Open House Interviews with Dwayne Jeffries

Pastor Benny Perez is brought to tears as he re-tells the story of building a church from 27 to 3,500 in just 10 years. He talks about questioning his own Christian faith after his wife suffered two miscarriages. He also opens up about the challenges of pastoring one of the fastest growing churches in Las Vegas.

Some are calling it the biggest scandal in Australian sporting history. A new report by the ACC has lifted the lid on drug use, match fixing and crime links in Australian sporting codes. Olympian Elka Whalan shares he professional and personal view on doping. She also talks about being offered performance enhancing drugs during her career.

The issue of organised crime and drug use in sport has been linked to sports betting. Anti gambling campaigner and independent senator Nick Xenophon is calling for a temporary ban on sports betting until sporting codes are cleaned up. He says authorities need to take a harder line to stamp out match fixing and drug use in sport.

There’s been major developments in the UK where British MPs voted to legislate gay marriage. Ed Thornton from the UK Church Times was at the fiery debate and talks about this significant step towards legalising gay marriage. He says Prime Minister David Cameron has copped a bit of flack over the move.

Passion and encouragement at its best. After suffering post traumatic stress, depression and anxiety, Gordon Barr now inspires people through music. He talks about his tumultuous journey and how he embraced his Christian faith during tough times.

We continue our series on Fearless Daughters of the Bible with author Lee Grady. This week he talks about mould-breaking women and shares his top three from the bible.

Christian faith in the west has significantly declined since World War 2 and author Mark Sayers says it may not be the churches fault. Mark talks about his book, The Road Trip, and says the problem may actually lie in how faith is viewed and embraced. He says people still desire faith, but secularise it to suit their lifestyle.

Open House human condition guru Lyn Worsley continues her series on optimism. This week she talks about how to deal with optimistic and pessimistic people.

Social media guru Steve Kryger returns for another year of Open House. He talks about Facebook and how it’s making money from us. He also explores Facebook envy and says one third of people feel it.

Open House book reviewer Kara Martin returns with two books looking at the all important work we do in society. She says both books affirm the place of work whether in ministry or a secular workplace.

The Purpose Driven Life has transformed countless lives, selling more than 32 million copies worldwide. Rick Warren joins Leigh for the first Open House of 2013, talking exclusively about his best-selling book. He talks about its phenomenal success and the additional chapters he's added to the book.

Work life and church life can be separated and seen as having no connection. Monday Matters author Mark Bilton talks about finding a sense of purpose both professionally and spiritually in work life. He also shares his own experience as the Group Managing Director of Gloria Jeans Coffee.

We begin a new series with author Lee Grady on his book Fearless Daughters of the Bible. This week he explains why he wrote the book and shares some of his favourite stories from it.

Bundaberg residents have a long road to recovery after record flood peaks inundated their town once again. Father Cliff Greaves has been helping those affected, and supporting the destitute. He talks about the physical and psychological pain of flooding and explains how they plan to rebuild.

Bundaberg flood victim Gordon Rose shares his personal story of being evacuated from his home following record flood peaks in the region. He talks about the recovery process and says residents will unite to help rebuild their lives.