Church Unscripted

In this episode, the conversation focused on the final chapter of Jonah and the lingering questions it leaves. Key themes include Jonah’s struggle with God’s mercy, the tension between obedience and a changed heart, and how to navigate righteous anger. The discussion explored praying for understanding instead of outcomes and the dangers of bargaining prayers. Several points were raised, including...

In this episode, the focus is on the story of Jonah and its continued relevance. The conversation explores what it means to experience discomfort as part of God's provision and the link between Jonah's time in the fish and Jesus’ resurrection. Several points are raised about how Old Testament stories connect to New Testament realities and why dramatic signs may have been used in Jonah’s time. The...

When a storm hits your life, how do you know if God sent it, Satan's behind it, or you just made a bad call?  Join us as we talk about why God doesn't just gloss over our rebellion, how to discern a God-sent storm from the natural consequences of our own choices, and the danger of hiding behind "spiritual warfare" to dodge responsibility. From there the conversation turns practical: what it actual...

This week on Church Unscripted join us as we kick off a brand new series exploring the powerful truths found in the book of Jonah. Unpack the first three verses of Jonah, discover why Jonah ran from God's call, and understand what it means to "find your Nineveh," and how God's grace is at the center of the story. This episode is filled with real stories, biblical wisdom, and practical steps for an...

Are you struggling to find peace and fulfillment in your quiet moments with God? This week on Church Unscripted as we take you through Psalm 63 in the final part of our solitude series. Discover how deep, honest solitude and spiritual wilderness reveal what truly satisfies your soul — and how real lament can honor God even during seasons of loss. Whether you’ve faced life-altering struggles, or yo...

Can forced solitude become a pathway to spiritual growth and unexpected miracles? In this episode of Church Unscripted, we dig deep into Acts 16 and the experience of Paul and Silas in prison. Discover the difference between chosen and forced solitude, explore our stories of hardship and hope, and learn how to respond faithfully when life places you in situations you never asked for. Whether you’r...

Join us as we dive into 1 Kings 19 and the story of Elijah, exploring practical ways to discern God’s voice, overcome isolation, and navigate depression as a believer. Learn the critical difference between solitude and isolation, how to pursue genuine community, and how to maintain faith even in silence or unanswered prayer. *Key discussion topics include the following:* - How to distinguish God’s...

Unlock the transformative power of solitude in your faith journey! In this week’s Church Unscripted, discover how to practice “on demand solitude” and deepen your relationship with God. Pastor Eric, David, and our team explore the rhythms Jesus modeled—moving beyond “me time” to true spiritual restoration. We break down the three major types of solitude from Scripture, discuss how to pray authenti...

Discover the transformative power of solitude in your spiritual life! In this episode of Church Unscripted. We explore why biblical solitude is more than just “me time”—it's essential for hearing God's voice, making wise decisions, and restoring your soul. Drawing from Luke 6 and real-life experiences, the conversation tackles common excuses for neglecting personal time with God, practical tips to...

In this episode, S4E10, the focus is on solitude as a spiritual rhythm. The discussion explores the differences between solitude and isolation and why true solitude is often challenging rather than restful. Practical suggestions are offered for starting a solitude practice, overcoming racing thoughts, and integrating these moments into your daily life. The conversation also addresses the role of s...

We just wrapped up a powerful Easter celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for all of us, and now we’re diving into the rhythm of solitude. If you’ve ever wondered about these practices or are just searching for something real, we’d love for you to join us this Sunday and see what Brookside is all about. This is a place where we journey together, ask questions, and keep learning how to...

This week on Church Unscripted, Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David unpack the intense moments leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion—focusing on Jesus before Pilate, the nature of true authority, and how modern believers can spot God’s hand in everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate power dynamics as a Christian or how to cultivate spiritual awareness in a busy world, you won’t wa...

How does comfort impact the growth of the church and our personal faith? In this episode, Pastors John, Eric, and David from Brookside Church dig into Peter’s denial, the dangers of “comfortable Christianity,” and what it means to boldly live out your faith in today's world. Discover how routine, fear, and cultural comfort can lead to subtle forms of denial—and how God’s grace calls us back to aut...

Pastors John, Eric, and David tackle some of the most challenging and inspiring questions about Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, and the complex tension between Jesus’ humanity and divinity. Join the conversation as they explore why Jesus allowed himself to be betrayed, the meaning behind “I am He,” and the roles that both the Romans and Jews played in the crucifixion. ...

Is it possible to love like Jesus, even when betrayed? In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors John, Eric, and David dive into the story of Judas—the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Discover how the events of the Last Supper still hold powerful lessons for us today.

This week on Church Unscripted , Pastor David takes the "hot seat" as Pastor John and Pastor Eric jump right into some raw, challenging questions about service, faith, and identity. The discussion starts with Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, then shifts into the messy, real-life realities of serving others in today’s world. They dig into what it means to serve from your identity in God (not just...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric is joined by Pastor John and Pastor David to wrap up their series on marriage, exploring what makes a great partner and how to respond when a loved one is walking toward a foolish decision. Drawing from biblical examples like Job’s wife and Abigail, the team highlights the importance of speaking wisdom respectfully, meeting emotional moments with m...

Are you searching for practical advice about building a strong, faith-filled marriage? In this episode of Church Unscripted, our pastors at Brookside Church unpack what it means to pursue a truly mission-driven marriage. Join Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David as they discuss: - How to identify if you and your spouse are a great fit beyond just attraction - The importance of shared faith a...

Welcome to the first 2026 episode of Church Unscripted! This is the kick off the season with an honest conversation about building great marriages and avoiding “marriage killers” using the story of David and Bathsheba.  They explore how temptations grow, the difference between wisdom and legalism, and practical steps for creating strong relationships. The pastors also open up about the role of the...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, our pastors tackle the Parable of the Net from Matthew 13 and discuss the hidden meanings behind Jesus' stories. Pastor Eric shares four powerful kingdom principles from the parable, unpacking how we can respond to the unexpected coming of Jesus and what it means for our urgency in sharing the Gospel. The conversation dives deep into topics like the reality of...

In this episode, Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David continue their conversation through Matthew 13 and dive into the deeper meaning behind the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. They discuss what it really means to give up everything for the Kingdom, how integrity and wisdom play into following Jesus, and why living out Kingdom values often looks “irrational” to...

Church Unscripted is a weekly, unscripted conversation with the pastors at Brookside Church, exploring faith, the Bible, and real-life questions about Christianity. In this episode, Pastors Eric, John, and David dig into the meaning behind Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed and yeast, reflecting on spiritual growth, the challenges of comparison, and what it means to be “first” in your family to f...

This week on Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric steps into the host’s chair to guides this conversation with Pastor John and Pastor David about the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13). The team unpacks Jesus’ teaching, explores why distinguishing good from evil isn’t always so clear, and discusses what this means for life, judgment, and perseverance as a follower of Jesus. If you’ve ever s...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric, Pastor John, and guest Nate Zimmerman kick off Brookside Church’s new series on the parables of Jesus, with a special focus on the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. Using personal stories and biblical insight, they unpack the meaning behind the soils, discuss why some hearts are hardened, and wrestle with the practical question of sharing fait...

*Church Unscripted – S3E21: Battling Restlessness * Welcome to this week’s show notes for Church Unscripted! Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the topics discussed by Pastor David, Pastor Eric, and Pastor John, with helpful descriptions and timestamps so you can jump to your favorite sections. *00:00:00 Intro & Welcome* - Brief greeting, platform reminders (subscribe, notifications). *00:0...