What Happens When the Holy Spirit Interrupts Your schedule?

Episode 28

In this powerful episode of Be the Storm, John Eckhardt sits down with worship leader Jackie Baker for a raw and deeply challenging conversation about honoring the move of God over protecting ministry structure.

Are we so committed to our order of service, time constraints, guest appearances, and polished excellence that we miss the very thing we're praying for — the manifest presence of God?

Drawing from Romans 12:1–2, they discuss transformation, renewal of the mind, and the mystery of encountering God face-to-face. They reflect on the administration of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12–14 and how biblical order was never meant to suppress the Spirit — but to remove hindrances so His flow could bring life change.

Jackie transparently shares a humbling moment early in his worship ministry when he sang right past a powerful move of God because he was more committed to the setlist than the Spirit. The result? A sobering lesson that the anointing matters more than the agenda.

They explore:

• How celebrity culture can subtly replace reverence
• Why "pretty" has replaced "power" in modern church culture
• What it means to be spiritually dependent instead of performance-driven
• Why sometimes the most spiritual thing you can say is, "I don't know what to do right now."

The conversation also references the bold worship of David before the Ark in 2 Samuel 6 — a moment where dignity was abandoned for devotion — and contrasts it with the barrenness of criticism.

The central challenge is clear:
Will we preserve our brand? Or will we protect the anointing?

Because when the Spirit of the Lord begins to move, everything else becomes secondary.

If we truly want transformation, revival, healing, deliverance, and life change, we must create room for Him to interrupt us.

#BeTheStorm #JohnEckhardt #JackieBaker #HolySpirit #WorshipLeadership #Anointing #MoveOfGod #ChurchLeadership #SpiritLed #ChristianPodcast #RevivalCulture #PresenceOfGod #FiveFoldMinistry #KingdomLeadership #ChristianGrowth #LetTheSpiritMove

The True Nature Worship

Episode 27

In this powerful episode of Be the Storm, Dr. John Eckhart sits down with worship leader Jackie Baker for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about the true nature of worship, anointing, giftedness, and the fear of the Lord.

What is the real role of a worship leader? Is it performance, personality, and excellence — or is it facilitating an encounter with God? Together, they explore biblical examples from 1 Samuel, examining the qualifications of David as a skillful musician "and the Lord was with him." They also unpack lessons from the lives of Moses, Balaam, and Paul, highlighting the difference between operating in gifting and walking in genuine intimacy with God.

Is modern worship emotional manipulation — or is it meant to engage the whole soul in authentic spiritual encounter? What happens when celebrity Christianity replaces humility? And how does the fear of the Lord guard us from pride and self-promotion?

This episode challenges ministers, worship leaders, pastors, and believers alike to examine their motivations. Are we drawing people to ourselves — or handing them off to Jesus?

This is not a surface-level conversation. This is a call to depth. A call to humility. A call to encounter.

Because worship is not about stealing the show. It's about creating a garden where God can meet His people.

And sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do… is get out of the way.

#BeTheStorm #JohnEckhart #JackieBaker #ChristianPodcast #WorshipLeader #Anointing #FearOfTheLord #ChristianLeadership #CharismaticChristianity #SpiritFilled #WorshipMinistry #ChurchLeadership #BiblicalTruth #EncounterGod #ChristianGrowth #KingdomMindset

Episode 26

In this episode of Be the Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt is joined by Skip Simonds and Abby Navarra to explore what it truly means to live out Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5—turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and choosing healing over division. Through honest stories from Abby's experiences in both Christian and secular environments, they unpack how humility, patient listening, and genuine love open more hearts than arguments ever could. This conversation will encourage you to value people over winning debates, trust the Holy Spirit with the results, and love like Jesus—one interaction at a time.

Episode 25

In this uplifting episode of Be the Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt, Skip Simonds, and Abby Navarra dive into one of the most overlooked spiritual disciplines—the gift of listening. Together, they unpack how truly hearing someone communicates value, builds trust, and opens hearts in ways debate never can. Abby shares real-life stories that highlight why slowing down, asking good questions, and resisting the urge to "fix" people creates space for the Holy Spirit to work. This conversation will remind you that listening isn't weakness—it's love in action, and it can transform relationships one moment at a time.

Episode 24

In this powerful continuation of the Orphans and Sons series, Dr. John Eckhardt and Skip Simonds unpack what it really means to move from knowing about God as Father to actually experiencing Him as Abba—Papa God. They show how the Holy Spirit relentlessly works within us to dismantle orphan thinking, renew our minds, and reshape our identity from fearful servants into confident sons and daughters.

Through clear biblical insights and practical examples, this episode highlights the significant differences between striving orphans and secure sons: earning versus receiving, insecurity versus partnership, shame versus growth. You'll be challenged to let the Holy Spirit renovate your heart, release old religious mindsets, and embrace the freedom, confidence, and closeness that come with being fully adopted into God's family.

Episode 23

In the first episode of this 2 part series, Dr. John Eckhart and Skip Simonds dive into the powerful contrast between an orphan spirit and true sonship in the Kingdom of God. Drawing from Romans 12 and the picture of renewing—or "remodeling"—our minds, they unpack how many believers still think like spiritual orphans, striving for approval, living under shame, and relating to God more as a harsh judge than a loving Father. Through honest conversation and practical examples, they show how salvation is a family affair: we are adopted, wanted, and deeply loved—and liked—by our Father. This episode will encourage you to tear down old lies, receive your identity as a son or daughter, and live from acceptance instead of constantly chasing it.

Episode 22

In this heart-stirring episode of Be the Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt and Skip Simonds tackle a question many believers quietly wrestle with: "I know God loves me—but does He actually like me?" They unpack the difference between God's covenant love (agape) and His affectionate, friendly love (phileo), showing from Scripture that God doesn't just tolerate us—He delights in us. Through honest conversation and biblical insight, they confront shame, self-loathing, and the lie that God is always disappointed, and point listeners to the truth that in Christ, the Father enjoys our presence and welcomes our prayers. This episode is a warm invitation to open your heart, receive God's affection, and start living like someone who is truly loved and liked by Him.

Why Life Sucks, Part 3

In this final part of the 3-Part Series Be The Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt and Skip Simonds tackle one of the most overlooked reasons life feels empty and frustrating: not truly knowing God as your Father. They unpack the fear, pain, and misconceptions that keep so many believers from embracing the one relationship that brings identity, healing, provision, and stability. Through scripture, real talk, and the story of the prodigal son, they reveal how receiving God as Father unlocks prayer, purpose, and the fullness of what it means to live as a child of God.

If you've ever struggled with father wounds, fear, or feeling unworthy, this conversation will encourage you to take one simple step: invite God to father you. Everything changes from there.

Remember—don't fear the storm. Be the storm.