Followed By Mercy
The Followed By Mercy Podcast
Real Grace, Honest Hope
You might notice a new name and a fresh look, but the heart behind this podcast is the same. After years as the World Evangelism Podcast, I sensed God leading me to a deeper, more personal path centered on His relentless mercy and the kind of honest hope that can reach into every hurting place. That’s why this show is now called Followed By Mercy Podcast. The format may shift, and the tone may be a bit more personal, but my mission hasn’t changed: I still believe the world desperately needs to hear the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. You are welcome here if you’ve been with me from the beginning or just found us now.
What if God’s love is more personal, stubborn, and relentless than you ever imagined?
Welcome to The Followed By Mercy Podcast, where we get honest about pain, hope, and the kind of grace that finds you right where you are, five days a week. This isn’t about religious performance or church routines. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt worn out, unseen, or unsure if they belong in the story of God’s love. Every conversation is rooted in this reality: God loves you right now, just as you are, and He isn’t giving up on you.
Here’s what you’ll find in every episode:
Experience God’s Relentless Love
Every show starts by reminding you that the Shepherd knows your name, cares about your story, and isn’t offended by your failures or questions. This is personal—it’s about God’s unwavering affection for you.
Find Your Place in His Heart
Once you grasp how fiercely you’re loved, sharing that love with others doesn’t feel forced. It becomes the most natural thing in the world. Real grace overflows.
Prayer That Changes You
We pray together—not just for the world “out there,” but for the battles and hopes you’re carrying right now. These prayers are honest, rooted in Scripture, and meant for hearts that need a gentle touch from the Shepherd.
Discover Your Unique Role
Whether you’re called to go, give, serve, or show kindness in your corner of the world, God’s mercy meets you where you are. You’re not just a bystander. You are His beloved, invited into the story He’s writing.
When life knocks the wind out of you, this is a place to catch your breath. You’ll hear the encouragement that meets you on your hardest days, and your honest questions will be welcomed. No pretending, no heavy-handed advice—just the reminder that your Shepherd is right there with you, walking every step with you, even when you feel like giving up.
Why does this matter? Because some days, it feels like nobody sees you or cares what you’re going through. But the truth is, you have a Shepherd who never takes His eyes off you, lets you slip through the cracks, and never gives up on you. That kind of love can put you back on your feet, and it might be the hope someone else is waiting to see in you, too.
If you’re longing for more than just religious talk—if you want to know you’re not alone and that God’s mercy is following you all the way home, you’re in the right place. Whether you listen in the car, on a walk, or in a quiet moment, let every episode remind you: God’s mercy is after you right now, ready to bring real grace and honest hope.
Subscribe today and join a community to discover what happens when loved people become loving people. The journey’s just beginning, and there’s a place for you here.
Episodes
318 episodes
4 Enemies of Your Peace: Overcoming Shame & Performance 🛡️
Why is it so much easier to believe God loves us in our heads than it is to feel it in our hearts?In today’s episode of Followed by Mercy, Austin Gardner continues his conversation with missionary and SoulCare coach Mike Penningto...
Two Humanities: Understanding Your Location in Christ
Have you ever felt like something about you was broken before you even chose anything?In this powerful teaching, Austin Gardner explores the two "planes" of humanity: Being In Adam and being In Christ. Drawing from his pers...
The Mission of Mercy: Rescuing Children and Finding Grace
In this episode, Austin Gardner sits down with Stephen Underwood and Haley Thomas to discuss the vital work of Black Flag International and the Black Flag Innocence Foundation. Haley shares her journey from 7.5 years in the Navy as a K9 handler...
Protecting What Matters Most: Child Safety and Spiritual Vigilance
In this vital conversation, Austin Gardner joins security experts Stephen Underwood and Haley Thomas to discuss the reality of child safety in today's world. This isn't just about "stranger danger"; it's about a pastoral commitment to the integ...
Vigilance Over Fear: A Parent’s Guide to Child Safety with Hayley Thomas
Are our children truly safe? Join Austin Gardner as he sits down with Navy veteran Hayley Thomas and former missionary Stephen Underwood from Black Flag International to discuss the heavy reality of child trafficking and the mission to stop it....
Why “Lost” Doesn’t Mean Worthless: The Real Heart of God | W. Austin Gardner
If you’ve spent any time in church, you’ve probably heard the word "lost" used as a label for people who are "wicked" or "wrong." But in this powerful mission's message, Austin Gardner reframes the word "lost" through the eyes of Jesus.<...
As a Mother Comforts: Finding God’s Heart in a Mama’s Love
Is your view of God missing the "Sweetest Comfort"?In this special Mother's Day message, W. Austin Gardner dives into the profound mystery of God’s nature, revealing that while we often focus on God as Father, He explicitly descri...
Why You’re Exhausted: The Truth About "Performance Christianity"
"Have you ever felt like you were auditioning for God instead of serving Him?After 50 years in ministry—preaching thousands of sermons and traveling to 50 countries—I found myself exhausted. Not from the work, but from a deeper, invisibl...
God is Smiling at You: Breaking the Performance Trap with Mike Pennington
Are you tired of trying to prove you deserve God’s love?In this episode, Austin Gardner sits down with his cousin, Mike Pennington—a former missionary and pastor—for a deeply personal conversation about the "bedrock of a healthy soul": <...
Why the Worst Thing That Can Happen is Actually the Best
"I grew up stirring the mash... that kid grew up and is getting to preach the gospel today."In this concluding session of Followed by Mercy, Austin Gardner and Pastor Rickey Howard dive deep into what it means to truly "change y...
Trauma, Shame, and the Truth About Being God's Beloved
Why do we feel like we have to "perform" to be loved by God? In this third part of our series, I’m joined by my cousin Mike Pennington to tackle the heavy weights of trauma and shame.Mike opens up about his own childhood trauma and how i...
From Burnout to Beloved: Practical Soul Care with Austin Gardner & Mike Pennington
Are you living as God’s employee or His beloved child?In this episode of Followed by Mercy, Austin Gardner sits down with his longtime friend and cousin, Mike Pennington, to discuss the radical shift from performance-base...
Spiritual Direction: Finding a Safe Place for Your Story
"Evicting Shame and Embracing the Identity of the Beloved."Podcast Show Notes / Description:"Most of us are busy trying to 'fix' ourselves, but Mike Pennington suggests a different path: Spiritual Direction.
The Dangerous Prayer That Changes Everything | Austin Gardner & Steve McVey
What happens when you’ve known someone longer than your own wife? You get the kind of raw, honest conversation that only 54 years of friendship can produce.In this episode of Followed by Mercy, Austin Gardner sits down with his ...
Fig Leaves and Fake Religion: Why We Still Hide from God
Are you exhausted from trying to "achieve" a spiritual status you already possess?In part two of this deep-dive series, W. Austin Gardner and Grace Walk author Steve McVey dismantle the "Original Lie" that keeps most Christians ...
You Were Created for a "Love Party": Rethinking the Gospel
Do you feel like God is an angry judge who only tolerates you because He’s looking through a "Jesus filter"?In the final installment of this series, W. Austin Gardner and Steve McVey (author of Grace Walk) dismantle one of the m...
Learning a Person, Not a Religion: The Lifelong Discovery of Christ
Most of us see Christianity as a journey to become something—to learn the rules, master the doctrine, and fix our behavior. But in Ephesians 4:20, Paul says something shocking: "You have not so learned Christ."In this e...
Chewing the Fat: Austin Gardner & Rickey Howard on Seeing God’s Goodness
In this episode, Austin Gardner welcomes Pastor Rickey Howard to "chew the fat" and share a story that will change your perspective on what God can do. Rickey is the pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church in St. George, Utah, but his life hasn't a...
Identity Termination: Why God Didn't Fix the Old You
Stop trying to improve something that God has already ended.Most people think salvation is just a second chance or a clean slate. But in this episode, Austin Gardner reveals a much deeper, more shocking truth: You were included in Christ...
Christ In You: The Life You’re Living FromUntitled Episode
Have you ever felt like the Christian life is a treadmill you can’t keep up with? Like if you just tried a little harder, you’d finally "get it"?In this episode, I’m sharing why your effort isn't the problem—it’s your starting point. Mos...
The One Includes the Many: Why Your Spiritual Location Matters Most | Austin Gardner
"What if the message of being 'In Christ' has been there the whole time?"In this session, Austin Gardner (with 50+ years of ministry experience) walks us through the "One Includes the Many" principle. From the loins of Abraham to ...
Abiding in the Vine: Why Your Christian Life is Not an Achievement | W. Austin Gardner
"Have you ever seen a branch sweating?"In this incredibly personal message, Austin Gardner confesses how he spent years turning "abiding" into just another rule to follow. Now, after 50+ years of ministry and a battle with Stage 4...
Made Righteous: Why Your Identity is a Gift, Not an Achievement | W. Austin Gardner
"Jesus became what you were, so you could become what He is."Are you tired of waking up and feeling like you need to "fix" yourself before God can accept you? In this episode, Austin Gardner tackles the deepest trap in the Christi...
Why You’re Exhausted: The Secret to Resting in Your Identity in Christ
Are you tired of trying to "become" a better Christian? What if the biggest struggle in your life isn't your lack of discipline or your battle with sin, but your effort to achieve an identity you already have?In this final session of ou...
Why Human Love Fails (And How to Live from God’s Fullness)
Have you ever been surrounded by people and still felt completely alone? Have you ever been loved by others, yet still felt unlovable?In this deep-dive session, Austin Gardner (50+ years of pastoral experience) tackles the root cause of ...
