Episode 37: The Role of Faith in Restoration & Revitalization with Steve Estep

Pastor Steve Estep opens our conversation with a powerful challenge: "Find what you're passionate about, a need that needs to be met. Roll up your sleeves and get at it." This perfectly captures the spirit of community transformation that drives both his ministry and this enlightening discussion on how churches can be catalysts for community revitalization.

As lead pastor of Marion Church of the Nazarene for nearly eight years, Steve shares how his West Virginia roots and early resistance to ministry ultimately led him to Marion, where he's witnessed remarkable community transformation. The church's Celebrate Recovery program – now the largest in Ohio – stands as testament to their approach of doing life with people rather than for them, addressing the hurts and habits that often stem from profound childhood trauma.

Our conversation ventures beyond typical church activities to explore creative facility usage – including a thriving partnership with a childcare center serving 150+ children – and universal leadership principles applicable in any setting. Steve articulates four essential leadership functions: defining reality accurately, solving problems effectively, serving people genuinely, and bringing consistent energy when everyone else is discouraged. His morning practice of asking "How's your heart?" offers a practical discipline for maintaining leadership perspective through challenges.

What truly distinguishes this episode is our candid discussion of Marion's ongoing revitalization. Steve describes witnessing the city transform from "a place where people come to get high" to "a place where people find hope" through collaborative efforts spanning faith communities, businesses, and civic organizations. This partnership model, where ego and credit-seeking take backseat to genuine progress, provides a blueprint for any community seeking renewal.

Whether you're leading a church, business, nonprofit, or simply want to make your neighborhood better, this conversation offers practical wisdom for bringing positive change through collaborative leadership. 

Guest Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marionfirstchurchofthenazarene

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

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