Wisdom for the Wilderness

In this timely episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the explosive rise of artificial intelligence from a distinctly Christian perspective. They celebrate the real ways AI is already helping ministry (faster Bible translation, podcast editing, live sermon translation, and more), while sounding the alarm on its deepest dangers: intellectual laziness, plagiarism, the e...

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the hosts discuss the intriguing topic of angels and demons, particularly in the context of the Advent season. They explore the nature of angels, their roles as messengers, and the reality of spiritual warfare involving demons. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritual realm, the authority of believers, and practical way...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Josh and [Co-host Name, if known] tackle the crucial question of how to  discern modern Christian trends —from new theological movements to popular personalities—to determine if they are truly led by the Holy Spirit or merely products of culture and novelty. They discuss the essential role of the  Bible  as the sole and final authority for tr...

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the hosts celebrate one year of the podcast while discussing the importance of multiplication in the church. They emphasize the need for church planting, particularly in North Fort Collins, and explore the biblical basis for multiplication through the Great Commission. The conversation highlights the significance of discipleship as a lifestyle, the nec...

In this episode, Pastors Zack and Josh introduce special guest Mitch Chase, and delve into the importance of biblical theology. They reflect on their childhood experiences with the Old Testament, emphasizing the need to understand the Bible as a unified story centered on Christ. The conversation highlights the discipline of reading the Bible, the significance of wisdom throughout scripture, and pr...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh dive into Overland Church's week of prayer and fasting, timed strategically with their seasonal missions focus and offering. They reflect on how a leadership exercise revealed the church's "prayerless" culture years ago, prompting four annual intentional weeks to seek God's heart, align with His mission, and depend on His power—...

In this timely episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a listener's question: Should Christians celebrate Halloween? With Halloween approaching, the pastors dive into the holiday’s complex history, from its Celtic pagan roots in the festival of Samhain to its partial Christianization through All Saints’ Day. They explore the tension between Halloween’s secular, commerc...

In this raw, heartfelt dive into Nehemiah's "Weep, Pray, Obey" series, Pastors Zack and Josh unpack the lost art of grief. From personal losses—like shattered dreams, broken relationships, and perpetual pain as special needs parents—to the church's call to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15), they expose America's sanitized avoidance of sorrow. Drawing from real stories—Zack's battles with a...

**SCHEDULING NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED BEFORE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A PEACE DEAL.** In this episode, recorded on the two-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel, the pastors tackle a listener's question about how Christians should view modern-day Israel. They explore theological perspectives like dispensationalism, covenant theology, and progressive covenantalism, unpacking their im...

This podcast episode from  Wisdom for the Wilderness , hosted by Pastors Zack and Josh of Overland Church, explores the concept of "pathways to hope" through compassion ministries. The pastors discuss the biblical foundation for compassion ministry, distinguishing it from the historical social gospel movement and liberation theology, which they critique for redefining sin, salvation, and the churc...

In this poignant episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk whose death on September 10 at Utah Valley University has sent ripples through the nation. Recorded three weeks after the tragedy, the pastors explore why this event continues to resonate, particularly among younger generations, and how it exposes the deep spiritual and po...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , the pastors of Overland Church explore the foundational doctrine of revelation. They distinguish between general revelation—God's self-disclosure through creation, accessible to all people at all times, as seen in Psalm 19 and Romans 1—and special revelation, which is specific, covenantal communication through prophets, apostles, and ultimately Jesus...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , the pastors of Overland Church dive into a critical theological discussion about the prosperity gospel, a pervasive and misleading doctrine both in America and globally. They contrast the true gospel—centered on Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for salvation—with the distorted teachings of the prosperity gospel, which falsely promises health,...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a question that’s rarely asked but often faced: How do you know when it’s time to leave a church? With insight from their pastoral experience, they explore legitimate reasons to depart—such as a church’s drift from biblical truth or unhealthy leadership—while cautioning against superficial reasons like music preferences o...

In this compelling episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , the pastors of Overland Church tackle the explosive growth of sports gambling in today’s culture, with the industry projected to reach $180–$200 billion in 2025. From college football to the NFL, betting ads are everywhere, but what are the real costs? Exploring the history of gambling scandals like the Black Sox and Pete Rose, the pastors...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the importance of including children in worship services as part of fostering a multi-generational church. They explore the theological, philosophical, and practical reasons for having kids join corporate worship, sharing personal stories, biblical insights, and actionable tips for parents. From disciplining young chil...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh explore the vital importance of a multi-generational church. They discuss why a healthy church thrives when it includes people of all ages and stages—from young believers to seasoned saints. Drawing from biblical principles and real-life stories, they highlight the value of cross-generational discipleship, the pitfalls of homoge...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the often-misunderstood topic of church discipline. Exploring its biblical roots in Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5, they discuss how this practice is a vital mark of a healthy church, rooted in fellowship and accountability. Far from being punitive, church discipline is a redemptive process aimed at restoring believers...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a common question: "How do I know God’s will for my life?" Whether it’s choosing a spouse, a job, or a major life decision, the anxiety of making the "right" choice can be overwhelming. The pastors explore a biblical framework for discerning God’s guidance, introducing the "Five W’s" of decision-making: Word, Wisdom, Witn...

In this episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the vital yet often overlooked topic of evangelism, emphasizing its role in the life of a healthy church. They explore why sharing the gospel can feel intimidating for many Christians and discuss practical ways to overcome these fears, such as knowing the gospel thoroughly, memorizing key scriptures, and using tools like...

In this insightful episode of  Wisdom for the Wilderness , Pastors Zack and Josh dive deep into what truly defines a thriving spiritual community with "12 Marks of a Healthy Church." Drawing on years of pastoral experience and biblical wisdom, they unpack each of these essential characteristics, offering practical insights and challenges for both church leaders and individual members. The episode...

In this episode of "Wisdom for the Wilderness," Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a question many believers grapple with: "Is it okay to skip church from time to time to enjoy hobbies like hunting, vacation, or youth sports?" They dive into the heart of this tension, acknowledging the legitimate desire for leisure and family time, while also faithfully upholding the biblical call to corporate worship....

This week on Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the complex and often polarizing topic of immigration. They carefully navigate the tension between our personal call as believers to love our neighbors and minister to all people, regardless of their immigration status, and the government's distinct responsibility to enforce immigration laws and maintain societal order. Join t...

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the ever-present challenge of time management from a distinctly biblical perspective. They explore what it truly means to "redeem the time" in a world constantly vying for our attention. The conversation begins with the macro view, delving into the essential task of prioritizing what genuinely deserves our time. How do we a...

Join Pastors Zack and Josh in this vital episode of "Wisdom for the Wilderness" as they courageously tackle the pervasive topic of alcohol from a deeply rooted biblical perspective. Far from a simple "yes or no" answer, this discussion dives into the wisdom of Scripture to equip believers with principles for navigating a culture saturated with drink. Drawing from key passages like Ephesians 5:18,...