Encounter Life

Lord, Do Whatever It Takes - Encounter Life

Encounter Life Series | Episode 13

In this episode, Pastor Kurt addresses the heartache of believers who worry about their unsaved loved ones. He offers a three-step prayer strategy to help listeners find renewed hope and trust in God.

1. Pray for softened hearts and open minds. Ask God to remove spiritual blindness so your loved one can understand and receive the Gospel.

2. Pray for a credible witness. Trust God to send the right person, a trusted friend or even a stranger, to share the Gospel at the perfect time.

3. Pray, "Lord, do whatever it takes." This is the hardest step—surrendering your loved one to God and trusting that He will use any circumstances necessary to bring them to a "Damascus Road" moment and full surrender.

Occupy Until I Return - Encounter Life

Encounter Life Series | Episode 12

In this episode, Pastor Kurt offers a new perspective on Christian life, challenging the idea that we are in a constant spiritual struggle. He argues that through Christ's finished work, we are an "occupying force" with legal authority, living from a position of victory rather than fighting to obtain it. Inspired by the phrase "Occupy Until I Return," this episode encourages listeners to shift their mindset from that of a weary soldier to a confident administrator of peace and stewardship, reflecting the character of our returning King.

You Can’t Prove That It Isn’t - Encounter Life

Encounter Life Series  | Episode 11

In this episode Pastor Kurt uses a story from his 6th-grade math class to explain the difference between human and divine standards. He argues that while our lives are defined by imperfect, measurable standards, God is boundless and immeasurable. Richey encourages listeners to seek God through faith and the Holy Spirit rather than trying to understand Him with limited human logic.

Everything I Needed to Know, I Learned in Sunday School - Pastor's Desk

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 7

In this episode, Pastor Kurt re-examines Robert Fulghum's famous list of life lessons, arguing that it is incomplete without a crucial element: Jesus Christ. He contrasts the secular view of death as an end with the Christian promise of eternal life, sharing a personal story about ministering to the hopeless. His challenge is to make an informed choice between life without hope and a life with a steadfast faith in Jesus.

Worship through Music (feat. Jahzzy Gonzales)

In this episode, Pastor Kurt welcomes Jahzzy Gonzales, the Music Minister at Encounter Church, for a heartfelt conversation about the powerful and often controversial role of music in Christian worship.

Jahzzy shares his personal story, his calling to ministry, and his perspective on leading a diverse congregation in praise.

Living Faith - Encounter Life

Tired of feeling like you have to "fake it 'til you make it"? In this episode, Pastor Kurt demystifies what it truly means to "live by faith." It's not a lofty, unattainable goal, but a simple practice for ordinary people. Through powerful personal stories, discover the two unmistakable marks of a life of faith: unwavering confidence and the dogged determination to simply show up and not quit.

Survivor Bias and a Call to Finish the Work: Rescuing Those Still Lost and Left Behind

Encounter Life Series | Episode 10

In this episode, Pastor Kurt talks about the concept of "survivor bias" to ask a deep question: Has the modern church spent decades catering only to those who make it through the doors? Pastor Kurt poses a new posture for the church to stop reinforcing what's comfortable and start a new mission: actively rescuing the truly lost, broken, and left-behind who will never find their own way to us.

My God Shall Supply - Pastor's Desk

Is the famous promise in Philippians 4:19—"My God will supply all your needs"—a blank check for a lavish lifestyle?

In this episode, Pastor Kurt argues this verse is one of the most misapplied in the Bible. He explains that far from being a universal guarantee for personal wants, it is a specific, powerful promise to those who give generously and sacrificially to support God's work.

Listen to discover the true context of this verse and be challenged to understand the profound link between your own generosity and God's provision.