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Many of us come to prayer with a list of decisions to make and problems to solve. Tony Stoltzfus began asking a different kind of question. In this episode of MANNA, Jeff welcomes the Christian coach, trainer, and author to explore Questions for Jesus, a prayer practice centered on our desires for love, freedom, and belonging. Tony shares how a season of spiritual exhaustion changed his understanding of faith and why he began seeking a more personal relationship with Christ. They also discuss discipline, painful experiences, and the perspective on heaven that shapes Tony’s writing. If you’ve ever wondered how to pray beyond asking for answers, this conversation offers a place to begin. #MANNApodcast #QuestionsForJesus #ChristianPrayer #ChristianCoaching #FaithThroughTrials #RelationshipWithJesus #ChristianHope

What do you do when prayer feels difficult or your mind won’t stay focused? Christopher Castagnoli, creator of Our Catholic Prayers, joins Jeff to share his path into the Catholic Church and his approach to making prayer accessible. Together they explore traditional prayers, spiritual dryness, and taking the first step toward a deeper relationship with God. #MANNApodcast #CatholicPrayer #PrayerLife #SpiritualDryness #CatholicFaith #PrayingThePsalms #OurCatholicPrayers

In this episode of MANNA, Jeff Peterson welcomes former television anchor Tom Halden, who traded a successful career in broadcast journalism for a new calling as Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Tom shares how the same storytelling, communication, and media skills that helped him become a trusted television personality are now being used to help people encounter Christ through podcasts, video, social media, print, and digital evangelization. Together, Jeff and Tom explore vocational discernment, humility, leadership, the rapidly changing media landscape, and what it means to faithfully steward the talents God has entrusted to us. Whether you're discerning your own calling, navigating a career transition, or simply wondering how your gifts fit into God's larger story, Tom's journey offers a powerful reminder that God rarely wastes our experiences; He simply redeploys them for a greater purpose.

How do you keep going after life changes forever? For Deston Rogers, the answer wasn't found in pretending the pain wasn't real—it was found in discovering that God never stopped being present in it. After losing two sons and enduring unimaginable heartbreak, Deston now encourages others through his ministry, podcast, and the Rise. Inspire. Overcome. movement. This is one of the most honest conversations we've had on MANNA about grief, perseverance, and the hope that can only come from Christ. #MANNAPodcast #Faith #Hope #Resilience #ChristianMen #Perseverance #Leadership #Grief #Purpose

What’s the measure of “success” in God's Kingdom: Church attendance? Donations? Positive podcast reviews? (hint hint) In this episode of MANNA, Jeff sits down with Bill Nienhuis, President of Childcare Worldwide, to discuss a question that has reshaped his entire ministry: What if the true measure of impact isn't how many people you reach, but how many disciples you help form? Bill shares the story behind Childcare Worldwide's transition from traditional child sponsorship to a church-centered model built around Life Centers; places where children are cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually while local churches are equipped to disciple entire families. Along the way, Bill reflects on God's unexpected path from helping build Logos Bible Software into serving children around the world, the mentors who shaped his own faith, and why the fruit of the Spirit, not statistics, is ultimately the metric that matters most. Learn more at https://childcareworldwide.org/project/life-center-membership?t=0509&c=0509&utm_source=manna&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=lifecenter

Most people think customer service calls are about solving problems. Tom Vander Well discovered they're really about understanding people. In this episode of MANNA, Jeff welcomes Tom Vander Well, CEO of Intelligentics, host of the Wayfarer Podcast, and author of the international bestselling book This Call May Be Monitored. After spending more than three decades studying hundreds of thousands of customer conversations, Tom realized those ordinary interactions revealed extraordinary lessons about servant leadership, communication, trust, and faith. Tom also shares his remarkable journey from an early call into pastoral ministry to a career in business, where God showed him that every workplace can become a mission field. Together, Jeff and Tom discuss listening well, leading with humility, and why biblical principles remain the best foundation for building healthy organizations and meaningful relationships. If you've ever wondered how your work can become your ministry, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.

What do leaders do when the weight of a difficult decision rests entirely on their shoulders? In this episode of MANNA, Jeff welcomes Rev. Kevin Taylor, pastor, leadership advisor, and author of A Charge to Keep. Drawing from both ministry and executive leadership experience, Kevin shares lessons on responsibility, influence, courage, and faith-driven decision-making. Together, they discuss the loneliness that often accompanies leadership, the importance of seeking God's wisdom, and why faith should never be compartmentalized away from our professional lives. This conversation will resonate with anyone who has ever carried the weight of leadership or wrestled with difficult decisions.

Religious freedom is often discussed but rarely understood in its historical context. In this episode of MANNA, Jeff welcomes filmmaker Andrew LInn, whose documentary Church and State: Roger Williams and the Founding of Freedom of Religion uncovers the remarkable story of Roger Williams, a pastor whose biblical convictions helped shape one of America's foundational freedoms. Andrew also shares his own faith journey, how God redirected his lifelong passion for filmmaking, and why storytelling can become a powerful form of ministry. Together, Jeff and Andrew explore faith, history, courage, and the responsibility each of us has to use our God-given gifts to illuminate truth in a culture searching for it. Whether you're interested in American history, filmmaking, or simply discovering how ordinary people can advance God's Kingdom through their vocation, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

When was the last time you truly got away? Not just a vacation. Not just a business trip. A real opportunity to step back, gain perspective, and reconnect with God. After decades of global travel as a successful executive, Steve Salmen came to believe that some of life's greatest lessons happen when we intentionally step away from our routines and create space for reflection. Today, through Remarkable Journeys, Steve helps others discover the joy, wonder, and transformational power of travel. In this episode, Jeff and Steve discuss adventure, leadership, silent retreats, spiritual growth, and how nearly fifty years of annual reflection have shaped Steve's life, faith, and purpose.

What happens when God meets us at our lowest point? Eric Stephens spent years searching for acceptance in all the wrong places, battling addiction, depression, and feelings of rejection that nearly cost him his life. But in 2010, a series of events, and a simple prayer asking God to reveal Himself, set Eric on a new path. Today, Eric is an ordained pastor, founder of Redwood Christian Ministries, and host of The Rooted in Christ Podcast, helping others discover the same hope and healing he found in Christ. In this episode, Jeff and Eric discuss redemption, identity, addiction, forgiveness, purpose, and why God's grace doesn't erase our past, but rather prepares us for the future He created us to live.

For many creatives, faith and career can feel like competing priorities. Allen C. Paul believes they were never meant to be separated. A professional musician, author, coach, and founder of God and Gigs, Allen has spent years helping artists, entrepreneurs, and creators discover how to pursue their calling without compromising their relationship with God. In this episode, Allen shares his journey from church musician to professional creative, the lessons he's learned about purpose and identity, and why our greatest work happens when our gifts and faith work together. Together, Jeff and Allen discuss creativity, calling, discipleship, and how God often uses our passions as part of His plan.

What does authentic inclusion sound like? In this episode of MANNA, Jeff welcomes attorney, advocate, and Peaces of Me Foundation founder Daniel Hodges. Born blind and living with multiple disabilities, Daniel has spent his life challenging assumptions and helping others understand the dignity and value present in every human being. Daniel shares his personal experiences with discrimination, his journey into advocacy, and the faith that continues to guide his mission. This conversation explores inclusion, disability, human dignity, and what it means to see others the way Christ sees them.

If your "body is the temple of the Holy Spirit" spiritually, what happens when begins to fail you physically? In this episode of MANNA, Jeff welcomes former athlete, health advocate, and Undo Method founder Daniel Esposito. After being diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions and facing a future of increasing pain and physical limitations, Daniel began a journey that ultimately transformed both his health and his perspective on life. Daniel shares how faith, perseverance, and a commitment to understanding the body God gave him led to healing, renewed purpose, and a passion for helping others overcome chronic pain. This conversation offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement for anyone facing physical challenges or seeking greater health and wellness.

Sometimes we learn our best lessons from our worst bosses. In this episode of MANNA, Jeff sits down with leadership researcher, speaker, and author Dr. Andy Neillie to discuss how one difficult leadership experience shaped his life's work. Through years of study, coaching, and doctoral research, Andy has become a leading voice on servant leadership and organizational influence. Together they explore leadership, character, faith, trust, and why the best leaders focus less on personal success and more on helping others thrive. If you're responsible for leading people—in business, ministry, or at home—this conversation offers practical wisdom and timeless truths.

A S20 bonus episode with returning S6 MANNA Man and US Senate candidate Tom Weiler