In this compelling episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the pastors of Overland Church tackle the explosive growth of sports gambling in today’s culture, with the industry projected to reach $180–$200 billion in 2025. From college football to the NFL, betting ads are everywhere, but what are the real costs? Exploring the history of gambling scandals like the Black Sox and Pete Rose, the pastors discuss its devastating effects, especially on young men aged 18–30, who face higher rates of debt, addiction, and even suicidal thoughts. Drawing on biblical principles of stewardship, wisdom, and love for neighbor, they argue why gambling—though not explicitly forbidden in Scripture—is unwise and harmful, preying on the vulnerable and undermining communities. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges Christians to reject the lure of quick riches and embrace faithful stewardship. Share this episode to spark an important discussion on faith and culture!

Read Pastor Josh's article "Is gambling a sin?": https://www.joshuacalebhutchens.com/p/is-gambling-a-sin

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the importance of including children in worship services as part of fostering a multi-generational church. They explore the theological, philosophical, and practical reasons for having kids join corporate worship, sharing personal stories, biblical insights, and actionable tips for parents. From disciplining young children to engaging them with sermon-based drawing or note-taking, the hosts offer encouragement and strategies to help families worship together. They also discuss the value of family worship at home to prepare kids for church, emphasizing consistency, patience, and the joy of hearing little voices sing praises. Tune in for heartfelt advice and wisdom to make worship a meaningful family experience.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh explore the vital importance of a multi-generational church. They discuss why a healthy church thrives when it includes people of all ages and stages—from young believers to seasoned saints. Drawing from biblical principles and real-life stories, they highlight the value of cross-generational discipleship, the pitfalls of homogeneous church models, and practical ways to foster unity across generations. Whether it’s older members mentoring young couples or college students finding a home in the church, this episode offers wisdom on building a vibrant, diverse church community. Tune in to learn how to embrace all generations for a stronger, healthier church!

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the often-misunderstood topic of church discipline. Exploring its biblical roots in Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5, they discuss how this practice is a vital mark of a healthy church, rooted in fellowship and accountability. Far from being punitive, church discipline is a redemptive process aimed at restoring believers to a right relationship with God and the church. Through personal stories and practical insights, they highlight the importance of confronting sin with love, the necessity of church membership, and the transformative power of grace. Join them for a candid conversation about why we should embrace accountability in the body of Christ.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a common question: "How do I know God’s will for my life?" Whether it’s choosing a spouse, a job, or a major life decision, the anxiety of making the "right" choice can be overwhelming. The pastors explore a biblical framework for discerning God’s guidance, introducing the "Five W’s" of decision-making: Word, Wisdom, Witness, Worshipers, and Workings. They discuss how to align decisions with Scripture, use God-given common sense, seek the Holy Spirit’s leading, consult mature believers, and trust God’s providential circumstances. With practical insights and personal stories, Zack and Josh encourage listeners to trust God’s shepherding, avoid anxiousness, and embrace a life of faith-filled decisions that glorify Him. Tune in for wisdom to navigate life’s wilderness with confidence!

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the vital yet often overlooked topic of evangelism, emphasizing its role in the life of a healthy church. They explore why sharing the gospel can feel intimidating for many Christians and discuss practical ways to overcome these fears, such as knowing the gospel thoroughly, memorizing key scriptures, and using tools like the Three Circles method.

Highlighting the importance of relational evangelism, they encourage listeners to build genuine connections and seize everyday opportunities to share their faith, whether with strangers or loved ones, without the pressure of immediate results. The pastors stress that evangelism is not just a task for pastors but a calling for all believers, rooted in the joy of seeing lives transformed by the Holy Spirit.The conversation also delves into the theological and cultural challenges of sharing the gospel in a post-Christian world, where misunderstandings and diverse worldviews abound.

Three Circles Introduction: https://youtu.be/Hs7HYpRjqSo?si=oDvJaoyPLdGIBTvu

In this insightful episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive deep into what truly defines a thriving spiritual community with "12 Marks of a Healthy Church." Drawing on years of pastoral experience and biblical wisdom, they unpack each of these essential characteristics, offering practical insights and challenges for both church leaders and individual members.

The episode kicks off by emphasizing the foundational role of Expository Preaching, where the Word of God is faithfully and systematically taught, followed by the power of Bold Prayer, underscoring its necessity in the life of believers and the church. They then transition to the outward focus of a healthy church, discussing the heart behind Loving Evangelism and the commitment to Intentional Discipleship that nurtures spiritual growth within the congregation.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the importance of community through the discussions on Covenant Membership, highlighting the mutual commitment among believers, and the example of Christ-like leadership found in Servant Leadership. The pastors further explore the vital role of genuine connection and spiritual growth through Fellowship & Accountability.

The episode continues by examining the core of the church's purpose with God-Centered Worship, explaining how all aspects of the church's life should point to His glory. They then delve into the significance of the biblical ordinances: Baptism & the Lord’s Supper, as well as the grace of Sacrificial Giving as a reflection of generosity and trust in God. Finally, Zack and Josh cast a vision for expansion and impact, discussing the mandate for Church Planting & Missionsand the overarching principle of a God-Glorifying Vision that propels the church forward in its mission. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand, build, or be part of a truly healthy and biblically faithful church.

In this episode of "Wisdom for the Wilderness," Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a question many believers grapple with: "Is it okay to skip church from time to time to enjoy hobbies like hunting, vacation, or youth sports?" They dive into the heart of this tension, acknowledging the legitimate desire for leisure and family time, while also faithfully upholding the biblical call to corporate worship. Pastors Zack and Josh emphasize that while life offers many good and enjoyable pursuits, our relationship with God and our participation in the gathered body of Christ hold a unique and preeminent place in the life of a believer.

Drawing from Scripture and their pastoral experience, Zack and Josh unpack why consistent worship is not merely an obligation, but a vital spiritual discipline and a joyful response to God's grace. They will articulate that while truly exceptional circumstances may arise, regular absences from corporate worship, particularly when driven by recreational desires, miss the profound value of communal praise, instruction, and fellowship. The pastors will ultimately encourage listeners to cultivate a deep-seated desire for God's presence and His people, leading them to prioritize worship as a rare and intentional commitment under normal circumstances, rather than a negotiable option.

This week on Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the complex and often polarizing topic of immigration. They carefully navigate the tension between our personal call as believers to love our neighbors and minister to all people, regardless of their immigration status, and the government's distinct responsibility to enforce immigration laws and maintain societal order. Join them as they explore how to live out biblical principles in a challenging societal issue, seeking to extend compassion while upholding justice and understanding the different roles of the church and the state.

In this thoughtful discussion, Zack and Josh will also cite several key Scriptures that speak to caring for the foreigner and stranger, providing a biblical foundation for our individual and corporate response to those in need within our communities. They aim to equip listeners with a balanced perspective, encouraging a heart of welcome and service to all, while also acknowledging the God-given role of governmental authority.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the ever-present challenge of time management from a distinctly biblical perspective. They explore what it truly means to "redeem the time" in a world constantly vying for our attention.

The conversation begins with the macro view, delving into the essential task of prioritizing what genuinely deserves our time. How do we align our schedules with God's eternal purposes? Pastors Zack and Josh provide guidance on discerning what truly matters and how to say "no" to the good in pursuit of the best.

Then, they transition to the micro level, offering practical, day-to-day strategies for managing your time effectively. From structuring your day to overcoming procrastination, discover actionable steps to steward each moment for God's glory. Whether you feel overwhelmed by your schedule or simply want to optimize your productivity for kingdom purposes, this episode will equip you with both the theological foundation and practical tools to manage your time wisely.