Should Christians take a stand in the culture war on issues like abortion, gender, and sexuality? Some argue it’s divisive or that we should “just focus on the Gospel.” In this episode, Pastors Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson tackle these objections, unpack why contending for the faith matters, and explore how the church can shape culture rather than be shaped by it.

Is social media helping or hurting the Church? Pastors Josh Howerton and Carlos Erazo tackle common objections and misconceptions about pastors using social media to influence culture. They unpack why church leaders must step into the digital space—not just to contend for truth, but to disciple more effectively. If the church doesn’t disciple people, the world will.

Pastor Josh Howerton and Pastor Joby Martin refute top objections to megachurches, share watch outs for growing churches and unpack practical insights on sermon prep and preaching.

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

Pastor Josh McPherson and Pastor Ryan Visconti tackle the pressing issues at the intersection of faith, politics, and church leadership. How should Christians navigate justice and mercy in the immigration debate? Are churches failing to disciple believers on complex cultural ideologies like LGBTQ? Is President Trump a born-again believer? With a call for courageous leadership, they challenge pastors to stand firm in biblical truth while equipping their congregations for today’s cultural battles.

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

In this episode, Pastors Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson delve into the challenges of preaching in today's "negative world." They highlight the need for "brokenhearted apostolic boldness," urging pastors to speak the truth courageously and compassionately. They discuss the importance of preparing the church to navigate cultural shifts. Emphasizing integrity, they encourage pastors to be transparent and bold, confronting cultural lies with the gospel's truth.

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

Pastor Josh Howerton and special guest Allie Beth Stuckey unpack 'toxic empathy'—when compassion strays from biblical truth, leading to the affirmation of sin. They dive into how pastors can lovingly guide their congregations through cultural issues like gender, marriage, and the sanctity of life, grounding compassion in God’s justice and truth. 

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

Pastors Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson are joined by special guest Pastor Russell Johnson as they discuss Negative World Missiology. In this episode, they unpack the “new normal” for Bible-preaching pastors navigating cultural opposition and hostility.

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

In today's cultural climate, church leaders face unprecedented challenges. The increasing opposition and societal pressures require pastors to adapt their leadership strategies and build resilient teams. In this episode, Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson emphasize the importance of building strong, unified teams that can withstand external pressures. Key points include understanding the nature of outrage, fostering healthy elder board dynamics and strategic hiring practices. By implementing these strategies, church leaders can build resilient teams that are prepared to face the challenges of a negative world reality with confidence and boldness.

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

Pastor Josh Howerton and Pastor Jon Tyson discuss how to build the church with a vibrant, faith-filled culture and where the Spirit is welcome in a negative world. Tyson shares his experience church planting in NYC, mentorship under Dr. Tim Keller and how the Western Church can experience more supernatural gifts of the Spirit.

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

In a world increasingly hostile to Christianity, pastors need a theology on politics. Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson share practical ideas to equip pastors to speak prophetically into our cultural landscape.

Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/