Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

Pastor J.D. discusses whether our attitude toward the United States should be one of pride or of shame. A glimpse inside this episode: Another way to frame this question is, What is the right attitude to have toward the United States—pride or shame? I would say: the answer is yes , but not because of our genetics, race, or national character. We are sinful, weak people like everyone else and have...

Pastor J.D. talks about this rising issue, learning how to find Sabbath rest, and four ways of rest we need every day. A glimpse inside this episode: 1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or strife in their churches. 80% of pastors’ spouses feel their spouse is overworked. 80% wish their spouse would choose another profession. The majority of pa...

Pastor J.D. looks at the creation narrative and explains that an open Bible and an open mind are key when contemplating the concept of evolution. A glimpse inside this episode: The short answer is, “Yes.” This is one of those areas where Christians should be free to disagree. There are many conservative Bible scholars who believe in something like evolution. Notable theistic evolutionists : Alista...

Pastor J.D. discusses the common struggle of anxiety and what Scripture has to say about it. A glimpse inside this episode: When it comes to anxiety and depression, many people create a false dichotomy. Either this is a biological and chemical issue, or it’s 100% a spiritual one. But that’s simply not the case. God made us a “psychosomatic unity,” which simply means it is impossible to separate, a...

Pastor J.D. shares about the generosity matrix and how that can help us view finances biblically. A glimpse inside this episode: Short answer: Yes People like Abraham ; Job at the beginning and end of his life; David; not to mention Solomon! Randy Alcorn points out in his book Money, Possessions, and Eternity that it is clear that some of Jesus’ early disciples were people of substantial mea...

Pastor J.D. talks about whether aliens are a possibility or a mere figment of the imagination. A glimpse inside this episode: Our faith doesn’t rise and fall with this question, so we have some liberty here. It’s not in our church’s statement of beliefs. C.S. Lewis seemed to keep the option open, and he’s smart … so there’s that. Evolutionists say yes: the likelihood of that much space. Step...

Pastor J.D. discusses transgenderism, gender ambiguity, and the concept of pronoun hospitality. A glimpse inside this episode: Old maxim : Behind every question is a questioner. When I hear a question like this, I immediately imagine the sort of person asking it. Sometimes it may be someone trying to pick a fight. But behind those who identify as transgender, that experience is invariably a person...

Pastor J.D. explains why slavery isn’t a problem we should brush aside and how we should view it through the lens of Scripture. A glimpse inside this episode: I want to start by pointing out that this isn’t a problem we should just brush aside. It’s a good thing for us to be offended at depictions of slavery, even in the Bible. We ought to be troubled by things and not explain them away… So, for i...

Pastor J.D. discusses some misconceptions and implications regarding the issue of masturbation. A glimpse inside this episode: A friend of mine named Todd Wagne r offered some helpful clarification for what it’s not: The unforgivable sin An unavoidable sin (1 Corinthians 10:13) A single man’s struggle (70% of married people—men and women—struggle with this question) A male problem (89% of women st...

Pastor J.D. talks about whether the legal use of marijuana is wise or helpful for Christians. A glimpse inside this episode: In the past, this was an easy enough question, because marijuana was illegal . It wasn’t a “gray area” for Christians. The drug was illegal, so it was off-limits to those who are “subject to the governing authorities” (Rom. 13:1). But as recreational marijuana becomes legal...

To kick-off our new season, we want to share some of our favorite leadership lessons from Pastor J.D. This has been a minor departure from our question/answer format, but these quick thoughts on different leadership topics are too helpful not to share. Oftentimes, Pastor J.D. will ask the staff of The Summit Church to read a book before our monthly large team meeting. In our episode today, J.D. is...

To kick-off our new season, we want to share some of our favorite leadership lessons from Pastor J.D. This will be a minor departure from our question/answer format, but these quick thoughts on different leadership topics are too helpful not to share. You don’t want to miss any week in September. In our episode today, J.D. works quickly through value statements about disciple making at The Summit...

To kick-off our new season, we want to share some of our favorite leadership lessons from Pastor J.D. This will be a minor departure from our question/answer format, but these quick thoughts on different leadership topics are too helpful not to share. You don’t want to miss any week in September. In our episode today, J.D. very quickly answers some common questions around working – specifica...

To kick-off our new season, we are sharing some of our favorite leadership lessons from Pastor J.D. This will be a minor departure from our question/answer format, but these quick thoughts on different leadership topics are too helpful not to share. You don’t want to miss any week in September. Oftentimes, Pastor J.D. will ask the staff of The Summit Church to read a book before our monthly large...

In one of our two most popular episodes from season one, Pastor J.D. shares four important things to keep in mind when responding to instances of sexual abuse. Enjoy this re-broadcast, and watch for season two in September. A glimpse into this episode: This is an extremely important question, so much so that after becoming SBC president, the first thing I did was appoint a Sexual Abuse Advisory Gr...

In one of our top two most popular episodes from season one, Pastor J.D. explains that the gospel must be of first importance, both empowering and informing the church. Enjoy this re-broadcast from Ask Me Anything. Season 2 begins this September. A glimpse inside this episode: I actually wrote a book about this, called Above All. The greatest need now is the same as the greatest need 100 years ago...

Pastor J.D. discusses some of the major objections to short-term mission trips and how we can participate in and facilitate them wisely. A glimpse inside this episode: Well, I hope they aren’t a huge waste of time and money, because I’m about to go on one for the next few weeks. Actually, I think what I’ll be doing shows the ways that short-term trips can go well . (John Crist video reference) You...

Pastor J.D. shares four important things to keep in mind when responding to instances of sexual abuse. Note: If you heard Pastor J.D. answer this question last week, please go back to make sure you also listen to “What is the greatest need in the American church?” A glimpse into this episode: This is an extremely important question, so much so that after becoming SBC president, the fir...

Pastor J.D. explains that the gospel must be of first importance, both empowering and informing the church. A glimpse inside this episode: I actually wrote a book about this, called Above All. The greatest need now is the same as the greatest need 100 years ago. It’s the same as the greatest need 2,000 years ago. It’s to keep the gospel above all. Above all preferences, preferences, priorities, po...

Pastor J.D. talks about the three kinds of faith we see in the Bible and how that faith is a gift in various ways. A glimpse inside this episode: Yes, but in different ways: There are three different kinds of faith in the Bible. Saving faith General trust in God (I think of this as a spiritual fruit) Spiritual gift of faith: A spiritual gift is an empowerment given to all Christians. He gives to c...

Pastor J.D. shares four questions that are helpful to start a conversation with our atheist friends, neighbors, and coworkers. A glimpse inside this episode: Atheists have many questions for Christians. But they have to answer a lot of questions, too. For instance: Blow the roof off approach (Francis Schaeffer) What about origins? Dawkins says, “Darwin’s theory works for biology, but not for cosmo...

Pastor J.D. explains why we both should and shouldn’t feel satisfied by our jobs because God created us to work, but our work here on earth is toil. A glimpse inside this episode: Yes and no. YES, God created us to work. God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it” (Gen 2:15). Remember that God said this before the fall, indicating that work wasn’t a punishment inflicted on Adam for his...

Pastor J.D. discusses the role of the family in the growth and discipleship of children and shares some practical tips. A glimpse inside this episode: God gave the home and family as one of the two “gospel gardens,” the church being the second. The ultimate job of parenting it to let go and to send out. Studies show the quality of the relationship not the depth of instruction is the determin...

Pastor J.D. shares his advice for newlyweds and we share an important podcast update you won’t want to miss. A glimpse inside this episode: Be as committed to counseling after your marriage as you were before. And note, there’s nothing wrong with counseling! Like going to the doctor. You don’t just do that before you die Enjoy the other as a gift from God but don’t let them replace God: C.S. Lewis...

Pastor J.D. discusses why it’s important to remain rooted in your identity in Christ and look for the helpful truth, even in the most mean-spirited critiques, when you’re in a season of heavy criticism. A glimpse inside this episode: For me: Realize it goes with the territory. Similarly, realize it’s usually more about them than you. (Sometimes their critique should elicit compassion from you, not...