In this month’s leadership podcast, Pastor John Nuzzo discusses the value of prayer and shares how prayer literally saved his and Michelle’s lives!  

Why do I need to pray?

If every prayer you are praying today gets answered, does it change YOUR world or THE world?

These questions will be answered in this podcast.  You will also learn about praying out a divine supply of the Holy Spirit of the known will of God and the unknown—a supply that will give you glimpses into the future.  

One thing you’ll never have as a leader is all the answers.  The hope is that listening to this will cause you to hunger to create an environment of prayer with a consistent group of people, and that it will change your tomorrow.  

Encounter Conference is a 3-day annual youth conference designed to create environments for believers to have an encounter with God so that our region is transformed for the Kingdom. June 18 -20, get your students, youth group, and children here.  It will transform their lives, and they will have a blast doing it!  Only $49 per person.  Register Here today!  

Join Pastor John in a Q&A session with Chris Hodges, Founder and Senior Pastor of Church of the Highlands, as they discuss how to experience explosive growth in your church.

·      What is the difference between ownership and stewardship?

·      How can the older generation be used of God to accelerate the Kingdom and not disappear?

·      What is the difference between a model and a mandate?

Discover the answers to these questions and more as Pastor John Nuzzo interviews Pastor Keith Tucci, a friend who has pastored for many years and oversees the Network of Related Pastors, giving love, encouragement, and teaching to younger pastors.  According to Pastor Keith, “Every pastor needs a pastor.”  Pastors John and Keith offer valuable lessons to pastors as the two discuss Malachi 4, referring to the last days where God would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers.  

God identifies Himself as the God of three generations: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—all dwelling together. Currently, there is a transition  in the Body of Christ—a great exchange where Malachi 4 is coming to pass.  We all have a part to play.  What is your part?     

Also, make sure to check out our Encounter Conference coming up in June.

In this month’s podcast, Pastor John interviews Ron Brooks, an entrepreneur and long-time business owner, and gives just a peek into their lives.  Ron and his wife Sharon have a biblical view of money that few people share.  They have a lifestyle of giving and believe it is a privilege to be able to help others.  Ron classifies their giving as being “addictive in their lives.”    

As you listen, you will hear story after story of two people who love God and have the heart of God where money is concerned.  Our prayer is that God would make this lifestyle real to you and that you step into another realm of understanding the heart of God where finances are concerned.  

In October of 2023, Pastor John visited a couple in Maine whom he mentors as part of our Northeast expansion initiative.  In this podcast, Pastor John details the story of what happened during this visit, which allowed the couple to purchase a building, renovate it, and have services in it within one year.   A grace came alongside and accelerated them.  

The question that was then raised to Pastor John was, “Why aren’t you doing this here?”  We have two campuses that need buildings, and although one is purchased already, things seem to be on hold.  It was then that Pastor John realized that although he has amazingly gifted people around him, it is Pastor John who has the calling and grace to build.   Grace opens doors.  

All believers have received a very specific grace deposit from God to do their part in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7). Yet as leaders, we are tempted to live apart from that grace.  We have to discover our grace and then live by it.  

What has God graced you to do?  Are you doing things you are not graced to do?  Have you asked others to do things they are not graced to do?  As you listen, you will discover the answers to these questions and have a better understanding of divine enablement to do your part in the Body of Christ.  

Ask yourself these questions:

·      How do you treat people?

·      Do you get angry quickly?

·      Do you treat people above you with honor but those below you in the organization differently?

Pastor John Nuzzo unpacks a critical element to pastoring and serving people effectively in this month’s podcast.  Based on personal experiences, Pastor John explains the difference between internal and external drivers which cause us to act the way we do.  How we treat people comes from one of these two drivers—that’s what influences us. 

Most of the things we do, we do unintentionally.  As leaders, we must be both self-aware and others aware.  We must treat people the way Jesus treated them.  If we don’t value people, we will not be able to treat them well.  

When you discover what drives you, it will give you an understanding and compassion for broken people. If there is one thing that has caused us to be fruitful in our marriage and relationship with people and in pastoring and shepherding people, it is to love people where they are and just as they are and to understand that there’s always a why we cannot see.  

Pastor John Nuzzo continues his teaching on God and Government.  Last month, he focused on how to steward your vote in this upcoming election as a Christian.  Please listen to the October podcast if you haven’t already.  This month, the focus is on how to navigate God and Government as a child of God and a leader. 

We are commanded in every area of our lives to lead people to the light.  The only source of preservation on this earth is the salt and light of the Church and the Body of Christ.  

If your primary source of hope for the world is either lost or found by the outcome of this election, consider this:   you have already made government your god and your source of hope.  The moment government becomes your source of hope for freedom is the moment it becomes your god.  

We don’t have enemies; we only have a mission field.  Vote for the person whose policies and platform most closely align with biblical principles. Jesus in you is the salt and light of the earth and the light in this world.  

Please register for the Gerald Brooks Pittsburgh Roundtable on Tuesday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bridge City Church in Pittsburgh.  The cost is $50.  Register at geraldbrooksministries.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to lead from a biblical perspective.  

·      Should a Christian vote?

·      How should a Christian vote?

This is not a political podcast.  This podcast by Pastor John Nuzzo is about discipling God’s people and how to steward their Kingdom responsibility while living in a representative republic.  As we approach this precarious and divided time in our nation, Pastor Nuzzo challenges Christians to understand our responsibility as believers to avoid some of the greatest errors we can make.  We’re here to represent Jesus on the earth.  

Have you ever said this or heard someone say, “If ______________ wins this election, it’s over?  If those thoughts are prominent in your mind or coming out of your mouth, government is already your god.

When government becomes God, it’s one of the most dangerous things that can happen to humanity because what it seeks to do is so dangerous.  As you listen, you will begin to understand your part as a Christian in this election.  Let’s be united as Christians in having a voice that represents our King!

On behalf of River Valley and Victory Family Church Network, we would like to invite you to the Generosity Accelerator event.  Join us on Thursday, October 10 at Victory Family Church (21150 Route 19, Cranberry Twp., PA  16066) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Lunch and snacks are provided.  This is a FREE event.  Please register here.

This month, Pastor John Nuzzo interviews Pastor Rob Ketterling, Lead Pastor of River Valley Church in Minneapolis, MN.  He has coached and discipled many through an initiative called Kingdom Builders and has personally seen God grow their church from $157,000 to more than $10,000,000 above the tithe, which has helped build unified local communities, plant more churches, and has sent missionaries around the world!   

According to Pastor John: “Since Victory initiated Kingdom Builders, in five years general giving increased by 85% and missions giving by 347%!  Rob has made a greater impact in discipling our church than anything we’ve ever done!  It is one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever witnessed!  It has revolutionized the church I pastor and the pastor who pastors it!”   

Hear Pastor Rob share the heart of this ministry as well as the “why” behind it.  If you want to change the culture of your church to being about being blessed to be a blessing for God’s glory, you will want to invest the time to listen to this podcast and to attend the Generosity Accelerator (information below).  

On behalf of River Valley and Victory Family Church Network, we would like to invite you to the Generosity Accelerator event.  Join us on Thursday, October 10 at Victory Family Church (21150 Route 19, Cranberry Twp., PA  16066) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Lunch and snacks are provided.  This is a FREE event.  Please register here by September 26.  Register here

Pastor John Nuzzo continues his message regarding turning the hearts of the Fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the Fathers.  When God does this, He will also be turning them away from something:  that is idols.  

Idols exist in both generations that will impede the form of the wineskin and will impede the acceleration of the emergent generation in fulfilling the purpose of God for their lives.  What are these idols?  

Pastor Nuzzo speaks candidly to the Abrahams and Isaacs about their idols and about how to rescue a nation in our current culture.  We live in difficult times, but the gospel doesn’t need perfect times to thrive.  Our best days are in front of us.  Yield to God’s presence and let God be true and every man a liar!  

This month, Pastor John shares his heart about a new wineskin that is emerging.  God is building a new wineskin to operate through a new generation, and it is designed to affect three generations.  Whether you are an Abraham, an Isaac, or a Jacob, this podcast is for you.  

Pastor John shares examples of two leaders in his life who have followed the example in Malachi 4 that helped to accelerate his ministry: “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers OR ELSE I will come to strike the land with a curse.”   

Through extended prayer, Pastor John has received clarity on the true meaning of Malachi 4 and shares how Abrahams, Isaacs, and Jacobs can dwell together.  

In this podcast episode, Pastor John Nuzzo is privileged to interview Dr. John Maxwell, who is known as the # 1 leadership authority.  A number one New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker,  John Maxwell has sold more than 24 million books in several languages. More than that, he is a devout Christian who intentionally uses his gifting and skills for a higher purpose.

• How to connect better with people.
• How to keep focused on the current project and not become distracted by the multiple projects at hand.
• How you earn the right to share your faith.
• Why you’re here on this Earth.

Listening to this interview will change your perspective forever.  Learn how John Maxwell has transformed nations by simply adding value to people, then ask yourself one question:  Do you live such a life that people want that life?  

In this month’s podcast, Pastor John Nuzzo articulates the structure and importance of biblical leadership in the church.  Multiplication is one of the primary things God is endeavoring to do church-wide, not only in the church, but in individual believers’ lives to multiply them so they can multiply the Kingdom.  There is a lid, however, that if not overcome will stop you, as a leader, in your tracks—the lid of structure.  

Pastor John expounds on the biblical leadership model and explains the importance of the capacity of the leaders around you.  Grow in empowering leaders around you and narrow the field of who you speak to, ultimately so you can multiply, and then they can multiply, and they can multiply the Kingdom of God.  

If you found this podcast to be of benefit, share it with other leaders or leave a review.

Please join us for Encounter Conference, June 19 – 21, 2024, at Victory Family Church in Cranberry Twp., PA.  This conference is for middle school and senior high students and their leaders.  For details, visit ENCOUNTERCONFERENCE.INFO.  Registration is only $49 per person and is open now with this link https://encounterconference.info/

In this month’s podcast, Pastor John Nuzzo enlightens us regarding the importance of the punctuation mark we place on our lives.  Through personal experiences, he reveals the domino effect of our using the correct punctuation in life.  The domino effect is not only up to God; it depends upon our choices as well.  When we choose to place a period in our lives rather than a comma, it can be devastating—not only to our own lives, but to countless others also.  

Listening to this message will help you to see that no matter the present circumstances you face; no matter why the periods may be trying to drop in your life—you matter!  Your obedience matters!  Choose your punctuation mark today as a leader.  It matters!  Only eternity will record the domino effect of your decision to fight the good fight of faith, to finish your course, and to remain faithful.  

Please join us for Encounter Conference, June 19 – 21, 2024, at Victory Family Church in Cranberry Twp., PA.  This conference is for junior and senior high students and their leaders.  Registration is only $29 per person and is open now with this link https://encounterconference.info/

• Who is your Apollos?
• Who are your Aquila and Priscilla?

In this podcast, Pastor John Nuzzo delves into a new season he believes is coming into the Body of Christ.  He believes we are in a season to help the next generation to be prepared to build the Church and to hear God’s voice.  

In Acts 18, Aquila and Priscilla took Apollo aside and explained to him, “the way of God more accurately.”  They nurtured him, and ultimately, released him into his calling.  They decided to invite someone into their lives to create an environment for Apollos to grow spiritually.  Small groups are a mechanism for us to invite people into our lives whom we can nurture.  It’s the responsibility of every believer to find his or her Apollos and nurture him or her.  This is God’s method of multiplication:  sheep nurturing sheep.  When you release your Apollos into his or her purpose, you multiply the Kingdom of God.   

Take action steps today.  Intentionally invite someone into your life to nurture and find someone to be Aquila or Priscilla in your life.   There’s always a place for someone to fill the gaps in your faith and explain the way of God more accurately.  

Please join us for Encounter Conference, June 19 – 21, 2024, at Victory Family Church in Cranberry Twp., PA.  This conference is for junior and senior high students and their leaders.  Registration is only $29 and is open now with this link: https://encounterconference.info/

In this month’s podcast, Pastor John speaks to leaders about multiplication in your sphere of influence.  He shares a personal experience that brought him to the realization that there are three elements necessary for multiplication.  Multiplication is available for all of us—no one is disqualified!  

In the world, people are celebrated because of what they’ve achieved; in the Kingdom of God, we’re celebrated because we’ve been received and rescued by the love of God.  Love is the ultimate multiplier!  If you’re going to multiply, you are not working for God but partnering with God.  Listen to this profound teaching, humble yourself to God’s purpose, and see multiplication in your life!  

Please join us for Encounter Conference, June 19 – 21, 2024, at Victory Family Church in Cranberry Twp., PA.  This conference is for junior and senior high students and their leaders.  Registration is only $29 and is open now: https://encounterconference.info

Do you see what God sees?  Are you blinded because you can’t see beyond your past, your pain, even your successes?  In this month’s podcast, Pastor John Nuzzo shares some things that are deeply meaningful and intimate to him that will bless you immeasurably.  Learn from his experience of having a God-sized vision and being fully flooded with light that illuminates his path in changing lives for eternity.  Hear about the revelation he had regarding laborers, as well as a testimony of a single mom who became a multi-millionaire.  

We have the privilege of laboring together with God.  Learn the importance of having a God-sized vision. Do you see what God sees?  Will you obey once you do see?  Be fully flooded with light and see like you’ve never seen before!  

Pastor John Nuzzo interviews Pastor Keith Tucci in this month’s podcast.  Pastor Keith is the author of God Who Intervenes, which is the amazing story of his life.  He also founded the Network of Related Pastors—a gathering of pastors from all over the country.  They have planted 14 churches in Ukraine, and through this ministry provide fellowship, care, and encouragement to pastors.    Visit nrpastors.com for more information.

Pastor Keith grew up in the Pittsburgh Projects and was running the streets at age 14.  He describes his family as “cutting edge dysfunction.”  Yet, Pastor Keith’s message is that nobody is beyond the reach of God.  See what God can do with someone who gives his life away.  

In part two of this interview with licensed counselor and coach, Peter Piῇon, Pastor John Nuzzo delves into the process of transformation Peter experienced after he met Jesus.   It is the goodness of God—through God and people—which leads us into repentance and totally changes the trajectory of our lives.  

Mental health issues are rampant in our culture today.  One in five adults experience a health issue such as anxiety, depression, PTSD.  Peter offers a free course online at mindsconnected.com where tools are available to assess these issues so you can get help.  We are transformed by the renewing of our mind. 
 

Pastor John shares his personal experience of realizing that he needed help on an issue and sought it, but only after he listened to people who love him and care for him.  We need the Body of Christ in our lives.   Avail yourself to these resources on mindsconnected.com.   There’s no shame in getting help—even as a leader.  

In this month’s podcast, Pastor John Nuzzo interviews licensed counselor and coach, Peter Piñón regarding the mental health crisis in our country.  We live in a culture where there is a broad range of what truth is.  Mental health is based on us having truth in our belief system, and truth will set us free.

Peter’s story is heartbreaking yet hopeful.  Hear how at twelve he was suicidal.  He couldn’t even look in the mirror, he loathed himself so much.  Yet, when he heard that God values his life, everything changed!  God can do amazing things, but freedom doesn’t come in a moment.  It’s a process over your life of transformation.  There is a way out of your circumstances.  Listen to this podcast to discover the way.

Ladies, please join us for our Women’s Conference on October 20 & 21. Click on the link below to see all the details.  We hope to see you there.  

In Part 2 of this podcast, Pastor John continues with the third and final point of this message regarding the training he has received on generosity, which has been critical to his ministry.  Can God trust you?  Your divine destiny or purpose is imbedded in God’s ability to trust you.  

Pastor John shares the story of his book-ended experience over a 28-year period regarding generosity that has been critical in his ability to walk in faith when things looked impossible.  Discover how you can take bold steps to multiply the Kingdom of God and get on the other side of the training camp of generosity to a place where you can truly experience a great harvest of righteousness and peace—not just for you but for your generation.

Renowned author and minister John Bevere is joining forces with worship artist Kim Walker-Smith for a powerful night of worship, teaching, and ministry.  The Awe of God night is designed to help us experience God’s presence in an intimate and tangible way.   Please join us at Victory on Thursday, September 7 at 7 p.m. for this FREE event.  

• What does generosity have to do with leadership?
• What do generosity and living by faith have in common?
• Why do I need to be in a training camp?

Training camp for athletes is painful yet productive.  It requires discipline.  It is for game time.  As a young minister, I thought the painful training was for a short season, and then life would get easier.  I learned, however, that anything of value is an uphill battle.  Most Christians live and die and never take one step into their purpose for God because they give up during training.   They see the pain and run from it.  If you stick with it, it reaps a great harvest for God’s Kingdom.  

Leadership is never about steps taken for your own life.  They are steps intended to impact your generation.  You can leave a mark in a generation.  It will take training, it will take discipline, it will take faith.  Listening to Pastor John’s podcast this month will outline the steps necessary to apply not only to your personal life but to your leadership as well.  The training camp God uses is designed to enable us to trust God and to walk by faith in an ever-changing world. Learn how to apply these principles to your leadership; there is a world desperately waiting for you to fulfill your purpose!

In Part Two of this topic, Pastor John Nuzzo and John Bevere continue their profound discussion on the book The Awe of God.  The discussion begins with the answer to why most of us get stuck with our head in our hands with shame when the manifest presence of God appears.  Using biblical examples, John Bevere expounds on this reaction with our flesh.  

Discover how the fear of the Lord opens our lives to His blessing—to joy, gladness, longevity, fruitful days.  You can experience all that God wants for you—the abundant life—because of your holy awe.  Know what it means to live in the power of the awe of God that is the empowerment to live a holy life.  Open the door to intimacy with God.  

Save the date for Thursday, September 7 for John Bevere’s The Awe of God Tour with Kim Walker Smith. 

In this month’s podcast, Pastor John Nuzzo interviews John Bevere about his newest book, The Awe of God.  This is one of the most misunderstood topics in the Bible.  The fear of God has nothing to do with being afraid of God.  In fact, understanding the fear of God will give you a deeper understanding of the love of God and will cause you to have a more intimate relationship with Him.  

• Learn the difference between constructive and destructive fear. 
• Learn the difference between being fearful of God and the fear of God.
• Learn the missing piece to your intimacy with God.

Stay tuned.  The book discussion will continue in next month’s podcast.  In the meantime, purchase John Bevere’s book The Awe of God and delve into the holy fear of God.  As you read, you will realize a more intimate relationship with God.  What are you waiting for?   

Save the date for Thursday, September 7 for John Bevere’s The Awe of God Tour with Kim Walker Smith.  Details are coming soon.   

God uses people in amazing ways—even while the leader is in complete meltdown.  There’s a reason meltdowns happen, and it’s avoidable. Longevity in ministry is about not confusing two different aspects of the Holy Spirit in your life as a leader.  

Pastor John Nuzzo distinguishes between two aspects of the Holy Spirit in your life, using personal ministry examples and stories to further explain. 

• Would you like protection from deception?   
• Would you like protection from identity theft? 
• Do we all have equal distribution of these two aspects of the Holy Spirit?

In this month’s podcast, you will learn the answer to these questions, as well as the difference between the anointing within you and the anointing upon you. Both aspects require a yielding. Gain perspective of the workings of the Holy Spirit so you can make use of the power God has made available to you.