Episode 2.12

Programs can be a powerful tool for church ministry—but only when they serve the right purpose. In this episode, we look at how church programs help fulfill the biblical mission to glorify God through evangelism and edification. Drawing from Acts 2:42, Michael and Zach walk through the difference between faithful structure and fruitless tradition.

How can you tell when a program is working? When should a church retire a beloved ministry? We offer a framework for evaluating programs by their spiritual fruit and warn against the danger of “program idolatry”—when the method becomes more important than the mission. You’ll also hear encouragement to try new things in alignment with biblical priorities, and tips for fostering a culture of regular evaluation and prayerful adjustment.

Whether you’re a church leader or an engaged member, this episode offers practical wisdom for keeping your ministry focused, faithful, and fruitful.

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Episode 2.11

From million-dollar mansions to private jets, the rise of “celebrity pastors” has sparked questions about fame, finances, and faithfulness in church leadership. In this episode, we explore the complex topic of pastoral compensation, beginning with high-profile examples like Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Carl Lentz—and what ethical concerns their lifestyles raise.

Then we turn to Scripture: What does the Bible actually say about paying pastors? We look at clear New Testament teaching on the right to financial support, examples of abuse and warning, and Paul’s model of both receiving and refusing support. We also tackle modern questions: How much is too much? Should married pastors be paid more? What about book deals?

With biblical clarity and practical wisdom, we call churches to avoid both extremes—underpaying faithful shepherds and enabling lavish lifestyles that damage the gospel witness.

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Episode 2.10

What did the earliest church focus on—and what should we still be devoted to today? In this episode, we unpack Acts 2:42, where four clear priorities are laid out: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These weren’t optional extras; they were the foundation of a healthy, God-glorifying church.

Michael and Zach walk through each priority, showing how it fulfills the church’s mission of evangelism and edification. From Scripture-centered teaching to Christ-exalting worship, intentional fellowship to prayerful dependence, we explore how each element helps build a vibrant and faithful body of Christ.

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Episode 2.9

What the New Testament Teaches About Generosity

What does the New Testament really say about giving? Is the tithe still required—or has something deeper taken its place? In this episode, we unpack the language, theology, and practical teachings of New Testament generosity. From Jesus' teachings to Paul's letters, we trace how giving moves from law-based obligation to grace-driven worship.

We examine key Greek terms, compare Old and New Covenant giving models, and walk through foundational passages like 2 Corinthians 8–9 and Acts 2. Giving in the New Testament isn’t about percentages—it’s about hearts transformed by the gospel. Whether you're a longtime giver or just beginning to think through biblical stewardship, this episode will help you approach generosity with joy, purpose, and an eternal perspective.

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Episode 2.8

Why does the church exist? In this episode, we begin a short series on biblical church ministry by laying the foundation: the church exists to glorify God. Drawing from passages like Romans 15 and 1 Corinthians 6, we explore how the church’s ultimate purpose isn’t growth, tradition, or activity—but glory.

That glory takes shape through the Great Commission—evangelism (reaching the lost) and edification (growing the found). We unpack the dual calling to make and mature disciples, examine warning signs of mission drift, and challenge churches to evaluate every ministry through this simple but powerful lens: Does this glorify God?

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Episode 2.7

Was tithing in the Old Testament just 10%? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the tithes and offerings required under the Mosaic Law and discover a much broader and more complex picture than many realize. We explore the Levitical tithe, the Festival tithe, and the Charity tithe, which together averaged around 20–23% annually over a 7-year cycle—plus a range of sacrificial offerings and firstfruits contributions that could push total giving closer to 25–27%.

We also walk through the different kinds of offerings—burnt, grain, peace, sin, guilt, firstfruits, and more—and how they functioned in Israel's worship and communal life. Whether you're interested in biblical history, financial stewardship, or understanding how ancient practices inform our view of generosity today, this episode is packed with biblical insight and practical implications.

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Episode 2.6

In this special episode, Zach interviews Stephen and Emily Bostic as they share their heart for fostering children. Recorded on the road while returning from a conference on foster care and adoption, the conversation captures the passion, challenges, and calling behind their decision to pursue fostering.

Stephen and Emily open up about what led them to this step, how the Lord has worked in their hearts, and what they’ve learned so far. Whether you’re considering foster care, adoption, or simply want to hear how God calls His people to love the vulnerable, this episode offers encouragement and perspective grounded in faith.

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Episode 2.5

In Part 2 of our series on Biblical stewardship, we continue exploring practical, gospel-centered principles for managing money well. This episode covers four more key areas of financial wisdom—focusing on the heart behind how we use money.

We discuss the dangers of greed and materialism, the biblical responsibility to provide for your family, how to trust God in financial trials, and the importance of planning wisely for the future. Through real-life questions and scriptural insights, we aim to help you navigate the balance between faith and responsibility, generosity and saving, sacrifice and stability.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all financial plan—but it is a call to glorify God with what He’s given.

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Episode 2.4

Episode Description:

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Genesis 1, we ask the big question: Which creation view best fits both the Bible and the observable universe? Building on our discussion of yom in Part 1, we compare major views—Young Earth, Old Earth, Theistic Evolution, and more—and examine how broader creation passages across Scripture (Job, Psalms, Romans, etc.) shape our understanding of Genesis.

Michael makes the case that Old Earth Creationism aligns best with the text’s linguistic structure, theological depth, and scientific evidence—from radiometric dating to starlight travel to the Big Bang. Along the way, we answer common objections and emphasize that the goal isn’t to compromise Scripture, but to read it faithfully while recognizing God's revelation in both Word and world.

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Episode 2.3

The Bible has a lot to say about money—and so have we. But how do we take timeless truths and turn them into daily habits? In this episode, Michael and Zach move from principle to practice as we explore eight key areas of faithful financial stewardship. From recognizing God’s ownership to making wise investments, we offer practical, Scripture-rooted advice for managing your money to the glory of God.

We discuss how to plan generosity, live within your means, save with purpose, and think biblically about budgeting, debt, and even where you choose to live. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but these principles can help guide wise, gospel-centered decisions in your everyday financial life.

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