Gender & Sexuality in Today's Culture
In today's episode of The Defender podcast, we sit down with Rev. Zach Coffin, whose incredible journey began with a miraculous encounter with God at the age of 5 when faced with a fatal kidney disease. Zach, alongside his wife Becca and their two daughters, embraced a full-time RV lifestyle in 2022, responding to a clear whisper from the Lord. As a former kids and youth pastor, Zach brings a unique perspective to the table as we delve into the challenging topic of "Gender & Sexuality". Listen in as Herbie and Dr. Rick discuss the challenges of navigating tough cultural conversations, including how we can live and thrive with a distinctly Christian worldview, and continue to follow the Lord's leading.
GUESTS
Encountering God at the age of 5, when diagnosed with a fatal kidney disease, Zach witnessed a miraculous healing that set the course for his life. Since then, his journey has been about seeking God in life's simplest moments and nurturing a deep longing to witness revival on Earth. As a full-time RV family, Zach, alongside his wife Becca of 16 years, embraces the adventure with their two daughters. In 2022, responding to a clear whisper from the Lord, Zach left his job, and they hit the road as full-time RVers, homeschooling the girls and assisting churches and individuals in growing their hunger for the Holy Spirit. With a background in serving as kids and youth pastors, Zach believes that the next generation holds a pivotal role in God's plan and heart.
HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
CO-HOST
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.
RESOURCES
Lifeline desires to support families through various parenting stages and challenges. Our Parent Coaching team equips parents with tools and techniques to encourage connection while navigating parenting struggles. For more therapeutic needs, our counseling team offers child, teen, and adult marriage and family therapy. Explore our range of services and discover how Lifeline can provide the guidance and support your family needs. To learn more about our counseling and parent coaching services or to request an appointment, visit lifelinechild.org/support.
LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Herbie Newell
Herbie Newell serves as the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, holds an MBA in Accounting from Samford University and brings years of experience from his work as an independent auditor at WAKM Companies, LLC. Serving as Lifeline's Executive Director since 2003, Herbie has significantly expanded international outreach, obtained licensure in 17 states, and led the establishment of the foster care arm. A passionate advocate, he co-founded (un)adopted in 2009, focusing on equipping orphaned children with life skills for community transformation. Herbie, also the author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-birth to Pro-Life," emphasizes that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion, urging a broader ethic that includes fighting for racial equality and embracing every individual with the love of Christ. Herbie and his wife, Ashley, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and are the parents to three children.
Host
Rick Morton
As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!
Guest
Rev. Zach Coffin
Rev. Zach Coffin has been pastoring since he was 19 years old and preaching since he was 16 years old. With an extensive background in ministry and leadership, Zach has served in various capacities, including children's pastor, youth pastor, and next-gen pastor, in churches of all sizes. Most recently, Zach served as the Director of Next Generation Ministries for The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters. His commitment to empowering individuals and churches to embrace a Holy Spirit-led life and ministry is evident through his passionate preaching, thought-provoking teachings, and presence-driven coaching. Zach coaches and trains churches, organizations, and their leadership how to embrace a presence-driven approach to life and leadership. He has two bachelor's degrees in Christian Ministry and Christian Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. A master's degree in Pastoral Theology from Kingswood University, with his final project focusing on "Living for Revival." In 2022, Zach received the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Indiana Wesleyan University for his contribution to the next generation and ministry. Zach and his wife, Becca, have been married for 16 years, love teaching people how to live presence-driven lives, and love to pray over people. Florida is now home and they spend most of their summers traveling in their RV preaching at churches and camps. They have two strong daughters.