The Downline Podcast: Gospel Driven Discipleship

From Poverty to Purpose Feb 17, 2025

In this episode, Seth Jewell shares his journey from the streets of West Memphis to becoming an executive pastor at Harvest Church. Growing up in poverty and family instability, Seth's life took a dramatic turn when he met his future wife Chelsea and her family, whose Christ-like love helped lead him to faith. Seth opens up about his transformation from a troubled teen to a successful attorney at FedEx, and ultimately moving towards full-time ministry. His story is a compelling testament to God's redemptive work and the impact of intentional discipleship.

Follow Seth on instagram: www.instagram.com/seth_jewell

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Problems and Possibilities: A New Way to View Change Feb 10, 2025

Jason Cook returns to discuss navigating major life transitions. Both he and Jamie share candidly about their relocations from Memphis - Cook to Atlanta and Trussell to Dripping Springs - exploring the emotional and spiritual challenges of major moves. They discuss the importance of vulnerability during transitions, frameworks for godly decision-making, and processing loss while remaining hopeful. Through their honest dialogue, they demonstrate how periods of change, though difficult, can deepen our faith and understanding of God's purposes.

Check out Fellowship Roswell: https://fellowshiproswell.org/

Follow Jason on instagram: www.instagram.com/thelowercasejc

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

The $73 Billion Battle for Your Son's Attention Feb 03, 2025

Jamie welcomes back The Gospel Coalition's Sarah Zylstra to examine how video games impact young men, revealing the industry's deliberate addiction strategies and their effect on relationships, behavior, and spiritual development. They offer practical guidance for parents navigating gaming boundaries while fostering genuine community over digital connections.

Listen to Sarah's podcast episode, Gaming Alone

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Your Job Isn't Just a Job Jan 27, 2025

Shad Berry joins us again to explore the theology of work and vocation. Drawing from his experience, Shad unpacks the false divide between "sacred" and "secular" work, discussing how all legitimate work has dignity and eternal significance.

Check out Shad on instagram here

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

The Art of Surrendering Jan 20, 2025

Memphis native Shad Berry, a seasoned business leader and community mentor, opens up about his winding journey through family business, nonprofit leadership, and personal transformation. Through his own stories—Shad reflects on embracing weakness, navigating change, and the deep work of character formation.

Check out Shad on instagram here

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

What Did Mars Hill Teach Us? Jan 13, 2025

Returning guest Mike Gunn brings fresh perspective on the viral Mars Hill podcast and its aftermath, examining why stories of church leadership failures resonate so deeply with modern audiences. Through the lens of his personal experience, Mike and Jamie tackle misconceptions about complementarian theology and explore the Christian community's complicated relationship with failure and injustice.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Before the Fall: Inside Mars Hill's Early Days with Mike Gunn Jan 06, 2025

From the early rumblings of a Seattle church plant to its meteoric rise and eventual dissolution, this exclusive conversation with Mike Gunn, one of the three founding pastors of Mars Hill Church, takes us behind the scenes of one of modern Christianity's most fascinating stories. In this episode, Gunn reflects on the formative years of Mars Hill, discussing the philosophical shifts that shaped Mars Hill's trajectory. He offers thoughtful perspectives on the church's legacy and his own journey of faith and leadership in its aftermath. This unprecedented discussion adds crucial context to one of contemporary Christianity's most discussed stories, offering new understanding through the eyes of a leader who witnessed it all from the beginning.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Top DP Episodes - The Identity Paradox: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Self-Expression Dec 30, 2024

We're taking a brief pause from releasing new content over the holidays. In the meantime, we invite you to revisit some of our most popular Downline Podcast episodes. We'll return in the new year with some exciting content you won't want to miss.

Trevin Wax, a former missionary to Romania and columnist at The Gospel Coalition, has written for prominent publications like The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today. As an author of books including "The Multi-Directional Leader" and "Rethink Your Self," and having taught at Wheaton College, Trevin brings deep insights into culture and faith.

In this conversation, Jamie and Trevin explore how culture often encourages us to find identity by looking inward, while the Gospel offers a transformative alternative—directing our focus upward to understand our true selves.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more on identity and faith! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

Follow Trevin on social media: www.instagram.com/trevinwax

Rethink Your Self by Trevin Wax - https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/rethinkyourself/

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Top DP Episodes - Understanding Depression and Anxiety with Dr. Chuck Hanford Dec 23, 2024

We're taking a brief pause from releasing new content over the holidays. In the meantime, we invite you to revisit some of our most popular Downline Podcast episodes. We'll return in the new year with some exciting content you won't want to miss.

Join Jamie in this insightful episode as he speaks with Dr. Chuck Hannaford, a licensed clinical psychologist and Founder of HeartLife Professional Soul Care, based in Germantown, TN.

They explore the often-overlooked aspects of depression and anxiety, unraveling the complexities of these common issues while sharing practical strategies to support loved ones facing mental health challenges.

Check out Dr. Hannaford's practice - https://www.heartlifesoulcare.org

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Real Talk Dec 18, 2024

A simple action could create broader support for the show.

Leading When Walls Crumble: Leadership Lessons from the Book of Nehemiah Dec 16, 2024

Jamie sits down with Dr. Sam Shaw, a seasoned ministry veteran with over 50 years of experience, to explore the timeless leadership lessons from the Book of Nehemiah. Drawing from both biblical wisdom and a lifetime of ministry and missionary work, Dr. Shaw unpacks the themes of leadership, resilience, community, and spiritual calling. They deep dive into Nehemiah's journey, examining how prayer, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment can make a huge impact on those you are leading.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Betrayal as Redemptive Catalyst: Dr. Sandy Willson's Take on Joseph's Life Dec 09, 2024

Dr. Sandy Willson, a seasoned biblical scholar with decades of ministerial experience, brings his signature depth and insight to this episode exploring the life of Joseph. Known for illuminating scriptural narratives with pastoral wisdom, Willson draws from one of his recent teachings in the Downline institute to unpack the transformative journey of Joseph, revealing lessons of redemption, forgiveness, and purpose. Willson unpacks the complex narrative of Joseph's journey, examining how his experiences foreshadow themes of grace, restoration, and spiritual growth, offering a nuanced understanding of this biblical account that resonates deeply with current spiritual challenges.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Barrett Jones on Faith, Football & Finding True Identity Dec 02, 2024

Former NFL player and Alabama football champion Barrett Jones joins Jamie for an honest conversation about life after football and finding identity in Christ. Barrett shares his journey from college football glory to the NFL, opening up about the realities of the sport's culture and the challenges of transition. Through personal stories, he discusses his ongoing discipleship journey and how his relationship with Jesus has anchored him beyond his athletic career.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

A College Athletic Director's Guide to Family Sports Nov 25, 2024

Feeling trapped on the youth sports treadmill? Join Jamie and Dr. Ross Douma, Director of Athletics at Dordt University, as they tackle the challenges of today's intense youth sports culture. Drawing from his extensive experience as a veteran college coach and athletic director, Dr. Douma shares practical tools for creating healthy boundaries that let sports enhance—not dominate—your family life. Learn how to reclaim balance and joy in athletics from a leader who understands both the pressure and potential of youth sports.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Grace Based Parenting Nov 18, 2024

How do we raise children to become confident, capable adults? Join Jamie and, Cody Kimmel, the Executive Director of Grace Based Families for an insightful conversation packed with practical parenting wisdom.

Visit Graced Based Families website

Listen to Grace Based Families Podcast here- https://gracebasedfamilies.com/podcast/

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Commitment in the Age of Options: How Culture Can Shape Young Men's Approach to Dating and Marriage Nov 11, 2024

In this episode Jamie is joined by Brett McCracken who is a writer, journalist, film critic, and pastor. He serves as a senior editor and director of communications at The Gospel Coalition and is the author of "The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul."

Jamie and Brett explore the current cultural trends impacting dating relationships, highlighting how societal shifts influence young men’s perspectives on commitment and how they view marriage.

Read Brett's article here: As a Single Man, I Felt Little Pressure To Get Married. I Wish I Had.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

From Drug Dealer to Disciple-Maker Part 2 Nov 04, 2024

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of addiction, suicide, and recovery.

In this compelling follow-up episode, host Jamie continues the conversation with Downline Alum Jeff Howard, delving deeper into his journey of recovery and transformation. Jeff shares candidly about how important discipleship and scripture was for him in his recovery and the power of community.

Follow Jeff on social media: www.instagram.com/jeffrohoward

Check out what Jeff is doing in Memphis: www.bluffcityrealtygroup.com

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

From Drug Dealer to Disciple-Maker Part 1 Oct 28, 2024

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse, and addiction.

In this powerful episode, host Jamie sits down with Downline Alum Jeff Howard for a raw and honest conversation about God's redemption. Jeff shares his journey from the depths of drug addiction and dealing to finding hope and a new purpose in life. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and how God had rescued him from even the darkest of circumstances.

Jeff is the owner of Bluff City Reality in Memphis, TN. He and his wife Christina met while attending Downline and are members at Harvest Church where they serve alongside the care and crisis ministries.

Follow Jeff on social media: www.instagram.com/jeffrohoward

Check out what Jeff is doing in Memphis: www.bluffcityrealtygroup.com

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Navigating the Book of Judges Oct 21, 2024

Join us as Jason Cook, Lead Pastor of Fellowship Roswell and Downline Institute teacher, explores the book of Judges with Jamie. This episode offers a glimpse into the transformative teaching of the Downline Institute, providing insights and a deeper understanding on the judges.

Check out Fellowship Roswell: https://fellowshiproswell.org/

Follow Jason on instagram: www.instagram.com/thelowercasejc

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

To support the work of Downline Ministries, donate here

To advertise with The Downline Podcast, email lauren@downlineministries.com

Breaking the Political Idol: A Path Forward for the American Church Oct 14, 2024

Jamie is joined by Dr. Russell Moore, Editor in Chief of Christianity Today and former President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, to explore the complex intersection of faith, politics, and Christian unity.

Dr. Moore brings his theological insights and years of experience navigating the turbulent waters of religious and political discourse to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the American church today. From the subtle dangers of political idolatry to the pursuit of faithful Christian witness in an age of division, this conversation offers both biblical insight and practical steps for Christians who want to be faithful culture-engagers rather than culture-warriors.

Check out Dr. Moore's Podcast here

Follow Russell on social media: https://www.instagram.com/russellmoore

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

Understanding Depression and Anxiety with Dr. Chuck Hannaford Oct 07, 2024

Join Jamie in this insightful episode as he speaks with Dr. Chuck Hannaford, a licensed clinical psychologist and Founder of HeartLife Professional Soul Care, based in Germantown, TN.

They explore the often-overlooked aspects of depression and anxiety, unraveling the complexities of these common issues while sharing practical strategies to support loved ones facing mental health challenges.

Check out Dr. Hannaford's practice - https://www.heartlifesoulcare.org

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

How to Balance Social Media for our Kids Sep 30, 2024

In part two of Jamie's interview with Sarah, they discuss practical approaches to combating the dangers of social media and how parents can start to reclaim the minds and emotions of their kids. They highlight the negative impact of constant comparison on social media platforms, addressing how this can affect young people's self-esteem and mental health. Sarah offers practical tips for parents who are navigating the challenges of social media for their kids, including strategies for setting healthy boundaries and fostering open communication.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

Grab Sarah's recent book with Collin Hansen, Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age

Listen to Sarah's podcast episode, Gaming Alone

Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, a senior writer and faith-and-work editor for The Gospel Coalition. She is also the coauthor of Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age and editor of Social Sanity in an Insta World. Before that, she wrote for Christianity Today, homeschooled her children, freelanced for a local daily paper, and taught at Trinity Christian College. She earned a BA in English and communication from Dordt University and an MSJ from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

The Changing Face of Social Media Sep 23, 2024

This must-listen episode features Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, a senior writer and faith-and-work editor for The Gospel Coalition. She is also the coauthor of Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age and editor of Social Sanity in an Insta World. Before that, she wrote for Christianity Today, homeschooled her children, freelanced for a local daily paper, and taught at Trinity Christian College. She earned a BA in English and communication from Dordt University and an MSJ from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Sarah charts the evolution of social media, illuminating the path that led to our current digital landscape. Jamie and Sarah also delve into the potential pitfalls of these platforms, highlighting crucial considerations for today's users. Their discussion sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of our interconnected world.

Grab Sarah's recent book with Collin Hansen, Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age

Listen to Sarah's podcast episode, Gaming Alone

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

How do we Cultivate Community? Sep 16, 2024

In this episode, Jamie and Jason continue their discussion on loneliness and offer immediate steps we can take to combat this pervasive struggle. They delve into the qualities that define a true friend, exploring how these characteristics can help alleviate feelings of isolation. The conversation then turns to Jesus' teachings on friendship and how He exemplifies the ideal friend through His actions and words in the Gospels.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

Connect with Jason at Del Ray Baptist Church - https://delraybaptist.org/

Jason is a former Downline staffer of four years. He earned his undergraduate degree in History from West Virginia University. After university, he spent two years involved in pioneering missions work in East Asia before moving to north Texas for further theological education. Jason served as the Associate Director for Denton Bible Church's ministry to senior adults for four years while earning his master's degree in Historical Theology & World Missions from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.). After seminary, the Sevilles moved to Memphis, TN, then to Shanghai, China for six years, where Jason served as the senior pastor of Shanghai International Bible Church. He now is an associate pastor at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia.

Combating Loneliness Through Discipleship Sep 09, 2024

This week we're joined by Jason Seville. A former Downline staffer for four years, Jason earned his undergraduate degree in History from West Virginia University. After university, he spent two years involved in pioneering missions work in East Asia before moving to north Texas for further theological education. Jason served as the Associate Director for Denton Bible Church's ministry to senior adults for four years while earning his master's degree in Historical Theology & World Missions from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.). After seminary, the Sevilles moved to Memphis, TN, then to Shanghai, China for six years, where Jason served as the senior pastor of Shanghai International Bible Church. He now is an associate pastor at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia.

Secular and religious surveys of our culture agree that loneliness is one of the greatest problems facing American society today. Listen to Jamie and Jason discuss the pervasiveness of this problem and how the reality of loneliness informs our disciple-making efforts.

Connect with Jason at Del Ray Baptist Church - https://delraybaptist.org/

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

The Gender Question: Balancing Biblical Truth and Cultural Engagement Sep 02, 2024

Joined again this week by Trevin Wax, Jamie and Trevin discuss the importance of gender and why Christians cannot capitulate to the cultural chaos of our day. This conversation is helpful for Christians seeking to navigate gender discussions and often-challenging cultural gender stereotypes in today's society. Listen to hear this conversation about why gender matters and why this is a crucial place for Christians to lovingly stand their ground.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

Follow Trevin on social media: www.instagram.com/trevinwax

Trevin is a former missionary to Romania and regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition. Trevin has contributed to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today. He has served as general editor for The Gospel Project and has taught courses on mission and ministry at Wheaton College. Trevin is the author of several books, including "The Multi-Directional Leader," "Rethink Your Self," "This Is Our Time," "Eschatological Discipleship," and "Gospel Centered Teaching."

The Identity Paradox: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Self-Expression Aug 26, 2024

In our debut episode, we're joined by Trevin Wax, a former missionary to Romania and columnist at The Gospel Coalition. He has written for prominent publications like The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today. As an author of books including "The Multi-Directional Leader" and "Rethink Your Self," and having taught at Wheaton College, Trevin brings deep insights into culture and faith.

In this conversation, Jamie and Trevin explore how culture often encourages us to find identity by looking inward, while the Gospel offers a transformative alternative—directing our focus upward to understand our true selves.

Tune in to The Downline Podcast now to hear more on identity and faith! Subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review, and visit www.downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

Follow Trevin on social media: www.instagram.com/trevinwax

Rethink Your Self by Trevin Wax - https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/rethinkyourself/

The Downline Podcast Teaser Aug 20, 2024

Jesus commanded His followers in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples - but what does that mean? So often Christians read about discipleship in their Bibles or hear about making disciples from the pulpit, but are never clearly answered: "What is discipleship and how can I join?" The Downline Podcast, hosted by Jamie Trussell, aims to share conversations built around gospel-based discipleship. As an extension of Downline Ministries, a gospel-driven ministry that aims to equip believers to share their faith and make disciples, this weekly podcast exists to help Christ-followers grow in their ability to faithfully walk with Jesus while also pouring their lives into others.

The Downline Podcast will launch August 26th! Subscribe to never miss an episode, and visit downlineministries.com to learn more about our mission of discipleship.

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