts. Oh, and get ready to laugh. There's lots of laughter. #bettertogether

Join Pastors Mikel & Toni as they talk with Evangelist Richard and Carol Meredith, missionaries to Uganda. If you've ever wanted to know what it takes to see miracles, signs and wonders, stop right here. We talk about that and so much more. This one is packed full of faith-filled nuggets and it will challenge you to give God your all. If you give Him your full yes, there's no limit to what He will do in you, through you and for you. You can check out their website here: http://evangelistrichardmeredith.com/Evangelist Richard K. Meredith has preached the good news of Jesus on multiple trips to Russia, Ukraine, Columbia South America, Chile, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica, Congo, Kenya and Uganda. The Lord has confirmed his calling as an Evangelist by signs, wonders and miracles. In the daytime before the crusade Richard holds pastor seminars. He planted seven new churches through our crusade’s ministry. Five in Uganda partnering with Jubilee Christian Life Churches. One in the Ukraine partnering with Good Samaritan Mission, and one in the Ural Mountains of Russia working with Mission Possible. He is the author of Placing My Life In His hands. He has worked with the First Lady’s office of Uganda, Mrs. Museveni, the House of Parliament, General Elly Tum-wine and the Presidential Protection Unit. For three years he handled the logistics for 70 medical personnel that treated thousands of Ugandans free of charge. Held meetings with Ambassador Jimmy Kolker of the United States to Uganda. Was part of Operation Sunrise a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ addressing Uganda’s military. At present time he is holding crusades in smaller towns in Uganda and seeing a rich harvest of souls.The Meredith’s reside in New Springfield, Ohio they have three adult children and five grandchildren.

Everything's opening back up all around us, at least in Ohio. The mall has opened. Hair salons and barbers have opened. Church is opening soon. Can everyone say praise the Lord? Restaurants and gyms and more public places are soon to follow. With all of this opening, we've seen some concern and confusion going on all around us, so we took a few minutes to talk about it. To mask or not to mask? If I wear one, am I In fear? If I don't wear one, do I hate people? What If I'm not ready to head back out? So many hot topics In this episode. Let us know what you think!Can you take a minute to help us out? If you could rate this podcast and leave a quick review, it would really help get the word out and help more people find us. Thanks! #wearebettertogether

We got to sit down with Pastor Lock P. Beachum Jr. from the VCC Liberty Campus, and my goodness it was rich! He talked about his journey, about the place sports held in preparing him to pastor, and about balancing business and ministry and family. The crux of the entire conversation can be wrapped up in this - the need to trust God in the mystery. I think we can all relate to that right now. Get ready to glean some incredible truths from our conversation with Pastor Lock.Bio:Lock Patterson Beachum Jr. is the Pastor of Victory Christian Center Liberty Campus, a significant and strategic multi-cultural and multi-generational ministry impacting culture locally and globally. He also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Victory Christian Center, Incorporated under the leadership of his Pastor Bishop David L. Thomas, founder and CEO. A deep compassion for people from all walks of life is exemplified in his ministry. Lock's transparency, vision, tenacious spirit, love, sense of humor and most of all, his spirit of humility serve as an inspiration to many. Known for his character and integrity, he is a trailblazer and trendsetter who focuses on relevance and innovation. His God-given vision “Operation Impact” has helped to lift and transform the city of Youngstown and surrounding areas by pioneering and partnering in various Acts of Kindness. Although he envisioned his life traveling down a different path that included a professional football career in the NFL, it is evident God had another plan. Lock holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Miami (Ohio) University. He is honored to be married to First Lady Gloria Beachum & they are the proud parents of three children.

From Brother Andre's journey of living by faith and not by sight to a global awakening and revival, we packed a lot into this episode. He dropped so many nuggets on what the faith life looks like for the believer in this season as well as speaking prophetically about what God is doing in and through the church now and what He is preparing us for as we move forward after quarantine. Get your pen and journal ready. Trust me. You'll want to take notes. Here's just one quote to whet your appetite: "When you have a salary, you have a guarantee. When you walk by faith, there are no guarantees but there are also no limitations." You can check out Brother Andre van Zyl's ministry at http://www.gnni.org/Andre van Zyl, a native of South Africa, has been active in ministry since July 1980. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Andre actively ministers across the United States as the Lord leads him.As a father of the faith to many, he has traveled to many parts of the world. Andre leads, and is involved with several leadership networks in the United States and abroad. Andre strongly believes in an Alliance of Kingdom Leaders to bring in the End Time Harvest. A major emphasis of this ministry is Church Planting and the training of Pastors in Africa and beyond. This includes a Bible School where approximately 700 leaders attend weekly for further training and equipping.God spoke to Andre in 2009 that His church needed to return to the Upper Room. Out of that encounter was birthed an international prayer movement called Global Prayer Alliance. http://globalprayeralliance.com/The GNN ministry also embraces a daily rescue center, called New Beginnings, taking care of approximately 1,000 people. Many different aspects of ministry are launched from this center including a ministry to orphan children. Unless it touches the Heart of God, it is not a priority. His heart is people, and our focus must be people. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross for people. People need the Lord, and the Lord loves people.

Tony Cooke was one of our Bible School Instructors as well as a staff pastor at the church we attended while in school. We were so honored to get to interview Tony for the podcast today on Walking Well Through Adversity. It's such a timely message in light of what we're experiencing in our nation at this time. "People who do well through adversity are those that understand that life has adversity." We talk about expectations, being realistic AND faith-filled, faith and wisdom, and is God behind all this? We pray this will flood you with life and hope.Check out Tony's website for more free resources (audio and articles): https://www.tonycooke.org/Bible Teacher and Author, Tony Cooke has been married to his wife, Lisa, since 1979. Together, they have been serving the Body of Christ since 1980.Since 2002, Tony and Lisa have traveled full-time with an assignment of “Strengthening Churches and Leaders.” Tony’s passion for teaching the Bible has taken him to forty-seven states (US) and thirty-one nations.The website of Tony Cooke Ministries has reached 2.7 million unique individuals, many of them pastors, missionaries, and other church leaders with encouraging and helpful ministerial resources.Books authored by Tony include: Life After Death, In Search of Timothy, Grace: the DNA of God, Qualified, Through the Storms, Your Place on God’s Dream Team, The Work Book: What We Do Matters to God and Lift: Experiencing the Elevated Life. Various titles have been translated and published in nine other languages. Prior to traveling, Tony was involved in pastoral ministry for more than twenty years, and served as an Instructor and the Dean of Rhema Bible Training Center. He also served for thirteen years as the Director of an International Ministerial Association.In addition to being a 1981 graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Center, Tony studied Religion at Butler University, and received degrees from North Central University (Bachelor’s in Church Ministries) and from Liberty University (Masters in Theological Studies with a Church History cognate).Tony and Lisa reside in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and are the parents of two adult children, Laura and Andrew, both of whom are worship leaders.

We sat down this week and just talked. We talked about good news. About what God is doing in the midst of this epidemic all around us. If you need a boost to your faith today, grab a cup of coffee and listen on our conversation of faith. And join us on a faith challenge and help us spread the word of what God is doing all over the Internet. #wearebettertogether

Pastor Mikel got to sit down and talk with Pastor Dan Prox about all things Change30, Russia, Missions and so much more. Grab a cup of coffee and get to know Pastor Dan Prox.

It's day 13 of our prayer Initiative, Love the Lost! Join Mikel and Toni as they go through the devotional for today and share some powerful insight on prayer that they've experienced in doing this. Things happen when you pray that don't happen when you don't pray.

It was so fun to interview one of my best friends today for the podcast, Pastor Mark Cuprik. After Mark gave his life to the Lord, God completely delivered him from anxiety. In this episode, he walks us through his journey and walks us through how to walk away from fear and anxiety so you can be free from it and help others find freedom as well, using Philippians 4:4-9 as a blueprint. You can have peace in the storm that's raging around you, and you can pull others to safety as you do.

I met Doug Reed on my first trip to Israel and we became as close as brothers. I had so much fun hanging out with my friend and talking about what the Word of God has to say about Faith vs. Fear. It's such a timely message in light of what's going on in our world right now. I pray your faith is strengthened and you're filled with peace and the presence of God as you listen. Pastor Doug Reed is the lead pastor at Bridge of Hope in Youngstown, Ohio. He is also the area representative for the Ohio Church Multiplication Network, helping plant churches in the Mahoning Valley. Doug has been married to his wife, Sam, for the past 11 years and they have four beautiful children.

Join Mikel & Toni as they encourage us into peace and talk about the prayer initiative we are launching March 22nd and we need your help! The Bible has a lot to say about peace, from Romans 16:20 where we see the God of Peace crushing Satan under our feet to the sweet words of Jesus, "Peace I leave you, My peace I give...for I have overcome the world." Even in uncertain times we can have peace. We pray your faith Is encouraged and your atmosphere becomes even more saturated with peace as you listen.

During this season of uncertainty in this world, we're pleased to have David Nekrutman on the pod with us today. He joins us from Israel today with a word of encouragement and hope, bringing us a fuller understanding of Psalm 91. He's the Executive Director of the CJCUC in Israel (the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation). In 2018, he became the first orthodox Jewish person in history to graduate from a Spirit-filled university. He graduated from Oral Roberts University with a Masters in Biblical Literature. We pray that you'll be filled with peace, hope, and purpose as you listen to today's podcast. https://www.cjcuc.org/http://morningdrivebible.com/ (David's podcast)About David NekrutmanThe weekly Bible commentator for FrontPage Jerusalem’s Bible on the Go segment as well as a blogger for both Charisma and Times of Israel, David Nekrutman currently serves as the Executive Director for The Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation (CJCUC) in Jerusalem, Israel. In this capacity, Mr. Nekrutman is breaking new ground in leading the first ever Orthodox Jewish institution to dialogue with Christians on a religious and theological basis. He also launched the Day to Praise in 2015, creating a global movement of Christians joining Jews on Israel’s Independence Day to recite Psalms 113-118 (Hallel). Prior to his work with CJCUC, Mr. Nekrutman served as the Director of Christian Affairs for the Consulate General of Israel in New York. He was instrumental in the successful launching of The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, The Israel Experience, The Christian Jerusalem Day Banquet, and The Watchman on the Wall program with Reverend Robert Stearns of Eagles Wings, resulting in millions of Christians praying & supporting Israel and the Jewish people. Prior to his calling in the field of Jewish-Christian relations, Mr. Nekrutman’s professional career ranged from working for the City Council of New York as a Legislative Analyst to e-marketing for a major high tech company in Israel. He received a Bachelors of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013, Mr. Nekrutman was accepted into Oral Roberts University’s Theology program, taking a Masters of Arts in Biblical Literature with a concentration in Judaic-Christian Studies. He thesis work is in the Hebraic Roots of the Holy Spirit. Mr. Nekrutman resides in Netanya with his wife and three sons.

In these uncertain times as we watch what's unfolding all around us, Mikel & Toni wanted to take a moment and share their thoughts on faith, fear, peace and what's going on. With all of the unknowns everywhere we look, we need to rest In what we do know. God Is good. He Is faithful. And He won't leave us. We are praying for you that His peace will saturate your heart and mind.

We loved connecting with Bishop David and Pastor Kathie Thomas, our spiritual Dad and Mom. We talk about all the things (well maybe not ALL the things - this podcast Is only 30 minutes long). "We've found since we were birthed in a move of God, birthed in revival, we've never been able to be satisfied with just plain church." They have so much to share. They've been the leaders of Victory Christian Center for over 40 years (we're one church with eight locations) and they've been married for 48 years, there's so much wisdom packed into these 44 minutes. They share about things like giving God your yes and what that looks like, marriage, endurance, and what to do when you feel isolated. They open up about when they wanted to quit and what made them stay. There are so many nuggets of hope and encouragement In this podcast and we just know it will strengthen your faith while making you laugh and cry all at the same time. Get ready to love them as much as we do! #wearebettertogether

Welcome to the Better Together Brotherhood podcast! We're so excited for you to meet Mikel Lagaras. He's the fearless leader of this podcast as well as the campus pastor of Victory Christian Center's Warren Campus and the head of the Brotherhood men's ministry. We had so much fun interviewing him. He's the most authentic person you'll ever meet and you're going to love hearing all about his story, what makes him tick, and his vision for the future. Thanks for hanging out with us today! #wearebettertogether

Better Together with Brotherhood Is about connecting with other guys over today's hottest topics. We'll have interviews, special guests and even some give aways. We were never meant to do life alone, and we're looking forward to connecting with you!