Equip Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Leadership, Legacy, and Aging Well with Troy Nesbitt May 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark sits down with Troy Nesbitt, founding pastor of Cornerstone Church and the man who started Salt Company in 1987. Troy reflects on what it looks like to navigate the final quarter of life with faithfulness and joy.

Episode Highlights:

00:27 — Introducing Troy Nesbitt: founding pastor, Salt Company pioneer, and mentor to Mark

01:33 — Entering the "final quarter" of life at 63 — and what that actually means

03:09 — Why Troy handed off lead pastor responsibilities earlier than most

03:50 — The principle: pastors reach a decade either side of themselves — nobody gets the third decade

05:39 — Retirement vs. reallocation: a biblical framework for the final season

06:43 — From the work stage to the wisdom stage: what that shift actually looks like

08:12 — The hardest thing about transitioning out of authority — and what a wise leader does instead

11:31 — How cheerleaders empower leaders: the gift of being believed in

13:12 — The NCAA study: why grandparents are athletes' best memories, not dads on the ride home

15:00 — Relating to adult kids who are now parents themselves: the "counsel if asked" rule

16:27 — "Visiting Friday": Troy's weekly habit of sitting with his 88-year-old parents

18:25 — Caring for aging parents as part of finishing well — even when it's hard

23:14 — Troy's vision for the years ahead: more prayer, more coaching, more of less

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online

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Planting a Church in Austin, TX with Mitchell Johnson May 14, 2026

Show notes

Mark sits down with Mitchell Johnson, a church planter being sent out from Cornerstone to launch The Way Church in Austin, Texas. Mitchell shares his remarkable story of growing up in New Orleans, surviving Hurricane Katrina, a crisis of suicidal despair in high school, and ultimately finding faith in Jesus at Texas Tech University. The conversation traces how God used brokenness, mentors, and years of ministry experience to equip Mitchell to plant a church in one of America's most spiritually searching cities.

Episode Highlights

00:27 — Introducing Mitchell Johnson and his connection to Cornerstone Church

00:58 — The Way Church: launching in Austin, Texas on September 13th

01:22 — Getting to know Mitchell: a peek behind the scenes before the ministry talk

01:50 — Growing up in New Orleans: family background, divorce, and the Lower Ninth Ward

02:51 — Mitchell's mom goes to prison — and he finds out on his own at age eight

03:42 — Life in one of New Orleans's most dangerous neighborhoods

04:12 — Hurricane Katrina hits: staying in the Lower Ninth Ward without evacuating

05:40 — Trapped for four days, rescued by boat and helicopter, and arriving in Houston at age 12

06:25 — Mitchell's grandmother: a model of faith in the middle of the storm

07:44 — Depression, anxiety, and a suicidal crisis in high school

08:55 — A gold cross on a rearview mirror and the moment everything changed

09:28 — Coming to faith at Texas Tech University and beginning to run after Jesus

12:18 — Mark reflects on Mitchell's infectious joy in the Lord

13:40 — Ministry at Redeemer Church in Lubbock and the mentors who shaped him

15:35 — Being handed the college pastor role at 23 and stepping into leadership

17:33 — Wrestling with the call to full-time ministry and what shifted

18:11 — Moving to Austin Stone and six years of ministry at UT Austin

19:51 — The Way Church: mission, vision, and the launch plan for fall 2026

20:35 — Austin as a city: culture, spiritual climate, and why a new church is needed

22:54 — Reaching the high rises, the alleyways, and the dorm rooms of Austin

24:34 — John 13:35 and the heart of what The Way Church wants to be

25:06 — Celebrating what God has done and what He's about to do

25:49 — How to find, follow, and support The Way Church online

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online

The Way Church Austin: thewaychurchaustin.org

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Finishing Well: Health, Medicine, and Dying Well May 12, 2026

Show notes

Mark tackles one of the most avoided conversations in the Christian life: how do we approach health, medical care, and dying in a way that reflects a biblical worldview? With honesty and care, he challenges listeners to stop prolonging death and start pursuing a life of flourishing, all the way to the end.

Episode Highlights

00:27 — Introducing the topic: end-of-life health and the final decades of life
01:46 — The technology that prolongs death, not life — and why Christians need to think carefully about it
04:43 — Three principles for approaching end-of-life health as a Christian
05:20 — Principle 1: Stay healthy now — the four pillars of preventable disease
08:19 — The fifth pillar: social connection and why it matters more than most realize
10:25 — Principle 2: Doctor by decade — why your 40s approach shouldn't look like your 80s approach
12:52 — The shortage of geriatric doctors in America and what it means for you
14:31 — A personal story: Mark's dad, congestive heart failure, and asking hard questions about treatment
17:00 — Principle 3: Terminal illness, hospice, and palliative care — quality of life over length of life
19:20 — What hospice care actually is (and isn't) — and why Christians shouldn't fear it
21:33 — A firm word on euthanasia: the difference between dying well and ending life
22:19 — Closing call: have honest conversations with your family, your doctor, and your friends

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online
How to Make Disease Disappear by Rangan Chatterjee — practical framework for preventable disease
Outlive by Peter Attia — a deeper dive into longevity and healthspan

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Finishing Well: End-of-Life Finances and Generosity May 07, 2026

Show notes

Mark tackles one of the most practical (and often avoided) topics in the Christian life: what does faithful stewardship look like in the final season of life? Drawing from Scripture and real conversations with retirees, Mark offers biblical principles and concrete wisdom for navigating end-of-life finances, inheritance, and Kingdom generosity.

Episode Highlights

00:27 — Introducing the topic: end-of-life finances, inheritance, and kingdom-centered giving
01:00 — Two North Stars: all money belongs to God; leaving a legacy has biblical priority
02:33 — Why most people want to be generous but struggle with the mechanism
03:31 — Four financial buckets retirees commonly fall into
07:50 — The Macedonian and Corinthian principles: everyone gives something, but not the same something
09:36 — Applying biblical proportionality to each financial scenario
14:31 — The $85 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer — and why Christians can't be absent
16:04 — End-of-life medical expenses: what the numbers actually look like
17:04 — "We are taking longer to die" — why Christians should pursue flourishing living, not slow dying
21:33 — Three options for covering long-term care costs
24:19 — Inheritance principles: it's not only monetary, and money amplifies character
27:48 — Treating the church as "another child" and giving in strategic stages
30:19 — Kingdom generosity: capping personal spending and investing the rest for God's purposes
35:22 — Final word: seek first the Kingdom, trust God's provision, open your hands

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online

Ask Mark a Question!

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Preparing for Summer: The Spiritual Workout Plan May 05, 2026

Show notes

Summer is one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year, but it can also be one of the most spiritually distracting. In this episode, Mark and Emily talk about how to approach the summer months with intentionality through the Spiritual Workout Plan. This conversation offers a practical ways to stay rooted in Christ during a season that often pulls people away from consistency and challenges listeners to pursue depth, not just rest.

Episode Highlights

00:35 — Why summer can be both life-giving and spiritually distracting

01:05 — The goal: approaching summer with intentionality, not drift

02:04 — Building a plan for Scripture reading during the summer months

03:56 — Why spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident

05:56 — Reflection from past rhythms (Lent) and how they shape future habits

07:57 — Creating a “punch list” for spiritual growth

09:57 — The importance of accountability and doing this with others

12:01 — Key components of the Spiritual Workout Plan

14:10 — Finding practical and creative ways to stay consistent

15:55 — Adapting rhythms to fit the unique pace of summer

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online

Ask Mark a Question!

Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Navigating Midlife with Brent & Tori Haverkamp Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark is joined by Brent and Tori Haverkamp to talk about the “fall” season of life: midlife and beyond. They talk about the challenges and opportunities that come with this stage, including career pressures, shifting priorities, anxiety, and the process of learning to trust God more deeply.

Episode Highlights

00:27 — Introducing Brent and Tori Haverkamp and the “fall” season of life

01:00 — What defines midlife and how this season feels different

02:15 — The pressure to perform and achieve in earlier seasons

04:56 — Career success, identity, and the hidden costs of striving

07:23 — How ambition and drive can shape (and strain) life

09:46 — Shifting priorities and re-evaluating what really matters

11:51 — The role of mindset and internal pressure in midlife

13:50 — Anxiety, fear, and the emotional weight of this season

15:54 — Family, responsibility, and the complexity of midlife decisions

18:09 — Recognizing God’s work even in difficult or unclear seasons

20:10 — The danger of being too exhausted to enjoy life

22:37 — Letting go of control and trusting God more fully

25:03 — How God uses messy seasons to shape deeper faith

27:10 — Processing suffering, pain, and hardship with a biblical lens

29:21 — Moments that redefine perspective and deepen trust

31:39 — Gratitude and learning to be present in the moment

33:48 — Looking back and seeing God’s faithfulness over time

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online
"Falling Upward" by Richard Rohr

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Marriage, Money, and Calling with Crystal Vance Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Mark is joined by his wife, Crystal, to talk about the “summer” season of life: young adulthood, marriage, and building a life marked by faithfulness. Through stories and wisdom, they reflect on navigating relationships, finances, work, and spiritual growth in the early years of adulthood.

Episode Highlights

00:26 — Introducing Crystal and the focus on the “summer” season of life

01:00 — Transitioning from youth to adulthood and new responsibilities

02:49 — How God led their early adult decisions and direction

04:20 — Early marriage realities and learning to grow together

05:38 — Navigating uncertainty and figuring life out in real time

06:58 — Wrestling with unknowns and trusting God in the process

08:19 — Financial realities and learning how to live within limits

09:32 — Making practical decisions about lifestyle and affordability

10:54 — Advice for those entering adulthood and learning from others

12:10 — Early financial decisions and stewardship (saving, working, planning)

13:31 — Balancing work, life, and long-term direction

14:51 — How cultural expectations shape decisions about life and family

16:13 — The role of community and learning from others in similar stages

17:38 — Choosing faithfulness over drifting or “messing around” in this season

18:51 — Living intentionally for the Lord in everyday decisions

20:09 — The danger of lack of intentionality in early adulthood

21:16 — Trusting God’s timing and provision

22:33 — Recognizing God’s kindness and guidance along the way

23:43 — Final reflection: life as a gift from God to steward well

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online
"How to Speak Life to Your Husband: When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him" by Ann Wilson

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Pursuing Wisdom in Your Teens with Owen & Brenna Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark is joined by high school seniors Brenna Van Cleave and his son Owen for a conversation about what it looks like to grow in wisdom during the “spring” season of life. As part of a broader series on the seasons of life, this episode focuses on youth and the unique challenges young people face today.

Through an honest and practical conversation, they explore what it means to pursue godliness in a digital world shaped by smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity. With insight for both students and parents, this episode offers a window into how the next generation is learning to follow Jesus with wisdom and intentionality.

Episode Highlights

00:27 — Introducing Brenna and Owen
00:54 — The “seasons of life” series and youth as the springtime of life
01:49 — Giving parents a window into what it’s like to be a teenager today

02:53 — Where teenagers actually find godly wisdom
03:36 — Big questions, youth leaders, and the people who shaped their faith
04:49 — Why being invited into someone’s life matters as much as Bible study

06:57 — Choosing close friends who are growing in godliness
07:41 — Friendship and how peers shape the stories of your life
10:57 — Looking ahead to college and the challenge of finding the right people

14:40 — Social media, texting, and how digital communication can be harmful
16:41 — Why some teenagers are trying to step back from social media
18:25 — The dating scene in high school and how it feels different now

22:54 — How young people hear dating advice and future family wisdom
24:11 — The “anxious generation” and fear of failure
26:06 — Why young people need real community that pushes them toward growth

28:39 — What Brenna and Owen would say to younger students about choosing a path
30:48 — Final reflections on how to seek wisdom from Scripture, mentors, sermons, and podcasts

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online

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How Should Christians Think About War? Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark and Emily talk through how Christians should think about war in a world filled with conflict. Looking at Scripture and ideas like just war theory, they explore how believers can pursue peace while still understanding the role of justice and government.

Episode Highlights

00:30 — Introducing the topic: how Christians should think about war

01:19 — Where war comes from: not part of God’s original design

02:25 — Sin’s effects: broken relationships that lead to conflict

03:38 — Jesus as the Prince of Peace and the restoration of all things

04:49 — Christians as peacemakers in a fallen world

05:19 — The role of government and authority in a broken world

07:39 — Romans 13: the government’s responsibility to wield authority

09:02 — Introduction to just war theory

13:42 — Just causes: protection, justice, and preventing evil

14:20 — Who can declare war? Why individuals cannot

15:09 — Considering long-term consequences before entering war

16:27 — Conduct in war: restraint, proportionality, and discrimination

17:21 — Is there a “loving” way to wage war?

21:05 — Evaluating modern conflicts through a biblical framework

24:34 — The dangers of distance in modern warfare

27:11 — A call to pray for peace, not just outcomes

29:51 — The ultimate hope: Christ will bring lasting peace

31:02 — Praying for revival, not just regime change

Resources

Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online

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Building A Healthy Marriage with Steve Jones Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

What does a godly marriage actually look like?

In this episode of the Equip Podcast, Emily sits down with Steve Jones, Executive Director of Ministries and a licensed mental health counselor, to talk about God’s design for marriage. Drawing from both Scripture and real-life counseling experience, Steve reframes marriage not as a checklist of spiritual habits, but as a deep, lifelong partnership marked by friendship, formation, and intentional pursuit.

Episode Highlights

00:27 — Introducing Steve Jones and the focus on marriage

01:21 — The Marriage Experience and why this conversation matters

02:11 — Setting the vision: What is a “godly marriage”?

02:54 — Moving beyond surface-level answers (Bible reading, prayer, etc.)

03:10 — Returning to God’s design for marriage

03:19 — Genesis 2: God’s purpose—companionship, partnership, and friendship

03:45 — The meaning of “helper” (ezer): not assistant, but strong partner

04:02 — Marriage as a unique, one-flesh friendship

04:10 — A key question: What is the condition of your friendship?

04:54 — Marriage as a relationship that forms and shapes you over time

06:30 — The difference between living as roommates vs. intentional partners