The rich tapestry of the Upper Cumberland is woven and deeply rooted in faith. While there are many denominations and congregations, the fact is, those of faith have a common goal: To share the stories of redemption and life changing freedom that can be found in a life of faith, worship, spirituality, servitude and purpose.
The face of service and ministering can look vastly different, based on how and in what capacity you minister to others.
Learn the mission of those who serve, ministering to others and through worship throughout the Upper Cumberland, as the trans formative stories of how these neighbors were called to service unfold each week on The Calling.
Mike And Jaida Campbell Join John Nichols To Discuss Going From Banking To Full-Time Ministry
John Nichols sits down with Mike and Jaida Campbell of Mike Campbell Ministries to talk about their powerful journey from banking careers to full-time ministry. After pastoring for 29 years in Algood, TN, the Campbells answered God’s call to become missionaries, training pastors in third-world countries and helping them grow and sustain their churches. Mike shares how he found Christ at Ole Miss—“the party school of the South”—and how turning down a prestigious banking offer led to one of the most defining moments of his faith. Their ministry now focuses on both spiritual and physical nourishment, with a goal of delivering two tons of beans and rice to communities in need while sharing the Word. Jaida and Mike also reflect on the early days of youth pastoring, when their group grew larger than the main congregation. With inspiration from Mike’s grandmother and a deep passion for encouraging leaders, the Campbells are committed to building up churches around the world.
10 Aug 2025
Mike Wommack And John Nichols On The Importance Of Feed America First
John Nichols sits down with Pastor Mike Wommack from Feed America First to discuss the mission and history of the organization. Founded in 2000 by Tom Henry, a former restaurant owner who felt called to start the nonprofit during a Bible study, Feed America First focuses on serving rural communities in need. Mike shares his personal story of growing up in church but resisting ministry until he finally surrendered to his calling and joined the Feed America First team. He emphasizes that denomination doesn’t matter—their goal is simply to help churches and organizations feed the hungry. Mike also explains where their distribution locations are, what types of donations they accept, and how listeners can get involved. It’s a conversation about purpose, service, and feeding both body and soul.
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3 Aug 2025
Mark And Ashley Olgtree With John Nichols On The Importance Of I AM Worship Church
John Nichols sits down with Mark Olgtree from Livingston, TN, to talk about his journey into ministry and the founding of I Am Worship Church. After having children, Mark felt a strong calling from God and, despite his fears, chose to step out in faith. He began preaching at various churches and was eventually mentored by four elder pastors who helped him plant his own church. Mark shares what he loves most about ministry, including seeing lives transformed and building a strong, faith-filled community. He also talks about the unique heart and culture of I Am Worship Church. His story is one of obedience, mentorship, and finding joy in answering God’s call.
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27 Jul 2025
Linda and Richard Vickers With John Nichols Discuss Safe Haven House
John Nichols sits down with Linda Vickers and Deana Jinkins from Safe Haven House in Jackson County, TN. Linda, the Executive Director, shares how her son’s struggle with addiction and her work in jail ministry led to the founding of the 12-month, faith-based recovery program in 2023. The home can house up to ten women at a time and follows a five-step process focused on healing and restoration. Deana, a former resident and now staff member, shares how the program saved her life after her release from jail. They discuss the causes of addiction, the importance of family involvement through a new dinner program, and the ongoing needs of the organization. Together, they offer a powerful look at redemption, faith, and community transformation.
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20 Jul 2025
Bobby Davis And John Nichols Speak On The Power Of God
John Nichols sits down with Brother Bobby Davis, lead pastor of all Life Church campuses in the Upper Cumberland, to hear his powerful story of redemption and purpose. From addiction in his early 20s to finding hope through Teen Challenge and discovering his calling to ministry, Brother Bobby shares how faith, family, and daily discipline shape his life. He opens up about spiritual influences, personal struggles, and how he stays grounded in both trials and triumphs.
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13 Jul 2025
Jackson White and John Nichols Speak On Ministry
John Nichols sits down with Jackson White, Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in Livingston, to talk about his early calling to ministry. Jackson shares how he felt drawn to serve the church as young as age 7, was saved at 9, and recognized his formal calling to ministry by age 11. He also discusses the role of children's ministry in shaping his path and the various programs he now helps lead at his church.
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7 Jul 2025
Tena Qualls And John Nichols Discuss Their Calling To Faith
Tena Qualls shares how the two of them walked together in faith, answering a calling that stirred in her heart.
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29 Jun 2025
James Shenko And John Nichols Discuss Rediscovering His Faith
John Nichols sits down with James Shenko from First Christian Church of Livingston. Once a devoted Catholic dreaming of priesthood, James shares how he lost his faith, only to rediscover it in high school through an unexpected path—his desire to connect with his high school sweetheart’s religion. Hear how that journey led to a powerful spiritual awakening and ultimately, his calling to ministry.
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22 Jun 2025
Amos Rogan And John Nichols Discuss The Beauty Of The Life Church Life Group Ministry
In this episode, John Nichols sits down with Amos Rogan, Regional Director of Connections for the surrounding Life Church campuses. Amos shares his journey from a career in logistics to full-time ministry, opening up about the challenges he’s faced, including his toughest season, and the rewarding moments that keep him going.
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9 Jun 2025
Steve Qualls And John Nichols Discuss His Story On Being Called To Serve
Steve Qualls shares how his wife led the way in their shared journey to answer a calling together. Steve is the pastor at Christpoint church and this is the story about how he was called.
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2 Jun 2025
Scott McKinney And John Nichols Discuss First Baptist Church
Welcome to The Calling with host John Nichols and guest Scott McKinney, who is the pastor at Cookeville First Baptist Church. During this episode, hear about how the Lord called Scott to serve, as well as his testimony in general.
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27 May 2025
The Calling Of Hannah Brown
Our host John Nichols sits down with Hannah Brown, who talks about how she met Jesus, and how he changed her life for the better. Hear about her calling from a young age, the influences she had, abilities to serve that the Lord fostered through her, and more!
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19 May 2025
How God Called John Lytle
During this episode, our host John Nichols sits down with John Lytle who is now working at the Mustard Seed Ranch in Cookeville. They talk all about how he was called to the Lord, how that calling has changed since the first day, how it is intertwined with the work he does now, and more!
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16 May 2025
How Father G Was Called To Serve
During this episode, our host John Nichols sits down with Father G, who serves daily at St. Thomas Aquinas in Cookeville. He is a Credo Catholic, who was baptized at only a few days old. Hear his full story today!
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16 May 2025
The Story Of Randy Roper From Oasis Church
Host John Nichols sits down with Randy Roper who is the pastor of Oasis Church. This episode is all about how Randy came to know the Lord, and how he responded to the gospel through faith. Also learn about his key influences, and what has shaped him today.
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16 May 2025
The Story Of Alex Lisic And His Calling
During this episode, join host John Nichols as he sits down with the Executive Pastor of Christpoint Church, Alex Lisic. They talk about his testimony, the call he has felt to ministry, and more!
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12 May 2025
Zach Fisher From The Wesley Foundation
During this episode, our host John Nichols sits down with Zach Fisher who currently serves at the Wesley Foundation for Tennessee Tech. Hear Zach talk about his story about coming to Christ, and how he has grown to be in the position he is in now.
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27 Apr 2025
Jesse Haywood's Testimony And Inner Life
During this episode of The Calling, our host John Nichols sits down with Jesse Haywood who is a church planter in Cookeville, Tennessee. Hear all about how Jesse was called to the faith, challenges of the faith that he has faced, growth through The Holy Spirit, and more!
20 Apr 2025
The Testimony Of Kerry Duke And His Growth
Our host, John Nichols, joins Kerry Duke from West End Church of Christ and The Tennessee Bible College to talk about his testimony, the story of his first sermon, how he was brought into the faith, and more!
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