In this powerful episode of The Kingdom Creatives Podcast, we sit down with Wendell McKinney, founder of Divine Persuasion Studio, for a raw and moving conversation about calling, creativity, and communion with Jesus. 🔹 Wendell opens up about his journey from pastoring to leading a thriving creative agency 🔹 Why the presence of God isn’t just for Sundays but for survival 🔹 How burnout, cynicism, and pride nearly took him out—and how Jesus healed it all 🔹 The truth about creative success and the subtle dangers of self-reliance 🔹 Why encounter is essential to everything from business to fatherhood 🔥 If you’re a pastor, church creative, or Kingdom builder navigating leadership, pressure, or identity, this episode is for YOU. 📢 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Spirit-led conversations that equip creatives to transform how the world experiences church. ✨ 00:00 – Intro and welcome to Wendell McKinney 01:50 – Wendell’s childhood and growing up in ministry 03:10 – “What did you want to do growing up?” 04:00 – Wendell’s early passion for creativity and calling 06:10 – “Did you always have a creative lean?” 08:00 – Wrestling between pastoring and designing 10:00 – Divine Persuasion Studio origin foreshadow 12:30 – “What marked you with God’s presence?” 14:30 – Wendell shares a powerful story of teenage surrender 18:00 – Josh shares his first real encounter with Jesus 20:00 – “How important is encounter in calling and creativity?” 22:00 – Worship, presence, and a spontaneous moment of vulnerability 25:00 – Starbucks encounter and choosing presence over performance 28:30 – “Did you grow up in church?” 30:00 – Josh’s full testimony: the river encounter with Jesus 33:30 – “When did you realize your emotion was worship?” 35:00 – Fatherhood, burden, and depending on presence 37:30 – “How did Divine Persuasion Studio start?” 40:00 – Wendell explains the name, inspiration, and faith-led business model 45:00 – “What does faith in business actually look like?” 49:20 – Seven days of silence: hearing from God on a Mini Cooper 52:00 – Starting with $25k and full surrender 56:30 – “What was the turning point where it all clicked?” 59:00 – Josh and Sam reflect on trusting God financially 1:01:00 – “Jesus is the goal, not the blessing” 1:05:00 – “What’s the vision behind Divine Persuasion?” 1:09:00 – Sam shares a story of leading a friend to Christ over the phone 1:13:00 – A moment of blessing, affirmation, and closing words 1:15:00 – How to connect with Wendell and Divine Persuasion