Ep 19 | Prophetic Purpose | Ben Graves
Summary
Ben Graves, a fourth-generation preacher and youth pastor at Daybreak Church in Carlsbad, California, shares his journey from a rebellious teenager to a ministry leader. He discusses the pivotal role of prophetic words in his calling, the importance of aligning personal desires with God’s will, and his current focus on resourcing other youth pastors. The conversation also touches on his family’s experiences with breast cancer and his personal hobbies, including surfing and golf.
Topics discussed
Introduction and welcome to the Path to Purpose podcast
Ben Graves shares about his dog Tuesday and their life
Discussion on their church location in San Diego
How Ben's family moved to San Diego and the local culture
Ben's childhood in church plants and his spiritual drift
The prophetic word received at the beach and college
Building youth ministry with his parents back home
Ben's perspective on prophecy and spiritual gifts
Navigating anxiety about God's will and life direction
The role of desire and passion in discerning God's call
Finding the intersection of gifts, passions, and calling
Demystifying God's will and making decisions with the heart
Ben's current visions and future goals for ministry
Managing anxiety and trusting God's timing for the future
Transitioning from youth pastor to mentoring other leaders
Surfing culture and Ben's relationship with his dad
Ben's injury from a stingray while surfing
Ben's experience surfing massive waves in Hawaii
Ben's decision to stop surfing big waves and new hobbies
Ben's father's extreme sports and family adventures
Navigating his mother's breast cancer diagnosis
The impact of suffering on his parents' ministry
Ben's marriage and his wife Brooke's personality
Story of Ben's grandfather and the witch doctor in Panama
Closing remarks and gratitude to Ben Graves
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