Ben Fuller Talks Faith, Struggles, and The Black Sheep Tour

When Ben Fuller talks about his Black Sheep Tour, there’s one thing that stands out right away—he doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out.

In a recent conversation with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger, Fuller described each night of the tour as something like “Christmas morning.” Not because of the lights or the music, but because he genuinely doesn’t know what God is going to do. And honestly, that’s what excites him most.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

“It’s like, okay God, have your way… this is your show,” Fuller said. “He pours His Spirit out differently in every city.”

That mindset shapes everything about The Black Sheep Tour. It’s not just another concert—it’s a night designed for people who feel like they don’t quite fit. The outsiders. The ones carrying heavy stories. The ones who might not even be sure they belong in a church setting.

That message is especially clear in his song “Black Sheep.” It’s raw. It’s honest. And by his own admission, it’s not the kind of song people expected to hear on Christian radio. But that’s exactly why it’s connecting.

People hear it and think, that’s my life. Struggles with addiction. Family pain. Questions about faith. Fuller doesn’t shy away from any of it—because that’s where he says God met him.

After years of battling drugs, alcohol, and hopelessness, Fuller describes encountering God in a way that changed everything. He compares it to the feeling of taking off heavy football pads after a long, exhausting game—suddenly, you can breathe again. There’s a lightness. A freedom.

And that’s the experience he hopes people find on this tour.

In fact, he had a simple challenge for listeners in Lancaster: if there’s someone in your life you’ve been thinking about inviting to church… this is the night to do it.

“This is going to be church, but not church,” he said. “God is going to meet that person in that place.”

Beyond the stage, Fuller also spoke about the role Christian radio played in his own journey. Long before he gave his life to Christ, songs were already reaching him—planting seeds he didn’t even realize were there at the time. Now, he sees it clearly: God was speaking, even then.

That same authenticity is something he believes is growing across Christian music today—artists being more real, more open, and more willing to tell the full story.

And that’s exactly what you can expect from The Black Sheep Tour.

Ben Fuller will be in Lancaster on Sunday, April 19th at Fairfield Christian Church. The night will also feature special guest Reeves, with music that’s honest, encouraging, and full of hope. Doors open at different times depending on your ticket, and the concert begins at 7pm.

Click HERE to find out more about the Black Sheep Tour!

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FirstNaz of Mount Vernon’s Executive Pastor Mark Owen on Trusting God and Letting Go of Fear

Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are the simplest ones—trust God, don’t be afraid, and let Him lead.

That’s what Executive Pastor Mark Owen of FirstNaz of Mount Vernon shared in a recent conversation with WNZR’s Zane Menzie.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mark talked about how God has been faithful in his life, reminding him that there’s no need to fear. Instead, he’s learned to leave everything in God’s hands and trust that He will follow through on His promises. For Mark, it comes down to something simple but powerful—God is true to His word, and all we need to do is ask.

Part of that journey took him away from Mount Vernon for a time, living in Cincinnati and serving as a part-time worship pastor. During that season, it became clear that God was calling him to pursue worship as a full-time path, and that became evident to him over time.

Now back in Mount Vernon, Mark sees how God has been at work in his story all along.

He also shared something else God has been teaching him—people aren’t drawn to faith by something we create. It’s not about what can be manufactured. Instead, it’s God who draws people to Himself.

Even in a world filled with misinformation and mistrust, Mark says he still sees a hunger for truth. And for him, that truth is found in the Bible. It’s a reminder that while everything else may change, God does not.

And through it all, Mark says God continues to prove faithful.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Through Loss and Faithfulness: The Heart Behind ‘God Did It’ and WNZR’s Theme for Lifeline 2026

There’s something special about a song that doesn’t just sound good—but means something deeply personal. For Micah Tyler, that’s exactly what this year’s Lifeline theme song, “God Did It,” represents.

Micah tells WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger that the heart behind the song is simple, but powerful—God loves it when we remember. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His provision. Remember what He’s brought us through

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

And for Micah, that remembering has taken on a whole new depth this past year.

He shares openly about walking through the heartbreaking loss of his little brother, Daniel. In the middle of grief, questions, and pain, Micah says he has seen God remain steady and faithful. That’s not just a lyric—it’s his reality. “God Did It” became a way to mark those moments… to look back and say, even here, even now—God was working.

That’s why this year’s Lifeline theme verse hit him so hard.

Micah admits he was honestly taken aback when he first heard it. It wasn’t just a nice verse—it felt personal. Like a reminder placed directly in his path at just the right time. The kind of reminder that says, “You’re not alone in this story.”

And that leads right into one of the most meaningful lines in the song:
“New mercies each morning, re-writing my story.”

For Micah, those words are a daily reset.

They remind him that no matter the struggle—or even the mistakes we’ve made—God is still writing something good. The story isn’t over. There’s still purpose. There’s still a plan. And there’s still grace for today.

Looking ahead, Micah says his prayer is simple but focused. He wants to stay centered on the mission. Not the platform. Not the numbers. Not even the music itself.

It’s about lifting up the name of Jesus in everything he does.

That perspective didn’t just appear overnight. It was shaped over time—going all the way back to his days as a youth pastor. Micah remembers encouraging students to be intentional about what they listened to, filling their lives with music that pointed them toward God.

And then something unexpected happened—God opened doors.

What started with local Christian radio eventually led to more stations, more listeners, and ultimately a record deal in Nashville. It’s a journey that makes you think of the parable in Matthew Chapter 13—the farmer scattering seeds. Micah sees Christian radio, including stations like WNZR, as part of that process. Planting seeds. Not always seeing the immediate results, but trusting that God is working beneath the surface.

And sometimes… those seeds grow in ways we never expect.

Micah shared a story that puts everything into perspective. A woman, feeling completely alone and abandoned, found herself at a breaking point. But in that moment, she heard something on the radio. A song. A message. A reminder that she wasn’t forgotten.

That moment changed everything.

She chose life—for herself and her unborn baby.

Stories like that are why Micah does what he does. Sure, people may compliment the music or his voice—but that’s not what drives him. It’s moments like those. Lives changed. Hope restored.

Because at the end of the day, the message is bigger than the music.

And if you ask Micah, it all comes back to one simple truth:

God did it!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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MVNU President Shares Perspective on Lifeline 2026

When Dr. Carson Castleman, President of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, talked with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger about Lifeline 2026, the conversation centered on a simple theme: giving God the credit.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Dr. Castleman shared how the song “God Did It!” speaks to him. He said it’s a reminder that God is in and through all things, and that everything ultimately points back to Him. He connected that idea to Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” For Dr. Castleman, that message calls him to humility and to recognize God’s faithfulness.

He also talked about his own journey, saying that God is rewriting his story each day. He emphasized that he isn’t held to past failures, but instead sees each day as a renewed opportunity to continue forward.

That same perspective carries into his view of MVNU. Dr. Castleman said the campus is continuing to be shaped and that its mission—who MVNU is and why it exists—is becoming clearer. He noted that the university is growing and pointed to God as the reason for that growth.

Looking ahead, he said he would like to see God continue to have His hand on MVNU and that it would be evident. He also expressed a desire that gatherings on campus would reflect God’s presence.

Dr. Castleman also spoke about the impact of WNZR. He described the station as a gift in his life and said it has helped redirect his focus toward what’s important.

He added that Christian radio can be a quiet way to bring hope and truth into places people can’t physically go, and that God is present in those places as well.

For Dr. Castleman, that’s part of what Lifeline 2026 represents—continuing that work and pointing people back to God.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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“The More You Listen, The More You Hear”: WNZR’s Journey of Growth and Connection

Back in the early 2000s, radio was starting to look a little different. Technology was changing quickly, and stations everywhere were asking the same question—how do we keep up? At WNZR, that question turned into an opportunity.

WNZR’s Olivia Skillings recently sat down with Marcy and Joe Rinehart to talk about one of the station’s most pivotal moments: the launch of online streaming. At the time, WNZR was limited to its local signal, but leadership recognized something important—listeners weren’t just in Knox County anymore. Families, alumni, and supporters were spread out across the country and even around the world.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

So, on October 1st, 2003, the station took a big leap. A one-day fundraiser was held to make online streaming a reality. By the end of the day, more than $8,000 had been raised—enough to cover the equipment, software, and licensing needed to get started. That moment didn’t just add a new feature. It changed everything.

Streaming broke down geographic barriers. Suddenly, parents could hear their students on the air no matter where they lived. Alumni could reconnect. Listeners could tune in from across the globe. It laid the foundation for what WNZR would become in the years ahead—more accessible, more connected, and more far-reaching than ever before.

But technology wasn’t the only thing growing. The heart of the station remained the same. As Marcy and Joe explained, WNZR’s positioning statement—“The more you listen, the more you hear”—captures something deeper. It’s not just about music or entertainment. It’s about hearing messages that matter. It’s about encouragement, hope, and ultimately pointing listeners toward the love of Christ.

Another major milestone came in 2010, when the station increased its broadcast power from 130 watts to 1,300 watts. For years, signal interference had been a challenge. This expansion changed that in a big way, improving coverage across Knox County and reaching into surrounding areas. It was a technical upgrade, yes—but also a meaningful moment for the people behind the mic. Students were part of the journey, witnessing firsthand how the station was growing its impact.

And as listening habits continued to evolve, WNZR kept moving forward.

With smartphones becoming a central part of everyday life, the station knew it needed to meet listeners where they are. That led to the development of the WNZR mobile app—making it easier than ever to tune in. Whether through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a quick tap on a phone, listeners can now stay connected wherever they go.

Today, the app has become a daily companion for many—at home, at work, and on the road. It’s simple, accessible, and always within reach.

Looking back, it’s clear each step—streaming, increased signal power, mobile access—was part of a bigger picture. WNZR didn’t just keep up with change. It used each moment as a way to strengthen its mission and expand its reach.

And through it all, one thing remains constant: the connection between the station and its listeners, made possible by faithful support year after year.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Rebekah Gregory shares her powerful story with WNZR!

Today on The Morning Thing, we were blessed with a conversation with Rebekah Gregory!

In 2013, Rebekah’s life was forever changed when she was a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing. Despite enduring severe injuries, including the amputation of her leg, Rebekah emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience. Rebekah is an advocate for trauma survivors and has dedicated her life to spreading a message of hope and empowerment.

She will be speaking at the 2026 Women’s Auxiliary Spring Conference. It will be Friday, April 17th and Saturday April 18th at MVNU! Join for an unforgettable weekend of encouragement, faith, and inspiration.

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From Humble Beginnings to Something Bigger: The WNZR Story Across Generations

There’s something meaningful about watching a vision grow, especially when it carries across generations. That’s the story of WNZR through Jim McMillan and his son, Jayme.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Jim McMillan, now principal at Grove City Christian, has spent nearly 29 years in education. But his connection to media goes back much further. As a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Class of 1983), he helped build WNZR from the ground up.

In the early days, the “station” was a cleared-out 4×8 closet with a turntable, a microphone, and a four-channel board. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get started. What mattered more was the energy around it. Students believed in what it could become.

During his sophomore year, Jim went through the application process to formally join the station. It meant research, preparation, and commitment. A turning point came during a weekend trip to the NRB Convention in Minnesota with Professor Dr. Smith. Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like just a project and started to feel like a calling.

Jim eventually served as production director and later station manager while WNZR was still taking shape. As construction on a real studio began, the anticipation across campus grew. Students broadcast over the breezeway so others could listen in passing. By his senior year, they were calling play-by-play for sports. It felt real.

At the time, WNZR operated on a limited carrier current system, but the goal was always to become a full FM station. Being there at the beginning made it even more meaningful to see that vision come to life.

Years later, that story continued with his son.

Jayme McMillan, Class of 2012, grew up hearing about WNZR, but living it was different. By the time he arrived, the station had grown, but it was still evolving. Sports broadcasting was central, and much of the work was hands-on. Running cables, setting up equipment, figuring things out as you went.

Video production started gaining traction during his later years, helping shift WNZR into something broader than radio. The station expanded its FM reach, and while online streaming existed, it was still finding its place. Even so, there was a clear sense of momentum. Leadership’s excitement, especially from Marcy, carried through the entire team.

One major step forward was “Big Blue,” the mobile broadcast unit. Before that, students packed gear into cars and vans for every event. Big Blue gave WNZR a visible presence and made the operation feel more established.

Some of the most memorable moments, though, were personal.

During Jayme’s freshman year, station leaders trusted two freshmen to keep things running while they were away. When the other student couldn’t make it, Jayme stepped in and ended up hosting an afternoon drive show with his dad. At the time, it was about handling responsibility. Looking back, it was something more.

For Jim, it was nerve-wracking. Even with experience, he didn’t want to let anyone down, especially Jayme. But it also gave him something he never had as a student, the chance to be on air, and to share it with his son.

Moments like that reflect what WNZR has always been about. It’s grown into radio, TV, and live streaming, but at its core, it’s about people and shared purpose.

There’s even a bit of friendly competition in the story. Jayme was named employee of the year twice. Jim earned it once. Jim jokes that someone had to build the foundation first. From a small student-built studio to a full media operation, the difference is hard to miss.

Through all that growth, one thing hasn’t changed.

Both Jim and Jayme point to the role faith has played in WNZR’s journey. Built in a small market with limited resources, the station has grown beyond what anyone expected, supported by both campus and community.

Jayme hopes that support continues, along with prayers for the station’s future. As technology changes, he wants WNZR to keep growing while staying true to its mission of serving and uplifting others.

Looking back, Jim doesn’t remember doubt in those early days. What stands out is the excitement. The belief that something meaningful was being built.

Decades later, that belief still holds.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR Matching Challenge Conversation: Eric Street in honor of Harry Street

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sits down with her brother, Eric Street, during Lifeline 2026—where he’s offering a $5,000 matching challenge in honor of their father, Harry Street.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The conversation starts light, with a funny family memory. Eric shares a song Marcy made up as a teenager—“I Live in a Trailer”—that’s somehow been passed down to his young son and even made a comeback over Easter. Marcy jokes she might sing it on-air if the challenge is met.

From there, the conversation moves into something deeper

Eric reflects on their dad as a man who truly lived out his faith. One memory that stayed with him—sitting with his father late at night while he read the Bible—didn’t seem extraordinary at the time, but later revealed the depth of his devotion. That example continues to shape Eric’s faith today.

He also talks about the impact of Christian radio, sharing how often a song comes on at just the right moment—meeting him exactly where he is. It’s one of the ways, he says, God connects with people in everyday life.

Music played a big role in their family. Eric remembers his dad’s love for hymns like “Amazing Grace,” but also a powerful moment hearing “My Redeemer Lives” for the first time—watching his dad respond in a way that left a lasting impression.

As the conversation wraps up, Eric points to the importance of legacy—how his father’s example now guides him as a parent, and why supporting WNZR matters. Because through ministries like this, lives are impacted, faith is strengthened, and people are drawn closer to Christ.

Marcy adds that it’s exactly what Lifeline is all about—continuing the work God has already started.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Lifeline 2026 is THIS WEEK! For our Friday Favorites, the Morning Thing hosts shared our favorite Lifeline Theme Song from WNZR and how that song has impacted our life.

  1. Xander – Keep Me In The Moment by Jeremy Camp – Lifeline 2021
  2. Josiah – Fix Our Eyes – Fix My Eyes by for King & Country – Lifeline 2018
  3. Eric – Testify To Love by Avalon – Lifeline 1999
  4. Marcy – The Proof of Your Love by for King & Country – Lifeline 2013

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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More Than a Club: How Apple Core Ladies Are Making an Impact in Apple Valley

If you want a snapshot of what strong community looks like, the Apple Core Ladies of Apple Valley are a great place to start.

During a recent WNZR conversation, Ethan Hershberger and Brookabella talked with several members of the group—and what stood out is simple: this is a place where women stay connected, keep learning, and continue making an impact.

Click HERE to hear the full conversations!

Joyce serves as the group’s communications coordinator, sending updates and helping keep everyone organized. But more than that, she naturally connects with people—something she’s done for years alongside her husband’s ministry. Whether it’s greeting someone at a meeting or making sure information gets out, her role helps keep the group relational and welcoming.

Karen, a former electronic filing manager with the Ohio Department of Taxation, has served as president, vice president, and more. She shared that Apple Core has grown to over 70 members, thanks in part to its variety—monthly breakfasts followed by engaging speakers, plus trips throughout the year to local destinations. From historical performances to practical demonstrations, every month offers something different.

Audrey, who retired after a long career with Huntington National Bank, highlighted the group’s commitment to giving back. While Apple Core is primarily social, members support local charities each year through donations and service. Recent efforts have included supporting The Main Place in Mount Vernon, along with contributions to shelters and animal organizations, showing how the group extends its impact beyond its own members.

Sue, a former teacher of 30 years, helps lead one of the group’s biggest events—the Apple Valley Family Palooza. What started as a simple idea has grown into a full community event with games, activities, and family-friendly fun. She also shared how Apple Core helped her find connection after moving to the area, turning what could have been an isolating transition into a place of belonging.

At the end of the day, that’s what defines the Apple Core Ladies. It’s not just what they do—it’s how they bring people together.

Click HERE to find out more about the Apple Core Ladies!

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