The Rob Skinner Podcast

FROM THE ARCHIVES: With NASCON26 happening in Baltimore this weekend, we're resurfacing one of Rob and Pam Skinner's most practical episodes on how to make the most of a Christian conference. Originally recorded before the 2022 World Discipleship Summit, the principles are just as relevant for NASCON today. Going to NASCON26 in Baltimore this weekend? Listen to this before you go. We're bringing back this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast because the advice Pam and I shared about making the most of a conference may be more relevant than ever—especially for singles heading to NASCON26: Divine Design – Created for Purpose. A great Christian conference can encourage your faith, give you fresh vision, create lifelong friendships and introduce you to people who may change the direction of your life. But don't just show up and hope something happens. Prepare for it. In this episode, Pam and I talk about what you can do before and during a conference to get the most out of the experience. Before you go: Pray about what God wants you to learn and where you need to grow. Pray to make new friends. Contact people you'd like to spend time with before everyone's schedule fills up. Don't plan to spend the entire conference only with people from your home church. Prepare yourself spiritually. Get rested. And yes—look your best and make a great first impression. Once you're there: Be loving to the person standing in front of you. Smile. Introduce yourself. Get outside your comfort zone. Sit toward the front. Take notes. Thank the speakers and people serving. Use meals to build relationships instead of spending half your lunch trying to find the perfect restaurant. Remember people's names. Ask good questions. Listen more than you talk. Exchange contact information. And follow up with the people you meet. And if you're single... This could be a life-changing weekend. Pam and I share the story of two Christians who met at a conference—and eventually got married. Does that mean you're going to NASCON just to find a spouse? No. Go to learn. Go to grow. Go to deepen your relationship with God. Go to make friends. But also be open to what God may do. Be bold. Meet people. Don't spend the whole weekend surrounded by the same friends you traveled with. If someone says, "There's somebody I'd like you to meet," be open. If you're on a date, don't spend the entire conversation talking about yourself. Ask questions. Be interested. Keep it light. Have fun. NASCON26's theme is Divine Design – Created for Purpose. Go into this weekend believing that God has a purpose for you right now. Ask him: "What do you want me to learn?" "Who do you want me to meet?" "Who can I encourage?" "How do you want me to grow?" Prepare for it. Get ready for it. And expect God to work. Have an incredible NASCON26—and make this life count. —Rob

Still Struggling With Sin? Something Isn't Wrong With You | Before You Quit #5 Have you ever looked at other Christians and wondered, "Why am I still struggling? Something must be wrong with me"? In Day 5 of Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done, Rob Skinner addresses the shame, comparison, and imposter syndrome that can make Christians feel as though they're only pretending to have it together. Everyone else seems happy. Everyone else seems spiritual. Everyone else seems to be growing. Meanwhile, you're still fighting a sin you thought you should have conquered years ago. Rob knows that feeling. In this deeply personal chapter, he shares about his own ongoing battle with sexual temptation and impurity. After years of feeling that he had those sins beaten, the rise of the internet, constant access to screens, and increasingly available temptation changed the battlefield. Eventually, Rob decided to install internet accountability software. But even doing something healthy brought another emotion: Shame. Why should he still need this? Shouldn't he be beyond this by now? Drawing from Romans 7:19–24, Rob points to the Apostle Paul's surprisingly candid description of his own internal battle: He wanted to do good, yet evil was still there. There was a war going on inside him. Paul's struggle didn't mean he was a fake Christian. It caused him to recognize how desperately he needed Christ. And Romans 8:1 provides the hope: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." In this episode, Rob talks about: Why struggling with sin can make Christians feel like imposters The danger of comparing your private struggles with someone else's public appearance Rob's own battle with sexual temptation and impurity Why he chose to use internet accountability software The shame we sometimes feel about needing guardrails Why baptism doesn't mean the battle with sin disappears Paul's struggle in Romans 7 Why weakness should push us toward Jesus rather than away from him Practical guardrails Rob uses in his own life Why he now puts his phone "to bed" at 9 p.m. The freedom of accepting that righteousness will remain a battle Why there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ If you're tired of fighting the same battle, ashamed of needing help, comparing yourself with other Christians, or wondering whether your struggle means your faith isn't real, Rob wants you to know: You are not alone. You don't have to pretend. You don't have to be ashamed that you need guardrails. And you don't have to quit. Let the battle you're fighting turn you toward Jesus for the grace, peace, and help you need. This is Day 5 of Rob Skinner's Before You Quit series, based on his new book, Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done. If you know someone who has drifted away from church or is struggling in their faith, send them this episode or a copy of the book. Before You Quit is available on Amazon and at RobSkinner.com. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Give God One Night a Week—and Watch What Happens What if the biggest thing keeping you from making a difference for God isn't a lack of talent, knowledge, or spirituality? What if you're simply too busy? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob offers one simple challenge: Leave one night open. Choose one night every week and dedicate it to investing spiritually in another person. Study the Bible with someone searching for God. Mentor a younger Christian. Encourage someone who is struggling. Follow up with a new Christian. Train a future leader. It doesn't sound dramatic—but Rob has seen what happens when this simple decision is repeated week after week. After moving to Boston, Rob began studying the Bible with a young man named Wale. Wale became a Christian, but their time together didn't stop after his baptism. They kept Tuesday nights open, sharing dinner, studying the Bible, talking about life, character, relationships, leadership, and his walk with God. Today, Wale is leading his own small group. Rob shares another example from years earlier. Every Tuesday night for approximately three years, Chris Schwarzenberger spent time with Rob and his family. Chris would later become an evangelist and continues serving in ministry today. Neither story started with a massive program. Tuesday night was simply available. Rob also looks at Jesus' example in John 1. When two seekers wanted to know more about him, Jesus didn't squeeze them into a 15-minute appointment. He invited them to come with him and gave them his time. Because relationships take time. Bible studies take time. Mentoring takes time. Leadership development takes time. You can't microwave discipleship. Drawing from Mark 4, Rob also warns about the danger of allowing perfectly good things—work, family responsibilities, entertainment, travel, projects, and commitments—to fill our lives until there is no room left for the things that matter most. For leaders, Rob offers an especially practical challenge. Instead of simply asking people to "be more committed," ask them: "What night is your kingdom night?" Imagine the compounding impact if an entire church made one evening each week available for helping someone else spiritually. One night becomes a changed life. A changed life becomes a leader. A leader begins investing in others. And eventually, one night can become a movement. Pull out your calendar. Choose your night. Protect it. Then pray one simple prayer: "God, give me somebody to invest in." Your greatest contribution may not ultimately be your career, house, accomplishments, or bank account. It may be the people you loved, strengthened, encouraged, and helped find God.

When Church Doesn't Feel Safe Anymore | Before You Quit #3 What happens when the place that once felt like family no longer feels safe? In Day 3 of Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done, Rob Skinner addresses one of the most painful reasons Christians consider walking away: church hurt. Church can be a place of incredible friendship, growth, healing, and spiritual transformation. But churches are also filled with imperfect people. Conflict happens. Gossip spreads. Leaders disappoint us. People become controlling. Hypocrisy gets exposed. Relationships break down. And sometimes the people we trusted most are the people who hurt us. Rob shares honestly about seasons when he felt spiritually empty and frustrated by what he experienced as excessive demands and micromanagement in the church. He also recounts being falsely accused by another Christian of inappropriate behavior after a photo of Rob baptizing someone in a hot tub was twisted into something entirely different. The accusation was proven false, but the damage had already been done. For the first time, Rob found himself struggling with feelings of hatred toward another Christian. Drawing from Galatians 5:19–21, Rob points out something that can easily be overlooked: when Paul describes the "acts of the flesh," he doesn't only mention sexual immorality and impurity. He also names hatred, discord, jealousy, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy. These are sins that can happen inside a church community—and they can deeply damage the faith of the people on the receiving end. If you've been hurt, offended, betrayed, gossiped about, disappointed by leadership, or simply reached the point where church no longer feels like the family you thought it was going to be, this episode is for you. Rob isn't asking you to pretend the hurt didn't happen. He's asking you to hang on. You are not the first Christian to experience church hurt, and you can make it through this season without giving up your relationship with God. This episode is part of Rob Skinner's Before You Quit series, based on his new book, Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done. If someone came to mind while you were listening, send them this episode. It may be exactly what they need to hear today. Before You Quit is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

You Got Advice—So Why Was It Still a Bad Decision? Can you seek advice and still make a terrible decision? Absolutely. In 1 Kings 12, two new kings—Rehoboam and Jeroboam—face some of the biggest decisions of their lives. Both seek advice. Both listen to advisors. And both make disastrous choices that affect generations. The problem wasn't simply whether they asked for advice. The deeper question was: What were they looking for when they asked? Wisdom—or approval? God's direction—or validation for something they had already decided? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores the stories of Rehoboam and Jeroboam and shares five practical principles for making better decisions at the major crossroads of life. Rehoboam received wise counsel from experienced leaders who encouraged him to serve the people. But when he didn't like their answer, he found younger advisors who told him what he wanted to hear. One pride-driven decision helped split the kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam made a different mistake. God had already promised to establish his kingdom if he remained faithful. But fear took over. Instead of asking whether his plan honored God, he sought advice about how to execute a decision he had already made—leading to the golden calves at Bethel and Dan and generations of idolatry. One of the most important lessons is simple: Something can work and still be wrong. Effectiveness is not the same thing as faithfulness. In this episode, you'll learn: Why asking for advice is only the beginning How Rehoboam confused advice with approval Why the advice you don't want to hear may be the advice you need How Jeroboam used good strategy to accomplish the wrong goal Why fear can disguise itself as wisdom How greed can sound like "good stewardship" Why your heart cannot always be trusted How a small number of major decisions determine much of your life Why you should seek several perspectives on important decisions How to choose advisors whose lives you actually respect Why, when both choices are good, choosing growth can be a helpful principle How Rob and Pam chose church planting in Tucson over financial opportunity in Oregon Why it's never too late to admit you were wrong and change direction Rob closes with five principles for better decisions: Seek advice. Ask more than one person. Ask people whose lives you respect and would want to imitate. When both choices are good, consider choosing the path that produces greater spiritual growth. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to change your mind. Before your next major decision, ask yourself: Am I really looking for wisdom—or am I looking for permission? Sometimes the advice you least want to hear is exactly the advice you need. Learn more about Rob's books and the podcast at RobSkinner.com. You can also support the program here.

When God Doesn't Answer the Way You Prayed | Before You Quit #2 When you've prayed, sacrificed, and trusted God for years—and the answer still doesn't come—what happens to your faith? In Day 2 of Rob Skinner's new book, Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done, Rob shares one of the most personal and painful stories in the book. After becoming a Christian, Rob prayed intensely for his parents to come to faith. He hoped his father would turn to God before dying of pancreatic cancer. Years later, Rob moved his wife and three children to Ashland, Oregon, gave up a paid ministry position, started a church in his living room, began a new career, and endured significant financial loss during the Great Recession—all while hoping his mother would eventually respond to the gospel. She never did. On her deathbed, she told him to stop praying for her. That loss opened what Rob describes as a hole in his soul. He had prayed. He had sacrificed. He had rearranged his life. And somewhere along the way, he began believing that God owed him the outcome he wanted. In this deeply personal episode, Rob talks about quiet disappointment with God, unanswered prayer, grief, delayed hope, and what happens when our expectations of God collide with His sovereignty. You'll hear about: Rob's years of praying for his parents His father's death and the hoped-for "thief on the cross" moment that never came Why Rob moved his family back to southern Oregon Starting a church while supporting his family through real estate Losing retirement savings and property during the Great Recession His mother's resistance to Christianity The spiritual collapse Rob felt after her death Why he began feeling that God "owed" him Romans 9 and the difficult lesson of trusting the Potter How to continue loving God when His silence hurts Why disappointment doesn't have to become distance If you're carrying unanswered prayers, disappointment with God, grief, or the feeling that your sacrifice should have produced a different outcome, this episode is for you. You may not have the answer you wanted. But you do not have to walk away. Keep going. Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done is available on Amazon and through RobSkinner.com. If you know someone who is struggling with disappointment toward God or considering leaving the faith, send them this episode. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

The Decisions That Keep You Faithful: 6 Christians Share What Changed Everything What decisions help a Christian stay faithful—not just for a few months or years, but for a lifetime? In this special live edition of the Rob Skinner Podcast, recorded during the Downtown Boston Midweek service, Rob sits down with six disciples at very different stages of their spiritual journeys. Some have followed Jesus for less than a year. Others have been faithful for more than four decades. Rob asks each person one question: What one decision changed the trajectory of your spiritual life? Their answers are different, but remarkably practical. You'll hear about choosing your environment carefully, building a lifelong habit of prayer and Bible study, allowing Scripture to continually correct you, replacing complaining with action, choosing contentment, taking responsibility for your own discipleship, and surrounding yourself with people who will continually carry you back to Jesus. In this episode, you'll hear: Why the people and environments surrounding you can either strengthen or weaken your faith How consistency with God can carry you through decades of change and hardship The importance of finding "anchor scriptures" you return to during difficult seasons Why complaining rarely changes anything—and what to do instead The difference between being discontent and becoming chronically malcontent Why you shouldn't wait for someone else to take responsibility for your spiritual growth The importance of finding mentors who will challenge and inspire you Why every Christian needs "mat carriers" who keep bringing them back to Jesus How bitterness, grief, loss, and hope deferred can challenge long-term faithfulness Why God's power has already given us what we need to live a godly life Romans 12:2 reminds us that transformation begins with the renewing of our minds. Revival isn't reserved for a select few. It happens one life—and often one decision—at a time. As you listen to these stories, ask yourself: What decision is God calling me to make today? If this episode encourages you, share it with someone who needs hope or encouragement to keep growing. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches. Learn more at RobSkinner.com.

I Almost Quit: When You Haven't Lost Your Faith, But You've Lost Your Joy - Before You Quit #1 What do you do when you still believe in God—but you don't feel the joy you once had? You haven't necessarily lost your faith. You still care. You may still attend church, pray, and try to do what's right. But something inside feels different. The fire isn't there anymore. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob begins reading from his new book, Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done, a collection of short letters written for Christians who are discouraged, exhausted, hurt, drifting, or wondering whether they can keep going. After nearly 40 years as a Christian, missionary, church planter, and minister, Rob has watched too many sincere Christians quietly walk away. Some were leaders. Some were new Christians. Others had faithfully followed God for decades. And Rob has experienced those moments himself. In this first reading, Rob shares a vulnerable season early in his Christian life when he sat in church, looked around at everyone worshiping, and realized: "I didn't want to be there anymore." He hadn't stopped believing in God. He had lost his joy. Drawing from Hebrews 10:35, Rob offers encouragement for anyone who feels spiritually empty, alienated, disappointed, or simply tired. In this episode: • Why sincere Christians sometimes feel like quitting • The difference between losing your faith and losing your joy • Why spiritual discouragement doesn't mean something is fundamentally wrong with you • How church hurt, spiritual failure, recurring sin, disappointment, and exhaustion can slowly wear down your faith • Why many Christians don't leave suddenly—they drift quietly • Rob's personal story of reaching a point where he didn't want to be at church anymore • Why you don't need to solve your entire spiritual life today • The importance of staying one more day • The promise of Hebrews 10:35: "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded." If you're hanging on by a thread, you don't have to figure everything out today. Stay in the fight. Stay in the faith. Stay near Jesus. One day at a time. And if someone you love is discouraged or thinking about walking away from God, share this episode with them. This is the beginning of an ongoing series from Rob's new book, Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done. Over the coming weeks, Rob will continue reading through the book and offering hope to Christians who need a reason to stay. Learn more about Rob and his books at RobSkinner.com. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

The Biggest Obstacle to Your Spiritual Growth (It's Probably Not What You Think) Everyone wants revival. We want to feel closer to God. We want deeper faith. We want more joy. We want to become spiritually fruitful. But what if revival doesn't begin with stronger emotions? What if it begins with a renewed mind? In this episode, Rob explores Romans 12:1–2 and explains why God transforms the way we think before He transforms the way we live. You'll discover: • Why revival always begins with God's mercy • How culture quietly shapes our thinking • Why trusting your own understanding can become spiritually dangerous • The connection between what you focus on and who you become • Five practical habits that renew your mind every day • Why your greatest years of spiritual growth may still be ahead of you If you've felt spiritually tired, discouraged, or stuck, this episode will help you return to the foundation of lasting transformation. Key Scripture: Romans 12:1–2 Also Mentioned: Proverbs 3:5–6 2 Corinthians 3:18 2 Corinthians 4:16 If this episode encouraged you: • Subscribe to the Rob Skinner Podcast • Share this episode with a friend • Leave a review • Check out Rob's book Before You Quit: Hope for the Christian Who Feels Done Remember: Live a no-regrets life. Make this life count. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Don't Die in the Desert: How to Live the Life God Intended Have you ever wondered whether you are settling for less than the life God intended for you? The Israelites witnessed miracles, crossed the Red Sea, ate manna from heaven, and experienced God's power firsthand. Yet almost an entire generation died in the wilderness because fear kept them from stepping into God's promises. In this episode, adapted from a lesson Rob taught at a ministry training retreat in Spokane, Washington, Rob explores the life of Caleb and asks a challenging question: What if the greatest danger is not failure—but living safely? While most of his generation wandered in circles, Caleb remained faithful, courageous, mission-focused, and ready for his next adventure. At 85 years old, he was still dreaming, still fighting, and still asking God for more: "Now give me this hill country." Rob shares seven principles for becoming a faithful adventurer—someone willing to go anywhere, do anything, and trust God enough to receive the life He intended. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why it is possible to be forgiven and still miss much of God's purpose for your life • What Caleb saw that the other spies could not see • Why faith does not deny reality—it adds God to the equation • The power of following God wholeheartedly • How Rob and Pam learned to keep saying yes to new adventures • Why courage means taking action even when you feel afraid • How to recognize and resist a "shadow mission" • Why your career, education, and money are tools—not your ultimate mission • The importance of staying physically and spiritually strong • Why many people regret playing it safe more than taking meaningful risks • Practical principles for reading, learning, saving, growing, and overcoming failure • How to finish life with purpose instead of regret The tragedy of Israel's story was not a lack of opportunity. They saw the same land, heard the same promises, and witnessed the same miracles as Caleb. Fear simply made their decisions. Don't allow fear to make decisions that faith should make. Keep dreaming. Keep growing. Keep saying yes to God. And when your opportunity comes, have the faith to say: "Now give me this hill country." Find Rob's books, podcast resources, and ways to support the ministry at RobSkinner.com. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Stop Waiting for "The One": How Fear Is Keeping You Single Are you waiting for certainty before you're willing to put yourself out there? Do you want to get married someday, but fear rejection, making the wrong choice, getting hurt, or simply never finding the right person? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob tackles one of the greatest obstacles facing Christian singles today: fear. After teaching a lesson on dating to approximately 200 young adults and married Christians in Boston, Rob noticed a common theme. Many people aren't struggling because they don't want to get married or because they never meet anyone. They're struggling because they're afraid to take the first step. Rob explains why God's answer to uncertainty isn't certainty—it's faith. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:6 and other biblical principles, Rob challenges singles to "sow their seed," take healthy relational risks, become the kind of person they hope to marry, and trust God with the outcome. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why fear may be a bigger dating obstacle than lack of opportunity • Why God doesn't ask you to know the future before taking action • The biblical principle of "sowing your seed" • Why a first date doesn't need to feel like a marriage proposal • How to become the kind of person you hope to marry • Why choosing someone who strengthens your faith matters • Rob's thoughts on Christian online dating • How Rob prayed for nine months before meeting Pam • Why taking care of yourself physically and emotionally matters • How to date without putting unnecessary pressure on every interaction • Why purity protects trust and strengthens your future marriage • Why friendship is more important than chemistry alone • How to replace the search for certainty with courage Rob also shares the story of his own journey toward marriage. After a relationship he thought would lead to marriage ended, he spent months praying and surrendering his future to God. Nine months later, Pam flew into Berkeley from Cairo, Egypt—and a little over a year later, they were married. The message is simple: Stop asking God for certainty. Start asking Him for courage. Walk forward. Trust Him. Sow your seed. Become someone worth marrying. Protect your purity. Build friendships. Pray faithfully. Then leave tomorrow where it has always belonged—in the hands of God. Learn more about Rob, his books, and the Rob Skinner Podcast at RobSkinner.com. Rob's goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Walk Where Jesus Walked: The Holy Land Tour That Will Transform Your Faith Have you ever wanted to walk where Jesus walked? In this episode, Rob sits down with longtime minister and Bible teacher Mike Fontenau from Perth, Australia, to discuss an unforgettable opportunity—a guided Holy Land tour planned for October 2027. With more than twenty years of experience leading biblical tours through Israel, Mike shares how visiting the places you've only read about can completely transform your understanding of Scripture. From the Sea of Galilee and Capernaum to Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jericho, Bethlehem, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and beyond, every stop includes a Bible lesson that connects the location with God's story. Mike also explains how the tour is organized, what is included, safety considerations, and why this may be his final Holy Land tour. In this episode you'll discover: • Why visiting Israel brings the Bible to life • The major biblical sites included on the tour • Lessons taught where biblical events actually happened • Why Galilee and Jerusalem offer two very different experiences • What makes this tour different from a typical vacation • The current plans for the October 2027 trip • Tour costs and what is included • Thoughts on safety and travel in Israel • Why this may be Mike Fontenau's final Holy Land tour Whether you've dreamed of visiting Israel for years or simply want to deepen your understanding of Scripture, this conversation will inspire your faith and help you picture the Bible in an entirely new way. To learn more about future opportunities, stay connected through RobSkinner.com. My goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Before You Fast: 10 Ways to Experience Breakthrough with God What if your breakthrough is waiting on the other side of wholehearted prayer and fasting? In this episode, Rob prepares listeners for the upcoming 72-Hour Fast for Revival by sharing practical, biblical guidance on how to make the experience meaningful. Whether you've fasted many times or have never skipped a meal for spiritual reasons, this episode will help you approach God with faith, humility, and expectation. Rob explains why repentance always comes before revival, how to prepare your heart, practical tips for fasting safely, and why God promises to reward those who earnestly seek Him. This isn't simply about going without food. It's about drawing closer to God. In this episode you'll discover: • Why revival begins with repentance • How confession prepares your heart for prayer • Choosing the right type of fast • Why fasting should remain between you and God • Practical tips for staying healthy during a fast • Turning hunger into prayer • Creating a focused prayer list • Believing God for impossible breakthroughs • Inviting others into the Fast for Revival • Why God rewards those who earnestly seek Him Key Scriptures: Matthew 18:18–20 James 5:16 Psalm 66:18 Matthew 6:16–18 Jeremiah 32:27 Joel 2 Hebrews 11:6 Join believers around the world for the Fast for Revival:

From Olympic Dreams to Church Growth in Spain: How Jeff Arias Learned to Trust God What does it look like to spend decades building a successful career and then use everything you've learned to advance God's Kingdom? In this episode, Rob sits down with Jeff Arias, a bivocational minister serving in Madrid, Spain. Jeff shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Virginia, chasing Olympic skiing dreams in Colorado, becoming a disciple in 1986, building a successful business career, and eventually helping lead churches across Spain and Portugal. Jeff opens up about being fired from the ministry as a young man, rebuilding his life through perseverance and humility, working with Fisher-Price and Swimways, selling a successful company, and ultimately stepping into a self-supported ministry role in Europe. The conversation explores faith, business, leadership, retirement, greed, fasting, discipleship, and how Christians can make their lives count no matter their stage of life. In this episode you'll learn: • How Jeff became a Christian while attending the University of Colorado • The surprising acts of service that changed his heart • Lessons learned after being fired from ministry • How he built a successful business career • Why self-supported ministry is becoming increasingly important • The challenges and opportunities of ministry in Spain • How churches are growing across the Iberian Peninsula • Why fasting remains a powerful spiritual discipline • Practical advice for Christians preparing for retirement • How to keep your faith strong while building a career Whether you're a ministry leader, entrepreneur, retiree, or someone simply trying to stay faithful through different seasons of life, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Resources: Join the Fast for Revival: RobSkinner.com Books by Rob Skinner: The 10X Christian Before You Quit Connect with Rob: RobSkinner.com My goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

85 Years Old and Still Preaching: Why Al Baird Refuses to Retire What keeps a Christian faithful, fruitful, and full of vision at 85 years old? In this inspiring episode, Rob sits down with Dr. Al Baird, longtime church leader, teacher, and disciple-maker, who is still actively preaching and helping churches grow decades into his Christian journey. After losing his wife Gloria following 56 years of marriage, Al faced the challenge of finding purpose in a new season of life. Rather than slowing down, he accepted an opportunity to help revitalize the church in Bakersfield, California—a congregation that had lost momentum, vision, and hope. In this conversation, Al shares: • Why every Christian needs a dream • How he navigated life after losing Gloria • The opportunity he saw in Bakersfield • What happens when churches lose vision • Why retirement can be one of the most powerful seasons of ministry • How contribution and participation began growing again • Lessons learned from decades of ministry • The incredible example of George and Irene Gurganus • Why Christians should never retire spiritually • Practical advice for staying faithful over the long haul This conversation is filled with wisdom, perspective, and encouragement for Christians of every age. If you've ever wondered how to finish strong, this episode is for you. Connect with Rob:

85 Years Old and Still Asking God for More: The Caleb Spirit At 85 years old, Caleb wasn't asking for comfort, retirement, or an easier assignment. He was asking for a mountain. In this episode, Rob explores one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible and reveals why Caleb's faith remained strong after 45 years of waiting. While others focused on obstacles, giants, and limitations, Caleb learned to see God in every situation. What made Caleb different? Why did he continue dreaming when others had given up? And how can his example help us experience personal revival, renewed purpose, and stronger faith today? If you've ever felt discouraged about the future, uncertain about your next chapter, or tempted to settle spiritually, this episode will challenge you to believe God again. In this episode you'll discover: • Why Caleb's mindset was different from the other spies • The power of seeing "Him who is invisible" • How faith changes the way we view obstacles • Why revival begins with believing God again • Lessons from modern-day examples of faithful perseverance • How to recover dreams you've quietly given up on Join Rob as he prepares for the upcoming Fast for Revival and encourages believers everywhere to trust God for greater things. Visit RobSkinner.com to learn more about the Fast for Revival and join believers around the world in seeking God together. Make this life count.

Revival Starts With Repentance | Preparing for the Worldwide Fast for Revival

Why This Church Keeps Growing Year After Year | Kai Foster Why do some churches steadily grow while others plateau? In this insightful interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with Kai Foster, who leads the growing church in Reno, Nevada alongside his wife BJ. Over the past decade, the Reno church has experienced consistent growth — nearly doubling in size. In this conversation, Kai shares several practical and spiritual principles that have helped create a culture of connection, unity, and spiritual depth within the church. One of the biggest keys? Intentional fellowship. Kai explains how creating structured time for meaningful conversations during worship services and midweek meetings has helped disciples build authentic relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. He also shares why his church still uses printed sermon outlines and devotionals every week — and why "ink and paper still have power" in a world dominated by screens. This episode is filled with practical ideas for: Building stronger church community Increasing unity and connection Creating spiritually engaging church environments Helping people feel known and connected Encouraging deeper conversations Supporting long-term church growth Whether you lead a church, small group, ministry, or simply want stronger Christian community, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement. Key Takeaways Church growth often begins with deeper connection Intentional fellowship creates stronger disciples Structured conversations build unity Printed spiritual content increases retention and engagement Healthy churches create environments where people feel known Fellowship must go beyond surface-level interactions Memorable Quotes "Connectivity is the greatest challenge for suburban Christians." "Ink and paper still have power." "You can't obey the second greatest command if you're not connected." "People are accustomed to deeper conversations." Topics Covered Church growth Christian fellowship Leadership development Healthy church culture Midweek ministry Discipleship Spiritual community Church connection Faith and retention Reno church growth

How God Is Opening Doors for Revival in India | Shaijus Philip What happens when ordinary disciples pray for God to open doors? In this inspiring interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with Shaijus Philip from India to talk about church planting, raising up new leaders, and how God is moving powerfully through faith, prayer, and sacrifice. Shaijus shares how the School of Mission has trained dozens of new ministry leaders, the exciting "30 Districts by 2030" evangelistic initiative in India, and the miraculous story of how a wealthy landowner opened his property for a new church planting effort. This episode is packed with: Inspiring stories of faith and perseverance Church planting vision across India Leadership development through the School of Mission Stories of miraculous open doors Lessons about following the Spirit instead of human strategy The power of unity, sacrifice, and evangelism Rob also reflects on the persecution Shaijus endured decades earlier while helping plant churches in India — and the incredible fruit that has come from decades of faithful service. If you need renewed faith for ministry, missions, or evangelism, this conversation will encourage you deeply. Key Takeaways God often opens doors in unexpected ways Prayer and fasting still move mountains Young leaders can be inspired into ministry Church planting requires faith and patience Unity across social and economic lines is powerful The Holy Spirit often leads better than human strategy Memorable Quotes "When the Spirit opens the door, amazing things happen." "People from every caste and background were treated equally." "We prayed for the Spirit to open doors." "Whoever has more will be given." Topics Covered Church planting in India School of Mission training Evangelism initiatives Leadership development Ministry in Kerala Missions and discipleship Persecution and perseverance Healthy church growth Faith and revival

How a Church of 20 Grew Into a Thriving Ministry in Savannah | Bob Shanks What does it take to help a small church grow again? In this inspiring interview from the Healthy Church Growth Conference in Boston, Rob Skinner sits down with Bob Shanks, leader of the Savannah Church, to talk about faith, sacrifice, vision, and building vibrant churches in smaller cities. Bob shares the incredible story of how the Savannah church grew from around 20 members to more than 50, how a thriving campus ministry is developing, and why he believes small churches can still make a massive impact. The conversation also dives into: The challenge of leading and funding small churches Working part-time at Costco to support the ministry Building ministry alongside family Planting future churches in Hilton Head Raising up leaders instead of limiting people's dreams Why mission must stay at the center of church life This episode is full of practical wisdom, faith-building stories, and vision for the future of church growth. Key Takeaways Small churches can still thrive and grow Campus ministries remain critical for church growth Sacrifice and faith often go hand-in-hand in ministry Mission creates unity and spiritual momentum Every disciple should be developed with leadership vision Church planting starts with strengthening disciples where they already live Memorable Quotes "If we have money, how can we invest it into building the church?" "Mission creates ministry." "I see everybody as a potential leader." "We need a church in every neighborhood." Topics Covered Small church leadership Church planting strategy Campus ministry growth Savannah Church update Hilton Head church vision Faith and sacrifice in ministry Leadership development Multiplying disciples and churches

This One Leadership Skill Changes Everything (Most People Miss It) What if your future success came down to one simple—but overlooked—skill? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful leadership principle that impacts everything:

 God Is Moving in Barbados: Baptisms, Breakthroughs, and Bold Faith with Dwayne Blai What happens when a church begins to pray boldly—and God starts answering in real time? In this powerful missionary update, Dwayne Blai shares what God is doing right now in Bridgetown, Barbados—and it's nothing short of remarkable. From unexpected financial provision across the globe… to multiple baptisms led by rising disciples… to answered prayers for leadership, growth, and even healing in his own family—this is a story of momentum, faith, and God "showing off." The church isn't just growing—it's coming alive.  What God Is Doing Right Now  Unexpected Provision A disciple in Australia gave $3,000 USD to support international missions—fueling the training of two campus ministry leaders. Even more support has been pledged, opening the door for extended training and future leaders.  The mission is gaining real traction.  5 Baptisms in One Month Five people were baptized this month—four in just one week. Even more powerful? Dwayne and Tsega didn't lead most of the studies.  Disciples are stepping up.  The church is multiplying itself.  A Future Leader Emerges After persistent prayer for a strong female campus leader, God answered. A young woman made the courageous decision to follow Christ—despite opposition from her entire family. She is: Brave Humble Outward-focused Hungry to grow And she's already being personally discipled by Tsega.  Leadership is being raised from within.  Young Professionals Are Coming The church has been praying for committed young professionals—men with stability, transportation, and a heart to give. Now? There are more men to study with than time allows.  A new wave is forming.  Explosive Demographic Growth One long-term goal:  20% of the church under age 40 by 2028 Current reality?  Almost 25% already.  The future is arriving faster than expected.  A Personal Miracle Dwayne's youngest son had been suffering from severe migraines—so intense he couldn't function normally. After a large group prayed… Within days, everything changed.  He's now waking up, going to school, and living normally again. No explanation. Just God.  Key Takeaway When a church prays boldly, steps out in faith, and invests in people… God moves. God provides. God transforms. And sometimes—He does it faster than you ever imagined.  About the Mission Dwayne and Tsega Blai are leading a growing, revitalized church in Bridgetown, Barbados—raising up disciples, leaders, and a new generation of believers in the Caribbean.  Connect with the Blais Dwayne Blai  dwayneblai@gmail.com  246-289-1822 Tsega Blai  tsegablai@gmail.com  246-289-1823  Listen + Share If this update encouraged your faith, share it with someone who needs to see what God is doing around the world.  Follow for more stories that help you live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply your faith.

Keep Your Heart on Course: The Hidden Drift That Weakens Your Faith How do you stay faithful—not just for a season, but for a lifetime? In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob dives into a powerful truth from Proverbs 23: "Keep your heart on the right course." The greatest challenge in the Christian life isn't starting strong—it's staying strong. Over time, many believers don't walk away from God… they simply drift. A little less focus. A little more comfort. A slow shift in direction. And before long, their passion fades. In this episode, Rob unpacks three common areas where drift begins—food, drink, and rest—and explains how even good things can quietly pull your heart off course if left unchecked. This is not about legalism. It's about direction, discipline, and staying spiritually sharp.

What happens when you go 7.5 days without food? In this episode, Rob Skinner shares his personal experience with an extended fast—why he did it, what he learned, and how it impacted his faith, mindset, and daily life. Faced with situations beyond his control—including a loved one returning to God, a high-stakes Bible study, and a close friend recovering from serious illness—Rob turned to fasting as a way to seek God's power and intervention. He opens up about his initial resistance, the physical and mental challenges, and the surprising spiritual clarity that came through the process. Rob also shares practical insights from the fast, including: Why fasting strengthens your dependence on God What hunger really feels like after the first 24 hours The powerful mental aspect of fasting How fasting simplifies and sharpens your prayers The humbling realization that "you're not the center of the story" How fasting can reset your relationship with food and health Drawing from Scripture, including Ezra 8, Matthew 6, and John 15, as well as insights from Seneca, this episode explores fasting as both spiritual discipline and personal training for life's challenges. If you've ever considered fasting but felt intimidated, this episode will encourage you to start small, push past fear, and trust God for deeper growth. Key Takeaways Apart from God, we can do nothing Fasting invites God's power into situations we can't control Fear is often the biggest barrier to fasting Hunger becomes manageable—and often more mental than physical Simplicity in prayer leads to greater clarity and focus Fasting builds discipline, humility, and spiritual readiness Call to Action Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter  Read and review The 10x Christian on Amazon Share this episode with someone exploring spiritual growth

Who Are You Becoming? (Part 3): The Power of Focus That Transforms Your Life What if the most important question in your life isn't what you're doing… but who you're becoming? In this final episode of his 3-part series on the power of focus, Rob Skinner shares a powerful message from a recent sermon in Boston about how your attention shapes your character—and ultimately your life. Most people focus on external things: Career Money Success Future plans But the Bible calls us to ask a deeper question: Who am I becoming? In 2 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul teaches that as we contemplate the Lord, we are transformed into His image. That word "contemplate" means to gaze, reflect, and give sustained attention. In other words: You become what you focus on. The Transformation Process When you fix your attention on Jesus, something powerful happens. His character begins to form in you: • Love • Joy • Peace • Patience • Kindness • Goodness • Faithfulness • Gentleness • Self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) This is the goal of the Christian life—not just to believe in Jesus, but to become like Him. The Michelangelo Illustration Rob shares a powerful illustration from Michelangelo. When asked how he created the statue of David, Michelangelo said: "I simply chipped away everything that was not David." That's exactly what Jesus does in our lives. As we focus on Him, He begins to chip away: • Pride • Fear • Selfishness • Sin Until Christ is formed in us. Christ-Focused Reading Rob shares a practical habit to help you grow: Christ-focused reading Spend time slowly reading and reflecting on passages that reveal the character of God and Jesus, such as: • Exodus 34:6–7 – God's compassion and grace • Romans 5 – God's love demonstrated through Christ • Ephesians 1 – Your identity and blessings in Christ • Philippians 2 – The humility of Jesus • Colossians 1 – The supremacy of Christ • Romans 8 – Life in the Spirit Don't rush. Read slowly. Reflect deeply. Repeat often. Because transformation happens through consistent exposure to truth. Your Life Follows Your Focus We live in a world where everything is competing for your attention. But you have a choice: You choose your focus. And when your focus changes, your life begins to change. So today, ask yourself: Where are my eyes going? Then gently bring them back to Jesus. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you:

Your Life Follows Your Focus (Part 2): Fix Your Eyes on Jesus In a world where everyone is competing for your attention, learning to focus may be one of the most important spiritual disciplines a disciple can develop. In this second episode in his Power of Focus series, Rob Skinner shares a powerful message from a recent sermon in Boston about why disciples of Jesus must intentionally direct their attention toward Christ. Philippians 2 calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus—a mindset marked by humility, sacrifice, and obedience. But the challenge is that the world constantly pulls our focus in other directions. Comparison. Success. Approval. Pleasure. Entertainment. Just like racehorses wear blinders to keep their eyes fixed on the track, disciples must decide where their attention will go. When racehorses look sideways, they slow down and lose the race. In the same way, when believers constantly compare themselves with others or chase distractions, they lose spiritual focus. The solution is simple but powerful: Fix your attention on Jesus. In this episode, Rob shares a practical spiritual habit called Christ-focused reading—spending intentional time in passages of Scripture that reveal the character and identity of Jesus. Passages like: • Philippians 2 – The humility of Christ • Colossians 1 – The supremacy of Christ • The Sermon on the Mount – The teachings of Christ By slowly reflecting on these passages and asking, "What does this reveal about Jesus?" disciples begin to absorb His character and imitate His example. Transformation doesn't happen by accident. It happens when we intentionally direct our attention toward Christ. Because in the end, your life truly follows your focus. Key Scriptures Philippians 2:5–11 "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…" Colossians 1:15–17 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation…" Practical Challenge Try this simple practice this week: Spend time reading passages that focus directly on the character of Jesus. Slow down. Reflect on what the passage reveals about Him. Ask yourself: How can I imitate this today? Because discipleship is not about perfection. It's about direction and attention. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: • Subscribe to Rob's weekly newsletter: https://robskinner.com • Read Rob's latest book: The 10X Christian Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com. Rob's mission is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Your Life Follows Your Focus: The Secret to Spiritual Transformation What you focus on shapes the person you become. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful lesson from Hebrews 12 about the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus. Drawing from a recent sermon in Boston, Rob explains how attention is one of the most important forces shaping our spiritual lives. Your mind, your habits, and even your character are shaped by what consistently captures your attention. In a world where countless voices are competing for your focus—social media, news, comparison, anxiety, and success—the Bible offers a simple but life-changing command: Fix your eyes on Jesus. Rob shares a fascinating story about a friend who learned fluent English simply by watching American television growing up in Venezuela. By listening and imitating what he repeatedly saw and heard, his mind adapted and his speech transformed. The same principle applies spiritually. When our attention stays fixed on Christ—His character, His words, and His example—we begin to absorb His humility, courage, and love. Transformation doesn't happen by accident. It happens when we intentionally direct our attention toward Jesus. Rob also explores a powerful passage from 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul describes how believers are transformed into Christ's image as they contemplate the glory of the Lord. In a culture that constantly fights for your attention, learning to focus on Jesus may be one of the most important spiritual disciplines you can develop. If you want to grow spiritually and become more like Christ, it starts with a simple decision: Choose what you focus on. Key Scripture Hebrews 12:2 "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." 2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory." Practical Challenge This week, try a simple exercise: Spend intentional time reading passages that focus directly on Jesus and the character of God. Slow down. Reflect on what those passages reveal about Christ. Let them reshape the way you see God. Because your life truly follows your focus. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: • Subscribe to Rob's weekly newsletter: https://robskinner.com • Read Rob's latest book: The 10X Christian Available on Amazon or at RobSkinner.com Rob's mission is to inspire you to live a no regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.