The Almost Amazing Podcast

Episode 141 featuring Rynie Badenhorst; "Reaching the World with the Gospel"

Rynie Badenhorst is our new Global Outreach Pastor, focused on reaching people around the world and online with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Rynie shares with us his story and heart for missions and…

Episode 140 featuring Jared Stover & Gage Hallbauer; "Making Time for God"

Jared Stover and Gage Hallbauer go to our West U Campus and have been actively involved in a weekly Bible study hosted by Andy and Jennifer Dennis over the past few years. Jared and Gage…

Episode 139 featuring Elisa Adams and Olivia Dennis; "Guatemala Mission Report"

Elisa Adams and Olivia Dennis are two seniors from our student ministry that just returned from an incredible mission trip to Guatemala over spring break. They share with us what they got to do and…

Episode 138 featuring Andy Dennis; "Evangelism"

Andy Dennis, our biggest fan and Baptist Student Ministry Director for Rice and the Med Center, shares with us some great insight about evangelism. Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! To watch our most…

Episode 137 featuring Lauren Grossman; "Innovating in Children's Ministry"

Lauren Grossman is the Kids Ministry director at our Bellaire Campus, seeking to reach children with the gospel of Jesus Christ through weekly ministries, outreach events, and original media. Make sure to rate, review, and…

Episode 136 featuring Jose Pacheco; "Giving Back to God"

Jose Pacheco is an MBA student at Rice University who felt the calling to start a bible study for his class mates. After seeing God's faithful provision to get him to the United States for…

Episode 135 featuring Robby Dobbs; "Ministering to Men"

West U Campus Pastor Robby Dobbs shares with us his heart to encourage and lead men into meaningful relationships with God and each other. To learn more, visit https://cityrise.org/men

Episode 133 featuring David and Jennifer Rupe; "Strengthening Your Marriage"

David and Jennifer Rupe share the story of their marriage and how their pursuit of God has strengthened their relationship in the good and bad times.

Episode 133 "Live from Dinner & Deploy" with Jennifer and Justin

Jennifer and Justin set up at our annual Dinner & Deploy event where ministry partners from all over Houston and the world come together to connect and empower each other to share the gospel. Links…

Episode 132 featuring Savannah Cavazos; "A Lifelong Calling to Worship"

West U Baptist Worship Leader Savannah Cavazos shares her heart to serve in the worship ministry and offers encouragement and insight for Christians in the pursuit of meaningful worship. Check out https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuAMJBF5rW7jL6EdYLySlLwWq_UQ4Py6_ for videos of…

Episode 131 featuring Laura Seifert; "Trusting God with the Difficulties of Life"

Laura Seifert of Yes Ministries shares with us insight on how to let go of the things that are holding us back, and gives us a preview of the teachings she will be sharing at…

Episode 130; "New Year's Catch Up"

Jennifer and Justin take some time to catch up about the break, share their words for the year, and preview the next series our church will be going through together. Check out https://cityrise.org/great for the…

Episode 129 featuring Dr. Roger Patterson; "The Heart Behind 'Great'"

Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson shares the story behind the "Great: 40 Days of Commission" study on the Great Commission. To access all the resources for this new series, check out https://cityrise.org/great Make sure to…

Episode 128 featuring Sam Oliver; Focusing on Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Health

Sam Oliver shares with us a ton of great insight about how men can be healthier physically, emotionally, and mentally. Make sure to rate, review and subscribe! Check out our most recent episodes on YouTube:…

Episode 127 featuring Julie Jenkins; Going to God on Behalf of Our Kids

Julie Jenkins shares incredible insight on parenting, prayer, and faith based on what she has learned from her years of experience with three daughters who are now all adults. Please make sure to rate, review,…

Episode 126 featuring Rosty Semikov; How One Man is Seeking to Show the Love of Christ to His Home Country in Crisis

Rosty Semikov shares with us the unique way he is seeking to care for the people of his home country, Ukraine, and how his organization is spreading the Gospel through medical mission work. To learn…

Episode 125 featuring Dr. Paul Magyar; the Role of Music in Celebrating the Advent of Jesus

Worship pastor of our West U Campus, Dr. Paul Magyar shares about the role of worship in Christmas. To find out about all our Christmas opportunities, visit https://cityrise.org/christmas Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe!…

Episode 124 featuring Greyson Landrum; One Man's Journey into Student Ministry

Greyson Landrum is the newest member of our Student Team at CityRise, and he shares his faith background, and how God brought him into Student Ministry. To learn more about opportunities for students at CityRise,…

Episode 123 featuring Jennifer and Justin; Catching Up

Jennifer and Justin catch up with each other about what God has been teaching them. To watch our episodes, check out https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuAMJBF5rW7jL6EdYLySlLwWq_UQ4Py6_ Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe!

Episode 122 featuring David Hao; Tips for Parents on Choosing Schools

David Hao is the Head of School at Veritas Christian Academy in Bellaire, TX. David offers advice for parents considering private school, and great encouragement for parents both in public and private school about discipling…

Episode 121 featuring "The CityRise Network Conference" with Various Partners

Jennifer and Justin catch up with a few Network Partners at our recent Leadership Conference. Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Check out the links below to connect with the partners we got to…

Episode 120 featuring Mike Wilson; Caring for Families in Haiti

Mike Wilson's organization "My Life Speaks" works closely with Haitian Child Services to create infrastructure so abandoned and neglected children don’t fall through the cracks. They provide family-based orphan care, similar to that of foster…

Episode 119 featuring Jackie and Stephana Bledsoe; Marriage Night Preview

Jackie and Stephana Bledsoe are the featured speakers at our Marriage Night on October 6th and the founders of Happily Married Couples, who share a message of hope for marriages and families through speaking, writing,…

Episode 118 featuring Tehila Weru

Tehila Weru and her family are long time partners of the CityRise Network through their 3 Strands Ministry in Kenya. Tehlila worked with our women's ministry this summer and shares her experience here and what…

Episode 117 featuring Ben and Kelli Hays

Ben and Kelli Hays share with us the genesis of the new study "Flourishing Family" and talk about their own experiences in marriage and parenting. For more resources, please check out https://cityrise.org/flourishingfamily Make sure to…

Episode 116 featuring Eric Campbell

Eric Campbell is a long time member of our West U Baptist Church campus and an integral part of our mission team, most recently co-leading our first trip to work with a ministry partner in…

Episode 115 featuring Jamie Ivey

Jamie Ivey is an author, speaker and podcast host seeking to encourage people in their faith with a message of freedom in Christ. Jamie shares great insight into what God has to say about struggles…

Episode 114 featuring Abby Bergstrom

Abby Bergstrom has been a professional actress, children's ministry director, and now full time educator in the public school system. She shares with us her story of transitioning into education and what God has been…

Episode 113 featuring Daniel Guillaume and Kenneth Watkins

Daniel Guillaume and Kenneth Watkins serve on the staff at CityRise Missouri City crafting meaningful opportunities for the community to worship God and be discipled in fellowship with other believers. To learn more about CityRise…

Episode 112 featuring Aaron Senseman

Aaron Sensemen is the Worship Pastor at our Crosspoint Church - Bellaire campus and has served on the mission team serving in Honduras for a decade. Aaron shares with us what God has been doing…

Episode 111 featuring Traci Edworthy

Traci Edworthy is the Kidstuff Director for CityRise Missouri City. She shares the story of how she came to faith, her passion for teaching kids about Jesus, and encouragement about the growth and direction of…

Episode 110 featuring Andrew and Lauren Jefferson

Andrew and Lauren Jefferson met and fell in love while attending our CityRise Network Campus, West U Baptist Church. They share with us their history at this church, how they have grown in their faith…

Episode 109 featuring Michael and Jamie Partridge

Michael and Jamie Partridge have been serving in our church family for over a decade, spending their time and energy teaching children to understand and apply biblical teachings in fun ways. They share with us…

Episode 108 featuring Wes and Kasey Mathew

Wes and Kacey Mathew are new to the CityRise Network with Wes coming on as our Production Director for live events at all of our campuses. Wes and Kacey share about their unique love story…

Episode 107 featuring Palm Feist

Palm Feist is a long time member of West U Baptist Church, serving in our children's ministry weekly to lead kids into a deep understanding of God. She shares with us how focusing on the…

Episode 106 featuring Catherine Weldon

Catherine Weldon is the Assistant Director of A Children's Village preschool and a foster mom working with Casa De Esperanza. Catherine shares with us her heart for helping children in foster care and what she…

Episode 105 featuring Kathleen Yarborough

Kathleen Yarborough, the Director of Community Ministries, shares opportunities for summer volunteering with CityRise Network partners. To learn more, visit https://cityrise.org/ministries/community-ministries/ To watch this episode or any of our most recent podcasts, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuAMJBF5rW7jL6EdYLySlLwWq_UQ4Py6_

Episode 104 featuring Tricia Blackford

Jennifer and Justin catch up with a missionary from our church family serving in Africa. To watch the video version of this podcast, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuAMJBF5rW7jL6EdYLySlLwWq_UQ4Py6_ Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe!

Episode 103 featuring Jean Pennington

Jean Pennington, former Women's Ministry Director for the CityRise Network and long time member of West U Baptist Church shares with us insight about prayer. Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Check out our…

Episode 102 featuring Reed Verdesoto

Reed Verdesoto is a Platform Specific Designer who has helped develop over 300 apps, including the new CityRise app. Reed shares with us how he came to faith, his path toward helping churches with apps,…

Episode 101 featuring Sydney and Tim Yeager

Jennifer and Justin kick off the new "Almost Amazing" Podcast with Tim Yeager, Student Pastor of the CityRise Network, and his wife Sydney. They share with us the upcoming events for students and offer encouragement…

Episode 100 featuring Jennifer Dennis and Justin Kellough

On our last episode before changing the podcast name, Jennifer and Justin talk about some of the most memorable podcast moments from the last 99 episodes and Justin interviews Jennifer. Check out our YouTube playlist…

Episode 99 featuring Jeny Cortez and Ashley Miksch

Student Ministry Associates Jeny Cortez and Ashley Miksch share with us some great thoughts on helping teens grow in their faith. For the video version of this podcast, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBQ0xEmEPpg Make sure to rate,…

Episode 98 featuring CityRise Partners

Jennifer and Justin talk with missionary partners from Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Ireland. Check out https://cityrise.org/missions for a list of all of our international trips. Make sure to rate review and subscribe!…

Episode 97 featuring Jennifer Dean

Jennifer Dean is the Managing Director of the 4th Wall Theatre Company and she shares with us her thoughts on being a Christian in the workforce, the importance of work, and getting plugged into Christian…

Episode 96 featuring Brittany Senseman

Brittany Senseman is a Licensed Professional Counselor sharing with us her thoughts about the deconstructing faith trend in many Christians and what someone can do when they face doubts. She also shares great insight on…

Episode 95 featuring Andy Dennis

Our most faithful listener Andy Dennis stops by to chat with us about a new article outlining all the new things we need to know about etiquette, and opens up about his thoughts on the…

Episode 94 featuring Christine Lee

Christine Lee is long time member of our West U Baptist Church campus, serving in the orchestra, college ministry, and international missions. Christine shares with us her heart to serve in multiple ways, and how…

Episode 93 featuring Curtis Lawson

Jennifer and Justin chat with Curtis Lawson of Shepherd Construction Advisors.

Episode 92 featuring Susannah Baker and Kristen Campbell

Jennifer and Justin catch up with Susannah, the Women's Ministry Retreat speaker, and Kristen, the Women's Ministry Director.

Episode 91 featuring Antonetta Russo

Jennifer and Justin talk with Antonetta Russo about getting connected in a church family.

Episode 90 featuring Julie Adams

Jennifer and Justin talk with Julie Adams about leaning on God through the ups and downs of life.

Episode 89 featuring Patina Sehorn

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with Patina Sehorn about tips to make Christmas memories special.

Episode 88 featuring Alejandra Rojas

Jennifer and Justin talk with Alejandra Rojas about following our gifts to determine our calling.

Episode 87 featuring Liana Fairbanks

Jennifer and Justin talk with Liana Fairbanks about missions in Ecuador.

Episode 86 Talking About Gratitude

Jennifer and Justin talk about how important gratitude is to our spiritual and emotional health.

Episode 85 featuring Joy Vonk

Jennifer and Justin chat with Joy Vonk about what God has taught her through her battle with Covid.

Episode 84 featuring Christy Sylvester and Kelli Hays

Jennifer and Justin talk with Christy Sylvester and Kelli Hays about building a clinic in Kenya.

Episode 83 featuring Shannon Lambert

Jennifer and Justin talk with Shannon Lambert about college ministry.

Episode 82 Halloween Memories

Jennifer and Justin talk about their favorite Halloween memories.

Episode 81 featuring Alberto Avila

Jennifer and Justin talk with Alberto Avila of Young Life Houston.

Episode 80 featuring Chris DeArman

Jennifer and Justin have a great conversation about worship with Chris DeArman.

Episode 79 Live from the CityRise Network Conference

Jennifer and Justin talk with Network partners at the CityRise Network Leadership Conference.

Episode 78 featuring Elizabeth Smith

Jennifer and Justin talk with Elizabeth Smith about real estate, family, and her faith.

Episode 77 featuring Kenneth Watkins

Jennifer and Justin talk with Kenneth Watkins, Worship Pastor of CityRise Missouri City.

Episode 76 featuring Lauren Erwin

Jennifer and Justin talk with Lauren Erwin about how to keep our marriages strong.

Episode 75 Back to School Special

Jennifer and Justin talk about some of their favorite memories from high school and share about what God has been teaching them this summer.

Episode 74 featuring Murphy Sylvester

Jennifer and Justin have a great conversation with Murphy Sylvester about speech development.

Episode 73 featuring Molly Urbani

Jennifer and Justin have a great conversation with Molly Urbani about home organization, faith, and home schooling.

Episode 72 featuring Dr. Paul Magyar

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with Dr. Paul Magyar about worship.

Episode 71 featuring Dolly Monroe

Jennifer and Justin talk with Dolly Monroe about her heart to teach children the word of God.

Episode 70 featuring Michelle Woo

Jennifer and Justin talk with Michelle Woo about what she has learned as she cares for her aging parents.

Episode 69 featuring Allison Finch

Jennifer and Justin talk with Allison Finch about simple tips for managing our children during the summer, and advice for helping our children grow in the faith.

Episode 68: First and Worst

Jennifer and Justin talk about the things they love most and the things they don't really care for about classic summer activities.

Episode 67 featuring Regina Nolan

Jennifer and Justin talk with Regina Nolan, VP of HR at HP.

Episode 66 featuring Justo Robinson

Jennifer and Justin talk with Justo Robinson, pastor of CityRise Emmanuel in Missouri City, TX.

Episode 65 featuring Lauren Grossman and Anna Lauren Nelson

Jennifer and Justin talk with Lauren Grossman and Anna Lauren Nelson about ministering to children and their parents.

Episode 64 featuring Carol Sotier and Robynn Estrada

Jennifer and Justin talk with Carol Sotier and Robynn Estrada who have been friends at our West U Baptist Church campus since their (now grown) children were small.

Episode 63 featuring John Litzler

Jennifer and Justin talk with John Litzler, an attorney focused on guiding churches and Christian non-profits through legal issues.

Episode 62 featuring Shawn Shannon

Jennifer and Justin talk with Shawn Shannon, Minister of Spiritual Formation at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, TX.

Episode 61 featuring Ashley Miksch

Jennifer and Justin talk with Ashley Miksch, Student Ministry Associate of the CityRise Network.

Episode 60: Jennifer and Justin Hanging Out

Jennifer and Justin hang out talking about sharing out faith, the tendency to keep our faith private, Tik Tok, doubt, prayer, and Dr. Strange.

Episode 59 featuring Robert Underwood

Jennifer and Justin talk with Robert Underwood, Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Community Impact at CityRise Missouri City.

Episode 58 featuring Kristen Campbell

Jennifer and Justin talk with Kristen Campbell, CityRise Network Women's Ministry Director.

Episode 57 featuring Kate Shellnutt

Jennifer and Justin talk with Kate Shellnutt of Christianity Today.

Episode 56 featuring Rynie Badenhorst

Jennifer and Justin talk with Rynie Badenhorst about the importance of serving with our families.

Episode 55 featuring Randy Guttenberger

Jennifer and Justin talk with Randy Guttenberger, author of "Managing Your Crazy Self."

Episode 54 featuring Lori Morrow

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with Lori B. Morrow of The Spoon Fed Soul about Apologetics.

Episode 53 featuring Laura Seifert

Jennifer and Justin talk with Laura Seifert of Yes Ministries about the importance of forgiveness.

Episode 52 Live From Dinner and Deploy

Jennifer and Justin catch up with partners from all over the world at our annual Dinner and Deploy missions gathering.

Episode 51 featuring Brent Gallagher

Jennifer and Justin talk with Brent Gallagher about healthy habits for sleeping and eating.

Episode 50 featuring Lacey Moses

Jennifer and Justin talk with Lacey Moses about waiting on God's perfect plan through infertility, fostering, and adoption.

Episode 49 featuring Erin Santos

Jennifer and Justin talk with Erin Santos of Casa de Luz Mexico, a mission focused on strengthening families and lifting the name of Jesus.

Episode 48 featuring Kim Hudson

Jennifer and Justin talk with Kim Hudson about her faith and overcoming a life changing stroke.

Episode 47 featuring Mary Ann Bridgwater

Jennifer and Justin talk with Mary Ann Bridgwater of Pray the Word Ministries.

Episode 46 featuring Ben and Kelli Hays

Jennifer and Justin talk with Ben and Kelli Hays about young adult ministry in Houston, TX.

Episode 45 featuring Karen Oak

Jennifer and Justin talk with Karen Oak about her book, "A Warm Place in the Sun."

Episode 44: Christmas Confessions

Jennifer and Justin share an assortment of confessions and grievances to wrap up 2021.

Episode 43 featuring Julissa Chappell

Jennifer and Justin talk with Julissa Chappell about her work with Casa El Buen Samaritano and shares her story with infertility, adoption, and God's plan.

Episode 42 featuring Tassy Beasley

Jennifer and Justin talk with Tassy Beasley about starting a new endeavor in the pandemic, gift giving, and raising four boys.

Episode 41 featuring Angelina Hudson

Jennifer and Justin talk with Angelina Hudson about providing education and support for those struggling with mental illness and their loved ones.

Episode 40 featuring Richard and Sheri Bright

Jennifer and Justin talk to Richard and Sheri Bright about marriage, comedy, and faith.

Episode 39 featuring Stephanie Whitfield

Jennifer and Justin talk to Stephanie about her career as a journalist, her family, and her faith.

Episode 38 featuring Kathleen Yarborough

Jennifer and Justin talk with Kathleen Yarborough, Community Ministries Director of the CityRise Network, about the importance of serving locally to share the love of Jesus.

Episode 37 featuring Philip Yancey

Jennifer and Justin talk with author Philip Yancey about his new memoir, "Where the Light Fell," and his story about nurturing his faith after a toxic church experience.

Episode 36 featuring Sonya DeArman

Jennifer and Justin talk with Sonya about parenting, thrift shopping, and anxiety.

Episode 35 featuring Zac McCray

Jennifer and Justin talk with Zac about understanding the big questions in our faith.

Episode 34 featuring Melissa Patin

Jennifer and Justin talk with Melissa about caring for those that we lead.

Episode 33 featuring Jeny Cortez

Jennifer and Justin talk to Jeny about letting go of what control we think we have in parenting and trusting God.

Episode 32 featuring Denise Glenn

Jennifer and Justin talk to Denise about going to God through Scripture to help us in our marriages and parenting.

Episode 31 featuring Keith Browning

Jennifer and Justin talk to Keith about maintaining our faith in the workplace and making sure our families stay our top priority in a world obsessed with work success.

Episode 30 featuring Dr. Roger Patterson

Jennifer and Justin talk with Dr. Roger Patterson about the how our family is our first ministry.

Episode 29 featuring Dr. Stephen Spann

Jennifer and Justin talk with Dr. Stephen Spann about the power of healing through relationships.

Episode 28 Live from the Serve Summit

Jennifer and Justin talk with volunteers from across our three campuses at the Serve Summit event on August 29.

Episode 27 featuring Matt Dockall

Jennifer and Justin talk with Matt Dockall, a certified financial planner.

Episode 26 featuring Kristen Kellough

Jennifer and Justin talk with Kristen Kellough, worship leader at West U Baptist Church.

Episode 25 featuring Jaime Obando

Jennifer and Justin talk with Jaime Obando, Associate Director of the CityRise Network.

Episode 24 featuring Sammy Ramos

Jennifer and Justin talk with Sammy Ramos of Cistern Church in Houston, TX.

Episode 23 featuring Kirby Follis

Jennifer and Justin talk with Kirby Follis, Executive Pastor of the CityRise Network, about marriage, parenting, faith, and grief.

Episode 22 featuring Christy Sylvester

Jennifer and Justin chat with Christy Sylvester about the work happening at Casa El Buen Samaritano.

Episode 21 featuring Tim Wainright

Jennifer and Justin chat with Tim Wainright about issues in education.

Episode 19 featuring Dr. James Tour

Jennifer and Justin chat with Dr. James Tour about the importance of Scripture in the life of a family.

Episode 18 featuring Cassie Gallagher

Jennifer and Justin catch up with Cassie Gallagher about healthy eating, exercise, and financial choices.

Episode 17 featuring Chris DeArman

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with Chris DeArman about trusting God.

Episode 16 featuring Stephanie Frey

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with Stephanie about how to care for our marriages.

Episode 15 featuring Tricia Blackford

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with Tricia about missions, our faith journey, and how to cultivate a more intimate connection to God.

Episode 14 featuring Mark Krimm

Jennifer and Justin have an awesome conversation about teenagers with Mark Krimm, educator and coach at Lamar High School.

Episode 13 featuring Kristen Maxfield

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with our former Kidstuff Director for Crosspoint Church - Bellaire

Episode 13 featuring Kristen Maxfield

Jennifer and Justin talk to Kristen about Children's Ministry.

Episode 12 featuring Jess Madden

Jennifer and Justin talk to Jess about nutrition and healthy eating for children.

Episode 11 featuring Jenny Johnson

Jennifer and Justin talk to Jenny about Project One Day, a free childcare non-profit for working parents.

Episode 10 featuring Kevin Dean

Join us as we talk to Kevin Dean about uniting our passions with our faith, the adoption process, and getting involved in a community group at CityRise.

Episode 9 featuring Jeff Frey

Join us as we talk with Dr. Jeff Frey about emotional intelligence and the important role it plays in our health.

Episode 8 featuring Aaron Senseman

Join us as we talk with Aaron Senseman about returning to God after a season of being far from Him.

Episode 7 featuring Jean Pennington

Join us as we talk with Jean Pennington about parenting in tough times.

Episode 6 featuring Andy Dennis

Join us as we talk with Andy Dennis about transitioning children to college.

Episode 5 featuring Judy Ho

Jennifer and Justin have a great chat with Judy Ho about her faith, praying for an unbelieving parent, and serving on the frontlines in a pandemic.

Episode 4 featuring Keith Desrosiers

Jennifer and Justin chat with Keith Desrosiers, educator and father, about how to navigate the continuing struggles of schooling during a pandemic.

Episode 3 featuring Patina Sehorn

We talk with Patina Sehorn about parenting tips and advice for managing behavior.

Episode 2 featuring Gerren Rush

We talk with Gerren Rush about fatherhood, social justice, and the family of God.

Episode 1 featuring Sydney Yeager

We talk with Sydney Yeager about lessons learned in her role as the assistant to the Missions Pastor of the CityRise Network, as well as her time discipling teenage girls through her service in the…

New Podcast Promo

Jennifer Dennis and Justin Kellough are embarking on a brand new journey in the world of podcasting, preparing to interview anyone and everyone that has something to say about raising families to love and follow…