Advertise on podcast: Every Day Matters w/ Pastor Jeff Simmons

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff sits down with Willie Robertson of Duck Commander and Duck Dynasty fame to talk about faith, family, and staying on mission. Willie traces his family's story back to his father Phil's transformation, from a broken, wild man running a bar in Arkansas to a devoted follower of Jesus after one conversation with a preacher his aunt sent to find him. That single moment of obedience, Willie explains, didn't just save his father. It held his family together and set the course for everything that followed, including the show that would reach millions. Willie and Jeff dig into what it looks like to actually live out faith day to day. Willie shares the framework he leans on: faith first, then family, then vocation, in that order, and how each one strengthens the next when kept in place. He walks through conversations Jesus had in Scripture, the woman at the well, Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, as models for how ordinary people can bring up faith naturally, simply by paying attention and caring about who's in front of them. He also talks candidly about the pull to live distracted, hung up on the past or fixated on the future, and the discipline it takes to actually be present with the people God has put in your life right now. Willie's story is proof that one act of obedience can ripple further than we ever imagine, and his challenge is simple: stay on mission, stay present, and let today be the day that counts. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community ChurchDuck CommanderDuck DynastyWillie Robertson Books

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff talks with longtime friend Matt Frauenshuh, owner of 255 Dairy Queens across 14 states and founder of Truce, his own restaurant in Franklin. Matt shares about his family, married to his wife Beth for 16 years with four kids, and a faith story rooted since childhood in a Christian home in Minnesota. Matt opens up about bringing faith into the workplace without apology, from Bible verses on every Truce table to crosses built into the floor, and training Dairy Queen teams to say "be blessed" instead of the usual sign off. He also shares why he pays his Truce employees a guaranteed wage well above industry standard, wanting people to feel the love of Christ through how they're treated, not just hear about it. At home, Matt credits his wife Beth for keeping their family grounded in Scripture and shares the family mantra his kids live by: you don't have to be the fastest or the smartest, but you should be the kindest. His story is a reminder that faith shows up in a paycheck, a table tent, or a family poster on the wall, because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community ChurchTruce RestaurantFourteen Foods

Pastor Jeff sits down with longtime friend, Diego Fua, who has been part of Rolling Hills since the church's earliest days, in this episode of Every Day Matters. Diego shares his journey from a childhood shaped by Catholic tradition to a real turning point in high school, and later a full surrender to Christ one Palm Sunday that led to an unforgettable baptism in a movie theater horse trough. Now a husband to Rebecca and father of three, Diego reflects on how that decision has shaped every part of his life since. Jeff and Diego dig into what it looks like to serve wholeheartedly, whether at church, at camp, or in the workplace. Diego opens up about getting more comfortable being uncomfortable, from praying over coworkers to leading energetic rec time for hundreds of students at camp. He talks about raising his kids to know their spiritual gifts and use them for God's glory, and shares how walking through the loss of his own father has shaped his commitment to being present for his family. Through it all, he keeps coming back to Romans 15:13 and his personal mission to find joy and peace in every circumstance. Diego's story is a reminder that serving isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about showing up, using whatever gifts God has given you, and trusting Him with the outcome. His encouragement is simple: know your purpose, take the next step even when it's uncomfortable, and let joy be what others see in you. Because that kind of everyday faithfulness is exactly what makes every day matter. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community Church

In this special back-to-school episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff welcomes his youngest daughter, Kate, a senior at Centennial High School, for a candid conversation about growing up in a pastor's home and navigating faith in public school. Kate shares her testimony of trusting Jesus at age seven and reflects honestly on the pressure she felt in middle school to appear perfect, along with the lie that people only valued her because of her dad. Over time she has learned that her relationship with God does not depend on performance, and that the church community around her has become one of the greatest gifts of her life. Kate opens up about what it looks like to shine her faith daily among friends who do not share it, from praying with a classmate in chemistry to inviting people to church even after repeated no's. She talks about serving across multiple ministries at Rolling Hills, from preschool to student worship, and how that consistent involvement has shaped her confidence and prepared her for the eight international mission trips she has taken to the Amazon and Moldova. She also shares how her cookie business, Baked to Decorate, grew out of a desire to fund those trips and now helps her sponsor a child overseas, turning a simple hobby into a way to point people back to Jesus. Jeff and Kate close with practical encouragement for parents and students alike: stay consistent in church, build godly friendships on purpose, and let daily time with God shape how you show up everywhere else. Kate's story is a fresh reminder that faith was never meant to stay inside the church walls. It grows in classrooms, cookie orders, and everyday conversations, proving once again that every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community Church

In this new Every Day Matters episode, Pastor Jeff talks with his friend and fellow Rolling Hills staff member, Jacob Scrimpshire, who has served on staff for seven years and called Middle Tennessee home for two decades. Jacob shares about a chaotic season of wandering before God met him in a moment of total exhaustion in his mid-twenties, when he finally understood grace for the first time. That encounter launched him straight into a call to ministry, leading him from a back pew with a borrowed Bible to seminary and eventually to Rolling Hills. The conversation turns personal as Jacob opens up about his complicated relationship with his late father, the prayers he still carries for his mother, and the grief of losing his firstborn son, Elijah, just minutes after birth. He speaks honestly about the fear that followed with his second son's own health scare, and how walking through both loss and answered prayer taught him that God is equally present in the valleys and the peaks. He credits his wife's steady faith and the church's tangible care during their hardest season with shaping him into a more compassionate father, husband, and pastor. Jacob leaves listeners with a simple challenge: be intentional, tell your family you're proud of them, and don't wait to repair what's broken. His story reminds us that God holds everything together, even when life feels like it's falling apart, and that every day offers a fresh chance to love, learn, and lead well. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community Church

Pastor Jeff welcomes Carrie Leake, wife of Rolling Hills Student Pastor, Dane Leake, for a heartfelt conversation on this episode of Every Day Matters. Carrie shares a glimpse into their family life, three young kids, a backyard full of chickens, and a home filled with gardening and homeschooling. She also opens up about growing up in a pastor's home and the moment in college when she truly surrendered her life to Christ, setting the foundation for everything that came next. Carrie reflects on two of the hardest seasons of her life. Just weeks after she and Dane got engaged, her father was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. She moved home to help care for him, leaning on Psalm 42 as her lifeline through his decline and eventual passing. Years later, she and Dane walked through his battle with severe depression, a season that stripped away their plans and forced them to trust God with Dane's healing above their calling to ministry. Through it all, Carrie learned that God's past faithfulness fuels our hope for the future. Now on the other side of both seasons, Carrie and Dane have rebuilt their family rhythms around Sabbath, healthy boundaries, and deep community. Her encouragement is simple: stay rooted in God's word, and don't be afraid to invite others into your hardest moments. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community Church

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff sits down with longtime friend, decorated Air Force pilot, and financial advisor, Pat Moore, for a conversation about a lifetime of faith. Pat shares how he came to know Christ as a young boy and how his faith deepened through marriage, military service, and the influence of mentors and community. Then, in his early fifties, an unexpected encounter with The Purpose Driven Life challenged him to surrender a longtime struggle and embrace God's purpose in a new way. Pat reflects on his years flying F-106 fighter jets, sharing the near misses and high-stakes moments that strengthened his trust in God's protection. Rather than looking for God only ahead, he learned to see His faithfulness in the "rearview mirror" and "side windows"—recognizing His presence in every season. That perspective carried him from the cockpit into a career in financial planning and eventually into full-time evangelism, fueled by a passion to share the peace only Jesus can give. Now in his seventies, Pat co-founded Hope for America, a digital evangelism ministry that uses online advertising to connect with people searching for hope in the midst of loneliness, anxiety, grief, and more. The ministry has generated more than 1.5 million impressions and helped lead hundreds of thousands of people to pray to receive Christ. Pat's story is a powerful reminder that God never stops calling us, and that every day is an opportunity to point someone to Jesus. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community ChurchPurpose Driven Life by Rick WarrenHope 4 America

Pastor Jeff sits down with Rolling Hills Executive Pastor, Eric Rojas, to discuss the faith that shaped his life. Raised by a single mom in South Elgin, Illinois, Eric faced financial hardship and an absent father, but his mother introduced him to Jesus, a foundation that would guide his life and ministry. Eric shares how a college rededication led to a clear call to ministry and how he and his wife, Rachel, intentionally discipled their three children through everyday moments. Now a grandfather of seven, he reflects on the joy of seeing generations of his family walking with the Lord. He also opens up about a difficult season marked by chronic pain, multiple back surgeries, and depression. Through prayer, biblical counsel, and the support of his wife, Eric experienced God's faithfulness in the darkness. His story is a powerful reminder that surrender to Christ matters in every season of life. --  Resources from the episode:Rolling Hills Community ChurchCare & Counseling MinistryServe at Rolling HillsJoin A GroupWatch Online

What does it actually look like to follow Jesus in everyday life—not just on Sundays? Pastor Jeff and Kelly Minter explore that question on this episode of Every Day Matters. Kelly shares updates from her life and ministry, including finishing seminary, working on a new Bible study in Acts, and revising her Amazon ministry book. She reflects on how being stretched and supported through different seasons has deepened her conviction that real life is found in surrender and serving others. They also talk through the Gospel of Matthew and how it shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament story. Kelly highlights the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ miracles, and the message of the kingdom of heaven, showing how Jesus transforms hearts, not just behavior. Together, they emphasize that God’s kingdom is already breaking in through Jesus as He heals, restores, and calls ordinary people into meaningful purpose. Jeff and Kelly remind listeners that the church is meant for every believer to use their gifts in God’s mission. Whether teaching, serving, encouraging, or simply loving the people in front of us, everyone has a place in the harvest field. With the promise of Jesus’ presence, the invitation is simple: live surrendered, live sent, and trust that every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:To pre-order Kelly's new Bible study through the book of Acts, click hereTo follow along with our Matthew sermon series, click hereListen to Kelly's sermon in our Matthew sermon series!Click here if you're interested in a Rolling Hills GroupLearn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff talks with his longtime friend and college roommate, Wayne Williams, a pastor in Waco, Texas. Wayne shares how his faith began at Baylor University through the influence of Christ-centered friendships and a personal moment of surrender to Jesus. That decision reshaped his future, leading him into ministry and a lifelong commitment to following God in everyday life. Jeff and Wayne reflect on how relationships shape who we become. Marriage, friendship, and family all grow through intentional connection and shared faith. Wayne shares about his marriage to Beth, their shared values, and the joy of watching their children walk with the Lord. Both highlight how community and spiritual friendship are not optional but essential to a life of faith. They also discuss the church as a spiritual family where people are formed and sent out. From Renew Church in Waco to everyday friendships, the message is clear: we become like the people we walk with, and walking with Jesus leads to a fuller, more grounded life. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

Pastor Jeff sits down with his wife, Lisa, to celebrate 25 years of marriage and reflect on the journey they’ve shared. They talk about embracing every season, from early adventures to raising kids, and learning not to rush past the present. Through each stage, they’ve discovered the importance of finding joy, trusting God, and making the most of where He has them right now. Lisa shares about one of their hardest seasons, losing her mom unexpectedly while preparing to welcome a new baby. In the middle of grief, God provided a strong church community that surrounded them with care and support. Together, they highlight how meaningful it is to stay connected to others who can encourage and walk with you through both joy and loss. They also share simple rhythms that have strengthened their marriage, including honest communication, laughter, serving together, and keeping God at the center. Through every challenge and celebration, they’ve learned to stay on the same team and invest in their relationship daily. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter. Top 5 Keys to 25-years of Marriage1. Keep God first (keep the main thing the main thing)2. Pray for and with one another.3. Have great community around you.4. Work together - raising kids and in life5. Don’t let little things become big things (always stay in love) --  Resources from the episode:To explore finding a group for you, click hereClick here to serve with Rolling Hills Community ChurchGo on mission with Rolling HillsClick here to serve with our Rolling Hills Community CenterLearn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

In this episode of Every Day Matters, Pastor Jeff talks with Zac Woodfin, strength coach for the Tennessee Titans, about living out faith in everyday life. Zac shares how growing up in a Christ-centered home laid a foundation, but it was in his transition from high school to college that he chose to stop living a double life and fully follow Jesus. That decision continues to shape how he leads his family, invests in athletes, and lives with purpose. Zac reflects on the highs and lows of pursuing an NFL career, including the disappointment of being cut and the joy of briefly reaching his dream. Through it all, God taught him that his identity is not in football, but in Christ. Now, he carries that truth into his work, building a culture of accountability, prioritizing time with Jesus, and being intentional with his family each day. Jeff and Zac remind us that what we do is not who we are. When our identity is rooted in Jesus, we can face success and setbacks with confidence and peace. When we live surrendered, every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:To explore finding a group for you, click hereLearn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

In this special post-Easter conversation, Pastor Jeff reminds us that Easter isn’t just a day we celebrate, it’s a way we live. The resurrection invites us into a daily relationship with Jesus where our faith grows beyond Sunday moments and into everyday life. Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Christ for years, simple steps like spending time in God’s Word, being part of a church, and living in community help your faith stay active and real. He encourages us to choose faith over fear. In a world filled with uncertainty and anxiety, the resurrection reminds us that God is greater than anything we face. Just as the disciples moved from fear to boldness, we’re invited to trust God and live with confidence, knowing He is in control and at work in every situation. Pastor Jeff also challenges us to reorder our lives around God’s purposes through prayer, obedience, and sharing our faith. As we turn from sin and lean into His plan, we begin to see that miracles are still happening today. When we trust Him fully and live with intention, our everyday lives reflect His power and purpose. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:To learn more about baptism or to attend a baptism class, click here!Explore your faith through our Alpha CourseIf you'd like to learn about becoming a partner at Rolling Hills, click here!To jump into our year-long reading plan, click here!Click here to serve with Rolling Hills Community ChurchGo on mission with Rolling HillsKnowledge of the Holy by A.W. TozerLearn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

Bryson Kessler, former Rolling Hills staff member and founder of Clover and Bee, shares how following Jesus extends into every part of life—ministry, business, and family. She reflects on seasons of grief, including her mother’s passing and her sister Beth’s decade-long battle with cancer, and how those experiences shaped her faith and daily reliance on God. Through these trials, Bryson learned the power of active trust, surrendering control, and saying “yes” to God every day. She emphasizes the life-changing practice of gratitude, inspired by Beth’s steadfast faith, and how noticing God’s work even in small, everyday moments brings peace and joy. Bryson also reminds listeners that resurrection power isn’t just for eternity. It equips us to face daily challenges, forgive, and live fully in God’s love. Anchored in scripture, her story inspires believers to trust, surrender, and live with hope. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter. --  Resources from the episode:Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church

Pastor Jeff sits down with Scott Koon to talk about the quiet but powerful influence of growing up in a home where faith was lived out daily. Scott reflects on how watching his parents serve others and stay rooted in God’s Word shaped his own faith, family life, and the way he approaches his career and relationships today. Their example reminds us that the small, faithful moments of everyday life leave a lasting legacy. Scott opens up about his 2020 leukemia diagnosis, grueling treatments, and recovery during COVID-19. Leaning on prayer, Psalm 23, and the support of his church and friends, he emphasizes the importance of accepting help, showing up for others, and keeping an eternal perspective through life’s struggles. Now fully in remission, Scott encourages living intentionally, being present, and nurturing relationships today rather than waiting for tomorrow. His story reminds us that every moment is an opportunity to reflect God’s goodness. Because when we live surrendered, every day really does matter. --Resources from the episode:Learn more about Rolling Hills Community Church