Miked Up

A major topic of conversation in the American church lately has to do with men and the church. Many people claim the church has become too feminine, which is turning men away. Therefore, some are trying to make the church more masculine. On the other side of the issue, many claim this new emphasis is actually promoting toxic masculinity.

What’s the reality? Is any of this true? Mike and Coby dive into this subject with their typical candor, discussing facts, perceptions, and potential red flags. Can the church even be feminine or masculine? If so, what is the biblical ideal?

Summer is the season for family vacations, road trips, cruises, and unforgettable memories—but for many Christians, those experiences can come with a sense of guilt. Is it wrong to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation when that money could have gone to the church or to help those in need?

In this episode, Pastor Mike and Coby have an honest conversation about biblical stewardship, generosity, and the purpose of money. They discuss the difference between faithfully enjoying God’s blessings and being irresponsible with our finances, while exploring how Christians can make wise financial decisions that honor the Lord without living under unnecessary guilt.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance generosity, stewardship, and making memories with your family, this conversation is for you.

On this episode of Mike Up, Pastor Mike and Coby dive into the world of teams, leadership, and ministry culture. From staff and deacons to committees and crisis teams, they talk about what it really takes to build healthy teams inside the church.

They discuss the challenges leaders face, the roadblocks that come with team building, and why talent alone isn’t enough. Skill set matters, but so does calling, character, and cultural fit. Whether you serve in ministry, lead at work, coach a team, or simply want to grow as a leader, this conversation gives practical insight you can apply to everyday life while also offering a real behind-the-scenes look at leadership inside the church.

In this episode, the guys dive into the tension of relationships in ministry—what it looks like to be someone’s friend while also leading them. They talk about having hard conversations, handling correction, and navigating the weight of leadership when it involves people close to you, like friends and family. The conversation also hits on how difficult it can be for leaders to find spaces where they can truly be themselves while balancing roles as a pastor, spouse, parent, and friend. It’s an honest look at the challenge of leading well, loving people well, and staying human in the middle of it all.

In this episode, the guys talk about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and how people are reacting—both believers and nonbelievers. Was he all about politics, or something deeper? Are we seeing the start of a revival, or just a moment of emotion? And are we more focused on what’s said about Charlie than what’s said about Jesus?

On this episode of the Miked Up Podcast, the guys dive into the unique challenges of being a multigenerational church. They unpack how different generations approach missions—local versus global priorities, how money should be spent, and what it means to carry the gospel from our neighborhoods to the nations.

The conversation also looks at how the focus of the church has shifted through the years, including the call to get out and do something and the role of small group discipleship. From RAs and GAs to church plants and the cooperative program, the question remains: have older generations lost sight of local missions, and do younger generations fully grasp the impact of foreign missions?

Join in as we explore how Jesus’ command to 11 disciples who changed the world still gives us a blueprint for the church today.

In this thought-provoking episode of Miked Up, Dr. Mike and Coby dive headfirst into one of the most pressing topics of our time: Artificial Intelligence.

They explore:

• The benefits and dangers of AI
• Whether it’s a helpful tool or a subtle deception
• How AI is influencing young culture
• What place—if any—it has in ministry and the church
• And… are Dr. Mike and Coby using AI in their daily workflow?

Oh—and here’s the twist: is this whole episode even real… or was it generated by AI? 🤖

You’ll have to listen to find out!

In this episode of Miked Up, Dr. Mike and Coby dive into the fascinating and complex shifts happening within American Christianity. While the charismatic movement continues to grow at a global pace, another quieter movement is emerging among young evangelical men—a turn toward Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Why are these men leaving evangelical churches in search of liturgy, tradition, and rootedness? What draws others to the emotional and experiential depth of charismatic worship? Are both of these movements—though seemingly opposite—actually rooted in the same spiritual hunger?

Join us as we explore the theological, cultural, and emotional undercurrents behind these growing trends. It’s not just about where people are going—but why.

In this episode of Miked Up, Pastor Mike and Coby dive into the meaning and purpose of Holy Week and what it looks like this year at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas.

You’ve heard of Easter, but what about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday? Are these just traditions from other denominations, or do they hold significance for all believers?

Join the conversation as Pastor Mike and Coby unpack the origins and meaning of these days, why they matter, and how we observe them—not just as a church, but as a way to reflect on the final days of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Whether you’re new to Holy Week or grew up hearing about it, this episode is a great way to understand the heart behind it all.

In this episode of Miked Up, Dr. Mike and Coby dive into 2 Corinthians 12, where Paul speaks of the “thorn in the flesh” and how weaknesses can draw us closer to God. They explore how, in church culture, we often focus on our strengths while neglecting to understand the value of struggles. Why does God allow certain challenges to persist? How can these moments keep us tethered to Christ, even in the hardest times?

Dr. Mike and Coby also discuss the importance of casting our cares on the Lord, the role of prayer, and the power of praise—even when the enemy tries to silence it. They highlight the significance of community and the need for trusted people to open up to during difficult seasons. Additionally, they talk about practical spiritual disciplines—such as quiet time, eliminating distractions, and intentional prayer practices—that help Christians navigate through struggles and remain grounded in their faith.