Mission Control

Darren Wolfe: How Faith Led a Corporate Executive to Become a Church Pastor

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Darren Wolfe, the administrative pastor at First Baptist Melbourne. Darren shares his remarkable 17-year journey in the corporate world, transitioning across various global locations, and how his path ultimately led him to pastoral ministry. Join us as we dive into his faith journey, family life, and the divine timing that guided his steps. From early ministry days of serving in youth groups to overseeing major church projects, Darren's story is a testament to following God's call with authenticity and dedication.
**Episode Highlights:**
- Darren's 17-year tenure with Harris and his relocations to New York, Colorado, the UK, and Canada.
- His initial steps towards faith, sparked by attending church with his now-wife, Amy. - Involvement in the local church's youth department and leading one of the first life groups.
- Transitioning from a corporate career to becoming an administrative pastor at First Baptist Melbourne.
- The significance of authenticity and using relationships to share God's message.
- Darren's pivotal moment of declining a huge corporate position to follow God's calling to ministry.
- Recent completion of a significant church building project and seeing God's hand in the process.
- Advice for discerning God's calling: prayer, scripture reading, and taking leaps of faith.
 
**Resources Mentioned:**
- "Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg
 
**Connect with Us:**
- Visit our website at launchme.church
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel.
- Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.
 
**Support the Show:**
- Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in stories of faith-filled lives.
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next time as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

Becky Uhlar: Leaving a Legacy Through Intentional and Faithful Grandparenting

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Becky Uhlar, whose passion for grandparenting and mission work has led her to inspire and equip grandparents to leave a legacy of faith across generations. Becky shares her involvement with the GPS ministry at First Baptist Melbourne and the importance of older adults actively preparing the next generation for a faith-filled life. Join us as Becky dives into her journey and mission to serve through everyday acts of love and spirituality.
 
**Episode Highlights:**
- Discussing barriers and roadblocks in the 55+ community participation in mission work
- The significance of older adults staying active in faith and preparing the next generation
- Insight into the GPS ministry and its launch on National Grandparents Day
- Importance of leaving a legacy of faith for grandchildren
- Becky's personal experiences as a grandmother and her influence on her family
- Recommendations for resources on intentional biblical grandparenting
- The role and impact of grandparents in their grandchildren's lives
- Encouragement for listeners to seek out and embrace ministry opportunities
 
**Resources Mentioned:**
- “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg
- "Biblical Grandparenting" by Josh Malva Hill
- "Equipping Grandparents" book
- Grandparenting Matters course
 
**Connect with Us:**
- Visit our website at launchme.church
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel.
- Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.
 
**Support the Show:**
- Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in hearing encouraging stories of different faith journeys.
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next time as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

Connie Ricks: Raising Mission-Minded Children through Family Trips

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Connie Ricks, a devoted member of the missions committee at First Baptist Melbourne. With an impressive 26 years of experience in church ministry, including 21 years with Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Connie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for missions to the conversation. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, from her first mission trip with her family to her current involvement in the Port Canaveral Seafarers Ministry and her family's ongoing commitment to serving in Panama.
Episode Highlights:
- Connie's lifelong passion for missions, ignited by her first mission trip with her family to a seafarer center in New Orleans
- The importance of taking the first step in missions and ministry, whether in Florida, North America, or internationally
- Connie's involvement in the Port Canaveral Seafarers Ministry, providing meals, worship, and support for seafarers
- The cultural integration of mission trips and the universal applicability of the gospel - Overcoming personal roadblocks, such as health challenges, through faith and finding a Christian cancer treatment center in Tijuana, Mexico
- Engaging children in mission work from a young age and the importance of family involvement
- The impact of COVID-19 on mission trips and the need for flexibility and adaptability in ministry
- The role of mentors and influences in shaping one's calling and commitment to missionary work
 
Resources Mentioned:
- "Is God Calling Me?" by Jeff Iorg - A recommended read for those exploring their calling and interest in missions
 
**Connect with Us:**
- Visit our website at launchme.church
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel.
- Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.
 
**Support the Show:**
- Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys.

Carrie Friday: Leading With Faith and Innovation in Education

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Carrie Friday, a media specialist teacher librarian at Melbourne High School and a dedicated member of First Baptist Melbourne. Carrie shares her awe-inspiring journey from classroom teaching to creating a vibrant and supportive environment in the school library, all while balancing the challenges of personal hardship and professional growth. Tune in to hear how Carrie utilizes her unique skills to serve her community, impact students, and inspire others to answer their call to make disciples.
**Episode Highlights:**
- Carrie's transition from teaching to becoming a school librarian
- How she engages with students and increases library attendance
- Balancing personal challenges with professional obligations
- Answering the call to make disciples in everyday life
- Overcoming feelings of being unqualified and embracing opportunities
- A teachers impact on students' academic success and personal growth
 
**Resources Mentioned:**
- "Is God Calling Me?" by Jeff Iorg
- First Baptist Melbourne's youth group and Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Donna Flora: From Retirement to Overseas Missions Adventures

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we sit down with Donna Flora, an inspiring individual on the verge of a radical life shift. Donna opens up about her unique journey from adopting children from China to feeling called to international missionary work in a season of retirement. Tune in to hear how Donna navigates the complexities of family, faith, and answering God's unexpected call.
**Episode Highlights:**
- The unexpected opening to missionary work prompted by conversations with leaders. - The varied skill sets the International Mission Board (IMB) accepts for missionary work. - The ongoing IMB application process and the associated tasks - Personal reflections about adopting children from China - Adjusting plans from early retirement to committing to a two to three-year missionary stint. - Practical advice on dealing with uncertainties about the future through prayer and guidance.
 
Resources Mentioned:
- “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg • https://shorturl.at/T4mWQ - International Mission Board (IMB) • https://shorturl.at/IbRu4 - Discover workshop for aligning skills with serving God • https://FBCMel.info
 
Connect with Us:
- Visit our website at launchme.church - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. - Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.
 
Support the Show:
- Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys.Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us for more episodes as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

Bruce & Grace Snavely: Training Leaders and Spiritual Awakening in Africa

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we are thrilled to host Bruce and Grace Snavely, founders of the Global Baptist Training Foundation, who share their extraordinary journey of faith and commitment to equipping pastoral leaders worldwide. Learn about their experiences training indigenous pastors in 24 African countries, the challenges faced post-Rwandan genocide, and their future plans to expand into the 1040 window. Listen as the Snavelys impart valuable insights on spiritual dependence, church planting, and making a lasting impact through obedience to God's call.
 
Episode Highlights:
- The founding and mission of the Global Baptist Training Foundation.
- An overview of the training program with GBTF
- Practical expressions of faith: a miraculous story of how a generator's fuel was provided through prayer.
- The cultural sensitivity and challenges of Western involvement in African ministries. - The growth and outcomes of the ministry: 405 church plants and over 6500 conversions in early 2024.
 
Resources Mentioned:
- “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg - A must-read for those discerning God's call. https://shorturl.at/T4mWQ
- Discover Workshop at First Baptist Melbourne - A program to explore spiritual gifts and ministry passions. FBCMel.info
- Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) Website - Further details on their programs and how to get involved. https://globaltrain.org
- Launch Pad Program at First Baptist Melbourne - For those interested in deeper mission involvement. launchme.church
 
Connect with Us:
- Visit our website at launchme.church
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel.
- Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.
 
Support the Show:
- Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys.
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us for more episodes as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

Tracy Anderson: On Mission in the Swamp, Jungle, and Beyond!

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, join us as we welcome Tracy Anderson, a long-time member of FBC Melbourne. Tracy opens up about his extensive experience with international mission trips and his involvement in the transformative grandparenting ministry at his church. Discover how Tracy has embraced his calling, overcome language barriers, and witnessed the power of the gospel across various cultures.**Episode Highlights:** - Tracy’s transformative experience leading a vacation Bible school in Ecuador. - Challenges and rewards of mission trips to Ecuador, Romania, Israel, and Puerto Rico. - The role of the church in supporting mission trips financially and spiritually. - Importance of discipleship and mentorship within and outside of church settings. - Tracy’s involvement with the grandparenting ministry using the Legacy Coalition curriculum.- Discussion on being bold and trusting God’s path in uncomfortable situations. - Insightful reflections on effective evangelism and continuous personal faith journey.
**Resources Mentioned:** - “Is God Calling Me?” by Jeff Iorg - Launch Pad Program at FBC Melbourne - Legacy Coalition curriculum for grandparenting ministries **Connect with Us:** - Visit our website at launchme.church - Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMel. - Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org. **Support the Show:** - Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in international missions and faith journeys. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next time as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.

Marcia Bowling: On Mission Behind the Scenes

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, we welcome Marcia Bowling, an administrative dynamo at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a devoted figure in Melbourne, Florida’s Christian community. Marcia shares her insightful journey from homeschooling mom to empowering ministry facilitator, overcoming challenges of frequent relocations as a military family member, and her fulfilling role behind the scenes at FCA. Tune in to discover how Marcia’s dedication to ministry logistics and administration helps shape the future of young leaders and supports the seamless operations of FCA’s impactful programs. **Episode Highlights:**
Marcia's experiences with empowering students in campus ministry settings.
Her transition from stay at home mom homeschooling to working in ministry with FCA, including the influence of her military family background.
Insight into the indispensable role of behind-the-scenes work in ministry and its broader implications.
Marcia discusses the importance of community and connection through church and FCA.
How Marcia managed the blend of motherhood and professional life, including her return to the workforce.
Challenges and fun moments from Marcia’s career in ministry support roles.
**Resources Mentioned:**
"Is God Calling Me?" by Jeff Iorg
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) resources and community huddles: [brevardfca.org]
 
**Connect with Us:**
- Visit our website at [launchme.church]
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram at @FBCMEL.
- Send us your thoughts and questions at info@fbcmel.org.
 
**Support the Show:**
Share this episode with your friends and family who might be interested in stories of faith, ministry, and community service.
 
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Mission Control. Join us next time as we explore more inspiring stories and dive deeper into the lives of individuals who are living out the mission God has for them.