Greater Things

Send us a textWhat happens when we strip away expectations and discover our authentic creative voice? Chris Folson's journey from atheist child to influential worship songwriter reveals powerful truths about creativity, faith, and finding your unique expression in a world that demands conformity.Growing up with entertainer parents, Chris absorbed creativity through osmosis while his grandfather's encouragement to question everything paradoxically led him toward faith. This fascinating background shaped Chris into a storyteller who views art as a vehicle for mystery rather than a platform for answers—much like the parables Jesus told that confused even his closest followers.Chris shares a startling NASA study revealing that while 98% of children aged 3-5 have creative genius potential, only 2% retain it by age 18. Through education and religious systems that value conformity over curiosity, we systematically unlearn our natural creative abilities. The revelation is both heartbreaking and hopeful: what if we could reclaim this lost creative innocence?The conversation takes a compelling turn when Chris describes discovering his authentic voice after years of professional musicianship. After being constantly instructed to "play like" famous guitarists, his role as a church music director ironically freed him to develop his own style. "In God's presence," he reflects, "I forgot who I was supposed to be and I became who I really was." This moment became a cornerstone of his artistic philosophy and coaching approach.For creators struggling with self-doubt, Chris offers this liberating perspective: "The world doesn't need another love song, but what the world needs is your love song." By embracing your unique viewpoint and releasing the need to be clever or successful, authentic expression emerges. Ready to rediscover your creative voice? This conversation might be the permission slip you've been waiting for.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textWhat does it mean to truly be seen? To strip away the facades and connect with others in raw authenticity? Gavin Fuller, videographer, storyteller, father of five, and self-described "friend of Jesus," joins me for a conversation that will challenge how you think about identity and relationships.Gavin takes us into his imaginative prayer life, where he flips the famous Biblical question "Who do you say that I am?" back to Jesus, asking "Who do YOU say that I am?" The answer—"You're a friend"—becomes the foundation for how he approaches every relationship in his life. This identity as "friend" shapes his extraordinary capacity to care for others, remember faces, and maintain emotional connections across years and distances.We explore the concept of marriage as "a city on a hill" characterized by authority balanced with love, and how the Fuller family dinner table becomes a communion table—a sacred space where authentic conversations unfold. Gavin shares his approach to drawing people into deeper connection by noticing conversational threads and creating safe spaces for vulnerability.Perhaps most profound is our discussion of Eden—how we weren't designed for platforms and polished perfection, but for the beautiful mess of the garden. Gavin's refreshing honesty about family life, marriage struggles, and the joy found in everyday moments offers a compelling vision of what it means to experience paradise in our ordinary lives.For anyone feeling lonely, powerless, or hopeless about the future, this conversation offers a practical pathway forward through authenticity and connection. Learn how paying attention to the "open threads" in your conversations might create the very Eden you've been searching for.https://www.youtube.com/@GavinFullerSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textHave you ever felt God calling you toward something that initially made you want to say "no thank you"? That's exactly what happened when artist Jessie DeCorsey felt the divine nudge to pick up her paintbrush again after years of creative trauma and disappointment.Despite being a lifelong artist with two decades of professional experience, Jessie had reached a point where painting was associated with so much hurt that she couldn't imagine returning to it. A professor's dismissive comment about her faith-inspired art having "no future," followed by years of struggle trying to market her work, had left deep wounds. Even when opportunities finally emerged—like becoming an artist-in-residence at Luther Seminary—a faith crisis left her creatively empty, unable to find inspiration or even desire to create.In this deeply personal conversation, Jessie reveals how God's simple invitation to "pick up your brush" transformed into a journey of profound healing and creative liberation. Without agenda or pressure to succeed, she found herself creating over 20 paintings in just three months, each one becoming a devotional conversation with God. The freedom she discovered came through releasing expectations about outcomes and simply asking each day: "What do you want to create with me today?"This episode explores how creativity flows naturally when we release the need for validation and commercial success, how comparison kills our unique expression, and how to identify what truly brings life to your spirit. Whether you're an artist, writer, musician, or someone who's never considered yourself "creative," Jessie's story offers a powerful invitation to reconsider what creativity might look like in your own life and to take that first small step toward what God is calling you to do—even when it feels uncomfortable.What creative expression might be waiting for you on the other side of hesitation? Listen in and be inspired to discover your own divine conversation through creativity.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textWhat happens when we finally remove the masks we've worn for decades? Betty Bradshaw's transformational journey takes us from performance-driven perfectionism to authentic spiritual identity in this powerful conversation.Betty opens up about growing up in a chaotic home with a brother battling addiction, which led her to build strong protective walls and dedicate herself to "doing everything the right way." This pattern served her well through raising four children and running a business, but left her true self hidden behind carefully constructed barriers of achievement and competence.The empty nest phase brought a pivotal question: "What am I going to do now?" Though initially resistant, Betty found herself in a life-changing Bible study that transformed her relationship with the Holy Spirit. She shares the powerful moment in 2016 when prayer released her from the weights she hadn't realized she carried—fear, pride, judgment, and performance—setting her on a path toward her true calling.We explore how this spiritual awakening transformed her marriage as she learned to honor her husband differently, creating a new oneness between them that mirrors the vulnerability she discovered with God. This personal journey ultimately led to the birth of Fresh Wind Ministries, where Betty now creates safe spaces for others to encounter the Holy Spirit and discover their authentic identity.What makes this story particularly compelling is Betty's willingness to surrender control and follow God's leading one day at a time. Her perspective that "God works in seasons and isn't bound by time" offers hope to anyone feeling stuck in performance-based living or wondering if their past has purpose. Ready to discover who you truly are beneath the masks? Connect with Betty at betty@freshwindministries.org to learn more about Fresh Wind Ministries.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textWhat happens when we learn to embrace connection in a world designed to keep us disconnected? South African-born Lana Enkelbrecht joins us to share her powerful insights on finding freedom through connected living.Drawing from her experiences across three countries and cultures, Lana reveals how disconnection from our true identity creates literal "dis-ease" in our bodies and relationships. With warmth and wisdom, she explores how our fast-paced, digitally-saturated world has eroded our capacity for genuine connection—with ourselves, with God, and with those around us.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Lana unpacks the Hebrew concept of "shalom"—not just peace, but bringing order and beauty from chaos. She describes practical ways to remain grounded amid life's storms, including intentional moments of presence and curiosity. Rather than seeing challenges as attacks, Lana suggests they reveal heart positions we might otherwise ignore, creating opportunities for transformation.As someone preparing to write a book on connected living, Lana offers profound insights about nurturing connection in families, embracing our purpose, and creating environments where others experience the peace of heaven. Her perspective on approaching life with curiosity rather than judgment opens new pathways for authentic relationship and spiritual growth.Whether you're feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or simply seeking deeper connections, this conversation offers practical wisdom for experiencing the freedom that comes when we live as the connected beings we were designed to be. Listen now to discover how small shifts in awareness can transform your experience of everyday life.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textAndrew Battistella, pastor of a church in Ballarat, Victoria, brings a refreshing authenticity to this profound conversation about creating communities where people can truly be themselves. Rather than presenting a polished facade, Andrew identifies first as a "friend" - someone who loves journeying with people around tables filled with good food and honest conversation.The conversation explores what happens when we prioritize safety over perfection in our churches. His church vision crystallizes this approach: "To be a safe place for all people where they can be restored and revealed to His glory."What makes this discussion particularly powerful is Andrew's willingness to share his own story. From experiencing rejection in his youth to navigating the complexities of family restoration, his journey has shaped his belief that authenticity heals. In perhaps the most striking revelation, he shares that every member of his church leadership team sees a counselor - a fact he proudly tells other pastors.The dialogue delves into the three pillars Andrew considers "keys of the kingdom": authenticity, vulnerability, and transparency. While our culture often frames vulnerability as weakness, Andrew argues it's actually our natural state in God's economy. The conversation tackles the wisdom required to balance openness with appropriate boundaries, likening it to Jesus having his inner circle of three disciples.By the end, a powerful truth emerges: perspective through the Father's heart changes everything. Rather than seeing God as a harsh judge, Andrew invites us to recognize Him as a loving Father creating "opportunity after opportunity for deeper relationship." This reshapes how we approach ministry, relationships, and our own brokenness.Join us for this refreshingly honest conversation that might just change how you think about community, leadership, and what it means to create truly safe spaces where healing can flourish.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textWe explore the biblical metaphor of God as the Potter and humans as clay through the unique perspective of Jade Schultz, an experienced potter who brings both spiritual and practical insight to this powerful imagery.• The importance of trust in the pottery process, paralleling our need to trust God during formation• How clay must be properly wedged (kneaded) to remove air bubbles before firing, similar to how we need preparation• Understanding our uniqueness in God's design, like different types of clay suited for different purposes• The significance of not rushing the process – both in pottery and spiritual formation• How our past struggles actually strengthen us, like recycled clay scraps adding strength to new clay• Viewing difficult seasons as necessary preparation rather than punishment• Learning to recognize when God is changing how He communicates with us• The freedom that comes from yielding to God's expert shapingJoin us next time for another conversation about greater things God is doing in and through ordinary lives.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textDiscerning God's voice amidst the noise of everyday life presents a profound challenge for many believers. In this illuminating conversation with Naomi Byers, we explore the intricate art of hearing, testing, and applying divine messages with both confidence and humility.Naomi's journey from high school chemistry teacher to prophetic pioneer offers a fascinating perspective on spiritual discernment. With her unique blend of scientific thinking and spiritual sensitivity, she unpacks how God speaks through multiple channels—dreams, Scripture, creation, and even through her children's unexpected pronouncements (what she affectionately calls "clangers"). Her testimony reminds us that divine communication transcends our limited categories and invites us to expand our spiritual receptivity.The heart of our discussion revolves around testing prophetic words with wisdom and community discernment. Unlike superficial approaches, Naomi advocates for a comprehensive process that honors both the seriousness of speaking on God's behalf and the biblical mandate to "test everything." For those navigating the often confusing landscape of modern prophetic ministry, her balanced methodology offers much-needed clarity.We dive deep into understanding your prophetic gifting, challenging unhealthy hierarchies that create unnecessary division within the church. "Each individual, you are the most powerful prophet in your own life," Naomi declares, shifting focus from aspiring to positions toward embracing our unique design and purpose. This perspective aligns perfectly with the Joel 2 vision of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh, empowering every believer to hear and respond to God's voice.Using the powerful metaphor of pottery, Naomi describes spiritual formation as thoroughly messy yet beautiful—much like staying on the potter's wheel while being shaped. Her insights on distinguishing between God-given responsibilities and false burdens cut straight to the heart of ministry burnout, offering freedom to those carrying weights they were never designed to bear. Ready to transform how you hear God speak? This conversation might just be the catalyst you've been waiting for.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textForgiveness sits at the heart of Christian faith, yet too often we reduce it to a simple phrase or moment when the reality is far more complex and powerful. In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Ben Armstrong takes us behind the curtain of his own journey through infidelity, betrayal, and the long road to restoration in his marriage and family.Ben offers a refreshing perspective that challenges common misconceptions about forgiveness. "Forgiveness is given, trust is earned," he explains, highlighting how many believers confuse these distinct elements of healing. Through his story, we discover how forgiveness often happens in layers as new wounds surface, requiring ongoing grace rather than a one-time decision.The conversation takes unexpected turns as Ben and Matt explore the challenges of isolation in the healing process. They challenge the notion that "all you need is God" for healing, instead pointing to Jesus' own model of both intimate communion with the Father and intentional connection with others. This theological grounding provides a framework for understanding why counseling, community, and shared wisdom become essential components of true forgiveness.Parents will find particular value in Ben's insights about modeling forgiveness at home. He shares how working through his own forgiveness journey with transparency actually equipped his children with tools for their own emotional processing. The ripple effects of authentic forgiveness within families can transform generations.Whether you're struggling to forgive someone who's wounded you deeply, seeking forgiveness for harm you've caused, or simply wanting to understand this cornerstone of faith more fully, this episode offers practical wisdom without easy answers. Ben's vulnerability creates space for listeners to engage their own forgiveness journeys with new perspective and hope.Ready to experience forgiveness as more than just words? Listen now and discover how true forgiveness leads to freedom and restoration beyond what you might have imagined possible.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textIn this episode, Matt and Liz unpack how to live connected with God. Join them as they discuss rest, restoration, and freedom through their lived experiences.https://lizwright.org/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textDive into this deeply insightful episode of the Greater Things Podcast featuring Liz Wright as we explore the transformative power of love and connection with God. In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, Liz shares her profound story of being enveloped in divine love and how this experience reshaped her understanding of identity and purpose. Tune in as Liz recounts her initial encounter with God's unconditional love, leading her from a place of pain and confusion to a confident belief in her value as a cherished child of God. She emphasizes the importance of knowing who we are in Christ—royalty in His kingdom—and highlights how this awareness empowers us to embrace peace amid life's challenges. We discuss the essential nature of rest and how cultivating a deep connection with God brings about not just peace but also the ability to love and serve others genuinely.By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with practical insights about deepening your relationship with Jesus, embracing your true self, and embodying love that influences those around you. Join us in this journey of exploring your identity and resting in divine love. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!https://lizwright.org/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm interviewing Ganit Peleg, who lives in Israel. With so much in the news about the Middle East, I've been searching for people living amongst all the strife and inviting them to share their stories.Ganit is a friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. Prior to the outbreak of war she has been working as a tour guide.Warning - This episode contains stories of war, abuse, murder, and rape. Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textIn this episode, Matt talks with Alia Abboud. Alia works for Thimar, working deep within Lebanon to provide safe places for the many people displaced by the war happening all around them. This is a powerful conversation about finding God in the hardest places and discovering the power of what love can do. If you would like to give to the work that Thimar is doing, click on the link:https://www.thimar.org/lebanon-emergency-fund/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textIn this episode, Matt chats with Ben about marriage, family, relationship, and how he lives them out in a daily & tangible way. Ben is a husband, father, and friend. He calls Bethel Church in Redding home, and his life blesses people all over the world.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textIn this episode, Matt interviews Jessie about her first book: Walk With Me. It's a book packed with her story, her experiences, and the great lessons of her life.Jessie is a wife, mum, friend, and brilliant artist.www.jessiedecorsey.comSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Rev Carl Smith. He's a vicar in England who is doing a profound job within his local parish. Carl talks about what God has been doing within the children of many schools his church ministers to.  Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textLisa Bruton is a speaker, podcaster, and founder and director of Arise Sanctuary, an organisation that has offered over 45 luxury boutique retreats for women in locations around the world. She is passionate about creating spaces for others to slow down, connect to God and hear His voice.Lisa has spoken at conferences and churches throughout Australia and overseas, where she openly shares her heart, funny mishaps, lessons and revelations. Lisa is a wife to Matty and mum to two young girls, Aria and Coco. In her spare time, she loves to surf and travel with herfamily.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textBen Armstrong is a pastor at Bethel Church in Redding. He has a passion for helping people with dream interpretation and hearing the voice of God. In this episode, he shares how he found himself in this field and how it is now a part of his family's rhythm. Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Counselor, Sarah Sibi Thomas about mental health and faith. More and more people are seeing the power of understanding why we think like we do, and then how this fits together with faith in God. Sarah is running a professional practice and inviting people to discover the powerful truths of their created design and idenity. Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Send us a Text Message.Although the Heartbeat of Jesus conference has been postponed, Brian's message in this podcast deserves to be heard. Brian Simmons is the lead translator of The Passion Translation. But more than that, he is an amazing son, husband, father, and grandfather. Support the Show.www.greaterthingsinternational.com

*Note* Trigger warning - This episode covers topics of sex slavery in Nepal. In this episode, Matt talks with Aimee McCloskey about the work she has been partnering with in Nepal. Aimee is a brilliant leader, mother, and friend.Support the Show.www.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt talks with Natalie Fuller, who wrote the foreword to his new book, Three Floods: The Chaos of Rest. She talks about what she got out of the book and how important she believes it is. Natalie is a brilliant speaker, author, mother, and friend. You can order the book at: https://www.greaterthingsinternational.com/product-page/three-floods-the-chaos-of-restSupport the Show.www.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt speaks with Jade Schultz and Mel Rice about the changing face of understanding Indigenous cultures and how they see faith fitting in with them.Support the Show.www.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt and Jonathan discuss presence and its importance to faith, mental health, and family life. https://jonathanpuddle.com/Support the Show.www.greaterthingsinternational.com

Join Matt and Jessie as they talk about the thoughts, themes, lessons, and revelations contained in Matt's book, Three Floods ❤️Support the Show.www.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt talks with Brian Simmons about some of the keywords that have given each of them so much understanding of what they believe and teach.Brian is a husband, father, son, grandfather, and friend. He is the translator of The Passion Translation, which has helped many discover the God that loves them. www.passionfire.com Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt talks with Jade Schultz about the importance of understanding who we are.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt is talking with Lana Engelbrecht about moving through times of transition. Her family is currently going through the largest transition of its life. Lana shares the heartaches, joys, and journey of faith through it all.  Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Nat gets honest and real about life and faith in the midst of having a family. She is such a genuine person and her heart is filled with wisdom and invitation into her home.Nat is a brilliant friend, mum, wife, and leader.    Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Matt is chatting with Conrad Englebrecht about something he invented. It's called GolfBoar, and it's a device used to help golfers work on their swing. Join us as Conrad shares the story and how his faith has played an integral part in its invention. https://www.golfboar.com/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Matt chats with Michael Henderson about the simplicity and wonder of the lost art of listening. Listening is a powerful act of love and creates relationships that are built on our story. Michael is a brilliant friend, husband, father, and creative, who is constantly curious about faith and the world around him.  Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt and Jade talk about the power of spontaneity. In a world that loves to have everything planned out, they take a look at how it works in their own lives and faith.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

2022 marked a new start, and it was the launch year for Greater Things International. Now 2 years down the track, Matt talks about things that have been formative for he and his wife, Trish, as they step out and do something they have not done before. Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

2020 was a year that marked our world and changed our lives. Nearly all of us had COVID-19 at least once. We knew the pain it caused us physically, and many felt the pain of what it did through the many and varied lockdowns. In this podcast, Matt talks about how it changed the face of how he did church, faith, and life.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Back in 2017, Matt began a short, interactive course called Prophetic Mentoring. Teaching people, they are designed to see and hear God. Six years later, this has become a very large part of the way he lives out his faith. Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

This is the first of four podcasts about Matt's journey out of religion and into a life where freedom and rest have become hallmarks of his life. Join Jade as she gets curious about his life, experiences, and beliefs.Matt's book, Eden Blueprint, has become foundational for many people who are seeking to live a life of faith in the everyday. https://www.greaterthingsinternational.com/product-page/eden-s-blueprintSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt chats with Jenna about James 2 on the topic of faith and work. Jenna unpacks that in her own words, and then we get curious about how that works in our lives today.Jenna is a brilliant friend, daughter, and wife. She lives in New Zealand and can be heard in her own podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-table-with-zoey-jenna/id1577479708Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt chats with Sarah Wiseman. She has a passion to connect and encourage mothers, daughters, and women. She lives out such an authentic life that is marked by the love of God.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt chats with Brooke Gordon about having fun with the prophetic. We believe that God can be found in all things, and Brooke has found Him in the recipes she prepares for her family.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt talks with Jade about her experiences and encounters with God on her recent trip to New Zealand.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt talks with Amber Atwood about her journey out of religion and into freedom.Amber is a pioneer, prophet, singer, songwriter, wife, mum, and carries a heart to see people discover the freedom they were designed to live from and in.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt is talking with Jessie Decorsey about success. We have a look at what success might have looked like for Jesus and compare it to what we see as success today.   Jessie is a brilliant artist, writer, wife, mum, nerd, and loves talking about how God works. jessiedecorsey.comSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt is talking with Jade Schultz. Jade recently spent time in Israel with the Bethel Church. Here, she shares her experiences of being on the land Jesus walked on.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Jonathan is an award-winning writer, podcast host, children's pastor, and publishing consultant. The Puddcast is a provocative and engaging interview show looking at the intersection of hope, love, and God.https://jonathanpuddle.com/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

Jonathan is an award-winning writer, podcast host, children's pastor, and publishing consultant. The Puddcast is a provocative and engaging interview show looking at the intersection of hope, love, and God.https://jonathanpuddle.com/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, we talk about their recent retreats they've hosted in New Zealand. So much of our hearts is to see healthy relationships flourishing in marriage, family, and community. We unpack why awe and wonder are so important in developing connection to each other and God.Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, I'm talking with Brian Simmons. We have a wonderful conversation unpacking the wonders of love and the theology of love. Brian and his wife, Candice, have been described as true pioneers in ministry. As a spiritual father and mother, their teaching and spiritual gifts have opened doors in many nations to take the message of authentic awakening and revival to many. For the last 40 years, they have labored together to present Christ in His fullness wherever God sends them. Dr. Simmons is currently working as the lead translator of The Passion Translation. https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/author/briansimmons/Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt chats with Lana Engelbrecht. Lana and her husband, Conrad, have recently done a couples retreat with Matt  & Trish. Here, she is speaking about all she has learned and discovered about Jesus, love, relationship, & connection. Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt and Jessie unpack the reason Jesus came to earth and died on the cross. It's one of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, and here they give a fresh & biblical understanding of it. Support the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com

In this episode, Matt is interviewing Melissa about a number of encounters she had had with the Holy Spirit throughout her lifetime

In this episode, Matt chats with Rob about God's grace and how it has shaped every day of his life.Rob is a brilliant dad, husband, pastor, reformer, and friend. He and his wife, Marguerite, run Gracepoint Christian Church in Sydney.www.gracepoint.com.auSupport the showwww.greaterthingsinternational.com