Called Beyond features a wide range of inspiring stories, all with a common thread—in every story we find evidence that God is inviting us to follow Him into a new normal. He is calling us to take steps of faith beyond the familiar territory of our everyday lives. Within Novo we believe Jesus wants to partner with each of us to build His kingdom on earth, and we believe you too are â€called beyond.†Called Beyond is produced by Simeon Lohrmann and Jonn Bartine. Our podcast host is Tim Shuck, who serves as the Director of Novo’s Spiritual Authority Cohorts. Novo is a band of creative missionaries sent to multiply movements of the gospel and mobilize the church for that mission around the world. To learn more about our mission you can visit our website (www.novo.org) or follow us on one of our social sites (@novomission).
What could happen if you truly listened to God's voice—and followed, no matter where it led? In this episode of Called Beyond, Tim connects with Novo staff members Josh and Ali to hear their personal stories of how they have navigated unexpected turns in their lives, the importance of listening to God's voice, and the power of community in discerning God's direction. The conversation highlights the beauty of sharing Jesus with those who have never heard His story and the miracles that can occur when we step out in faith. Key Takeaways: -Discipleship is often messy and filled with mistakes. -Listening to God's voice is crucial in the life of a disciple. -Community plays a vital role in discerning God's will. -God provides grace in our times of need. -Living with open hands allows for freedom in ministry.
In the second half of Season 2 Episode 10, Tim invites Alex and Darren to share recent testimonies of miracles they've experienced. Through the discussion they explore the true nature of evangelism as an announcement of the Kingdom of God. One of the key themes that emerges from the conversation is the essential need for community to ensure healthy spiritual growth. The episode concludes with an invitation for you the listener to integrate the rhythms of Cave, Table and Road into your own life. Interested in learning more about these 3 spiritual rhythms? Check out this blog on the Novo website: https://novo.org/mission-blog/cave-table-road-spiritual-rhythms-for-gospel-movements Chapters: 01:06 Miracles and Testimonies in Florida 04:10 The Nature of Evangelism 08:07 The Importance of Community 12:29 The Role of the Table in Spiritual Growth 16:23 Practical Exercises for Spiritual Growth 20:02 Trusting God in Everyday Life 24:10 Conclusion and Call to Action
In the first half of Season 2 Episode 10, Tim introduces his fellow Novo teammates Alex Guthrie and Darren Rusco. Together they explore the importance of authenticity in relating with God and the realities of living out one's faith in the world. This portion of the conversation delves into the depths of Alex and Darren's spiritual upbringings and their journeys from intellectualism to a genuinely spirit-filled life. If you enjoy the first part of this episode we hope you'll tune in for the second half of the conversation as Alex and Darren share encouraging testimonies and offer practical exercises you can use to enrich your own walk with God. Chapters: 00:00 The Messy Cave 03:41 A Journey of Transformation 09:30 The Search for Authenticity 13:37 Seasons of Spiritual Life 20:15 Living Out Loud
In this episode Charlotte Penketh shares her experiences helping to lead a micro church network in Glasgow, Scotland. She discusses the cultural context of Christianity in the area, the structure and dynamics of their church gatherings, and the importance of involving children in faith practices. Charlotte highlights the transformative power of community, storytelling, and discovery Bible studies, as well as the significance of practicing hospitality and spiritual rhythms in everyday life. Key Takeaways: Cultural Christianity is nearly absent in Glasgow. Micro churches provide a supportive community for faith. Practicing hospitality opens doors for community engagement. Children can play a vital role in church leadership. Transformation happens through shared experiences and relationships. ----more---- To read more about the Penketh's ministry in Glasgow you can check out the following stories from the Novo Story Map: A Community of Prayer and Worship Among an Unreached People https://map.novo.org/2024-stories/scotland Pizzachurch: A Church By Kids and For Kids https://map.novo.org/2023-stories/scotland
In this episode of Called Beyond, we dive into the inspiring story of Dave Matthews, president of Reflejo* (one of Novo's Global Partners). Dave shares his personal ministry experiences and highlights the profound effect of wholeheartedly trusting in God's guidance. As you listen to Dave's story you'll be invited to reflect on your own journey of faith and the impact of giving God your "yes."----more---- *Reflejo is dedicated to mobilizing and supporting Latin American missionaries. To learn more about their efforts we encourage you to visit their website: https://www.reflejo.org/en/home. You can also read a feature story about one of Reflejo's missionaries in Peru by checking out this blog on the Novo Story Map: https://map.novo.org/2024-stories/peru.
Who says deliverance ministry has to be weird? In this bonus content from Season 2, Episode 7, Keith and Megan Peeler share powerful and practical stories of praying with individuals facing spiritual warfare. Haven't listened to the full episode yet? Be sure to check out Finding Freedom through Prayer to hear more about the Peelers' journey and their ministry of inner healing and deliverance.
What does it mean to experience true freedom in prayer? Drawing from their upbringing and years of ministry experience, Keith and Megan Peeler share how inner healing prayer can unlock freedom that many long for but don't know how to access. In this episode of Called Beyond, Tim connects with The Peelers—former Novo staff members who followed God's call to focus on helping people discover freedom through inner healing prayer. "I was raised in a very conservative Christian home, and I didn't know my identity. I honestly didn't even know I had authority in Jesus' name to address spiritual warfare. And so when I started reading some books that were showing me that the enemy is real and I have the permission by God to deal with it and address it, it changed my life." - Megan Peeler We hope this episode inspires you to pursue deeper freedom in your own life through prayer and encourages you to create welcoming, vulnerable spaces where others can encounter God's presence. ----more---- To learn more about the Peeler's ministry through Everfree or to access the prayer resources on their website, visit https://www.everfree.us/.
In the latest installment of Called Beyond, Tim sits down with two "everyday disciple-makers" to discuss their experiences and challenges in fostering Gospel movement in Orange County. With insights on overcoming barriers like time and busyness, this episode will encourage you to believe in your identity and begin to take action through small steps of obedience. Guests Bios: Jonne' Rasmussen works as a labor and delivery nurse at Kaiser Irvine. She also serves on Novo's Board of Directors and has helped to foster a prayer-walking movement in Orange County's largest school district. John Gash leads a nonprofit called FaithQuest that hosts adventure mission trips around the world. John has literally traveled around the world and he originally met Novo while on a trip in the Middle East. Highlights from the Episode: Orange County's Potential for Gospel Movement The Expansion of Prayer Walking at OC Schools Addressing Challenges and Barriers to Movement
In this episode, Tim connects with Greg and Jeannie Burns, a couple from Minden, NV who are deeply rooted in their faith and community. Reconnecting with their early faith days, Greg and Jeannie found new purpose through their work with Novo, reigniting their everyday experiences with spiritual excitement. Greg, a seasoned mechanical engineer and competitive motorcycle racer, and Jeannie, a dedicated candy maker, emphasize how simple, daily interactions can be powerful tools for ministry. Highlights from the Episode Embracing Everyday Ministry: Greg and Jeannie share how their journey with Novo helped them reconnect with their roots in faith and shaped how they view ministry today. Moto Novo's Impact: Founded as a small group, Moto Novo has grown into a vibrant ministry, engaging the motorcycle community through gospel messages, prayer services, and personal conversations that have led to new believers and meaningful transformations. Listening to God's Guidance: Through Novo's teachings, Greg and Jeannie learned how to recognize opportunities for spiritual conversations and to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every area of life—from racing to candy-making. Finding Purpose in Hobbies and Passions: Jeannie's candy business, highlighted in Novo's recent blog post (see link below), is another ministry outlet where she serves with joy alongside a volunteer team, using her gifts to connect with others and share her faith. Related Resources Novo Trainings: Prayer Tools: https://novo.org/prayercohort Disciple-Making: https://novo.org/disciple-makingcohort Blog Post: Hallelujah Toffee: https://novo.org/novo-action-blog/from-pots-of-toffee-to-global-impact-the-unique-vision-of-hallelujah-toffee Final Takeaways Greg and Jeannie encourage listeners to pursue a relationship with God that infuses their daily lives, whether in the workplace, through hobbies, or with friends. They remind us that with God's guidance, even small interactions can be meaningful ministry moments.
Have you ever found yourself struggling with serious doubts and frustrations in ministry? This bonus content from Tim's conversation with Stu and Sara Sutherland will encourage you to persevere during your most difficult seasons of life and ministry. If you haven't heard the main episode featuring the Sutherlands we recommend you check it out here: "Coffee, Ministry and Apostolic Calling".
Join us in this episode of the Called Beyond podcast as Tim sits down with Novo missionaries Stu and Sara Sutherland. Discover their incredible journey from a reluctant stance on missionary work to embracing a divine call that transformed their lives and community. Experience the heartfelt story of how Stu and Sara navigated the challenges of marriage, family, and career while listening to God's unexpected call. Their decision to say "yes" led them to establish nonprofit coffeehouses in one of the most unchurched cities in the U.S., creating spaces for connection and spiritual growth. This episode explores the themes of obedience, spiritual entrepreneurship, and the power of authentic truth in fostering healing and transformation. With insights on living missionally and practical tips for deepening your walk with God, this episode is a testament to the beauty of following Jesus beyond your comfort zone.
In this episode, Tim interviews Novo staff members Alice Collier and Chris Somogyi. Together they explore the profound impact of understanding God's love and the intimacy He invites us into. Alice shares her journey of leading a team of creatives in gospel movements, emphasizing how intimacy with Jesus and fuels her passion for prayer and creativity, while Chris discusses the privilege of holding space for leaders and teams to experience the fullness of what God has for them. Through personal stories and practical insights, this episode encourages listeners to find balance in their spiritual practices, embrace creativity in their faith journey, and step into God's calling with courage and joy. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will challenge you to deepen your relationship with God, engage meaningfully with others, and bring the gospel to the world around you.
Hearing directly from God, cultivating a vibrant faith community, and discovering the truth of what God says about us - in this second episode of Season 2 you'll hear stories from Taylor and Chewy who are on the frontlines of a fresh movement of God in Dallas, TX. "I would tell myself intellectually that who I am in God is what matters, but deep down what helped me sleep at night was whether or not people perceived me as successful. My identity was so wrapped up in being a high achiever that I was having a meltdown. When the Holy Spirit breathed truth into my heart, that's when things really started to change." ----------------------- RELATED RESOURCES: Young Adults Fired Up For Jesus [Novo BLOG] The Activating Prayer Cohort [Novo Training]
During this second season of the podcast we're highlighting 3 spiritual rhythms reflected in the life of Christ: Cave, Table, and Road. In this first episode Tim connects with Novo Leaders Bill Randall & Darren Prince, to explore both the history, as well of the current application of these essential spiritual rhythms. Check out this Novo blog to read more about Cave, Table, and Road. About Our Guests: Darren Prince is Novo's Senior Vice President. He currently lives and serves in Whitechapel London. Darren loves to read, he's an encouragement to everyone he meets, and he often finds friends in the most unlikely of places. Bill Randall is the Director of Novo's Gospel Movement Teams. He and his wife Jill live nearby their kids in Boise, ID. Bill loves to equip everyday people with tools to see God at work in and through them. Bill also loves fishing.
In this wrap-up/preview episode, our host Tim Shuck reflects back on the stories we've shared during Called Beyond Season 1, while also looking ahead to the theme we're planning to introduce for Season 2. Tim is joined in this episode by Mark Thrash, Jill Randall and Simeon Lohrmann. Mark is the President of Novo and if you've been listening in order to the episodes in this first season, you will have just heard from Mark and his wife Jamie in our latest episode: Courage To Step Into New Territory Jill is a Director within Novo's Gospel Movement Teams and Resource Teams with an emphasis on Staff Health. In Episode 8 she teamed up with another Novo missionary to discuss the role of Spiritual Parenting Simeon serves within Novo's Mission Advancement division and in addition to helping produce this podcast, he also heads up Novo's Mobilization efforts
Are you facing a life-altering decision? Maybe you sense the Lord inviting you to take a step of faith, or maybe you and your spouse are trying to discern God's leading together. Whatever the situation may be, we believe the conversation in this episode will serve you in your search for courage and confirmation to step into the plans God has for you. In this finale episode of Season 1, Tim talks with Mark and Jamie Thrash about their process of learning to hear from God at critical turning point moments. From the early days of their marriage and ministry with Young Life, to Mark's transition and growing leadership within Novo, the Thrash's journey is one of surrender and faithful obedience to continually say yes to Jesus.
Have you ever paused to consider the brokenness around you and found yourself asking, What is good news? In Episode 10, Called to be a Good News Agent, you'll meet Novo staff member Luc Kabongo who lives and ministers with his family in South Africa. Despite growing up in the Congo, which is statistically 87% Christian, Luc shares candidly about the impacts of civil war and poverty. "The majority of our neighbors would call themselves Christian, yet there's a lot of animosity between neighbors, and the primary criminals are neighbors themselves." Luc's real life experience led him to grapple with the question 'What is good news in the hurting neighborhoods and communities where we are serving?' Prayerful reflection around this core question led Luc and his team to embrace a number of creative ministry responses. Luc describes the transformation they've witnessed as a learning experience and a humbling process. We hope Luc's story encourages you to pursue God's call to be an agent of good news to those in need around you.
"It was a lonely time in my life. I didn't want to read the word. I wasn't hearing God. It was hard to worship him. I had a lot of spiritual baggage. It was in the darkest moment when I had felt so far from the God that I loved...in his kindness [he said], 'It's still alive, Steph. I'm still here!'" Called Beyond Episode 9 features Steph Kaihoi who serves as a Regional Director with Novo's Cohort Team and lives with her family in Minneapolis, MN. Steph's story is one of faithful obedience through the peaks and valleys of life. Whether you're experiencing a dark season of the soul, or you're eagerly seeking a fresh vision for God's leading in your life, we're confident you'll be challenged and encouraged by listening to Steph's story.
In this special themed episode you'll hear from Novo staff members Ruth Happ and Jill Randall as they share how God led each of them into a unique calling as Spiritual Parents. Whether you have kids of your own or not, this conversation is filled with relevant insights about what it takes to foster spiritually formative relationships with others. ----more---- If the topic of this episode touches your heart in a special way, we'd love to hear about it! You can easily send us a message via email: info@novo.org. We also encourage you to share this episode with anyone you know who may have a similar calling in their life to the one described by Ruth and Jill.
Andrew Bennett, a physical therapist by trade, found himself wrestling with a pull towards missions. This unshakeable desire led him to ask questions about the kingdom purpose of his job: "If I was gonna be a missionary right here in Los Angeles, what would that look like? Because it feels like I'm here, I've got this job, but it doesn't seem like it would keep God from using me." If you've ever wondered about how God might use you right where you already are, then we encourage you to check out this episode. We know you'll be encouraged by Andrew's journey of partnering with God in his normal everyday life.
What began as a "chance encounter" at a Del Taco and a Dunkin Donuts, led Brandon and Marco into a deep friendship with a vision for Kingdom impact. In this one of a kind episode, you'll join Tim in discovering the power of love and acceptance as evidenced through Brandon and Marco's relationship. You'll also be encouraged by the way God has led these two men to partner together in sharing the love of Jesus, in an uncommon and sometimes dangerous environment. Brandon and Marco's story gives witness to the transforming grace of Christ, while also testifying to the importance of trusting the leading of the Holy Spirit.
In this episode you'll hear the conclusion of Tim's conversation with Cory and Suz Ozbun who live and serve in the Kansas City area. Cory serves as a catalyst, mobilizer, and trainer, and Suz is a full-time Family Medicine Physician. The Ozbuns are passionate about seeing new disciples and spiritual families emerge in every neighborhood and network in their city. Are you ready to be a local disciple-maker like Cory and Suz? Novo offers a FREE online training called The Movement Pathway that will help you gain a vision for gospel movements and discover your role in them. To learn more or register for an upcoming training click here.
In this episode you'll meet Cory and Suz Ozbun who live and serve in the Kansas City area. Cory serves as a catalyst, mobilizer, and trainer, and Suz is a full-time Family Medicine Physician. The Ozbuns are passionate about seeing new disciples and spiritual families emerge in every neighborhood and network in their city. In addition to hosting a microchurch with their own neighbors and friends, Cory and Suz helped launch the Kansas City Underground in 2018, a network of reproducing disciples and microchurches throughout the KC metro. To learn more about the KC Underground click here.
In this episode you'll hear from Kelsey Phillips about her passion to hear from God and bless others with His words of love and encouragement. Kelsey serves as an elder in her church and has been involved with Novo's Spiritual Authority Cohorts since 2017, first as a local leader, and then as a regional leader. Kelsey is married to Chandler and they have three children.
In this episode you'll hear from Amy Taylor, who caught a vision for ministering to Muslims through a short-term mission trip to Athens, Greece. Since then God has led Amy to join Novo staff as a missionary and she is living out her new found calling to bring the hope of Jesus to Muslims in her hometown of Austin, TX. Amy is married to her middle school sweetheart Grant, and they have 3 kids. She loves college football and Mexican food.
Are you ready to meet Tim?! In the first episode of Called Beyond we'll introduce you to our podcast host Tim Shuck. In recent years Tim's life with Jesus has been dramatically transformed. The primary catalyst for change in Tim's life has come through his experience in Novo's Spiritual Authority Cohort. --- HOST BIO: Tim Shuck is the Director of Novo's Spiritual Authority Cohorts. Tim loves practicing activating prayer and he enjoys the opportunities he gets to watch God at work all around him, from coffee shops to airplanes and everywhere in between. Tim and his wife Leslie enjoy having fun with their three amazing kids on their homestead farm in North Idaho. Interested in learning more about the Spiritual Authority Cohort? Click Here