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In this Real Talk episode of the Steps to Thrive Podcast, we dive deep into a conversation with Jon Crocker, the director of the Gospel Fellowship Association. As a passionate preacher and cross-cultural missionary, Jon shares his journey and insights on leadership, faith, and the importance of following God's calling in our lives. Join us to explore how we can take the next right steps to grow in our faith and lead others effectively.
About Jon Crocker Joh is the executive director of the Gospel Fellowship Association and a dedicated missionary who spent ten years in Mexico City. He has a heart for serving missionaries worldwide and motivating God’s people to fulfill the Great Commission. Discovering a Passion for Missions His journey into missions began at a young age when he was introduced to the Spanish language. He recalls, "I was eight years old and got the opportunity to take Spanish classes through my church. Little did I know that this would be the first step towards a life dedicated to missions." His early exposure to Spanish, combined with a neighbor from Argentina, ignited a passion for the language and culture. John continued to pursue this passion throughout his education, leading him to mission trips and further opportunities to serve in Latin America. Leadership Lessons from Missions During our conversation, Jon shared valuable leadership lessons he's learned through his experiences in missions: 1. Empower Others: "As leaders, it's vital to empower those around us. We should be equipping others to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities." 2. Be Adaptable: In missions, circumstances often change rapidly. John emphasizes the need for leaders to be flexible and open to new challenges. 3. Lead with Love: "The foundation of effective leadership is love—love for God and love for people. This love motivates us to serve and guide others." The Importance of Community John highlights the significance of community in both life and leadership. He notes that having a supportive network can help individuals navigate challenges and stay grounded in their faith. "We need each other to grow and thrive. Community is essential for accountability and encouragement." In conclusion, Jon's journey exemplifies the power of following one’s passion and being open to God’s guidance. His insights on leadership, community, and missions encourage us all to take meaningful steps in our personal and spiritual growth. Press on in God's grace and strength. Stay Awesome. Stay on the narrow path. Taking Steps To Thrive for God's glory.
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We live in an image-driven culture. Social media constantly floods us with comparisons, filters, fitness culture, beauty standards, and pressure to look a certain way. Especially for young people, it is easy to feel behind, inadequate, or unnoticed when comparing someone else’s highlight reel to our everyday life. If we are not careful, our identity can slowly drift away from Christ and become rooted in appearance, performance, or the approval of others.
As Christians, we must begin where we always should begin--with God’s Word. Scripture defines reality and shapes how we think about everything, including body image, health, beauty, and fitness. The Bible teaches that our bodies matter. First Corinthians 6 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we are to glorify God in our bodies. Our physical lives are not disconnected from our spiritual lives. At the same time, Scripture gives balance and perspective. Proverbs 31 says, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain.” Second Corinthians 4 reminds us that our outer bodies are wasting away even while our inner selves are being renewed. Physical beauty fades. Strength fades. Even elite athletes grow old. Our hope cannot rest in appearance because all earthly beauty and strength are temporary. That does not mean we neglect our health. Rather, we steward it wisely. Exercise, sleep, nutrition, and self-control matter because God has entrusted us with bodies to serve Him and love others well. We should care for our health not primarily to look good or feel good, but to have the capacity to do more good. The danger comes when stewardship becomes self-obsession. Constant comparison destroys joy, pride distorts perspective, and insecurity keeps us focused inward instead of outward. The Christian life calls us to something higher—humility, gratitude, discipline, and service. We pursue self-control not to glorify ourselves, but to glorify God and better serve others. So yes—train hard, eat wisely, and take care of yourself. But remember this: your worth is not determined by a mirror, a scale, or someone else’s opinion. Your identity is found in Christ alone. Rejoice not ultimately in what you look like, but in who you increasingly look like as you grow in Christlikeness. Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory. I had the privilege of speaking with Pastor John Lehman for this Real Talk episode, and it was such a blessing. Pastor Lehman has dedicated over 30 years to ministry at Hampton Park Baptist Church. He shares his extensive experience in counseling, teaching, and leading, providing practical insights for young leaders seeking to make an impact.
HERE is a link to the full episode. His deep love for God's Word and his commitment to helping others grow spiritually are evident in his work as a counselor and teacher. He is also the author of several books that focus on practical Christian living, such as "It's Apparent, You're a Parent" and "Fit for the Master." Recently, he has transitioned to a traveling role, equipping believers worldwide. In this interview he emphasizes the importance of learning from every experience. He recalls a pivotal moment from his eighth-grade vice presidency that taught him the value of reflection. "Some people live and learn, and some people just live," he shares. This quote encourages young leaders to reflect on their experiences and learn from them, ensuring they grow rather than merely exist. He also shared this profound insight: "Some people use their ministry to build themselves up, while others use their lives to build up their ministry." This perspective shifts the focus from personal accolades to the impact one can have on others. He encourages young leaders to serve with humility and a desire to uplift those around them. Beyond ministry, Pastor Lehman has made significant contributions to the fitness community. His journey began in high school, where he discovered his passion for running. Engaging with diverse communities enriches one's leadership and broadens their influence. His insights on leadership remind us of the importance of learning, serving selflessly, seeking God's guidance, and fostering relationships. As you reflect on these principles, consider how they can be applied to your own leadership journey. Stay Awesome. Stay on the narrow path. Taking Steps To Thrive for God's glory! This is a real tension many teens face. You may have a desire to pursue a relationship, while your parents are asking you to wait. It can feel confusing—and even frustrating—but God’s Word gives us clear direction.
Scripture calls us to honor and obey our parents. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1, ESV). Proverbs also reminds us to listen to their instruction and not forsake their teaching. When we live under our parents’ authority, obedience is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege that positions us to grow in wisdom. This is not always easy to be sure. As we mature into adulthood. While we are always called to honor our parents, there comes a point when decisions require thoughtful independence. Even then, humility, communication, and a posture of respect should guide us. Regardless of age, one principle remains constant: pursue relationships that honor Christ. Dating is not just about feelings—it’s about direction. We should seek someone who knows the Lord and is growing in their faith. So what should you do now? Stay open with your parents. Ask questions. Listen to their concerns. Hidden relationships damage trust, but honest conversations build it. Their “no” today may be preparation for something better later. God is not holding out on you—He is preparing you. Be patient. Be faithful. Focus on becoming the right person, trusting that in His timing, He will lead you well. Marriage is a gift—and it’s worth the wait. Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory. We’ve all felt the tension—especially in seasons of full schedules and close community. Do we go to bed on time, or stay up a little longer to talk, help someone, or just enjoy being with people? For many students living in residence halls, this is a daily dilemma. There are always conversations, needs, and opportunities pulling for our attention. This is where we need wisdom.
First, we have to recognize this: sleep matters. Scripture reminds us, “He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2, ESV). Sleep is not a weakness—it’s a gift. It’s also an act of worship. When we lie down and rest, we are trusting that God is still at work. As Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” The world keeps going while we sleep, and we are completely dependent on Him. Practically, rest fuels everything. When our “battery” is low, we don’t think clearly, respond patiently, or lead well. Consistent sleep gives us energy and clarity for the moments that matter most. I’ve heard it said that beds are wireless chargers for humans – and that makes sense! At the same time, there are moments worth staying up for—a deep conversation with a struggling friend, time with family, or a genuine need. But those should be the exception, not the norm. Many late nights are simply unintentional or unproductive—scrolling, gaming, or just passing time. A helpful question is this: Would I wake up early to do this? If something truly matters—if it’s meaningful, necessary, or impactful—you would be willing to sacrifice sleep on either end of the day. You’d get up early for it, not just stay up late for it. That question helps expose whether something is truly valuable or just convenient in the moment. It brings clarity to what deserves your time and what doesn’t. So we learn to live with balance—valuing rest while staying available for what truly matters. Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory. We often think our days fall apart later—but more often, they’re shaped in the first 30 minutes. The way we start our mornings sets the direction for everything that follows. If we win the morning, we’re far more likely to win the day.
These habits are simple—but simple doesn’t mean easy. At some point, we have to stop thinking about change and start doing the things that lead to it. The difference isn’t knowing what to do—it’s consistently doing it. Here are five habits that, if practiced daily, can quietly but powerfully change your life:
None of these habits are complicated—that’s why they’re often ignored. But when practiced consistently, they shape who we become over time. We’re not aiming for perfection, but for steady progress. Start with one or two. Stay consistent. Small habits, done daily, lead to a life that truly thrives. Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory. What's the best way to show hospitality - both personally and professionally? Hospitality is more than opening a door—it’s opening our lives. At its core, it’s about how we love people, both personally and professionally.
As believers, hospitality flows from the Great Commandment: loving God first, and then loving others. When our relationship with God is growing, it shapes how we see and treat people. We begin to reflect the grace we’ve received. Scripture calls us to “outdo one another in showing honor” and to “seek to show hospitality.” That’s an eager, intentional posture—not passive, but proactive in caring for others. Practically, hospitality starts with something simple: being genuinely interested in people. Too often we listen just to respond, but real hospitality listens to understand. It asks questions, pays attention, and recognizes that everyone we meet may be carrying unseen burdens. In our personal lives, hospitality often looks like using our homes—or whatever space we have—as a place for connection. Sharing meals, inviting others in, and creating space for meaningful conversation can have a powerful impact. In our professional lives, it looks like kindness and grace in everyday interactions. Whether in meetings, classrooms, or job sites, we treat others with patience and respect—even when it’s not returned. So what can we do? Reach out to someone. Schedule time together. Open your space. Listen well. And ask God for wisdom to use your time and energy to love others intentionally. Hospitality isn’t complicated—but it is costly. And it’s worth it. Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory. In this second Steps To Thrive podcast interview, I engage in a conversation Andrew Bates, youth pastor at Hampton Park Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina.
HERE is a link to the video podcast interview. Here are some great insights: Leadership often feels like something reserved for the naturally gifted—but Andrew's story reminds us that God works differently. His path into ministry wasn’t perfectly planned. What seemed like a routine trip became a clear moment of God’s providence, redirecting his steps in a way he hadn’t expected. It’s a reminder that God is always at work, even when we don’t see it. One of the biggest lessons Andrew shares is this: leadership is about character, not just skill. He didn’t see himself as a natural leader growing up, but through Scripture and experience, he learned that God is looking for faithfulness, humility, and dependence—not personality type. He also emphasizes the importance of community. Leadership isn’t meant to be done alone. Regular accountability, honest conversations, and shared encouragement are essential for growth and endurance. For those of us who want to grow, the path is clear: stay rooted in God’s Word, invest in relationships, and embrace hard things. Real leadership flows from a life dependent on Christ, not from our own strength. When we focus on people, pursue character, and trust God’s leading, we become the kind of leaders who make a lasting impact. Practical Advice for Young Christians Seeking Growth:
For aspiring leaders and young Christians alike: Stay rooted in the Word, build authentic community, develop character, and embrace the opportunities God provides—even the hard ones. As Andrew urges, focus on people over process, love genuinely, and trust God's sovereign hand in every season of leadership.By doing so, you'll not only grow spiritually but also become a faithful influence in the lives of others—advancing God's kingdom one step at a time. Endurance sports weren’t always part of my story. Growing up, I was significantly overweight and even got cut from my high school soccer team. That moment could have defined me—but instead, with the help of a coach who believed in me, I started doing something hard. I began exercising consistently, changed how I approached my health, and over time, everything shifted. I made the team the next year by God's grace!
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to complete marathons, IRONmans, long hikes, and most recently the IRON40—four Ironman-distance races in four days to raise funds for student aid. And through all of it, I’ve learned that endurance sports shape far more than physical ability. They teach us about ourselves. We don’t naturally enjoy discomfort, but when we choose to stay in it, our capacity grows. We learn discipline. We learn perseverance. We learn that just taking the next step—especially when it’s hard—is what leads to real growth. They teach us about others. Some of the best conversations and deepest friendships are built in the middle of shared effort—running, riding, encouraging one another when it would be easier to quit. There’s something powerful about doing hard things together. And they deepen our awareness of God. Time outside—praying, thinking, listening, reflecting—has a way of resetting our perspective. The heavens declare the glory of God! What is physically exhausting often becomes spiritually and emotionally refreshing. We’re reminded that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. There’s also an adventure element to endurance sports, and I’ll share a quote from Bilbo speaking to Frodo. He says: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door… You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off.” Bilbo nailed it. So here’s the takeaway: do something hard. Step out, set a goal that stretches you, and embrace the process. Because when we do, we’re not just building strength—we’re becoming people who endure. Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory. "What has been the most important professional skill or attitude in your professional career?
Great question! When we think about professional success, many skills come to mind—communication, time management, conflict resolution, delegation, and dependability. These are all important and worth developing. But if we step back and ask what might be the most helpful factor over the long run, the answer may be something simpler and something referenced in the question: the attitude we bring into our work each day. Pastor John Piper, in The Marks of a Spiritual Leader, describes leadership qualities in two categories: outer qualities and inner qualities. Outer qualities include the practical skills leaders develop—organization, communication, and decision-making. These skills matter and can be strengthened with practice. But Piper reminds us that the inner qualities of character are even more important. These heart-level attitudes shape how our leadership affects others. For believers, our attitude is ultimately rooted in our confidence in God. One verse that continually shapes my perspective is Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (ESV). My wife and I have this on one of the walls in our house. When we remember that we serve the God of hope, it changes how we approach our responsibilities, challenges, and setbacks. So how do we cultivate this kind of Christ-centered attitude? First, pray and ask God to shape your heart each day. Second, practice daily disciplines that nourish your spiritual life—time in the Word, healthy relationships, and care for body and soul. Third, persevere over the long haul, choosing faith over fear and gratitude over complaint. Over time, these small daily choices shape our outlook and influence how we serve others. When our hearts are anchored in the God of hope, it shapes not only how we work—but how we live. Check out the podcast episode explaining these steps in more detail HERE Stay awesome, stay on the narrow path, taking steps to thrive for God’s glory. |
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