Jonathan David & Melissa Helser

In this episode, Jonathan shares about living a life of wholehearted worship and becoming a lover of God for the long-haul. King David cultivated a well-worn path of honest worship with the Lord throughout His whole life. Our dream is that you would be 80 years old, still clinging to Jesus, astonished at who He is. This podcast is full of stories and reflections from Jonathan about being steadfast, honest, and passionate in the lifelong pursuit of God’s presence. The introduction to this podcast was recorded at David’s Tent in the United Kingdom, where our team leads worship every single August. To learn more about David’s Tent UK and get tickets for 2025, you can head to: www.davidstent.net The 18 Inch Journey: Phase One is our 65-day discipleship school of the heart dedicated to helping adults ages 20-30 have a thriving relationship with Jesus in every area of life. Male applications for Phase One are still open! To learn more and apply, you can visit: www.18inchjourney.com To support our 18 Inch Journey

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with his longtime friend, Adam Cox. They reflect on their decades of friendship, and how Adam's passion for helping people encounter the unfailing love of God has impacted our community, and schools (The 18 Inch Journey). Adam's first book, "The God Story," (co-authored by Alain Emerson) is a compelling and creative retelling of the biblical story to help you move from familiar to fascinated. It is out now and available wherever books are sold! Get "The God Story" here: https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/the-god-story/?utm_source=cagelessbirds&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=the-god-story If you'd like to learn more about our ministry, go to:  https://www.18inchjourney.com   https://cagelessbirds.com https://jonathanhelser.com 

This episode was captured live at a recent 18 Inch Journey Fundraiser where Jonathan and Melissa shared on our vision for discipleship, the history and mission of the 18 Inch Journey, and how discipleship can transform the hearts of men and women. Learn more at: https://www.18inchjourney.com  If you’d like to be a part of what the Lord is doing through our ministry, go to https://www.cagelessbirds.com/donate  Thank you!

This episode is a special conversation between Melissa Helser and Chris Miller. Melissa shares about her song, Beautiful Jesus, and a worship moment from the 2023 18 Inch Journey that was recently shared on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel. She reflects on the season of her life during which that song was first written as well as what it’s like to lead worship within the context of our discipleship schools. At the end of this podcast, we play the full worship moment that Melissa is referencing, so please stick around to the end and enjoy this song and spontaneous worship moment! You can also watch the moment on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/ScIzMcvCdQc?si=FsjrZH3qqjji8EgZ To learn more about our ministry, go to www.jonathanhelser.com, www.18inchjourney.com, or www.cagelessbirds.com.

What kind of worshiper do you want to be in 40 years? In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the life of King Saul and King David, and what it means to live a life of radical worship before the Father. One of the most important things about David’s story is how he pursues honesty with God in the midst of the pressures of his life. This message was originally recorded in 2021 at Bethel Music Worship School. We have exciting news to share with you – we have completed our Audio Upgrade Campaign! Thanks to your generosity and financial support, we were able to overhaul the entire sound system on our campus, upgrading the tools that empower us to continue to grow in the way that we capture and share the sound of the Cageless Birds with the world.  Your investment has filled us with courage for the season to come. We are eager to share new songs and worship moments from Jonathan & Melissa Helser and the Cageless Birds in 2024! To learn more about our ministry, go to www.jonathanhelser.com, www.18inchjourney.com, or

This episode features an excerpt from a conversation Jonathan and Melissa recently had with our friend, Morgan Snyder. In it, the Helsers share song stories from their most recent album: The Land I’m Livin’ In. This episode features the stories behind the songs I Believe, and We Make Space! Morgan Snyder is an entrepreneur, teacher, writer, speaker, and friend of our community. His passion is to both be shaped by and shape the men and women who are shaping the kingdom of God. He is the creator of Become Good Soil and the author of the book “Becoming A King.” For more about Morgan, head to http://becomegoodsoil.com. To learn more about our ministry, go to www.jonathanhelser.com, www.18inchjourney.com, or www.cagelessbirds.com. To learn more about our Audio Upgrade Campaign, we invite you to visit http://cagelessbirds.com/donate. Thank you!

In our previous episode, Melissa taught from 2 Corinthians 9 on living generous lives without reluctance or compulsion. In this episode she opens up James 1, unpacking the way perseverance produces maturity in us, and how the discipline of the Lord brings us true wisdom and discernment as we walk with him. This message was originally recorded in 2022 at Bethel Music Worship School. Six years ago, we finished building the Art Barn, a space that become such a gift to our campus: the home of our video, design, and marketing departments, and a multi-purpose hub for so many things that happen in our schools, retreats, and summer camps.  Out of all that happens in this space, one of the most special things is the hours of worship we have poured out on Jesus in this place. It has truly become holy ground for our students to encounter the Lord. It has also become a sacred space for us to capture hours of worship on film that we have been able to share with people all over the world through YouTube and music streaming

In this episode Melissa unpacks the difference between growth and maturity, and how living a life of generosity is an integral part of maturing in friendship with God. This message was originally recorded in 2022 at Bethel Music Worship School. Our podcast is made possible by the generous support of people all over the world. If you were impacted by this episode, we’d like to invite you to partner with us to disciple a generation into wholehearted living! To support our non-profit ministry, head to http://cagelessbirds.com/donate. You can donate to the general fund, support one of our Cageless Birds staff, or sponsor a project. Thank you! To learn more about our ministry, go to www.jonathanhelser.com, www.18inchjourney.com, or www.cagelessbirds.com.

We need the perspective of the Lord to overcome the lies that we face and realign us with the truth. In this episode, Jonathan teaches on living defined by the Father’s voice. He shares practical examples from his own life, and ends with a journaling exercise. This message was originally recorded in 2021 at Bethel Music Worship School. Our podcast is made possible by the generous support of people all over the world. If you were impacted by this episode, we’d like to invite you to partner with us to disciple a generation into wholehearted living! To support our non-profit ministry, head to http://cagelessbirds.com/donate. You can donate to the general fund, support one of our Cageless Birds staff, or sponsor a project. Thank you! To learn more about our ministry, go to www.jonathanhelser.com, www.18inchjourney.com, or www.cagelessbirds.com.

In this episode, Melissa unpacks the maturity that comes through letting God reframe our understanding of pressure, especially in seasons of suffering.   This message was originally recorded in 2021 at Bethel Music Worship School.  Our podcast is made possible by the generous support of people all over the world. If you were impacted by this episode, we’d like to invite you to partner with us to disciple a generation into wholehearted living! To support our non-profit ministry, head to http://cagelessbirds.com/donate. You can donate to the general fund, support one of our Cageless Birds staff, or sponsor a project. Thank you!  To learn more about our ministry, go to www.jonathanhelser.com, www.18inchjourney.com, or www.cagelessbirds.com. 

In this episode, Jonathan Helser and Jason Vallotton continue their conversation about living as powerful, healthy men. “Where are you?” This was the first question God asked in the Bible to Adam and Eve after they sinned and were hiding. It is so important for us all to grow in understanding our stories so that we can confess to God and others where we actually are and ask for help. This is where discipleship happens. Jason Vallotton is a pastor and counselor in Redding, CA. He is a longtime friend of Jonathan and Melissa who has made a significant impact on our community and our discipleship schools. (Learn more about Jason’s ministry and the BraveCo podcast here: https://braveco.org) To listen to the “Dates, Mates and Babies with the Vallottons” Podcast, click here. Our 18 Inch Journey discipleship school exists to close the gap between what we know about God in our heads and who we believe Him to be in our hearts. Our vision is to see sons and daughters who are yielded to Jesus, tending to their inner li

In this episode, Jonathan Helser and Jason Vallotton dialogue about the work of living as a healthy man in today’s culture. Taking a season to slow down and strengthen our roots is a courageous and necessary step in the process of becoming who we were made to be.  Jason Vallotton is a pastor and counselor in Redding, CA. He is a longtime friend of Jonathan and Melissa who has made a significant impact on our community and our discipleship schools. (Learn more about Jason’s ministry and the BraveCo podcast here: https://braveco.org) To listen to the “Dates, Mates and Babies with the Vallottons” Podcast, click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dates-mates-and-babies-with-the-vallottons/id1664279770 Our 18 Inch Journey discipleship school exists to close the gap between what we know about God in our heads and who we believe Him to be in our hearts. Our vision is to see sons and daughters who are yielded to Jesus, tending to their inner life, and thriving in their relationships. If you are interested in

This podcast episode continues the conversation between Melissa Helser, Justina Stevens, Jessie Miller & Phyllis Unkefer about living as rooted and empowered women in this day and age. This part of the conversation focuses on the work of being a powerful woman and what that work requires for the long haul of life. Through stories and examples from their own lives, they unpack what it means to walk in wholeness by growing in self-awareness and yielding to their neediness for the Lord. Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more about the Cageless Birds, please go to https://cagelessbirds.com! We have also created resources for discipleship and tools for stewarding your life with the Lord at https://engagingcultivate.com. You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel HERE.  

What does it mean to be a powerful woman? In this podcast episode, Melissa Helser dialogues with Justina Stevens, Jessie Miller, & Phyllis Unkefer (three core leaders in our community) about living as rooted, powerful women in this day and age. This conversation centers around personal stories from each of the women about the process and reward of tending to their hearts, minds, and souls with the Lord. Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more about the Cageless Birds, please go to https://cagelessbirds.com! We have also created resources for discipleship and tools for stewarding your life with the Lord at https://engagingcultivate.com. You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel.    

In this podcast episode, Jonathan Helser dialogues with Chris Miller, Jake Stevens & John David Gravitt (three leaders in our community) about living as wholehearted men in this day and age. This conversation centers around personal stories from each of the men about learning to press pause in the race of life, and reaching out with these simple yet challenging words: "I need help".  **This month, applications are open for our 18 Inch Journey Phase One discipleship school! Applications are open until 2/1.**  Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to http://18inchjourney.com! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel.

This is the third episode in a brand new three-part series.  Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation focuses on doing the hard work of growing and maturing in community, through practicing honesty with the Lord and with others, and finding balance in the rhythms of life. **This month, applications are open for our 18 Inch Journey Phase One discipleship school and Becoming Wholehearted Men’s Retreat! Phase One Apps close 2/1, Men's Retreat Apps close 1/26, (or when our cap is reached).** Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to http://18inchjourney.com! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel HERE.

This is the second episode in a brand new three-part series.  Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation centers around staying with God in the tension of life. They unpack why we teach creative rhythms in our discipleship schools and how discovering God in the ordinary is possible. He desires to offer us true rest in the valleys and mountains of life. **This month, applications are open for our 18 Inch Journey Phase One discipleship school and Becoming Wholehearted Men’s Retreat! Note: Our Women’s Retreat application has closed.** Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to http://18inchjourney.com! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel HERE.

This is the first episode in a brand new three-part series. Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation centers around what it means to do the work of tending to your heart, and embrace the posture of a lifelong learner. ***This month, applications are open for our Men’s Retreat, Women’s Retreat, and our 18 Inch Journey discipleship school! All of our discipleship programs are centered around doing the good work of building friendship with Jesus, mentoring and learning, and stewarding your inner life.*** If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to http://18inchjourney.com! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel HERE.

In this podcast, Jonathan shares a message about the way that Mary, the mother of Jesus, courageously prayed and changed history. This prayer of Mary: “Let it be unto me according to your word” is a prayer we can say in just a breath—yet, it’s one of those prayers we could explore the rest of our lives. We never come to the end of discovering more of God. This message is from our Cageless Birds community night—our weekly gathering where we worship and fellowship together as a group of friends.  To listen to the “Cageless Birds” worship set that happened before Jonathan shared go to: https://youtu.be/YtX30Pzw0rs  The book Jonathan read from, “Walking on Water” by Madeleine L'Engle is one of our favorite books on faith and creativity. We highly recommend it.  Get it here: https://a.co/d/0FtVmOr 

This podcast episode features a recent conversation between Jonathan Helser and Kris Vallotton about fathering, discipleship, and pouring into the next generation.   To learn more about Kris and his ministry, go to www.krisvallotton.com, and make sure to check out his new book, "Uprising: The Epic Battle for the Most Fatherless Generation in History” https://theuprisingbook.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kvministries/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvministries/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/kvministries   Additional Resources by Kris Vallotton: https://shop.bethel.com/collections/kris-vallotton   For more information on our discipleship school and retreats, go to www.18inchjourney.com  www.jonathanhelser.com  www.cagelessbirds.com