
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Christians say they want unity—but why are we so quick to tear each other apart?
In this episode of Eyes on Jesus, Drew and Tim tackle the growing culture of Christian criticism, online outrage, and division within the Church. From the controversy over Josh Howerton using a ladder in a sermon to the backlash Drew received for posting about Philip Anthony Mitchell’s book Contend, we ask a difficult question: Are we defending biblical truth, or just trying to prove we're right?
We talk about the difference between discernment and demonizing other believers, why Christians divide over worship styles and secondary theological issues, how social media rewards outrage, and what happens when criticism becomes more important than the Great Commission.
Unity doesn't mean uniformity. It doesn't mean abandoning biblical conviction or pretending every teaching is sound. But it does mean learning to disagree without sacrificing humility, love, and our shared mission in Christ.
In this episode:
Why Christian social media can become a cycle of outrage and criticism
The “laddergate” controversy and judging ministry methods
Drew’s experience receiving death threats after posting about Contend
Unity versus uniformity—and where biblical boundaries matter
Why Christians need to allow room for growth, maturity, and correction
How our preferences can become reasons to demonize other believers
The difference between discernment and tearing people down
Why the Church must stay focused on the gospel and the Great Commission
What it means to lay down our right to win an argument
Scripture to reflect on: John 15–17, especially Jesus’ prayer for His people; the conversation also points listeners toward the importance of Christian unity, spiritual fruit, discernment, and loving one another well.
The challenge: Before you post that criticism, ask yourself whether your words reflect the heart of Christ—or simply your desire to win.
If this conversation challenges you, share it with someone who would benefit from it, leave a comment, and subscribe to Eyes on Jesus with Drew and Tim.
Check out our merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
Join our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
Email feedback, questions or show topic ideas to [email protected]
For more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarker
Drew's church's website https://yes.online/
For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
What happens when the man who helped build one of the most influential Christian bands loses everything?
John James, the original lead singer and co-founder of the Newsboys, joins the Eyes on Jesus Podcast to share his remarkable story—from worldwide success in Christian music to hidden struggles, devastating personal failure, and ultimately the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ.
In this honest conversation, John opens up about childhood wounds, fame, spiritual drift, addiction, accountability, repentance, and the hope that only Christ can bring. Whether you've followed the Newsboys for decades, serve in ministry, or you're simply searching for hope after failure, this interview is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's redemption.
If you've ever wondered whether God can still use someone after they've fallen, this episode is for you.👍
If this conversation encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs hope today.
🔗 LINKS & RESOURCESConnect with John James and get his book https://www.ireachusa.com
🛍️ Support the podcast + get merch https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
📖 Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional https://a.co/d/3v8963s
🔗 All links in one place https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
In a world full of noise, distraction, content, busyness, and constant stimulation, many Christians are asking the same question:
Why does God feel silent?
In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim tackle a hard truth: maybe God isn’t the one who stopped speaking—maybe we’ve stopped listening.
From nonstop technology and overloaded schedules to our obsession with quick fixes, instant clarity, and loud spiritual moments, this conversation explores why it can feel difficult to hear God in modern life. Drew and Tim unpack how the Holy Spirit often speaks in quieter, more ordinary ways than we expect, why obedience often comes before clarity, and how distraction may be one of the enemy’s greatest weapons against intimacy with God.
They also talk about the danger of wanting God to move around our schedule, how adversity and stillness shape spiritual maturity, why many believers want the benefits of God’s presence without the surrender that comes with it, and how to make decisions when you’re praying for direction but still don’t feel 100% sure what God is saying.
If you’ve ever felt like God is silent, distant, or hard to hear, this episode is for you.
💬 Comment below: What’s the biggest thing that distracts you from hearing God?
Check out our merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
Join our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
Email feedback, questions or show topic ideas to [email protected]
For more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarker
Drew's church's website https://yes.online/
For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
Have you ever felt far from God—even while reading your Bible, praying, serving, and going to church?
In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim tackle one of the most common struggles Christians face: feeling distant from God despite doing all the "right" things.
They explore why feelings aren't always facts, how unmet expectations can affect our relationship with God, and why spiritual dryness doesn't mean God has abandoned you. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical encouragement, they discuss how believers can remain faithful even when they don't feel God's presence.
This conversation covers:
• Why feelings should never override God's promises
• The danger of going through spiritual motions without heart engagement
• What Jesus taught about the Pharisees and religious performance
• How unmet expectations can create distance in our relationship with God
• Why consistency matters even when you don't feel inspired
• The role of prayer, Scripture, worship, fasting, and community during dry seasons
• How comparison can make you feel farther from God than you really are
• What to do when God feels silent
If you've ever wondered where God is in the middle of a difficult season, this episode is for you.
💬 Comment below: Have you ever gone through a season where God felt distant? What helped you stay faithful?
Check out our merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
Join our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
Email feedback, questions or show topic ideas to [email protected]
For more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarker
Drew's church's website https://yes.online/
For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim tackle one of the biggest challenges facing Christians today: distraction.
From social media addiction and endless scrolling to addiction, temptation, and spiritual drift, this conversation explores how technology is shaping our hearts, our habits, and our relationship with God.
The discussion covers:
Drew and Tim discuss how phones and social media can become "weapons of mass distraction" that slowly pull believers away from prayer, scripture, discipleship, and meaningful relationships. They also address the reality of addiction in the church and why healing requires honesty, accountability, and a deeper desire for Jesus than for sin.
At the center of the conversation is a simple question:
What are you giving up in exchange for constant distraction?
💬 Comment below: What has been the biggest distraction in your walk with God?
Originally released May 24, 2023
Check out our merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
Join our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
Email feedback, questions or show topic ideas to [email protected]
For more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarker
Drew's church's website https://yes.online/
For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Tim sits down with pastor and author Seth Troutt to discuss one of the most debated topics in culture today: biblical masculinity.
As conversations around gender, identity, relationships, and masculinity continue to dominate social media, many men are left wondering what it actually means to be a godly man in today's world.
Seth shares insights from his new book Authentic Masculinity and explains why God's design for men is rooted not in cultural stereotypes, passivity, or aggression—but in humility, discipline, responsibility, and strength that honors others.
The conversation explores:
Seth also explains why many young men feel lost today, how technology is shaping identity, and why the church has an opportunity to offer a compelling vision of God's design for men.
Whether you're a father, husband, young man, pastor, or someone trying to understand the challenges facing this generation, this conversation offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement.
Connect with Seth and get his book at Seth Troutt
Check out our merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
Join our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
Email feedback, questions or show topic ideas to [email protected]
For more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarker
Drew's church's website https://yes.online/
For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim wrestle with a sobering question many Christians never stop to ask:
Can someone spend years in church… and still miss Jesus?
Using the story of the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, this conversation explores how two disciples walked with the resurrected Jesus and still failed to recognize Him. They knew the scriptures. They had followed Christ. They understood the events surrounding the cross. Yet somehow, they were still spiritually blind to the fact that Jesus Himself was walking beside them.
The discussion dives into how the same thing can happen today through routine, familiarity, distraction, and cultural Christianity. Drew and Tim unpack the danger of going through the motions in church, becoming spiritually numb to worship, sermons, and even the gospel itself. They explore how easy it is to know church culture, Christian language, and religious routines while still lacking genuine intimacy with Jesus.
Throughout the episode, they discuss spiritual blindness, false versions of Christianity, the importance of scripture, and how distractions like social media, personalities, politics, and constant content consumption can slowly pull believers away from true relationship with Christ. The conversation also challenges listeners to stop chasing emotional moments, constant “words,” or religious performance and instead pursue deeper intimacy through prayer, obedience, and the Word of God.
Drew and Tim also talk honestly about worship becoming routine, how believers can prepare their hearts before church, and why many Christians today may love the idea of Jesus more than they truly know Him personally. At the center of the episode is a reminder that Christianity is not about checking a religious box—it’s about truly encountering Jesus and following Him with surrender.
No matter how long someone has been in church, there is always a deeper level of intimacy, obedience, and revelation available in Christ.
👍 Subscribe for more conversations on revival, discernment, theology, and cultural Christianity.
💬 Comment below: Have you ever gone through a season where your faith felt more routine than relationship?
Check out our merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
Join our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
Email feedback, questions or show topic ideas to [email protected]
For more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarker
Drew's church's website https://yes.online/
For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim tackle one of the most divisive conversations in modern Christianity: false teachers, discernment, church culture, and the rise of “heresy hunter” content online.
Right now, social media is flooded with clips calling pastors heretics, false teachers, or wolves—and many Christians are left wondering:
What actually makes someone a false teacher?
Is every bad sermon automatically heresy?
Can a pastor say something wrong without being condemned?
And what’s the difference between biblical discernment and a critical spirit?
This episode dives deep into:
Drew and Tim also share personal stories from ministry, discuss public Christian leaders like Joel Osteen, Steven Furtick, and Ravi Zacharias, and wrestle honestly with the tension between grace, truth, discernment, and accountability.
At the center of the conversation is a simple reminder:
Our eyes ultimately belong on Jesus—not internet controversies.
👍 Subscribe for more conversations on discernment, theology, revival, and cultural Christianity
💬 Comment below: Where do YOU think the line is between discernment and a critical spirit?
🛍️ Support the podcast + get merch
https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
📖 Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
🔗 All links in one place
https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
👥 Join the Eyes on Jesus Podcast Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
00:00 – “Discernment is different than a critical spirit”
01:00 – Why false teacher conversations are everywhere online
02:30 – What 2 Peter says about false teachers
04:00 – The pastors Drew immediately thought about
06:00 – Joel Osteen and watered-down preaching
07:00 – Does a false teaching make someone a false teacher?
08:00 – Denominations, doctrine, and difficult questions
10:00 – Why preaching to millions changes things
12:00 – Sermon clips taken out of context
13:00 – Ravi Zacharias and hidden sin
16:00 – Viral clips and misunderstood pastors
18:00 – Steven Furtick’s “I am God” clip explained
20:00 – Why Christians must know scripture for themselves
21:00 – Heresy hunters and online outrage culture
22:00 – “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty…”
23:00 – Truth without love vs love without truth
24:00 – Tim’s struggle with a critical spirit
26:00 – Growing up around denominational criticism
27:00 – Toxic church staff culture and constant critique
30:00 – Learning what’s worth criticizing
32:00 – Speaking truth with love and humility
34:00 – Encouragement is a spiritual gift
35:00 – Why pastors need encouragement too
36:00 – Being specific with encouragement
37:00 – Letting God sort people out
Originally aired May 10, 2023
What happens if full alien disclosure actually happens? We aren't talking about documents being released by the government, but a level of deception that has the ability to shake the foundation of people's faith.
In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim dive into one of the strangest and most talked-about topics in the world right now: alien disclosure, UFOs, spiritual deception, and how Christians should respond.
This conversation isn’t about fear-mongering or wild conspiracy theories. It’s about discernment.
As governments release UFO/UAP documents and conversations around extraterrestrial life become more mainstream, many Christians are asking:
We discuss:
No matter what happens in the world, our response as believers is the same:
Fix your eyes on Jesus.
👍 Subscribe for more conversations on discernment, revival, theology, and cultural Christianity
💬 Comment below: How do YOU think the church should respond to alien disclosure?
Check out our merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/
Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcast
Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional
https://a.co/d/3v8963s
Join our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcast
Email feedback, questions or show topic ideas to [email protected]
For more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarker
Drew's church's website https://yes.online/
For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
From the publisher's feed

15,977 Listeners

7,460 Listeners

974 Listeners

2,262 Listeners

19,454 Listeners

1,479 Listeners

2,868 Listeners

65,336 Listeners

1,054 Listeners

13,158 Listeners

794 Listeners

84 Listeners