Matt Brown Show

Topic: Faith, Identity, and how God Is moving in Professional Soccer

Guest: Andy Searles is the pastor of Church Together near Orlando, Florida, chaplain for Orlando City Major League Soccer team, and a leader among chaplains serving professional soccer across the country.

As millions of people watched the World Cup this summer there were incredible expressions of faith in Jesus that have never been seen before.

Andy Searles, chaplain for Orlando City Major League Soccer team shares some of the behind the scenes how God is moving in players lives and soccer as a whole.

He shares from his personal journey how sports have an incredible ability to bring people together, but they can also become a source of identity—causing our sense of worth to rise and fall with performance, success, wins, and losses.

Soccer once became an idol in his own life, but growing in following Jesus transformed his identity. He shares how that identity in Christ is available to all of us.

Matt and Andy discuss the powerful expressions of faith happening throughout professional soccer, including players praying together, pointing people to Jesus, and using one of the world’s largest platforms to glorify God.

Andy also shares what he has learned serving professional athletes who can easily be treated like commodities based on their performance. The gospel offers something completely different: our value isn’t determined by what we accomplish, but by who God says we are.

The conversation closes with encouragement for parents raising young athletes. Sports can be an incredible tool for teaching teamwork, humility, perseverance, and even how to handle defeat well.

As Andy says, “Don’t let soccer use your kid. Use soccer to nurture and shape your kid’s heart.”

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

Check out:

A special thank you to our show ministry partner “The Open Bible” from Thomas Nelson. This is a wonderful Bible to help you grow in Christ. Learn more here.

Pick it up here.

Learn more about Andy Searles and Church Together at OurChurchTogether.com.

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at:

⁠Thinke.org⁠

Special thanks:

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Biblical Generosity, Stewardship, and Living with Open Hands

Guest: Boyd Bailey is a Bible teacher, author, and ministry leader passionate about helping people apply biblical wisdom to everyday life. He founded Wisdom Hunters, a devotional ministry that helps believers build their lives on God’s Word, and serves as president of the National Christian Foundation of Georgia, helping families steward generosity for Kingdom impact. He is also the author of The Power of Generosity: Experiencing God's Amazing Abundance.

Many people today feel pressure to chase success, security, and financial stability, believing that more money or achievement will bring lasting happiness. Yet even when people reach those goals, they often still feel empty, stressed, or dissatisfied.

In this episode, Boyd Bailey shares how Scripture reveals a different path—one where true joy and fulfillment are found through generosity and trusting God with what we’ve been given. Drawing from his own testimony and decades of ministry, Boyd explains why generous people often experience deeper gratitude, stronger faith, and greater joy.

Matt and Boyd also explore practical ways to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity—not just financially, but through our time, patience, and encouragement. As Boyd says, a simple prayer like “Lord, show me today how you want me to be generous” can transform the way we live and see God work through our lives.

Check out: Boyd’s book, The Power of Generosity: Experiencing God's Amazing Abundance – How to Change the World Through Acts of Kindness, here.

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Unshakable Faith, Answering Objections, and Why Family Rhythms Matter

Guest: Alex McFarland is a Christian apologist, author, evangelist, and cultural analyst heard daily on more than 200 radio stations nationwide. He is the host of The Alex McFarland Show and the author of more than 20 books, including The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity and The God You Thought You Knew. Alex has preached in over 2,000 churches, hosted large-scale evangelistic events across America, and spent years working with Focus on the Family.

In a culture where young people are walking away from church, questioning their faith, and drowning in distraction, many parents feel anxious and unprepared. Why are so many kids abandoning Christianity? And what can families do now to build a faith that lasts?

In this urgent and practical conversation, Alex shares what he’s learned from decades of ministry to teens, college students, and families. He explains why today’s objections to Christianity are often rooted more in emotional pain than intellectual doubt—and why empathy, truth, and consistency matter more than ever. One of the most powerful takeaways? Faith is formed in everyday rhythms. Alex challenges parents to reclaim simple but transformative habits—like unplugged family meals, prayer together, and consistent church involvement.

You’ll be reminded that raising spiritually resilient kids doesn’t require big budgets or perfect parenting—but it does require intentional leadership, courage, and consistency.

Check out:

Learn more about Alex’s ministry, books, and upcoming Conversations That Matter events at ⁠alexmcfarland.com.⁠

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Evangelizing Children, Discipling the Next Generation, and Why Young Hearts Matter Most

Guest: Fred Pry is the Vice President of Child Evangelism Fellowship, a global ministry dedicated to reaching children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, discipling them, and establishing them in local churches. Founded in 1937, CEF now operates in all 50 states and most countries around the world, with thousands of staff and volunteers and more than 4,000 Good News Clubs meeting in public schools.

In a world where culture is discipling children faster than the Church, many parents and pastors feel overwhelmed and unsure how to effectively reach the next generation. With rising confusion, anxiety, and spiritual apathy among young people, the question is urgent: How do we make sure children hear and respond to the Gospel while their hearts are still open?

In this powerful and hope-filled conversation, Fred shares the remarkable story of Child Evangelism Fellowship, from its unlikely beginnings to reaching over 240 million children in the last 20 years alone. He explains why Scripture repeatedly commands believers to tell the next generation about the mighty works of God and what happens when we don’t. You’ll be encouraged to see that God is moving powerfully among children around the world and that ordinary believers can play a vital role in reaching them.

If you’ve ever wondered how to practically obey the Great Commission, this episode will show you how to pray, give, and go in ways that can impact eternity.

Check out:

Learn more about Child Evangelism Fellowship and find a local chapter: ⁠cefonline.com⁠

Explore training, curriculum, and family discipleship resources through CEF Press at ⁠cefonline.com

⁠

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Self-Centered Salvation, Renewing Your Mind, and Experiencing True Intimacy with God

Guest: Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and pastor whose ministry is devoted to helping people grow closer to Christ and closer to one another. He is the author of numerous influential books on marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation, including Sacred Marriage and The Sacred Search. His newest book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling Twelve Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God, challenges believers to identify and reject the subtle falsehoods that keep them from experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises.

Many Christians believe the gospel is simply about going to heaven when we die. While that is gloriously true, Gary explains that if we stop there, we reduce salvation to something self-centered and future-focused. Jesus and Paul preached a gospel that transforms how we live right now. It’s not just about getting to heaven—it’s about bringing heaven to earth.

In this powerful conversation, Gary unpacks how cultural assumptions, subtle entitlement, and consumer Christianity can quietly erode our joy and intimacy with God. He shares how believing we “deserve” comfort or ease sets us up for disappointment and how seeing Jesus as our Rescuer fills us instead with gratitude and astonishment.

You don’t have to change jobs or move across the world to live the abundant Christian life. But when your mind is renewed and your values are reshaped by Scripture, everything changes—your motivations, your purpose, your joy, and your peace.

God has more for you than simply surviving until heaven. He invites you into a deeper, wiser, more purposeful life—right now.

Check out:

Learn more about Gary’s new book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling Twelve Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God, here.

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Marital success, communication, and prioritizing family in the demanding world of professional sports and everyday life.

Guests: George and Tondra Gregory are the founders of Journey for Life, a marriage ministry dedicated to equipping couples to build successful relationships. George serves as the chaplain for the Los Angeles Chargers, while Tondra ministers to the wives and girlfriends of players and coaches, as well as leads couples and front office Bible studies. They are the authors of "The Marriage Game Plan: Developing a Winning Strategy for Marital Success."

In this insightful conversation, George and Tondra share their journey of building a strong marriage, drawing from their 30 years of experience, including 16 seasons ministering to NFL families. They emphasize the importance of having a "game plan" for marriage, especially in a culture where divorce rates are high, even among retired NFL players.

Check out:

Learn more about Journey for Life here: https://journeyforlifenow.org/ 

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Finding Hope and Putting Compassion Into Action

Guest: Heath Adamson is the Senior Vice President of Convoy of Hope, where he helps lead global efforts to address the root causes of poverty, hunger, and suffering. Through disaster relief, feeding initiatives, and community development, Convoy of Hope has served hundreds of millions of people around the world in Jesus’ name.

Heath is also the author of Hope Breaks Through: How to See Beyond Your Life and Put Compassion into Action. Drawing from years of firsthand experience in refugee camps, disaster zones, and impoverished communities, Heath explains why hopelessness is one of the greatest spiritual crises of our time—and how biblical hope is rooted in God’s promises, not circumstances.

In this episode, Heath joins Matt to explore what true hope really means, how God meets us in seasons of pain and disappointment, and how choosing compassion and faith-filled action allows hope to break through for both those who are suffering and those who serve.

Check out:

Learn more about Convoy of Hope and how to get involved: ⁠⁠convoyofhope.org⁠⁠

Pick up Heath’s book, Hope Breaks Through: How to See Beyond Your Life and Put Compassion into Action, here.

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: God’s Plan and How He Hasn’t Forgotten You

Guest: Robert Morgan is a longtime pastor, Bible teacher, and bestselling author from Tennessee. He has written dozens of trusted Christian books, including The Red Sea Rules, and is known for his clear teaching, pastoral heart, and deep love for Scripture.

In this episode, Robert joins Matt to discuss his new book, God Hasn’t Forgotten You: 24 Remarkable Ways God Is Working in You and Through You, which draws rich spiritual lessons from Luke chapter one and the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Together, they explore how God works behind the scenes in seasons of waiting, how prayer rises like incense before Him, and why our greatest days of service may still be ahead—no matter our age or season of life.

Check out:

Learn more about Robert Morgan and his resources: ⁠⁠robertjmorgan.com⁠⁠

Pick up Robert’s new book, God Hasn’t Forgotten You: 24 Remarkable Ways God Is Working in You and Through You, here.

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Not My Jesus—Rediscovering the Real Christ and the Revival Generation

Guest: Shane Pruitt is the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and a passionate evangelist, Bible teacher, and leader to the next generation. He preaches the gospel to more than 100,000 young people each year and is the author of several books, including his newest release, Not My Jesus. Shane is also the host of the Gen Z / Revive podcast and a trusted voice speaking into what God is doing among students across the nation.

In a culture where Jesus is often reshaped to fit personal opinions, cultural causes, or comfort-driven faith, many people are following a version of Christ that looks nothing like the Jesus of the Bible. In this compelling conversation, Shane challenges listeners to rediscover the real Jesus—not a mascot, genie, or distant figure, but the King of Kings revealed in Scripture.

Drawing from his new Bible study Not My Jesus, Shane and Matt discuss why our understanding of Jesus shapes everything—from evangelism and discipleship to missions and spiritual growth. They address common cultural distortions of Jesus, including the idea that He never judges, always affirms, or exists primarily to make our lives comfortable.

Shane also shares powerful personal testimony, including walking through grief and suffering, and how the real Jesus is both compassionate and powerful—present in pain and sovereign over every circumstance. The conversation reminds listeners that Jesus loves us as we are, but loves us too much to leave us there.

Finally, Shane offers hope-filled insight into what many are calling the Revival Generation. From unprecedented spiritual hunger to repentance, bold faith, and a renewed passion for the Great Commission, God is clearly at work among Gen Z and the generations rising behind them.

This episode is a call to lay down false versions of Jesus and encounter the real Christ—one who saves, transforms, sends, and satisfies like nothing else in this world.

Check out:

Learn more about Shane’s new Bible study, Not My Jesus, here.

Connect with Shane and his ministry: ⁠⁠shanepruitt.net⁠⁠

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org

⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠

Topic: Miraculous Faith, Biblical Authority, and Answering the Hard Questions

Guest: Ken Ham is a Christian leader, speaker, and author best known as the founder of Answers in Genesis and the visionary behind the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in northern Kentucky. A former science teacher from Australia, Ken has spent decades helping believers defend the authority of Scripture, beginning in the book of Genesis. His newest book, Miraculous: The Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis Story, shares the powerful journey of faith behind one of the most impactful ministries in the world.

In a world where biblical truth is increasingly questioned, many Christians—especially parents—feel unequipped to answer tough questions about creation, evolution, and the reliability of Scripture.

In this inspiring conversation, Ken shares how God used ordinary obedience, bold faith, and perseverance to build a global ministry centered on trusting God’s Word without compromise.

Drawing from his personal story and more than 50 years of ministry, Ken and Matt discuss why Genesis matters, how apologetics strengthens faith, and how parents can disciple their children with confidence rather than fear. They also talk about the importance of raising the next generation to stand on biblical truth while engaging the world with clarity and grace.

You’ll be reminded that God still works powerfully through those willing to trust Him fully—and that when He calls you to something, He faithfully makes a way.

Check out:

Discover Answers in Genesis, resources, and teaching tools: answersingenesis.org⁠⁠

Learn more about visiting the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum: ⁠⁠arkencounter.com⁠⁠

Pick up Ken’s book, Miraculous: The Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis Story, here.

Pick up Matt's book, Truth Plus Love, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Receive our free e-book “5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God” at: ⁠Thinke.org⁠

If you love this show, please subscribe, share this episode with friends, and leave a nice review!

This show is made possible thanks to the support of friends like you.

By God’s grace, we minister to millions of young people across America each year with powerful faith content.

Your gift of $25 will help share Jesus with thousands of young people who need hope, in a community near you.

Be a part today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinke.org/donate⁠⁠⁠