Church Unscripted

Welcome to the first 2026 episode of Church Unscripted! This is the kick off the season with an honest conversation about building great marriages and avoiding “marriage killers” using the story of David and Bathsheba.  They explore how temptations grow, the difference between wisdom and legalism, and practical steps for creating strong relationships. The pastors also open up about the role of the...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, our pastors tackle the Parable of the Net from Matthew 13 and discuss the hidden meanings behind Jesus' stories. Pastor Eric shares four powerful kingdom principles from the parable, unpacking how we can respond to the unexpected coming of Jesus and what it means for our urgency in sharing the Gospel. The conversation dives deep into topics like the reality of...

In this episode, Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David continue their conversation through Matthew 13 and dive into the deeper meaning behind the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. They discuss what it really means to give up everything for the Kingdom, how integrity and wisdom play into following Jesus, and why living out Kingdom values often looks “irrational” to...

Church Unscripted is a weekly, unscripted conversation with the pastors at Brookside Church, exploring faith, the Bible, and real-life questions about Christianity. In this episode, Pastors Eric, John, and David dig into the meaning behind Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed and yeast, reflecting on spiritual growth, the challenges of comparison, and what it means to be “first” in your family to f...

This week on Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric steps into the host’s chair to guides this conversation with Pastor John and Pastor David about the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13). The team unpacks Jesus’ teaching, explores why distinguishing good from evil isn’t always so clear, and discusses what this means for life, judgment, and perseverance as a follower of Jesus. If you’ve ever s...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric, Pastor John, and guest Nate Zimmerman kick off Brookside Church’s new series on the parables of Jesus, with a special focus on the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. Using personal stories and biblical insight, they unpack the meaning behind the soils, discuss why some hearts are hardened, and wrestle with the practical question of sharing fait...

*Church Unscripted – S3E21: Battling Restlessness * Welcome to this week’s show notes for Church Unscripted! Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the topics discussed by Pastor David, Pastor Eric, and Pastor John, with helpful descriptions and timestamps so you can jump to your favorite sections. *00:00:00 Intro & Welcome* - Brief greeting, platform reminders (subscribe, notifications). *00:0...

Episode Overview This week on Church Unscripted, the pastors continue their series on Sabbath, focusing on John Chapter 5 and the story of the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda. They discuss the layers of healing Jesus offers – not only physical but also mental, emotional, and spiritual – and how these intersect with common issues like bitterness, self-pity, and victimhood. The conversation also tak...

In this episode, S3E19, we talk about what Sabbath really means in today’s world. We cover the difference between the letter and the spirit of the Sabbath, and how legalism can easily creep into church life. There’s practical discussion around digital distractions, the pressures of always being busy, and how to intentionally create space for rest. The conversation also touches on church expectatio...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David continue the "Pause" series, focusing on the biblical concept of Sabbath. The conversation explores the shift from Old Testament legalism to New Testament freedom in Christ, and what Sabbath means for Christians today. The pastors address practical challenges for those with busy lives, discuss the difference between s...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric, Pastor John, and Pastor David kick off their new "Pause" series by exploring the biblical concept of Sabbath. They trace Sabbath back to its Old Testament roots, discuss its role in the life of Israel, and begin unpacking how it's relevant for modern Christians today. The conversation covers the difference between a Sabbath rest and a typical day...

In this episode (S3E16), the focus lands on Peter’s restoration after denying Jesus, digging into how shame can block people from stepping into their true purpose. It unpacks the tension between shame and pride, highlighting why real repentance matters and how forgiveness—whether it’s from God or others—opens the door to moving forward. There’s also a deep dive into the push-and-pull of “being” wi...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors Eric, John, and David dive into the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10 as part of the "Failing Forward" series. They explore what it means to be truly present with God and why finding a balance is crucial in our lives.

Struggling with a broken relationship or looking for biblical guidance on reconciliation and forgiveness? In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors John, Eric, and David dive deep into what real reconciliation looks like, why forgiveness isn’t always the final step, and how to rebuild trust after betrayal—using the powerful example of the relationship between Paul and Mark from the New Testame...

Welcome to Church Unscripted – S3E13! This week, Pastors John, Eric, and David dive deep into Palm Sunday and its connection to Easter, exploring how God reveals Himself—from the Old Testament miracles to the sacrifice of Jesus. They tackle big faith questions: How do we trust a God we can’t see? What does it really mean to worship? How should we handle doubt and seasons when God feels distant?  ...

Join us for an insightful episode of Church Unscripted as Pastors Eric, John, and David dive into aligning our desires with God's plan, understanding the nature of sin, and handling conflicts within the church. We explore how to balance personal ambition with humility, and the role of contemplation in our spiritual journey. Whether you're curious about resolving church conflicts or seeking to alig...

00:00 "Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet" 03:23 Jesus' Motivation: Love, Not Gain 06:38 Peter's Misplaced Zeal 10:31 Parable's Lesson: Humility Through Consequences 14:13 Teaching Through Natural Consequences 18:49 Balanced Serving: Avoiding "Starving Baker" Syndrome 20:20 Escaping the "Need to be Needed" 25:20 Selflessness in Marriage 28:21 Balancing Advice and Autonomy 31:06 "Show Up to Church"

Dive into our latest episode of Church Unscripted as we explore how the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4 reveal lessons on facing challenges with faith and scripture. Pastor Eric and Pastor David join Pastor John for an engaging discussion, connecting biblical stories to practical life insights. 00:00 Understanding Temptation in Matthew 4 03:19 Jesus Redeems Creation in Matthew 4 07:17 "Biblical...

Ever felt like the world's relationship with faith is on a rollercoaster? In this honest episode of Church Unscripted, three pastors sit down to tackle this head-on. John, Eric, and David dive deep into how people's views of Jesus have shifted over time – from curious, to hostile, and now? Well, it looks like curiosity might be making a comeback. Eric shares his heart behind his new Lenten series...

In this episode, S3E7, we wrap up the series on Daniel by reflecting on the complex themes found in chapters 10 through 12. The conversation centers around preparing spiritually for challenging times and the influence of Antichrists. We explore the application of walking in faith like Daniel, focusing on prayer and wisdom amid darkness. There's an in-depth discussion about enduring spiritual battl...

In this episode, we explore the promises of God in Daniel chapter nine and discuss how they relate to our lives today. We examine the importance of praying based on God's promises and the challenge of remaining patient as we await their fulfillment. The conversation highlights the distinction between punishment and discipline, emphasizing God's loving guidance. We reflect on the mystery of God and...

How can Christians view success without falling into arrogance? In this thought-provoking episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor John, Pastor Eric and Pastor David dive deep into the story of Belshazzar and Daniel in the Book of Daniel. Takeaways: Success is empty if you're spiritually astute. Embrace humility like Daniel to stay grounded. Hold out the gospel as the greatest safety net when cultural...

In this episode, S3E4, we explore the themes from Daniel 4, focusing on the balance of speaking truth and love. We discuss the complex relationship between Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar, and how it illustrates humility and pride. The conversation extends to relating these biblical lessons to modern life, including handling pride in competitive environments and teaching humility to our children. P...

Join us as we dive deep into Daniel 3's timeless story of the fiery furnace and explore its powerful relevance for Christians today. Through engaging discussion, they unpack how believers can maintain their integrity while navigating an increasingly challenging cultural landscape. In this episode, we explore: • The balance between cultural engagement and spiritual integrity • Practical strategies...

In this episode, we tackle Daniel Chapter 2 in the Bible. The conversation covers understanding Nebuchadnezzar's dream, applying Daniel's deep humility, and balancing personal talents with divine credit. We discuss how to recognize God's actions in our lives and the importance of church attendance beyond just Sunday services. Lastly, we address managing personal relationships within the church to...