We Were Thinking

Ep. 52 - Moral Failures (Pt. 2)

Sun, 17 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Moral failures as a public figure or as a minster are damaging not only to our ministries, but to our families and all areas of our lives. So how do we keep this from happening to us? Join Steve & Matt as they dive into practical steps we can take to guard ourselves in our ministries, families and personal lives.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 51 - Moral Failures (Pt. 1)

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 -0400

It seems like we hear of moral failures in ministers every week. We see high-profile Pastors, musicians and other "Christian Celebrities" falling into sin or leaving the faith. How did we get here? Join the guys in part one discussing Moral failures.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 50 What We're reading Part 2

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In Episode 49, the guys talked about why we need to be readers, and shared some of their recent reads. In this episode, the Steve and Matt talk about books they've read in the past that they would recommend. Don't Forget to email info@wewerethinking.org to let them know what you're reading!

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

The Deconstruction of Christianity by Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The World’s Last Night by C.S. Lewis (Specifically On Obstinacy in Faith)

Spurgeon on Resting In the Promises of God by Jason K. Allen

Spurgeon on the Priority of Prayer by Jason K. Allen

Spurgeon on the Power of Scripture by Jason K. Allen

Spurgeon on Persevering through Trials by Jason K. Allen

Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon

The Sing Hymnal by Keith & Krysten Getty, John Martin (ed.), Dan Krueger (ed.), Douglas Sean O’Donnell (ed.)

Christmas Thoughts by J.C. Ryle

The Frozen Hours by Jeff Shaara

Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

The Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara

Waking the Giant by Jeff Shaara

The Final Storm by Jeff Shaara

Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara

The Glorious Cause by Jeff Shaara

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

Everyday Gospel by Paul David Tripp

Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Hearing His Voice by Chris Tiegreen

The One Year Praying in Faith Devotional by Chris Tiegreen

At His Feet by Chris Tiegreen

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Ep. 49 What We're Reading (Part 1)

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Harry Truman once said, "Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." Join Steve and Matt as they talk about not only why you should read, but what they've been reading lately, too. They talk about what they've been reading to grow their faith, but also to just enjoy reading!

Books mentioned in this episode:

Standard Memorandum Notebook by word notebooks.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

The Scots-Irish in the Hills of Tennessee by Billy Kennedy

The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough

John Adams by David McCullough

Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson

The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson

Holy Helps for a Godly Life by Richard Rogers

Triumphing Over Sinful Fear by John Flavel

Comfort and Holiness with Christ’s Priestly Work By William Bridge

Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

Daily Doctrine: A One Year Guide to Systematic Theology by Kevin DeYoung

Ep. 48 - Real Men Cry

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:45:00 -0400

Have you ever heard someone say something along the lines of, "Suck it up, Buttercup. Real men don't cry." Yeah, try saying that to King David! Today the guys talk about Biblical manliness and the fact that real men do cry.

Intro: Wes Cepin

Outro: Matt Coleman

Ep. 47 - Biblical Manliness

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

After talking about what it means to be a man, the guys unpack it a little further and dive into 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and Ephesians 5:25. We often like to get to the "Wives submit to your husbands" part in Ephesians 5:22, but neglect the "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Real manliness is taking care of your family, being your wife's biggest fan, and loving Jesus above all else.

Intro: Wes Cepin

Outro: Matt Coleman

Ep. 46 - What does it mean to be a man?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Over the next three episodes, the guys take a look at what it means to be a man according to the scriptures. Steve and Matt unpack 1 Corinthians 13:11 and what it means to be a man. Matt also mentions the book The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson.

Intro: Wes Cepin

Outro: Matt Coleman

Ep. 45 - Games!

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Youth ministers sometimes get classified as glorified babysitters with games and pizza. While that isn't true AT ALL, there is a time and place for games. Join Steve and Matt as they talk about "Playing with Purpose." They give some practical advice, and even give some examples of games they've used over the years. Drop us an email at info@wewerethinking.org and tell us what games have made an impact in your youth ministry!

Intro Music - Wes Cepin

Outro Music - Matt Coleman

Ep. 44 - Legacy

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:29:56 -0500

What legacy will you leave? How will you be remembered? Join Steve and Matt as they encourage you to, once again, "Start with the end in mind" when it comes to how you live your life. Remember, you have to start now to leave the legacy you want. The guys talk about an exercise to try to think about where you're heading.

Intro Music - Wes Cepin

Outro Music - Matt Coleman

Ep. 43 - Revolution

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Steve once came across a phrase that he just couldn't shake. It was, "At it's core, Christianity is a counter-cultural, revolutionary movement." Today, the guys talk about what a revolution is, how Christianity is a revolution, and what that means for us in our personal walk today.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, review and share. It truly helps more people find the podcast.

Opening Music - Wes Cepin

Closing Music - Matt Coleman

Ep. 42 - New Year's "Resolutions"

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Do you ever find yourself making New Year's Resolutions every year, only to break them within the first few weeks? Do you get tired of that? Join the guys as they encourage you not to make a new resolution, but to change your mindset in how to focus in the new year when it comes to your walk with Christ.

Please take time to Like, Subscribe, review and share the podcasts so you can get the word out about We Were Thinking.

Opening Music- Wes Cepin

Closing Music - Matt Coleman

Ep. 41 - Discipleship and Maturity

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500

For a very long time, churches have marked the progression of maturity in Christianity as regularly attending church > joining a small group > serving in the church. All of those are great, but they don't guarantee that you have matured, or that you're even a follower of Christ! Join Steve and Matt as they talk about the marks of a disciple, and they even offer some practical advice.

Ep. 40 - High School Seminary

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

This is one of our most requested topics. Steve was featured in an article for The Christian Index (https://christianindex.org/stories/high-school-seminary-striking-early-morning-chord-in-kentucky,32295) where they talked about something he started several years ago. Calling it High School Seminary, Steve challenged his students to stop living from camp high to camp high and get serious about their faith. What followed became an incredible experience where students were challenged in their faith; they even had to write papers about it! Join the guys as they talk about this unique idea that wasn't the start of a program, but a stoking of the fires.

Ep. 39 - Living Out the Marriage Vows (Pt 3 of 3)

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Concluding the three-part series on living out the marriage vows, Steve and Matt Talk about the last section "to love and to cherish" and "until death do us part." Make sure to listen to the other episodes first to catch up before diving into part 3.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 38 - Living Out the Marriage Vows (Pt 2 of 3)

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0400

We said this would be a two-parter, but there was just too much to cover! If you didn't catch the first episode, make sure you listen to it first. The guys are going through the traditional marriage vows and how to live them out through the duration of your marriage. This episode, Steve and Matt focus in on "for richer for poorer" and "in sickness and in health."

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt coleman

Ep. 37 - Living Out the Marriage Vows (Pt.1 of 3)

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

Steve and Sula spoke at a marriage event, and talked about the seasons of marriage. Join Steve and Matt as they discuss the traditional wedding vows, and the importance of upholding those throughout every stage of life. This turned into a 3 part conversation. Today they focus in on "to have and to hold from this day forward" and "for better, for worse".

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 36 - Charlie Kirk and Boldness

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

We felt like we had to weigh in on Charlie Kirk's death and the cultural reaction to it. Bear in mind: THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL EPISODE. We take a look at what people have said about him for good and ill, but our focus is not on Charlie Kirk but on Jesus Christ. This is in no way a praise session for a person, political leaning or ideology, nor is it a slamming session.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep 35 The 5 areas of the New Testament Church

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

There are 5 areas of the New Testament church are Evangelism, Worship, Discipleship, Missions/Ministry, & Fellowship/Outreach. Steve and Matt discuss what each of these mean, and why they are important to every member of the church, not just ministers. Don't forget to drop us a line at info@wewerethinking.org

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 34 New Youth Minister Breakout Session Part 2

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

This is the second installment of the breakout session Steve taught during the Conclave conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee in January 2025. If you missed the first part, make sure to listen to it first. This one is full of great practical advice for young youth ministers who are early in their career.

Intro music: Wes Cepin

Outro music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 33 New Youth Minister Breakout Session Part 1

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400

In January of 2025, Steve was able to speak at the Conclave conference. In a breakout session designed for new youth ministers, he spoke about what he has experienced in Youth ministry and a shared a wealth of information. If you're looking for practical advice in youth ministry this pair of episodes are for you!

Intro music: Wes Cepin

Outro music: Matt coleman

Ep. 32 - UPDATES!

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400

It's been a hot minute since Steve and Matt got behind the mics. Tune in to find out why. But rest assured, we're back!

Intro music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Quick update

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:17:49 -0500

We'll be back in 2025. Merry Christmas!

Ep. 31 - YM Mission Trips

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

If you're a Youth Minister, what mission trips do you take? Do you take any? Should you? Join Steve and Matt as they talk about why you should consider mission trips, and what kind of options there are out there in your own Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth!

Ep. 30 - Invest in Your Spouse

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Matthew 6:21 says "Where your treasure is there your heart will be also." This is true figuratively and literally. We care about things we have invested in. Why are so many marriages falling apart, especially once the kids leave the house? It's because we're not investing in our spouses! Join Steve and Matt today as they discuss what it looks like and why you should invest in your spouse.

Ep. 29 -- (Ministry) - Get Organized! (Calendar)

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

This one is geared specifically towards ministers and organizing your ministry. Chocked full of very practical advice, Steve shares experience from his time in ministry of how organization pays off.

Taking you through the process of planning, the guys say you should:

Pray
Where do you want to go and goals to achieve.
Calendar, put it on the calendar asap.
Big events such as camp, missions, retreats, and DNow should be on the calendar a year in advance.
Meet with staff and team to verify the goals and directions, themes.
Reserve and make plans of buses, finances, help, and costs.
Keep a list, folder, file with all information with in it. This allows everyone working on it to know where to find it.
Make a needs list overview with a checklist so you can write down when something was done, with whom, how via email, call, text, etc.
This list needs to be worked or looked at minimally each month.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep 28 - Politics & Election Decisions

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Sometimes decisions are very clear cut, and sometimes they are a little more difficult. When it comes to politics and deciding who to vote for (especially with the 2024 Presidential elections coming up so quickly here in the U.S.) sometimes you need a tool to filter through what everyone else is telling you, and listen to what the Holy Spirit says. We don't take sides and we won't tell you who to vote for, but we will be using the acronym F.A.I.T.H. to evaluate Family, Abortion, Israel, Text (scripture) and Heart.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 27 - The Gospel, our DNA, and never giving up

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 20:18:39 -0400

Have you ever heard the term "the gospel" and cringed, or felt like you had to think up a clever way of telling people about Jesus? Maybe you went through some kind of training in the past or learned a formula. How do we live our lives where the Gospel is the center of it? Is it really that important? Do you ever have times where you feel like you've tried and tried but the Gospel just isn't getting through to the people you share it with. Today, Steve and Matt talk about what it means to live with the Gospel at the center of your DNA.

Ep. 26 Is My Teen ready to Date?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we mention a great group, Axis.org. With their permission, we use one of their resources, an article on Teen Dating, which you can access here. Teen dating can be a scary time for your teen, and also you as a parent. Join Steve and Matt as they wade into these waters.

Ep. 25 - The Church

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Have you ever heard someone say "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian?" or maybe "My faith is private, and I don't need to involve other people with that." Steve and Matt discuss what the church is, and why we need it. You may be a person that has been hurt by a church or church people. You've come to the right place! Join the guys as they talk about the church!

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 24 - YM - Values and Goals

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400

This episode was a question sent in by a listener. As a new youth minister, he was wondering what advice or wisdom Steve had when it comes to setting values and goals for your youth ministry. Listen up YM's, this one has some great advice for building the culture in your ministry!

Ep. 23 (LIVE!) Bible Translations

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered what translation of the Bible is right for you? Check out this episode where we discuss (with some of our friends!) what translation(s) we use and why.

Check out this website for a great comprehensive list of Bible translations from Logos bible software. https://wiki.logos.com/Bible_Translation_Spectrum

Intro music: Wes Cepin

Outro music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 22 - Lasting Marriage Part 2

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

This is part 2 in the conversation where the guys talk about how to have a lasting marriage. Make sure you check out part 1 before jumping into this one.

Ep. 21 - Lasting Marriage Part 1

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Have you ever seen and elderly couple that acts like they are newlyweds? How do you get there? Steve and Matt talk about how to have a lasting marriage in this first of a two-part conversation.

Ep. 20 Rebellious Kids

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

What do you do when you have kids that are rebellious? How do you show them love even when you've had it up to here? Steve and Matt talk through raising kids and being parents, even when it gets tough.

Ep. 19 Calling in Youth Ministry

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400

This one is for all Youth Ministers. Steve talks about being a youth minister and why he stayed a youth minister all the way to retirement. Steve & Matt as they talk about the rewards and benefits of staying in Youth mInistry.

Ep. 18 Politics

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Nothing makes people get defensive and upset quite as quickly as politics. In this episode, Matt and Steve don't tell you who to vote for, which party to be part of or even where they stand politically. What they do discuss is what it means to be a Christian in America and what we should do with our right to vote.

Ep. 17 Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Maybe you've never heard the term Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, but maybe you've heard the term "Jesus Take the Wheel!" Especially in America and some of the west, the idea of Christianity has been reduced to "Be a good person, do what makes you happy, and your feelings are what matter more than anything. Basically we sprinkle a little religion into "being good" and think that's what Jesus died for. Listen in as they guys talk about the dangers of this trend.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 16 (Ministry) Staying Relevant?

Mon, 06 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Matt asks Steve, "How do you stay relevant as you age as a youth minister? or is staying relevant important as a minister?" Great conversation ensues about what it means to stay relevant and how the word is never out of style!

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 15 Finding Joy in Reading Scripture

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

While this one could be directed to people who study scripture to preach, teach or lead groups, it's also for anybody. How do we find joy in reading the scripture when it seems to get stale or boring? The guys discuss some of their favorite ways to read and how to fall in love with the Bible all over again.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 14 (Marriage) Divorce is not an Option

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In an age of rampant divorce, co-habitation and non-commitment, Steve and Matt talk about the importance of the marriage relationship and committing for the long-term. We do not condemn or browbeat those who have been divorced, but we talk about the importance of the marriage vows and how to stick it through and not only survive, but thrive!

Intro music: Wes Cepin

Outro music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 13 Anxiety (part 2)

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Continuing the conversation about anxiety and depression, Matt shares his story, and the guys talk through what scripture has to say. Make sure you listen to part 1 first!

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 12 Anxiety (Part 1)

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Anxiety and depression are a modern pandemic. Steve and Matt talk about their family experience with anxiety and the devastating effect it has in our day-to-day lives. This one is really important, so we'll take the time to do this in two parts.

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep. 11 - Respecting Elders

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0500

When it comes to raising children, teaching them to respect their elders is crucial in training them how to interact with others in the future. It seems like empathy and understanding are diminished in our culture and we feel like it must begin in the home. As always, start with the end result in mind, and work towards that end.

Intro music by Wes Cepin

Outro music by Matt Coleman

Ep. 10 (Ministry) Youth Ministry overview

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500

We were at an event and asked youth ministers to ask any question they'd like. One person asked what advice we would give to youth ministers (or any minister) that is just getting started. This sparked a whole brainstorm for us about conversations to have when you're just starting out, or even if you are firmly embedded in the trenches of ministry. Today's episode is an overview of some basic ideas to setup for yourself, each of which we can get into deeper.

Intro music by Wes Cepin

Outro music by Matt Coleman

Ep 9 - Romance

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500

We are by no means experts in romance, but thi sis an important part of the marriage relationship. We're not talking about sex; we're talking about intimacy, which is a completely different concept. Join Matt and Steve as they talk about why it's important, and even some practical steps to keep romance alive in your marriage.

Intro music by Wes Cepin

Outro music by Matt Coleman

Ep 8 Stop Being Your Child's Friend

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Being a parent is a difficult job. We want what's best for our children, but sometimes we just want to be liked! The problem is, that when you decide to be your child's friend, you can cause great damage to the relationship you have with your children. What's more important, having a child that likes you, or having a great relationship with your children in the future? Today, we talk about the long game: stop being your child's friend today, so you can be their friend later.

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

Ep7-Worship Part 2

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Steve and Matt discuss a little more about the difference between the "essence" and the "expression" of worship. How can we worship God when we don't care for the style of music being played?

Intro music by Wes Cepin

Outro music by Matt Coleman

Ep 6-Worship Part 1

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Steve was thinking about the Essence vs. the Expression of worship. Sometimes we get all bent out of shape about styles of worship when we're missing completely what worship actually is.

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

BONUS: Alex Price Interview

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Merry Christmas! We're gifting you a bonus episode. Matt caught up with one of Steve's former students during a retreat to see what living a lifestyle of Staying in the Word has meant to him after graduating from the Youth Ministry.

Music by Matt Coleman

Ep 5: Personal Study

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Steve's personal slogan is Stay in the Word. Matt asks two questions: Why is staying in the word your priority, and how do you make it a priority, practically speaking?

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

Ep 4: (Ministry) Boundaries

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0500

This episodes is specifically for ministers. How do you fight against burnout and protect your family? Steve and Matt offer some practical advice for how to protect your family against burnout and overwork.

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

Ep 3: (Parenting) Do difficult things.

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 21:22:22 -0500

We want what's best for our children, but sometimes we don't allow our children to learn from difficult experiences. How do we teach them to learn on their own in an environment that also protects them. Discipline and correction are ways to show your children that you love them, because you're willing to train them how to be successful in life.

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

Ep 2: Reconstruction

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 21:18:35 -0500

Deconstructing your faith isn't a bad thing, but the problem is, once you break it down to the basics, it's time to build it back. How do you walk with God and allow him to show you who he is?

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Ep1: Deconstruction

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 21:14:59 -0500

Seems like people are always talking about deconstructing their faith. What does this mean? Should we deconstruct? Should we be questioning God? Join Steve and Matt as they discuss what it means to have questions and what you should do in response to doubt.

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

Trailer

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:09:00 -0400

Who are Steve and Matt? What in the world is this podcast all about?