Wisdom for the Wilderness

In this special episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh reflect on the profound mix of sorrow and joy in "gospel goodbyes" as Overland Church commissions and sends Pastor Brandon Dupré and a launch team to plant Overland Church North Fort Collins. With rapid growth and new homes in the area, this crosstown plant (launching Easter Sunday) represents bold obedience to the Great Commission: "Go and make disciples."

They share candidly about the pain of losing dear friends and key servants (echoing the earlier Durango plant's impact—dozens of baptisms, first-generation believers, and multiplication that doubled the sending church's reach). Yet they celebrate it as kingdom investment: eternal perspective makes temporary losses small, while souls saved and families transformed last forever.

The episode calls the church to pray fervently (spiritual warfare is real), continue faithful giving, invite outsiders (especially for Easter), step up in leadership/volunteering to "reload," and embrace risk for the gospel. Healthy churches multiply—may this send-off spark more plants across the Mountain West.

Whether you're part of Overland or following from afar, join the mission: support the work, pray boldly, and consider how God might call you to risk for His kingdom. Questions? Email [email protected].

overlandchurch.org

overlandchurchnorth.org

overlandchurchdurango.org

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack Thurman and Josh Hutchens tackle a listener question: "What do you think about IVF?" Drawing from personal family experiences with infertility, they offer deep compassion for the "unique sorrow" of longing for children in a broken world—echoing biblical stories like Rachel and Hannah.

They explain the IVF process plainly (egg retrieval, lab fertilization, implantation, surplus embryos), then walk through major ethical concerns from a biblical worldview: life begins at conception, embryos are image-bearers of God, routine destruction/freezing of embryos equates to loss of life, genetic selection risks eugenics, and surrogacy often exploits women.

Referencing the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention resolution "On the Ethical Realities of Reproductive Technologies and the Dignity of the Human Embryo," they advocate for strict guardrails: using only husband-wife gametes, creating no surplus embryos to discard, and avoiding selection/abortion. They encourage younger marriage, adoption (including "snowflake" adoption of frozen embryos), foster care, or faithful child-free living poured into kingdom work.

Whether you're facing infertility, considering reproductive technologies, or simply seeking biblical wisdom on family, this episode reminds us: children are gifts from God, but our identity and fulfillment rest in Christ alone—not parenthood. Submit your questions at [email protected]

In this listener Q&A episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack Thurman and Josh Hutchens tackle a pressing question: How do we discern false teachers in an age flooded with Christian books, sermons, videos, and online content? Building on recent sermons from 1 Timothy and our episode on theological triage, the pastors define key terms—heresy (denial of core gospel truths leading to damnation) vs. error (disagreements on secondary matters)—and explain orthodoxy through historic creeds like the Nicene.

They warn against movements like Word of Faith, prosperity gospel, and New Apostolic Reformation as crossing into heresy (e.g., turning faith into works, syncretism with witchcraft-like practices, or distorting the gospel). Practical discernment tools include: testing teaching by Scripture (exegesis vs. proof-texting/eisegesis), ensuring gospel centrality (grace through faith in Christ's death/burial/resurrection), evaluating character and accountability (track record, eldership, avoiding unaccountable platforms), and examining fruit (Matthew 7).

They discuss safe publishers (e.g., Crossway, B&H as reliable; broader ones like Zondervan requiring caution), reading actively (pen in hand, questioning passages), and prioritizing local relational discipleship over digital-only influences. Warnings about dangerous trajectories (e.g., Rob Bell's path, John Mark Comer) underscore the need for Berean-like examination (Acts 17) and Bible-first living. The episode challenges listeners: Mature faith involves critical thinking grounded in Scripture—not paranoia, but protection. Prioritize God's Word firsthand over any secondary content. 

Got a question? Email [email protected]. Subscribe, share, and join us this Sunday at Overland Church! 

In this follow-up to last week's discussion on receiving criticism, Pastors Zack Thurman and Josh Hutchens explore how to cultivate true critical thinking as Christians—without slipping into a critical, fault-finding spirit. 

We live in a world of two ditches: naive acceptance of everything (being tossed to and fro by every idea) or chronic cynicism that sees problems in everyone and everything. Social media often amplifies both extremes, from blind shares to endless "yeah, but" comments. The goal? Intellectual seriousness grounded in God's objective truth, combined with relational humility, grace, and love—thinking carefully while speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Drawing from Scripture (the Bereans in Acts 17, Jesus and the Pharisees, Paul's warnings, Jude's call to contend for the faith), the pastors unpack biblical discernment: testing ideas against God's Word, recognizing our own flaws through total depravity and grace, calming emotional reactions, and avoiding pride disguised as discernment.

They share practical insights—like asking "why" behind a critical reflex, giving people the benefit of the doubt, modeling gracious critique (e.g., Mark Dever, Tom Schreiner), and learning from examples like theological triage on first-order issues vs. preferences. The conversation then shifts to offering critique rightly: checking motives, applying a "24-hour rule," following Matthew 18 principles (private first, then witnesses), considering tone and authority, using clarity with solutions (and yes, a well-stacked "compliment sandwich"), and prioritizing edification over winning arguments. 

Whether you're a leader, a church member, or just navigating everyday opinions and online debates, this episode challenges us to think deeply, love deeply, and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit—even when contending for truth. 

Listen in for wisdom on sharpening your mind without hardening your heart. Questions or thoughts? Email us at [email protected]. Subscribe, share, and join us this Sunday at Overland Church!

In this episode, pastors discuss the biblical approach to receiving, evaluating, and giving criticism—especially in leadership, faith, and daily life. Learn how to distinguish godly critique from ungodly critique, handle it with grace, and grow through feedback.

• Developing a tough yet teachable mindset towards criticism.
• Proverbs' teachings on loving discipline and reproof.
• Differentiating between godly criticism and ungodly critique motivated by pride or manipulation.
• Practical steps to evaluate whether critique is true, biblical, loving, or ungodly.
• The role of self-awareness, humility, and walking by the Spirit in processing criticism.
• Learning to give helpful critique that edifies others.
• Recognizing manipulation and flattery disguised as praise or critique.
• The biblical example of Peter’s correction by Paul and its lessons for us.
• The impact of miscommunication and the fallen world in misunderstandings.
• How to seek wise counsel and avoid confirmation bias in critique.

This episode emphasizes that handling criticism biblically is a vital skill for growth, ministry, and personal sanctification. Remember, criticisms often reveal more about the critic than about us—focus on walking by the Spirit and seeking truth in love.

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of the book of Proverbs in the Christian life, emphasizing its role as a source of wisdom and practical guidance. They explore common misinterpretations of Proverbs, the genre of wisdom literature, and the importance of understanding the context and guiding principles for reading these texts. The conversation highlights the balance between applying Proverbs in daily life while recognizing their nature as principles rather than absolute promises. The hosts also address the cultural influences on wisdom and the necessity of grounding one's understanding in a relationship with Christ.

Takeaways

• Proverbs is a vital part of the Christian life.
• Misinterpretation of Proverbs can lead to detrimental outcomes.
• Understanding the genre of Proverbs is crucial for proper application.
• Proverbs are part of wisdom literature, alongside Job and Ecclesiastes.
• The fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom.
• Proverbs provide general truths rather than absolute promises.
• Cultural influences can shape our understanding of wisdom.
• Daily reading of Proverbs can combat folly in the world.
• Wisdom in Proverbs should be understood in the context of the whole Bible.
• A relationship with Christ is essential for true wisdom.

Join Pastors Zack and Josh on Wisdom for the Wilderness as they tackle a timely topic: video games and grown-up Christians. Building on a previous discussion about kids and gaming, this episode shifts focus to adults—who, statistically, make up the largest group of gamers (with the average age around 35–36 and nearly 60% of adults playing weekly).

The pastors approach the conversation with humility—admitting neither is a big gamer themselves—while applying a biblical worldview to evaluate this popular hobby. They compare video games to other pastimes (like hunting, biking, or riding motorcycles), emphasizing that hobbies should supplement life and rest, not substitute for it. Key questions explored include:

• Does your gaming add real value, especially if you already spend hours on screens at work?
• Is it fostering healthy social connection, or replacing face-to-face relationships?
• When does a harmless hobby cross into escapism, addiction, or idolatry—keeping you from your quiet time, family, spouse, or responsibilities?
• How do priorities, time stewardship, and Paul's call to "put away childish things" apply here?

They address the negative stereotypes, potential downsides (anxiety, sleep disruption, poor health habits), and practical red flags—like getting angry when interrupted, arguments with your spouse, or playing during work hours (which dishonors your employer). The episode stresses moderation, content discernment (avoid sinful or dark themes), and asking: Would Jesus play this game? Do I love the game more than the Lord, my family, or my calling?

Whether you game moderately with friends, play as a couple, or are questioning if it's time to step away, this episode offers grace-filled wisdom for using leisure time well in a wilderness world. As always, the goal is deeper discipleship and loving Jesus with all our heart, mind, and strength.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive deep into why the family remains the most foundational institution in society—designed by God from creation, not invented by humans. Drawing from Genesis, they unpack God's blueprint for marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, the call to be fruitful and multiply, and how male-female complementarity reflects the image of God and fulfills humanity's mission.

They address hard realities in a fallen world: broken families, divorce culture, fatherlessness as the top predictor of societal ills (incarceration, poverty, behavioral issues), and modern rebellions against creation order—including same-sex marriage, polygamy, transgender ideology, surrogacy, and childless-by-choice marriages. Backed by Scripture and clear evidence, the hosts explain why God's design works best for husbands, wives, children, and society at large, while cultural redefinitions bring consequences.

This isn't just theory—it's practical wisdom for building God-glorifying homes: pursuing healthy marriages filled with delight (not just duty), raising disciplined children in the fear of the Lord, fathers stepping up, mothers nurturing, and churches fostering healthy families that include and support singles, widows, and the vulnerable.

Pastors Zack and Josh close with bold, counter-cultural encouragement: Young women—it's good to desire marriage and motherhood. Young men—grow up, work hard, pursue godly women, build families, and leave a legacy. In a world that attacks the family, God's way still brings flourishing.If you're wrestling with family, marriage, parenting, or cultural pressures, this episode is for you. Share it with someone who needs to hear biblical truth on this vital topic. Email questions to [email protected].

*Note: This episode was recorded prior to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. That event is not covered in the discussion.*

In this episode, Pastors Josh and Zack discuss a recent disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota—a fellow Southern Baptist congregation in the SEND Network—where anti-ICE protesters interrupted a worship service to protest a lay pastor's role with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They explore the broader context, including tensions in Minnesota around ICE operations, the tragic shooting of Renee Good, and ongoing debates over immigration enforcement.

The hosts affirm biblical principles: supporting legal immigration and care for sojourners while upholding the rule of law, rejecting comparisons to Jesus cleansing the temple, and recognizing no inherent conflict in Christians serving in law enforcement. They address how media narratives fuel division, why such events shouldn't surprise believers (1 Peter 4:12), and practical steps churches can take—prioritizing orderly worship, hospitality toward outsiders, calm gospel proclamation in disruption, following "run, hide, fight" protocols if threats arise, and showing love to enemies even in hostility.

Ultimately, they encourage trusting God's sovereignty, maintaining unchanging biblical convictions amid cultural chaos, and preparing to glorify Christ as a witness, whether through everyday faithfulness or unexpected trials.

Thinking biblically about immigration, borders, and loving our neighbors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SgvjqT3ups

Welcome to Wisdom for the Wilderness, the weekly podcast from the pastors of Overland Church, where Zack and Josh dive into the Bible, theology, and real-life wisdom for everyday believers.In this episode, we tackle two dangerous extremes that every Christian faces daily: legalism (adding man-made rules to earn God's favor, like the Pharisees—or even Eve adding "don't touch" to God's command) and antinomianism (abusing grace as a license to sin, thinking "once saved, always saved" means obedience doesn't matter).

We explore why we constantly swerve into these ditches—one side condemns us for falling short, the other excuses ongoing sin—and how the true gospel keeps us on the narrow road.

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, but it transforms us: we're saved not by holiness, but to be holy. Drawing from Scripture (Romans 6, the Great Commission), real-life stories (from fundamentalist clips to driving mishaps), and even Homer's Odyssey, we discuss how to preach the gospel to ourselves, avoid overcorrecting, and live in secure attachment to our gracious Father.

Whether you're battling self-condemnation after missing a quiet time or tempted to think "grace covers it" without fighting sin, this conversation is for you.

Join us as we remind ourselves: trust and obey—there's no other way!If you have questions about law, grace, or anything else, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for listening—God bless!