TRENDING

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into the mission, structure, and purpose of the Church—how it started, how it has changed, and where it might be headed.

They explore the ongoing tension between evangelism and discipleship, and why churches today often emphasize one over the other. Plus, they unpack how the church has evolved across history, from small house gatherings to modern worship experiences, and what these shifts mean for how we live out our faith today.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to be the church and how we can better connect, grow, and serve together.

New research shows that Gen Z is more pro-marriage than previous generations, shifting away from unhealthy dating cultures and toward long-term commitment. But why? And what does this shift mean for the church? At the same time, while the Bible offers plenty of wisdom on marriage, it surprisingly lacks many clear examples of godly marriages—especially in the New Testament.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe explore these unexpected trends and discuss how faith communities can better support people—whether single or married—as they navigate relationships in today’s world.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into the topic of baptism—what it means, why different traditions approach it differently, and how it has shaped the church over time. From infant baptism to full immersion, they explore the biblical, historical, and cultural factors that have influenced the practice, as well as its deep roots in Mennonite and Anabaptist history.

Why do some churches baptize infants while others wait for a personal decision? Does the method—sprinkling, pouring, or immersion—really matter? And how did baptism become such a defining issue for the early Anabaptists? Matt and Joe challenge us to see baptism not just as a ritual, but as a powerful declaration of faith and discipleship.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into a conversation about communion—what it is, why different traditions approach it differently, and how it shapes our faith. Sparked by a recent Church of England decision to restrict gluten-free bread and non-alcoholic wine, they explore the history and theology behind the Lord’s Supper, from transubstantiation to memorial remembrance.

Should communion be an open table for all, or reserved for certain believers? How often should we take it? And does it HAVE to be bread and wine, or could Mountain Dew and Doritos count? Matt and Joe tackle these questions with a challenge to see communion as more than just a ritual—but a powerful act of unity and grace.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe take a break from the trending headlines to dive into an important topic: the Bible. Many of us have read Scripture for years, but how can we keep this ancient text alive in our current context without losing its original meaning? Pastor Joe shares insights on the original Greek and Hebrew, why biblical scholarship continues to change, and how modern tools can help us gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

Tragedy hit close to home this week as news broke of a devastating plane crash involving a flight from Wichita. In this heavy moment, Matt and Pastor Joe reflect on grief, loss, and how we respond when the unimaginable happens near us.

They discuss the temptation to rush to blame, the importance of pausing to grieve, and how faith helps us prepare for life’s inevitable hardships. From keeping short accounts with loved ones to simply showing up for those in mourning, this episode offers thoughtful wisdom on how we can face tragedy with grace, kindness, and love.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe tackle an age-old debate of prevention vs. cure. Using the ongoing California wildfires as a backdrop, they discuss how proactive planning can save costs and heartache, but over-preparation can also lead to anxiety and unnecessary expense.

On a personal level, they explore how intentionality in relationships—like guarding our words or investing in loyalty—can prevent damage that’s hard to repair. Drawing from scripture and personal experiences, they encourage us to do the hard work of prevention where we can, without succumbing to perfectionism or fear.

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe reflect on mourning, grief, and the power of honoring those who leave a lasting impact. In light of recent events, including the passing of President Jimmy Carter and ongoing natural disasters, they discuss how grief can be an expression of deep love and why it’s important to pause, acknowledge loss, and celebrate legacies.

Drawing from scripture and personal experiences, Matt and Joe share practical wisdom on navigating grief and remembering those who’ve shaped us.

Happy New Year from Trending! Matt and Pastor Joe kick off 2025 by discussing resolutions, fresh starts, and the power of transformation. Reflecting on examples from scripture, they note that sometimes God took a "clean slate" approach when making changes to shape His people, while other times He intentionally relied on gradual growth over time, and both approaches can work for us as well.

Joe offers practical wisdom for approaching the new year, from adopting identity-driven habits to finding the right balance between challenging yourself and extending grace. Whether you’re setting ambitious goals or simply looking to reset, this episode will encourage you to take meaningful steps forward with hope and faith in the year ahead.

As we reach the end of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, Matt and Pastor Joe do their annual "Nostradamus" episode of Trending where they predict significant events and shifts in culture that will happen in the new year. And now that we've said them out loud, they for sure won't happen. 🙂 Enjoy the final Trending episode of the year, and thanks for watching along with us this year!