Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

From Raising Kids to Rekindling Love: Embracing the Empty Nest An Interview With Pastor Ken & Madonna McAnulty

Welcome back to Creating the Future Podcast! In this third episode of our Love & Marriage series, Dr. Brent sits down with Pastor Ken and Madonna McAnulty for a heartfelt and fun conversation about the empty-nesting season of marriage. 🏡💞
The kids are grown, the house is quiet... now what? Whether you’re approaching this season or in the thick of it, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and real talk. We cover:
💡 Seasonal Shifts: The toughest parts of transitioning to an empty nest and how they handled it.💔 Keeping It Real: Have they ever wanted to quit? What kept them going through the hardest times?📚 Lessons Learned: What they wish they had known earlier in their marriage.🆔 Marriage & Identity: How their personal identities have evolved over the years.💬 Pro Tips: What couples with young kids can do now to prepare for the empty nest season.
This conversation is honest, inspiring, and full of practical advice to help couples stay connected and thrive. 💖✨
 
**🔗 Links & Resources: 🔗
🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Listen to the Podcast on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast
 
💬 Drop a comment below with your thoughts on this episode and share your own empty-nest stories! 💬
👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that 🔔 for more inspiring conversations!
#EmptyNest #LoveAndMarriage #MarriageGoals #Relationships #AriseChurch #DrBrentSimpson #MarriagePodcast #CreatingTheFuture
 

Marriage Early Years: What We Wish We Knew! 🤯💍 | w/ Jonny & Vanessa Turpin

Welcome back to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson! 🚀 This is Part 2 of our marriage series, and today, we’re diving into the early years of marriage—the good, the tough, and the totally unexpected! 💡💍
I’m sitting down with Pastor Jonny & Vanessa Turpin to talk about what they thought marriage would be like vs. what it actually is. 😆 We cover everything from expectations vs. reality, building a solid foundation, and navigating work-life balance, to the hardest parts of marriage and the biggest lessons they’ve learned so far.
If you’re newly married, engaged, or just want to strengthen your relationship, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and real talk! 🙌
🔥 Topics We Cover:✅ Expectations vs. Reality – What was the biggest surprise about marriage?✅ Laying the Right Foundations – How did they prepare for marriage, and what helped the most?✅ Being Real – The hardest part of their marriage & how they work through challenges.✅ Balancing It All – How do they juggle work, friendships, and their marriage?✅ Marriage Wisdom – The best lessons they’ve learned so far.✅ Advice for Newlyweds – What do they wish they knew before saying “I do”?
💬 Have your own marriage lessons or funny surprises? Drop them in the comments! 👇
📅 Don’t miss the rest of this marriage series—make sure you’re subscribed!
 
📢 Links & Resources:
🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Listen to the Podcast on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast
👀 New episodes every week—make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out! 🚀💙

When God Writes Your Love Story: The Story of Prathyash & Ashley Thomas

Welcome to the first episode of our Marriage Series💍, running every Thursday in February! 💕
In today’s episode, we sit down with Pastor Prathyash and Ashley Thomas, whose love story is nothing short of miraculous. One from India, the other from America—neither knew the other, and neither wanted a spouse from the other’s country. But when you surrender the pen of your love story to God, He writes something greater than you could have ever imagined. ✍️❤️
 
🔍 Topics We Cover:
✅ How They Met – A journey neither expected 🌏✅ Overcoming Doubts & Differences – Letting go of personal expectations 🙌✅ Trusting God’s Timing – When love doesn’t look like what you planned ⏳✅ The Role of Faith in Their Marriage – How God built their foundation 🏠✅ Lessons for Singles & Couples – What happens when you let God lead 💡
 
✨ Why This Matters:
Many people have a list of what they think they want from the future—but what if God has something better? This episode is a powerful reminder that when you trust God with your love story, He can bring together two hearts in ways you never imagined. 💖
 
📍 Links and Resources
🏠 Pastor Prathyash and Ashley’s full testimony from an Arise Church service:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIICtiScj8o
💍 Pastor Prathyash and Ashley’s wedding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxSFKx4sLEM
🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast

🌟 Women in Ministry: What Does the Bible Really Say? with Dr. Robby Waddell 🙋♀️📖

Is it biblical for women to serve in ministry? 💬 It’s a question that has sparked debate for centuries, but we’re diving in with clarity and confidence in this episode of Creating the Future with Brent Simpson. Join us as we welcome theologian Dr. Robby Waddell from Southeastern University to explore this controversial yet critical topic.
🔥 Topics we cover:
What does the Bible actually teach about women in ministry?
How do we understand biblical passages that seem to restrict women from ministry roles?
When two interpretations of Scripture seem valid, how do we decide what’s true?
What role does experience play in biblical interpretation?
At Arise, we believe women can and should be ordained for ministry, and Dr. Waddell unpacks the theological, historical, and practical reasons why. This conversation is honest, thought-provoking, and rooted in Scripture—and it’s one you don’t want to miss! 🌟
 
Links and Resources:
📸 Follow Dr. Robby Waddell on Instagram: @RobbyWaddell🎓 Learn more about Southeastern University: SEU.edu🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean here: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/ .
 
🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who’s passionate about exploring God’s Word and empowering leaders in the church. Let’s inspire the next generation of ministry leaders—both men and women! 🙌
#WomenInMinistry #BiblicalWisdom #Empowerment #CreatingTheFuture

Parenting in a Social Media Age: 7 Practical Steps For Parents To Manage Their Children On Social Media

Show Notes:
🚨 Social media is shaping our kids' mental health, habits, and self-worth—are we doing enough to guide them?
In this episode, we discuss:
New global and state laws targeting social media for minors.
The shocking statistics on teens, smartphones, and their mental health.
7 practical steps for parents to manage their children’s tech usage.
💡 Learn how to set boundaries, model healthy habits, and ensure your children’s self-worth comes from Christ—not likes or followers.
🌐 Resources Mentioned:
Parental control tools: Bark, Qustodio, Net Nanny, MM Guardian
Relevant Bible verses: Romans 12:2, Proverbs 22:6, 1 Corinthians 10:23
✨ Don’t miss the practical tips and biblical insights that will empower you to navigate this societal experiment wisely!
 
📍 Links and Resources 🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch 🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com 💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com 📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson 🎙️ Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast
🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with parents and teens you think may need it. 💬 🎧 And comment your thoughts below!

💔 Divorce, and Redemption: A Biblical Perspective with Dr. Robby Waddell 💬

Divorce is a tough topic, but it’s one we need to talk about as followers of Christ. In this episode of Creating the Future with Brent Simpson, we sit down with theologian Dr. Robby Waddell from Southeastern University to explore what the Bible really says about divorce. Whether you’ve faced divorce, are supporting someone who has, or just want a deeper understanding of God’s heart on this topic, this episode will encourage, challenge, and equip you.
🔥 Topics we cover:
What does the Bible say about divorce? (Hint: It’s more nuanced than you think!)
When is divorce okay? (And what does Jesus say about it?)
Is a divorced person still worthy in God’s eyes? (Spoiler: YES!)
Get ready for a discussion that’s real, hopeful, and biblically grounded. Dr. Waddell brings deep wisdom and practical insights that will leave you feeling equipped to face this tough subject with grace and truth. Plus, we tackle common misconceptions with energy and clarity! 🌟
 
Links and Resources:
📸 Follow Dr. Robby Waddell on Instagram: @RobbyWaddell🎓 Learn more about Southeastern University: SEU.edu🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean here https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/ .
 
🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who’s navigating faith and relationships in 2025. Together, we’re building stronger lives and brighter futures! 🙌
#Faith #Divorce #BiblicalWisdom #CreatingTheFuture

"Are You a Pothead, Focker?!" — A Pastor Examines The Highs and Lows of Marijuana Use

"Are you a pothead, Focker?!" 🤣 This unforgettable movie quote sets the stage for today’s thought-provoking episode! 🎥 We are starting our Hot Topics series by diving into marijuana use, its risks, and whether it aligns with a Christian lifestyle. 🌱✨
In this episode, Dr. Brent Simpson tackles the buzz (pun intended!) around cannabis with insights inspired by the New York Times article: "As America's Marijuana Use Grows, So Do the Harms.". 🚨 From THC levels to addiction risks, we'll explore the physical, and societal impacts of marijuana use. Is it a natural remedy or a spiritual stumbling block? Let’s talk about it!
💡 What We’ll Cover:
The facts and figures on rising marijuana use in America 📊
What science says about the risks, including addiction and mental health 🧠
Should Christians see cannabis as a natural God-given herb 🌿 or a potential snare? 🕊️
Real-life stories that guide our discussion 📖
Get ready for an honest conversation about one of the most controversial topics today. Whether you’re a curious Christian, a skeptic, or someone just looking for clarity, this episode is for you.
 
Links and Resources
🔥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch🌐 Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com💡 Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com📱 Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson🎙️ Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who wants to grow in their faith in 2025! Let’s make it an amazing year together!
💬 🎧 Let’s spark the conversation (pun absolutely intended)! 🌟 See you in the episode!

Your Life-Changing 2025 Bible Reading Plan | Dr. Braxton Hunter Interview

 Happy New Year! It’s time to make 2025 your most spiritually transformative year yet! In this episode of Creating the Future with Brent Simpson, I sit down with Dr. Braxton Hunter, the president of Trinity College and Seminary and host of Trinity Radio, to talk about how a simple yet consistent discipline—daily Bible reading—can completely transform your life. We’ll tackle big questions like: In your experience, how does daily Bible reading shape a person spiritually over time? How important is daily/consistent Bible reading for a vibrant faith? What are the key elements of an effective Bible reading plan? For beginners or the overwhelmed, what tools or methods can help make Scripture more accessible? Is accountability really that important, or can you do it solo? How do you feel about listening to audio Bibles ? (Spoiler: it might just change your commute!) And finally, what advice do you have for someone ready to go all in with God’s Word in 2025?Dr. Hunter brings decades of wisdom, practical advice, and inspiration for anyone ready to embrace this life-changing discipline. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to dive into Scripture like never before.  Let’s make 2025 the year you hear God’s voice daily through His Word! Links and Resources: For more on Trinity College and Seminary: TrinitySem.edu Follow Trinity Radio: YouTube.com/BraxtonHunter Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel: @MyAriseChurch Learn more about Arise Church: MyAriseChurch.com Find out more about Dr. Brent Simpson: BrentSimpson.com Follow Dr. Brent Simpson on social media: @DrBrentSimpson Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or listen on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who wants to grow in their faith in 2025! Let’s make it an amazing year together! 

Letters to God: Reflecting, Visioning, and Prophetic Journeys with Pastor Marilee and Jeff Allen

Writing Letters to God is a beautiful way to reflect on God's faithfulness while also looking forward to the future with The Lord!As we approach the end of the year, many of us look back and think about the ups, downs, and everything in between. But what if there was a way to channel those reflections into something deeply spiritual and transformative?In this episode,  Dr. Brent Simpson sits down with  Pastor Marilee and Jeff Allen to discuss their powerful end-of-year tradition: writing "letters to God." These heartfelt letters serve as a way to: Reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past year Celebrate His victories in their lives Boldly cast vision for the future Bonus Story Alert! Marilee and Jeff share a profound personal and prophetic journey that unfolded from their letters—a story that played a part in their journey to Arise Church. You’ll laugh, be inspired, and find yourself challenged to start your own “letter to God” tradition. If you’re looking for a way to end the year with purpose and step into the next one with renewed faith, this episode is for you! Links and Resources: Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel for content: @MyAriseChurch For more info on Arise Church, visit: MyAriseChurch.com For more info on Dr. Brent Simpson, visit: BrentSimpson.comFollow Dr. Brent Simpson: Facebook |  Instagram Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is also available on most podcast providers or on Podbean here: Creating the Future on Podbean
 
YouTube
ARISE Church
Experience God with ARISE CHURCH! We are a rapidly growing dynamic church from all cultures and walks of life. Visit our website today to connect with us www.myarisechurch.com or find us on our social channels @myarisechurch.
 
 
Facebook
Log into Facebook
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
 
creatingthefuture.podbean.com
Creating The Future with Brent Simpson | Brent Simpson
Go behind the scenes as Brent Simpson interviews interesting people who are creating a better future for our world and seeks to inspire you to do the same.

The history of Christmas with James Cooper of WhyChristmas.com Part 2

⭐ Welcome to part 2 of our Special Christmas Series! ⭐
Merry Christmas, friends! 🎄 This week, we continue our deep dive into the fascinating history of Christmas with none other than James Cooper of WhyChristmas.com – one of the best sources out there for all things Christmas!
If you’ve ever wondered about the roots of your favorite traditions, debated the best Christmas carol, or wrestled with questions about Christmas’s origins, this episode is for YOU! It’s packed with history, humor, and encouragement for keeping Jesus at the center of it all.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
What’s the best Christmas carol, and why? We’re talking melody, theology, and a little nostalgia!
Where did the Christmas tree tradition come from? And what about those concerns related to Jeremiah 10? Is the Christmas tree biblical, pagan, or something else?
Does Christmas really have pagan origins? James unpacks the history and clears up some of the biggest misconceptions about December 25th.
The Real St. Nicholas – fact, myth, or legend? Spoiler: He was a real guy! But did he really slap a heretic?...
When was Jesus really born? If it wasn’t December 25th, then how did we get this date to celebrate His birth? The answer might surprise you!
How can Christians keep Christ at the center of Christmas? Amidst all the noise, lights, and commercialism, how can we refocus our hearts and homes on Jesus, the true reason for the season?
Whether you’re decorating your tree, wrapping gifts, or sipping hot cocoa, you’re going to love this insightful and uplifting conversation.
Links and Resources:
🎄 For more Christmas history and traditions, visit: WhyChristmas.com🌐 Check out our website: MyAriseChurch.com🎥 Visit the Arise Church YouTube Channel for more great content: @MyAriseChurch📏 Learn more about Brent: BrentSimpson.com💎 Follow Brent Simpson:
Facebook: DrBrentSimpson
Instagram: drbrentsimpson
🌟 Prefer to listen on the go? Creating the Future with Brent Simpson is available on audio podcast platforms or directly on Podbean: Creating the Future Podcast
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to keep up with future episodes!
May your Christmas season be filled with peace, joy, and the love of Christ!