Podcast
Equip Podcast
Hosted by Cornerstone Church of Ames · EN
Produced by Cornerstone Church of Ames, The Equip Podcast is designed to provide insight, resources and Biblical wisdom to help us live faithful and fruitful lives together.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Leadership, Legacy, and Aging Well with Troy Nesbitt
2w ago00:25:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark sits down with Troy Nesbitt, founding pastor of Cornerstone Church and the man who started Salt Company in 1987. Troy reflects on what it looks like to navigate the final quarter of life with faithfulness and joy.Episode Highlights:00:27 — Introducing Troy Nesbitt: founding pastor, Salt Company pioneer, and mentor to Mark01:33 — Entering the "final quarter" of life at 63 — and what that actually means03:09 — Why Troy handed off lead pastor responsibilities earlier than most03:50 — The principle: pastors reach a decade either side of themselves — nobody gets the third decade05:39 — Retirement vs. reallocation: a biblical framework for the final season06:43 — From the work stage to the wisdom stage: what that shift actually looks like08:12 — The hardest thing about transitioning out of authority — and what a wise leader does instead11:31 — How cheerleaders empower leaders: the gift of being believed in13:12 — The NCAA study: why grandparents are athletes' best memories, not dads on the ride home15:00 — Relating to adult kids who are now parents themselves: the "counsel if asked" rule16:27 — "Visiting Friday": Troy's weekly habit of sitting with his 88-year-old parents18:25 — Caring for aging parents as part of finishing well — even when it's hard23:14 — Troy's vision for the years ahead: more prayer, more coaching, more of lessResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Planting a Church in Austin, TX with Mitchell Johnson
3w ago00:26:50Tap to summarizeMark sits down with Mitchell Johnson, a church planter being sent out from Cornerstone to launch The Way Church in Austin, Texas. Mitchell shares his remarkable story of growing up in New Orleans, surviving Hurricane Katrina, a crisis of suicidal despair in high school, and ultimately finding faith in Jesus at Texas Tech University. The conversation traces how God used brokenness, mentors, and years of ministry experience to equip Mitchell to plant a church in one of America's most spiritually searching cities.Episode Highlights00:27 — Introducing Mitchell Johnson and his connection to Cornerstone Church00:58 — The Way Church: launching in Austin, Texas on September 13th01:22 — Getting to know Mitchell: a peek behind the scenes before the ministry talk01:50 — Growing up in New Orleans: family background, divorce, and the Lower Ninth Ward02:51 — Mitchell's mom goes to prison — and he finds out on his own at age eight03:42 — Life in one of New Orleans's most dangerous neighborhoods04:12 — Hurricane Katrina hits: staying in the Lower Ninth Ward without evacuating05:40 — Trapped for four days, rescued by boat and helicopter, and arriving in Houston at age 1206:25 — Mitchell's grandmother: a model of faith in the middle of the storm07:44 — Depression, anxiety, and a suicidal crisis in high school08:55 — A gold cross on a rearview mirror and the moment everything changed09:28 — Coming to faith at Texas Tech University and beginning to run after Jesus12:18 — Mark reflects on Mitchell's infectious joy in the Lord13:40 — Ministry at Redeemer Church in Lubbock and the mentors who shaped him15:35 — Being handed the college pastor role at 23 and stepping into leadership17:33 — Wrestling with the call to full-time ministry and what shifted18:11 — Moving to Austin Stone and six years of ministry at UT Austin19:51 — The Way Church: mission, vision, and the launch plan for fall 202620:35 — Austin as a city: culture, spiritual climate, and why a new church is needed22:54 — Reaching the high rises, the alleyways, and the dorm rooms of Austin24:34 — John 13:35 and the heart of what The Way Church wants to be25:06 — Celebrating what God has done and what He's about to do25:49 — How to find, follow, and support The Way Church onlineResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineThe Way Church Austin: thewaychurchaustin.orgAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Finishing Well: Health, Medicine, and Dying Well
3w ago00:22:51Tap to summarizeMark tackles one of the most avoided conversations in the Christian life: how do we approach health, medical care, and dying in a way that reflects a biblical worldview? With honesty and care, he challenges listeners to stop prolonging death and start pursuing a life of flourishing, all the way to the end.Episode Highlights00:27 — Introducing the topic: end-of-life health and the final decades of life 01:46 — The technology that prolongs death, not life — and why Christians need to think carefully about it 04:43 — Three principles for approaching end-of-life health as a Christian 05:20 — Principle 1: Stay healthy now — the four pillars of preventable disease 08:19 — The fifth pillar: social connection and why it matters more than most realize 10:25 — Principle 2: Doctor by decade — why your 40s approach shouldn't look like your 80s approach 12:52 — The shortage of geriatric doctors in America and what it means for you 14:31 — A personal story: Mark's dad, congestive heart failure, and asking hard questions about treatment 17:00 — Principle 3: Terminal illness, hospice, and palliative care — quality of life over length of life 19:20 — What hospice care actually is (and isn't) — and why Christians shouldn't fear it 21:33 — A firm word on euthanasia: the difference between dying well and ending life 22:19 — Closing call: have honest conversations with your family, your doctor, and your friendsResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineHow to Make Disease Disappear by Rangan Chatterjee — practical framework for preventable diseaseOutlive by Peter Attia — a deeper dive into longevity and healthspanAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Finishing Well: End-of-Life Finances and Generosity
4w ago00:36:48Tap to summarizeMark tackles one of the most practical (and often avoided) topics in the Christian life: what does faithful stewardship look like in the final season of life? Drawing from Scripture and real conversations with retirees, Mark offers biblical principles and concrete wisdom for navigating end-of-life finances, inheritance, and Kingdom generosity.Episode Highlights00:27 — Introducing the topic: end-of-life finances, inheritance, and kingdom-centered giving 01:00 — Two North Stars: all money belongs to God; leaving a legacy has biblical priority 02:33 — Why most people want to be generous but struggle with the mechanism 03:31 — Four financial buckets retirees commonly fall into 07:50 — The Macedonian and Corinthian principles: everyone gives something, but not the same something 09:36 — Applying biblical proportionality to each financial scenario 14:31 — The $85 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer — and why Christians can't be absent 16:04 — End-of-life medical expenses: what the numbers actually look like 17:04 — "We are taking longer to die" — why Christians should pursue flourishing living, not slow dying 21:33 — Three options for covering long-term care costs 24:19 — Inheritance principles: it's not only monetary, and money amplifies character 27:48 — Treating the church as "another child" and giving in strategic stages 30:19 — Kingdom generosity: capping personal spending and investing the rest for God's purposes 35:22 — Final word: seek first the Kingdom, trust God's provision, open your handsResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Preparing for Summer: The Spiritual Workout Plan
4w ago00:17:36Tap to summarizeSummer is one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year, but it can also be one of the most spiritually distracting. In this episode, Mark and Emily talk about how to approach the summer months with intentionality through the Spiritual Workout Plan. This conversation offers a practical ways to stay rooted in Christ during a season that often pulls people away from consistency and challenges listeners to pursue depth, not just rest.Episode Highlights00:35 — Why summer can be both life-giving and spiritually distracting01:05 — The goal: approaching summer with intentionality, not drift02:04 — Building a plan for Scripture reading during the summer months03:56 — Why spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident05:56 — Reflection from past rhythms (Lent) and how they shape future habits07:57 — Creating a “punch list” for spiritual growth09:57 — The importance of accountability and doing this with others12:01 — Key components of the Spiritual Workout Plan14:10 — Finding practical and creative ways to stay consistent15:55 — Adapting rhythms to fit the unique pace of summerResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Navigating Midlife with Brent & Tori Haverkamp
Apr 3000:34:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark is joined by Brent and Tori Haverkamp to talk about the “fall” season of life: midlife and beyond. They talk about the challenges and opportunities that come with this stage, including career pressures, shifting priorities, anxiety, and the process of learning to trust God more deeply. Episode Highlights00:27 — Introducing Brent and Tori Haverkamp and the “fall” season of life01:00 — What defines midlife and how this season feels different02:15 — The pressure to perform and achieve in earlier seasons04:56 — Career success, identity, and the hidden costs of striving07:23 — How ambition and drive can shape (and strain) life09:46 — Shifting priorities and re-evaluating what really matters11:51 — The role of mindset and internal pressure in midlife13:50 — Anxiety, fear, and the emotional weight of this season15:54 — Family, responsibility, and the complexity of midlife decisions18:09 — Recognizing God’s work even in difficult or unclear seasons20:10 — The danger of being too exhausted to enjoy life22:37 — Letting go of control and trusting God more fully25:03 — How God uses messy seasons to shape deeper faith27:10 — Processing suffering, pain, and hardship with a biblical lens29:21 — Moments that redefine perspective and deepen trust31:39 — Gratitude and learning to be present in the moment33:48 — Looking back and seeing God’s faithfulness over timeResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen Online"Falling Upward" by Richard RohrAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Marriage, Money, and Calling with Crystal Vance
Apr 2300:24:29Tap to summarizeMark is joined by his wife, Crystal, to talk about the “summer” season of life: young adulthood, marriage, and building a life marked by faithfulness. Through stories and wisdom, they reflect on navigating relationships, finances, work, and spiritual growth in the early years of adulthood.Episode Highlights00:26 — Introducing Crystal and the focus on the “summer” season of life01:00 — Transitioning from youth to adulthood and new responsibilities02:49 — How God led their early adult decisions and direction04:20 — Early marriage realities and learning to grow together05:38 — Navigating uncertainty and figuring life out in real time06:58 — Wrestling with unknowns and trusting God in the process08:19 — Financial realities and learning how to live within limits09:32 — Making practical decisions about lifestyle and affordability10:54 — Advice for those entering adulthood and learning from others12:10 — Early financial decisions and stewardship (saving, working, planning)13:31 — Balancing work, life, and long-term direction14:51 — How cultural expectations shape decisions about life and family16:13 — The role of community and learning from others in similar stages17:38 — Choosing faithfulness over drifting or “messing around” in this season18:51 — Living intentionally for the Lord in everyday decisions20:09 — The danger of lack of intentionality in early adulthood21:16 — Trusting God’s timing and provision22:33 — Recognizing God’s kindness and guidance along the way23:43 — Final reflection: life as a gift from God to steward wellResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen Online"How to Speak Life to Your Husband: When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him" by Ann WilsonAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Pursuing Wisdom in Your Teens with Owen & Brenna
Apr 1500:33:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark is joined by high school seniors Brenna Van Cleave and his son Owen for a conversation about what it looks like to grow in wisdom during the “spring” season of life. As part of a broader series on the seasons of life, this episode focuses on youth and the unique challenges young people face today.Through an honest and practical conversation, they explore what it means to pursue godliness in a digital world shaped by smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity. With insight for both students and parents, this episode offers a window into how the next generation is learning to follow Jesus with wisdom and intentionality.Episode Highlights00:27 — Introducing Brenna and Owen 00:54 — The “seasons of life” series and youth as the springtime of life 01:49 — Giving parents a window into what it’s like to be a teenager today02:53 — Where teenagers actually find godly wisdom 03:36 — Big questions, youth leaders, and the people who shaped their faith 04:49 — Why being invited into someone’s life matters as much as Bible study06:57 — Choosing close friends who are growing in godliness 07:41 — Friendship and how peers shape the stories of your life 10:57 — Looking ahead to college and the challenge of finding the right people14:40 — Social media, texting, and how digital communication can be harmful 16:41 — Why some teenagers are trying to step back from social media 18:25 — The dating scene in high school and how it feels different now22:54 — How young people hear dating advice and future family wisdom 24:11 — The “anxious generation” and fear of failure 26:06 — Why young people need real community that pushes them toward growth28:39 — What Brenna and Owen would say to younger students about choosing a path 30:48 — Final reflections on how to seek wisdom from Scripture, mentors, sermons, and podcastsResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →How Should Christians Think About War?
Apr 1400:31:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mark and Emily talk through how Christians should think about war in a world filled with conflict. Looking at Scripture and ideas like just war theory, they explore how believers can pursue peace while still understanding the role of justice and government.Episode Highlights00:30 — Introducing the topic: how Christians should think about war01:19 — Where war comes from: not part of God’s original design02:25 — Sin’s effects: broken relationships that lead to conflict03:38 — Jesus as the Prince of Peace and the restoration of all things04:49 — Christians as peacemakers in a fallen world05:19 — The role of government and authority in a broken world07:39 — Romans 13: the government’s responsibility to wield authority09:02 — Introduction to just war theory13:42 — Just causes: protection, justice, and preventing evil14:20 — Who can declare war? Why individuals cannot15:09 — Considering long-term consequences before entering war16:27 — Conduct in war: restraint, proportionality, and discrimination17:21 — Is there a “loving” way to wage war?21:05 — Evaluating modern conflicts through a biblical framework24:34 — The dangers of distance in modern warfare27:11 — A call to pray for peace, not just outcomes29:51 — The ultimate hope: Christ will bring lasting peace31:02 — Praying for revival, not just regime changeResourcesCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →Building A Healthy Marriage with Steve Jones
Apr 900:39:40Tap to summarizeWhat does a godly marriage actually look like?In this episode of the Equip Podcast, Emily sits down with Steve Jones, Executive Director of Ministries and a licensed mental health counselor, to talk about God’s design for marriage. Drawing from both Scripture and real-life counseling experience, Steve reframes marriage not as a checklist of spiritual habits, but as a deep, lifelong partnership marked by friendship, formation, and intentional pursuit.Episode Highlights00:27 — Introducing Steve Jones and the focus on marriage01:21 — The Marriage Experience and why this conversation matters02:11 — Setting the vision: What is a “godly marriage”?02:54 — Moving beyond surface-level answers (Bible reading, prayer, etc.)03:10 — Returning to God’s design for marriage03:19 — Genesis 2: God’s purpose—companionship, partnership, and friendship03:45 — The meaning of “helper” (ezer): not assistant, but strong partner04:02 — Marriage as a unique, one-flesh friendship04:10 — A key question: What is the condition of your friendship?04:54 — Marriage as a relationship that forms and shapes you over time06:30 — The difference between living as roommates vs. intentional partners09:15 — Why communication breakdowns often trace back to deeper issues12:40 — Identifying common “pinch points” in marriage16:20 — The role of self-awareness and humility in a healthy marriage20:10 — Practical steps toward growth: pursuing one another intentionally24:00 — Final encouragement: marriage as a lifelong process of formationResourcesThe Marriage Experience Session RecordingsCornerstone Sermons: Listen OnlineAsk Mark a Question!Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!
Transcribe →