Pastor and Postmaster

How involved should Christians—and the church—be in politics? In Part 1, we step back from today's political battles to examine the deeper relationship between Christianity, the church, and the state. From the persecution of the early church to Augustine, Luther, Baptist views of church and state, and the Two Kingdoms framework, we ask what faithful Christian political engagement should actually look like. Can Christians separate faith from politics? What does the separation of church and state really mean? And how do we engage the political world without allowing politics to consume the church? Join us as we begin unpacking Politics, Pastors & the Pulpit.

In this episode, we're joined by Cameron Schweitzer to explore the biblical definition of the gospel through passages like 2 Timothy 2, 1 Corinthians 15, and Romans 1. We also examine how the Reformers understood the gospel and why justification by faith alone has been central to the Christian faith. We discuss:

-What the gospel is according to Scripture

-Why justification is at the heart of the gospel

-Whether modern evangelicalism has shifted toward a therapeutic message

-How theologians like Scot McKnight, N.T. Wright, and John Mark Comer understand the gospel

-Why getting the gospel right matters for every Christian

Our goal is to return to the apostolic gospel: the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again, and justifies sinners by grace alone through faith alone. "For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures"— 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, share the episode, and join the discussion in the comments.

Episode 31 continues our discussion on Evangelicals and Catholics by focusing on the two major doctrinal divides that have remained largely unchanged since the Reformation. While many assume the greatest differences involve purgatory, confession, the saints, or even the sacraments, we argue that the central issues are much deeper: justification by faith alone and the development of Marian dogma In this episode, we discuss the Protestant doctrine of sola fide, the Roman Catholic response at the Council of Trent, and the broader question of faith, works, assurance, and grace. Ultimately, this conversation asks an essential question: What is the true ground of our justification before God? Join us for Part 2 of this important discussion.

In Episode 30, we dive into a growing conversation happening right now—why are some, especially younger generations, being drawn toward Roman Catholicism? Is this a true revival… or something else?

We explore what it actually means to be Catholic and evangelical, tracing definitions from history, theology, and modern culture. From the early church fathers to today’s institutional expressions, we ask: What is the Church? And who belongs to it? We also break down:

-The meaning of “catholic” as universal vs. institutional identity

-The core distinctives of evangelical belief

-Where Catholics and evangelicals agree—and where they sharply differ

-The role of Scripture, tradition, and authority

-Why some are drawn to the beauty, structure, and history of Catholicism Ultimately, this episode points back to the central question: Is faith grounded in Christ alone—or in something more?

Join us as we think carefully, historically, and biblically about a trend that’s shaping the modern church.

In this episode, Kyla, Brody, Bo, and Ryan discuss annihilationism — the belief that the wicked are ultimately destroyed rather than eternally punished. We break down what annihilationism teaches, where the idea came from historically, and why it’s gaining traction in some Christian circles today. Together, we explore:

What annihilationism actually claims

How it differs from the traditional view of eternal punishment

Historical roots of the doctrine

Modern teachers and movements promoting it

Why the conversation matters for theology and the gospel

This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion examining a growing belief and encouraging listeners to think carefully about Scripture, tradition, and theological consistency. Subscribe for more conversations on theology, culture, and worldview.

In this follow-up episode, we continue our discussion on communism as a rival religion. Building on our previous conversation, we explore Marxism’s materialism, its denial of individual sin, and its promise of redemption through revolution.

We also discuss Aristotle’s classic defense of private property, and the idea that inequality is not simply a social injustice but something constitutive of nature itself. Together we examine how Marxism mirrors the structure of religious belief—offering its own vision of salvation, moral authority, and a future utopia.

In this episode, we examine a provocative claim: Is communism not just a political theory—but a type of religion?

From Karl Marx’s vision in The Communist Manifesto to modern political rhetoric about class struggle and “material foundations,” we explore whether Marxism mirrors the Christian story—creation, fall, redemption, and consummation—but redefines it in purely material terms.

In this follow-up conversation with retired officer Seth Cimino, we continue the discussion about life in law enforcement—this time reflecting on what it looks like after the badge comes off. Seth shares how his faith in Jesus shaped the way he approached law enforcement and how it continues to shape his perspective today. Kyla, Bo, and Ryan Rindels join the conversation as we talk about the challenges of the job, the weight officers carry, and how a Christian worldview influences justice, mercy, and service.

This week we talk with police officer Seth Cimino about what life is really like in law enforcement. Seth shares stories from his time on the job and explains how his Christian faith has helped him stay grounded, courageous, and compassionate. Kyla, Bo, Brody, and Ryan join the conversation for an episode that’s real, meaningful, and full of perspective.

In Episode 25, we take an honest look at Christian Fundamentalism with Ryan Rindels, Brody Lehman, and Pastor Royce Ruiz. Royce opens up about growing up within fundamentalism, what it gave him spiritually, and where he sees both strengths and challenges. Together, we unpack the basics of what fundamentalism is—and what it isn’t—in a respectful, thoughtful conversation.