Detours

Detours

By Michael Snyder & Deb MarsalisiReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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Detours episodes

  • Spiritual Band-aids

    When life falls apart, sometimes the last thing we need is a quick verse or a well-meaning cliché. Too often, Christians reach for what we call a “spiritual band-aid”—throwing out Bible verses to cover someone’s pain instead of sitting with them in it. In this episode, we’ll talk about why we do this, how it can actually harm instead of heal, and what Scripture really shows us about comforting others. From Job’s friends to Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb, we’ll see that presence often speaks louder than words. Join me as we explore practical ways to move past spiritual band-aids and become people who bring true comfort, empathy, and the hope of Christ.

    55 min
  • Artificial Intelligence and the Church

    Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and connect — but what does it mean for the church? In this episode of Detours, we explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents for ministry, discipleship, and the Church. From sermon preparation to ethical concerns and spiritual authenticity, we dive deep into how technology intersects with theology.

    Is AI a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel, or does it risk replacing human connection and discernment? Join us as we discuss real-world examples, biblical perspectives, and practical insights to help churches navigate this rapidly changing landscape.

    Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply curious about where faith meets innovation, this conversation will challenge you to think critically about the future of the church in a digital age.

    1 hr
  • Surrender: You can't follow & lead

    What does it really mean to surrender to God? In this episode, we strip away the clichés and get brutally honest about what surrender looks like when life feels out of control. We talk about the fears, the wrestle, and the freedom that come when we stop clinging to our own plans and trust God with the unknown. This isn't passive resignation — it's active trust. Whether you're holding on to control, comfort, or certainty, this conversation will challenge you to lay it down and discover the peace that only comes when God is in charge.

    1 hr
  • In The Waiting...

    What do you do when the answers don't come quickly, the breakthrough feels far off, and you're stuck in a season of waiting? In this honest and hope-filled episode, we explore the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of being “in the waiting.” Whether you're waiting for healing, direction, provision, or peace, this conversation offers encouragement for those who find themselves in the in-between. We’ll share personal stories, biblical wisdom, and some of the hard questions that surface when God seems silent. Waiting isn’t wasted—and this episode is a reminder that even in the delay, God is still working.

    58 min
  • Facing the Fire: Conflict Resolution

    Conflict is a part of life—at home, at work, in relationships, even within ourselves. But how we respond can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive into the heart of conflict resolution. Whether you tend to stuff your feelings to keep the peace or explode when things boil over, we’ll unpack the emotional patterns behind those reactions and explore healthier, more constructive ways to deal with tension. Learn practical tools for communicating clearly, setting boundaries, and restoring peace—without losing your voice or your mind. If you've ever walked away from a disagreement feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or regretful, this one’s for you.

    58 min
  • Seasons of Change

    Life is full of changing seasons—times of joy and abundance, and times of loss, waiting, or uncertainty. In this episode, we explore how God uses each season to grow us, shape our faith, and draw us closer to Him. Drawing from Scripture and real-life stories, we’ll talk about how to recognize God’s hand in the transitions, trust His timing, and walk faithfully even when the path ahead is unclear. Whether you’re entering a new chapter or grieving the end of one, this conversation is a reminder that every season has a purpose—and God is with you in them all.

    1 hr 1 min
  • Tell Your Story

    In this episode, we explore the power of your personal story—how God met you in the middle of your trials and carried you through. Your testimony isn’t just your own; it’s a light for someone else who’s still walking through the dark. We talk about why your story matters, how sharing it can strengthen your faith and others’, and we encourage you to boldly speak of what God has done. Whether you’ve walked through loss, doubt, healing, or transformation, your testimony could be the hope someone else is praying for.

    57 min
  • When Forgiveness Feels Impossible

    What if forgiveness isn’t about the other person at all? Deb will share how sexual abuse can shattered your sense of safety, and how the idea of forgiveness can feel overwhelming. She will discuss how God has taught her that forgiveness isn’t about excusing the harm done, but about releasing yourself from its hold. And how Jesus’s healing power can transform pain into peace.

    53 min
  • Denial is Seducing

    We all do it—ignore the signs, downplay the truth, pretend everything’s fine. Denial can feel like protection, but it often keeps us stuck, afraid, and disconnected from reality. In this episode, we explore why we resist the truth, what it costs us, and how grace invites us to wake up. Whether you’re facing a hard conversation, a painful past, or just the quiet ways you avoid the mirror, this is an invitation to honesty, healing, and hope.

    1 hr 3 min

About Detours

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to "Detours," a captivating podcast that explores the unexpected turns, detours, and redirections that occur in our lives and how they fit into God's grand plan. Join us as we embark on a…