Transformation Church Podcast Summary

Episode: Big Steppa // Mustard: The Seed That Can Change Everything (Part 6)

Speaker: Pastor Michael Todd

Date: June 1, 2025

Episode Overview

In week six of the "Mustard" series, Pastor Michael Todd delivers an energetic and challenging sermon focused on stepping out in "crazy faith"—using even mustard seed-sized faith to take bold action in life. The message, titled Big Steppa, emphasizes the importance of working our faith, stewarding opportunities, embracing God’s timing, acting on obedience, and impacting others for God’s glory. Pastor Mike calls his listeners to become "big steppers," taking audacious steps in alignment with God’s direction, while knowing that even missteps are redeemable with God’s grace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Work Before Rest

• Work precedes rest: Pastor Mike shares his conviction to cover the power of “rest” in next week’s message but insists on addressing the necessity and theology of work first.
  • Quote:
    “I cannot properly talk about rest until I properly and adequately explain to you work… There is no growth without discomfort.” [05:30]
• Challenge to work meaningfully: Some listeners may need rest, but others need to do the right work, stop excusing idleness, or move beyond superficial busyness.
  • Quote:
    “There are so many people that need a break from doing nothing. Okay, you need a vacation and you haven’t put in any work! What do you need a break from?” [06:20]
• Work as faith-in-action: True faith is shown not in words but in stepping out, revising, knocking on doors, submitting applications, and daily pursuing God’s assignments.
  • Quote:
    “Have you done everything you can with what you have?” [13:40]

2. God’s Assignment and The Example of Joshua

• Stepping up after loss or transition: Using Joshua 1, Pastor Mike describes how Joshua inherits Moses’ leadership after Moses’ death, emphasizing that God often calls us to step up when we're used to being the assistant.
  • Quote:
    “The time has come for you to lead these people… Wherever you step foot, you will be on land that I have given you.” [25:15]
• Leaving behind expired assignments: Recognizing when God is no longer “on” something—a relationship, dream, or project—is vital for maturing and stewarding energy well.
  • Quote:
    “Some of us are praying about things that God’s not on no more… The grace has lifted.” [38:50]

3. Big Stepper Principles

A. See Big (Vision)

• Have audacious faith: Joshua had to envision God-sized possibilities to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
• Illustration: Pastor Mike tells a personal story about believing for a new house. He put up a Christmas tree in a house he wanted as an act of faith, moving in by December 18th against all odds.
  • Quote:
    “If God has given you a promise, I want you to do some work that seems crazy... I needed to do something to put my mind to see my family in that house.” [59:45]

B. See Boundaries

• God’s promises have limits: After declaring the blessing of land to Joshua, God sets clear boundaries.
  • Quote:
    “What God was giving was parameters… God’s love is many times shown in parameters.” [1:02:40]

C. Talk Big (Declaration)

• Speak in faith: Joshua and Caleb’s positive reports on the Promised Land stand out, contrasting with the majority’s fear.
  • Quote:
    “Sometimes my word is the thing that hooks me to the future. And I’m just trying to pull my way out of this, but I’ve spoke it so many times. I believe it so many times.” [1:09:10]

D. Talk Back (Accountability)

• Seek wise counsel: Don’t move in unhealthy isolation or secrecy—godly people around you provide a safety net.
  • Quote:
    “Where there is no counsel, the people fall. In the multitude of counselors, there is safety.” [1:19:30]

E. Execute Big (Action)

• Take action—not just talk: Initiate, even if uncertain. Make the sandwiches, start the daycare, fund what you can, and move.
  • Quote:
    “The church may be the biggest talkers with no execution. If you’re going to open the daycare, do it.” [1:22:00]
• Execute before it’s big: Be faithful in small steps, study, and prepare spiritually and practically for what God is doing.

F. Pace for Big (Sustainability)

• Set margin and tempo: Growth, blessing, and impact require sustainable rhythms, pacing, and room for God to move beyond our plans.
  • Quote:
    “Most of us are not making margin for what God’s gonna do… Make a little more margin.” [1:37:40]

G. Pace for Bringing Others (Multiplication)

• Bring others along: Some delays in our calling are not about us, but God’s purpose to use us to bring others into the blessing.
  • Quote:
    “Sometimes when God’s saying, ‘not yet,’ it’s not because you’ve been disobedient… The reason is you’re the only one qualified to bring them into the promised land.” [1:42:10]

4. Handling Missteps

• Redemption for missteps: Using Peter walking on water, Pastor Mike shares that even when we falter, Jesus “immediately” rescues.
  • Quote:
    “When your big step turns into a misstep, you’re still kept.” [1:49:10]

5. Invitation & Encouragement

• Altar call: Pastor Mike prays for those ready to take a big step in obedience or to return to God after mistakes.
  • Quote:
    “If you’ve made a misstep, know that He’s a keeper.” [1:54:45]
• Call to Action:
  • Step out in faith, make God’s mark more visible than your own, and let God’s glory—not personal achievement—be the legacy of your choices.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker & Quote | |-------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:30 | Pastor Mike: “There is no growth without discomfort…Most people want their walk with Jesus to be easy.” | | 06:20 | Pastor Mike: “There are so many people that need a break from doing nothing.” | | 13:40 | Pastor Mike: “Have you done everything you can with what you have?” | | 25:15 | Pastor Mike: “The time has come for you to lead these people… Wherever you step foot, you will be on land that I have given.” | | 38:50 | Pastor Mike: “Some of us are praying about things that God’s not on no more… The grace has lifted.” | | 59:45 | Pastor Mike: “I needed to do something to put my mind to see my family in that house.” | | 1:02:40 | Pastor Mike: “God’s love is many times shown in parameters.” | | 1:09:10 | Pastor Mike: “Sometimes my word is the thing that hooks me to the future." | | 1:19:30 | Pastor Mike: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall. In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” | | 1:22:00 | Pastor Mike: “The church may be the biggest talkers with no execution.” | | 1:37:40 | Pastor Mike: “Most of us are not making margin for what God’s gonna do… Make a little more margin.” | | 1:42:10 | Pastor Mike: “You’re the only one qualified to bring them into the promised land.” | | 1:49:10 | Pastor Mike: “When your big step turns into a misstep, you’re still kept.” | | 1:54:45 | Pastor Mike: “If you’ve made a misstep, know that He’s a keeper.” |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Work before rest; confronting idleness – [05:00–10:00]
• Joshua’s call and stepping into leadership – [20:00–30:00]
• Leaving behind expired assignments/relationships – [35:00–40:00]
• Big Stepper teaching (See Big, Boundaries, Talk Big, etc.) – [55:00-1:25:00]
• Pacing and margin for big steps – [1:35:00–1:40:00]
• Pacing for others; your calling as generational blessing – [1:40:00–1:48:00]
• Redemption after missteps (Peter on the water) – [1:48:00–1:53:00]
• Ministry time and call to action/prayer – [1:53:00–end]

Structure of a "Big Stepper": Summary Points

1. See Big: Dream and envision God-sized possibilities.
2. See Boundaries: Respect God’s healthy limits.
3. Talk Big: Declare faith-filled truths over your life and challenges.
4. Talk Back: Pursue accountability and wise counsel.
5. Execute Big: Take action, prepared both spiritually and practically.
6. Pace for Big: Allow margin for God to exceed your plans.
7. Pace for Bringing: Remember your purpose is to bring others along.

Final Word

Pastor Mike sends the church into the week with boldness to "step into" the places God calls—knowing it’s not about self-glorification but God’s imprint for kingdom impact. Listeners are encouraged that, if they have made a misstep, God’s immediate grace keeps them and invites them back onto the path, ready to continue their journey as “big steppers.”

For more messages or to get connected, visit Transformation Church and watch for the finale of the "Mustard" series next week.