TRENDING

After 172 episodes, here it is—the grand finale of Trending! Today Pastor Joe shares a couple lessons he's learned during his time at Ridgepoint, and teaches us one more time with two big takeaways for us to remember as we continue our walk with Jesus.

Thanks to all the friends who have watched and listened with us over the years!

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe talk about something we don’t always give ourselves permission to do: change our minds. Inspired by HBO Max’s recent rebrand (and re-rebrand), they explore how rethinking, repacking, and even reversing course can be part of a faithful life.

Looking at examples from Scripture—including Paul, Peter, and even God Himself—they discuss why changing your mind isn’t always a sign of weakness. Sometimes, it’s a sign of maturity, humility, and growth. Whether you’re shifting your opinions or reevaluating your faith, this episode reminds us that transformation often begins with the courage to reconsider.

Graduation season is here, and with it comes celebration, emotion, and a whole lot of pressure. This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe talk about how to support the graduates in our lives—not just with cards and gifts, but with presence, encouragement, and grace.

They explore the messy middle between childhood and adulthood, why modern graduates often feel unprepared, and how faith communities can walk with them through that uncertainty. From ancient rites of passage to examples from the Bible, Matt and Joe offer honest reflections and practical wisdom for anyone walking through this season of transition.

With the new Thunderbolts movie on the way, Matt and Pastor Joe explore why we’re so drawn to anti-heroes—both on screen and in Scripture. From Marvel’s Bucky Barnes and John Walker to biblical figures like Jacob and David, the most compelling characters are often the most complicated.

They unpack how our desire for neat categories—hero or villain, good or bad—rarely reflects the real world or the people in it. And as it turns out, the Bible is full of messy, middle-ground figures who remind us of our own flaws, struggles, and potential for redemption.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week. While Protestants and Catholics have their differences, there’s no denying the global impact of this humble and often surprising leader.

They explore what made Francis such a unique figure—from his commitment to simplicity and care for the poor to his willingness to engage with science, culture, and people on both sides of the political spectrum. They also discuss the role of centralized leadership in the church, the ongoing Protestant-Catholic divide, and what it looks like to find unity in a world full of division.

As we move through Holy Week, Matt and Pastor Joe take a deep dive into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—questions in the Christian faith: Why did Jesus have to die?

This episode explores the different atonement theories that have shaped Christian belief over the centuries—from substitution and ransom to Christus Victor and more modern views. Joe walks through the history behind each theory and challenges us to ask not just WHAT the cross accomplished, but HOW it changes everything moving forward.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe talk about big life transitions—like jobs, moves, and hard goodbyes. With Joe preparing for his own cross-country move and Luka Dončić making headlines for an emotional return to Dallas, the conversation turns to how we know when it’s time to move on—and how we can do it well.

They explore how to discern God’s will, whether every decision has one “right” answer, and why some moments in life call for courage, trust, and even a few tears. Whether you’re facing a big change or just curious about how faith shapes our choices, this episode is full of wisdom, hope, and a few laughs too.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe respond to one of the top spiritual questions people are Googling in 2025: Is there a God? In a world that feels more uncertain by the day, it's a question many people—both inside and outside the church—are asking.

Matt and Joe talk through how to approach this conversation with curiosity, empathy, and thoughtful faith. They explore why this question isn’t just philosophical, but deeply personal, and offer practical ways to engage with people who are wrestling with doubt. From science and beauty to suffering and hope, they reflect on why the story of Jesus still speaks to our deepest longings.

If you're searching—or walking with someone who is—this episode is an invitation to explore faith in a thoughtful and compassionate way.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe tackle a question that’s becoming more urgent in today’s culture: Does Christian character still matter in leadership? From fallen pastors to compromised politicians, we’re seeing a trend where results often seem to matter more than integrity.

Drawing from Galatians 5 and examples from modern ministry, they explore how the Fruit of the Spirit should shape the lives of leaders, and why character still counts even when it’s inconvenient. They also offer wisdom on how we can guard our own integrity and help build communities where virtue is valued—not just for appearances, but as a faithful way of life.

Work hard, rest well—that’s the balance we all strive for, but is it really possible? This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into the biblical rhythms of work and rest, sparked by a surprising news story: South Korea is considering adopting a four-day workweek to help combat declining birth rates.

What does scripture actually say about work? Is rest just about taking time off, or is it something deeper—an act of trust and resistance? Matt and Joe explore how Sabbath has been practiced throughout history, why we struggle to truly rest, and how we can reclaim rhythms that lead to healthier, more sustainable lives.