Freedom Initiative Radio

In this episode of Freedom Initiative Radio, hosts Aaron and Fred address the subtle and dangerous trap of turning the good work of ministry into an idol. Drawing from Jeremiah 1:16, they discuss how easy it is to fall in love with human effort, strategic cleverness, and visible metrics rather than celebrating God's transformative power. The episode emphasizes that unless the Lord builds the house, laborers labor in vain, challenging leaders to examine whether ministry is built by human hands or by the Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to protect themselves through secret prayer, deflecting praise back to God, embracing a loss of control, and viewing setbacks as an invitation to release ownership back to Him.
Email: [email protected] Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

In this episode of Freedom Initiative Radio, hosts Aaron and Fred explore the vital connection between social silos (naturally occurring groups or subcultures that share environments, information, and influence) and strongholds (entrenched patterns of thinking, cultural lies, or spiritual barriers that isolate these groups). Drawing parallels from biblical accounts like Jesus intentionally engaging the Samaritan community through the woman at the well, the show emphasizes that effective disciple-making requires looking beyond isolated individuals to unlock entire communities and networks. Listeners are encouraged to map their own spheres of influence, identify the spiritual strongholds holding people captive, and use scripture-focused prayer to tear down these barriers with patient perseverance.Email: [email protected] Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

This episode addresses the long-term reality of disciple-making inside maximum-security settings, reminding listeners that spiritual transformation operates on a seasonal clock rather than an instant schedule. The conversation focuses on cultivating spiritual endurance to push through institutional delays, systemic friction, and resistance. By encouraging ministers and leaders to remain steadfast in their assigned fields, this episode outlines strategies for developing resilient leaders who can establish a lasting lineage of disciples behind bars.

Email: [email protected] Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

This episode tackles the complex challenge of overcoming invisible social barriers, such as gang affiliations, distinct housing units, and deep cultural divisions within prison facilities. The episode highlights how effective disciple-making requires believers to deliberately cross these established boundaries to build authentic trust and unity. By framing the Gospel as a bridge rather than an isolating bubble, the discussion offers actionable insights for breaking through institutional divides and fostering community in high-barrier environments.

Email: [email protected] Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

In this episode, Aaron, Fred, and their special guest Charlie from College Ave., explore the foundational mission of Christian discipleship, centering on ministry work inside the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility. The discussion emphasizes that true discipleship extends far beyond standard church attendance, passive gathering, or internal Bible studies. Grounded in both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, the hosts detail an active, intentional approach to reaching others—one built around prayer, obedience, love, and steady consistency to help faith spread naturally within correctional settings.

Email: [email protected] Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

Hosts Aaron and Fred welcome Charlie Hickok, a resident intern at College Avenue Church. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of youth-driven evangelism and prison ministry, shedding light on how a new generation is answering the call to share the gospel with urgent passion. Charlie shares his personal journey of faith, his heart for reaching college students, and his anticipation of stepping into prison chapels to witness God’s tangible presence behind bars. This inspiring discussion challenges believers of all ages to break through social narratives, step out in faith, and embrace the Great Commission wherever God leads.

Email: [email protected] Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

This episode features the core mission of Christian discipleship, with a specific focus on the ministry work at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility. The hosts emphasize that true discipleship extends beyond standard church attendance, internal Bible studies, or passive gathering. Grounded in the Great Commission and Great Commandment, we outline an active, intentional process for reaching others that is centered on prayer, obedience, love, and consistency.

Email: [email protected] Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

In this episode we explore the essential heart posture required for effective Christian discipleship. Emphasizing that meaningful disciple-making begins from within, Aaron highlights the vital roles of repentance, immediate obedience, and personal humility. By encouraging listeners to regularly practice a "prayer of examine" and turn divine insights into practical, actionable steps, this inspiring message serves as both a roadmap and an invitation to cultivate a contagious faith capable of changing lives. Email: [email protected] 

Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

In this episode, hosts Aaron Buttery and Fred Vaught are joined for the first time by Aaron's wife, Vicky Buttery. The session focuses entirely on targeted prayer and intercession for the inmates, leaders, and chaplains across the five individual yards at Richard J. Donovan (R.J. Donovan) State Prison.

In this episode hosts Aaron Buttery and Fred Vaught explore  a transformative disciple-making tool used behind prison walls: the "I Will" statement. Grounded in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, we discuss how moving from passive intentions to actionable, SMART commitments shatters spiritual stagnation. Discover how incarcerated men at R.J. Donovan are bringing a living faith to the prison yard, and learn how to apply this practice to your own daily walk with God.

Aaron Buttery sits down with Pastor Roger Ziegler, a former chiropractor who gave up his practice to spend over 26 years in prison ministry at R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Together, they share powerful stories of divine transformation behind bars, including former satanists and Wiccans surrendering their lives to Christ. Listen to hear how no heart is beyond the gospel's reach.

On this episode, host Aaron Buttery speaks with Pastor Roger Ziegler, who left a 25-year chiropractic career to pursue full-time prison ministry. Pastor Roger shares how he overcame hesitation, experienced miraculous financial provision, and witnessed transformed lives behind bars. Tune in for an inspiring look at what happens when you step out in faith and answer God's call.

Pastor Aaron Buttrey explores Mark 3:7–35 to confront a vital question: Is Jesus truly the Lord of your entire life? By unpacking the crowds, the calling of the Twelve, and Christ’s triumph over darkness, this message invites you to move past unmet expectations and step into a deep, transforming relationship with Jesus. This is a powerful call to action for anyone ready to renew their faith and stand radically for Christ.

In this episode, Aaron explores a Spirit-led approach to prison ministry and daily discipleship. Listeners are invited to trade self-reliance for genuine love, intentional prayer, and practical relationship-building. Through a simple four-step framework, this episode equips everyday people to make disciples and transform communities right where they are.

What happens when you stop fighting in your own strength and go "all in" with God? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sam Redmond to discuss his incredible journey from facing an insurmountable legal sentence to experiencing true inner freedom. Sam shares raw, vulnerable insights on how the ultimate Waymaker broke down his physical and spiritual walls, the dangerous reality of the "drift" when we rely on our own hustle, and how a radical shift in alignment led him to a thriving, faith-filled new beginning. Whether you are currently facing your own brick wall or seeking inspiration to deepen your trust in the Lord, Sam’s testimony is a profound reminder that true transformation is always possible when you surrender to Jesus.

Sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole, Sam Redmond candidly opens up about his troubled youth, the devastating reality of facing a lifetime behind bars, and the rock-bottom moment that nearly ended his life. In this episode, Sam shares how the consistent, loving presence of prison ministries and volunteers radically broke his chains of addiction and filled his soul with a miraculous, lasting peace. Tune in to hear a profound testament to the fact that no life is too far gone for reconciliation, and discover how simply showing up can catalyze a revival in the darkest of places.

In this episode we bring together the powerful disciple-making tools explored throughout the series and reveal how they work together to create a thriving, Christ-centered movement of discipleship. While each tool is effective on its own, listeners will discover how the Prayer Calendar, Scripture-Focused Prayer, Conversation Quadrant, and Discovery Bible Study form a beautiful ecosystem that equips ordinary believers to make extraordinary disciples. This episode casts a compelling vision for multiplication as we explore how God weaves these simple biblical principles together to spark lasting spiritual impact and disciple-making movements that can reach generations.

Explore with us the powerful tool of Discovery Bible Study and how God uses His Word to transform lives from the inside out. Through a simple yet profound process of reading, answering simple questions, and applying Scripture, listeners are encouraged to move beyond merely gaining knowledge towards genuine obedience to Christ and thus, transformation. This episode highlights how the Holy Spirit speaks through God's Word, fostering spiritual growth, authentic discipleship, and life-changing conversations that can impact families, churches, prisons, and communities.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the Conversation Quadrant and how the quality of our conversations shapes the depth of our relationships, leadership, and spiritual growth. Through practical insight and meaningful reflection, listeners are challenged to move beyond surface-level communication and engage in conversations that build trust, invite understanding, and create genuine connection. Whether in friendships, family, ministry, or everyday interactions, this episode offers a fresh perspective on speaking with intention, listening with wisdom, and cultivating conversations that bring life, clarity, and transformation.email: [email protected]Website: Pastorstoprisoners.org