We all long to live a life that matters. But when we’re weighed down by a diagnosis, heartbreak, or betrayal, it’s natural to ask, “Where is God when I need Him most?” Join David Wollen and Pastor Ray Ortlund on this week’s episode of The Great Stories Podcast—Ray Ortlund on Experiencing God’s Reviving Mercy—as they explore how God meets us in our lowest moments with His renewing grace.
Jul 09, 2025•47 min•Ep. 238
Though it once served as a cherished book for Christians for over 350 years, many believers today have never read The Pilgrim’s Progress. On The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen is joined by guest Tyler Van Halteren to rediscover the timeless truths of John Bunyan’s beloved classic in the compelling series, Rediscovering The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Jun 25, 2025•35 min•Ep. 237
For over 350 years, The Pilgrim’s Progress was a treasured guide for Christians around the world—yet today, many believers have never read it. On The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen welcomes guest Tyler Van Halteren to rediscover the timeless truths of John Bunyan’s beloved classic in a compelling podcast, Rediscovering The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Jun 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 236
What if Jesus wrote a letter to your church? In the book of Revelation, we find seven powerful messages from Christ Himself, spoken to real congregations in the first century and still echoing with relevance today. Join David Wollen and Dr. Joe Stowell this week on The Great Stories Podcast as they begin a new series: “The 7 Churches of Revelation.” In this episode, they dive into the letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Laodicea, unpacking both the challenges these churches faced and the f...
Jun 11, 2025•30 min•Ep. 235
Unlike other New Testament letters, Revelation includes seven messages from Jesus Himself, written to real churches facing real challenges, calling them to stay faithful. Join David Wollen and Dr. Joe Stowell this week on The Great Stories Podcast for a powerful new series: “The 7 Churches of Revelation.”
Jun 04, 2025•23 min•Ep. 234
Human limitations are unavoidable—but how does God view them? Does He expect you to push through, striving to do it all? Or could it be that your limits are actually part of His good design? On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, join David Wollen and special guest Dr. Kelly Kapic as they explore what it means to embrace our God-given limitations—and why that might be one of the most life-giving truths we can rediscover.
May 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 233
What is God doing when you pray… and nothing seems to happen? When the days turn into weeks, or even years, and the breakthrough still hasn’t come—does He hear? Does He care? In those seasons of silence and waiting, it’s easy to feel forgotten. But what if God is working in ways we can’t yet see? What if the waiting itself is part of His plan to shape us, deepen our trust, and draw us closer to Him? On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Join David Wollen and Pastor Ste Casey, author o...
May 21, 2025•43 min•Ep. 230
Whether you're just beginning your journey of faith or have been walking with Christ for decades, one truth remains the same: you never outgrow your need for the Gospel. The Good News of Jesus isn’t just the starting point of the Christian life—it’s the foundation, the fuel, and the focus for every day that follows. As one pastor wisely said, “Preach the Gospel to yourself every day.” Join David Wollen with special guests, pastors Milton Vincent and Mike Bullmore, as they explore what it means t...
May 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 232
Where can families turn in difficult times? The Smallbone family’s journey from hardship to hope offers powerful lessons in faith and resilience. Discover the inspiring true story behind music legends for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James on today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast.
May 07, 2025•28 min•Ep. 231
Life in Cuba continues to be marked by hardship. Widespread shortages, deep poverty, and ongoing oppression weigh heavily on its people—especially on Christians and churches who often feel forgotten by the global Church, and at times, even by God. El Faro de Redención is a ministry dedicated to sharing the hope of the gospel with Cuba and other Spanish-speaking nations. Through Bible-centered broadcasts, they uplift and strengthen weary believers, encouraging them to remain faithful to Christ. O...
Apr 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 229
Does the Jewish Bible really point to Jesus? Throughout the Old Testament, we find numerous prophecies about a coming Messiah—one who would bring hope, restoration, and salvation. But how exactly does Jesus fulfill these ancient promises? Join David Wollen and Messianic Jewish author and teacher David Brickner as they delve into the Scriptures and uncover God’s unfolding plan of redemption. In this compelling series, Why Jesus is the Messiah, they explore the prophetic connections between the He...
Apr 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 228
The cross is not the end of the story. What began as the world’s darkest night gave way to its brightest day. In part two of the series Turning the World Right-Side Up, we focus on the resurrection and the disciples' mission to spread the Gospel. Join David Wollen and special guest, author and pastor Marty Machowski, as they explore how the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings hope and transformation to our upside-down world.
Apr 09, 2025•21 min•Ep. 227
The cross is not the end of the story. What began as the world’s darkest night gave way to its brightest day. Truly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ turned the world upside down and right side up. Join David Wollen and special guest, author and pastor Marty Machowski, in a series called Turning the World Right-Side Up, where they explore how Christ’s resurrection brings hope and transformation to our upside-down world.
Apr 02, 2025•35 min•Ep. 226
The deconstruction movement is causing many to question their beliefs about Jesus and Christianity, resulting in significant changes within churches and families. Leading some to ask… How should we respond when a loved one begins to deconstruct their faith? How can we lovingly and effectively share God’s eternal truth with those wrestling with doubt? This week on Haven Today, David Wollen welcomes author and podcaster, Alisa Childers, to discuss deconstruction, its challenges, and a Christ-cente...
Mar 26, 2025•48 min•Ep. 225
Hymns have been sung by the church for centuries to help Christians worship God, learn the Bible, and encourage one another. And when you sing a great hymn, you’re not just making music—you’re preaching the Gospel to your own heart. Nobody knows that better than Joni Eareckson Tada. On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen sits down with Joni as she shares the hymns that helped her through some of the darkest moments of her life. These powerful songs remind you that hymns ar...
Mar 19, 2025•33 min•Ep. 224
Perhaps you know the story of Corrie ten Boom and how her family hid Jews in their home during WWII before being found out and sent to a concentration camp themselves. But what was their motivation? And how did Corrie experience the peace of Christ even in solitary confinement? On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen shares an interview from his predecessor, Charles Morris, with the late Pamela Rosewell Moore, who was Corrie ten Boom’s assistant for many years. You’ll also ...
Mar 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 223
What does it mean to be “in Christ"? It’s more than a sentiment or a line to close out an email. It’s one of the most profound, perspective-shifting, paradigm-altering Gospel truths hiding in plain sight across the New Testament. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by author and pastor Kyle Worley to discuss what it means to be united with Christ. More than a theological concept, union with Christ is how we know and enjoy God. It's also how the spiritual bless...
Mar 05, 2025•33 min•Ep. 222
Just like modern Christians do today, first century believers gathered together to pray, hear God’s Word, and worship Christ through song. But what were they singing? And what did it sound like? Today, we can begin to answer these questions thanks to the groundbreaking work behind a musical project breathing new life into The Odes of Solomon. On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast by Haven Today, we take a deep dive into the songs and hymns of the early church. Dr. James Charlesworth, D...
Feb 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 221
His name is connected to a Bible college, a publishing house, and a radio network. But D. L. Moody was not a businessman. He was an evangelist who loved many of the people no one else did. You may think you know his story, but there's more to this 19th century follower of Christ than meets the eye. On this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Dr. Gregg Quiggle—a former professor at Moody Bible Institute and the author of a recent biography on Dwight Lyman Moody—joins David Wollen to discuss thi...
Feb 21, 2025•24 min•Ep. 220
We all have the tendency to look back at our childhood with rose-colored glasses. Decades later, we fail to remember the challenges we faced, even as our children face even greater challenges today. The world they are inheriting often feels hopeless, but that doesn't mean they have to live without hope. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by bestselling children's book author Sally Lloyd-Jones to discuss how children can find hope in the midst of their own cha...
Feb 13, 2025•29 min•Ep. 219