Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

Pastor Travis Johnson is the Lead Pastor of Pathway Church in Mobile, AL — a growing, Gospel-centered community impacting lives across the Gulf Coast. He's also the Executive Director of People for Care & Learning and founder of BUY A TREE. CHANGE A LIFE., nonprofit ministries focused on inspiring hope and empowering potential both locally and globally. Travis is the author of Un]Embarrassed of Jesus, a bold call to embrace and share faith with courage and authenticity. He is known for his outspoken faith, community engagement, and growing presence in national conversations around religion, culture, and public life.

Joshua Rushing, Family Pastor at Edgefield First Baptist Church, Edgefield SC, discusses discipleship based on the passage Deuteronomy 6: 4–9 that emphasizes teaching God's commands diligently to children. Pastor Josh believes this instruction is still foundational for Christian families today making discipleship a matter of the home. He and his wife Bethany have three children, so they take the responsibility of teaching God's commands to their children a top priority woven into everyday life. He shares some common misconceptions families have about discipling their children spiritually, cultural challenges that make living out Deuteronomy 6 more difficult, and how competing priorities affect a family's ability to intentionally pass on their faith.

Randy Hutchinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South walk us through recent scam alerts, common warning signs, how are local scammers using new technologies, scammers pretending to be government agencies, and the role BBB plays in reporting and stopping scams in our community. The BBB serves consumers and businesses across West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas by promoting marketplace trust and educating the public about scams and fraud.

Why does Valentine's Day stress so many people out? It should be more than another “Hallmark holiday” with your spouse. Gary Schneeberger, Assistant to the President for Media Relations at Focus on the Family, explains ways to do just that. Gary says, “expectations are often the real culprit” and shares ways to mix it up by creating memories that are simple, unexpected; Valentine's ideas that really resonate with your spouse.

Pastor Sam Greer of Red Bank Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN is our guest. We caught up with Pastor Sam at the 2025 Tennessee Baptist Convention Summit at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. Pastors and ministries from across the state gather each year focusing on unity, collaboration, and worship to advance shared ministry goals. In addition to pastoring Red Bank Baptist, Pastor Sam created a ministry called, Gospel Conversations with Sam Greer. As a professional minister Sam felt convicted that he wasn't engaging people more about Jesus in everyday life. This came into focus after a usual encounter while jogging down a Mississippi highway on a hot summer day. He has served as senior pastor since 2012 at Red Bank Baptist and has authored of "The Gospel Conversation,” "The Gospel Conversationalist," “The Gospel Conversational Church,” and “Gospel Conversational Marriage.”

Bishop Chester Evans President/Bishop and founder of Ambassadors for Christ Ministries International is our guest. Bishop Evans shares his journey from growing up in Memphis, Dr. King's Marches for racial equality, joining the army, working at a Buffalo, NY Steel Mill, breaking his back, prescription drug addiction, to finding deliverance through Jesus Christ. This new life in Christ has projected Bishop Evans into a ministry of reconciliation not only in Memphis but starting churched in Brazil as well.

Tom Boehne is a Transitional Interim Pastor at Grassland Heights Baptist Church in Franklin, TN through the TN Baptist Mission Board. As a TIP pastor, Tom helps prepare a congregation for a healthy, positive call for the next settled pastor, ensuring stability and focused ministry rather than stagnation. He also shares the challenges connected to the health of his wife, Eileen.

Dr. Mitchel Godat provides details on this year's 10th Annual Mid-South Mission of Mercy, Friday and Saturday, February 20th – 21st at Bellevue Baptist Church for a free dental clinic to a free, two-day dental clinic for under-served and under-insured people living in Memphis and the surrounding Mid-South area. This event was originally scheduled for this weekend (JAN 23-24), but due to the threat of a Winter Storm the decision was made to postpone until next month. Dr. Godat also answers questions about oral health including gum disease, implants, toothbrush varieties, and other oral health related topics.

Brian Carmichael is the Senior Pastor at Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church and Black Church Specialist with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Pastor Brian and I ran met up at the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) Summit 2025 held November 9-11, 2025 at West Jackson Baptist Church. Pastor Brian's role includes helping strengthen pastors across the state, multiplying gospel leaders, mental health counseling, and support for compassion ministry start-ups.

Ariyana Rimson shares her new book, “Be Anchored: An 11-Week Journey to an Anchored Mindset”. Ariyana has served in a variety of ministry settings—from discipleship and Bible teaching and currently serves on staff at Fellowship Memphis, where she helps lead care ministry. Previously Ariyana was director of the Moriah House and served with both Downline Ministries and Kids Across America. Her heart is to point people back to Christ as the true Anchor for the soul.

Rob Millman discusses his book, Follow the Call: For Those Aspiring to Christian Ministry and Pastors Mentoring Emerging Leaders. In Follow the Call, Rob Millman and Tim LaFleur offer a valuable guide for individuals aspiring to serve God in ministry and for pastors supporting those exploring their call. The authors emphasize the significance of discernment rooted in a biblical framework, presenting practical steps to help bring clarity to those grappling with the call to ministry. Their mission is to equip pastors to mentor, disciple, and journey alongside individuals of all ages, fostering a new generation of disciple-makers committed to expanding the kingdom of God.

IMB Missionary to West Africa, Hal Falls is our guest. Originally, Hal was reluctant to follow his wife's interest in missions to West Africa. As a bi-vocational pastor in Tennessee, Hal had no desire to go but soon realized in the sermons he preached telling his congregation to go where God calls and share the gospel he was being hypocritical. At 55 years of age, he said yes to going and for the past 13 years has discovered new and exciting ways God can use he and his wife among a people and culture needing Jesus.

A conversation about our true identity as believers in Christ and how to walk and abide in that identity in the New Year to come. Joining us is Chris Hodges from Abiding Above Ministries and Dr. Ashley Ray, senior pastor of Old Friendship Baptist Church, Finger, TN.

John 1:5 says, "the light shines in the darkness”. As a former addict and inmate, Danny discovered a fountain of forgiveness and grace in Jesus Christ. In a dark time in Johanna's life, she too discovered the light of Jesus in the sudden death of her child. Together, the Cosby's share the power of the Gospel working through Danny's music ministry, ministry inside prisons, and transforming lives in Uganda where they've recently returned.

We visit with members of the cast and crew of “Computer Christmas”, a youth musical drama at Fullview Missionary Baptist Church. This original stage drama and songs were written by a dear friend, Oretha Arnold, and is set for this Sunday December 21st at 1:00 pm. Join us with Sonia Watson, Arts & Drama Director, Mandrill Mc Laughlin, Media and Technical Director, and youth cast member, Gabrielle Lewis and hear their intention to celebrate Christ with you this Christmas!

Meet Dr. Dustin and Amy Sims with Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville Kentucky. Both, Dustin and Amy met at Clear Creek, graduated, and got married in the campus gazebo by one of their professors. They learned a lot about ministry and preparing for ministry while attending Clear Creek, but nothing could have prepared them for one particular encounter at a church they served. Hear that story and how this college has provided educational preparation for people called of God into Christian service, since 1926.

Dr. Beth Madison a Bonafide Soil Specialist and Professor at Union University. Dr. Madison is an engaging teacher, speaker, and writer. She offers a practical approach to connection with our Lord through the scientific discipline of studying soil. Dr. Madison dives deep into the Christian faith while giving us a new perspective on the majesty of God's creation.

Greg McCoy the President/Treasurer of Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is one of the interviews we did while attending the TN Baptist Summit at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. Greg will discuss the incredible history of the children's homes, vital role of Christian foster parents, and houseparents' serving children in family-style homes across the state on three campuses.

It's our final stop in Branson for the Ozark Mountain Christmas Series with Show #5. Make plans to join us and guests, Michele Delcoure with details about the Christmas celebration at both Dolly Parton's Stampede and Titanic Museum Attraction. Also, Clay and Tina Cooper stop by from Clay Cooper's Country Express with their Christmas show line-up. They'll also share what the busy holidays are like being a family of entertainers while remembering the real reason we celebrate. This is the fifth and final show in this year's Ozark Mountain Christmas series.

Thanksgiving Day Special with award-winning guitarist, comedian, and longtime member of the Gaither Homecoming family, Kevin Williams. Kevin's 37-year career includes induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and playing guitar for many well-known artists. He's also founder of the charity, “Kevin's Kids,” committed to bringing joy, hope, and encouragement wherever he goes. Kevin is coming to Faith Baptist Church – Bartlett on December 5th for a Gaither Homecoming Christmas with Bill Gaither, The Gaither Vocal Band, Mark Lowry, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Hoppers, Chris Blue, Angie Primm, Lady Love Smith, Gene McDonald, Lynda Randle, Woody Wright, Matthew Holt, and Michael Shade Rowsey.

All aboard for Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson Series Show #4 on Wednesday with guests Ryan “Elvis” Pelton from Pepsi Legends Theatre to talk about his Elvis Gospel Music Tribute through the holidays, Elizabeth Hughes from the Branson Christmas Coalition with exciting details about this year's Christmas Tree Tour- scavenger hunt for fun prizes, and Pam Critchfield with Sugar Leaf Bakery, Cafe & Espresso on delicious holiday treats and their famous hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows.

Stephanie Edwards Executive Director at Jubilee Trading Co is our guest. Jubilee is unique, operating as a non-profit organization, partnering with artisans in Morocco, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic. This partnership helps create jobs and a means to provide for their families. She works to intentionally impact marginalized communities around the world. Jubilee Trading Company also has a retail store in Lawrenceburg, TN. You've got to hear her story!

It's time for another trip to Branson on Wednesday for Show Three in our Ozark Mountain Christmas series with guests Angie Skillern from Truth Traveler, where Biblical history comes to life through an immersive experience of thrilling 5D time-travel journey, transporting you to pivotal moments from Eden to eternity, Valerie Coleman from College of the Ozarks, where delicious fruitcakes are made by students who are given the opportunity to receive a tuition-free education and debt-free, founded in 1906, and Madison Horner from Big Cedar Lodge, going all out for the holiday season with ice skating and tubing, over 4 million lights, all embracing the natural landscape of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Listen WED 11/19 3PM #AM640 #FM100.7 #MemphisRadio or stream live at https://bottradionetwork.com/audio-player/?stream_id=39#v #pastors #ozarkmountainchristmas #Branson #ChristmasInBranson #travel #ChristmasVacation This is the third of five shows in the Ozark Mountain Christmas series.

From the exhibition hall of the Tennessee Baptists' Annual Summit in Jackson, TN we'll meet John Robinson General Director for Linguæ Christi, a mission agency spreading the Gospel among the indigenous minority language groups of Europe. These groups include over 165 distinct languages and over 100 million people, from Portugal in the west to the eastern point of Siberia in the east. This is one show among several produced while attending the Tennessee Baptists' Annual Summit.

We're back in Branson for Show Two in our Ozark Mountain Christmas series with our guests Brad Thomas from Silver Dollar City, Kristy Adams from The Mansion Theatre, and Pam Critchfield and Monna Stafford with the latest from Back In Time Toys Too along with Branson Ticket & Travel. This is the second of five shows in the Ozark Mountain Christmas series.

Dr. Dan and Dee Henley, founders of the Right Relationship Conference: Hope for Memphis and Beyond are our guests. Dan and Dee both have a heart for healing relationships—helping families, churches, and communities find unity through God's love. They'll share details on this November 14th and 15th conference, how to register, and how to obtain one of scholarships being offered to attend.

It's the first in our Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson series with Aaron Hall, who portrays “King David” in Sight-Sound Theatre's David, Live On Stage, Emma Hamilton from Bigfoot Fun Park, voted Missouri's Best Mini Golf in the state, including exciting escape rooms, and Joey Davis from the Farmhouse Restaurant, a 50 year legacy serving the best food and biggest biscuits in Historic Downtown Branson. This is one of five in the Ozark Mountain Christmas series

On this edition of Sponsor Spotlight our guests include Leslie Sawyer from Silver Creek Senior Living Community, Rob Tragarz from Pro-Lift Garage Doors, and Genell Holloway from Larry E. Crum & Associates.

Luke Layton McLaurine, Jr. graduated from advanced bombardier training and was grouped with the pilot and copilot prior to the rest of the crew joining them. McLaurine had taken navigation and gunnery training including operation and repair of the turrets. The ball turret gunner was a highly technical duty plus it necessitated the gunner be small in stature. Luke tells the story of becoming a POW in Stalag 11 after their plane was shot down over Germany. He was taken by train to Frankfurt with his crew and four other captive Americans after bailing out of his Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber on 16 November 1944. He recalls the grueling marches he and other POWs were forced to do by their captors to avoid Russian and American soldiers. Luke, originally from Memphis, TN, ran his parents' bakery, McLaurine's Bakery, upon returning from the war.

Todd Nettleton, the Chief of Media Relations and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio is our guest. For over 25 years, Todd has traveled the world meeting with persecuted Christians, telling their stories, and helping believers in free nations stand with them in prayer, advocacy, and action.

Erin Zimmerman, a gifted filmmaker and the director of the powerful documentary film series Oracles of God, produced by CBN Films. This series explores the divine origin, faithful preservation, and enduring authority of the Bible—from the ancient manuscripts to the modern translations we read today.

Dr. Michael Spradlin, President of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary is our guest. Dr. Spradlin talks about Mid-America's commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture, global evangelism, and equipping students to serve Christ in the local church and around the world. He shares the noticeable increase in online students at both Mid-America College and Seminary levels. He also provides details on their move to Arlington, Tennessee after the recent sale of the Appling and I-40 property.

Jerry Angelo, the Founder, President, and CEO of Vanguard Marriage and Family Advocates, a ministry devoted to strengthening the biblical foundations of marriage, family, and prayer. Jerry will also discuss attending national events, from honoring Charlie Kirk's legacy, the upcoming National Association of Christian Lawmakers Annual Meeting, engaging leaders at the Museum of the Bible, and supporting pastors in St. Louis through Bott Radio Network's Pastor Appreciation Luncheon.

Meet Leslie Kuntzman, a loyal listener to Bott Radio Network. We'll discover Leslie's story of a grandmother's strong faith, marrying her high-school sweet-heart, the gift of children and grandchildren, finding the faithfulness of God; no matter times of waywardness or hardships, and how listening to Bott Rado Network has helped her grow as a disciple of Jesus. I think you'll really enjoy hearing this one!

Adam Moma, former Army Green Beret serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan shares his culture encounters in the Middle East especially after a fellow soldier confronted him on what following Christ really looks like. Adam discovered many misconceptions that Muslims have about Christianity that created a passion and concern to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus with them through building relationships. Adam says it's important to be real with Muslims when sharing the gospel and it must be based on a genuine love for them. This show originally aired in January of 2022.

Simon Davenport, lead pastor Faith Assembly Millington, tells is rescue story. Our lives before Christ can be entangled in many kinds of strongholds, addictions, and idol worship. Through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, Christ removed the curse of sin that each of us fall under to give us a new life. Simon shares his journey of becoming free from God's wrath, finding forgiveness of his sin, and the right to become a child of God,

Steve Coplon is our guest. Steve is a leader of evangelistic outreaches for the gospel in the US and around the world as well as former director of Life Choices of Memphis. Our conversation centers around a passage in scripture out of Colossians 2:1-8, where Paul instructs believers to be knit together by strong ties of love. He also tells us to have complete confidence that we understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ Himself. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and understanding. This message is so vital for us in today's world so that no one will deceive us with well-crafted arguments, our faith would be strong, and our lives built on him. Steve also explains some definitions that he believes the church often misuses when talking about the church, revival, and intercession.

Pastor Hal Hall founder of The Great Awakening Church & Network is an ordained elder of The Global Methodist Church. We'll discuss a little behind this newly created denomination having its roots in the traditional Wesleyan theology with a global missional focus. We'll also discuss our sanctification, as believers, to be conformed to Christ as we walk out our faith day to day. We'll walked through some scripture and talk about how it relates and prioritizes the way we view our relationship to God.

Justin Morris founder of TLB Ministries (Think & Live Biblically) is our guest. Justin talks about a season in his life where he felt “over-disqualified” to serve in ministry after leaving full-time vocational ministry. After twenty years of what he calls, “being on the shelf”, Justin sensed a redirection. God was leading him to pour his passion to think and live biblically into others. This ignited into a multi-faceted ministry of a podcast, directing the Fatherhood Program for Life Choices of Memphis, and developing a pre-marriage counseling initiative for couples before saying, “I DO”.

Brent Hackett was the Executive Director of the Canadian office of Our Daily Bread Ministries for more than 13 years and has worked in Christian publishing for more than 25 years. With previous experience in radio broadcasting, marketing and newspaper publishing, he not only has written for Our Daily Bread, but also Christian websites, newsletters, magazines, and recently published a 132-page book outlining the history and origins of his local Church congregation. Brent and his wife, Angie, have four children (three still on earth, one in Heaven) and three grandchildren. This interview was conducted at the 2020 National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, TN.

Dr. Georgia Pointer from Moriah House and Elizabeth Lunyou Bardhan with LOAM Ministries. Georgia and Elizabeth became friends while in seminary at MABTS. Elizabeth and her family are living in Busan, South Korea where her husband, Santosh, works at Kyungsung University as International Chaplain and Professor of World Religions and Ethics, while pastoring to the city's expat community. Originally from Odisha, India, Santosh and Elizabeth founded LOAM Ministries, to spread the Gospel to this neglected and unreached East India community through village ministry, church planting, schools, orphanages, evangelism, pastoral, and lay leader Bible training.

Dr. La Tonya Mouzon, Executive Director of ARISE2Read. ARISE2Read, a nonprofit organization focused on foundational literacy and Bible literacy through school-day programs and after-school Bible clubs. In Shelby County, 67% of children living in poverty are not reading at grade level. Dr. Mouzon shares how her team of over 800 volunteers is committed to helping third grade students reach this critical milestone of reading proficiency for a brighter academic future and life trajectory aimed toward Christ.

Al Nucciarone is the senior pastor of the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Israel. He is also the Middle East representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Pastor Al reflects on his first visit to Israel in 1978, how he's seen, Romans 8:28, God working all things for good in his life, leading a church where believers come from many nations and cultures, after tragic events like the murderous bus attacks in Ramot how he shepherds people through grief, as well as his call to preach Christ to both Jews and Arabs.

Did you know nearly 47% of families with children in Shelby County are fatherless? On today's Mid-South View Point #radioshow, Hassan Salem, a Memphis native raised in the Westwood community and visionary founder of Memphis Fathers Love Ministry is our guest. Drawing from firsthand experience of the challenges facing fatherless youth, Hassan launched the ministry to instill character, confidence, and courage in the lives of these young people.

Steve Winstead, Lead Pastor of the International Evangelical Church (IEC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a diverse congregation representing over 60 nationalities. Before moving to Ethiopia, Steve led more than 70 international mission trips through Downline Ministries and Harvest Church, with a strong focus on discipleship and equipping the global church. Today, he continues that passion by shepherding a vibrant church community engaged in outreach, missions, and ministry to both Ethiopians and expatriates—including vital work with orphans and vulnerable youth. Steve and his wife Margaret have four sons, and their family serves together in the heart of East Africa, living out their calling to make disciples of all nations.

On this episode of Sponsor Spotlight we welcome Cathy Waterbury from Confidential Care Mobile Ministry and Sam Mullins from Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, & Electric. We're very proud of our advertising sponsors and want you to get to know them a little better.

Pastor Steven Khoury, Christian Palestinian Arab and author of “In the Backyard of Jesus”, "Diplomatic Christianity" shares the work of Holy Land Missions as a second-generation believer in Yeshua, Jesus Christ the Messiah. Pastor Steven discusses challenges living in Israel as a Christian Arab, obstacles he faces doing ministry in Arab controlled areas of Israel, how he seeks to present Christ to Orthodox Jews, and daily persecuted by the other two dominating religions of the land. Steven pastors both First Baptist Church in Bethlehem and Calvary Church in Jerusalem. He is also the featured speaker at our 2025 Bott Radio Network Pastors Appreciation Luncheon.

Dr. Jim Whitmire gives us a first-hand look after directing The Poughkeepsie Passion Play in, Poughkeepsie, NY. The Poughkeepsie Passion Play was a joint effort of two churches coming together, Living Water Church in New York and Crossroads Baptist Church here in Memphis. Learn about this powerful event and how God moved through it in extraordinary ways.

Paul Berkes, Clinical Director at A Hope and A Future, Inc. Since 2012, A Hope and A Future, Inc., has been the beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling to fit into their community. They specialize in providing emotional healing and life skills training in a supportive environment. Paul is also an accomplished musician, song writer, and worship leader. He brought his guitar into the studio and plays a song for us during the interview.

We're back at Coffee Central to meet up with Tiffany Evans from The Outpouring Church to discuss the “Love Poured Out” Adoption Ministry. This ministry seeks to come alongside Christian families with a heart for adoption—families willing to open their homes and lives to children in need of a forever family. Tiffany also shares her family's adoption journey and the emotional valleys that journey can take.

We're back at Coffee Central to meet up with Dena Nance of the Woman's Exchange Memphis. Since 1885, The Woman's Exchange of Memphis has been a cornerstone of empowerment, creativity, and community impact. At the heart of this mission is a simple but powerful belief: that everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a decent living through their craft.