At James River Church, the pulpit has always been a place where truth is spoken, encouragement is given, and faith is strengthened. But as the world changes, so does the way ministry happens, and these days, one of the most powerful ways pastors are reaching people is through podcasts.
Teaching Beyond Sunday
Podcasts give pastors the opportunity to disciple and encourage people wherever they are. Whether it’s during a morning commute, a workout, or while cooking dinner, teaching and encouragement can be heard in everyday spaces. For many, that rhythm of weekly listening feels like an extension of what they experience in church, but with a personal, conversational tone.
For James River Church, this has become a way to meet people throughout the week, in moments of real life when encouragement and wisdom are needed most.
A Conversation, Not Just a Sermon
Unlike sermons preached from a platform, podcasts often feel like sitting down with a pastor for a personal conversation. The format invites questions, stories, and honest reflection in a way that draws people in. It’s less about presenting points and more about sharing life and faith together.
This is exactly what James River Church has captured in its brand-new podcast, Path to Purpose.
The Path to Purpose Podcast
Hosted by Pastors David and Brandon Lindell, Path to Purpose invites listeners into authentic conversations about calling, faith, and navigating life’s challenges. Each episode features the wisdom of the Lindell brothers as well as insights from influential guests who bring fresh perspectives.
For the James River Church family, it feels like hearing familiar voices in a new space, approachable, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging. For those who may not attend in person, the podcast serves as an open door to the heart and culture of the church.
Why It Matters
Podcasts expand the pulpit. When James River Church launched the Path to Purpose podcast on July 1, 2025, it marked a new way of extending pastoral care beyond Sunday services.
The four episodes so far have featured guests like Pastor Levi Lusko in episode one, followed by Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr., worship leader Martin Smith, and Pastor Noah Herrin.
Part of what makes Path to Purpose feel so personal is the genuine friendship between the Lindell brothers and their guests.
These aren’t strangers being interviewed; they’re ministry peers and friends who have already shared life and conversations away from the microphone. What listeners hear now is that same dialogue, honest, vulnerable, and rooted in trust, brought into the open for others to benefit from.
That vulnerability matters because it models what many people wrestle with in their own daily lives but often feel pressure to hide in order to appear strong for others. By choosing to share their struggles and lessons learned, Pastors David and Brandon Lindell and their guests make the podcast feel less like a program and more like being welcomed into a conversation you’ve needed all along.
A New Way to Connect
As more pastors step into the podcasting space, the reach of the church grows far beyond a physical building. For James River Church, this new pulpit is both familiar and fresh. It’s a place where the message of hope continues, no matter where listeners are.
About James River Church
James River Church is a Pentecostal congregation with a worldwide reach and thousands attending each week. The church emphasizes worship, provides programs for children and youth, and engages in global missions and community outreach through efforts such as Cherish Kids and James River Charities.
