Our Mission: To encourage and influence individuals toward an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, through a journey to spiritual intimacy. Our Vision: To transform lives through a 9-month Journey, enabling them to be a positive influence to their world around them.
Bryan sat down with Influencer Bob Johnson, originally from Bakersfield, who now lives in Boise, ID area. He talks about starting from scratch in a new area, but the power of grilling meat to attract men to Jesus. He talks about his challenges and missteps in trying to get The Journey started there and the blessing of learning to let the Holy Spirit lead. We are seeing the birth of Influencers Idaho through one faithful missionary.
Rocky and Bryan talk about the 17th Chapter of John, also called the “High Priestly Prayer.” Jesus has just washed His disciples' feet, shared the Last Supper with them, talked to them about the Holy Spirit and Abiding and now, He prays for them. He not only prays for them, but He prays for us. There is SO much in this prayer, but Rocky and Bryan attempt to pull out some nuggets that apply to you and our mission as Influencers.
Bryan interviews Sonia Velasquez, one of the Colombian women who attended the recent Women's Summit, as she talks about the marital struggles with her husband, Jahider, leading up to the Summit and how God changed her heart. Jahider was serving at the Summit and translates for her on this podcast. Their honest and transparency is refreshing and heart-touching and this is one example of the power of the Holy Spirit at work through this ministry. There are many women who may need to hear this podcast.
Rocky and Bryan give an eyewitness account of what they saw the Holy Spirit do at the Global Women's Summit a few weeks ago. It was powerful! And they talk about the importance of this developing “Branch” of the ministry in spreading our message far and wide through the Journey Movie, especially considering 70% of Christian movie audiences are female. And they talk about the formation of a Global Women's leadership team in the works.
Bryan interviews former District Attorney of Tulsa, OK, Tim Harris, who was part of the first Journey Group back in 2006 and who has guided many groups since. None of been more powerful and impactful than his current Journey group of mostly ex-cons, where God put him face to face with a man who he had helped put behind bars years ago. It's a powerful Holy Spirit story of redemption and reconciliation.
Bryan sits down with some of the key speakers at this weekend's Global Women's Summit, as they talk about their entrusted messages and the Holy Spirit's preparation for their talks. You'll hear from Roberta Hoppe, Nicole Thompson, Jessica Smith and Gina Franzke. You will see how the Lord is preparing something very special for this Summit.
Bryan and Rocky explore the week leading up to Easter and the 40 Days after. Enter into the reality, the deep meaning and the drama of the events that unfolded as if you were one of Jesus' disciples, because you are. Enter Easter with us.
Bryan and Rocky explore the week leading up to Easter and the 40 Days after. Enter into the reality, the deep meaning and the drama of the events that unfolded as if you were one of Jesus' disciples, because you are. Enter Easter with us.
Bryan interviews Rocky about turning 80 and his reflections as he looks back at his life and all the ways God has shaped him. They talk about Deuteronomy 8 where God tells His people to remember His faithfulness, even in the wilderness. Rocky says, “It's in the wilderness that faith is formed.”
A few weeks ago, we had our first “Lunch with Rocky” as we gathered over the lunch hour for a time of intimate conversation with our founder, Rocky Fleming. We started on the West Coast, but we will be working our way across the time zones, one per quarter. We share the recording for those who want to learn more about Rocky and this ministry.
Bryan sits down with Roberta Hoppe for an update on the Women's Summit April 24-27 in Little Rock, AR. Roberta outlines much more detail about the weekend, what to expect and why you should come. We believe this is a significant event in the history of the Influencers Women's Ministry. You don't want to miss it!
Bryan interviews Jeff Crawford, Teaching Pastor at Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas and President of Cross Theological Seminary. Jeff went through The Journey last year with a group of men and talks about his experience of being an “everyday guy” as a pastor in a Journey group. He talks about the uniqueness of The Journey, the solid Biblical content and the value of a band of brothers. He also comments on how The Church can be part of the “ground plan” after The Journey Movie comes out.
Bryan interviews Rusty Weaver, a leader in Northwest Arkansas and a member of our Global Prayer Team. They talk about living this lifestyle of Abiding and using your spiritual gifts. Specifically, they talk about the Gift of Intercession.
Rocky and Bryan discuss what we affectionately call, “Rule #1” which is…Abide in Christ. Everything we do in this ministry and every aspect of the Christian life comes back to the abiding life in Christ. It is a topic/concept that cannot be discussed enough because it is the pathway to fruit and blessing and freedom. Listen and grow in your understanding of Abiding.
Bryan interviews Influencers International Director, Tom Seay, who shares his faith perspective. He says, “The older I get, the simpler things get.” Hear Tom's wisdom and also a brief update on God's development of our International Ministry.
God continues to expand our territory as we see new demographics of people going through The Journey. Meet Harrison Vaughan, a 30 year old Influencer and Journey Guide from Atlanta, GA who was mentored and invited into a Journey Group. He had never been part of anything like The Journey and it helped him find his lane of ministry and a tool to influence his generation for Christ.
Rocky and Bryan discuss a “stirring” going on within Influencers to call older men to abide and then, become spiritual fathers to a generation of younger men who are in desperate needs of this. Rocky sees these older men in churches all over the world as a “sleeping giant” of ministry, just needing to be awakened. If you are 60+ especially, you need to hear this podcast.
On a recent trip to Bakersfield, Bryan sat down with John Vasquez and Gregoria Ramirez who have been part of some of the first Spanish-speaking Journey groups in the United States. Hear about the experience, and you will continue to see how God is using The Journey across all cultures. We continue to pray for the Spanish curriculum to reach Spanish-speaking groups all over the U.S. and this Bakersfield group gives us great encouragement.
The Influencers of Bakersfield recently honored Les Pearsey for his 20 years of service as Regional Director of Influencers Bakersfield. Bryan sat down with Les for a brief chat about his life, experiences and his hopes and dreams ahead.
We often ask the question, “How's Your Soul?”, but perhaps another pertinent question is “How's Your Body?” Bryan interviews Russ Fryar, a fellow Influencers leader and leader within F3, a fitness ministry to men. They talk about the correlation between our spiritual and physical health. Some men need to work on the spiritual, but some spiritual men need to work on the physical. Great discussion as we head into a new year with new disciplines. (For more information on F3, go to F3nation.com)
Bryan, Rocky and Kevin Ernst, the Journey Feature Films Development Producer, traveled to the west coast and got to speak to leaders in Bakersfield about the status of the movie project and what we have learned spiritually in the process.
As many Journey groups are making plans for 2025, we wanted to re-share this powerful podcast as Rocky, our founder, explains the DNA of The Journey. A must-listen for all Guides.
As many Journey groups are making plans for 2025, we wanted to re-share this powerful podcast as Rocky, our founder, explains the DNA of The Journey. A must-listen for all Guides.
Rocky and Bryan broadcast live from Bentonville Square to bring a Christmas message to all who find themselves busy, confused, fearful, noisy and having difficulty finding Christmas Spirit. Jesus, the Shepherd, is near and invites us to find Him by Abiding. They talk about one of the unsung heroes in the Christmas story, Joseph, the man who showed quiet, faithful obedience in the midst of a very challenging time.
Bryan interviews Mike Malak, another story of an unsuspecting person being called into this ministry. When Mike first got connected to Influencers, he thought it was all for his pastor brother, Rob, when, in fact, God was about to invite Mike on the adventure of a lifetime.
Bryan spoke at the Bakersfield Guide Mentoring Table Talk a few weeks ago, addressing this important concept we cover in The Journey about God's infinite ability but how He limits Himself by giving us Free Will. This talk is full of scripture and challenge.
Bryan sits down with Mark Fincannon, a Casting Director and another team member God has added to the Journey Movie production team. Mark has worked on Hollywood films and TV for over 40 years, with people like Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, George Lucas and many others. You will enjoy hearing about his faith and how he got connected to this project.
Bryan sits down with Mark Fincannon, a Casting Director and another team member God has added to the Journey Movie production team. Mark has worked on Hollywood films and TV for over 40 years, with people like Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, George Lucas and many others. You will enjoy hearing about his faith and how he got connected to this project.
Bryan and Rocky talk about the inevitability of suffering and trials in this life, just like King David and many other saints and disciples before us had to endure. For men and women whom God uses greatly, there is a development process God has created that uses the difficulties of life as training ground. It seems to be a recurring theme for Influencers because it is a recurring theme in life. But perhaps today, you need to hear this message of hope.
Bryan interviews Roberta Hoppe, from Memphis, who is the Chair of the Women's Summit Team. They talk about how the women's branch of the ministry has evolved and how this Summit comes at a critical time in the Women's ministry. God is raising up women leaders to bring Influencers to many more women, not just in the United States, but internationally. This Summit, like our men's Summit, will be a sacred gathering. You may need to be there.
Rocky and Bryan talk about next week's election, the state of our country and how an abiding Christian should approach their vote. Honor God, seek guidance from His Word, pray for our leaders and let the Holy Spirit guide you into love, peace and wisdom.
Bryan sat down with 4 men at the Influencers Staff Retreat to talk about how Influencers came to their cities and how they have been called to lead the charge. Hear from Ron Tovar, from Orange County, Mike Malak, from Temperance, MI, Louis Hartzog, from Montgomery, AL and Michael Daoust, Regional Director for Influencers DFW. The stories of these men, and men like them, continue to reinforce God's plan for Influencers to Start Small, Go Deep and Pray Big and to be Spirit-led as we go where we are invited. Be inspired as you hear these men's hearts and pray for them and their cities.
Bryan sits down with Rocky, Kevin Ernst and Kevin Beasley, key members of our Journey Movie Producing team to talk about the newly released budget for the film and next steps regarding Fundraising, the right Director and a report from some movie site scouting they did in the Ozarks. Exciting discussion!
Bryan interviews Blaise, a man who found Jesus in a Prison Journey Group in Parchman, Mississippi. It is a beautiful story of a man who found everything he had been searching for, not in the free world, but inside the prison walls. It changed his life forever, and now, out on parole, learning how to Abide is sustaining him still.
Bryan and Rocky discuss the Christian walk and how many before us have described a “holy tension” in no matter how far they have gone, they feel they have so far to go. Rocky talks of the “narrow road” and how he has veered on and off it, but the distance off has grown smaller. He also talks about the importance of Sabbath, something that has become even more important to him of late.
Bryan interviews one of our champions from Wichita, KS, Boone Baker. Boone is a pastor and one of our leaders in the area, helping to advance our mission to guide believers into an intimate, abiding relationship with Christ, using The Journey. Boone gave our staff a great Nugget last week which prompted this podcast interview, as he talked about the difference between being committed to Christ and being devoted. You will be challenged and inspired at the same time.
Bryan interviews Tulsa Regional Director, Frank Khalil, who gives an update on Tulsa discipleship activity and talks about his crucial priority of Nurturing and Protecting his own soul, his family, his leaders and his region. In the last 2 years, Frank has taken the concept of Nurturing and Protecting on the road, as he has taken his leaders to go encourage our region in Costa Rica, and this year they brought some Bakersfield Influencers. SO encouraging.
Bryan interviews Rocky and Journey Feature Films Chair, Sach Oliver, about the progress with The Journey Movie. We finally have a completed script by Brian Bird which we are very excited about. They talk about the script and the movie making process, including our next steps. Join us in the excitement of what God is doing and will do through this movie.
Bryan interviews Chris Pruitt, Pastor of Hillcrest Baptist in Jacksonville, FL. Another amazing story of the Holy Spirit helping someone seeking a discipleship tool to find our ministry. It started out as a woman in his church gave him an “Abide” book, which became a spark that started a fire. Hear this inspiring story, especially if you are a Pastor, and be encouraged.
Rocky interviews Bryan about his recent Sabbatical, emphasizing the impact of being still with God. It was an unsettling, surprising experience but one which affirmed the need to Abide and to be set free to live the abundant lives God intends for His children.
You've probably heard us say, “We go where we are invited.” This is a proclamation of our belief that God is orchestrating the steps and plans of this ministry. Hear an amazing orchestration of getting us to Cuba, starting the Matt Bertrand, in the Carolinas, with help from Tom Seay, our International Director to Henry Gutierrez, who got on a plane and went to see these hungry people, starving for the spiritual food Henry was bringing. It's an amazing story, including how God gave Henry favor with a Customs agent in Cuba so his Journey materials were not confiscated. We hope this inspires your as to your part in this global move of God called Influencers.
As many new Journey groups are in the process for this next season, it is ALWAYS good to review the DNA of what makes this unique process so special. Re-Listen to one of our original podcasts where Bryan and Rocky talk about the DNA of The Journey.
As many new Journey groups are in the process for this next season, it is ALWAYS good to review the DNA of what makes this unique process so special. Re-Listen to one of our original podcasts where Bryan and Rocky talk about the DNA of The Journey.
Rocky and Bryan discuss the movie project and the consideration of how we will meet the response afterwards. This gets us back to the Why (DNA) of what we do before we get to the How (Form). It is clear that this is going to require us to trust the Holy Spirit now, more than ever, and it will require us to get outside of our comfort zones. Listen and pray with us about this.
Kevin Ernst was at the Global office for meetings and some more Guide video filming and also did some movie location scouting in the Ozarks. He sat down with Bryan for a long-awaited movie update, talking about the first version of the script, and next steps including site scouting, choosing a Director and actors and fundraising. They also talk about the Guide Mobilization Plan for after the movie.
We interview Andy Collar, our new Regional Director for Influencers Maine, who talks about how God first introduced him to Influencers and The Journey and how a small spark turned into a flame up in the Northeast. He helps us understand the culture in Maine and the spiritual challenges, but also how the Holy Spirit and Abiding is changing the culture.
Rocky and Bryan talk about the darkness in the world that seems to be increasing, but how the Holy Spirit is creating a spiritual tsunami, an awakening, that is more powerful. As Influencers helps believers learn to abide, it's raising up warriors that are equipped for the battle.
Henry Gutierrez, our Regional Director of Influencers Costa Rica gave a rousing, vulnerable closing talk to our 2024 Men's International Summit. He talked about his many years serving as a pastor of a church who was not abiding and was not serving his family. He talked about the major shift in his heart and his ministry once everything came out of abiding in Christ. It was very inspiring and a perfect ending to a great Summit, especially considering we were hosting 30 international participants. You will enjoy this!
We hear from Roman Nunn, an Influencer from Northwest Arkansas, who talks about his story of finding faith at a young age and then pursuing the world, even finding great success and then, going through a difficult period of sifting and even some mental illness. But God helped him find his true identity in Christ and as a son of the King as he finally surrendered to Him. He also talks about his Journey group and his amazing guides who were not just facilitators, but friends who invested in his life and nurtured him back to life. It's a great story.
On Saturday night of the Summit, Frank Khalil, Regional Director, Influencers Tulsa, gave a powerful, vulnerable talk about the pathway to a deeper, significant, fruitful walk with Jesus…dying to ourselves. He challenged the men to do some self-examination, asking the Holy Spirit to identify what hindrances might be getting in the way of the Lord's will in their lives. You don't want to miss this.
Tom Seay, our International Director, interviewed a group of men from 5 different countries to hear how The Journey has worked in other cultures and languages. The closing time included prayers spoken in 5 different languages. It really moved the people at The Summit and gave them a bigger picture of this ministry.