Episode 357 - The Life-Changing Power of Friendship with Craig Cooper

How can hospitality and kindness be a conduit for life-transforming change? What can happen when we open our hearts and homes to those in need of hope?Craig Cooper was a church planting pastor when his path crossed with a struggling Nashville musician named Walker Hayes. Walker was a self-proclaimed atheist and an alcoholic who lost a record deal and was struggling to make ends meet. Craig and his whole family welcomed Walker and his family into their lives. Loving them well, showing up when they needed a friend, and helping them as needs came up in life. It was through their friendship that God began to soften Walker's heart towards the gospel. He would eventually quit drinking and said yes to Jesus, forever changing his life. After his life changed internally, he also experienced an outward shift as he got a record deal and a hit country song called "Fancy Like." Craig and Walker chronicled their unique and pivotal friendship in their book called Glad You're Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread and Fences. In this episode, Davey and Craig discuss the importance of walking with people through the highs and lows, how Scripture can help us in the valley, and why grace through friendship is so significant in a generation facing an epidemic of loneliness. If you've ever wondered how you can be a conduit of God's grace to those right next door, this conversation will encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and open your home and heart to those in your life who need it most.   Website: https://www.craigallencooper.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigallencooper/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craigallencooper Book: Glad You're Here: Two Unlikely Friends Breaking Bread and Fenceshttps://a.co/d/hMjcYl9 Overflowing Mercies: 100 Meditations on the Tender Heart of Godhttps://a.co/d/1AbIu30 Church and Ministry Leaders: Join us for The Healing Leader Roundtable on March 6, 2025 in Indianapolis. Bring your whole team and get equipped with a holistic approach to healing your church — from the leadership to the lay people.: www.nothingiswasted.com/roundtable Are you reeling from the hurt caused by those within the four walls of a church? Our masterclass, When People Fail: Healing From Church Hurt with Natalie Runion, will help you find healing after hurt: nothingiswasted.com/masterclass Join us in meeting people in their pain and providing a pathway through by giving to Nothing is Wasted: www.nothingiswasted.com/donate