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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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