Episodes

Is the Church in America dying—or could something deeper be stirring beneath the surface? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, Matt sits down with Jesse Jackson, Senior Content Editor at ChurchLeaders, for a wide-ranging conversation about what he’s seeing from his unique vantage point covering the Church, Christian culture, pastors, and ministry news every day. From packed pastor gatherings and college campus ministries to hundreds of baptisms happening at Christian concerts and events, Jes...

In a world that has never been more connected digitally, why do so many people still feel isolated? In this episode of Passing the Pulpit, Matt sits down with author, CEO, and community builder Johnny Levy to talk about our growing hunger for genuine relationships—and what it actually takes to build communities that last. Johnny shares lessons from years of bringing people together, including the communities that flourished, the ones that failed, and why clarity of vision matters when asking peo...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Millsaps, worship pastor at Bell Shoals Church, to talk about a powerful ministry idea that is helping churches rethink discipleship, creativity, and the next generation. What began as a simple burden to better equip creative kids in the church eventually became Kids Worship Camp—a hands-on ministry experience where children learn worship, songwriting, production, filmmaking, photography, stage design, and more while actively serving the church. Jason sha...

When Pentecost Sunday lands on Memorial Day weekend during graduation season, pastors face a unique challenge: what exactly are you supposed to preach on? Do you lean into the church calendar, address the cultural moment, honor life transitions, or try to somehow hold all of it together in one message? In this episode, Matt Redder shares five practical and pastoral ways to discern what to preach when multiple important moments converge at once. From theological priorities to congregational need...

What happens when your career changes but your calling doesn’t? In this episode, we sit down with Luke Miller to explore his unique journey from pastoral ministry to the marketplace—and how his calling never changed, even when his job title did. From church planting in Dallas to spending over 15 years in church media, Luke shares honest insights on bi-vocational ministry, identity, and the tension between calling and compensation that many leaders quietly carry. We also dive deep into the evol...

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse to unpack some of the most thought-provoking—and at times controversial—stories shaping the church today. From a provocative Easter marketing campaign that sparked major backlash, to a powerful conversation about engaging culture without compromising truth, this episode doesn’t shy away from the tension leaders are facing right now. We wrestle with questions like: Has the Church started to rely too much on shock value? Is the gospel enough on its own? And...

What does it actually look like to lead in a way that outlasts you? In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Jim Mullins to unpack a leadership decision most leaders avoid: intentionally raising up and handing off leadership to others—before you have to. After nearly two decades of ministry, Jim didn’t just talk about leadership development—he lived it. Through a years-long process, he identified, invested in, and ultimately promoted two leaders to take his place… while he stepped aside to ser...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Josh Reed—a former pastor’s kid, missionary, and now senior product leader—to explore the intersection of ministry, technology, and calling. Josh shares stories from growing up in a ministry home, navigating a life of global missions, and building a career in the digital space—all while staying rooted in a deep awareness of God’s presence. From self-funded missions in South Africa to leading innovation at SermonCentral, his journey is marked by obedience, ri...

What is it really like growing up as a pastor’s kid? For many PKs, life in a ministry family can be both a blessing and a challenge. There are unique expectations, moments of pressure, and the constant question of whether faith is something you simply inherited or something you’ve truly made your own. In this episode, we sit down with Tyler, a pastor’s kid who is stepping into a worship leadership role and beginning to find his own voice in ministry. He shares what it was like growing up in a ...

How does God work in the ordinary, everyday lives of people all around the world? One small step of faith, one choice, one conversation at a time. This truth pours out of Jonathan Miller the creative director and entrepreneur who has spent decades trusting God with the right next step. In this episode we hear the powerful testimony of a man who has so much wisdom to offer the church community.From leading worship and serving faithfully in ministry to launching a creative business that now partn...

What does real revival actually look like — and why is the next generation at the center of it? In this conversation, Shane Pruitt shares what he’s seeing across churches, campuses, and communities as God moves among Gen Z and young adults. From the marks of authentic spiritual awakening to practical strategies for reaching students, equipping families, and mobilizing young leaders, this episode is packed with insight for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the ...

What happens when a life built on discipline, structure, and service in the military collides with an unexpected calling into ministry? In this powerful episode, Ray Diaz shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to discovering his identity, faith, and purpose beyond the uniform. What began as a pursuit of direction and belonging through military life ultimately became a pathway God used to shape his leadership, career in cybersecurity, and passion for ministry. Ray opens up about the d...