July 24, 2025

[161] From YouTube rabbit holes to spiritual awakening with the Connexionalist

42 minutes

What happens when your questions about faith lead you into the world of YouTube? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Reverend Matt Patrick—Oklahoma pastor, theologian, and creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel—as we explore how digital spaces are reshaping spiritual discovery. Matt shares his journey from campus ministry to online community-building, revealing how deep theological conversations and honest dialogue on platforms like YouTube are becoming vital spaces for seekers, doubters, and lifelong Christians alike.

Check out The Connexionalist: https://youtube.com/@theconnexionalist

In this episode, we dig into why Gen Z and young adults are gravitating toward traditional expressions of Christianity and how online content can both challenge and empower us to articulate beliefs in a complex world. We talk through apologetics, the modern Protestant/Catholic conversation, and the importance of community as Matt shares ways the church can creatively meet people wherever they are—both in-person and online.

About our guest: Rev. Matt Patrick is a United Methodist pastor serving at University United Methodist Church on the campus of the University of Tulsa. He is also the creator of the Connexionalist YouTube channel, a growing digital community dedicated to honest, accessible conversations on faith, doubt, and theology from a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective. Matt blends pastoral wisdom, a love for church tradition, and a uniquely relatable approach—making deep questions about God and spirituality inviting for all.

In this episode:

[00:00] “Exploring Faith Journeys Online”

[04:42] YouTube’s Influence on Theological Education

[07:17] Rise of Traditional Christianity in U.S.

[10:57] “Thinking Person’s Religious Tradition”

[13:28] Weekly Communion: Spiritual Presence Emphasis

[18:07] Protestant-Catholic Apologetics Popularity

[19:57] “Reluctant Start to YouTube Journey”

[27:20] “Solo Christianity Isn’t Enough”

[31:06] “Join a Small Local Church”

[34:54] “Balancing Pastoral and Theological Roles”

[38:08] Gen Z’s Catholicism Interest Surge

[41:35] Compass Podcast Episode Recap

More episodes and show notes www.umc.org/compass

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Keywords: Faith questions, spiritual seekers, Christianity online, Methodist, apologetics, digital church, Gen Z spirituality, church community, finding faith, theology YouTube, Matt Patrick, Connectionalist, Compass podcast, questioning faith, Wesleyan theology, progressive Christianity, how to find a church, Protestant vs Catholic, spiritual journey, United Methodist

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