Copy of Signs You've Already Drifted From God (Even If You Don't Feel It)
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What do you do with the parts of yourself that feel like a limitation? Darin Sargent was born with one hand — and spent years wondering why God made him that way. What he discovered changed everything. In this episode, Darin shares the powerful moments that reframed his identity, from a father speaking Psalm 139 over a broken little boy to a teacher who celebrated his uniqueness in front of a whole classroom. Now an author, speaker, executive coach, and Director of Ministry Central for the UPCI, Darin brings a simple but life-changing message: the broken places in your story are not the end. They're often where the best part begins.
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Parenting with Purpose (Book) - https://amzn.to/3Q3PJ90 (affiliate link)
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Transcript
Welcome to the Christian Leader Made Simple show. My name is Ryan Franklin. Here's a question I want you to sit with for just a second: What if the thing you've been most insecure about is actually the thing that God designed to be your greatest strength?
Welcome to the Christian Leader Made Simple podcast. I'm your host, Ryan Franklin, and I'm an executive coach and the vice president of strategic leadership and operations for Pentecostal Resources Group and the United Pentecostal Church International. If you're leading in ministry or a business, then you likely know just how easy it is to get scattered, lose your focus, and start feeling ineffective. I've been there myself, and that's why I created the Christian Leader Self Assessment. It's free, and in just 10 minutes, it'll show you exactly how to gain clarity and confidence as a leader. Go to ryanfranklin.org or you can click the link in the description to take the assessment today.
And so now let's dive into today's episode.
You know, most leaders I know are carrying something that they feel disqualifies them — maybe a limitation, a gap, a part of their story they'd rather leave out of their highlight reel. The longer they hide it, the more it erodes their confidence, calling, or leadership. Today's guest knows that tension better than most. He has spent his life turning it into a message that has reached thousands across the nation and around the world.
Darren Sargent was born with one hand, and rather than letting that define him as less, he's let God use it to define him as different in the best possible way. Darren is an author, speaker, executive coach, and ministry leader with over two decades of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations discover purpose and step into what they were created to become.
Darren serves as the Director of Ministry Central for UPCI, developing and resourcing ministry leaders across the nation. He co-leads Intentional Family Ministries alongside his wife Dewana—a platform dedicated to strengthening marriages, equipping parents, and building intentional homes. He is also the author of several books including *Battle the Beast* and his newest book *Parenting with Purpose: Five Foundations for Shaping the Next Generation.*
Darren, welcome to the show. Really glad you're here.
"Well, thank you, Ryan. It's good to be here, man. Looking forward to our time together."
Absolutely. You know this is my last podcast recorded in my home before moving. At the end of June — probably when this releases — you’ll be in Missouri with me! We’re going to be sharing office space.
"I can't tell you how excited I am! Isn't that something?"
Next door neighbors!
"I’ll be like banging on the wall; we’ll need a secret knock like 'the boss is coming!'"
Don't knock! I'm very excited about this next step for you and Angie. I believe it's an answer to prayer and you're going to make an even bigger imprint than you already do.
"Thank you for that—and for all your support through this challenging process of moving cross-country."
How many years were you in Louisiana?
"Twenty-one full-time on pastoral staff—ten years as pastor at POA—it's been a long journey."
You're not leaving for any bad reason though?
"Nope! Mainly because I get to work with you."
I love POA but I have to work with Darren!
"I hope people understand what’s really going on here!"
Yeah! We’re heavily involved there; it’s a big step with much grief leaving such a beloved church after 46 years—family too—even your hunting lease!
"That’s probably one of my hardest things!"
Alright Darren, let's jump into this interview.
You grew up with one hand—there had to be moments when you looked at yourself and wondered why God made you this way. Could you share how you wrestled with God over your design early in life?
"Sure. Looking back especially from ages 5 to 10 were probably my most questioning years—'Why me? Why was I born this way?' By my teenage years I had mostly come to grips with it.
When I grew up in Southern Idaho—a small farming community—I owe much to that community because kids there helped shape me positively.
Last year something happened that opened my insight into those early years: I’m writing a kid's book about an evangelist named Brother Darrell McCoy who pastored in Port Arthur, Texas.
He came once as a young evangelist for a revival where 100 souls were saved. During that revival a lady arrived who had less than a month to live from cancer; she got baptized by Brother McCoy who told her God would not only wash away her sins but heal her cancer. Weeks later she was cancer-free.
Brother McCoy told me he wrestled with God because as a five-year-old boy he saw me come down the altar crying begging God for a hand while this lady was healed.
We both cried recounting that story but now we understand why."
Your dad pulled you into his recliner after a tough day at school once and spoke Psalm 139 over you—that you were fearfully and wonderfully made—what did that moment do for six-year-old you?
"It revolutionized my life! Being raised in a preacher's home we read scripture often but that was probably first time Psalm 139:14 really landed deep inside me.
It contrasted sharply with an incident where my first-grade teacher made an issue out of my prosthetic hook arm—telling me never to wear it again—and crushed me emotionally.
My dad read her letter but said firmly 'that is not who you are.' He told me I am fearfully and wonderfully made with God's plan for my life—that gave me assurance and identity."
A few years later Mr. Jenkins stepped in front of your class doing something that reframed how everyone saw you—what happened?
"When we moved mid-school year from Salinas California to Kimberly Idaho it was hard fitting in; kids wouldn’t let me play football at recess—they bullied me.
One day after recess I was crying at my desk when Shelly Morrow (a girl sitting next to me) told our teacher what happened.
Mr. Jenkins got everyone’s attention then called up several students highlighting their unique positive differences—and then called me up.
I thought 'here comes shame again' but he put his arm around me saying ‘this is Darren’s unique difference; he’s no different than anyone else.’
The acceptance from him—and from peers who then invited me to play football—was huge! That moment shifted everything."
Two teachers had totally different responses: one shamed you; one celebrated your uniqueness—what made the difference?
"He told me later he knew he had one chance to make a difference—that it was risky but he followed his gut.
Most importantly though was peer acceptance; when kids accept us it changes everything."
That acceptance is huge—pastors and leaders need to hear this because our number one relational need is acceptance—even above anything else—and when people feel accepted they will follow passionately!
Absolutely—it totally changed my perspective growing up knowing family support plus teachers/mentors who saw my difference as gift not limitation opened doors everywhere from junior high through high school even running for student body president (my dad drew posters saying ‘Vote Sarge—he’ll be your right hand man!’). It shaped who I am today embracing uniqueness instead of ignoring it."
You've carried conviction nothing is impossible if we just try—where did that come from?
"My parents forged it—they never said I couldn’t do something but encouraged trying everything like riding bikes without training wheels (even on Evel Knievel bike!), skiing without poles at age 10, driving stick shift at 14 delivering pizzas through snowstorms—they pushed bravery and stepping out even when uncomfortable."
Now as director of Ministry Central for UPCI working nationwide/worldwide how does your personal story translate organizationally?
"We face unprecedented challenges today: technology advances like AI; governmental & social upheaval; wars—all pressure ministry hugely.
We must be secure in Christ & purpose or we get rolled over by circumstances.
Paul’s words about strength through weakness (2 Corinthians 4) resonate deeply: our weaknesses allow God’s power & grace to shine through when we surrender control."
You’re being trained as an executive coach specializing in memory reconciliation & neuro-relational frameworks—what does this bring uniquely compared to traditional coaching?
"It helps uncover hidden wounds shaping behaviors & decisions often unconsciously affecting family/marriage/leadership dynamics.
This neuroscience-based approach aligns deeply with scripture revealing truths about heart transformation Jesus modeled—it’s powerful healing work allowing leaders freedom & growth beyond surface fixes."
You’ve spoken thousands of times on stages across many venues—what common thing do leaders hide that God wants used most?
"Our weaknesses often become greatest gifts if embraced—as Paul said ‘when I am weak then I am strong.’
This creates connection because people see themselves reflected—not perfect leaders but real ones overcoming struggles which encourages others."
You co-lead Intentional Family Ministries with Dewana focusing on strengthening marriages & parenting—with *Parenting with Purpose* what core message do you share?
"There are five foundational areas every parent must be intentional about: Love, Learning, Living, Leading & Leaving legacy.
Parents must understand home is primary environment shaping children—not leave responsibility solely on church but actively engage daily teaching values & faith."
If someone listening feels disqualified by what’s missing inside them what encouragement do you offer?
"Those perceived disqualifications are often exactly what God uses mightily!
Our cracks allow grace & glory through—we must face mistakes honestly then lay them down trusting God’s redemptive power turning evil circumstances into good like Joseph’s story."
Anything else before we wrap?
"Just face whatever challenges honestly—you can only fix what you're willing to confront—and keep stepping forward intentionally trusting God’s plan!"
Thank you so much Darren for joining us today—it’s been inspiring hearing your journey!
"You’re welcome Ryan—I’m grateful for our friendship & partnership pushing leaders forward!"
For listeners wanting Darren’s books or more info:
He has two books out now:
- *Battle the Beast: Defeating the Lines That Oppose Your Destiny* (used widely by churches)
- *Parenting with Purpose* available at pentecostalpublishinghouse.com or intentionalfamily.org
They also have podcasts & resources there about marriage & family ministry.
Thanks again everyone for joining us on Christian Leader Made Simple Podcast!
Copyright © 2026 Ryan Franklin. All rights reserved.
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