Provoke & Inspire Podcast - podcast cover

Provoke & Inspire Podcast

Steiger Podcast Network www.provokeandinspirepodcast.com

Provoke & Inspire is a weekly podcast featuring four artists, ministry leaders, and passionate followers of Jesus (Ben, David, Luke, and Chad) with decades of front-line experience and the stories to back it up! Every week they discuss how Jesus might respond to current events and issues facing the church today. 

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Episodes

593: The Surprising Purpose of Prayer (and Why We Forget)

Has prayer ever felt pointless to you? Or if not that, at least a boring religious exercise...even one done in futility? Ben and David explore this topic with a message that will bring refreshment into the heart of every follower of Jesus, regardless of where you are in your journey of prayer. ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may never ...

Aug 19, 202542 min

P&I Moments: William Lane Craig | Is Suffering the BEST Christian Apologetic?

How do we deal with those who fall into the category of extreme apathy - those espousing something you could call "Apatheism"? How do you approach suffering with no framework for God in your life? Apologist, author, and speaker William Lane Craig weighs in on these heavy matters. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyone long...

Aug 15, 20255 min

592: The #1 Danger Facing the Church Today | Pastor Landon MacDonald

Ben talks to pastor and content creator Landon MacDonald. Landon is the pastor of Mission Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. They discuss an experiment Landon did involving billboard ad space which made him go viral, and why biblical illiteracy often plagues the church today. ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may never step foot in a churc...

Aug 14, 202554 min

P&I Moments: Jesus, or The Algorithm: Who’s Really Leading You? | Isaac David - Daily Disciple

When it comes to the emerging prominence of online ministry, how can we know if we are making a difference, when we may never see some of the people we are trying to reach? Do we know if our ministry is a success, or have we simply found a niche? How do we step back from mistakes we might make, when the reach of the internet is so vast, and the platform so public? Ben talks to YouTuber Isaac David of Daily Disciple, as they attempt to tackle some of the space's biggest questions. Listen to the f...

Aug 08, 202510 min

591: The Key to Finding Peace When You’re Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stressed | Dr. Caroline Leaf

How do we parse out mind, body, and spirit when navigating issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and habits? Ben talks with the brilliant clinical neuroscientist, mental health educator, and author Dr. Caroline Leaf about these very things. Dr. Leaf discusses her new book, Help in a Hurry: Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed, Anxious or Stressed Check out Dr. Leaf's new book HERE . Visit Dr. Leaf's website HERE . Follow Dr. Leaf on: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drcaro...

Aug 07, 202548 min

590: Public Baptisms and the Key to Keeping Your Faith Alive

What happens when things in the church get brought outside of their traditional settings? What happens when you offer baptism in a public park in Germany? The guys talk about risk, breakthrough, and starting from where you are; being honest about where you are at spiritually. ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben has completely ...

Aug 05, 202544 min

P&I Moments: Why Are We Addicted to Outrage? | Nate Sala

How can we provide people with solutions in their search for meaning? Why are we so drawn toward disapproval and indignation? How can we stand out from others as followers of Jesus? Ben talks with Nate Sala of the YouTube channel, "Wise Disciple" about the current cultural zeitgeist. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. ---------------------- Do you ever struggle to share your faith with t...

Aug 01, 202510 min

589: Am I Making My Life Count?

Ben reflects on the sobering truth of James 4:14. Our lives are like a mist, here one moment and gone the next. Drawing from personal stories, scripture, and the haunting wisdom of the 1989 film Dead Poets Society , he shares a practical framework for living intentionally: having a clear aim, building a real plan, and committing to weekly reflection. If you don’t want to waste your life, this episode is for you. ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to appl...

Jul 29, 202528 min

P&I Moments: Pete Greig (24-7 Prayer) | The Key Behind Every Revival

From a surge in global prayer to a rising hunger for truth among Gen Z, this conversation unpacks the signs of revival. The regulars are joined by Pete Greig from the 24-7 prayer movement, who explores why prayer isn’t passive, how culture has reached a breaking point, and why now is the time for a new generation to rise, lead, and live differently. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk in...

Jul 25, 20259 min

588: Should You Trust a Church That Markets Itself? | Brady Sticker

Brady Sticker from ChurchCandy joins to tackle the controversial topic of digital marketing in the church. Does it lead to true discipleship or just transfer growth? They explore the power and pitfalls of tools like Facebook ads, discuss how to use them with integrity, and unpack how personal connection, not automation, is key to reaching a spiritually hungry generation. Check out ChurchCandy HERE . Learn more about Brady at bradysticker.com ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missi...

Jul 24, 202551 min

P&I Moment: Brian "Head" Welch, Ryan Ries | Is Your Faith Just a Performance?

Ben talks with speaker Ryan Ries, as well as guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch of the band Korn about staying consistently faithful to Jesus, and soft-hearted in a crazy world. Listen to the full episode Spotify Apple ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular Worl...

Jul 18, 20255 min

587: Sonny Sandoval (P.O.D.) | Why Real Faithfulness Doesn’t Look Like You Think

Grammy-nominated POD frontman Sonny Sandoval joins the podcast to talk faith, fatherhood, and the tension of following Jesus in a chaotic world. From raising kids on the road to resisting the pull of fame, Sonny shares raw insights on living authentically, loving well, and staying both grounded in grace and close to Jesus. Check out Sonny’s book, “Son of Southdown,” here . ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to s...

Jul 17, 202548 min

586: Is the Church’s View of Gender Pushing People Away?

Have we confused biblical truth with cultural stereotypes? In this episode, we’ll explore whether the Church’s approach to gender roles is more alienating than affirming, especially to those already feeling on the margins. Are we holding to Scripture or adding barriers Jesus never intended? ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben ...

Jul 15, 202531 min

P&I Moment: Dr. Curt Thompson | Has Church Growth Become an Idol?

Psychiatrist, author and speaker Dr. Curt Thompson explores why true discipleship isn’t scalable—and why that’s the point. Drawing from neuroscience, church history, and the life of Jesus, he challenges the obsession with mass growth and spotlights the transformative power of small, intentional communities. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? Ben has completely revised and...

Jul 11, 202510 min

585: Why Most Churches Fail at Discipleship (And How to Fix It) | Jonathan Moynihan

Ben talks with Jonathan Moynihan, lead pastor of Mosaic Christian Church in Elkridge, Maryland, and host of The White Flag podcast. They unpack why the modern church is struggling to form real, mature followers of Jesus. We explore the deep disconnect between what churches say they prioritize and what they actually measure , why traditional programs often fall short, and how Jesus’ model of relational, high-challenge discipleship remains relevant more than ever. ---------------------- Interested...

Jul 10, 202556 min

584: Patriotism Isn't Cool Anymore, But Should It Be?

In light of the USA's Independence Day, Ben goes solo to ask whether or not (for those who live in the United States) our different freedoms and forms of wealth as Americans are something we take advantage of, or take for granted. ---------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus i...

Jul 08, 20257 min

583: What’s Really Causing the Millennial Midlife Crisis?

Many millennials are facing the same “midlife crisis” that their parents did, yet without the money to buy that Porsche or the spouse to leave for someone younger. Although these typical material exchanges may not be occurring, the crisis remains. How can followers of Jesus speak into this issue, and what deeper root does a midlife crisis speak to? ——----------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those w...

Jul 01, 202552 min

P&I Moment: Marijuana Expert Dr. Todd Miles | Does Marijuana Have a Legitimate Use Case? Is God Okay with You Getting High to Cope?

Many people, even in the Church, are increasingly acceptant of things like THC or CBD, while at the same time many still demonize marijuana as a dangerous substance that can open spiritual doors. Is there truth to either side? Dr. Todd Miles talks to Ben and Chad about this contentious subject. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? Ben has completely revised and updated his ...

Jun 27, 20255 min

582: Does Jesus Fit Into Your Politics? | nobigdyl.

Ben speaks with Dove Award-winning rapper and songwriter Dylan Phillips, AKA nobigdyl. for an honest conversation about faith, creativity, politics, and staying centered on Jesus in a divided world; from the story behind his song "imago interlude" to the Church’s need to rise above tribalism. --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben...

Jun 26, 202539 min

581: End Times? Israel, Iran, and Following Jesus in Global Turmoil

Are we on the brink of WWIII? Is it already underway? Beyond what countless news sources are fixated on, and reporting, what do followers of Jesus do with this information, and this situation? Is this the end? --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: R...

Jun 24, 202543 min

P&I Moment: Preston Perry | Is Evangelism a Unique or a Universal Command?

Ben talks with evangelist, author and speaker Preston Perry about the finer details of calling, vocation, and how we are all commanded to go and share the gospel, making others such as ourselves. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyon...

Jun 20, 20259 min

580: Missions Expert Warns: Gospel Proclamation Is No Longer a Priority for Ministries and Churches—Here’s How to Change That | Ted Esler

Ben and Aaron talk with Ted Esler, president of Missio Nexus, to discuss a surprising trend among missions organizations: the growing reluctance to prioritize bold, proclamation-based evangelism. We explore why some ministries are moving away from direct gospel communication, how fear and cultural pressures are shaping strategy, and what it takes to reignite a passionate, courageous witness in today’s world. --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for...

Jun 19, 202545 min

579: Should Michael Tait's Moral Failure Surprise Us?

The regulars respond to the recent admissions from Michael Tait (former Newsboys/DC Talk frontman) and wrestle with deeper, systemic questions of what happens when influence outpaces character. Why do the faithful finishers rarely make headlines? Is public ministry inherently dangerous to the soul? --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? --------------------...

Jun 17, 202540 min

P&I Moments: David Platt | Can God Change My Heart?

Ben and Aaron talk with pastor, author and speaker David Platt about how we can inspire the church to wake up and reach the nations with the gospel, as we are commanded to do in Matthew 28. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyone long...

Jun 13, 20257 min

578: Dr. William Lane Craig | The Real Reason Atheism Failed and Gen-Z’s Meaning Crisis

Is there truth to "staying in your lane" regarding what God has called you to do? How do we navigate Gen-Z's view of spirituality? How do we know whether or not we will fall into sin again when we are in heaven? Author, apologist, and theologian Dr. William Lane Craig joins Ben on the podcast to answer these questions and more. --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into ...

Jun 12, 202552 min

Episode 577: Is Comfort Killing Your Faith?

Why are we drawn to lives of comfort? Why does comfort end up hurting us? Is Chad about to take his biggest risk yet? --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may nev...

Jun 10, 202541 min

P&I Moments: God Does Impossible Math! | Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen)

Dallas Jenkins, director of the worldwide phenomenon TV-series "The Chosen" shares his mindset of bypassing traditional definitions of success or impact, and instead focusing on pleasing God, and God alone. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guid...

Jun 06, 20255 min

576: The Real Reason We All Lack Purpose — and What to Do About It

Do we all just need to quit our jobs and sail the world? What is it about the world that makes us want to escape it? In this episode, the guys talk about Oliver Widger, who quit his job, bought a boat, and sailed to Hawaii. Millions followed his journey, raising many existential questions along the way. --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------...

Jun 05, 202552 min

575: Does Godly Ambition Exist? | Ruslan KD

Ben talks with YouTube personality, cultural commentator, and author Ruslan KD about preaching the gospel using social media, the potential pitfalls of doing so, and his upcoming book, "Godly Ambition." Click HERE to preorder now on Amazon. --------------------- Interested in the Steiger Missions School? Click HERE to apply for the SMS. Do you ever struggle to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? ---------------------- Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book...

Jun 03, 202553 min

P&I Moments: Will AI Replace God? Oxford Professor Drops Truth Bomb | John Lennox

Oxford mathematics professor John Lennox shares his alarming thoughts on our impending Orwellian future from his book "2084 And The AI Revolution". Listen to the full episode here: Spotify Apple ---------------------- Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church? Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis —a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may never step foot...

May 30, 20256 min
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