Podcast Summary: In Totality with Megan Ashley – EP 56: Jars of Clay Pt 2 (Ft. Jackie Hill Perry)

Release Date: November 26, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 56 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley," host Megan Ashley teams up with special guest Jackie Hill Perry to delve deeper into their experiences surrounding the Acts242 conference. This episode offers an intimate look into the challenges, spiritual battles, and triumphant moments that defined their journey. Through candid conversations, they share valuable insights on faith, leadership, and perseverance in ministry.

Conference Planning and Initial Excitement

The episode begins with Jackie reminiscing about the initial excitement of organizing the Acts242 conference. She recounts attending a large Pentecostal conference, drawing parallels to their ambitious plans.

• Jackie Hill Perry (02:42): "It took me back to like, you know me because I went to a very Pentecostal excited church and we had conferences all the time."

Rising Concerns and Strategic Decisions

As planning progressed, Jackie expresses her concerns about the lack of representation and inclusivity at similar conferences, prompting her and Megan to consider creating a more diverse and impactful event.

• Jackie Hill Perry (03:32): "Where are the conferences of men and women, young men and women that look like us?"

Preston highlights the financial and logistical challenges of scaling the conference, debating whether to start small or aim for a larger audience.

• Preston (04:04): "How do you pretend to be lame at the Acts242 conference to get a better seat?"

Spiritual Struggles and Personal Battles

The conversation takes a profound turn as Jackie and Preston discuss the intense spiritual warfare they faced during the planning phase. Both share moments of doubt, anxiety, and feelings of abandonment by God, questioning their adequacy and the viability of their mission.

• Jackie Hill Perry (12:20): "There wasn't a whole lot of fear that I had with the conference itself. It was the fear that I was inadequate and not... I could not... I don't need to be a part of this."

• Preston (17:56): "We were having our own individual trials that were then clashing and affecting our unity."

Jackie reveals a deeply personal moment of despair, including a vision that intensified her struggle with depression and spiritual doubt.

• Jackie Hill Perry (25:30): "I had a vision of myself getting a gun out of the safe in my old house... there was a lot of temptation and warfare going on in my mind."

Overcoming Obstacles Through Faith and Partnership

Despite the mounting pressures, Jackie and Preston emphasize the pivotal role of their partnership and unwavering faith in overcoming challenges. They discuss how mutual support and trust in God's plan helped them navigate through their darkest moments.

• Preston (32:41): "I just have to push through."

• Jackie Hill Perry (33:05): "We both were enduring the warfare... that's why we friends."

A significant breakthrough occurs when they receive spiritual encouragement, leading them to persevere and successfully execute the Acts242 conference.

• Jackie Hill Perry (49:38): "She was like, breathe."

Success of Acts242 Conference

The culmination of their efforts is the successful Acts242 conference, which not only met but exceeded their expectations. They reflect on the overwhelming positive response and the profound spiritual impact it had on attendees.

• Jackie Hill Perry (66:22): "This happened. The Lord was with us. He's been like, look at what he's doing."

Preston attributes the success to divine mercy and a special dispensation of grace being poured out on their generation, highlighting the revival's significance.

• Preston (65:14): "I truly believe that God is just being merciful to our generation."

Reflection and Lessons Learned

In the closing segments, Jackie and Preston share heartfelt reflections on their personal growth and the unwavering faith they developed through their trials. They underscore the importance of integrity, resilience, and maintaining reverence for God's presence in ministry.

• Jackie Hill Perry (71:27): "You have this treasure. Jars of clay. I am a jar of clay."

• Preston (71:12): "He's a keeper. He's good and faithful."

They also express gratitude towards their team and supporters, acknowledging the collective effort that made the conference a reality.

Conclusion

Episode 56 of "In Totality" offers listeners a profound exploration of faith under pressure, the strength found in genuine partnerships, and the transformative power of unwavering trust in God. Megan Ashley, alongside Jackie Hill Perry and Preston, provides an inspiring narrative that encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their devotion, even amidst challenges. This episode is a testament to living a life wholly devoted to God, embodying the essence of "In Totality."

Notable Quotes:

• Jackie Hill Perry (03:32): "Where are the conferences of men and women, young men and women that look like us?"

• Preston (04:04): "How do you pretend to be lame at the Acts242 conference to get a better seat?"

• Jackie Hill Perry (12:20): "There wasn't a whole lot of fear that I had with the conference itself. It was the fear that I was inadequate and not... I could not..."

• Preston (17:56): "We were having our own individual trials that were then clashing and affecting our unity."

• Jackie Hill Perry (25:30): "I had a vision of myself getting a gun out of the safe in my old house..."

• Preston (32:41): "I just have to push through."

• Jackie Hill Perry (49:38): "She was like, breathe."

• Preston (65:14): "I truly believe that God is just being merciful to our generation."

• Jackie Hill Perry (71:27): "You have this treasure. Jars of clay. I am a jar of clay."

• Preston (71:12): "He's a keeper. He's good and faithful."

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities and triumphs inherent in ministry work, offering listeners both encouragement and practical insights for their spiritual journeys.