A conversation with Chris Plekenpol | Episode 38

Episode 38 show notes

In this episode, Crosspoint host Josh Jackson chats with pastor and author Chris Plekenpol, who recounts an incident with a suicide bomber in Iraq and also talks about God’s word, God’s spirit, God’s people… finding God’s will.

Chris graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and served in the Army for seven years. Upon God’s call in his life to ministry, he attended Dallas Theological Seminary and received his Masters in Theology (ThM.) Chris traveled as an evangelist and missional group trainer with iamsecond.com for two years before becoming the Lead Pastor of Wells Branch Community Church.

Chris is the guest speaker during week 7 of Summer RNR at White Sulphur Springs. If you haven’t made summer plans, or if your plans suddenly change, check out the White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon websites for availability this summer, or start planning ahead for the fall and winter programs we offer at both conference centers.

Here are some of the topics Chris and Josh talk about:

Chris shares his story, including a moment in his career in which his trajectory shifted from Army Special Forces to a calling to serve full time in Christian ministry.

While deployed, Chris recounts a moment in Iraq when an encounter with a suicide bomber left a deep spiritual impact in his life.

Chris gives insight into what he’ll be talking about this summer at White Sulphur Springs Conference Center—a topic he calls “God Speaks.”

How can someone know God’s will? Chris offers advice to listeners who might be asking that question about God right now.

When it comes to relationships, Chris talks about different relationship stories from the Bible and what tell us about our faith—why does God bring certain relationships into our lives?

Why do we tend to treat the ones we love the most the worst and what we can do to fix that?

Chris is asked: If you could only take one of your books with you to a deserted island, which would you take and why?

Answer: Faith in the Fog of War, vol.2 (daily devotions that Chris wrote while in combat)

Other books:

• Faith in the Fog of War, first edition
• Stumbling Souls: Is Love Enough?
• Is Love Wrong?: An Evangelical Christian encounters a Gay Activist
• Dating Basic Training

Other resources Chris recommends:

• NET Bible
• The Bible Project

“God’s Word should be a primary diet in your life.”