Cross Checking

Context is a word that gets thrown around a lot (at least in our circles). Why is it such a big deal and how do we understand the contexts we are in?

In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about when programs are useful for congregations to implement . . . and when they aren't.

Ben and Josh talk about how churches should approach organizational change.

In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about what it should look like when you're picking a church. We also have some mildly spicy takes on what it shouldn't look like.

Josh and Ben talk about what happens when churches have to go through major transitions like different professional church workers or changing major ministries.

Welcome to Season 7 of Cross Checking (formerly Manbuns and Jesus)! This season we will spend a lot of time talking about the work of the church, the limitations of pastors, and the roles of volunteers in the church. We kick that off by checking in on our ministry contexts and reflecting on where we both are.

This is the final episode of season six, where we talk about the important distinctions that are grounded in the Trinity.

We're getting towards the end of the season and we're making some more distinctions between groups in this episode.

We're getting towards the end of the season and the Book of Concord starts to help us make some theological distinctions between groups.

Jesus went to hell for you. And the more you think about it, the more meaningful we realize His sacrifice was.

The presidential election is tomorrow, so Ben and Josh take on this audacious question.

The Law is a good gift that serves as our guide, but that isn't all it does. Also, here is the link for the book Josh shamelessly plugs during the episode.

In the church, we're called to deal with sin. Excommunication is one of the tools we use to do it. Big name, scary name, but ultimately a process driven by compassion and a desire for reconciliation.

Feeling angry, frustrated, sad, or tired about politics right now? Well we've got a show for you.

There have been some things said lately and it seems fair to weigh in on them from the perspective of the Book of Concord.

Traditions are great, but they aren't necessary for salvation.

Confession, absolution, and ecclesial tyranny? Certainly not on Manbuns and Jesus?!

It's really more of an episode about vocation, but we want the titles for the season to be consistent. And yes, I know I could just say "Concerning Vocation" but that didn't occur to me until I was writing the description and I'd have to actually click back on the Title box instead of just using the Tab key - not on your life!

An episode about something that used to be a major point of contention that still has some wisdom for us today.

Ben and Josh talk about whether or not we should genuinely consider that there might be people out there making deals with the devil.

Can we declare ourselves patron saints of chicanery and tomfoolery? Probably not. Did we do it anyway? What do you think?

There are a bunch of reasons to do good works, to earn your salvation isn't one of them. Also, we have a new theme song!

Do you have free will? Does it matter? Is this too philosophical for Manbuns and Jesus? Yeah, we're not sure either.

The terminus of Christianity - heaven, hell, and how to get there.

How can/should Christians interact with politics and the government? We give answering that question our best shot.