Podcast Summary: The Forrest Frank Interview on The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Episode: The Forrest Frank Interview
Host: Bryce Crawford
Guest: Forrest Frank
Release Date: June 30, 2025

Introduction

In the landmark 100th episode of The Bryce Crawford Podcast, host Bryce Crawford welcomes the talented musician and worship leader, Forrest Frank. The conversation delves into Forrest's personal faith journey, his music career, recent tour experiences, and the intricate balance between his ministry and personal life. [00:00-01:33]

Early Life and Background

Forrest Frank opens up about his upbringing in the small country town of Fulshear, Texas. Growing up in a devout Christian family, both sets of his grandparents and parents were active in the church. Forrest's mother served as a worship leader, fostering a deeply spiritual environment from a young age. "Every Sunday going to church. Every Wednesday going to church" [03:11]. Forrest was homeschooled until seventh grade, which allowed for a focused and consistent religious upbringing in a humble setting, characterized by a few local businesses and tight-knit community life. [03:18-03:45]

Faith Journey

Despite a strong foundation in Christianity, Forrest experienced significant spiritual struggles during his teenage years and into college. He describes an internal battle between his fleshly desires and his relationship with Jesus, grappling with issues like lust and pride. "I always was in the battle of my flesh versus jumping all the way into a relationship with Jesus" [05:30].

Upon entering college at Baylor University, Forrest made a pivotal decision to distance himself from his faith, which led to increased depression and anxiety. "I wanted to go in, not as a Christian… Stop going to church. Stop praying… Just doing whatever I felt like doing" [07:41-08:04]. This period marked a significant turning point in his life.

The Turning Point

During his sophomore year, Forrest had a profound spiritual experience that reignited his faith. Feeling overwhelmed by depression, he attended a late worship service at Antioch Church, following an inner prompting. "I walked in the building and immediately felt like baggage leave me" [09:55]. This encounter led him to dedicate his life fully to Jesus, transforming his identity and purpose. "I could hear his voice clearly… I can't fully explain really what's happening here, but I'm willing to dedicate and bet the rest of my life on this" [10:29, 09:22].

Music Career and Calling

Forrest shares his lifelong passion for music, which began in his childhood with no formal training. "I have always been fascinated by music… I would sit there for 10 hours a day, just noodling around" [29:43-30:14]. His initial foray into music was secular, creating beats and experimenting with sound purely as a hobby. Over time, he honed his craft, dedicating over 10,000 hours to mastering beat making and songwriting.

As his relationship with Jesus deepened, Forrest felt a strong calling to integrate his faith with his music. This led to the creation of Christian music that was both uplifting and authentic. "I would lay music at the altar all the time… There was one song that kept coming back around, which was No Longer Bound" [32:55, 39:34]. His dedication culminated in the release of viral Christian songs like "No Longer Bound," which resonated globally. "It became the number two most viral song in the entire US, number one most viral in Brazil, number one most viral in Nigeria" [39:34].

Tour Experience

Forrest recounts his recent fall tour, where he and Bryce brought their live podcast show to four new cities: Nashville, San Diego, Chicago, and Birmingham. The tour was designed to be a powerful night of worship and the word, tailored uniquely to each city. "This tour is a recharge for these people… getting their batteries full" [47:02].

A significant highlight was witnessing children actively engaging with his music, reflecting a revival among the younger generation. "Kids are asking for this Jesus music… it's healthy for them" [46:07]. Forrest emphasized the spiritual impact of the tour, noting the density of the spirit in large venues and how it facilitated a communal experience of worship and renewal. "You can sense the revival that was happening in the family, in the heart of the family" [47:02].

Personal Life and Marriage

Forrest opens up about his five-year marriage, describing it as a profound source of personal growth and spiritual refinement. He discusses the challenges of navigating intimacy and aggression, sharing a heartfelt moment where he confronted his past struggles with pornography. "I let me just forget everything that I've ever dreamed… it's the real life" [20:05, 22:31].

Balancing his ministry with family responsibilities has been a continuous journey. Forrest highlights the importance of integrity and accountability, often relying on his wife and community for support. "Marriage is the ultimate… you have to face it with commitment" [18:05].

Current Reflections and Future

Forrest reflects on the revival in America, particularly focusing on the revival among children and the increased openness to faith within communities previously deemed unreceptive. "The children flocking to the music is like a revival in each city" [47:02].

He is also contemplating his next steps in ministry, questioning whether to continue solely with music or explore other avenues to illuminate God's light in different spaces. "Is there an area where it's a natural fit for me the way you designed me?" [62:35]. Forrest acknowledges the ongoing journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and relying on God's guidance. "He set it up in some way where I feel like I’m out the way" [41:31].

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Forrest offering a heartfelt prayer for the listeners, seeking God's presence, peace, and the expansion of revival in their lives and communities. "I pray that right now they would experience your presence, that they'd feel your peace… I pray a blessing over Bryce and his camp, over his home, over his podcast" [73:44].

Notable Quotes:

• Forrest Frank on Faith Dedication:
  "I can’t really explain really what’s happening here, but I’m willing to dedicate and bet the rest of my life on this and uncovering what this is." [09:22]

• Forrest Frank on Marriage Challenges:
  "Marriage is the ultimate. Like, oh, I thought I was good, and then I got married and I was like, oh, I have so much work to do." [18:05]

• Forrest Frank on Music Calling:
  "He set it up in some way where I feel like I’m out the way." [41:31]

• Forrest Frank on Revival and Children:
  "Kids are asking for this Jesus music… it's healthy for them." [46:07]

• Forrest Frank on God's Guidance:
  "He set it up in some way where I feel like I’m out the way…" [41:31]

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity in Faith: Forrest emphasizes the importance of an authentic and personal relationship with Jesus over superficial commitments.

• Balancing Life and Ministry: Managing personal life, especially marriage, alongside ministry roles requires dedication, integrity, and community support.

• Impact of Music: Music serves as a powerful medium for worship and revival, especially among younger generations.

• Ongoing Spiritual Journey: Faith is presented as an evolving journey that requires continuous growth, reflection, and reliance on God's guidance.

• Encouragement for Listeners: The episode serves as an encouragement for listeners to seek genuine connections with God and to rely on Him amidst life's challenges.

This episode provides a deep and personal insight into Forrest Frank's life, offering valuable lessons on faith, resilience, and the power of authentic worship through music. It serves as both a testament to his journey and a source of inspiration for listeners navigating their own spiritual paths.