Against the Grain

Sharing your faith can feel intimidating. Many Christians want to talk about Jesus but hesitate because they don't feel knowledgeable enough, worry about being asked difficult theological questions, or fear coming across as pushy or judgmental. So how do you faithfully share the gospel while still being gracious, genuine, and inviting? In this episode, Eric, Brian, and Rick explore practical,...

Is Christianity supported by evidence, or is faith simply believing without proof? Many people struggle with questions about faith because so much of the Christian life requires trusting what we cannot see. Yet biblical faith is not blind faith. Christians can confidently embrace both faith and facts, knowing that the evidence surrounding the Christian faith is undeniable. In this episode, Eric, R...

As culture grows increasingly hostile to the Word of God, how do we stand firm in our convictions without wavering? What is the foundation of a boldness that would walk into the lion's den for the sake of truth? In this episode, Eric and Rachel explore the book of Daniel, unpacking its historical significance, the details we often overlook as modern readers, and how this ancient story is meant...

What if the spiritual hunger you feel is actually God's invitation to something greater? In this episode, Eric and Tyler unpack how broken young people struggling with isolation and hidden sins are finding real transformation through a "wide call, high call" approach: everyone is welcome, nothing is held back. Drawing from Luke 14's banquet parable, Tyler introduces his three A's framework for dis...

Exhort, Challenge, Grow: How Intentional Relationships Fuel Lasting Personal Growth Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Whether you're pursuing personal development, spiritual growth, or professional transformation, the relationships around you matter more than you might think. In this episode, Eric, Becky, and Brandon unpack what it really means to  exhort  one another, to speak truth, of...

Mother's Day gets one day, but motherhood is every day. The flowers fade and the brunch ends, but the calling of a mother never takes a day off. In this episode, Laura, Haley, and Holly pull back the curtain on the real, beautiful, and sometimes messy journey of motherhood — and how a living faith can anchor you through all of it. Whether you're in the thick of toddler tantrums, navigating the tee...

Graduation season is here! Whether you're the proud parent of a high school senior, a mentor, educator, or the graduate yourself, this episode is for YOU. The leap after graduation is real. While it's a season of excitement, it's also wrapped in confusion, unexpected pressure, and a level of independence most students have never navigated before. New city. New community. New identity....

"There are already churches everywhere, why would we need to start more?" If you've ever heard that question (or asked it yourself), this episode is for you. Church planting is one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) aspects of Christianity. In this episode, Eric, Kevin and Tim break down exactly what church planting is, why it matters more than ever in a rapidly changing w...

From Hindu Priest to Christ Follower: A Story of Transformation Across Cultures What separates a religion from a relationship? And why does it matter for how you talk to your neighbors, coworkers, and friends? In this episode, Kevin sits down with Kamal, a former Hindu priest whose remarkable journey to faith in Christ offers a masterclass in cross-cultural connection. They unpack the foundational...

Welcome back to part 2 of the conversation! AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, without either blindly accepting it or shutting it down out of fear. This episode discusse...

AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, without either blindly accepting it or shutting it down out of fear. What does it mean to use AI wisely? Where does Scripture speak in...

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith.  And as we look back at what is recorded in scripture we see solid evidence that the events described that day really happened. The best part is that you don’t have to be a scholar or have a degree to understand it! The resurrection is a story of ultimate hope. We know how the story ends, but how did it happen? Why was it necessary? What...

There are billions of people who don’t have the Bible in their language. How can they know God, when they think He doesn’t even speak their language? But God is doing amazing things to get the Bible in their language. In this episode, Eric and Scottye dive deeper into this challenge as they discuss the work of the Seed Company and the amazing things that are happening to make the Bible available t...

As followers of Jesus, we are all sent. The only question is where. One of the ways we step into this is through short-term mission trips. In this episode, Eric, Becky and Glen discuss the value of these trips, why we should go, answering objections, and seeing God work in incredible ways.  Show notes: 121 Mission Trips

In this episode, Eric and Derek Bennet, Director of Global Projects at Pioneers, talk about finding purpose and using our gifts to live out that God-given purpose, sharing stories of how God has moved in Derek's life to utilize gifts and setbacks  to live with greater purpose and to be part of something huge! Show notes: About Pioneers

Jesus promised to send a Helper who would give His followers power: the Holy Spirit. But who is the Holy Spirit, and what does that power actually look like? In this episode, Eric, Vince, and Laura explore the role of the Holy Spirit, what He does in the life of believers, and how we can learn to recognize and engage with His presence. Discover why pressing into the Holy Spirit is essential to liv...

What does it truly mean to say "yes" to God's call? In this episode, Rory and Pam's journey from fostering one child to leading international ministries, proves that small acts of obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. Through adopting children, opening a children's home, and serving in Africa despite challenges like recurring malaria, they've learned that God equips...

We often don’t like the word obedience. When we think about growing in our faith, our default is to learn more information. But Jesus commands his followers to obey and to teach people to obey. In this episode, Eric, Ross and Lorraine take a look at what it looks like to grow in obedience and to teach others to obey what Jesus tells us to do. Listen now to find out how we can grow in our desire to...

In this episode, Eric, Jermaine and Lorraine discuss baptism, wrestling through: what is baptism? Why do we do it? What are some common misconceptions? Why do some traditions do it differently? And how can I know if my kids are ready?  Show notes: 8 Ways to Follow Jesus: Be Baptized Mat 3:16 Mat 28:18-20 Acts 2:37-39, 41 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:26-38 Acts 10:44-48 Acts 16:30-36 Acts 22:12-16

Throughout the bible we see that God has a heart for the nations. What does that mean for us? Why should we be concerned for the nations when there are so many needs right here? In this episode, Kevin, Travis, and Amanda wrestle with these questions and help us to see why this is so important and what we can do about it.  Show notes: Perspectives Course Joshua Project Follow Me by David Platt Lear...

What does it mean to truly make disciples in today's fast-paced world? Discipleship isn't about having all the answers, it's about walking alongside others as we follow Jesus together. Whether through structured Bible study or organic life-on-life relationships, Eric, Darell and Sonja share how simple (though not always easy) discipleship can be when we're willing to invest time an...

Against the Gain is back for a new season! In this episode Eric, Kevin and Vince discuss what it means to be sent. "Sent," isn't just about crossing oceans—it's a daily mindset of following God's lead. From tiny steps of neighborhood outreach to life-changing moves abroad, they unpack how listening to the Holy Spirit and simple obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. Whet...

During the Christmas season it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness and commercialism and miss Jesus. But as we move toward Christmas, how can we avoid the distractions and keep our eyes focused on Jesus? What are some of the rhythms we can cultivate to prepare our hearts to celebrate that miraculous event that ushered in the savior of the world? Show Notes: Joy Upon Joy by Charles Spurgeon...

As we enter this Advent season anticipating the birth of Jesus, this episode reflects on His second coming and His return. When followers of Jesus understand where we are headed, it empowers us with strength and patience to live with purpose. In this episode, Eric and Brian discuss the second coming of Christ, the beauty of His promised return, and how this hope compels us to live countercultural...

Prayer is foundational and vital to Christian living, however it can also be confusing and abstract. In this episode Lorraine, Sonja and Eric discuss growing a vibrant prayer life, the effects of prayer on our hearts and how to grow your faith through prayer.