Grace That Works Podcast – Episode 1
Host: Giancarlo
Guest: Pastor Steve Miller (USA, Michigan)
Giancarlo (Host)
Hello everyone.
I don’t know where to look because this is also my first time, but welcome to the very first episode of the Grace That Works Podcast.
Steve
Praise God — that’s a good name.
Giancarlo
I’m a bit embarrassed to be here in front of our guest. I will introduce him in a moment, but at the same time I’m a little afraid because this man is really unpredictable with his words.
Before we start, I want to thank International Christian Church Rome (ICCR) for providing us this building and this studio. It’s very nice for us to be here and to encourage people around the world.
This episode will be in English, but the next episodes will be in Italian and Spanish — and who knows, maybe French. If you speak another language, you’re welcome too.
Steve
Well, I want to say thank you for doing this episode in English today because I’m mostly English-speaking.
I’m from the United States. I grew up in Connecticut, and about 40 years ago I moved to Michigan. So my roots are in the New York area, but my children and grandchildren mostly grew up in Michigan.
Giancarlo
He already introduced himself, but let me officially introduce our first guest.
It’s not Pastor Lawrence — no, no. Pastor Lawrence charges too much. I do this for free. Amen, you said it.
Let me introduce to you the greatest man in America — okay, I’m joking.
Please welcome Pastor Steve Miller, a pastor from the United States, from Michigan. You’re here for the leadership conference we just had. Can you tell us about it?
Steve
This was our second annual leadership conference.
There’s no long-term locked plan yet. The first time, I came to Rome for my niece’s wedding and met Pastor Lawrence. We talked, and I mentioned that I teach leadership at a college in Michigan — an Assemblies of God college for pastors.
He asked me, “Would you be willing to come and teach leadership here in Rome?”
From there, along with my brother-in-law Josephenza and Dr. Randy Helms — who has a doctorate in leadership — we organized the conference.
This was our second one. Maybe next year there will be another, maybe with more speakers — we’ll see.
I really enjoyed my time here. My teaching style is more conversational, and I like to use humor when it comes naturally.
Yesterday I had a breakout session with the youth, and I really enjoyed challenging them to pick one person in their life who doesn’t know the Lord, pray for them every day, and eventually share their testimony.
I’ve spoken three times, shared my heart, and reconnected with friends. And I got to see Rachel — who is my favorite. You’re not supposed to have favorites, but if I did, it would be Rachel.
Giancarlo
Are you sure about that?
Rachel is behind the camera — she’s not allowed to talk.
Podcast rules.
Steve
I like those rules.
Giancarlo
I hope people watching understand that Pastor Steve is older than me and I’m younger — though you wouldn’t notice.
You have more experience in ministry and in life. You’ve seen the power of God and the Holy Spirit many times.
So my question is: What is the greatest miracle you’ve experienced in your ministry?
Steve
My theology may be a little different, but I believe the greatest miracle anyone can receive is salvation.
A life destined for darkness and eternity without God puts their faith in Jesus Christ, confesses with their mouth, believes in their heart — that supernatural transformation is the ultimate miracle.
Setting salvation aside, one of the most precious miracles in my life involves my grandson, Luke.
He was born with what doctors called a migration brain disorder. The areas responsible for speech, sight, and hearing developed incorrectly. Doctors told us he might never crawl, walk, or run.
One of his eyes wasn’t functioning properly, and his hearing was affected.
But we prayed.
Today, he runs. He walks. He greeted me and called me “Papa.”
Doctors said it wouldn’t happen — but God moved. That’s my most precious miracle right now.
Giancarlo
I agree with you. We thank God for doctors and the wisdom He gives them.
I want to share a testimony too — not mine, but my mother’s.
She had two types of cancer. The first was thyroid cancer when I was about eight years old. I prayed as a child, “God, please heal my mom,” and she was healed.
Years later, when I was fifteen, she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I prayed again, and God healed her again.
My mom is here today — Pastor Melinda. She’s standing strong.
This is one of the greatest miracles in my life. God allowed it not only for her faith to grow, but for mine as well.
Steve
That’s powerful.
Everyone watching — believers and unbelievers — will face bad news, heartbreak, and difficult doctor’s reports.
The difference is this: believers know where to go.
We don’t go to alcohol, drugs, or temporary escapes. Those things don’t last.
We go to the King of Kings.
Even if the answer doesn’t come the way we want, we still trust Jesus. Our worst day with Jesus is better than our best day without Him.
If you need prayer, Chiesa Cristiana Internazionale di Roma is a place where people care and will stand with you.
Giancarlo
Amen.
If you’re in Rome and looking for an English- or Italian-speaking church — and soon Spanish — we’ll leave ICCR’s contact information in the description.
You’re welcome here.
Steve
Don’t fight the battle alone. There are people here who care.
Giancarlo
Let’s shift to something lighter.
If you could sit down for coffee with one Bible character (excluding Jesus), who would it be?
Steve
Joseph.
He was betrayed, falsely accused, imprisoned — yet remained faithful. His journey reminds us that not every prayer is answered overnight.
Another hero of mine is Stephen. As he was being stoned, he prayed for forgiveness for those killing him.
That challenges me deeply.
Giancarlo
For me, it would be Judas Iscariot.
At first, I wanted to ask, “Why did you do it?”
But as I matured, I realized we all betray Jesus in different ways.
What advice would you give Christians to avoid drifting away like Judas did?
Steve
Keep short accounts with God.
When conviction comes, don’t ignore it — embrace it early. Judas ignored the warning signs.
If we address sin early, the consequences don’t grow deep.
Stay close to Jesus. Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Giancarlo
Before we close, I want to start a tradition on this podcast.
Pastor Steve, would you pray for the people watching?
Steve (Prayer)
Lord, You know who needs this message today.
I pray for International Christian Church Rome and for every person watching this podcast. May they never turn away from You.
I pray that this podcast is birthed by You, built by You, and used for Your glory.
Thank You for salvation, for grace, and for the cross.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Giancarlo
Amen.
Thank you, Pastor Steve. You’re always welcome here.
If you’re in Rome and looking for a church, come visit ICCR — Sunday at 10:30 AM or 4:00 PM.
God bless you all. Thank you for watching Grace That Works.
Italian 
English