WORDS OF LIFE is a 15-minute, weekly show from The Salvation Army. It features interviews and powerful testimonies, engaging conversations about topics impacting the church today, and deep dive Bible studies. The show is available on your favorite podcast store and is airing on more than 200 radio stations around the world.
In this episode of Words of Life, two powerful testimonies highlight what it really means to show up for others — in both everyday moments and life-and-death situations. Captain Kathy Michaels reflects on how a spiritual mother figure changed the trajectory of her life through consistent love and mentorship. Later, Major Gary Sturdivant shares his miraculous recovery from a near-fatal COVID diagnosis and how it radically changed his perspective on time, forgiveness, and what truly matters. Whether you’re mentoring someone, questioning your own calling, or wrestling with what to do with your “bonus” days, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of God’s personal, life-altering love. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Mentorship is about presence, not perfection. Kathy’s testimony shows how someone simply being there with love and consistency can lead others to faith, healing, and eventually ministry. Your calling doesn’t depend on credentials — it depends on your obedience. Kathy’s journey from stay-at-home mom to officer reveals how God equips the willing, not just the “qualified.” Surviving something life-threatening shifts your entire framework. Major Gary’s story challenges us to forgive quickly, love intentionally, and make each day count like it’s a gift — because it is. Even mentors need to be mentored. Burnout is real, and this episode opens up honest space to acknowledge the need for ongoing support, even when you're the one others look to for strength. Learn more about Words of Life at https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this powerful episode recorded live at the 2025 Salvation Army Commissioning event, we hear a heartfelt testimony from Gessica Pierre, a Salvation Army officer, and her spiritual mentor, Gloria Diavangama. What starts as a story about gratitude quickly unfolds into a practical masterclass on what authentic discipleship looks like — not in theory, but in real homes, real relationships, and real-life chaos. Whether you're leading teens, parenting, or just trying to live a more consistent faith, this conversation delivers raw, relatable wisdom that will both challenge and encourage you. Key Takeaways: Discipleship isn’t a program — it’s a presence. Gloria’s most impactful ministry didn’t happen at a pulpit; it happened in her home, her car, and through consistent presence in Jessica’s life. Authenticity is transformative. Jessica’s faith was reshaped when she saw that Christianity wasn’t a performance — it was something that could thrive even in the hard, messy parts of life. Teens don’t need a perfect example — they need a real one. From seeing a healthy marriage to being lovingly corrected, Jessica shares how being included in everyday life helped her internalize spiritual truths. Legacy leadership happens when we invest deeply in a few. Gloria’s intentional discipleship of Jessica eventually bore fruit not just in Jessica’s life, but in the lives Jessica now pours into as an officer, wife, and mom. Reflection Questions: Who invited you into their life in a way that shaped your faith? What are simple ways you can create “access points” in your daily life for younger believers? Are you modeling a faith that’s real enough for others to want to follow? Learn more about Words of Life at https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this powerful conclusion to our six-week series with Dr. Zach Clinton, we explore what it truly means for men to live with purpose, courage, and hope. Dr. Clinton reminds us that the cost of following Christ becomes easier when our purpose is clear—and that no past mistake can disqualify us from God’s calling. Through personal stories, biblical encouragement, and a moving illustration about a fork and the promise of “the best is yet to come,” this episode will leave you inspired to step boldly into God’s plan for your life. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning of this series or are just joining now, this conversation is a call to men everywhere to embrace their God-given gifts, live with resilience, and cling to the hope found only in Jesus. If you know someone who needs encouragement, share this episode with them today. 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Click here to purchase Zach’s book, “EVEN IF” Learn about Light Counseling and find help here- https://lightcounseling.net/ Listen to the “Built Different” podcast on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-built-different-podcast-with-dr-zach-clinton/id1558251199 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this episode of Words of Life, we continue our series with counselor and speaker Dr. Zach Clinton, drawing from his latest book Even If. Zach reminds us that God often reveals Himself in our moments of pressure and pain, using trials to shape us into the likeness of Christ. Through powerful stories—including the survival of a Bible in the midst of a house fire—this conversation explores how hardship exposes our foundation, why consistency matters more than intensity, and the true cost of following Jesus. If you’ve ever wrestled with resilience, discipline, or trusting God through suffering, this episode will strengthen your faith and encourage you to keep pressing toward the mark. Subscribe to our Newsletter here! https://mailchi.mp/uss.salvationarmy.org/newsletter-english Learn more about Words of Life- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Click here to purchase Zach’s book, “EVEN IF” Learn about Light Counseling and find help here- https://lightcounseling.net/ Listen to the “Built Different” podcast on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-built-different-podcast-with-dr-zach-clinton/id1558251199 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this episode of Words of Life, we’re joined by Dr. Zach Clinton to discuss the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—the inspiration behind his latest book, Even If. Their bold stand against King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image reveals powerful lessons about unshakable faith, courage, and trusting God in the midst of trials. Dr. Clinton unpacks how this story reminds us that God may not remove the fire, but He always walks with us through it. Be encouraged to find strength in suffering, shift your perspective, and embrace a posture of praise no matter what season you’re in. Subscribe to our Newsletter here! https://mailchi.mp/uss.salvationarmy.org/newsletter-english Learn more about Words of Life- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife https://zachclinton.com/ Click here to purchase Zach’s book, “EVEN IF” Learn about Light Counseling and find help here- https://lightcounseling.net/ Listen to the “Built Different” podcast on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-built-different-podcast-with-dr-zach-clinton/id1558251199 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Biblical masculinity, godly leadership, and spiritual formation take center stage in this powerful episode of Words of Life with Dr. Zach Clinton. Together we explore the unique calling of men as spiritual leaders in their homes, the impact fathers have on their families’ faith, and what it truly means to live with boldness, courage, and mission as followers of Christ. Zach also unpacks the importance of spiritual disciplines—like prayer, Scripture, and community—in shaping us into the likeness of Jesus. Plus, he shares the heart behind his book Even If, inspired by the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, encouraging listeners to stand firm in faith even in life’s fiercest trials. Learn more about Words of Life at https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free devotional e-book here Zach Clinton, M.A. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) currently serves as the Vice President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, host of the renowned ‘Built Different Podcast’ and is President & Host of Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend that gathers nearly 10,000 men each year. A Licensed Resident Counselor and former Division 1 college baseball player, Zach is a recognized growing authority and voice on performance, motivational psychology and mental health for today’s generations. His mission is to remind people that they are never out of the fight! Zach is the proud husband to his lovely wife, Evelyn, and they make their home in Lynchburg, VA. – source zachclinton.com Click here to purchase Zach’s book, “EVEN IF” Learn about Light Counseling and find help here- https://lightcounseling.net/ Listen to the “Built Different” podcast on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-built-different-podcast-with-dr-zach-clinton/id1558251199 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Subscribe to our Newsletter here! https://mailchi.mp/uss.salvationarmy.org/newsletter-english We continue our conversation with our guest Dr. Zach Clinton by talking about what issues men struggle with today. Zach Clinton, M.A. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) currently serves as the Vice President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, host of the renowned ‘Built Different Podcast’ and is President & Host of Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend that gathers nearly 10,000 men each year. A Licensed Resident Counselor and former Division 1 college baseball player, Zach is a recognized growing authority and voice on performance, motivational psychology and mental health for today’s generations. His mission is to remind people that they are never out of the fight! Zach is the proud husband to his lovely wife, Evelyn, and they make their home in Lynchburg, VA. – source zachclinton.com Click here to purchase Zach’s book, “EVEN IF” Learn about Light Counseling and find help here- https://lightcounseling.net/ Listen to the “Built Different” podcast on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-built-different-podcast-with-dr-zach-clinton/id1558251199 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Subscribe to our Newsletter here! https://mailchi.mp/uss.salvationarmy.org/newsletter-english For the next 6 weeks we are joined by special guest Dr. Zach Clinton—renowned clinical mental health counselor, author of Even If, VP of the American Association of Christian Counselors, and host of the Built Different Podcast. Join us as we explore themes from his latest book Even If, and unpack what it means for Christian men to live out their calling—as dads, husbands, friends, and leaders—rooted in faith, resilience, and purpose. Lessons here are grounded in Dr. Clinton’s experience guiding nearly 10,000 men annually at Ignite Men's Impact Weekend, and his background in motivational psychology and performance. Whether you’re seeking encouragement, clarity, or a renewed vision for your spiritual and relational life, this series promises profound truths with practical insight. Tune in every week for a fuel-in-your-spirit conversation that challenges and empowers. Let’s step into the fight together—because faith always wins. Click here to purchase Zach’s book, “EVEN IF” Learn about Light Counseling and find help here- https://lightcounseling.net/ Listen to the “Built Different” podcast on Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-built-different-podcast-with-dr-zach-clinton/id1558251199 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this last episode with our friend, Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood, he discusses why he has been drawn to this historical figure, Joe the Turk. Eddie's book, "The Sanctified Showman" is available now. CLICK HERE to purchase from Christianbook.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
We are once again joined by Salvation Army Officer, Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood as he continues to share his testimony and how he was drawn to the arts. In this episode we highlight several projects he has been a part of throughout his years of ministry. Purchase his latest book on the life of Joe the Turk- CLICK HERE Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Bernie is a lifelong Salvationist and serves as the Territorial Director of Communications for The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory. He has been hosting Words of Life for the last 10 years.
