Winning Conversations Podcast

Talk the talk and walk the walk. In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jeremiah and Elizabeth Gitau—better known to many at Heritage as Gee and Sheks. This incredible couple has been quietly impacting lives for years, and now we're pulling back the curtain on how they lead with faith, humility, and contagious kindness. From the aisles of Home Depot to their local community, the Gitaus consistently show what it means ...

Police work isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Officer Gabe Guzman, one of Fort Worth’s finest and the Director of CAPA (Clergy and Police Alliance). The collaboration between faith leaders and police is invaluable in today's society, and in Fort Worth we have a thriving program.  Officer Guzman’s journey into law enforcement is a testimony of faith, prayer, and obedience to God’s l...

Welcome back to another episode. We have a sweet couple for you today! Ben and Sarah Ervin's recent move from Cali to Texas has proven to be an adventure in faith they never expected.  Uprooting a family, shifting churches, and rebuilding community isn’t easy, but their story is a powerful reminder that when God leads, He provides.  What shines in this conversation is their steady, faithful trust in God to make it all work...

It’s the First Friday of July and Independence Day weekend in the U.S.—and we’re bringing you Part Two of a powerful conversation between Pastor Justin Bridges and Pastor John Bendixen. Following up on Staying the Course, the First Friday episode in June, this episode digs deeper into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we can derail ourselves from the call of God. Often through doubt, distraction, and unsolicited opinions...

Jonnie and Demery thought it was just another February day… until a massive heart attack changed everything. In this powerful episode, they share their journey through a life-threatening medical emergency, how their faith anchored them in the storm, and the miraculous recovery that followed. Coming out of a season of intense ministry pressure and church hurt, they had just begun to find rest and healing in a new church fam...

Keith and Maria Cotton’s story is a beautiful story of second-chance faith. From meeting on a dating app and going on a mission trip second date, to navigating cross-country moves, health scares, and restored family relationships—their journey is nothing short of divine.  Arriving at Heritage in the middle of a pandemic, they’ve quietly become a vital part of our church family—serving faithfully on Outreach teams, the Welc...

We love any chance to sit down with our South African family, and this episode is one of those special times. Pastors John and Sharon Bendixen of Heritage of Faith South Africa join us for a powerful conversation filled with practical, biblically grounded wisdom. Whether it's business, ministry, marriage, or everyday life, their insight is both deep and refreshingly applicable. We could spend hours at the table learning fr...

It’s June, and that means it’s time for another edition of First Friday! This month, we’re bringing you a conversation between two trusted voices in the Heritage of Faith family—Pastor Justin Bridges and Pastor John Bendixen. Rooted in their shared passion for the Kingdom of God and a deep commitment to continuing the legacy of Dr. Jerry Savelle, these two pastors have become more than ministry partners—they're friends and...

Transition isn’t easy, especially when it means walking away from everything familiar. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sarah Ronquillo, a courageous woman who traded a lifestyle of gangs, drugs, and deep turmoil in California for a fresh start in Texas. Led only by her trust in God. What unfolds is a story of transformation, identity, and redemption. Sarah shares how knowing who she is in Christ—and being embrac...

In today’s episode, we welcome a new but powerful voice to the Heritage Family: Ashlee Cotton. Her life has radically transformed in just a few short years since moving to Texas. Her relationship with her father has been beautifully restored, her walk with the Lord has deepened, and doors of opportunity continue to open. Ashlee shares her journey with honesty, grace, and passion for what’s ahead. Her life is proof that res...

Marriage isn’t easy, but friendship makes it a whole lot sweeter. In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Jeff and Theresa Fields, a couple who’ve spent 33 years building a marriage rooted in friendship, faith, and intentionality. From their early days of dating with purpose, to the moment they stepped out of the "friend zone," to decades of walking in unity—they’re sharing it all.

Their love for each other and their...

Today, we had the privilege of sitting down with Heritage Youth Pastors Alex and Azanel Bonuz. This dynamic couple is raising a family, leading the next generation, and watching God move powerfully through today’s youth. From their early days in ministry to building a passionate, purpose-driven team, Alex and Azanel share the highs, challenges, and heart behind their calling.

Tune in for wisdom on navigating youth culture, ...

We are taking a new spin on First Fridays! Pastors Justin and Annette Bridges sit with Preston Savelle during a conversation on JSMI's Adventures in Faith Podcast. This conversation centered around temptation, what it is, and how we respond and overcome. It is such a good discussion, we wanted to bring it to our audience!  This isn’t just theory—it's a practical, down-to-earth discussion that breaks through common myths, r...

In moments of fear and uncertainty, it can be hard for a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy to know where to turn. That’s where Next Step Women’s Center steps in—with open arms, a safe place to breathe, and resources grounded in love, compassion, and hope. In this episode, we sit down with Summer Garcia and Megan Swaringen of Burleson's Next Step Women’s Center to hear how they walk alongside women during some of life’s m...

Missions update from two of our Evangelists! Pastor Joseph LeMay and Vick Boone just returned from a mission trip to Tanzania, Africa.  At Heritage, our heart burns for souls and discipleship around the world, and these men are living that mission on the front lines. Hear the inspirational stories of lives changed and impacted by the message of faith: water wells, new covenant relationships, lives transformed by the Word o...

We sat down with Preston and Christian Savelle—grandson of Dr. Jerry Savelle—for a heartfelt and joy-filled conversation full of life updates, ministry vision, and memorable moments. From how they met to how they’re carrying forward a generational legacy of faith, this episode is rich with authenticity, laughter, and purpose. Nearing the anniversary of Dr. Savelle’s passing, it was a true honor to hear from two people who ...

Easter is almost here, and we have every reason to celebrate! On this episode of First Fridays, our pastors take a deep dive into the power and victory of the resurrection—because this isn’t just history; it’s your answer today. Jesus came to bring you life, to restore your hope, and to make a way where there was none. If you’ve ever felt lost, weary, or in need of something real, this conversation is for you.

If you ar...

Prayer is vast, powerful, and deeply personal—it can be as simple as a conversation with God or as intense as spiritual warfare. That’s why we’re bringing back our friend and intercessor, Carol King, to dive into this vital topic once again. In this episode, we explore personal prayer, corporate prayer, and praying in tongues, but one truth remains central: prayer isn’t as complicated as we make it. At its core, prayer is ...

Jessica and Adriain’s journey didn’t start on solid ground. Caught in the grip of addiction and barely surviving, their lives seemed beyond repair. But God had a greater plan. Through His grace, they found restoration, redemption, and a purpose far beyond what they imagined. As they individually sought God for healing, He had much more in store for them together. Now, as a thriving couple deeply rooted in Heritage, their s...