Should pastors talk about politics? And where should the line be drawn between personal convictions and the church platform?This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon Beals and Pastor Tony Matter are back for one of their most unfiltered conversations yet!After Pastor Brandon briefly addressed voting and local ballot initiatives during a Sunday service, the response sparked a much bigger conversation about faith, politics, and the responsibility pastors have when speaking on controversial issues.Brandon and Tony discuss whether pastors should publicly share their political opinions, the difference between encouraging people to vote and telling them how to vote, and how Christians can navigate political disagreements without allowing them to divide the church.They also share their perspectives on several Washington ballot initiatives, discuss the challenges of leading people who don't always agree with you, and talk about why speaking what you believe is true can be difficult when you're afraid of disappointing others.Plus, Tony reveals his word for 2027, Brandon shares some of the responses he received after Sunday's message, and the guys wrap things up with their latest book recommendations, podcast favorites, and a hilarious story about a negative church review.It's honest, controversial, and exactly why we call it Pastors Unfiltered.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered 00:40 – Brandon Is Back From Vacation 02:03 – Tony's Word for 2027: Anchored 04:44 – Choosing a Word for the New Year 05:46 – Podcast Updates & Upcoming Guests 09:21 – Did Brandon Say Something Controversial? 10:35 – Should Pastors Be Involved in Politics? 11:52 – Why Brandon Tries to Stay Politically Neutral 14:01 – Why Elections and Legislation Matter 17:16 – Understanding Confusing Ballot Initiatives 18:26 – What Brandon Actually Said on Sunday 20:44 – Tony Reacts to Brandon's Statement 22:10 – Discussing Three Washington Ballot Initiatives 24:51 – The Debate About Women's Sports 27:57 – Understanding Different Perspectives 34:02 – Parental Involvement in Schools 35:56 – How Did the Church Respond? 37:29 – The Facebook Post That Sparked Backlash 40:35 – Is It Wrong for Pastors to Discuss Politics? 41:14 – What Did Jesus Say About Controversial Issues? 43:15 – Can Pastors Have Political Opinions? 44:19 – When Political Disagreements Divide the Church 46:26 – Having Conversations Instead of Walking Away 48:28 – Church Attendance & Consumer Christianity 51:35 – The Pressure of Leading People 53:55 – Why Pastors Struggle With Speaking Truth 55:52 – Endurance, Criticism & Staying Anchored 57:22 – Favorite Podcasts & Book Recommendations 1:01:56 – Politics, Culture & Personal Stories 1:05:22 – The Negative Church Review 1:07:41 – Closing ThoughtsWe talk about the things pastors are thinking and feeling but are too afraid to talk about.Subscribe to Pastors Unfiltered for more honest conversations about faith, ministry, leadership, and life.We'd love to hear your thoughts: Should pastors talk about politics?

Should pastors talk about politics? And where should the line be drawn between personal convictions and the church platform?This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon Beals and Pastor Tony Matter are back for one of their most unfiltered conversations yet!After Pastor Brandon briefly addressed voting and local ballot initiatives during a Sunday service, the response sparked a much bigger conversation about faith, politics, and the responsibility pastors have when speaking on controversial issues.Brandon and Tony discuss whether pastors should publicly share their political opinions, the difference between encouraging people to vote and telling them how to vote, and how Christians can navigate political disagreements without allowing them to divide the church.They also share their perspectives on several Washington ballot initiatives, discuss the challenges of leading people who don't always agree with you, and talk about why speaking what you believe is true can be difficult when you're afraid of disappointing others.Plus, Tony reveals his word for 2027, Brandon shares some of the responses he received after Sunday's message, and the guys wrap things up with their latest book recommendations, podcast favorites, and a hilarious story about a negative church review.It's honest, controversial, and exactly why we call it Pastors Unfiltered.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:40 – Brandon Is Back From Vacation02:03 – Tony's Word for 2027: Anchored04:44 – Choosing a Word for the New Year05:46 – Podcast Updates & Upcoming Guests09:21 – Did Brandon Say Something Controversial?10:35 – Should Pastors Be Involved in Politics?11:52 – Why Brandon Tries to Stay Politically Neutral14:01 – Why Elections and Legislation Matter17:16 – Understanding Confusing Ballot Initiatives18:26 – What Brandon Actually Said on Sunday20:44 – Tony Reacts to Brandon's Statement22:10 – Discussing Three Washington Ballot Initiatives24:51 – The Debate About Women's Sports27:57 – Understanding Different Perspectives34:02 – Parental Involvement in Schools35:56 – How Did the Church Respond?37:29 – The Facebook Post That Sparked Backlash40:35 – Is It Wrong for Pastors to Discuss Politics?41:14 – What Did Jesus Say About Controversial Issues?43:15 – Can Pastors Have Political Opinions?44:19 – When Political Disagreements Divide the Church46:26 – Having Conversations Instead of Walking Away48:28 – Church Attendance & Consumer Christianity51:35 – The Pressure of Leading People53:55 – Why Pastors Struggle With Speaking Truth55:52 – Endurance, Criticism & Staying Anchored57:22 – Favorite Podcasts & Book Recommendations1:01:56 – Politics, Culture & Personal Stories1:05:22 – The Negative Church Review1:07:41 – Closing ThoughtsWe talk about the things pastors are thinking and feeling but are too afraid to talk about.Subscribe to Pastors Unfiltered for more honest conversations about faith, ministry, leadership, and life.We'd love to hear your thoughts: Should pastors talk about politics?

Should pastors talk about politics? And where should the line be drawn between personal convictions and the church platform?This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon Beals and Pastor Tony Matter are back for one of their most unfiltered conversations yet!After Pastor Brandon briefly addressed voting and local ballot initiatives during a Sunday service, the response sparked a much bigger conversation about faith, politics, and the responsibility pastors have when speaking on controversial issues.Brandon and Tony discuss whether pastors should publicly share their political opinions, the difference between encouraging people to vote and telling them how to vote, and how Christians can navigate political disagreements without allowing them to divide the church.They also share their perspectives on several Washington ballot initiatives, discuss the challenges of leading people who don't always agree with you, and talk about why speaking what you believe is true can be difficult when you're afraid of disappointing others.Plus, Tony reveals his word for 2027, Brandon shares some of the responses he received after Sunday's message, and the guys wrap things up with their latest book recommendations, podcast favorites, and a hilarious story about a negative church review.It's honest, controversial, and exactly why we call it Pastors Unfiltered.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered 00:40 – Brandon Is Back From Vacation 02:03 – Tony's Word for 2027: Anchored 04:44 – Choosing a Word for the New Year 05:46 – Podcast Updates &amp; Upcoming Guests 09:21 – Did Brandon Say Something Controversial? 10:35 – Should Pastors Be Involved in Politics? 11:52 – Why Brandon Tries to Stay Politically Neutral 14:01 – Why Elections and Legislation Matter 17:16 – Understanding Confusing Ballot Initiatives 18:26 – What Brandon Actually Said on Sunday 20:44 – Tony Reacts to Brandon's Statement 22:10 – Discussing Three Washington Ballot Initiatives 24:51 – The Debate About Women's Sports 27:57 – Understanding Different Perspectives 34:02 – Parental Involvement in Schools 35:56 – How Did the Church Respond? 37:29 – The Facebook Post That Sparked Backlash 40:35 – Is It Wrong for Pastors to Discuss Politics? 41:14 – What Did Jesus Say About Controversial Issues? 43:15 – Can Pastors Have Political Opinions? 44:19 – When Political Disagreements Divide the Church 46:26 – Having Conversations Instead of Walking Away 48:28 – Church Attendance &amp; Consumer Christianity 51:35 – The Pressure of Leading People 53:55 – Why Pastors Struggle With Speaking Truth 55:52 – Endurance, Criticism &amp; Staying Anchored 57:22 – Favorite Podcasts &amp; Book Recommendations 1:01:56 – Politics, Culture &amp; Personal Stories 1:05:22 – The Negative Church Review 1:07:41 – Closing ThoughtsWe talk about the things pastors are thinking and feeling but are too afraid to talk about.Subscribe to Pastors Unfiltered for more honest conversations about faith, ministry, leadership, and life.We'd love to hear your thoughts: Should pastors talk about politics?

#175: Should Pastors Talk About Politics?

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony Matter is joined by special guest Heather Lane for an honest conversation about parenting, discipline, relationships, and raising children through every stage of life.With over 30 years of marriage and two grown daughters, Heather shares what she's learned about building trust, reaching your children's hearts, and creating relationships that last long after they leave home.Tony and Heather discuss how to avoid repeating unhealthy parenting patterns, the difference between discipline and punishment, whether parents can also be their children's friends, and how to navigate disagreements between spouses when raising kids.They also tackle some of the more challenging parenting questions, including spanking, emotional regulation, raising teenagers, apologizing to your children, and learning to let go as they become adults.Whether you're raising young kids, navigating the teenage years, or learning how to parent adult children, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for every season.Due to a recording issue, this week's conversation is split into two parts. Stay tuned for Part 2 with Heather Lane!TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered 00:40 – Tony Is Hosting Without Brandon 01:27 – The In the League Podcast Drama 03:46 – Introducing This Week's Guest 05:17 – Meet Heather Lane 07:50 – Breaking Unhealthy Parenting Patterns 09:24 – Building Trust With Your Kids 10:26 – Parenting Together as a Team 12:05 – Discipline Should Be Rooted in Discipleship 13:04 – Setting Rules and Expectations at Home 14:35 – Why Timing Matters When Correcting Kids 15:14 – Can You Be Friends With Your Children? 16:48 – The Importance of Reaching Their Hearts 19:25 – Gentle Parenting vs. Traditional Discipline 20:16 – The Conversation About Spanking 21:07 – Childish Behavior vs. Foolishness 23:03 – Why You Shouldn't Discipline in Anger 24:07 – Teaching Repentance and Showing Mercy 24:33 – Apologizing to Your Children 25:19 – Understanding Tantrums and Emotions 26:40 – Don't Parent Based on Your Own Feelings 27:28 – Are the Teenage Years Really That Bad? 28:33 – Staying Connected With Your Teenagers 30:15 – Speak to Who Your Kids Are Becoming 31:23 – Prioritizing Family Time 32:50 – Parenting Adult Children 33:27 – Giving Advice Without Being Asked 34:21 – The Hardest Part of Parenting Adults 35:26 – Trusting God With Your Adult Children 35:53 – Part 2 Announcement 36:13 – Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to Pastors Unfiltered and join us for Part 2 as we continue the conversation with Heather Lane!

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony Matter is joined by special guest Heather Lane for an honest conversation about parenting, discipline, relationships, and raising children through every stage of life.With over 30 years of marriage and two grown daughters, Heather shares what she's learned about building trust, reaching your children's hearts, and creating relationships that last long after they leave home.Tony and Heather discuss how to avoid repeating unhealthy parenting patterns, the difference between discipline and punishment, whether parents can also be their children's friends, and how to navigate disagreements between spouses when raising kids.They also tackle some of the more challenging parenting questions, including spanking, emotional regulation, raising teenagers, apologizing to your children, and learning to let go as they become adults.Whether you're raising young kids, navigating the teenage years, or learning how to parent adult children, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for every season.Due to a recording issue, this week's conversation is split into two parts. Stay tuned for Part 2 with Heather Lane!TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:40 – Tony Is Hosting Without Brandon01:27 – The In the League Podcast Drama03:46 – Introducing This Week's Guest05:17 – Meet Heather Lane07:50 – Breaking Unhealthy Parenting Patterns09:24 – Building Trust With Your Kids10:26 – Parenting Together as a Team12:05 – Discipline Should Be Rooted in Discipleship13:04 – Setting Rules and Expectations at Home14:35 – Why Timing Matters When Correcting Kids15:14 – Can You Be Friends With Your Children?16:48 – The Importance of Reaching Their Hearts19:25 – Gentle Parenting vs. Traditional Discipline20:16 – The Conversation About Spanking21:07 – Childish Behavior vs. Foolishness23:03 – Why You Shouldn't Discipline in Anger24:07 – Teaching Repentance and Showing Mercy24:33 – Apologizing to Your Children25:19 – Understanding Tantrums and Emotions26:40 – Don't Parent Based on Your Own Feelings27:28 – Are the Teenage Years Really That Bad?28:33 – Staying Connected With Your Teenagers30:15 – Speak to Who Your Kids Are Becoming31:23 – Prioritizing Family Time32:50 – Parenting Adult Children33:27 – Giving Advice Without Being Asked34:21 – The Hardest Part of Parenting Adults35:26 – Trusting God With Your Adult Children35:53 – Part 2 Announcement36:13 – Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to Pastors Unfiltered and join us for Part 2 as we continue the conversation with Heather Lane!

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony Matter is joined by special guest Heather Lane for an honest conversation about parenting, discipline, relationships, and raising children through every stage of life.With over 30 years of marriage and two grown daughters, Heather shares what she's learned about building trust, reaching your children's hearts, and creating relationships that last long after they leave home.Tony and Heather discuss how to avoid repeating unhealthy parenting patterns, the difference between discipline and punishment, whether parents can also be their children's friends, and how to navigate disagreements between spouses when raising kids.They also tackle some of the more challenging parenting questions, including spanking, emotional regulation, raising teenagers, apologizing to your children, and learning to let go as they become adults.Whether you're raising young kids, navigating the teenage years, or learning how to parent adult children, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for every season.Due to a recording issue, this week's conversation is split into two parts. Stay tuned for Part 2 with Heather Lane!TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered 00:40 – Tony Is Hosting Without Brandon 01:27 – The In the League Podcast Drama 03:46 – Introducing This Week's Guest 05:17 – Meet Heather Lane 07:50 – Breaking Unhealthy Parenting Patterns 09:24 – Building Trust With Your Kids 10:26 – Parenting Together as a Team 12:05 – Discipline Should Be Rooted in Discipleship 13:04 – Setting Rules and Expectations at Home 14:35 – Why Timing Matters When Correcting Kids 15:14 – Can You Be Friends With Your Children? 16:48 – The Importance of Reaching Their Hearts 19:25 – Gentle Parenting vs. Traditional Discipline 20:16 – The Conversation About Spanking 21:07 – Childish Behavior vs. Foolishness 23:03 – Why You Shouldn't Discipline in Anger 24:07 – Teaching Repentance and Showing Mercy 24:33 – Apologizing to Your Children 25:19 – Understanding Tantrums and Emotions 26:40 – Don't Parent Based on Your Own Feelings 27:28 – Are the Teenage Years Really That Bad? 28:33 – Staying Connected With Your Teenagers 30:15 – Speak to Who Your Kids Are Becoming 31:23 – Prioritizing Family Time 32:50 – Parenting Adult Children 33:27 – Giving Advice Without Being Asked 34:21 – The Hardest Part of Parenting Adults 35:26 – Trusting God With Your Adult Children 35:53 – Part 2 Announcement 36:13 – Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to Pastors Unfiltered and join us for Part 2 as we continue the conversation with Heather Lane!

#174: Are We Parenting Our Kids Wrong?

What happens when God gives you a word to live by — and then immediately gives you an opportunity to prove it? This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Brandon was supposed to be somewhere in Europe on vacation. Instead, he’s back in the studio after a passport application issue caused him and Di to miss their flight and put months of carefully planned travel in jeopardy. The timing couldn’t have been more ironic. Just days earlier, Brandon felt God give him his word for 2027: endurance. He had already written it into an upcoming sermon, bought a watch engraved with the word, and begun studying what it means to keep moving forward through disappointment, adversity and setbacks. Then came the test. Tony and Brandon talk about Romans 5, suffering and endurance, what it means for pastors to actually live what they preach, disappointment, ministry burnout, slowing down without losing your drive, and the tension between making your life count and knowing when to rest. Plus, they discuss pastors criticizing other pastors online, whether pastors should cuss from the stage, podcast drama, Pastor Appreciation Month and why encouragement matters more than most people realize. 00:00 Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered   01:02 The Podcast Is Growing   02:08 Podcast Drama   04:30 Pastors Criticizing Pastors Online   08:01 Should Pastors Cuss?   09:21 Why Brandon Isn’t in Europe   11:18 Planning the Perfect Vacation   15:07 Preparing for Vacation as a Pastor   19:20 Everything Was Going Perfectly   20:12 The Problem at the Airport   21:23 We Missed Our Flight   23:05 How Much Money Did We Lose?   23:56 Brandon’s Word for 2027   25:12 Why “Endurance”?   27:47 Suffering Produces Endurance   29:19 God Tested It Two Days Later   30:50 The Dream That Changed Everything   31:32 We Found the Mistake   33:08 The Application Gets Approved   34:04 Suffering, Character & Hope   34:27 When God Makes You Live Your Sermon   35:38 What Counts as Suffering?   37:04 Learning to Endure Disappointment   38:15 Don’t Let Setbacks Stop Your Purpose   39:09 How Long Can You Keep Pushing?   40:32 Making Your Life Count   42:05 “You Need to Slow Down”   42:53 Hard Work vs. Burnout   45:00 Was This a Test From God?   46:26 Keep Moving Forward   46:58 Pastor Appreciation Month   48:39 Honor Your Pastor   49:08 Closing Thoughts

What happens when God gives you a word to live by — and then immediately gives you an opportunity to prove it? This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Brandon was supposed to be somewhere in Europe on vacation. Instead, he’s back in the studio after a passport application issue caused him and Di to miss their flight and put months of carefully planned travel in jeopardy. The timing couldn’t have been more ironic. Just days earlier, Brandon felt God give him his word for 2027: endurance. He had already written it into an upcoming sermon, bought a watch engraved with the word, and begun studying what it means to keep moving forward through disappointment, adversity and setbacks. Then came the test. Tony and Brandon talk about Romans 5, suffering and endurance, what it means for pastors to actually live what they preach, disappointment, ministry burnout, slowing down without losing your drive, and the tension between making your life count and knowing when to rest. Plus, they discuss pastors criticizing other pastors online, whether pastors should cuss from the stage, podcast drama, Pastor Appreciation Month and why encouragement matters more than most people realize.00:00 Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered 01:02 The Podcast Is Growing 02:08 Podcast Drama 04:30 Pastors Criticizing Pastors Online 08:01 Should Pastors Cuss? 09:21 Why Brandon Isn’t in Europe 11:18 Planning the Perfect Vacation 15:07 Preparing for Vacation as a Pastor 19:20 Everything Was Going Perfectly 20:12 The Problem at the Airport 21:23 We Missed Our Flight 23:05 How Much Money Did We Lose? 23:56 Brandon’s Word for 2027 25:12 Why “Endurance”? 27:47 Suffering Produces Endurance 29:19 God Tested It Two Days Later 30:50 The Dream That Changed Everything 31:32 We Found the Mistake 33:08 The Application Gets Approved 34:04 Suffering, Character & Hope 34:27 When God Makes You Live Your Sermon 35:38 What Counts as Suffering? 37:04 Learning to Endure Disappointment 38:15 Don’t Let Setbacks Stop Your Purpose 39:09 How Long Can You Keep Pushing? 40:32 Making Your Life Count 42:05 “You Need to Slow Down” 42:53 Hard Work vs. Burnout 45:00 Was This a Test From God? 46:26 Keep Moving Forward 46:58 Pastor Appreciation Month 48:39 Honor Your Pastor 49:08 Closing Thoughts

What happens when God gives you a word to live by — and then immediately gives you an opportunity to prove it? This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Brandon was supposed to be somewhere in Europe on vacation. Instead, he’s back in the studio after a passport application issue caused him and Di to miss their flight and put months of carefully planned travel in jeopardy. The timing couldn’t have been more ironic. Just days earlier, Brandon felt God give him his word for 2027: endurance. He had already written it into an upcoming sermon, bought a watch engraved with the word, and begun studying what it means to keep moving forward through disappointment, adversity and setbacks. Then came the test. Tony and Brandon talk about Romans 5, suffering and endurance, what it means for pastors to actually live what they preach, disappointment, ministry burnout, slowing down without losing your drive, and the tension between making your life count and knowing when to rest. Plus, they discuss pastors criticizing other pastors online, whether pastors should cuss from the stage, podcast drama, Pastor Appreciation Month and why encouragement matters more than most people realize. 00:00 Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered &nbsp; 01:02 The Podcast Is Growing &nbsp; 02:08 Podcast Drama &nbsp; 04:30 Pastors Criticizing Pastors Online &nbsp; 08:01 Should Pastors Cuss? &nbsp; 09:21 Why Brandon Isn’t in Europe &nbsp; 11:18 Planning the Perfect Vacation &nbsp; 15:07 Preparing for Vacation as a Pastor &nbsp; 19:20 Everything Was Going Perfectly &nbsp; 20:12 The Problem at the Airport &nbsp; 21:23 We Missed Our Flight &nbsp; 23:05 How Much Money Did We Lose? &nbsp; 23:56 Brandon’s Word for 2027 &nbsp; 25:12 Why “Endurance”? &nbsp; 27:47 Suffering Produces Endurance &nbsp; 29:19 God Tested It Two Days Later &nbsp; 30:50 The Dream That Changed Everything &nbsp; 31:32 We Found the Mistake &nbsp; 33:08 The Application Gets Approved &nbsp; 34:04 Suffering, Character &amp; Hope &nbsp; 34:27 When God Makes You Live Your Sermon &nbsp; 35:38 What Counts as Suffering? &nbsp; 37:04 Learning to Endure Disappointment &nbsp; 38:15 Don’t Let Setbacks Stop Your Purpose &nbsp; 39:09 How Long Can You Keep Pushing? &nbsp; 40:32 Making Your Life Count &nbsp; 42:05 “You Need to Slow Down” &nbsp; 42:53 Hard Work vs. Burnout &nbsp; 45:00 Was This a Test From God? &nbsp; 46:26 Keep Moving Forward &nbsp; 46:58 Pastor Appreciation Month &nbsp; 48:39 Honor Your Pastor &nbsp; 49:08 Closing Thoughts

#173: When God Makes You Live Your Sermon

Tony is back from vacation, and this week Pastors Unfiltered dives deeper into Venture’s Ruins to Revival series and the story of King Cyrus. Brandon and Tony talk about what it means when God stirs someone’s heart — and the reality that being stirred doesn’t automatically mean we’ll respond. While Cyrus responded to what God was doing, only a fraction of the Israelites were willing to leave the lives they had built and take the risk of returning to the Promised Land. That leads into a bigger conversation about risk, comfort, settling, church planting, and the moments when following God requires stepping into something uncertain. They reflect on risks they’ve taken in ministry, opportunities they didn’t take, and the tension between being grateful for what God has already done while still staying open to what He might be stirring next.  They also revisit one of the defining moments in Venture’s history, when the future of the church building looked uncertain and a small room of people responded with extraordinary generosity — raising roughly $2 million in about 30 minutes. Plus, Tony shares stories from vacation, Brandon breaks down some surprising Pastors Unfiltered stats, they talk about ministry in Seattle, and things eventually get very unfiltered toward the end. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome Back to Pastors Unfiltered   00:40 – Did Brandon Ever Go to the Doctor?   02:00 – Tony Is Back From Vacation   03:15 – Why Are 30th Birthdays Such a Big Deal?   07:39 – Tony’s Ray-Ban Meta Glasses   09:10 – The Disney Shirt That Broke Brandon   10:16 – Tony’s Sister Has All the Hair   12:54 – Pastors Unfiltered Podcast Stats   16:32 – What Are We Talking About Today?   16:53 – God Can Use Anyone   18:00 – Can God Change Someone’s Heart?   20:33 – God Stirred Cyrus’ Heart   21:53 – Only a Fraction of Israel Returned   23:13 – When There’s No Risk, There’s No Story   25:39 – Being Stirred Doesn’t Mean You’ll Respond   26:01 – Watching People Turn Down God’s Invitation   26:48 – The Risks We Take Following God   28:12 – The Danger of Settling   29:18 – The Good Can Become the Enemy of the Best   30:06 – Has the American Church Become Too Comfortable?   31:24 – What Happens When God Starts Stirring Again?   33:55 – The Church Plant That Never Happened   35:21 – Holy Discontentment   36:45 – Why People Resist Change   39:13 – “I Want Heaven Crowded”   39:30 – Is God Stirring Everyone’s Heart?   40:16 – One Day to Feed the World   41:47 – What Do You Do With the Naysayers?   43:01 – New Opportunities for Churches in Seattle   47:15 – When Venture Almost Didn’t Make It   48:26 – $2 Million in 30 Minutes   49:14 – Watching the Holy Spirit Move Through Generosity   50:18 – The People Who Stayed   51:28 – Ministry on the Front Lines   54:24 – Brandon’s Upcoming Europe Trip   56:03 – Culture, Politics & Current Events   1:01:08 – Cyrus and Modern Political Leaders   1:03:19 – How Politically Diverse Is Venture?   1:03:36 – Closing

Tony is back from vacation, and this week Pastors Unfiltered dives deeper into Venture’s Ruins to Revival series and the story of King Cyrus.Brandon and Tony talk about what it means when God stirs someone’s heart — and the reality that being stirred doesn’t automatically mean we’ll respond. While Cyrus responded to what God was doing, only a fraction of the Israelites were willing to leave the lives they had built and take the risk of returning to the Promised Land.That leads into a bigger conversation about risk, comfort, settling, church planting, and the moments when following God requires stepping into something uncertain. They reflect on risks they’ve taken in ministry, opportunities they didn’t take, and the tension between being grateful for what God has already done while still staying open to what He might be stirring next. They also revisit one of the defining moments in Venture’s history, when the future of the church building looked uncertain and a small room of people responded with extraordinary generosity — raising roughly $2 million in about 30 minutes.Plus, Tony shares stories from vacation, Brandon breaks down some surprising Pastors Unfiltered stats, they talk about ministry in Seattle, and things eventually get very unfiltered toward the end.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome Back to Pastors Unfiltered 00:40 – Did Brandon Ever Go to the Doctor? 02:00 – Tony Is Back From Vacation 03:15 – Why Are 30th Birthdays Such a Big Deal? 07:39 – Tony’s Ray-Ban Meta Glasses 09:10 – The Disney Shirt That Broke Brandon 10:16 – Tony’s Sister Has All the Hair 12:54 – Pastors Unfiltered Podcast Stats 16:32 – What Are We Talking About Today? 16:53 – God Can Use Anyone 18:00 – Can God Change Someone’s Heart? 20:33 – God Stirred Cyrus’ Heart 21:53 – Only a Fraction of Israel Returned 23:13 – When There’s No Risk, There’s No Story 25:39 – Being Stirred Doesn’t Mean You’ll Respond 26:01 – Watching People Turn Down God’s Invitation 26:48 – The Risks We Take Following God 28:12 – The Danger of Settling 29:18 – The Good Can Become the Enemy of the Best 30:06 – Has the American Church Become Too Comfortable? 31:24 – What Happens When God Starts Stirring Again? 33:55 – The Church Plant That Never Happened 35:21 – Holy Discontentment 36:45 – Why People Resist Change 39:13 – “I Want Heaven Crowded” 39:30 – Is God Stirring Everyone’s Heart? 40:16 – One Day to Feed the World 41:47 – What Do You Do With the Naysayers? 43:01 – New Opportunities for Churches in Seattle 47:15 – When Venture Almost Didn’t Make It 48:26 – $2 Million in 30 Minutes 49:14 – Watching the Holy Spirit Move Through Generosity 50:18 – The People Who Stayed 51:28 – Ministry on the Front Lines 54:24 – Brandon’s Upcoming Europe Trip 56:03 – Culture, Politics & Current Events 1:01:08 – Cyrus and Modern Political Leaders 1:03:19 – How Politically Diverse Is Venture? 1:03:36 – Closing

Tony is back from vacation, and this week Pastors Unfiltered dives deeper into Venture’s Ruins to Revival series and the story of King Cyrus. Brandon and Tony talk about what it means when God stirs someone’s heart — and the reality that being stirred doesn’t automatically mean we’ll respond. While Cyrus responded to what God was doing, only a fraction of the Israelites were willing to leave the lives they had built and take the risk of returning to the Promised Land. That leads into a bigger conversation about risk, comfort, settling, church planting, and the moments when following God requires stepping into something uncertain. They reflect on risks they’ve taken in ministry, opportunities they didn’t take, and the tension between being grateful for what God has already done while still staying open to what He might be stirring next.&nbsp; They also revisit one of the defining moments in Venture’s history, when the future of the church building looked uncertain and a small room of people responded with extraordinary generosity — raising roughly $2 million in about 30 minutes. Plus, Tony shares stories from vacation, Brandon breaks down some surprising Pastors Unfiltered stats, they talk about ministry in Seattle, and things eventually get very unfiltered toward the end. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome Back to Pastors Unfiltered &nbsp; 00:40 – Did Brandon Ever Go to the Doctor? &nbsp; 02:00 – Tony Is Back From Vacation &nbsp; 03:15 – Why Are 30th Birthdays Such a Big Deal? &nbsp; 07:39 – Tony’s Ray-Ban Meta Glasses &nbsp; 09:10 – The Disney Shirt That Broke Brandon &nbsp; 10:16 – Tony’s Sister Has All the Hair &nbsp; 12:54 – Pastors Unfiltered Podcast Stats &nbsp; 16:32 – What Are We Talking About Today? &nbsp; 16:53 – God Can Use Anyone &nbsp; 18:00 – Can God Change Someone’s Heart? &nbsp; 20:33 – God Stirred Cyrus’ Heart &nbsp; 21:53 – Only a Fraction of Israel Returned &nbsp; 23:13 – When There’s No Risk, There’s No Story &nbsp; 25:39 – Being Stirred Doesn’t Mean You’ll Respond &nbsp; 26:01 – Watching People Turn Down God’s Invitation &nbsp; 26:48 – The Risks We Take Following God &nbsp; 28:12 – The Danger of Settling &nbsp; 29:18 – The Good Can Become the Enemy of the Best &nbsp; 30:06 – Has the American Church Become Too Comfortable? &nbsp; 31:24 – What Happens When God Starts Stirring Again? &nbsp; 33:55 – The Church Plant That Never Happened &nbsp; 35:21 – Holy Discontentment &nbsp; 36:45 – Why People Resist Change &nbsp; 39:13 – “I Want Heaven Crowded” &nbsp; 39:30 – Is God Stirring Everyone’s Heart? &nbsp; 40:16 – One Day to Feed the World &nbsp; 41:47 – What Do You Do With the Naysayers? &nbsp; 43:01 – New Opportunities for Churches in Seattle &nbsp; 47:15 – When Venture Almost Didn’t Make It &nbsp; 48:26 – $2 Million in 30 Minutes &nbsp; 49:14 – Watching the Holy Spirit Move Through Generosity &nbsp; 50:18 – The People Who Stayed &nbsp; 51:28 – Ministry on the Front Lines &nbsp; 54:24 – Brandon’s Upcoming Europe Trip &nbsp; 56:03 – Culture, Politics &amp; Current Events &nbsp; 1:01:08 – Cyrus and Modern Political Leaders &nbsp; 1:03:19 – How Politically Diverse Is Venture? &nbsp; 1:03:36 – Closing

#172: God Is Stirring… But Will You Move?

Tony is still on vacation, so Morgan Butcher joins Brandon for a very unfiltered episode! Brandon shares stories from spending four days completely off the grid while rafting through the Grand Canyon, including sleeping under the stars, traveling by helicopter, horseback and raft, and potentially getting bitten or stung by something in the middle of the night.  That experience sparks a bigger conversation about why men need opportunities to disconnect, get outside, build real friendships and experience God through adventure. Brandon and Morgan also talk about Venture’s upcoming Men’s Retreat and the importance of shared experiences in creating meaningful community. Plus, Morgan shares about his new Seattle sports podcast, they debate the Mariners, Seahawks and Raiders, celebrate Venture Softball finally making the playoffs, and finish with what Morgan is reading, watching and listening to.  Thanks for watching Pastors Unfiltered! Like, subscribe and share the episode. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered   01:07 – Brandon’s Grand Canyon rafting trip   03:07 – Morgan’s new Seattle Sports Dad Cast   06:07 – Finding someone to join the father-son trip   08:28 – Getting men outside so God can change the inside   09:29 – Brandon’s journey into the Grand Canyon   12:33 – Four days completely disconnected   15:05 – Should Venture do a Grand Canyon trip?   16:12 – Dallas becomes Morgan’s spiritual son   17:33 – The power of fathers speaking life over their sons   20:45 – Why men need to get outside   21:04 – Venture Men’s Retreat   22:27 – How shared experiences create real friendships   25:12 – Sleeping under the stars in the Grand Canyon   26:35 – Did Brandon get stung by a scorpion?   28:00 – ChatGPT tells Brandon to go to the ER   30:22 – Bat, snake or scorpion?   34:23 – Everyone secretly wanted a tent   34:59 – Venture needs an “Adventure Pastor”   35:26 – Venture Family Camp announcement   36:10 – Choir, Dallas and wedding talk   39:33 – What is wrong with the Mariners?   44:09 – Seahawks and Raiders talk   46:32 – The legendary Mariners game at Men’s Retreat   48:19 – Morgan’s family update   50:41 – Venture Softball finally makes the playoffs   53:51 – What are you reading?   56:00 – What are you watching?   57:01 – What are you listening to?   58:36 – Closing thoughts

Tony is still on vacation, so Morgan Butcher joins Brandon for a very unfiltered episode!Brandon shares stories from spending four days completely off the grid while rafting through the Grand Canyon, including sleeping under the stars, traveling by helicopter, horseback and raft, and potentially getting bitten or stung by something in the middle of the night. That experience sparks a bigger conversation about why men need opportunities to disconnect, get outside, build real friendships and experience God through adventure. Brandon and Morgan also talk about Venture’s upcoming Men’s Retreat and the importance of shared experiences in creating meaningful community.Plus, Morgan shares about his new Seattle sports podcast, they debate the Mariners, Seahawks and Raiders, celebrate Venture Softball finally making the playoffs, and finish with what Morgan is reading, watching and listening to. Thanks for watching Pastors Unfiltered! Like, subscribe and share the episode.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered 01:07 – Brandon’s Grand Canyon rafting trip 03:07 – Morgan’s new Seattle Sports Dad Cast 06:07 – Finding someone to join the father-son trip 08:28 – Getting men outside so God can change the inside 09:29 – Brandon’s journey into the Grand Canyon 12:33 – Four days completely disconnected 15:05 – Should Venture do a Grand Canyon trip? 16:12 – Dallas becomes Morgan’s spiritual son 17:33 – The power of fathers speaking life over their sons 20:45 – Why men need to get outside 21:04 – Venture Men’s Retreat 22:27 – How shared experiences create real friendships 25:12 – Sleeping under the stars in the Grand Canyon 26:35 – Did Brandon get stung by a scorpion? 28:00 – ChatGPT tells Brandon to go to the ER 30:22 – Bat, snake or scorpion? 34:23 – Everyone secretly wanted a tent 34:59 – Venture needs an “Adventure Pastor” 35:26 – Venture Family Camp announcement 36:10 – Choir, Dallas and wedding talk 39:33 – What is wrong with the Mariners? 44:09 – Seahawks and Raiders talk 46:32 – The legendary Mariners game at Men’s Retreat 48:19 – Morgan’s family update 50:41 – Venture Softball finally makes the playoffs 53:51 – What are you reading? 56:00 – What are you watching? 57:01 – What are you listening to? 58:36 – Closing thoughts

Tony is still on vacation, so Morgan Butcher joins Brandon for a very unfiltered episode! Brandon shares stories from spending four days completely off the grid while rafting through the Grand Canyon, including sleeping under the stars, traveling by helicopter, horseback and raft, and potentially getting bitten or stung by something in the middle of the night.&nbsp; That experience sparks a bigger conversation about why men need opportunities to disconnect, get outside, build real friendships and experience God through adventure. Brandon and Morgan also talk about Venture’s upcoming Men’s Retreat and the importance of shared experiences in creating meaningful community. Plus, Morgan shares about his new Seattle sports podcast, they debate the Mariners, Seahawks and Raiders, celebrate Venture Softball finally making the playoffs, and finish with what Morgan is reading, watching and listening to.&nbsp; Thanks for watching Pastors Unfiltered! Like, subscribe and share the episode. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered &nbsp; 01:07 – Brandon’s Grand Canyon rafting trip &nbsp; 03:07 – Morgan’s new Seattle Sports Dad Cast &nbsp; 06:07 – Finding someone to join the father-son trip &nbsp; 08:28 – Getting men outside so God can change the inside &nbsp; 09:29 – Brandon’s journey into the Grand Canyon &nbsp; 12:33 – Four days completely disconnected &nbsp; 15:05 – Should Venture do a Grand Canyon trip? &nbsp; 16:12 – Dallas becomes Morgan’s spiritual son &nbsp; 17:33 – The power of fathers speaking life over their sons &nbsp; 20:45 – Why men need to get outside &nbsp; 21:04 – Venture Men’s Retreat &nbsp; 22:27 – How shared experiences create real friendships &nbsp; 25:12 – Sleeping under the stars in the Grand Canyon &nbsp; 26:35 – Did Brandon get stung by a scorpion? &nbsp; 28:00 – ChatGPT tells Brandon to go to the ER &nbsp; 30:22 – Bat, snake or scorpion? &nbsp; 34:23 – Everyone secretly wanted a tent &nbsp; 34:59 – Venture needs an “Adventure Pastor” &nbsp; 35:26 – Venture Family Camp announcement &nbsp; 36:10 – Choir, Dallas and wedding talk &nbsp; 39:33 – What is wrong with the Mariners? &nbsp; 44:09 – Seahawks and Raiders talk &nbsp; 46:32 – The legendary Mariners game at Men’s Retreat &nbsp; 48:19 – Morgan’s family update &nbsp; 50:41 – Venture Softball finally makes the playoffs &nbsp; 53:51 – What are you reading? &nbsp; 56:00 – What are you watching? &nbsp; 57:01 – What are you listening to? &nbsp; 58:36 – Closing thoughts

#171: Brandon Survived the Grand Canyon… Barely

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Pastors Unfiltered Episode #1

Pastors Unfiltered features Dr. Brandon Beals and Pastor Tony Mattar from Venture Church.

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