In this episode, Pastor Kurt shares a pre-Thanksgiving message, "The Attitude of Gratitude." He encourages us to live a life overflowing with joyful thanksgiving. Drawing from Colossians 2:6-7, he stresses the importance of trusting Christ daily and allowing faith to deepen. Pastor Kurt challenges Americans to recognize their immense, often-overlooked, prosperity and freedom, urging them to measure their gratitude by a global standard, especially for the blessing of hearing the Gospel, which remains inaccessible to billions worldwide. Check Out This Link: Alpha News - Thoughts From a Hipster Coffee Shop

In this episode, Pastor Kurt explores the Christian doctrine of redemption. He defines redemption through three lenses: exchange (paying a price), convertibility (worthlessness converted to value), and most importantly, relational restoration (being ransomed and reclaimed). He explains that on Calvary, Jesus paid the full ransom for humanity's sin, conquering death and reconciling believers with God the Father. This act transforms spiritual darkness into light and restores the lost relationship. Check out this song link: Gold City Redeemed  

In this episode, Pastor Kurt challenges the typical use of the phrase, "God loves a cheerful giver," arguing that God's love is unconditional and doesn't depend on how happily we give. He explains that the Apostle Paul's true point in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is about a deep-seated generosity that flows from a heart's decision to serve others. This giving unlocks "surpassing grace," enabling believers to be abundantly blessed so they can "abound in every good work" and increase Kingdom righteousness. Check out this link mentioned: Until Then (LIVE) | Joseph Larson

In this episode, Pastor Kurt interviews Dr. Steve Hall. Dr. Steve is the Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He led this team in El Salvador. And Dr. Steve is the executive director of Thirst Initiative. The Thirst Initiative is working to "help communities break the cycle of generational poverty by taking a holistic, relational, and long-term approach, and it all starts with access to clean water". Check out these links: https://www.ctgfoundation.org/ Thirst Initiative Video

In this episode, we get to Celebrate 51 years of marriage with Kurt Richey and his wife, Joni, on this special episode of Encounter Life, "Marriage Beyond 50 Years." The couple shares their hard-earned wisdom, including their top three pieces of advice for a successful, long-term marriage, such as the power of commitment with "no exit" and the wealth of a compounding "relationship fortune."

Christian Apologetics for the Common Man Series Part 2 In this episode Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale discussing the transformative power of saying "yes" to God. The discussion contrasts the Christian and secular worldviews, exploring how Christians should handle conflict and debate. Pastor Dale emphasizes that a commitment to saying "yes" to the Lord is a powerful life mission that is much greater than merely saying "no to sin," but it is a "yes" that comes with consequences and may lead to difficulties or suffering, especially in some parts of the world. They conclude that a commitment to God carries a real cost, but historically, the advance of the Gospel is often accelerated following moments of persecution.

Christian Apologetics for the Common Man Series In this episode, Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale, discuss the powerful theological premise: "Your yes to God is more powerful than your no to sin." The conversation explores how a focus on a single, positive "yes" to God can be more transformative than a life dedicated to saying "no" to sin, examining the tension between grace and holiness, and how this dynamic shapes both personal faith and church theology.

Encounter Life Series | Episode 14 In this episode, Pastor Kurt argues that revival is a sovereign work of God, not something humans can orchestrate. He uses a "chocolate omelette" analogy to explain how churches often mistake their own man-made efforts for true spiritual change. The episode concludes with a prayer for genuine revival, emphasizing that Jesus will build His church, and nothing can stop Him.

Encounter Life Series | Episode 13 In this episode, Pastor Kurt addresses the heartache of believers who worry about their unsaved loved ones. He offers a three-step prayer strategy to help listeners find renewed hope and trust in God. Pray for softened hearts and open minds. Ask God to remove spiritual blindness so your loved one can understand and receive the Gospel. Pray for a credible witness. Trust God to send the right person, a trusted friend or even a stranger, to share the Gospel at the perfect time. Pray, "Lord, do whatever it takes." This is the hardest step—surrendering your loved one to God and trusting that He will use any circumstances necessary to bring them to a "Damascus Road" moment and full surrender.

Encounter Life Series | Episode 12 In this episode, Pastor Kurt offers a new perspective on Christian life, challenging the idea that we are in a constant spiritual struggle. He argues that through Christ's finished work, we are an "occupying force" with legal authority, living from a position of victory rather than fighting to obtain it. Inspired by the phrase "Occupy Until I Return," this episode encourages listeners to shift their mindset from that of a weary soldier to a confident administrator of peace and stewardship, reflecting the character of our returning King.

Encounter Life Series  | Episode 11 In this episode Pastor Kurt uses a story from his 6th-grade math class to explain the difference between human and divine standards. He argues that while our lives are defined by imperfect, measurable standards, God is boundless and immeasurable. Richey encourages listeners to seek God through faith and the Holy Spirit rather than trying to understand Him with limited human logic.

Pastor's Desk Series | Episode 7 In this episode, Pastor Kurt re-examines Robert Fulghum's famous list of life lessons, arguing that it is incomplete without a crucial element: Jesus Christ. He contrasts the secular view of death as an end with the Christian promise of eternal life, sharing a personal story about ministering to the hopeless. His challenge is to make an informed choice between life without hope and a life with a steadfast faith in Jesus.

In this episode, Pastor Kurt welcomes Jahzzy Gonzales, the Music Minister at Encounter Church, for a heartfelt conversation about the powerful and often controversial role of music in Christian worship. Jahzzy shares his personal story, his calling to ministry, and his perspective on leading a diverse congregation in praise.

Tired of feeling like you have to "fake it 'til you make it"? In this episode, Pastor Kurt demystifies what it truly means to "live by faith." It's not a lofty, unattainable goal, but a simple practice for ordinary people. Through powerful personal stories, discover the two unmistakable marks of a life of faith: unwavering confidence and the dogged determination to simply show up and not quit.

Encounter Life Series | Episode 10 In this episode, Pastor Kurt talks about the concept of "survivor bias" to ask a deep question: Has the modern church spent decades catering only to those who make it through the doors? Pastor Kurt poses a new posture for the church to stop reinforcing what's comfortable and start a new mission: actively rescuing the truly lost, broken, and left-behind who will never find their own way to us.

Is the famous promise in Philippians 4:19—"My God will supply all your needs"—a blank check for a lavish lifestyle? In this episode, Pastor Kurt argues this verse is one of the most misapplied in the Bible. He explains that far from being a universal guarantee for personal wants, it is a specific, powerful promise to those who give generously and sacrificially to support God's work. Listen to discover the true context of this verse and be challenged to understand the profound link between your own generosity and God's provision.

Encounter Life Series | Episode 9 For anyone burdened by regret or past failures, this episode offers a powerful path to freedom. Pastor Kurt Richey explains how to move from shame to purpose by becoming a "Steward of the Mysteries of God," learning to embrace truths we cannot always understand. Discover the power of three core mysteries: Saving Grace that redeems us. Sufficient Grace that sustains us through hardship. Keeping Grace that restores the fallen.

Christian Apologetics for the Ordinary Man – Deconstruction Part 2 In this episode, Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale tackle the large subject of Christian Apologetics. They discuss spiritual deconstruction. And explore why individuals, sometimes called "exvangelicals," leave the Christian faith. Learn and grow with Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale in this multi-episode series!

Christian Apologetics for the Ordinary Man – Deconstruction Part 1 In this episode, Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale tackle the large subject of Christian Apologetics. They discuss spiritual deconstruction. And explore why individuals, sometimes called "exvangelicals," leave the Christian faith. Learn and grow with Pastor Kurt and Pastor Dale in this multi-episode series!

Encounter Life Series | Episode 8 In this episode, Pastor Kurt delivers a sermon centered on the Christian believer's solemn responsibility to preserve and propagate the faith. He argues that this duty is a foundational, non-negotiable aspect of the Christian life, drawing parallels between this spiritual obligation and a formal legal trust. Therefore, we must embrace the seriousness of our role as contenders for the faith.