Advertise on podcast: Godly Goosebumps

Have you ever been around others who were dismissive of or even hostile toward your faith? Pastor Dudley shares the story of a young man who encountered a stubborn, unbelieving professor who smugly declared to a group of impressionable college freshmen that Jesus was not the Son of God. You'll hear how this student boldly stood up for Jesus, unknowingly planting seeds of faith in the heart of his instructor—seeds that he'd later discover miraculously took root. You'll be inspired to cling to your faith even in the face of opposition, trusting that Jesus will one day make Himself known.

There are few experiences as painful as the loss of a loved one. On this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley reads a moving letter from a woman who faced unimaginable heartache when her nearly 7-month-old baby boy passed away. Her words, intended to encourage Pastor Dudley during his personal season of loss, are a display of profound faith in grief—and the reminder that there is hope, even in death, because Jesus conquered the grave.

Have you ever begged God for relief during a difficult or painful season? On this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares a sermon illustration about a beautiful talking teacup that was formed and refined through hardship. You’ll be strengthened with the reminder that the Lord authors and perfects our faith, often through our greatest moments of discomfort.

Have you felt like giving up on God after a difficult or painful season of life? In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares the story of a woman who was deeply shaken by divorce and the sense that God had failed her. While her faith was eventually restored, it was soon challenged once more—this time, by cancer. Join in to hear how God offered her the loving, unexpected reminder that we all need—no matter what we face in our lives, He sees us and is with us.

Have you ever felt that your heart was too broken or that your past was too messy for God to still love you? If so, this episode of Goldy Goosebumps is for you. Pastor Dudley shares the incredible testimony of a former adult film star whose life was totally transformed the day she walked into Shepherd Church and heard a message that seemed to be written just for her. Listen in, and be encouraged with the truth that no matter where you are or what you've done, God has not forgotten about you!

Are you in a difficult situation and in need of the reminder that God is good—and always at work? If so, don't miss Pastor Dudley kicking off season five of Godly Goosebumps with this powerful story about an unlikely hero: a 12-year-old boy who discovered a classmate was in imminent danger due to an unseen battle with suicidal ideation. This true story of remarkable courage and compassion offers wonderful hope—even in unimaginable circumstances, the Lord is at work!

Do you ever question whether God is really working on your behalf? Join in for this episode of Godly Goosebumps as Pastor Dudley interviews special guest Pastor Ricky Jenkins. Through moving personal stories, Pastor Ricky shares how his life and ministry have been used by God to help mend the racial divide in this country—from his family’s experience with forced integration in the Deep South to his call to build a multiracial, multigenerational church. His powerful testimony offers you a hope-filled message: God loves you and has been preparing a way for you since before you were even born.

Do you doubt the existence of the God of the Bible? In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, you'll hear the incredible story of a devout Buddhist who found himself on his deathbed at just 17 years of age. Longing to have his life restored, this young man offered up a desperate prayer to the God he didn't believe in. You'll be amazed at what happened next, and you'll be encouraged to also pray the simple but life-changing prayer, "God, reveal Yourself to me."

Have you offered up a heartfelt prayer, or maybe even a desperate prayer, that has seemingly gone unanswered? Waiting on God is something that we all experience—and truthfully, it can be painful, confusing, and trying of our faith. In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, you'll hear from Pastor Tim Dilena of Times Square Church. In a powerful message he recently gave at a Shepherd Church, Pastor Dilena explains that when you faithfully wait and pray, you can be assured that the Lord is working on your behalf!

With weapons concealed, ten young men discreetly entered the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1959 as thousands gathered for one of the world-renowned Billy Graham crusades. Their purpose was both singular and sinister: to assassinate the legendary evangelist on the very podium from which he boldly declared the gospel. Ready to fire, the men awaited the signal. But just as one of them—a deeply troubled teen who'd been devastated by the loss of his father at an early age—readied himself to pull the trigger, he heard a mysterious voice calling to him. What happened next is sure to leave you with godly goosebumps and provide the powerful reminder that God lovingly and steadily pursues those who are far from Him.

Are you discouraged by the racial division that plagues our country today? If so, don't miss this episode of Godly Goosebumps, in which Pastor Dudley shares the story of David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr., and Joseph McNeil, also known as the Greensboro Four. In February of 1960, these four courageous young Black men walked into the F.W. Woolworth Company store and sat down at an all-white lunch counter, challenging the segregation policies that characterized the social and moral landscape of their time. Little did they know, their actions would be a catalyst for a wave of nonviolent protests that played a critical role in the broader civil rights movement. This episode offers a powerful lesson on the ability we all possess to reshape our communities, overcoming hate and cultivating Christ-centered unity.

Have you ever been misread, misheard, mislabeled, or misjudged? Pastor Dudley offers a word of great encouragement through the story of Gillian Lynne—an acclaimed theater choreographer who was overlooked as a young girl because of her distinguishing qualities, the very qualities that would ultimately propel her wildly successful career. This episode will remind you that you are one of a kind, created in love by an almighty God who intends to use everything about you in a powerful and purposeful way.

In this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley Rutherford continues the series “Resilient,” focusing on the extraordinary faith of believers in the underground Church across China, India, North Korea, and Iran. Through a powerful interview, Pastor Dudley sheds light on the unimaginable challenges faced by Christians in these regions and the unwavering resilience of their faith. This inspiring episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of God’s work amidst adversity and a renewed appreciation for the strength of the global Church.

Do you ever wish that you could be more courageous in sharing your faith? On this episode of Godly Goosebumps, Pastor Dudley shares a sobering conversation he facilitated at Shepherd Church with special guests Kenneth Bae and Jieun Baek. Their dialogue sheds light on the unfathomable oppression being endured at the hands of the North Korean regime, under which followers of Jesus are threatened with labor camps and even public executions. This episode will embolden you with a powerful promise found in the Word of God: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid” (Timothy 1:7a).

Have you ever been mistreated as a result of your faith in Christ? If so, this episode of Godly Goosebumps—in which Pastor Dudley shares the recording of an interview conducted during a weekend worship service at Shepherd Church—is sure to encourage and inspire you. Join Pastor Dudley as he revisits his moving conversation with Bob Fu, an educator and advocate for the persecuted Church in China and the founder and president of ChinaAid. Born, raised, and educated in China, Bob was a student leader during the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations before accepting Christ and ministering as a house church leader in Beijing. Ultimately, he and his wife, Heidi, were arrested under the charges of "illegal evangelism" before a miraculous escape enabled them to enter the United States of America as religious refugees. This jaw-dropping episode points to an important Biblical truth: The persecuted will be rewarded.