Prepared to Answer Podcast
Prepared to Answer Podcast helps you prepare, encourage, and equip you to answer life's biggest questions by teaching you to think like Jesus. Hosts Scott and Shawn aim to help you think like Jesus about everything, including mental health, gender and sexuality, identity, objections to Christianity, relationships, the Bible, and Christian living. Access more resources on their website or follow them on social media.
Episodes
The Story That Informed Jesus’ Mind (And Should Inform Yours Too) [Learning to Think Like Jesus #4]
Scott unpacks the Grand Story of the Bible and shows how understanding it will help you think like Jesus and live in perspective of God’s unfolding story.This is the fourth of 5 episodes in our “Learning to Think Like Jesus” series, designed to help Christians start learning to think like Jesus.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:God's Big Picture, by Vaughan RobertsWhat Is Biblical Theolog
Jesus’ Empowerer: What Really Enabled Jesus’ Mind and Miracles [Learning to Think Like Jesus #3]
Scott explains that, rather than Jesus using his divinity, something else empowered Jesus to perform miracles and think perfectly according to God’s Word. And, Scott reveals that what enabled Jesus’ mind to think can enable your mind too.This is the third of 5 episodes in our “Learning to Think Like Jesus” series, designed to help Christians start learning to think like Jesus.📖 Resources mentioned
Learning to Think Like Jesus: Where to Start and How It’s Possible [Learning to Think Like Jesus #2]
In this episode, Scott shares why it’s essential to learn to think like Jesus, explains how it’s possible, and reveals the first step you must take to start thinking like Jesus today.This is the second of 5 episodes in our “Learning to Think Like Jesus” series, designed to help Christians start learning to think like Jesus.Intro and outro music: Butterfly Effect by Cody Martin📖 Resources mentioned
How Do You Become Who God Made You to Be? [Learning to Think Like Jesus #1]
How can you know what God wants you to become? And even if you figure that out, how can you actually become that person?In this first episode of our “Learning to Think Like Jesus” series, Scott walks through Romans 12:1-2 to help you discover who God wants you to become and reveals why learning to think like Jesus is essential to living in that reality.This is the first of 5 episodes in our “Learn
Encore: Do Christians Need to Belong to a Church? [Dechurching Series #3]
When our experience of church is not measuring up to the ideal, should we try living the Christian life without belonging to a church? In this episode from the archives, Scott and Shawn aim to think like Jesus about this question and surface an answer from the Bible.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Episode: "The Great Decline in Church Attendance: Studying the Trends [Dechurching Series
Encore: Jesus — God or Just a Really Good Guy? [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #1]
How can Christians know that Jesus is God and wasn't just a good man? And, why does Jesus' divinity matter? In this episode from our podcast archives, Scott and Shawn answer these questions by looking at what Jesus said about himself in the gospels, studying the religious and historical context into which Jesus was born, and diving into Old Testament prophecy.📖 Resources mentioned in thi
Encore: The Key to Enduring Suffering: Thinking Like Jesus About Pain
We‘ll all face suffering in some way, so how do we ensure our faith endures through those times? In this episode from the podcast archives, Scott and Shawn tackle this difficult subject of pain and suffering from the standpoint of Jesus’ own experience. They probe the Scriptures to see what guided Jesus’ mind as he journeyed through suffering — and what they discover is both inspiring and hopeful.
Encore: What Are the Marks of a True Disciple? [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #4]
Have you ever doubted whether or not you are really saved? In this encore episode from our podcast archives, Scott and Shawn take a look at the Bible, particularly Jesus’ teachings, to see what it means to be a real follower of Jesus and what evidences there should be in a Christian’s life to show that they are truly saved.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Discipleship: What It Truly Means to
What Does Jesus Think About Religion? With Tim Hawman
Do you feel like Christianity is just another religion with burdensome rules to follow, and do you wonder if joining another denomination or religion might fix this feeling?In this episode, Shawn sits down with Tim Hawman, the lead pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, to talk about what Jesus thought about religion. They discuss why it's only through pursuing a relationship with Jesus that you
The PTA Go Story Continues: Introducing Dani Treweek
Shawn and Scott are thrilled to introduce our new PTA Go team member, Dr. Dani Treweek, and her ministry, Cross Related. In this episode, you’ll to hear the story about how God led Dani into ministry, and you’ll learn about Cross Related’s unique mission to help churches recover biblical and pastoral clarity for how the gospel reshapes the relational life of the disciple.📖 Resources mentioned in t
What the Bible Says About Online vs. In-Person Church, with Tim Hawman
Is it okay for Christians to choose to only “go to church” online? To answer this question, we welcome Tim Hawman, the lead pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, onto the podcast. Tim lays out the biblical principles that will help answer the question of whether or not it is necessary to physically attend church.💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!Support the show🔔 Follow
What Podcast Would Jesus Listen To? With Mike McGarry
With all the podcasts, videos, and other resources available on the Internet, how can Christians know who they should listen to?In this podcast episode, we invited Mike McGarry back onto the podcast to answer this question. Mike shares who Christians should look to for answers to their faith questions and how to discern between good and bad sources for gaining wisdom.📖 Resources mentioned in this
How Archaeology Affirms New Testament Reliability, with Bryan Windle
Is the New Testament historically accurate? In this episode, we welcome back archaeologist Bryan Windle from Associates for Biblical Research. Bryan shares how archaeology affirms the reliability of the Bible’s historical accounts and presents 5 discoveries that verify the people and events recorded in the New Testament.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Associates for Biblical Research website
Preparing the Heart of Your Muslim Friend for Jesus, with Pavel Svinukhov
We invited Christian apologist Pavel Svinukhov onto the podcast to share his insights on how you can prepare your Muslim friend’s heart to hear the Gospel. Pavel lays out the ways you can challenge your Muslim friend’s core beliefs and reveals what you should avoid when trying to reach them for Christ. 📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Christ Underground Skool (resource hub)Christ Underground
Who Would Jesus Party With? With Mike McGarry
Should Christians hang out with people who don’t follow Jesus? And should Christians go to parties with them when they know it’s not a “Christian” party?In this episode, we invite Mike McGarry of Youth Pastor Theologian to share his insight on how young Christians can love their non-Christian friends, while still pursuing holiness in their Christian walk.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Youth
Digging Into Truth: 5 Archaeological Finds That Confirm the Old Testament, with Bryan Windle
Is the Old Testament historically accurate? In this episode, we welcome archaeologist Bryan Windle from Associates for Biblical Research. Bryan answers questions about how archaeology can confirm the accuracy of the Bible’s historical accounts and shares 5 discoveries that verify the events and people recorded in the Old Testament.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Associates for Biblical Resea
Doubting Your Salvation? What the Traditional Advice Misses, with Matt Bellefeuille
Many Christians struggle with the question, “how do I know I’m really saved?” But even after reading the popular advice available on the Internet, some walk away still doubting their salvation.So, in this episode, special guest Matt Bellefeuille explains what he thinks doubters need to understand about salvation in order to answer their big questions and feel assured that that they are truly part
Keeping and Growing Your Christian Faith at College and University
If you’re a Christian preparing to attend a secular college or university, you might worry about losing your faith or wonder how you can grow in your faith at school.So, in this episode, Shawn invites his daughters onto the podcast to share their experiences as Christian students attending secular universities. While every student’s journey looks different, their stories may encourage you that it
Digital Idolatry: Breaking Free from Internet Addiction
Are you struggling with internet addiction? In this episode, Scott and Shawn consider how Jesus would think about internet addiction. They discuss its causes and consequences, uncover the spiritual issue lying behind it all, and give some practical steps you can take to overcome your internet addiction.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan HaidtThe Center for In
A Distracted World: The Mental and Spiritual Dangers of Distraction
Did you know that distraction has serious implications for your mental and spiritual health? In this episode, Scott and Shawn continue their discussion about learning to think like Jesus in a digital age. They unpack and discuss both the physical and spiritual cost of the constant distractions facing us in our digital environment.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:The Anxious Generation, by Jon
Meet the PTA Team: 2026 New Year Update
Meet the entire team as we recap the many ways we’ve seen God at work through the ministries of Prepared to Answer, Doubters Welcome, and Youth Pastor Theologian in 2025. And, to give you a small taste of what you can expect to see coming in 2026.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Doubters Welcome website Youth Pastor Theologian Website YPT Curriculum Matt’s video on spiritual abuseDoubters Wel
Encore: Is the Christmas Story a Myth?
Have you ever had doubts about the trustworthiness of the gospels or if the Christmas story is really historical?In this episode from the archives, Scott and Shawn discuss why we can have confidence that the Christmas story is true. They answer questions about supposed contradictions between the gospel accounts, the differences in genealogies between Matthew and Luke, the dating of the gospels, an
When Sleep Suffers: The Spiritual Cost of Living Online
Excessive cell phone use and poor sleep patterns often go hand in hand. But aside from the physiological and mental health impact, Christians must also become aware of the spiritual significance of sleep.In this episode, Scott and Shawn continue the journey of learning to think like Jesus by looking at the problem of sleep deprivation in our digital age from the standpoint of what God tells us abo
Your Mental Health in a Digital Age: What Does Jesus Think?
Current research is revealing the connection between the amount of time people spend online and our present mental health crisis. But what can we really do about it when smartphones have become virtually indispensable?In this episode, Scott and Shawn consider how Jesus would think about life in a digital age and uncover some important insights from the Bible’s Grand Story concerning the danger and
Beyond “Having More Faith”: What Christians Can’t Ignore About Anxiety
Anxiety is often associated with worry. But there is another side to anxiety that is not restricted to the level of our conscious thinking — and it isn’t solved by simply thinking it away or having “more faith”.In this episode, Scott and Shawn take a look at anxiety through the lens of science and the Bible to understand its relationship to the human body — and, they consider how Jesus and other b
For the Worried Christian: How Jesus Thought About Anxiety
Jesus had a lot of different things he could have been anxious about, but he did not seem to live in constant worry. And, he didn’t focus his energy on trying to control his circumstances. How could this be?In this podcast episode, Scott and Shawn consider what shaped Jesus’ thinking about anxiety and how thinking like Jesus can help Christians deal with worry and anxiety today.📖 Resources mention
Does Self-Esteem = Good Mental Health? The Foundation for Jesus’ Mental Wellness
Our culture tends to consider good self-esteem as the foundation for having good mental health. But is self-esteem really the right place to ground our mental wellness?Scott and Shawn uncover how Jesus’ thinking runs against the grain of much of today’s conventional “self-help” wisdom — most notably, in what Jesus saw as the ultimate foundation or starting point for good mental health.💬 Text us to
Mental Health, Mental Illness, and Why Jesus Cares
Mental health and mental illness are among the greatest concerns to our society today. But with so many competing voices in our culture offering diagnosis or cures, how can Christians wade into a sometimes confusing, but highly personal and important subject?Scott and Shawn begin a series of discussions on learning to think like Jesus about mental health by setting the stage for how we want to app
Encore: What Did Jesus Teach about Hell? [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #3]
How is Hell fair? Is belief in Hell toxic? Is Hell actually biblical? Should we believe in Hell as eternal torment or a place of annihilation?In this encore episode from the podcast archives, Scott and Shawn help answer these questions as they walk through God’s Word to help you understand the concept of eternal punishment in the context of the glory of God.📖 Episode Resources: John Piper, Desirin
Encore: Why Did God Allow Evil? A Biblical Answer to the Problem of Evil
Scott and Shawn tackle the question of why God allowed evil by showing you how to give a quick response to this challenge, by explaining the pitfalls of a common response that is often given for the problem of evil, and by giving an in‑depth response to the problem of evil that will help you consider God’s ultimate purpose and destiny for his Creation. Tune in to learn more in this encore episode
How to Think Like Jesus About Dating
What are God’s goals for you in your search for a spouse? Can you date someone who isn’t a Christian? How can Christians even begin to date in a godly way when Jesus didn’t even talk about dating?In this episode, Scott and Shawn take a look at dating through the mind of Jesus in order to help Christians align themselves with God’s goals and purposes before they start dating.📖 Episode Resources: Th
Self-Care vs. Self-ish Care: How to Tell the Difference
Self-care is seen as a necessary part of life, but how can young Christians learn to reconcile a culture that prizes “self-care” while following a Saviour who calls them to “lose their life” for the sake of his kingdom? What constitutes “good self-care” practices vs. “bad self-care” practices?In this episode, Scott and Shawn use the “think like Jesus framework” to consider how Jesus would think ab
How Does Jesus Think About Masculinity?
Many see masculinity as hopelessly “toxic”. Others want to double down on historic “real man” stereotypes. Amidst all the noise and confusion, how are both Christian men and women to think about what makes a man a “real man”?In this episode, Scott and Shawn return to the ‘think like Jesus’ framework found in Scripture in order to discern how Jesus thought about the essence of true manhood.📖 Episod
Who Are You, Really? Where to Secure Your True Identity
In our culture, identify is seen as something that each person creates for themselves. But is that really where your identity comes from? Does determining your own identity really set you free?Scott and Shawn bring the critical subject of identity into their continuing journey to learn to think like Jesus. In this episode, they talk through the inevitable difficulties we face when trying to create
How Does Jesus Think About Singleness?
Christians often treat singleness as if it is a problem to be solved. But how did Jesus think about singleness? He was, after all, a single man. In this episode, Scott and Shawn work through the four pillars that shaped Jesus’ mind, and they uncover some important and perhaps convicting insights about the place, value, and priority the church should give to living out the Christian life in singlen
Understanding Marriage Like Jesus
Scott and Shawn continue their thought journey of learning to think like Jesus about marriage by discussing the principles that Christians need to take to heart in order to think like Jesus — whether they are anticipating marriage or have been married for some time. Specifically, Scott and Shawn take a hard look at the most important question about marriage: what did God create marriage for?📖 Epis
Approaching Marriage Like Jesus
Scott and Shawn share how Jesus’ love for the Father and the enabling of the Holy Spirit should inform how Christians approach marriage today — whether you’re a young person anticipating marriage in the future, a single adult waiting or longing to be married, or have been married for years.💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!Support the show🔔 Follow for more Prepared t
Is God Needy for Wanting Glory?
When people do everything for their own glory, we often perceive them them as being selfish or insecure. But since God does everything for his own glory, does that mean he is selfish or insecure? Shawn and Scott discuss this question as they learn from Scripture how to think like Jesus about the glory of God.📖 Episode Resources: Reflections on the Psalms, by C.S. Lewis💬 Text us to submit any comme
Clarifying What God’s Glory Is
The word “glory” is often thrown around in Christian circles. But what is God’s glory? What does the word “glory” even mean? Since glorifying God was and is Jesus’ greatest goal, it is a very important question that we need to answer.📖 Episode Resources:Desiring God, by John Piper“Glory of God” podcast series💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!Support the show🔔 Follow
Jesus’ Ultimate Goal: Discovering the Purpose that Shaped Jesus’ Mind
Scott and Shawn confront a critical question in their journey toward thinking like Jesus: “why?” Why did Jesus think the way that he thought? To what end? What was the ultimate goal toward which every thought Jesus had was directed?📖 Episode Resources:God’s Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards, by John Piper💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!Su
Encore: Do Christians, Jews, and Muslims Worship the Same God?
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam may share similar beliefs about God, but there is an irreconcilable difference between the God that each religion claims to worship. Tune in to this encore episode from the archives as Scott and Shawn bring clarity to the question, “Do Christians, Jews, and Muslims worship the same God?”📖 Episode Resources:Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, by Nabeel Qureshi“Is the Trin
Encore: Does the Bible Condone Slavery?
Scott and Shawn dig into the facts about Old Testament slavery laws and share principles for responding to difficult faith challenges in order to answer the question, “does the Bible condone slavery?”📖 Episode Resources:Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God, by Paul Copan Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis, by William J. Webb So
The Prepared to Answer 2024 Christmas Wrap-Up
The Prepared to Answer team and our PTA Go Partners get together to reflect on the year past, the glory of Christmas, and what’s in store for 2025. You can also play along as we hold our own Prepared to Answer version of Family Feud — Scott, Matt, and Mike take on Becca and Julia to figure out the answers to some challenging Christmas themed surveys.📖 Episode Resources:Prepared to Answer websiteSo
The Bible’s Big Story: How It Helps You Think Like Jesus
Scott and Shawn dig into how God’s grand story (that the Scriptures tell) shaped not just WHAT Jesus thought, but HOW he thought about everything. Tune in to hear biblical examples of this in Jesus’ life and how the Bible’s grand story can transform your own thinking as well.📖 Episode Resources:God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Story-line of the Bible, by Vaughan RobertsWhat Is Biblical Theology?: A
How the Holy Spirit Helps You Think Like Jesus
Scott and Shawn consider the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life and thinking, and (by extension) they come to some important conclusions about how the Spirit teaches Christians today.📖 Episode Resources:Knowing Christ by Mark JonesSo Much More Than Sex series💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!Support the show🔔 Follow for more Prepared to Answer, or find more Chris
If Jesus Couldn’t Sin, Was He Really Human? (And Other Objections)
Scott and Shawn continue to discover what it means to think like Jesus, but run up against some objections to how Jesus could be fully human if he was divine at the same time. If he was truly human, how could he perform miracles or know the future? And if he was God, can he really relate to our human weaknesses and the temptations we face?📖 Episode Resources:Knowing Christ by Mark JonesSo Much Mor
Thinking Like Jesus: Taking Jesus’ Humanity Seriously
Since Jesus was fully human, that means he needed to learn just like we do. But how could he learn what he needed to know in order to become God’s Messiah and the Saviour of the world? The answer isn’t controversial, but it may surprise you. Join Scott and Shawn as they discover Jesus’ foundation for thinking and why it affects how Christians should think about everything.📖 Episode Resources:How t
The 2024 Prepared to Answer Banquet Special LIVE
Catch a rare glimpse at some of the exciting things happening in the ministry of Prepared to Answer and hear our vision for what's next in our goal to help the next generation to THINK LIKE JESUS. This is recorded LIVE at our ministry celebration banquet. 📖 Episode Resources:Prepared to Answer’s resources for group studiesThe Doubters Welcome YouTube channelDoubters Welcome 30 Days of Encoura
Beginning a Journey to Think Like Jesus
Scott and Shawn sit down to consider Jesus as our perfect model for how to think and how it could be that learning to think like Jesus is a key to living a transformed life — no matter what questions or uncertainties our changing world may bring our way. 📖 Episode Resources:What Is Biblical Theology? A Guide to the Bible's Story, Symbolism, and Patterns, by James M. HamiltonSo Much More Than
Encore: Is Jesus for Democracy or Socialism?
Scott and Shawn discuss the distinctions, merits, and hidden worldview assumptions behind democracy and socialism in order to ask and answer which way Jesus would vote were he living among us in the world today.📖 Episode Resources:Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies So Much More Than Sex series💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions
Learning to Think Like Jesus About Singleness and Marriage, With Dani Treweek
Have we in the church allowed tradition and culture to inform us about singleness and marriage rather than Scripture? In this episode, we welcome Dr. Dani Treweek, a post-doctoral theological researcher, author, and speaker with a focus on biblical singleness, sexuality, theological retrieval, and worldview formation. By discussing her application of biblical theology in her research on the biblic
What Does Jesus Think About Money?
Did you know it is possible for you to follow biblical principles about money (tithing, paying off debt, etc.) while still idolizing money in your heart? In this episode, Shawn shares how, in order to honour God with our money, we need to think like Jesus by looking deeper into our heart’s motivations behind how we manage our finances.📖 Episode Resources:Kingdom AdvisorsSo Much More Than Sex serie
Does God Want You to Be Happy?
Christians can fall into error when thinking about happiness — either adopting a worldly view of happiness that is self-centered or falling into the belief that God doesn’t care about our happiness at all. So, which is it? Does God want you to be happy, or not?In this episode, join Scott and Shawn as they discover the answer to this question by uncovering:what happiness even iswhether or not peopl
Encore: Is God Speaking to Me? With Matt Bellefeuille
Do you ever wonder how to hear from God? And if you think you’re hearing from him, how do you really know? Scott and Matt meet up to talk about the ways we can know God is speaking to us, and how we can train ourselves to hear him better. 📖 Episode Resources:Doubters Welcome YouTube ChannelSo Much More Than Sex SeriesContact Matt through email or on the Doubter’s Welcome websiteFollow Doubters Wel
Doubting Christianity: Four Ways That Christians Doubt, with Matt Bellefeuille
Special guest, Matt Bellefeuille from Doubters Welcome, joins us to talk about the four types of doubts Christians can experience and how identifying the root cause of those doubts is a critical step in finding faith-satisfying answers.📖 Episode Resources:Doubters Welcome video resourcesDoubters Welcome YouTube ChannelSo Much More Than Sex SeriesContact Matt through email or on the Doubter’s Welco
What Teens Need for Lasting Faith, with Mike McGarry
Our special guest, Mike McGarry of Youth Pastor Theologian, shares what he thinks today’s Christian teens need most — sound, theological teaching. Mike explains how knowing theology helps teens grow into a faith that will endure the struggles they will face and also responds to common objections to teaching theology in youth ministry.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Youth Pastor Theologian’s
Encore: Is Social Justice Biblical? (Cancel Culture Series)
In this episode from the archives, Scott and Shawn examine our culture’s prevailing ideas about justice and uncover what lies at the root of true justice, according to God and the Bible.📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Confronting Justice without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus WilliamsSo Much More Than Sex Series💬 Text us to submit any comments or questions you want to ask us!Support the show
Why Does God Get to Judge? Examining God’s Justice
Why should God get to decide what’s just? And how can God be just if he simply forgives people for their sin when they place their faith in Jesus? How is that fair? Scott and Shawn dig into the challenging subject of God’s justice and discover that the key to understanding God’s justice is to begin with the question, “What does God deserve?”📖 Resources mentioned in this episode:Confronting Injusti
Do We Have Free Will? God’s Sovereignty Vs. Our Choice
If God is completely sovereign over all of his creation, can human beings be free to make real choices? Or, if God does sovereignly determine our choices as well, how can we be held responsible for those choices? Scott and Shawn dive into these difficult questions in an attempt to hold together the tension of these two apparently irreconcilable truths: God’s sovereignty and man’s free choice.📖 Res
Why Did God Allow Evil? A Biblical Answer to the Problem of Evil
Scott and Shawn tackle the question of why God allowed evil from three important angles. First, what’s a good ‘elevator’ response when someone confronts you with such a challenge but really aren’t giving you the time for a fully developed response? Second, what’s a quick response that’s often given that you should probably avoid? And third, what is the best biblical response to this question that,
Is God a Narcissist? Why God’s Demand for Worship Isn’t Selfish
The first commandment God gave Israel was this: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). And the rest of God’s commands and revelations throughout the Bible are consistent with this. God, and only God, is to be worshipped. Only God can get the glory.But the skeptic looks at this and asks: “If anyone else acted the way God acts, we’d call them a narcissist and accuse them of outright
The Key to Enduring Suffering: Thinking Like Jesus About Pain
No one can escape the reality of pain and suffering, but, as Christians, Jesus actually promised we’d suffer (John 16:33) and face persecutions for his sake (Mark 10:30). Whether it’s experiencing pain because of the brokenness of sin upon the world or hardships due to our loyalty to Jesus, we will all face suffering in this world to one degree or another. So, how do we ensure our faith endures th
Can Online Church Replace Meeting In Person? [Dechurching Series #4]
Out of necessity during the global COVID pandemic, most churches in countries with mandated restrictions needed to learn how to “do church” online. But even after COVID, this widespread experience of online church has caused many to ask if doing church online presents Christians with a viable alternative to in-person gathering. Could it be that technology presents us with a new way of doing church
Do Christians Need to Belong to a Church? [Dechurching Series #3]
In this episode, Scott and Shawn dive into the question of whether or not Christians need to belong to a local church. People feel the need to leave church for many reasons. Most often it is because the church, as they’ve experienced it, has not measured up to what they expect it to be. Sometimes this is due to churches not being what the church should be, and sometimes this is due to churches not
The Biblical Church: What to Consider Before Leaving Your Church [Dechurching Series #2]
The data over the past several years confirms a steady decline in church attendance and participation, even among committed Christians. In this episode in our Dechurching series, Scott and Shawn raise awareness about some of the cultural assumptions that may be skewing our perspective about church. For those wondering if being part of a church is necessary, rather than giving reasons for or agains
The Great Decline in Church Attendance: Studying the Trends [Dechurching Series #1]
Is the church in Canada disappearing? Data collected by StatsCan over the past thirty years shows a steady decline in church attendance among Canadians. And the years over COVID accelerated that trend even further. But what is driving this trend? Who are the people foregoing church? And what does this indicate for the future of Christianity in Canada?In this episode, Scott and Shawn begin looking
Encore: Do We Really Still Need Churches? [Deconstructing Faith Series]
For decades now, church attendance has been in decline. And after COVID, many people are not returning to church.But let’s face it. Most churches now do a great job of delivering Sunday service online. And through the internet we have easy access to a super-abundance of worship, teaching, and discipleship resources that we used to only get from church.There is also the reality for many who, for on
Encore: Why Are So Many Christians Deconverting?
In 2015, The Pew Research Center reported that for every individual who becomes a Christian four leave (source).More recently a chain of very public and prominent Christians has emerged, declaring that they too have decided to leave Christianity. What are we to make of such phenomena, and how should we react to them?In this encore episode pulled from our podcast archives, Scott and Shawn discuss t
PTA’s Christmas Wrap-Up Spectacular
We invite you to our annual Christmas Wrap-up. Meet our team and listen in as we talk about the highlights of 2023, share our favourite parts of the Christmas story, and challenge each other with some Christmas Story Trivia.As Christmas approaches, we remember that Jesus is the hope of the world. Forgiveness of sin and peace with God is for everyone who puts their trust in him. This is why we do w
The Battle for the Soul: Why Sex is Such A Big Deal to God [Important Questions About Sex Series #4]
Why does the Bible give us so many warnings about sexual immorality? Does God truly care? Scott welcomes Dr. Kirk Durston to delve into this critical topic. Dr. Kirk's expertise in biophysics, education, and Christian ministry provides profound insights into the biblical discussion surrounding sexuality.This captivating discussion explores the intertwined relationship between the body and the
Christian Identity: Rethinking the Use of ‘Gay’ as an Identity [Important Questions About Sex Series #3]
How can we place our sexual attractions into a biblical context?Listen in as Scott and Shawn challenge the modern trend to use sexual orientation as the framework that defines us. They tackle the problem that our modern, secular notion of sexual orientation is a virtual catch-all for who and what we are.They go on to encourage Christians to stop using aspects of our fallen nature for describing ou
Does God Want Us to Be Heterosexual? [Important Questions About Sex Series #2]
What's the Deal with Sexual Orientation? Is there really such a thing as a heterosexual, homosexual, or even a bisexual person?Have you ever questioned the seemingly obvious answers?In this episode, we delve into the perplexing world of sexual orientation. Scott and Shawn challenge us to stop and ask: Why does it feel so natural to label people as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual? When a
At Odds with Culture? The Bible and Human Sexuality [Important Questions About Sex Series #1]
Our culture is obsessed with sex, and Christians are not immune from its impact. Records show that internet porn sites receive more online traffic than ‘X’ (Twitter), Instagram, Netflix, Pinterest, and LinkedIn combined. Living in such a culture means that Christian young people especially are feeling pressure and asking questions never imagined by previous generations. So, we can’t be squeamish.
Encore: Do Christians Cherry-Pick Bible Commands?
Christians can sometimes be accused of cherry picking the Bible, especially from among Old Testament laws and commands. For example, quoting commands that prohibit homosexual behaviour (Leviticus 18:22), but then completely ignoring commands that prohibit weaving two different fabrics together. (Leviticus 19:19).In truth, Christians can be guilty of selective Bible reading. We dismiss some command
Encore: Is It Judgmental to Point Out Sin?
“The church is too judgmental… I’m done with it.”Starting with the exit of young people from the church, Scott and Shawn take a close look at the criticism. It’s pretty common to hear young people express disdain for the judgments the church brings down on their generation. Is the church really too judgmental? Does the church even have a role in judging?Scott and Shawn launch into the discussion b
The End Times: What Jesus Wants You to Know [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #8]
Are we living in the end times? The Bible tells us that wars, rumours of war, earthquakes and abnormal weather events will be the signs of the coming of the end.Scott and Shawn take a closer look at what Jesus said about the last days before his return. He told his disciples to be on their guard, for no one knows the exact time of Jesus return.Today, we see wars, growing international conflict, pe
Love That is Other-Worldly: Embracing Jesus’ Radical Teaching to Love Our Enemies [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #7]
Jesus challenged the norm by saying to love as God loves is to love our enemies and those who hate us.Scott and Shawn work through Jesus’ teaching in the context of real-life examples and the Scripture. Corrie ten Boom, who lived an extraordinary life of forgiveness and love, was dumbfounded when her sister forgave the man who put the entire family in prison. Loving as Jesus loved is impossible—we
Fulfilling the Law: God’s Purpose in Jesus Explained [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #6]
In Matthew, Jesus says He did not come to abolish the Old Testament Law, but to fulfill them.Some popular pastors like Andy Stanley think Christians should distance themselves from the Old Testament, as if its commandments are no longer applicable for Christians. Scott and Shawn discuss the place of the Old Testament and Moses’ Law in understanding the full truth of Jesus. Should we continue to ke
Countering Pluralism: Jesus Says “I Am the Way to God” [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #5]
Jesus claims “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” In a world of pluralism, where even Christians often believe there are many ways to God, Jesus offers a clear understanding of knowing God in profound ways. It can be confusing to understand Jesus within a culture that believes there are many paths to heaven.Whether you’re looking for answers or deepening your own faith, be prepared to answer ho
What Are the Marks of a True Disciple? [The Hard Teachings of Jesus Series #4]
Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 7:21) Is it really possible to go through your entire life believing you’re a Christian, only to find out when it’s too late that you were wrong? Jesus seems to be warning exactly that. As critical theory continues to march through Western culture, Christians must face hard choices between conformity
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