Episodes

Episode 2.12 Programs can be a powerful tool for church ministry—but only when they serve the right purpose. In this episode, we look at how church programs help fulfill the biblical mission to glorify God through evangelism and edification. Drawing from Acts 2:42, Michael and Zach walk through the difference between faithful structure and fruitless tradition. How can you tell when a program is working? When should a church retire a beloved ministry? We offer a framework for evaluating program...

Episode 2.11 From million-dollar mansions to private jets, the rise of “celebrity pastors” has sparked questions about fame, finances, and faithfulness in church leadership. In this episode, we explore the complex topic of pastoral compensation, beginning with high-profile examples like Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Carl Lentz—and what ethical concerns their lifestyles raise. Then we turn to Scripture: What does the Bible actually say about paying pastors? We look at clear New Testament teac...

Episode 2.10 What did the earliest church focus on—and what should we still be devoted to today? In this episode, we unpack Acts 2:42, where four clear priorities are laid out: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These weren’t optional extras; they were the foundation of a healthy, God-glorifying church. Michael and Zach walk through each priority, showing how it fulfills the church’s mission of evangelism and edification. From Scripture-centered teaching to ...

Episode 2.9 What the New Testament Teaches About Generosity What does the New Testament really say about giving? Is the tithe still required—or has something deeper taken its place? In this episode, we unpack the language, theology, and practical teachings of New Testament generosity. From Jesus' teachings to Paul's letters, we trace how giving moves from law-based obligation to grace-driven worship. We examine key Greek terms, compare Old and New Covenant giving models, and walk through foun...

Episode 2.8 Why does the church exist? In this episode, we begin a short series on biblical church ministry by laying the foundation: the church exists to glorify God. Drawing from passages like Romans 15 and 1 Corinthians 6, we explore how the church’s ultimate purpose isn’t growth, tradition, or activity—but glory. That glory takes shape through the Great Commission—evangelism (reaching the lost) and edification (growing the found). We unpack the dual calling to make and mature disciples, ex...

Episode 2.7 Was tithing in the Old Testament just 10%? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the tithes and offerings required under the Mosaic Law and discover a much broader and more complex picture than many realize. We explore the Levitical tithe, the Festival tithe, and the Charity tithe, which together averaged around 20–23% annually over a 7-year cycle—plus a range of sacrificial offerings and firstfruits contributions that could push total giving closer to 25–27%. We also walk thro...

Episode 2.6 In this special episode, Zach interviews Stephen and Emily Bostic as they share their heart for fostering children. Recorded on the road while returning from a conference on foster care and adoption, the conversation captures the passion, challenges, and calling behind their decision to pursue fostering. Stephen and Emily open up about what led them to this step, how the Lord has worked in their hearts, and what they’ve learned so far. Whether you’re considering foster care, adopti...

Episode 2.5 In Part 2 of our series on Biblical stewardship, we continue exploring practical, gospel-centered principles for managing money well. This episode covers four more key areas of financial wisdom—focusing on the heart behind how we use money. We discuss the dangers of greed and materialism, the biblical responsibility to provide for your family, how to trust God in financial trials, and the importance of planning wisely for the future. Through real-life questions and scriptural insig...

Episode 2.4 Episode Description: In Part 2 of our deep dive into Genesis 1, we ask the big question: Which creation view best fits both the Bible and the observable universe? Building on our discussion of yom in Part 1, we compare major views—Young Earth, Old Earth, Theistic Evolution, and more—and examine how broader creation passages across Scripture (Job, Psalms, Romans, etc.) shape our understanding of Genesis. Michael makes the case that Old Earth Creationism aligns best with the text’s ...

Episode 2.3 The Bible has a lot to say about money—and so have we. But how do we take timeless truths and turn them into daily habits? In this episode, Michael and Zach move from principle to practice as we explore eight key areas of faithful financial stewardship. From recognizing God’s ownership to making wise investments, we offer practical, Scripture-rooted advice for managing your money to the glory of God. We discuss how to plan generosity, live within your means, save with purpose, and ...

Episode 2.2 In this Think Tank Thursday (T3) episode, we dive into one of the most debated words in Genesis 1—yom, the Hebrew word for “day.” Can a faithful, text-driven reading of Scripture support the idea that the creation “days” were long periods rather than 24-hour intervals? Michael and Zach unpack the linguistic range of yom in the Old Testament and address common objections to the Day-Age view. Drawing from grammar, context, and biblical usage—including examples from Genesis, Psalms, Ho...

Episode 2.1 In this episode, we begin a biblical theology of money and possessions, focusing on the book of Proverbs. Using Kevin DeYoung’s material as a foundation, we explore ten key principles about money that range from the dangers of extremes to the value of generosity and wisdom. Proverbs presents a balanced, God-centered view of wealth—affirming hard work and wise planning while warning against pride, injustice, and false security. Whether you’ve leaned toward prosperity thinking or aust...