A "Secular" Music Conversation

We’re closing the season with a big one. Adrian, Aaron, and Anton start light by arguing over holiday foods (canned cranberry sauce, anyone?), then get into how Christians handle the holidays: Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Halloween, and church alternatives like trunk-or-treats and Easter egg hunts. Can a tradition be redeemed, or does it just crowd out Jesus? We draw on Romans 14, Philippians 4:8, and 1 Corinthians 10:31. We don’t all agree, and that’s kind of the point.Got thoughts on this one, or a topic for next season? Email us at [email protected]. Thanks for listening this season, and have a great Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Can you gamble and still love your neighbor? Is gambling fundamentally different from other financial risks? And where do we draw the line between personal liberty and biblical stewardship?In part two of our conversation on gambling, we continue wrestling with these questions as we explore the dangers of sports betting, the motives behind our financial decisions, and our responsibility to others.We don’t agree on everything, but as we work through our differences, we find ourselves asking an even bigger question: Are we being consistent in how we think about biblical stewardship?Join us as we wrap up this two-part conversation and consider not just what we’re free to do, but whether we’re faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to us. Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

From sports betting apps to lottery tickets and risky investments, gambling has become increasingly accessible and socially acceptable. But how should Christians think about these activities?In this episode, we explore the blurred lines between gambling, investing, and entertainment. Is there a difference between taking a financial risk and placing a bet? Does our motivation matter? And how should biblical principles of stewardship, contentment, and Christian liberty shape our decisions?We don’t agree on everything, but that’s part of the conversation. Join us as we wrestle with these questions and consider how to navigate a culture increasingly driven by the thrill of the wager. Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

What does it look like to give your life to the Great Commission?Recorded in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Adrian sits down with veteran missionary Matt Allen to talk about more than 20 years of ministry in PNG. Matt shares the story of moving his family into a remote village, planting churches, raising his daughters on the mission field, navigating difficult and dangerous seasons, and eventually following God’s leading to Port Moresby.We also talk about his growing vision to influence the next generation of leaders in Papua New Guinea and why, after all these years, he still believes the call is simple: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”It’s an honest conversation about missions, family, sacrifice, calling, and the joy of giving your life to something bigger than yourself. Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

What are you listening to?In this episode, we’re turning the tables and talking about podcasts. We share some of our current favorites, from leadership and theology to philosophy, culture, old-time radio, and a few unexpected picks.But we also get into some hot takes. Which popular podcasts have we stopped listening to, and why? Along the way, we talk about what makes a podcast worth our time, the value of genuine conversations, and why some shows eventually lose us.You may find something new for your playlist, or hear us criticize one of your favorites. Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Where does secular music fit in the life of a Christian?In this episode, we continue our conversation about music by moving beyond the Christian label and asking how believers should think about the music of the broader culture. Is there a difference between "secular" and "worldly" music? Does the artist matter? And how much should we consider the messages we’re singing, even when a song seems harmless?Along the way, we wrestle with influence, conscience, Christian liberty, and even a surprisingly spirited debate over Let It Go. The goal isn’t to create a universal playlist, but to think critically about what we allow to shape our hearts and minds. Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Christian music has changed a lot over the years, but the questions surrounding it haven’t completely gone away.In this episode, we’re talking about the music Christians listen to and the music we sing together in church. Is all Christian music worship music? What makes a song appropriate for corporate worship? Does genre matter? And how much should the quality of a church’s music influence our experience of worship?We also share some of the hymns, songs, artists, and even old-school Christian albums that have shaped us along the way. From How Great Thou Art and Ron Hamilton to Lecrae, Cody Carnes, and a few CDs we probably wore out years ago, this conversation covers a lot of musical ground.Believe to See PlaylistAnd this is only part one. Next time, we tackle the other side of the conversation... Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

What do The Spirit of the Disciplines, Leaders Eat Last, and The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife have in common? They’re all part of the conversation in this episode as we take a break from heavier topics and share what’s currently on our reading lists.From leadership and spiritual growth to philosophy and fiction, we discuss the books that have challenged our thinking, encouraged our faith, and simply reminded us of the joy of reading. Along the way, we talk about why lifelong learning matters, how different genres shape us in unique ways, and why every reader should occasionally step outside their comfort zone.Whether you’re looking for your next great read or simply enjoy hearing what others are learning, this episode is full of recommendations and reflections that just might inspire your next trip to the bookshelf.Bonus: Aaron's Book Recommendations  Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Language shapes the way we think, communicate, and relate to one another. In this episode, we continue our conversation on the power of words by exploring how language has changed and what those changes mean for our relationships, culture, and faith. We discuss why Christians choose not to use profanity, how degrading language affects communication and public discourse, why shared definitions are essential for resolving conflict, and whether emojis and digital communication help or hinder meaningful conversations. Throughout the discussion, we’re reminded that words matter to God and that our speech should reflect His grace and truth.Books MentionedWords on the Move: Why English Won’t—and Can’t—Stand Still by John McWhorterAtlas of the Heart by Brené BrownOxford English Dictionary (recommended as a language resource) Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Is language simply evolving, or is it actually deteriorating?In this episode, Adrian and Aaron are joined by special guest Joel Pace for the first installment of a thoughtful conversation about language, culture, and communication. From modern slang to ancient philosophy, they explore whether today’s words are becoming less meaningful or simply changing with the times.Together they discuss:Why every generation believes language is “getting worse.”The difference between language evolving and language degrading.How culture shapes the words we use.Why precise language matters for clear thinking.The connection between language, truth, and biblical communication.Historical voices—from Confucius to Seneca—that wrestled with the very same questions centuries ago.Joel brings a unique perspective with his love for history, linguistics, and etymology, helping unpack how words gain—and sometimes lose—their meaning.This is Part 1 of a conversation that sets the stage for an even deeper discussion on how language affects culture, politics, and the church.  Thanks for Listening! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!