Warm, wise, compassionate, and oh so real! Meet Emily Wilson, Heart of the Father’s newest team member.

Emily, our Resources and Sales Coordinator, hails from California’s Bay Area but has embraced Philly and loves to “talk about the Eagles, eat a cheesesteak, and ride public transportation home.”

A graduate of Villanova University and the Augustine Institute, Emily has been a missionary in Honduras (she’s fluent in Spanish!) and also worked as a parish Director of Religious Education. “And then the Lord called me to Philly,” smiles Emily. “He was asking me to take on a new mission.” That mission is called Christ in the City, a Denver-based ministry with a Philadelphia branch where she helps young adult missionaries deepen their relationship with Christ and reach out to the homeless.

We learn about Christ in City’s unique approach and what led Emily to Heart of the Father where she leads Unbound ministry sessions and now serves on staff.

“I had such a beautiful experience, at the conference, of gratitude for the vulnerability that people share in these sessions and their trust in the Father’s goodness. I became captivated by a God who sets captives free.”

Emily speaks of the “lightbulb moment” when people recognize they have believed a lie and take Jesus’ hand to walk in a new way. “Jesus has already won the victory and I’m just inviting people to step into that victory,” she declares.

Feeling hungry? Learn Emily’s favorite place to buy a cheesesteak and what variety she loves most.

Join us for our November Freedom in Christ Conference November 22 & 23 near Philadelphia.
Learn more about Christ in the City
Come to our Unbound Leadership Conference in March 2025
See our upcoming events.

Release: November 2024
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm
Production by Christian Harper

If you aren’t yet acquainted with Dr. Christopher West, President of Theology of the Body Institute, this episode is your golden opportunity. The passion with which Dr. West speaks is infectious and amazing.

Dr. West answers deep questions surrounding this year’s Open Doors podcast theme of “Come and See.” He tells about hearing a song at age eight and how a rock star taught him to pray, setting him on a path of longing and seeking.

We then hear of West’s camp experience at age fifteen and how his view of the gospel as a starvation diet, caused him to say, “No thanks!”

West shares about being broken and grieving at age twenty from a painful relationship breakup, the beautiful witness of his brother, and the point when he confessed faith in Christ – falling on his knees and asking God to show him what to do with this inner longing.

At about age 40, Dr. West realized he had spent much of his life clinging to what he calls “false infinities.” In that experience, God brought to his mind a boyhood fishing trip with his father where a fish swallowed the hook and West explains how that hook exemplifies the lie of the enemy.

Last, we learn what the Lord is inviting Dr. Christopher West to come and see today at his current age of fifty-five.

While listening, we are personally challenged by Matt’s thought-provoking questions, most importantly, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

Teaser: What song does Christopher West sing back to Bruce Springsteen and Mick Jagger? Hear him demo a couple lines in this episode!

Join us for our November Freedom in Christ Conference near Philadelphia
Come to our Unbound Leadership Conference in March 2025
See our upcoming events.

Release: November 2024
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm
Production by Christian Harper

Following last week’s podcast with Dr. Mary Healy, we listen to Jenn and Matt discuss the issue of authority, taking it to a personal level.

Jenn reflects on how Romans 6: 8-11 relates to authority and she references Chapter 12 of Abba’s Heart. We hear about an individual who, after receiving healing through Unbound prayer, was later able to use her voice and speak out with authority.

Matt defines authority, saying it comes from knowing who the Father is and understanding our relationship with Him.

We are encouraged to start small by taking what God has entrusted to us - things, talents, resources - and practice walking in authority in those areas that we know to be our responsibility. The enemy’s tactic is to turn our thoughts inward and work to protect ourselves.

Because we are Son’s and Daughters of the Father, we can speak the Fourth Key with authority and do so safely, stepping back and looking at the big picture.

Bible Trivia Question from this episode: The prodigal son’s father presented him with a robe, sandals, and what other item? Listen to see how this item exemplifies authority.

Join us for our November Freedom in Christ Conference near Philadelphia
Come to our Unbound Leadership Conference in March 2025
See our upcoming events.

Release: October 2024
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm
Production by Christian Harper