In Between Sundays

What actually makes a good dad — and why does nobody seem to have it figured out? In this Father's Day episode of In Between Sundays, three pastors sit down for an honest conversation about Christian fatherhood: the failures, the second chances, and the stuff nobody puts on social media. Tony Johnson is joined by Ethan Maple and Connor Guerzini to talk about what they've actually learned...

What actually makes a good dad — and why does nobody seem to have it figured out? In this Father's Day episode of In Between Sundays, three pastors sit down for an honest conversation about Christian fatherhood: the failures, the second chances, and the stuff nobody puts on social media. Tony Johnson is joined by Ethan Maple and Connor Guerzini to talk about what they've actually learned...

If motherhood feels lonely, you're not making it up  and you're not the only one. In this Mother's Day episode, host Maggie Freeman sits down with the three women who have been her closest friends for the last eight years: Debbie, Jenny, and Bethany. They live in three different states. They've mostly never been in the same room.  This is a real conversation about what it actua...

Why does the Bible tell us to confess our sins to one another and what happens when we stop? In this episode of In Between Sundays, Tony Johnson and Maggie Freeman sit down with Dr Wes Beavis, clinical psychologist, to close out our three-part series on spiritual disciplines with the one most of us avoid: confession. This is not the confession you grew up picturing. It's not a booth, a priest...

Why does it feel like mental health is getting worse… even though life isn’t necessarily harder? In this conversation, a clinical psychologist and pastor breaks down what’s really happening beneath anxiety, depression, and feeling stuck—and why many of us are approaching mental health the wrong way. You’ll learn:  • Why anxiety isn’t always a bad thing  • The difference between normal struggle and...

Is worship just singing on Sunday morning? In this episode, we talk about what worship really is, why it matters, and how it goes far beyond music. From Romans 12 to John 4 to Revelation 4, this conversation explores worship as surrender, sacrifice, presence, and a life fully offered to God. We also talk about corporate worship, different worship styles, spiritual pride, authenticity, and what it...

In this episode, Tony and Maggie get brutally honest about what prayer looks like in real life—when your mind won’t slow down, your schedule is packed, your kids are up early, and you’re carrying anxiety, grief, or distraction. If you’ve ever felt guilty because your prayer life doesn’t match the “perfect quiet time” version you were taught, this conversation will help you breathe again—and take a...

This is one of the most debated questions in the modern church: Can women be pastors? In this episode, Tony and Maggie walk through Scripture, from Genesis to the New Testament, exploring what the Bible actually says about women preaching and leadership. They discuss:  • Galatians 3 and equality in Christ  • The “helper” language in Genesis  • Women leaders and proclaimers throughout Scripture  •...

What happens when life unravels, and God invites you to trust Him anyway? In this raw and emotional testimony, Jordan and Michaela share their journey through addiction, anxiety, foster care, financial uncertainty, and a life-changing step of obedience.  From panic attacks to career transitions, from mental health struggles to miraculous provision—this is the story of what it really means to go al...

Why do we always feel like we need more? More money. More stuff. More success. More security. In this episode, Tony and Maggie talk honestly about contentment—where it breaks down, why comparison and culture fuel discontentment, and how Scripture reframes what real peace actually looks like. From everyday struggles (like shoes, campers, and comparison) to deeper spiritual insight from Philippians...

Every January, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions — and most of them quit by mid-January. So why do we keep doing this? In this conversation, Tony and Maggie unpack why resolutions often fail and how Scripture invites us into something far better than willpower-driven self-improvement. They talk about: Why most resolutions collapse within weeks The pressure people (especially women) fe...

It’s Christmas — and that means lights, music, memories… and apparently strong opinions about Mary Did You Know. In this Christmas conversation, Tony and co-host talk about: • Why Christmas feels so emotionally powerful • The Mary Did You Know debate (yes, we went there) • Eggnog, Christmas music, and nostalgic traditions • Looking back at the year and noticing how God showed up • Gratitude, growt...

The holidays are supposed to be joyful… so why do they feel so heavy for so many of us? In this episode of In Between Sundays, Tony and Maggie have an honest conversation about mental health, grief, seasonal depression, and the struggle of navigating Christmas when your heart is broken. They share personal stories of loss, unexpected emotional crashes, family traditions that now feel different, an...

Finding your purpose can feel overwhelming — and for many Christians, it’s easy to confuse your calling with your career. In this episode of In Between Sundays, we unpack what it really means to discover your God-given purpose… and how it’s often revealed over time, not in one big “burning bush” moment. Tony and Maggie share their personal journeys of figuring out purpose, the tension between succ...

What do men really want in a relationship? It’s not just sex or surface-level connection. In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Tony and Maggie unpack the four things most men long for in marriage: to be respected, to fight battles that matter, to feel needed and wanted, and to experience deep, authentic connection. Whether you’re married, dating, or single—this episode will give you insight...

What do women actually want from men? In this honest and funny episode, Maggie and Tony dive into a vulnerable conversation about what women desire most in relationships — especially with men. Drawing from Scripture, real-life stories, and Maggie’s own experiences, they explore five themes: humility, being seen, safety, respect, and shared partnership. Whether you’re married, dating, raising daugh...

Why is masculinity under attack and is the church part of the problem or the solution? In this powerful interview, Tony sits down with Professor Nancy Pearcey, bestselling author of The Toxic War on Masculinity, to explore the cultural, historical, and biblical roots behind today’s crisis of manhood. Whether you’re a pastor, parent, or just someone trying to navigate manhood in a confusing world,...

How can we stay united in a church when we disagree on… almost everything? In this episode of In Between Sundays, Maggie and Tony get real about what it looks like to pursue unity in a diverse body of believers. From pandemic-era tensions to deeply held theological differences, they share personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical steps for loving one another when opinions clash. You’ll hear...

Description: We paused our regular schedule to process this week’s events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk and another school shooting, and how followers of Jesus can respond with wisdom, courage, and compassion. This isn’t an easy conversation, and we don’t claim to have all the answers. But in the middle of fear, division, and grief, our hope is to point you back to Jesus, the only t...

What do you do when the people you trust most in your church are the ones who hurt you? From small disappointments to life-altering abuse, “church hurt” covers a spectrum of pain—and it’s far more common than most of us realize. In this candid conversation, we share our own stories of hurt inside the church, unpack why it feels so personal, and explore how to heal without losing your faith. We’ll...

Most of us worry about money more than we want to admit. Will there be enough? Will I be able to provide for my family? In this episode of In Between Sundays, we tackle the fear of not having enough—and what Jesus really meant when He said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Tony and Maggie share real-life stories about financia...

What if your biggest enemy isn’t your past, but how often you relive it? In this episode of In Between Sundays, Tony and Maggie unpack the power of rumination, the trap of shame, and why we so often dwell on past mistakes, even long after they’ve happened. Drawing from Isaiah 43 and real stories from their lives, they explore how to move forward in faith, process past trauma with honesty, and redi...

In this episode of In Between Sundays, we’re kicking off a 3-part series on fear by tackling one of the most universal struggles: the fear of change. We dive into Joshua 1, laugh through personal stories (yes, including a mouse panic and a dancing avocado tattoo), and get honest about what it means to be strong and courageous in a world that constantly shifts around us. Whether you’re stepping int...

Temptation rarely starts with obvious sin, it starts with a lie. A small distortion. A whisper of doubt. In this message, we explore how the enemy's strategy hasn't changed since Eden… and how Jesus shows us a better way to resist. If you’ve ever wondered why spiritual battles feel so subtle at first, this episode is for you. Learn the three-part pattern of temptation—and how to break fr...

We don’t usually reject God outright. We just… get busy. In this episode, we’re talking about the slow drift that happens when your calendar gets full, your mind gets cluttered, and your soul starts starving. This isn’t a sin issue—it’s a priority issue. And it’s stealing your intimacy with God without you even realizing it. Drawing from biblical stories, personal experience, and honest reflection...