What do zookeeping, spiritual gift tests, and wildly questionable discernment scores have in common? This episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, that’s what. Join Andrew and Dusty as they tackle deep theological mysteries like “Did Jesus stand on soapboxes?” and “Can ‘Helps’ actually be a spiritual gift, or is that just Christian for ‘people pleaser’?” It’s equal parts hilarious roast and accidental insight—plus, Andrew might be changing careers to feed giraffes. 

Andrew and Dusty begin with a signature tangent: Andrew has a new life plan. He’s applying to be a zookeeper. This revelation comes out of nowhere and isn't revisited with any serious theological backing—Andrew just thinks it’d be fun to work with animals and carry a stick around. It’s an entertaining cold open that sets the tone for the rest of the episode: part hilarious detour, part unfiltered theological musing.

From there, Andrew jumps into his soapbox of the week, questioning whether Jesus ever got on a soapbox himself. This thought led him down a short-lived research rabbit hole where he promptly forgot all the facts he found. The core of the soapbox was a reflection on how little of Jesus’ words are actually recorded in the Bible. Andrew estimated that the average person speaks around 16,000 words a day, and with only 37,000 to 57,000 of Jesus’ words recorded, we may only have about two and a half days’ worth of His teachings. This realization leads the hosts to muse about the massive gaps between what Jesus did and what was documented.

That theological pondering quickly transitions into the main topic: spiritual gifts and personality tests. Andrew recently took an online spiritual gifts test and shares the results. His highest-ranking gift is "Helps," while scoring zero in "Discernment." Dusty immediately challenges both the legitimacy of the test and the results. His response to "Helps" being a spiritual gift is sarcastic and dismissive: "That’s not a gift, that’s being a good person."

The conversation turns into a comedic breakdown of the spiritual gifts Andrew allegedly has. Dusty goes down the list from the test and calls out each one, essentially rejecting them as false based on his own observations. Andrew’s attempts to defend his gifts are countered by Dusty’s suspicion that Andrew just clicked random answers to finish the test quickly. The comedic tension lies in Dusty’s confidence that he knows Andrew better than the test does—and his high score in "Discernment" is his excuse for not believing a word of it.

Andrew tries to explain that the value of these tests lies in helping people understand where they fit within the church. He reflects on the fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—and how different gifts align with different roles. He acknowledges that he’s probably more of a behind-the-scenes support person, not someone who should be leading from the front.

Despite the jokes, there’s a sincere moment where Andrew explains how understanding his gifts gave him confidence in knowing he doesn’t have to perform upfront to serve. This leads to a brief mention of how churches often misuse or overemphasize certain gifts while undervaluing others like Helps.

Dusty, however, maintains a skeptical tone throughout, poking fun at the idea that clicking through multiple-choice questions can reveal deep spiritual truths. He particularly critiques the "Discernment" category, arguing that someone without it could still use a "gift of Helps" in all the wrong ways—"like helping a guy rob a bank."

The episode never fully lands on whether spiritual gift tests are helpful, accurate, or biblical, but the guys do land on one thing: they’re entertaining. Andrew’s earnest attempt to understand his calling and Dusty’s relentless commentary make for a dynamic mix of introspection and comic relief.

As the episode wraps, the spiritual gift discussion takes a backseat to more sarcasm and lighthearted back-and-forth. Andrew continues defending the test. Dusty continues roasting him. And in the end, listeners are left with a few laughs, some lingering questions about their own gifts, and the image of Andrew at the Tulsa Zoo holding a stick.

This episode doesn’t offer clear answers about spiritual gifts or the effectiveness of online tests. But it does offer an honest look at two friends navigating faith with humor, skepticism, and the occasional zookeeper application.

#ChristianPodcast #ChristianComedyPodcast

After weeks of guest overload, this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast finally brings Dusty and Andrew back together, unfiltered and unaccompanied—basically a bro version of couples therapy, if therapy involved mall stories, public education law, and sarcastic jabs about the King James Bible.

The conversation opens like most deep theological discussions do—at the mall.

Turns out both guys used to work there. Andrew was Dusty’s boss. (Let that sink in. Andrew, the man currently co-hosting a podcast in what we assume is a spare bedroom, once supervised someone else’s paycheck.) They recall working at a watch store, greeting mall walkers at ungodly hours, and the time Dusty got his gas siphoned right out of his truck. Because nothing says “servant leadership” like buying your own gas back.

Also, Scheels. Apparently it’s the only reason anyone goes to the mall anymore—unless your kids want to ride a carousel. Which brings us to the first theological point: kids ruin everything. Even your hatred for malls.

So Texas introduced something called “Promise Month,” and if you're thinking it has anything to do with abstinence, purity rings, or teenage awkwardness, you're not alone. That was the assumption too.

But no, “Promise Month” is a Christian-themed state proposal meant to highlight America’s biblical roots—with an extra helping of “mandated prayer and Bible time in schools.” Because if there’s anything kids love more than algebra, it’s Old Testament genealogy during fourth period.

It was proposed in April. Announced in May. Which is like throwing a surprise birthday party a month late and expecting people to still bring presents.

Meanwhile in Oklahoma, the state superintendent rolled out a plan requiring every student from grades 5 through 12 to be equipped with a King James Bible. That’s right—the version where even the verbs are confused.

It’s not so much the Bible requirement that raised eyebrows, but the very specific demand for that translation. As Dusty put it, “We don’t need all those 'thee’s' and 'thou’s' confusing a bunch of fifth graders.” Honestly, trying to decipher King James in middle school is like making a toddler learn to type on a typewriter.

What followed was a comedic deep-dive into all the Bible versions that could (or absolutely should not) be used in classrooms, including the Message Bible, children’s Bibles, and the somewhat mythical "Gangsta Bible"—which we’re 85% sure started as a meme and ended up in a dorm room somewhere.

The guys don’t shy away from the meat of the issue: Should religious content be forced in public schools?

Andrew, ever the realist, points out that forcing biblical teaching through legislation rarely works. It's like trying to make someone fall in love with your grandma’s casserole recipe—it doesn't matter how many times you make it, they’re still gonna complain about the mushrooms.

Dusty argues that teaching the Bible as historical text (rather than spiritual doctrine) makes sense, the same way we discuss Gandhi, Buddha, or even Elvis (we assume) in world history. It’s context. Not conversion.

That’s the line the hosts keep coming back to—Christianity, at its best, invites rather than mandates.

Just when you think things couldn’t get more theologically spicy, Alabama comes through with Ten Commandments in classrooms and a full-on Pride flag ban. Because if there’s one thing that really gets kids interested in moral values, it’s wall décor.

Dusty and Andrew play devil’s advocate here (ironically). If you’re going to allow Christian symbols in public spaces, shouldn’t other religions get equal footing? Do we need a wall of competing sacred texts in every classroom like some kind of spiritual debate team?

The most repeated line in this episode might be: “We force feed everything.” Politics. Religion. Sports opinions. Even marketing emails (Dusty would know—he works in marketing).

The takeaway? Everyone wants their beliefs visible. Until someone else’s beliefs show up. Then suddenly we all remember we have First Amendment rights we haven't read since high school.

Pivoting ever so gracefully, the podcast veers into the topic of Oklahoma’s potential ban on cell phones in schools. This sparked what may be the most unintentionally hilarious section of the episode.

Apparently, Dusty's son starts his Tesla with his phone. Which feels like a very specific attack on Elon Musk. And now the state wants to take away that phone, essentially asking kids to walk home in 115-degree heat because Dad's truck won't start without an iOS update.

The argument here isn’t really about Teslas, though. It’s about access. If every kid already has a Bible on their phone, do we really need to stock physical copies like it’s 1995? Are we legislating for the sake of appearances or for actual impact?

The episode wraps this thread with a brutal mic drop: “We don’t have a Bible access problem. We have a gospel-sharing problem.”

Yikes. That one hurt, even if it was wrapped in sarcasm.

In true Christian comedy podcast fashion, the episode ends on an unexpectedly convicting note. Dusty and Andrew tackle discipleship—or rather, the lack of it. Youth pastors get one hour a week. Sunday mornings get less than that if you factor in coffee breaks and awkward small talk.

The duo rightly point out that schools may be the biggest mission field we’re ignoring. But instead of training students to disciple others, we hand them a verse, a pat on the back, and maybe a free T-shirt if it’s camp week.

Andrew even references the classic "disciple multiplication" model: one person leads another to Christ, who leads another, who leads another. You know, like a holy pyramid scheme—except the only thing we’re selling is eternity.

If there’s one thread that ties the entire episode together, it’s this: Laws can’t save people. Posters of the Ten Commandments can’t change hearts. And no one’s turning their life around because of an April-themed Christian celebration wedged between Easter candy and allergy season.

What changes people is people.

The relationships. The conversations. The quiet moments of discipleship that aren’t broadcasted or forced, but lived out.

And if that doesn’t work, maybe just ban phones and call it a revival.

At Bible Belt Bros, we’re not trying to solve America’s religious education crisis. We’re just two guys with mics, trying to figure out why anyone would still print a King James Bible with gold-leaf pages like it’s a treasure map.

But we are trying to have honest conversations about what it means to be Christians in the real world. And sometimes that includes sarcasm, mall nostalgia, and educational policy debates we’re not qualified to lead.

If you’re looking for a Christian podcast that isn’t afraid to laugh at itself, question the culture, and admit that youth group pizza was the best part of Wednesday nights—then you’ve come to the right place.

In this special episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, Andrew and Dusty sit down with their long-time pastor and mentor, Rusty Gunn, for an honest conversation about leadership, calling, and transition.

For the past 16 years, Rusty has faithfully led Church That Matters, shaping its culture, guiding its mission, and investing deeply in the lives of those around him. Now, as he prepares to step into a new role as SEND Network’s Church Planting Director for Oklahoma, Rusty reflects on the journey that brought him here and the next season ahead.

Together, we explore what it means to hand off leadership well, the importance of a strong local church presence, and how that ties into a broader vision for church planting and apostolic mission work. Rusty shares candid thoughts on balancing ministry and family, the emotional weight of transition, and the lasting impact of a church that stays rooted while reaching outward.

We close with reflections on church culture, leadership dynamics, and the future of Church That Matters as it continues to grow and evolve.

This conversation is a meaningful look at legacy, leadership, and the ongoing mission of the church.

What happens when the “youth guy” suddenly finds himself stepping into the lead pastor role? On this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Henderson from Church That Matters.

Kyle shares the unexpected journey that’s leading him from youth ministry (and whatever else needed doing) to becoming the Lead Pastor this September. We dig into what that shift looks like, the excitement and challenges ahead, and how God sometimes calls you into roles you didn’t even apply for.

This episode is packed with leadership insights, fun stories, and a sneak peek at what’s coming for Church That Matters. Whether you’re in ministry, thinking about leadership transitions, or just here for the Bros banter, this convo with Kyle is one you don’t want to miss.

Some people feel called to be a Lead Pastor. Others get called into the office and find out they already are one.

That was basically Kyle Henderson’s story on this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Christian Comedy Podcast. A longtime youth pastor, volunteer wrangler, and guy-who-fixes-everything, Kyle didn’t so much apply to be the new Lead Pastor at Church That Matters — he kind of tripped into it.

It started like most things in church leadership: casually. A conversation at a staff retreat. Someone asked, “Who do you think would be a good Lead Pastor if something ever happened?”

Kyle threw out a name or two.

Then the Lead Pastor looked him in the eye and said, “What if it’s you?”

Cue awkward laughter. Cue silence. Cue every youth pastor's worst nightmare: responsibility.

Kyle wasn’t gunning for it. He wasn’t dropping hints. But apparently everyone else around him had already seen it. The only person not in the loop… was Kyle.

There’s something beautifully ironic about youth pastors. They’re often treated like they’re in the minors, like their job is some kind of ministry spring training.

But they’re also the ones cleaning up messes, managing chaos, mentoring students, fixing tech, and running services when the real adults are out of town.

Kyle was that guy. He did all the things. The late nights. The camps. The sermons. The leadership development. The emergency plumbing issues.

He wasn’t climbing a ladder. He was just doing what needed to be done.

And then suddenly, someone handed him the ladder and said, "You’re at the top now."

There’s something kind of biblical about this. Moses didn’t want the job. Neither did Jonah. Or Paul. Or honestly, most people God used.

The ones who aren’t chasing the spotlight are usually the ones most ready for it. Not because they have the best ideas, but because they’ve learned how to serve without needing credit.

Kyle didn’t say yes right away. He wrestled with it. Felt the weight of it. Wondered if he could do it.

That’s how you know someone’s probably ready: they’re scared.

Kyle’s years in youth ministry were preparation. Not on purpose. More like spiritual bootcamp with dodgeballs.

He learned to improvise. To build teams. To pray through crises. To disciple students. To host events with zero budget and leftover pizza.

That kind of ministry doesn’t give you a stage. It gives you scars.

But it also gives you a deep sense of how people actually grow — not in the hype, but in the hard stuff.

And when the Lead Pastor seat opened up, Kyle wasn’t the obvious choice because of charisma. He was the right choice because of consistency.

What makes Kyle different is he’s not trying to be a CEO pastor.

He’s not coming in with a 42-page vision plan or rebranding the church overnight. He’s not here to be famous. He’s here to be faithful.

His biggest fear? Not preaching. Not meetings. Not the pressure.

His fear is letting people down. Missing what God is saying. Getting caught up in noise and forgetting why he’s even up there.

Which — let’s be honest — is the most honest thing a pastor can say.

If you’re in ministry, or ever sat under a leader who didn’t want the job but still showed up — this episode hits different.

It’s a reminder that God still promotes people through faithfulness, not self-promotion.

That churches still grow when the guy up front isn’t trying to go viral.

That maybe, just maybe, the best kind of leader is the one who never wanted to be one in the first place.

If you’re out here stacking chairs, running youth lock-ins, and wondering if anyone notices — they do. More importantly, God does.

And when the time’s right, don’t be surprised if He hands you a mic you didn’t ask for.

Just ask Kyle.

Stay connected with Bible Belt Bros Christian Comedy Podcast on our website | https://biblebeltbros.com/

This week on the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, Dusty and Andrew welcome a special guest whose resume includes both pulpits and punchlines — comedian and former preacher Jeremy Alder. From awkward church giveaways to parallel thinking in comedy, this episode blends hilarious storytelling with deep reflections on faith, creativity, and cringe-worthy church culture.

The episode opens with a bang — quite literally — as Jeremy learns about Dusty and Andrew's church events that include shotgun giveaways and bacon-themed men’s ministries. If that sounds wild to you, buckle up. It only gets better (or weirder). The guys dive into their own church experiences, where sermons get recycled like old youth group T-shirts and pastors sometimes unintentionally moonlight as stand-up comics.

Jeremy brings a unique perspective as someone who once preached weekly and now headlines comedy shows. He discusses how difficult it is to write fresh content — whether it’s a sermon or a comedy set — and gives credit to pastors who have to deliver new material week after week. The trio explore the fine line between originality and influence, and how the internet has made it nearly impossible for comics and pastors alike to avoid being accused of plagiarism, even when it’s just parallel thinking.

Throughout the episode, they unpack:

Why sermon recycling is the church’s version of a "greatest hits" tour

How Jeremy’s journey from youth pastor to stand-up comic shaped his voice and storytelling style

Why pastors and comedians both get called out for plagiarism (but only one gets cancelled)

What it means to bring vulnerability and real-life baggage into faith communities — without the fake Sunday morning filter

The awkward overlap between gun culture and church culture, and why Jeremy thinks it doesn’t always align with the gospel (and why that probably won’t go over well in Oklahoma)

From hilarious stories about bombing at casinos to thoughtful discussions about faith, fallibility, and finding your voice, this episode proves that deep conversations don’t have to be boring — and funny people can still love Jesus.

Jeremy also shares details about his new comedy album “Almost a Grown Man”, currently streaming on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere else fine comedy is sold (or streamed for free). If you're tired of church podcasts that feel like lectures or stand-up that lacks soul, this episode hits the sweet spot.

Follow Jeremy and stay up to date on upcoming shows!

https://www.jeremyalder.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jeremy.alder/

https://twitter.com/JeremyAlder

https://www.facebook.com/jeremyaldercomedy/

In this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, Dusty and Andrew dive into a topic that hits a little too close to home—volunteer burnout in the church. We’re not just talking about the “I need a nap” kind of burnout—we mean the “Why did I say yes to this...again?” kind. 😅

We’ve all seen it (or been it)—that faithful volunteer who’s running slides, leading worship, brewing the coffee, and fixing the WiFi router—all before the pastor finishes his first cup of coffee. But here’s the kicker: sometimes leaders are unintentionally the biggest culprits, calling on the same willing souls again and again—even on their so-called “day off”.

So in true Bible Belt Bros fashion, we tackle this serious subject with a healthy dose of pet peeves, real talk, and plenty of laughs. We challenge pastors and church leaders: Be better shepherds. Don’t just work your sheep to the bone—protect them from themselves and their inability to say no. (Yeah, we went there.)

We also share personal stories, a few confessions, and throw down the gauntlet for churches to take ownership of burnout. Don’t just blame the volunteer for “overcommitting.” Maybe… just maybe… we all need to rethink the system.

🔥 What You’ll Get:

Tips on how leaders can spot burnout before it starts

Why “no” is a holy word

A few pet peeves (because we couldn't resist)

Encouragement for both volunteers and leaders to do ministry in a healthier way

Whether you’re a pastor, a serial volunteer, or someone who’s just here for the funny rants, this one’s for you.

Press play, have a laugh, and let’s make church life better—one “no” at a time.

In this episode of Bible Belt Bros, Andrew and Dusty dive into a conversation that might make you think twice next time you're singing along to your favorite worship song. We’ve all heard people talk about how secular music can be used by the enemy — glorifying sin, stirring up pride, or pulling our focus away from God. But what about Christian music?

Yeah... buckle up.

This week, we talk about how Satan doesn’t just use what’s playing on the radio — sometimes he twists what’s playing at church. After all, he used to be Heaven’s worship leader. If anyone knows how to influence people through music, it’s him.

We break down some of the sneaky ways even well-meaning worship songs can hit wrong — like singing about God's promises when you're fresh off a loss, or trying to “feel” something during worship and wondering if God’s even there when you don’t. Sometimes the timing of a song can bring comfort, and other times... it just stings.

We also hit on:

How vague lyrics can slowly mess with your theology

The pressure to look or feel “spiritual enough” during worship

Why emotions aren’t always the best spiritual compass

And how even good songs can trigger comparison, doubt, or frustration if we’re not careful

This episode isn’t anti-Christian music (we love a good worship jam), but it is a reminder to keep our eyes on the One we're singing to — not just how the music makes us feel.

In this episode of the Bible Belt Bros podcast, Dusty and Andrew discussed the competitive nature of church life and Christian service commitments. They shared personal experiences about their Bible study habits, with Andrew mentioning 388 consecutive weeks on the YouVersion app (2,716 days). The conversation shifted to a recent situation in their church's youth ministry group chat regarding an Elevation Worship concert on a Wednesday night. Dusty described how the discussion evolved into a debate about who was the 'better Christian' based on attendance at church versus the concert. They explored themes of church commitments, financial considerations and the challenges of balancing personal convictions with community expectations. The hosts also discussed how different interpretations of faith and practice can lead to division within church communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives while maintaining unity in the Spirit.

On this episode of Bible Belt Bros, Dusty steps in solo as Andrew recovers from illness. He's joined by his workplace colleague Dave for an insightful discussion about navigating the intersection of Christian faith and business success. The two share their perspectives on maintaining spiritual values while building profitable businesses, dive into the complexities of determining self-worth and product value in today's market, and lighten things up with entertaining stories from their marketing adventures at the office. Whether you're an entrepreneur, person of faith, or just enjoy authentic conversation, this episode offers practical wisdom wrapped in genuine workplace camaraderie.

Check out Dave's nice side hustle | Small Town Travel Guide

Dusty and Andrew examine how Sunday School has changed in modern churches, weighing the pros and cons of different approaches they've experienced. This episode covers the transition from traditional Sunday School to contemporary formats, featuring their firsthand stories and observations of what's working and what isn't in church education.