In this special episode, I join Josh Khachadourian on the Raising the Standard podcast for a high-impact conversation on calling, clarity, and building Kingdom authority through your message. If you feel a pull to write a book, launch a program, grow your platform, or create content that serves others—this conversation will speak directly to you.

Josh and I unpack the process of moving from confusion to clarity, from idea overload to focused messaging, and from passive consumption to purposeful creation. We dive into the exact steps that help Kingdom-driven entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders unlock their voice and build a message that creates real transformation.

You'll discover:

• How to identify your core assignment and the message God has entrusted to you

• Why so many gifted people stay stuck in overthinking, planning, or procrastination

• The structure every creator needs to turn revelation into impact

• How writing a book can amplify your authority, open doors, and align with your Kingdom calling

• The "Unique Mechanism" framework Josh uses to help leaders build programs and movements

• The mindset shifts required to rise from consumer to creator

• Why NOW—not someday—is the time to step forward into your message

If you sense God calling you to step deeper into your purpose—to write, teach, coach, or lead—this episode will help you break through the noise and finally take action.

Josh and I are helping Kingdom-driven leaders create transformative books and frameworks that support their mission and grow their impact.

Fill out the application here:
https://forms.gle/Uqm6K581pGwzPuqW8

Whether you're unclear on your message, overwhelmed with ideas, or know exactly what you want to create but need structure, accountability, and a proven process—we'd love to explore how we can help you bring your assignment to life.

Original episode from Raising the Standard with Josh Khachadourian. Used with permission.

The picture used for this episode's publicity image or cover, depending on where you're seeing it, comes from an attempt to use AI to generate an image for me.

Using a photograph of a matapalo, or strangler fig in English, known for its distinctive characteristic of enveloping and ultimately overpowering its host, as a metaphorical foundation, I asked DALL-E 3 to craft an image with the following prompt:

Create an image of a strangler fig where the main tree is depicted by or symbolic of the church, being constricted by representations of entertainment, stardom, money, and fame chocking it out.

The result is compelling visual metaphor—a tree at once vibrant yet ensnared by the very elements meant to augment its growth. Incidentally, that's also the main theme of today's episode, but let's back up.

In this episode of the podcast, I share some of the deep sense of disillusionment that arises when respected spiritual leaders fall from grace, citing examples a couple of high profile example figures who've irreparably ruined their earthly legacies. Listen to find out, who, besides Mark Driscoll, I'm referring to.

Driscoll's recent controversies serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges within the Christian community about leadership, integrity, and accountability as well as… what role, if any does entertainment even have in the church? Does it belong, or is the fact we're even debating this indicate other graver issues?

We also discuss the dangers of distractions and idolatry, and how "killing sticks," can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. I hope to challenge listeners to reflect on any aspects of their lives that may be taking precedence over their faith.

Amid reflections on personal and collective failures, this episode's overarching message remains one of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of returning to the core of our faith in Jesus and an organic approach to Christianity free from the matapalo of the American Gospel Enterprise.

The Imperishable Seed of Christ: Understanding the Believer's Spiritual D.N.A. by Steve Bremner

Screwtape Proposes a Toast by C.S. Lewis

Gospel Houses by Art Thomas

The Beast of Revelation by J.D. King

Mesmerize by David W. Edwards

Opinion: The Irony! Mark Driscoll Gets 'Matthew 18ed' for Slamming 'Strip' Act at Men's Conference

This week's episode is a preamble to and a chapter of my latest narration project, Ever-Increasing Faith by Smith Wigglesworth, specifically the chapter What It Means to Be Full of the Spirit,

You can order the whole audiobook almost anywhere you get audiobooks, such as Audible, Kobo, Google Play, Spotify, etc...

BUT for a limited time depending on when you listen to this episode, you can ONLY get the bonuses I mentioned if you head over to this link: https://tinyurl.com/SW-faith.

Check out my audiobooks playlist on Soundcloud and IF you're on there, make sure to follow me if you want to be notified of new samples and when new audiobooks I've narrated have been released as I always put clips there.

Reach out to me at https://www.stevebremner.com/write-your-book/ if you're ready to start your self-publishing journey or what to discuss having me narrate your non-fiction book.

Enjoy!