The Follower Podcast

7: Contemplative activism with Brian Heasley

In this episode Brian Heasley reminds us that prayer, mission and justice are inseparable and essential elements of the Christian life. Through his personal stories and helpful insights he helps us consider what it might live a life that is more radically given to partnership with Jesus in healing the world. 
You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com
You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visiting www.24-7Prayerafrica.com

6: Put away the sword with Nicholas Rowe

In this episode Nicholas Rowe encourages us to heed the words of Jesus to Peter in the garden and 'Put away the sword'. He reminds us that while it can be tempting to build and minister according to the mechanisms of Empire, these strategies do not yield Kingdom fruit. 
You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com
You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visiting www.24-7Prayerafrica.com

5: Return to God with Danielle Strickland

In this episode Danielle Strickland challenges us to really consider our images of God and ask what it might mean to return to and image of god that looks more like Jesus. 
You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com
You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visiting www.24-7Prayerafrica.com

4: A Kingdom kind of Church with Robert Ntuli

In this episode Robert Ntuli brilliantly outlines a Kingdom vision for The Church and challenges us to repent from building after "patterns of Egypt" and return to building according to patterns of The Kingdom of God.
You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com
You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visiting www.24-7Prayerafrica.com

3: Jesus and Justice with Rene August

In this episode we hear from Rene August, a veteran in the anti-Apartheid movement, anglican priest, reconciliation trainer and companion to churches wanting to respond to issues of poverty, injustice and division in their city. 
Among other things Rene calls us to return to the Jesus of Bible and seek to walk faithfully in His way. 
For more on the ministry of Follower you can visit www.wearefollower.com

2: A call to Action with Anneke Rabee

In this episode Matthew has a conversation with Anneke Rabee, a champion of prayer and reconciliation in South Africa and the nations of the world.
Anneke shares stories of prayer and reconciliation from her own life and challenges us as The Church to take hands with Jesus in the work of healing the deep wounds of our world.
To find out more about the ministry of Follower you can visit www.wearefollower.com

1: The invitation with Nkosinathi Mbuyazi and Danielle Strickland

This is a recording of the first session at the first national gathering for 24/7 Prayer South Africa . We will be releasing one session from the gathering every day for the next ten days as part of the build up to season two on the One Heart prayer series where we will be sharing conversations with leaders in the ministry of reconciliation from all over the world.
You can find out more about the One Heart Prayer journey here.
In this episode we hear from Nkosinathi Mbuyazi  who reminds us that Joy is our strength and Danielle Strickland  who invites us to return to the womb of God as we abandon the broken systems of this world and live into a new Kingdom imagination.
As always, if this episode has been helpful for you please Subscribe, leave a review and share it with your world. 
To find out more about the ministry of follower visit www.wearefollower.com

The call to return with Nicholas Rowe and Sheila Wise Rowe

In this episode Matthew has a discussion with Nicholas Rowe, and Sheila Wise Rowe about leadership, reconciliation, and the current challenges facing faith communities.
 
They explore the importance of returning to the authenticity of Christ amidst cultural Christianity, the historical context of co-opted faith, and the need for deep listening and discernment in today's world.
 
They also address the challenges of navigating diversity within the church and the importance of embracing a commitment to God's vision for the church and the need for prayer and guidance in this journey.
 
If you enjoyed this conversation you can hear more from both Nicholas and Lisa at the 24/7 Prayer South Africa Gathering from the 27-29 March.
 
TAKE AWAYS
There is a call for the church to regain its prophetic voice.
We must return to scripture as a foundation for faith.
Healing requires transformation of the mind.
Community is vital for healing and growth.
Humility is necessary to recognize our need for healing.
Diversity in the church reflects God's design.
We must lean into God's vision for His church.
Wounding often occurs in community, but so does healing.
Every individual contributes to the body of Christ.
KEYWORDS
leadership, reconciliation, trauma, faith, authenticity, historical context, co-opted Christianity, Kairos moments, spiritual health, emotional health, rest, healing, community, humility, diversity, church, leadership, transformation, gospel, trust

Living in The Light with Danielle Strickland

In this conversation, Matthew speaks with Danielle Strickland about her experiences with failure, the current cultural shifts within the church, and the importance of returning to the teachings of Jesus.
 
In particular, we hope that the thoughts on the internal journey required to shed pretense, the role of addiction recovery in fostering vulnerability, the church's struggle with confession and accountability, and redefining success in ministry through the lens of radical love and the transformative power of Jesus' acceptance will be helpful for you.
 
To hear more from Danielle you could visit here site or join us at the 24/7 Prayer South Africa national gathering from the 27-29 March 2025.
 
TAKE AWAYS
Some parts of the church are thriving because they throw themselves into the hands of God.
Let the light come, we are friends with the light.
The core message of Jesus is a descending one.
You can't really fail if you understand that you are living out of love.
What would it look like in your life if you lived from love?
Authenticity begins with internal work.
Community support is crucial for healing.
The church often struggles with genuine confession.
Success in ministry should be redefined.
Vulnerability is essential for true connection.
Finding freedom starts with self-acceptance.
KEY WORDS
Danielle Strickland, failure, church, cultural shifts, Jesus, restoration, leadership, faith, community, love, authenticity, church leadership, mental health, community, recovery, confession, success, radical love, discipleship, vulnerability

Revival of the ordinary with Brian Heasley

In this conversation, Matthew and Brian Heasley discuss the 24-7 Prayer movement, focusing on Brian's experiences and insights from his role as the International Prayer Director.
 
They delve into Brian's journey, including his impactful work in Ibiza, where he engaged with the local community through prayer and service.
 
The discussion highlights the transformative power of prayer, the importance of perseverance in faith, and the stories of lives changed through mission work.
 
Brian also shares his personal journey of faith, struggles with addiction, and the transformative power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in prayer.
 
The conversation culminates in an invitation to the 24/7 prayer gathering in South Africa, encouraging leaders and individuals to engage in prayer and seek God's presence together.
 
TAKEAWAYS
Prayer should lead to action and mission.
Transformation happens through relationships.
Prayer can lead to unexpected results.
Perseverance is key in a culture of immediacy.
God's heart is for the least, the last, and the lost.
Every act of service can be an act of worship. 
There’s always a secret history, a history of people who prayed.
Revival will not come from a platform.
God is calling us back to something deeper.
KEY WORDS
24-7 Prayer, Brian Heasley, Ibiza, prayer movement, transformation, faith, perseverance, South Africa, community, mission, faith, prayer, perseverance, revival, church, spirituality, mission, community, South Africa, global prayer movement