Bearded Theologians

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Matt Rawle to talk about his upcoming book out in February, I saiah for the People: Prophet of Protest , along with the 10th anniversary re-release of The Redemption of Scrooge . Our conversation explores the provocative and challenging message of Isaiah—especially what happens when faith communities move beyond simply including marginalized people and instea...

This week on the Beardcast as we continue our series on Hebrews we work through 6:1-12 and reflect up not dragging our feet in life and in faith. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

This week on the Beardcast as we continue our series on Hebrews we work through 4:1:-16 and 5:7-9 and reflect upon rest and prayer. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

The episode launches a new series on the Letter to the Hebrews, focusing on chapters 1–3. The Beards establish that Paul did not write Hebrews, frame it as a pastoral sermon rather than a guiding letter, and use Hebrews 1:1–4 as a lens to explore who Jesus is and what it means to live connected to Christ in daily life. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologian...

The Bearded Theologians sat down with David Worthington,Global Ambassador of Methodist Heritage Sites for The United Methodist Church, just before his visit to the Mountain Sky Conference. David Worthington has spent nearly two decades helpingpeople encounter Methodist history as inspiration for modern mission. After years of leadership at John Wesley’s New Room in Bristol, England, he was named G...

This Week Matt and Zach sit down and talk about Psalm 85:8-13. Check out the Beardcast this week. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

In this series finale on 1 Peter, hosts Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold unpack 1 Peter 5:6-11. Join the conversation as Matt and Zach dive deep into what it truly means to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, cast our anxieties on Him, and hold fast when life gets tough. Navigating suffering and spiritual trial isn't easy, but Peter reminds us that we are never alone in the struggle. Discov...

The episode explores 1 Peter 4:12–19, focusing on what it means to suffer as a follower of Christ. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

This week Matt and Zach continue their work on 1 Peter 3:8-12. Check out the show this week to see where they go.  Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians  You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

Matt and Zach sit down for a fascinating, wide-ranging conversation with retired Bishop Will Willimon. Check out more of Bishop Willimon’s work and resources at: https://www.willwillimon.com Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

The Bearded Theologians Matt and Zach this week tackle 1 Peter 2:1-10 as part of our 1 Peter series. Check it out. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

This week, Matt and Zach are hanging out with Rachel Billups and Matt Rawle! Rachel and Matt are the hosts of the  In the Sandbox  podcast and the authors of the brand-new book,  Dream, Dare, Disrupt: How Experiments, Risk and Embracing Failure Can Build Life-Giving Ministry . Join in their conversation this week and don't forget to... Get the Book:  Grab your copy of the book and companion wo...

On this episode of the Bearded Theologians podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechthold continued their series examining 1 Peter, focusing on chapter 1 verses 13-25. They discussed key themes including liberation from worldly desires, holiness, and the importance of placing faith and hope in God rather than in perishable things like silver and gold. The conversation explored what it means to be "libera...

Matt and Zach sat down with Charles to discuss his upcoming mission work in Geneva, Switzerland. Charles shared his journey from a late-blooming pastor to becoming a United Methodist missionary. Along with many other topics connected to the Theology of Missions.  You can find more info or support Charles at https://gbhem-umc.my.site.com/hemgm/s/campaign/a3fPo000000RnB7IAK/mckinzie-charles-ii Conne...

Starting a series looking at the Epistle of 1 Peter. This week we spend some time on 1 Peter 1:1-12.  Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians  You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

In this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their upcoming Sunday sermons and shared personal reflections on faith and ministry. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at www.beardedtheologians.com

Easter is over — but the season isn't. Matt and Zach dive into one of the church calendar's most underestimated stretches: Eastertide, the fifty days between resurrection Sunday and Pentecost. It's the season when attendance tends to drift and energy can quietly fade — and it's exactly when intentional leadership matters most. In this episode, they get real about what it actually t...

In this episode, Zach and Matt reflect on their approaches to Easter and the deep meaning within the resurrection story. Zach explores the theme of grief and hope. He invites us to sit in the discomfort of the story rather than rushing ahead. It's in that tension that the power of the empty tomb truly comes alive. Matt highlights the unlikeliness of the resurrection, drawing attention to the s...

On this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold take a thoughtful and honest look at Palm Sunday and the journey into Holy Week. Together, they explore different approaches to worship during this sacred time, including the tension between combining everything into a single Palm/Passion Sunday or allowing each service—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and...

Zach and Matt discussed the importance of intentional stillness and silence in spiritual practice. They contrasted this with the modern expectation of constant activity. They explored how moments of quiet can be transformative. These moments allow people to connect with God. They help find meaning in routine practices like communion and the Lord's Prayer. Matt emphasized that it is important t...

In this episode of the Bearded Theologians podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their approaches to Lent this year. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://beardedtheologians.com/You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

This week, Matt and Zach chat with Rev. Nathan Webb about his book, God and the Machine. Join us for a deep dive into navigating faith and technology in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Get the book: Available now on Amazon and Cokesbury ! Check out the Church at https://www.checkpointchurch.com/ Find Nathan's website: https://www.nathanisbusy.com/home

The Bearded Theologians sit down with Austin McIlroy, the Master Brewer and co-founder of Cabin Boys Brewery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We dive into Austin’s personal journey—from his beginnings in homebrewing to opening a staple of the Oklahoma craft beer scene. Austin also gives us the "origin story" of the brewery's brew: The Bearded Theologian. Beyond the recipes, we explore the heartbe...

Zach and Matt are getting real about the Bible. Join them as they wrestle with a big question: Why is Scripture actually important? Beyond the theory, they share their personal reflections and engage in a spiritual check-in, looking back at their week to answer:  "Where have we seen God at work?"  If you're looking for a grounded, spiritual perspective on faith in practice, this one...

Zach and Matt explored the concept of discipleship growth, discussing how individuals can evolve in their faith while acknowledging past beliefs and practices that may no longer align with their current understanding. They reflected on personal and communal growth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in their lives. Both speakers shared experiences of spiri...