In this episode, Lead Pastors Drew and Melissa East share the powerful and unexpected story behind the birth of Rise Up Culture Church.For the past ten years, we have been incredibly blessed to call illuminate church our home. It has been a place of growth, discipleship, and deep preparation in our lives, and we are so grateful for the leadership, community, and support we experienced there.In November 2025, we were prayerfully blessed and released to begin The Rise Up Culture, which initially started as a parachurch ministry and nonprofit dedicated to helping people rise in their identity, healing, freedom, and calling in Jesus.After a few months of stepping out in obedience, we began to sense the Lord revealing something deeper. God was actually birthing a church. We remain deeply grateful for illuminate church and the many years of investment, encouragement, and preparation they poured into us. Those years helped shape and prepare us for this new season as Rise Up Culture Church, and we honor the role they played in our journey.Pastors Drew and Melissa share the story of how God began birthing Rise Up Culture Church through prayer, obedience, and a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit. This conversation shares the real journey behind the decision. The fears, the wrestling, the spiritual battles, and the deep conviction that God was calling them to move forward now.Rise Up Culture Church was not built from a strategic plan. It was born from obedience in March 2026.In this episode we talk about:• How God unexpectedly called us to start a church• Why fear almost held us back• What we have experienced in church ministry over the past 20 years• Why Rise Up Culture Church will look different than many traditional churches• The vision to become an Antioch style church that sends, activates, and equips people• The heart behind the Rise Up Activation Highway (RUAH) as our discipleship track• Why prayer is the foundation of everything we are building• Our hope to help people rise up in their identity, healing, and calling in JesusOur prayer is that Rise Up Culture Church would be a place where people encounter the presence of God, experience healing and freedom, and step boldly into the calling the Lord has placed on their lives.We believe the Church was always meant to be a people awakened by the Spirit, walking closely with Jesus, and helping others rise into the life He created them for.If you have ever felt God stirring something new in your life but were afraid to say yes, we pray this episode encourages you to trust Him and take the next step.Connect With Ushttps://www.riseupculture.churchdrew@theriseupculture.commelissa@theriseupculture.comFollow usFacebook + Instagram: @theriseupcultureAbout The Rise Up CultureThe Rise Up Culture exists to help people rise up in their identity, healing, and calling through Jesus Christ. Through discipleship, leadership development, and Spirit-led community, our mission is to see individuals, families, and leaders transformed and activated for the Kingdom. Our discipleship track is called the Rise Up Activation Highway (RUAH), inspired by the biblical word Ruach, meaning breath, wind, and Spirit of God.Chapters00:00 The beginning of the story03:10 When God started stirring something new08:40 The fear and hesitation we had about starting a church15:20 Why Rise Up Culture Church will look different22:10 The vision for an Antioch style church28:00 RUAH and the discipleship pathway35:00 What we believe God is building👍 If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the channel and share it with someone who needs hope and courage to follow Jesus.

SummaryIn this episode of the Rise Up Culture podcast, hosts Melissa and Drew conclude their series on the Rise Up Reset, focusing on the themes of spiritual confusion and pressure. They discuss common struggles many face in their faith journey, such as feeling spiritually dry despite a love for Jesus, and the importance of engaging in a genuine relationship with God rather than adhering to a checklist of religious duties. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency and intentionality in spiritual practices, encouraging listeners to seek a deeper connection with God through prayer and reflection.The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the significance of simplicity in faith. They address feelings of distance from God and the importance of recognizing one's identity in Christ. The episode concludes with a reminder that spiritual resets are a normal part of the journey, and listeners are encouraged to embrace grace and restoration in their relationship with God. Overall, the episode serves as a heartfelt invitation to engage more deeply with one's faith and to find freedom in Christ.Keywordsspiritual confusion, faith journey, Rise Up Reset, relationship with God, spiritual discipline, intentionality, grace, identity in Christ, podcastTakeaways"Ask the Lord what He thinks.""Spiritual disciplines become life when we engage relationally with Him.""You are a daughter of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.""Resetting is a normal part of the journey.""God desperately, longingly wants to be with you."Sound bites"Today we're talking about spiritual confusion and pressure.""God desperately, longingly wants to be with you.""There's no shame in coming back for a reset."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rise Up Reset Series00:59 Understanding Spiritual Confusion and Pressure09:54 The Importance of Relationship Over Religion12:25 Feeling Close and Distant: The Spiritual Journey19:44 The Need for Regular Spiritual Resets25:28 Conclusion and Encouragement for ListenersLinksWebsite: https://www.riseupculture.com Foundation Website https://www.riseupculturefoundation.org Social Media: @TheRiseUpCulture Podcast -Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/rise-up-culture-apple Podcast -Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/Rise-Up-Culture-Spotify Podcast -Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/rise-up-culture-amazon Email: melissa@theriseupculture.com

SummaryIn this episode of the Rise Up Culture podcast, hosts Melissa and Drew dive into the concept of the 'all or nothing' mentality and its detrimental effects on personal transformation. They discuss how this mindset can lead to burnout and stress, particularly when individuals focus solely on one aspect of their health—be it physical, spiritual, or emotional—while neglecting the others. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating all three areas for holistic well-being, encouraging listeners to adopt a more balanced approach to health and self-care.The hosts share personal experiences and insights on overcoming perfectionism and the pressure to perform, highlighting the need for grace and consistency rather than rigidity. They introduce the idea of a 'Rise Up Reset,' a framework designed to help individuals create sustainable rhythms in their lives. By focusing on small, manageable steps, listeners are encouraged to seek rest and healing through their relationship with Jesus, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.Keywordsall or nothing mentality, transformation, holistic health, Rise Up Culture, spiritual growth, self-care, perfectionism, rest, Jesus, mental healthTakeawaysAll or nothing mentalities can lead to burnout.We are designed for rhythm, not rigidity.It's okay to not be perfect; consistency is key.Living from God's love rather than for it is essential.Healing often requires bringing hidden issues to the surface.Sound bites"All or nothing mentalities can lead to burnout.""Our bodies were designed for rhythm, not rigidity.""Come to me all who are weary."Chapters00:00 Introduction to All or Nothing Mentality01:17 The Impact of Perfectionism on Health04:55 Finding Rest in Jesus09:55 The Spirit of Adoption and Healing14:50 Taking One Step at a Time18:54 Understanding the Importance of Sabbath24:06 Encouragement for Listeners to Start Their JourneyLinksWebsite: https://www.riseupculture.com Foundation Website https://www.riseupculturefoundation.org Social Media: @TheRiseUpCulture Podcast -Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/rise-up-culture-apple Podcast -Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/Rise-Up-Culture-Spotify Podcast -Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/rise-up-culture-amazon Email: melissa@theriseupculture.com