Wesley Farnsworth recently joined host Shane Blackedge on The Kingdom Minded Podcast for a powerful and transparent conversation about addiction, redemption, and obedience to God’s call. The two friends share a deep passion for ministry and recovery, and in this episode, they discuss everything from Wesley’s journey through pornography addiction and codependency to his calling to speak, write, and launch a nonprofit that equips churches for digital ministry.
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Growing Up in a Ministry Home
Wesley opened up about growing up as a pastor’s kid in Michigan, where church wasn’t just a Sunday event—it was the family business. His father traveled as a full-time evangelist, while his mother led women’s ministry and worked as the church secretary.
That early exposure to faith shaped Wesley’s understanding of God but also planted the seeds of codependency, a pressure to appear perfect and to live up to others’ expectations.
“I knew all the right Sunday school answers,” he shared, “but I didn’t really know Jesus for myself.”
From Codependency to Addiction—and Freedom Through Recovery
In his teens, loneliness and curiosity led him into a 20-year addiction to pornography.
“That night,” he said, “the doors flew open, and the addiction began.”
For decades, shame kept him silent. Then in 2019, God led him to Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program for anyone dealing with hurts, habits, or hang-ups.
“When I finally admitted my secret out loud, I expected judgment—but instead, I heard, ‘You’re a brave man for admitting that.’ That’s when my recovery began.”
Six years later, Wesley remains free, describing CR as the community that taught him honesty, accountability, and spiritual growth.
The Blueprint of Becoming
That journey became the foundation for Wesley’s debut book, The Blueprint of Becoming: A Practical Guide to Faith, Failure, and Finding Your Way Forward.
He explains, “The book helps readers evaluate their own lives, using the metaphor of stars; your job, relationships, and habits are all part of your constellation. But Christ should always be your North Star.”
The book isn’t just a personal story; it’s a guide for small groups and churches. “It’s better done together,” Wesley said.
On his website, readers can download a free Leader’s Guide and a Participant’s Guide to facilitate a 10-week group study based on the book.
Changing the Narrative in Churches
Wesley’s hope is that The Blueprint of Becoming will help churches open conversations around difficult topics, especially those often ignored from the pulpit, like pornography, sexual sin, or co-dependency.
“The church sometimes avoids hard conversations,” he said. “That leaves people suffering in silence, believing their struggles make them unworthy. But you’re not defined by your past—you’re defined by God’s grace.”
Stepping into the Call
As God continues to redeem his story, Wesley has begun preaching at local churches and is making himself available to conferences and small groups.
“At first, I felt disqualified,” he said. “But God told me, ‘You’re uniquely qualified for the mission I’ve given you.’”
That obedience has already opened doors—literally. “I finally said yes to God on a Sunday,” he said. “The next day, my phone rang with invitations to preach.”
Today, Wesley is booked at multiple churches through early 2026, sharing a message of grace and transformation.
Reviving His Father’s Legacy
Another highlight of the episode was the story behind Service Ministries, Wesley’s soon-to-launch nonprofit. It’s named after the ministry his late father once led and carries forward a similar heart—serving the church.
This modern version of Service Ministries will help churches and Christian nonprofits strengthen their branding, marketing, photography, and digital communication.
“It’s about helping ministries tell their story well so more people can encounter the Gospel,” Wesley explained.
Faith Over Fear
The conversation closed with a reminder that walking in God’s purpose requires surrender.
“If God calls you to do something, you need to do it,” Wesley said. “You are uniquely qualified for the task He’s given you. All He’s waiting for is your ‘yes.’”
Host Shane echoed the sentiment: “The most important yes is letting Jesus Christ be your Lord and Savior.”
It was a fitting end to a conversation that blended honesty, redemption, and hope—a true reflection of Kingdom-minded living.
Where to Listen
You can now watch the entire recording of The Kingdom Minded Podcast, featuring Wesley Farnsworth, on YouTube. It will also be available for streaming in prisons and jails around the country via the “Edovo” app soon.
