In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris discuss a thoughtful question many married couples face. Can God call one spouse to make a major life change that the other spouse does not agree with?

Through honest dialogue and real-life examples, the pastors talk through what calling looks like for Christians, how it can shift through different seasons, and how marriage shapes the way believers discern God’s direction. They emphasize the importance of unity, humility, patience, and honoring one’s spouse, especially when clarity does not come easily. The conversation also addresses common pitfalls, healthy practices, and the role of prayer and wise counsel when couples feel stuck or uncertain.

This episode offers a helpful framework for couples navigating decisions around work, relocation, ministry, or long-term direction, while keeping marriage and faith at the center.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-9vFuVH7q8

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Chris Reed is joined by Pastor Anthony Lombardi for an honest and thoughtful conversation about how Christians discern good and evil in a complicated world. With culture, politics, and media often pulling in competing directions, the Pastors reflect on how followers of Jesus are called to think wisely, remain grounded in Scripture, and live faithfully.

The discussion explores Jesus as the ultimate standard for truth, the idea of human flourishing, and the tension between submitting to governing authorities while remaining loyal to Christ and His kingdom. Drawing from passages such as Romans 12–13 and historical examples, the Pastors emphasize discernment, humility, and resisting reactionary thinking.

Rather than focusing on grand gestures or public spectacle, this episode consistently returns to the power of daily faithfulness and obedience as the primary way God brings lasting change.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxVQX_fUIvg

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, pastors Anthony Lombardi, Matthew Johnson, and Chris Reed talk honestly about what it means to live a successful life as a Christian. Rather than measuring success by money, influence, career advancement, or recognition, the conversation reframes success as faithfulness to God in every season.

The pastors walk through practical areas where success is often misunderstood, including work and ambition, singleness and marriage, parenting, finances, and legacy. They discuss how stewardship, obedience, contentment, and surrender to the Holy Spirit shape a life that honors God, even when it does not align with cultural expectations.

This episode encourages listeners to rethink success not as an outcome to achieve, but as a daily commitment to walk in obedience and be faithful with what God has entrusted.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGdjaFDlRnA

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastors Chris Reed, Matthew Johnson, and Anthony Lombardi unpack what pastors really mean when they encourage everyday practices like reading the Bible, prayer, worship, going to church, and loving your neighbor.

Rather than presenting these as religious checklists, the conversation focuses on how these disciplines are meant to shape a real, ongoing relationship with God. The pastors discuss approachable ways to engage Scripture without formal training, prayer as an honest and continual conversation with God, worship as a lifestyle that re-centers the heart, and why consistent participation in the local church matters. They also explore what it looks like to love your neighbor through attentiveness and commitment to others’ good.

This episode is both grounding and practical for anyone wondering how to grow in faith one step at a time.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCCNCANljDY

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastor Matthew Johnson is joined by Pastor Anthony Lombardi and Pastor Chris Reid for an honest and thoughtful conversation about unity. What does unity actually mean in the church, and how does it differ from uniformity? How should Christians navigate disagreements while remaining committed to one another?

The discussion explores Scripture, church history, and real-life experience to distinguish between core Christian beliefs and matters of preference or conscience. The pastors also address denominational differences, church culture, leadership questions, and why humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit matter when navigating disagreement.

The conversation then turns toward culture, examining how followers of Jesus are called to love people deeply without compromising truth. Using the example of Jesus and the early church, this episode highlights unity as a powerful witness rooted in love, conviction, and faithfulness to Christ.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zvqGQ_eZUk

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a look at prosperity theology and why it often creates confusion within the Christian faith. They unpack the idea that faith or obedience guarantees wealth, health, or happiness, and contrast it with what Scripture actually teaches about blessing and the Christian life.

Throughout the conversation, the pastors explore commonly misused Bible passages, the role of suffering and hardship, and how distorted expectations can lead to guilt or disillusionment. Rather than promising an easy or comfortable life, they point listeners toward a faith centered on knowing Christ, trusting God’s redemptive work, and holding an eternal perspective. This episode offers clarity, balance, and encouragement for anyone wrestling with faith, suffering, or spiritual disappointment.

Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhjA0NmuNpo?si=HYZGwQwLVNrgsNY7

Artificial intelligence is becoming a normal part of life, and many people are unsure how to think about it. In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris talk through the opportunities and challenges AI brings to followers of Jesus. They discuss how technology can strengthen learning, creativity, and global connection, while also exploring the risks of replacing real relationships, spiritual reflection, and personal growth. Together they walk through what it means to use modern tools with wisdom, protect what makes us human, and disciple the next generation in a world shaped by rapid change. If you’ve ever wondered how faith and AI fit together, this conversation offers clarity, balance, and helpful perspective.

Watch our conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8f8Iyod88g

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a closer look at what Jesus meant when He spoke about the kingdom of God. They talk through why this theme appears so often in His teaching, how His life showed what God’s reign looks like, and what it means for believers to live in the tension of a kingdom that has begun but is not yet complete. Their conversation is steady, clear, and centered on Scripture. We hope it brings clarity and encouragement as you follow Jesus and learn to trust His work in every part of life.

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dvfZ1S-0GU

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Pastor Chris sit down for an honest conversation about what it means to love God, love others, and also learn to love ourselves in a healthy way. They walk through how love shapes our thoughts, emotions, spiritual rhythms, and daily choices, and they share practical examples from their own lives and ministries. The pastors also talk about navigating discouraging seasons, processing disappointment with God, and setting healthy boundaries while still loving people well.

If you'd prefer to watch this episode, you can find it on YouTube here: (Watch YouTube Video)

In this Branch Podcast Q&A episode, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris take on real questions from listeners about faith, Scripture, and life’s most challenging topics. Together they discuss reconciliation, fasting, sexuality, baptism, and why God allows suffering, all through the lens of Scripture and with honest, grace-filled conversation. The pastors also explore deep theological questions about salvation, Jesus’ divinity, and how faith shapes everyday decisions.

If you’ve ever wrestled with big questions or wanted to better understand how biblical truth applies today, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and strengthen your faith.

📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZh41JFPUWI