Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

What the Research Says About Revival, Church Growth, and Healthy Churches.

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.

At What Point Have I Forfeited My Salvation?

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

Answering YOUR Big Questions About the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The baptism in the Holy Spirit has been one of the most debated, misunderstood, andlife-changing experiences in the Church for generations.
In this episode of Creating the Future, Dr. Brent Simpson and Pastor Ada Simpson sitdown for an honest, biblical, and practical conversation about the baptism in the HolySpirit, speaking in tongues, spiritual empowerment, and how the Holy Spirit transformseveryday believers.
This isn’t a conversation about hype, emotionalism, or weirdness. It’s about power,intimacy with God, and living the Christian life the way it was always intended to belived.
Together, they discuss:• What the baptism in the Holy Spirit actually is — and how it differs from salvation• Whether this experience is for every believer or only certain Christians• What the Bible really says about speaking in tongues• Why so many believers feel spiritually exhausted and powerless• What to do if you’ve prayed to receive but nothing seemed to happen• How people actually receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit• How to navigate this topic when family members or spouses disagree• Why spiritual fire sometimes fades — and how to reignite itThis episode is filled with biblical teaching, personal stories, pastoral wisdom, andencouragement for anyone hungry for more of God.
Whether you come from a Pentecostal background, a skeptical background, or no churchbackground at all, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to pursue a deeperrelationship with the Holy Spirit.
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com
🎙️Check out my last message: https://www.youtube.com/live/Me5kZgmz-0s?si=t4mcfz-06kMlpin5

Do These Bible Verses Really Silence Women? Understanding 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14

In Part 3 of this powerful 3-part series on women in ministry, Dr. Brent Simpson andPastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at Arise Church, tackle the two passages mostcommonly used to prohibit women from speaking, teaching, or leading within theChurch.
For many Christians, these verses have shaped the entire conversation surroundingwomen in ministry. But are these passages being interpreted correctly? What washappening culturally and contextually when Paul wrote them? And how should modernbelievers approach difficult and debated Scriptures with both conviction and humility?In this episode, Dr. Brent and Pastor Pete carefully examine the historical context,theological interpretations, and broader biblical framework surrounding thesecontroversial passages. Rather than avoiding the difficult texts, they walk directly intothem, discussing both sides of the debate while challenging listeners to study Scripturedeeply and thoughtfully.
This conversation is honest, nuanced, and rooted in a desire to faithfully understand theheart of Scripture while remaining committed to biblical authority.
 In this episode:• The two passages most commonly used against women in ministry• “Women should remain silent in the churches” explained• Understanding 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14• Historical and cultural context behind Paul’s words• Different interpretations Christians hold today• The importance of interpreting difficult passages carefully• How Scripture, theology, and church practice intersect• Why this conversation still matters in today’s Church
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com

The Biblical Case for Women in Ministry

In Part 2 of this important 3-part series on women in ministry, Dr. Brent Simpson isonce again joined by Pastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at Arise Church, for a deeperconversation, exploring the positive biblical evidence for women serving in ministry, andleadership roles within the Church.
Throughout church history, this topic has sparked passionate debate, difficult questions,and strong opinions. But what does the Bible actually reveal when we examine thebroader narrative of Scripture, the ministry of Jesus, the early Church, and the womenGod clearly used throughout biblical history?
In this episode, Dr. Brent and Pastor Pete discuss key biblical examples, theologicalperspectives, and practical implications surrounding women in ministry. They explorewomen leaders in both the Old and New Testaments, the role of women in the earlychurch, and why many believers see strong scriptural support for women teaching,leading, prophesying, and serving in ministry today.
This conversation is thoughtful, honest, biblical, and designed to encourage listeners tostudy Scripture deeply while approaching the discussion with humility and grace.
✨ In this episode:• Biblical examples of women leaders• Women in the ministry of Jesus• Female leaders in the early Church• Deborah, Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia, and more• How culture has influenced church practice• Why this conversation matters for the future Church• The importance of studying difficult topics biblically
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com
Watch the Sermon Here.

Women in Ministry: Why We Need This Conversation Now

In this episode of Creating the Future, Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with Pastor Pete Kramer, Teaching Pastor at Arise Church, for Part 1 of a powerful 3-part conversation on women in ministry and women leaders in the Church.
Why is this conversation so important right now? Why do some Pentecostal churches affirm women in ministry theologically, but struggle to fully practice it practically? And how should Christians approach difficult conversations like this with both truth and humility?In this candid and thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Brent and Pastor Pete begin exploring the historical, theological, cultural, and practical tensions surrounding women in church leadership.
They discuss the gap that sometimes exists between doctrine and application, the influence of church culture and tradition, and why this issue continues to shape the future of the modern Church. Whether you strongly agree, strongly disagree, or are still wrestling through the topic yourself, this episode is designed to encourage deeper thought, honest conversation, and a sincere pursuit of biblical truth. In this episode, you'll learn:• Why this topic matters right now• Women in ministry in Pentecostal history• The difference between theology and church practice• Why some churches believe in women leaders but rarely platform them• Cultural influences on church leadership• How churches handle difficult theological conversations• Why this conversation impacts the future of the Church
 Connect with Dr. Brent: All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson BrentSimpson.com MyAriseChurch.com Listen to the audio podcast:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

The real reason you feel so overwhelmed and why it’s destroying America

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories,truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.
What’s Really Going On?You’re not crazy.You’re not weak.And you’re definitely not alone.We are living in the most informed generation in human history…—and somehow also the most anxious, overwhelmed, and divided.
In this episode, Dr. Brent breaks down what’s actually happening beneath the surface.
Why does it feel like everything is getting worse… even when the data says it’s not?Why does your mind feel constantly overloaded?And what is the real cost of living in a world where you’re exposed to everything, all thetime? This conversation will challenge the way you see your phone, your news feed, and evenyour own thoughts.
What We Cover in This Episode:• The shocking rise in anxiety—and what changed around 2012• Why your brain is overwhelmed (and it’s not your fault)• How social media and constant information are rewiring your thinking• The “negativity instinct” and why bad news sticks• Why the world is actually getting better—but feels worse• How misinformation is eroding trust and dividing society• What Socrates warned about—and why it matters today• The dangerous connection between information overload and anxiety• A biblical perspective on truth, clarity, and peace in a noisy world
A Different Way to LiveIn a world drowning in noise, clarity is a choice.This episode isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about learning how to see clearly again.To filter wisely.To think deeply.And to anchor your life in something stronger than headlines and algorithms.Because peace isn’t found in knowing everything…It’s found in knowing what actually matters.
Key TakeawayYou are not overwhelmed because you’re incapable.You’re overwhelmed because you’re carrying more than you were designed to carry.
Share This EpisodeIf this episode helped you, share it with someone who feels overwhelmed right now.It might be exactly what they need to hear.
Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 https://BrentSimpson.com💬 https://MyAriseChurch.com🎙️Listen to the podcast here:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode—these conversations grow becauseyou help them grow.

Why Do History’s Greatest Thinkers Get Silenced?

In this episode of Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future…
In 399 BC, a man was sentenced to death in Athens. No army. No violence. His only crime—he asked too many questions. So why does society feel threatened by someone whose only weapon is an idea?
In this episode, we look at a pattern that shows up across history. From Socrates to Galileo, from Nelson Mandela to Martin Luther, there’s something consistent—when ideas begin to challenge the foundation of what people believe, systems of power respond. Because every system is built on shared beliefs, and when those beliefs are questioned, everything starts to feel unstable.
We talk about why thinkers are often silenced, how asking the right question at the right time can shift the way people see the world, and why that can feel dangerous to those in control. This is where philosophy, culture, and faith all intersect. Even Jesus led this way—asking questions that exposed hearts and opened minds.
My hope is this challenges you to think differently about the power of questions. Because the right question doesn’t just inform—it unlocks. And sometimes, the most disruptive thing you can do is simply ask what others are afraid to.
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com
🎙️You can listen to the podcast here:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Did Socrates Predict America’s Future?

In this episode of Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future…What if the challenges we’re facing today aren’t new at all? What if they were identified over 2,000 years ago by a man who paid for his ideas with his life?
In this episode, I kick off a new philosophy series by looking at Socrates—who he was and why his critique of democracy still matters. He questioned a system where every voice carries equal weight, regardless of wisdom, and warned that it could lead to decisions driven more by emotion than truth.
We explore the danger of the crowd, why persuasion often wins over wisdom, and how societies don’t collapse overnight—they drift when truth is replaced by what people want to hear.
My hope is this leaves you thinking differently—asking better questions about truth, leadership, and the future we’re building.
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com
🎙️You can listen to the podcast here:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

They Can Be Wrong Without Being Racist: Why We Should Stop Labeling Everyone We Disagree With

In this episode of Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future, I sit down with Pastor Vago Lightbourne from The Truth Center Church in Brandon, Florida for a timely and honest conversation.
We’re tackling a cultural issue that has become increasingly common—and increasingly confusing: the overuse of the word “racism.”
Somewhere along the way, disagreement started getting labeled as hatred. But is that accurate? And more importantly, is it helpful?In this conversation, we unpack the difference between being wrong and being racist, why labeling people too quickly shuts down meaningful dialogue, and how we as Christians can lead the way in truth, grace, and discernment.
This isn’t about ignoring real racism—it exists, and it matters. But it is about having the wisdom to recognize that not every disagreement is rooted in a sinful heart. We also explore how to have difficult conversations without demonizing people, how to examine our own hearts honestly, and how to reflect Christ in a culture that often jumps to conclusions.
This episode will challenge you to think deeper, speak wiser, and lead better conversations in your world.
✨ Connect with Vago Lightbourne:💬 All Social Media: @VagoLight🌐 https://www.mytcc.us
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com
🎙️You can listen to the podcast here:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/