The Wake-Up Call — "Transformational Question 1"

Host: John David Walt
Guest: John David's father
Date: March 18, 2026
Episode Focus: The first of three transformational questions for Lent: "Am I growing?"

Overview

This episode of The Wake-Up Call centers on transformation—specifically, the first of three critical questions designed to spur spiritual reflection and growth during Lent. Drawing from personal anecdotes and mentoring lessons, John David Walt leads listeners through a deeper exploration of what it truly means to grow in faith, challenging the assumption that spiritual activity equals spiritual transformation. The episode blends scriptural reflection, reflection on the power of questions, a hymn sung with John David’s father, and communal encouragement to live rooted in Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction and Context ([00:00]–[02:45])

• Consecration and Announcements:
  John David opens with a prayerful consecration and mentions a bonus conversation with Nick Perot about the origins of The Wake-Up Call.
• Scripture Invocation:
  Recites Ephesians 5:14 and personalizes a consecrating prayer, focusing listeners’ minds and hearts on Jesus (“Jesus, I belong to you. I lift up my heart to you...I offer my body to you as a living sacrifice. Yes, Jesus, we belong to you.” [01:09])

The Power of Questions in Faith ([02:46]–[06:40])

• Turning to Transformational Questions:
  Introduces the “Three Transformational Questions of Lent,” and humorously notes it's taken 25 days into Lent to arrive at the first question.
• Scriptural Foundation:
  Reads and reflects on 2 Peter 3:18:
  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”
  Emphasizes the focus on real growth, not just activity.
• Jesus as the Questioner:
  “Everyone talks about Jesus as the answer. What if Jesus is actually more interested in being the Question?” ([03:36])
  Shares the fact that in scripture, Jesus asked over 300 questions, was asked 183, and directly answered only three.
• Sample Jesus Questions (Matthew):
  • “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” (Matt. 5:46)
  • “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?” (Matt. 5:47)
  • “Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?” (Matt. 6:27)
• “Have you not read?”:
  John David notes this as Jesus’s favorite question, said seven times, urging engagement with Scripture.

The First Transformational Question: "Am I Growing?" ([06:41]–[10:06])

• Mentor's Wisdom from Maxie Dunham:
  Shares how mentor Maxie Dunham taught him:
  “John David, you will never outgrow the depth of the questions you are willing to consistently ask yourself.” ([07:18])
  Maxie’s three key questions are introduced; today focuses on the first.
• Distinction Between Activity and Growth:
  John David initially tries to answer by listing spiritual practices, but Maxie corrects him:
  “The question was not about your devotional activities and spiritual practices. The question is...am I growing?” ([08:32])
• Key Insight:
  “My growth in faith is not measured by my activities, but by the transforming work of God in and through my life. The question is not what am I doing? But what is God doing? Am I growing?” ([08:57])
• Reflection Invitation:
  Encourages deeper self-examination:
  “How would I know if the marks of my growth couldn't be measured by my activities, good and spiritual as they might be? How might growth be assessed?” ([09:25])
• Bottom Line:
  “Religious activity is not the measure of transformational growth. So what is?” ([09:54])
  Urges journaling with the question: “Am I growing?”

Walking at the Speed of Jesus ([10:07]–[11:34])

• Staying Present in the Journey:
  John David encourages listeners not to rush through Lent or rush ahead to the next question.
• Personal Anecdote:
  Relates testing the pace of walking on a treadmill:
  “I always say Jesus walks three miles an hour. That's the speed of walking...I checked it down to two. I think two's it. Two's probably it.” ([11:14])
• Self-Reflection:
  Notes his own tendency to rush ahead, asks, “Am I in such a hurry?” ([11:24])

Hymn Segment: "My Hope is Built" ([11:34]–[15:04])

• Singing with Dad:
  John David and his father sing “My Hope is Built” (Hymn #102), an anchor for their faith and the Lenten journey.
• All Verses Sung:
  “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...”
  Listeners are invited to join in; John David’s father sings the bass line.

Reflection and Reminiscence ([15:05]–[17:59])

• Choir Memories:
  Father and son reminisce about choir practice, rural church traditions, and beloved community members.
• The Legacy of Faithful People:
  Share memories of Carolyn Porter, a serious and celebrated choir leader.
• The Solid Rock Parable:
  John David connects the hymn to Jesus’s parable of the wise (rock) and foolish (sand) builders in the Sermon on the Mount.
  “The exact same storms and winds and rains came on both houses, but one of them stood because it had its foundation on a rock.” ([16:56])
• The Endurance of Hope:
  Reflects on the hymn’s reference to Christ’s return—“the second coming of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the life everlasting.” ([17:53])
• Community Feedback:
  John David shares, warmly:
  “People every day write me and talk about how much they love singing with you...they love singing with you. Us together.” ([18:01])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Everyone talks about Jesus as the answer. What if Jesus is actually more interested in being the Question?” — John David Walt ([03:36])
• “John David, you will never outgrow the depth of the questions you are willing to consistently ask yourself.” — Maxie Dunham, quoted by John David ([07:18])
• “My growth in faith is not measured by my activities, but by the transforming work of God in and through my life.” — John David Walt ([08:57])
• “Let's keep walking at the speed of Jesus.” — John David Walt ([11:20])
• “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” — Hymn sung by John David and his father ([12:17])
• “You're still standing on Christ, the solid rock. That's right. And all of the ground is sinking sand.” — John David Walt ([16:22])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Consecration & Opening Prayer: [00:00]–[01:26]
• Intro to Transformational Questions: [02:45]–[06:40]
• Mentor’s Story & The First Question: [06:41]–[10:06]
• On Spiritual Pace & Staying Present: [10:07]–[11:34]
• Singing "My Hope is Built" with Dad: [11:34]–[15:04]
• Choir Memories & Reflections: [15:05]–[17:59]
• Closing Encouragement & Sending Forth: [17:59]–[end]

Journal Prompts

• What is the measure of transformational growth—as you would understand it?
• Am I growing?

Tone & Style

Warm, reflective, gently humorous, and deeply invitational. The episode blends practical spiritual challenge with heartfelt family tradition and a sense of humble, hopeful community.

Summary

This episode offers not only a probing question for personal and communal spiritual growth, but also a gentle, real-life portrait of how faith is cultivated both in intentional reflection and in shared family practice. By emphasizing the quality and depth of our questions—particularly, "Am I growing?"—the message urges listeners to assess spiritual growth by God’s action in their lives rather than merely by religious activities. The integration of song, story, and prayer provides a holistic encouragement: to walk slowly, honestly, and in step with Jesus, as together we journey through Lent and beyond.