Bearded Theologians

This week Matt and Zach continue their work on 1 Peter 3:8-12. Check out the show this week to see where they go.  Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians  You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

Matt and Zach sit down for a fascinating, wide-ranging conversation with retired Bishop Will Willimon. Check out more of Bishop Willimon’s work and resources at: https://www.willwillimon.com Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

The Bearded Theologians Matt and Zach this week tackle 1 Peter 2:1-10 as part of our 1 Peter series. Check it out. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

This week, Matt and Zach are hanging out with Rachel Billups and Matt Rawle! Rachel and Matt are the hosts of the  In the Sandbox  podcast and the authors of the brand-new book,  Dream, Dare, Disrupt: How Experiments, Risk and Embracing Failure Can Build Life-Giving Ministry . Join in their conversation this week and don't forget to... Get the Book:  Grab your copy of the book and companion wo...

On this episode of the Bearded Theologians podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechthold continued their series examining 1 Peter, focusing on chapter 1 verses 13-25. They discussed key themes including liberation from worldly desires, holiness, and the importance of placing faith and hope in God rather than in perishable things like silver and gold. The conversation explored what it means to be "libera...

Matt and Zach sat down with Charles to discuss his upcoming mission work in Geneva, Switzerland. Charles shared his journey from a late-blooming pastor to becoming a United Methodist missionary. Along with many other topics connected to the Theology of Missions.  You can find more info or support Charles at https://gbhem-umc.my.site.com/hemgm/s/campaign/a3fPo000000RnB7IAK/mckinzie-charles-ii Conne...

Starting a series looking at the Epistle of 1 Peter. This week we spend some time on 1 Peter 1:1-12.  Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians  You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

In this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their upcoming Sunday sermons and shared personal reflections on faith and ministry. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at www.beardedtheologians.com

Easter is over — but the season isn't. Matt and Zach dive into one of the church calendar's most underestimated stretches: Eastertide, the fifty days between resurrection Sunday and Pentecost. It's the season when attendance tends to drift and energy can quietly fade — and it's exactly when intentional leadership matters most. In this episode, they get real about what it actually t...

In this episode, Zach and Matt reflect on their approaches to Easter and the deep meaning within the resurrection story. Zach explores the theme of grief and hope. He invites us to sit in the discomfort of the story rather than rushing ahead. It's in that tension that the power of the empty tomb truly comes alive. Matt highlights the unlikeliness of the resurrection, drawing attention to the s...

On this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold take a thoughtful and honest look at Palm Sunday and the journey into Holy Week. Together, they explore different approaches to worship during this sacred time, including the tension between combining everything into a single Palm/Passion Sunday or allowing each service—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and...

Zach and Matt discussed the importance of intentional stillness and silence in spiritual practice. They contrasted this with the modern expectation of constant activity. They explored how moments of quiet can be transformative. These moments allow people to connect with God. They help find meaning in routine practices like communion and the Lord's Prayer. Matt emphasized that it is important t...

In this episode of the Bearded Theologians podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their approaches to Lent this year. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://beardedtheologians.com/You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

This week, Matt and Zach chat with Rev. Nathan Webb about his book, God and the Machine. Join us for a deep dive into navigating faith and technology in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Get the book: Available now on Amazon and Cokesbury ! Check out the Church at https://www.checkpointchurch.com/ Find Nathan's website: https://www.nathanisbusy.com/home

The Bearded Theologians sit down with Austin McIlroy, the Master Brewer and co-founder of Cabin Boys Brewery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We dive into Austin’s personal journey—from his beginnings in homebrewing to opening a staple of the Oklahoma craft beer scene. Austin also gives us the "origin story" of the brewery's brew: The Bearded Theologian. Beyond the recipes, we explore the heartbe...

Zach and Matt are getting real about the Bible. Join them as they wrestle with a big question: Why is Scripture actually important? Beyond the theory, they share their personal reflections and engage in a spiritual check-in, looking back at their week to answer:  "Where have we seen God at work?"  If you're looking for a grounded, spiritual perspective on faith in practice, this one...

Zach and Matt explored the concept of discipleship growth, discussing how individuals can evolve in their faith while acknowledging past beliefs and practices that may no longer align with their current understanding. They reflected on personal and communal growth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in their lives. Both speakers shared experiences of spiri...

Happy 10th Anniversary to The Bearded Theologians!  🥳 We are excited to kick off a decade of podcasting. Our first guest of the new decade is  Rachel Billups . Rachel leads the New Albany United Methodist Church. She is also the author of the transformative new book,  Unlikely Lent . 📖  Buy "Unlikely Advent":   https://a.co/d/aOS2Nzo Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!  Hel...

In this episode, we sit down with Reverend Kaury Edwards. He is the author of  Failure Sparked Innovation .  We talk about why our biggest setbacks are often the catalysts for our greatest breakthroughs. Enjoyed this conversation?  Make sure to  SUBSCRIBE  for more interviews on leadership, innovation, and ministry. 🔔  Turn on notifications  so you never miss a new episode! #ChurchLeadership #Min...

This week, Matt and Zach chat about week three in the From Generation to Generation Advent Worship series. The title is We Can Choose A Better Way. The Advent Word is Joy. Check us out on most spaces you can listen to podcast.  Don't forget to like and subscribe.  The 7 Generation Article  ⁠https://www.ecoresolution.earth/resources/seven-generation-thinking⁠

It’s Week 2 of Advent, and the Bearded Theologians are continuing the journey  From Generation to Generation . This week, we aren't bypassing the messy stuff—we are diving straight into  fear . Listeners interested in a copy can reach out to Zach or Matt to get a copy. Join Matt and Zach for a conversation filled with hope, humor, and the reminder that every story matters.  Connect with the Be...

For our first week in Advent in the From Generation To Generation series, Matt and Zach discuss how tradition, service, and storytelling shape our faith. They highlight how stories passed from generation to generation keep communities grounded. Listeners interested in a copy can reach out to Zach or Matt to get a copy. Join Matt and Zach for a conversation filled with hope, humor, and the reminder...

👑 Christ the King: Decoding the Liturgical Calendar Join Matt and Zach as they dive deep into the meaning and placement of  Christ the King Sunday  within the Christian liturgical year! This episode explores how this majestic observance serves as a capstone, leading us into a new cycle. Discover the  vibrant palette of the liturgical calendar , examining how different colors signify distinct seas...

We recently had the immense pleasure of hosting an insightful interview with the Reverend Dr. Casey Sigmund, a dynamic leader whose work is reigniting passion in ministry. Dr. Sigmund currently serves at St. Paul's School of Theology and is the visionary behind the Pause Play Center for Preachers.  The conversation explored various aspects of preaching, including creative approaches, the impor...

Don't miss our latest conversation with Reverend Joe Graves , a United Methodist pastor and church planter! Joe shares his incredibly personal and practical experiences, diving into: ⛪️ His journey as part of a clergy couple and the realities of balancing leadership and family life in ministry. 🤝 The vital, but often complicated, relationship between parent churches and their plants, and why...