Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jeremiah McAnulty, Youth Pastor at ARISE Church South Lakeland, for a conversation about growing up in church, finding his own faith, discovering his call to ministry, and seeing God work through the next generation.
And before we get too serious, we learn one very important fact about Pastor Jeremiah: he's team Cocoa Pebbles.
Born in Louisiana and the son of ARISE Executive Pastor Ken McAnulty, Pastor Jeremiah grew up surrounded by church and ministry. But being a pastor's kid didn't mean he had everything figured out. He shares what he was like as a self-described "knucklehead" growing up, his years in the gifted program, his love for math and school, and how he wrestled with arrogance during his high school years.
Pastor Jeremiah also takes us back to his first day at Brandon Assembly, which happened to be during a youth service. Nearly 12 years later, ARISE has become an important part of his story, from attending as a student to now serving on staff, and leading students himself.
In this episode, he opens up about his salvation experience, the vision God gave him at 18 years old that confirmed his call to ministry, and the journey that eventually led him into youth ministry. He also shares the story of meeting his future wife when they were just 12 years old before eventually beginning to date at 18.
After three years on staff at ARISE, Pastor Jeremiah reflects on what has surprised him most about ministry: just how fulfilling it is to watch God work in people's lives. From his own years in youth ministry to now leading the next generation, his story is a reminder of what God can do through a life surrendered to His calling.
 
Do you have a question for Pastor Jeremiah McAnulty? Email us at info@myarisechurch.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson
🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com
🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com
📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson
📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook
🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at ARISE Church, for a conversation full of laughter, incredible stories, and practical wisdom about serving Jesus through the local church.
From growing up in a Christian home to being a proud product of the church van ministry, Pastor Pete shares how God used faithful people and consistent service to shape the course of his life. Homeschooled and heavily involved in church from a young age, he talks about serving as a teenager, discovering God's call to ministry, and how serving the local church became the foundation of his faith.
Known for his quick wit and legendary dad jokes, Pastor Pete also shares hilarious stories from his childhood, including the driver's license photo where he somehow stood only 5'9" long. But beyond the humor are powerful moments that have marked his life and ministry.
You'll hear incredible testimonies of God's faithfulness, including the miraculous healing of his son, the unforgettable story of a Buddhist monk giving his life to Jesus, and what 17 years of ministry have taught him about the importance of being continually filled before pouring into others.
Whether you've heard Pastor Pete preach many times or are just getting to know him, this conversation offers a deeper look at the heart, humility, and passion behind ARISE Church's Teaching Pastor.
Do you have a question for Pastor Pete Kramer? Email us at info@myarisechurch.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson
🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com
🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com
📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson
📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook
🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with the man, the myth, the legend himself, Pastor Ken McAnulty, Executive Pastor at ARISE Church.
Have you ever wondered what an Executive Pastor actually does? In this episode, Pastor Ken gives an inside look at his role, shares the story of how God called him to ARISE Church, and reflects on nearly three decades of ministry.
Growing up as a pastor's kid, Pastor Ken experienced both the blessings and the expectations that often come with ministry. Although many know him today as a confident leader, he shares what it was really like growing up as a quiet, introverted, self-proclaimed nerd who moved around frequently. From giving his life to Christ at a kids crusade to discovering God's call on his life, Pastor Ken's story is one of faithfulness, humility, and God's direction every step of the way.
Along the way, you'll also learn about his love for Michigan football, his favorite fiction and nonfiction books, hear some fun stories, and discover the defining moment in his 28 years of ministry that continues to shape the way he leads today.
Whether you've attended ARISE for years or you're just getting to know Pastor Ken, this conversation offers a deeper look at the heart, wisdom, and servant leadership behind one of the key leaders of our church.
Do you have a question for Pastor Ken McAnulty? Email us at info@myarisechurch.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson
🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com
🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com
📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson
📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook
🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

The Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jonny Turpin, Connections Pastor at ARISE Church, for a conversation filled with laughter, powerful testimony, and the faithfulness of God.
Born and raised in Bartow, Florida, Pastor Jonny shares what it was like growing up as a true country boy. From spending his days outdoors to life in a pastor's home, he reflects on the values that shaped him, his love for the cowboy lifestyle, and why you'll probably find him watching The Office when he has some downtime.
But beyond the fun stories is a powerful testimony of God's transforming grace. Pastor Jonny shares how a life-changing encounter with Jesus at church camp completely changed the trajectory of his life. He opens up about his teenage years, how God led him to Englewood, and the journey that eventually brought him and his family to ARISE Church.
Whether he's talking about his love for water sports, his passion for helping people find community, or the joy of serving alongside his family at ARISE, this conversation is full of encouragement, authenticity, and reminders that God is faithful through every season.
In This Episode
• Growing up in Bartow, Florida, as a country boy
• What it was like being raised by pastor parents
• His childhood, teenage years, and love for the outdoors
• Why The Office is his favorite TV show
• His passion for water sports and the cowboy lifestyle
• The church camp experience that changed his life forever
• How God led him to Englewood and eventually to ARISE Church
• The blessing of serving alongside his family at ARISE
• Encouragement for anyone seeking God's purpose for their life
 
Do you have a question for Pastor Jonny Turpin? Email us at info@myarisechurch.com
🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson
🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com
🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com
📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson
📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook
🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast
 

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Danny Izquierdo, Youth Pastor at ARISE Church's Brandon location, for one of the most honest, heartfelt, and entertaining conversations of the season.
From growing up between Venezuela and Tennessee to his unforgettable love for Nutella (yes, it counts as his favorite "candy"), Pastor Danny shares the story of a childhood marked by brokenness, high energy, and a deep longing to be loved. Behind the laughter and hilarious stories is a powerful testimony of God's redeeming grace.
In this episode, Pastor Danny opens up about his radical encounter with Jesus, a moment when he went from feeling spiritually dead on the inside to experiencing the life-changing power of Christ. He shares how God called him into ministry, what it means to lead while you're still healing, and why authenticity is one of the greatest strengths a leader can have.
You'll laugh, you'll be encouraged, and you'll be reminded that no past is too broken for God to redeem.
In This Episode
• Pastor Danny's childhood and family story
• Growing up with Venezuelan roots and being born in Knoxville, Tennessee
• Why Nutella is his all-time favorite "candy"
• Life in a broken home and searching for acceptance
• His radical salvation story and life-changing encounter with Jesus
• How God called him into ministry
• What it means to lead while bleeding
• Funny stories, memorable moments, and fun facts you've probably never heard
• Encouragement for the now generation and anyone believing God for a fresh start
 
Do you have a question for Pastor Danny Izquierdo? Email us at info@myarisechurch.com
 
🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson
🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com
🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com
📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson
📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook
🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast

Our Summer Series continues as Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Jason Vega, Worship Pastor at ARISE Church, for an honest and inspiring conversation about faith, family, worship, and the journey that brought him into ministry.
Get to know Pastor Jason beyond the platform as he shares stories from his childhood, how he came to know Jesus, the moment he gave his life to Christ, and the experiences that shaped his passion for leading people into the presence of God. From his favorite worship songs to the role his family has played in his journey, this episode offers a personal look at the heart behind the worship ministry at ARISE Church.
Whether you see Pastor Jason leading worship each weekend or you're meeting him for the first time, you'll be encouraged by his authenticity, his love for Jesus, and his desire to see people experience God's presence.
🔍 In This Episode you'll learn
 Pastor Jason's childhood and faith journey
The story of how he gave his life to Christ
How God called him into worship ministry
His heart for leading worship at ARISE Church
 His favorite worship songs and the songs that have impacted his life
What he hopes people experience every time they enter into worship
💬 Have a question for Pastor Jason? EMAIL US at info@myarisechurch.com or comment below!
🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson
🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com
🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com
📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson
📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook
🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast

This summer on Creating the Future, Dr. Brent Simpson is sitting down with some of the incredible pastors who help lead ARISE Church. In this first episode of the series, he welcomes Pastor Jeff Allen, Brandon Location Pastor, and Pastor Marilee Allen, Children's Pastor, for a candid conversation about faith, family, ministry, and God's faithfulness through every season.
Together, they share the stories that shaped their lives, how they came to know Jesus, and the unique journey that led them to ARISE Church. From their personal salvation experiences to the calling God placed on their lives, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at two pastors who are passionate about helping people encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.
Whether you've known the Allens for years or are meeting them for the first time, you'll be encouraged by their authenticity, their love for God's people, and their commitment to serving the local church.
Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook

Many people believe in God but quietly struggle to trust Him.
For some, that struggle comes from painful experiences with earthly fathers. For others, it comes from years of seeing God primarily through the lens of judgment, disappointment, fear, or performance. In this episode, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Chuck Ammons of Overflow Church in Valrico, Florida, to discuss his new book Reconstructing Dad: Discovering the God Who Looks Just Like Jesus.
Together, they explore one of the most important questions in the Christian life:
What is God really like?
Pastor Chuck shares the personal journey behind the book, the burden that led him to write it, and why he believes so many believers are living as spiritual orphans rather than beloved sons and daughters. The conversation dives into difficult questions about Scripture, the Old and New Testaments, judgment, mercy, the Father heart of God, and how Jesus perfectly reveals who the Father has always been.
Whether you've wrestled with your image of God, struggled to reconcile difficult passages of Scripture, or simply want to grow deeper in your understanding of the Father's love, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
 
🔍 In This Episode
✅ Pastor Chuck's story and the journey of Overflow Church
✅ Why he felt compelled to write Reconstructing Dad
✅ How our earthly father experiences shape our view of God
✅ Why many Christians live like spiritual orphans instead of beloved children of God
✅ The "God of the Old Testament vs. God of the New Testament" dilemma
✅ Why Chuck says "Dad looks just like Jesus"
✅ How to read difficult passages of Scripture through the lens of Christ
✅ Justice, mercy, judgment, and the Father's heart
✅ The tension between hope and universalism
✅ What Chuck hopes readers take away from the book
 
📖 About the Book
Reconstructing Dad: Discovering the God Who Looks Just Like Jesus invites readers to reconsider the images and assumptions they carry about God and return to the Father revealed in Christ. Through biblical exploration, theological reflection, and pastoral insight, Chuck argues that God's heart has always been revealed most clearly in Jesus.
 
👤 About Pastor Chuck Ammons
Pastor Chuck Ammons serves at Overflow Church near Tampa, Florida. For more than two decades, he has helped people move from fear, striving, and spiritual exhaustion into a deeper understanding of God's love and acceptance. He is a pastor, author, speaker, husband to Jill, and father of five.
 
🔗 Connect with Pastor Chuck
🌐 Overflow Church: www.MyOverflowChurch.com
📘 Reconstructing Dad: Discovering the God Who Looks Just Like Jesus Pre-order
📱 Facebook: Pastor Chuck Ammons on Facebook
📸 Instagram: @chuckammons
🔗 Connect with Dr. Brent Simpson
🌐 Brent Simpson: www.BrentSimpson.com
🏡 ARISE Church: www.MyAriseChurch.com
📱 Instagram: @DrBrentSimpson
📘 Facebook: Dr. Brent Simpson on Facebook
🎙️ Creating the Future Podcast: Creating the Future Podcast
 
If this conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you see the Father more clearly, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend.
Because the future isn't just something that happens to you... it's something you create.

What makes some churches flourish while others struggle? Why do some congregations experience sustained growth, spiritual vitality, and revival while others slowly decline?
And what does decades of church research have to say about it? In this unique episode of Creating the Future, we're doing something we've never done before. Using AI-generated audio based entirely on my doctoral research at Liberty University, this episode combines both the extensive literature review and the original field research from my Doctor of Strategic Leadership project, Effective Change Leadership Within an American Pentecostal Church.
Drawing from hundreds of academic sources, leadership studies, church growthresearchers, revival historians, and interviews with church leaders, this episode exploresone of the most important questions facing the Church today: How can churches effectively adapt to a changing culture without losing their spiritual power, biblical convictions, or dependence on the Holy Spirit? This episode also focuses on my research of Greenhouse Church in Gainesville Florida.
In This Episode you'll learn: ✅ Why church decline continues across much of America while many churches aroundthe world are thriving✅ The difference between church growth and church health✅ What the research reveals about revival, renewal, and spiritual vitality✅ Why adaptation is essential—but compromise is deadly✅ The surprising leadership characteristics consistently found in flourishing churches✅ The role of authenticity, humility, and trust in effective ministry leadership✅ Why prayer may be the most overlooked leadership strategy in the modern church✅ The connection between discipleship and long-term church health✅ What Pentecostal and Charismatic churches may uniquely contribute in anincreasingly secular culture✅ The relationship between God's presence, spiritual gifts, and church effectiveness✅ What church leaders can learn from both scholarship and real-world ministry practice
📖 Key DiscoveryOne of the most fascinating findings from both the literature and the field research wasthat thriving churches often share a common pattern: They remain deeply rooted in biblical truth while continually adapting their methods to reach changing people. They refuse to change their message, but they remain willing to change their methods. And perhaps most importantly, they consistently cultivate an atmosphere where people can genuinely encounter the presence of God.
📖 About This EpisodeThis episode is a little different than our normal conversations. The audio was generated using AI technology based directly on the literature review and research findings from my doctoral project. Rather than reading hundreds of pages of academic research, you'll hear the key insights distilled into a conversational format designed to make the findings accessible, engaging, and practical.Think of it as the "reader's digest" version of a doctoral dissertation—without thefootnotes.
📖 Connect⛪ Greenhousechurch.org🌐 BrentSimpson.com⛪ MyAriseChurch.com📱 Follow @DrBrentSimpson📱 Follow @MyAriseChurch
🎧 Enjoying the Podcast?Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a pastor, church leader,ministry volunteer, or anyone passionate about the future of the Church.

What does it actually look like to walk away from God?
After our recent Sunday message on conditional security, one question kept surfacing:"How does someone actually drift away from their faith?" In this episode, Dr. BrentSimpson sits down with Pastor Pete Kramer to explore what the Bible says aboutspiritual drift, apostasy, and how believers can recognize warning signs before they findthemselves far from God.
Most people don't wake up one morning and decide to reject Christ. More often, it's aslow drift—a gradual cooling of the heart, a neglect of spiritual disciplines, isolationfrom healthy Christian community, and small compromises that slowly move us awayfrom where we once were.
Together, Brent and Pete discuss:✅ Why apostasy is usually a process, not a single event✅ The biblical warning signs of spiritual drift✅ The difference between struggling with sin and walking away from God✅ Whether someone can accidentally apostatize✅ Why Christian community is essential for staying spiritually healthy✅ The role of conscience, conviction, and the Holy Spirit✅ Deathbed repentance and the thief on the cross✅ Practical steps to take if you feel yourself drifting spiritually
Whether you're wrestling with doubts, concerned about a loved one, or simply want tostrengthen your walk with Christ, this conversation offers biblical clarity, pastoralwisdom, and hope.
The good news? No matter how far you've drifted, God's grace is still reaching for you.“Can I Lose My Salvation?” Watch this message that began this conversation:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31PtAmDyuCg
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com