What happens when a Christian leader fails publicly?
And what does that have to do with exegesis, sermon prep, and pastoral care?

In Episode 21 of Faith in Real Life, Nat Crawford and Dan Coke unpack the recent controversy involving Michael Tate of the Newsboys, and how the Church should respond when spiritual leaders fall.

Then they go deep into the art and weight of sermon preparation—from hours of study to rightly dividing the Word through exegesis, hermeneutics, and prayer.

Whether you preach, lead, or listen—this episode brings clarity and conviction to what faith looks like behind the pulpit and beyond.

🟠 Key Topics Covered:

• Responding to moral failure in Christian leadership
• The necessity of forgiveness and restoration
• The time and discipline behind solid sermon preparation
• The difference between exegesis and eisegesis
• Why context and clarity are non-negotiables
• The role of prayer, humility, and pastoral care in preaching

 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream.

#FaithInRealLife #ChristianPodcast #MichaelTate #SermonPrep #Forgiveness #ExpositoryPreaching #ChurchLeadership #Hermeneutics #BiblicalPreaching #PastoralCare #NewsboysControversy #GraceAndTruth

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Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

"Culture is happening in your church—whether you’ve defined it or not."

In Episode 20 of Faith in Real Life, Nat Crawford and Dan Coke dive deep into one of the most overlooked areas of church leadership: organizational culture.

From defining mission, vision, and values to real talk on discipleship, communication, and leadership buy-in—this episode will challenge and equip anyone involved in shaping the life of a local church.

They also explore how myths, stories, and unspoken norms often guide churches more than the Bible does—and how intentional leadership can change that.

🟠 Key Topics Covered:

• How to define and build a healthy church culture
• Why mission and vision must be revisited regularly
• What it really takes to make disciples
• How to lead cultural change in a church
• The hidden power of personal stories, family values, and buy-in from leadership
• Why values must be visible, not vague

📌 Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or church member—this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode here:
 👉 https://youtu.be/ [insert link once available]

#FaithInRealLife #ChurchCulture #OrganizationalCulture #ChurchLeadership #Discipleship #MissionAndVision #BiblicalLeadership #ChristianPodcast #ChurchGrowth #HealthyChurches #SpiritualLeadership #GreatCommission #CoreValues #FaithAndLeadership

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Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

“Music is only 20% of the job. Worship is a pastoral calling.”
In Episode 19 of Faith in Real Life, Nat Crawford and Dan Koch sit down with Worship Pastor Donald Adams to unpack what worship truly is—and isn’t.

Donald shares his journey into worship ministry and challenges the idea that worship is just about music. He outlines a biblical philosophy of worship that exalts God, edifies the saints, and evangelizes the lost.

This episode digs deep into evaluating worship effectiveness, balancing excellence with authenticity, and understanding the pastoral weight of leading people in worship.

Whether you're a worship leader, church member, or just someone wanting a richer understanding of corporate and personal worship, this conversation will shape how you see worship—and how you engage with it.

🟢 Key Topics Include:

• Worship defined: more than music
• The pastoral role of the worship leader
• Excellence vs. entertainment in worship
• Teaching theology through song
• Supporting congregational singing
• The beauty and creativity of God-honoring worship
• The difference between personal and corporate worship
• Emotional expression and theological depth in worship music
• Advice for aspiring worship leaders

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode here:
 👉 https://youtu.be/IksRrc52TgI?si=7Y7-vIEDG2AcBo7P

#FaithInRealLife #WorshipMinistry #WorshipPastor #TheHeartOfWorship #DonaldAdams #ExcellenceInWorship #ChurchLeadership #ChristianPodcast #WorshipPhilosophy #TheologyInWorship #CongregationalSinging #WorshipIsPastoral #WorshipThatMatters #BiblicalWorship #ChristianMusicMinistry

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Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

“It felt like life was in black and white… until I met Jesus.”
In this powerful episode of Faith in Real Life, Nat Crawford and Dan Coke take you on a raw, honest journey through childhood struggles, college football dreams, deep personal challenges—and the redemptive power of faith, mentorship, and identity in Christ.

Dan shares his story of growing up in South Florida, moving to Kansas, and going from athlete to minister. With humor, transparency, and gospel-centered hope, he reflects on how God used adversity to shape his calling.

Whether you’re walking through a storm or trying to find your place in God’s story—this episode will encourage you to keep going, trust God, and embrace the transformation He offers.

🟢 Topics Include:

The power of mentorship and godly influence

How sports can shape character and faith

Childhood adversity and the search for purpose

Spiritual growth through discipleship

Church planting and pastoral calling

Identity in Christ over identity in the past

Why God never wastes your pain

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

#FaithInRealLife #OvercomingAdversity #ChristianMentorship #IdentityInChrist #SportsAndFaith #PersonalTestimony #FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #ChildhoodStruggles #ChurchPlanting #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTransformation #MinistryCalling #CollegeFootballFaith #GodsGrace

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Follow us online
Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

What happens when culture shifts the language of life?
 How do Christians navigate justice, race, and truth?
 And where should we really land on the debate over spiritual gifts?

In Episode 17 of Faith in Real Life, Nat Crawford and Daniel Koch tackle some of today’s biggest faith-and-culture collisions. From the language used around conception to the debate between cessationism and continuationism, this episode is packed with truth, clarity, and humor.

They explore why context matters in interpreting Scripture, how justice should be rooted in biblical truth—not cultural trends—and why the conversation around spiritual gifts still matters today.

🎯 Key Topics Include:

• Why many Christians believe life begins at conception
• How shifting language shapes our beliefs
• Navigating racial and cultural tensions through a biblical lens
• Cessationism vs. Continuationism—what are spiritual gifts for?
• Why Scripture, not just experience, should guide our theology

📌 Watch now, subscribe, and join the conversation as we bring faith into real life every week.

🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

#FaithInRealLife #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualGifts #JusticeAndFaith #BiblicalTruth #Cessationism #Continuationism #LifeBeginsAtConception #ChristianCulture #PodcastForChristians #BiblicalJustice #ChristianityToday #FaithAndCulture #ContextIsKey

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Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

In Episode 16 of Faith in Real Life, Nat Crawford and Dan Coke sit down for a candid, sometimes light-hearted, and deeply challenging conversation that stretches across parenting, culture, and the Church.

From the toxic influence of Andrew Tate to the parenting wisdom (and realism) of Proverbs, this episode dives deep into how Christian values should shape our homes, our churches, and our culture. They explore how to choose a new church, the dangers of drifting doctrine, and how biblical language and worship culture can either build or break spiritual health.

Whether you're a parent, pastor, or just trying to live out your faith in a confusing world, this episode gives real talk, biblical insight, and practical wisdom for your journey.

🟢 Topics Include:

• The influence of Andrew Tate on modern masculinity
• The role of Proverbs in parenting
• Finding a healthy, Bible-centered church
• Leadership evaluation & church doctrine
• Inclusivity, equity, and biblical truth
• Worship culture and church gimmicks
• Dependence on God in parenting

📌 Like, share, and subscribe to join us as we bring Faith into Real Life every week.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

🔖 Hashtags:

#FaithInRealLife #ChristianParenting #AndrewTate #BiblicalWisdom #ProverbsParenting #ChurchLeadership #ParentingWithFaith #ChristianPodcast #WorshipCulture #BiblicalTruth #NebraskaPodcast #FaithAndCulture #FindingAChurch #YouthMinistry #ChristianValues

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Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

Faith on the Field: Coach Ron Brown’s Journey of Identity, Coaching, and Revival

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Faith in Real Life podcast, host Dan Coke sits down with Coach Ron Brown, a man who sees coaching as more than a career—it’s a mission field. Ron shares how his faith, identity in Christ, and marriage have shaped his coaching journey, allowing him to navigate adversity and prosperity with unwavering trust in God.

From helping athletes wrestle with their identity in sports to witnessing a revival of faith in athletics, Ron emphasizes the need for authenticity in ministry, staying grounded in biblical truth, and serving others while sharing the gospel. This conversation will challenge you to see your career, relationships, and struggles through the lens of faith and purpose.

🔥 Key Takeaways:
✅ Faith isn’t just personal—it’s a mission
✅ Marriage is a covenant that reflects God’s love
✅ Identity struggles are common in sports—and in life
✅ Adversity and prosperity both test our faith
✅ The truth of God’s Word is unchanging
✅ Revival is happening in sports and beyond

🎧 Listen now and be encouraged in your faith!

Hashtags:

#FaithInRealLife #CoachRonBrown #FaithAndSports #IdentityInChrist #MissionMindset #CoachingWithPurpose #RevivalInSports #ChristianCoaching #TrustGod #AthleteFaith #AdversityAndProsperity #MarriageAndFaith #GodsTruth

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Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

In this episode of the Faith in Real Life podcast, hosts Nat Crawford and Daniel Coke engage in a lively discussion covering a range of topics including animal rights, the theological implications of animals in heaven, the abortion debate surrounding RFK Jr., and the increasing number of single Christians delaying marriage. They explore the balance between caring for creation and recognizing the unique value of human life, while also addressing cultural trends affecting relationships and marriage within the church. In this conversation, Daniel Coke and Nat Crawford explore the complex issues surrounding relationships, marriage, and sexuality in contemporary society. They discuss the pervasive influence of pornography, cultural shifts affecting commitment and marriage, the challenges of navigating singleness and celibacy, and the importance of the church in preparing individuals for marriage. The conversation emphasizes the need for a biblical understanding of relationships and the hope for healing from sexual sin.

Support the show

Follow us online
Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

In this conversation, Pastor Nat Crawford and Dr. Matthew Bates explore the themes of salvation, faith, and discipleship, emphasizing the importance of understanding faith as allegiance to Jesus rather than mere belief. They discuss the implications of this perspective for the church, baptism, and the practical outworking of faith in a post-Christian world. Dr. Bates argues for a holistic view of salvation that integrates discipleship and community, challenging listeners to reconsider their understanding of the gospel and their role within the church.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:39 The Need for a Correct Understanding of Faith and the Gospel
06:25 The Practical Implications of Faith as Allegiance
10:01 The Multifaceted Nature of Grace
12:28 The Importance of Obedience in Faith
21:38 Allegiance to Jesus and the Concept of Grace
29:08 The Significance of Baptism in Expressing Allegiance
34:26 The Church's Role in Nurturing Allegiance

Takeaways

Salvation is not just about avoiding hell but involves allegiance to Jesus as King.
Discipleship is integral to salvation, not separate from it.
Baptism serves as a formal declaration of loyalty to Jesus.
The church must foster a community that acknowledges Jesus' kingship.
Faith should be understood as an embodied action, not just intellectual assent.
The gospel encompasses a broader narrative than individual salvation; it includes the allegiance of nations.
Understanding the Greek word 'pistis' as allegiance changes the interpretation of faith.
The church's practices should reflect a commitment to Jesus' authority.
Community plays a crucial role in nurturing allegiance to Jesus.
The gospel is about God's grace and the call to live under His kingship. 

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Follow us online
Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/

In this episode of the Faith in Real Life podcast, hosts Nat Crawford and Daniel Coke discuss various pressing topics, including the recent LA fires and the public's perception of them as divine judgment. They explore the Christian response to tragedy, emphasizing compassion and the need to help those affected. The conversation then shifts to the masculinity debate, particularly focusing on Andrew Tate's influence on young men and the societal pendulum swing regarding gender roles. Finally, they delve into the nature of manhood, discussing responsibility and the inherent qualities that define being a man. In this conversation, Nat Crawford and Daniel Coke explore various themes related to responsibility, leadership, and the biblical understanding of submission in marriage. They discuss the misuse of authority, the impact of role models, and the societal implications of platforms like OnlyFans. The conversation also delves into the consequences of sexual immorality and the ethical concerns surrounding human-animal hybrids, emphasizing the importance of biblical engagement in navigating these complex issues.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background of Hosts

02:56
Discussion on LA Fires and Divine Judgment

12:08
Christian Response to Tragedy

14:59
The Masculinity Debate and Andrew Tate

25:58
The Nature of Manhood and Responsibility

26:25
The Call to Responsibility and Leadership

27:29
Understanding Submission in Marriage

30:21
The Misuse of Authority and Masculinity

32:14
Role Models and Their Impact

34:40
The Rise of OnlyFans and Societal Values

37:06
The Consequences of Sexual Immorality

46:44
Ethical Implications of Human-Animal Hybrids

52:08
The Importance of Biblical Engagement

Keywords

Faith, Christianity, LA Fires, Divine Judgment, Masculinity, Andrew Tate, Christian Response, Tragedy, Manhood, Responsibility, responsibility, leadership, submission, marriage, authority, masculinity, role models, OnlyFans, Bonnie Blue, sexual immorality, human-animal hybrids, biblical engagement

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Follow us online
Pastor Nat:
FB - @natcrawfordspeaker
X - @natmaan
Instagram - @natmaan
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@NatCrawford?si=_ObFu-smVYoZul2w
Website - www.natcrawford.com
Church - www.livinglifereformed.org

Pastor Dan:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/dan.coke.9
Church - https://sowerchurch.com/