Relish: a Christian podcast

Did anyone actually recognize the Messiah when He came? In this Christmas episode of Relish, Rowan Miller and Don Patterson explore prophecy, Scripture access, and the tension between God’s plan and human freedom. From first-century scrolls and scribes to the printing press, Dead Sea Scrolls, and modern translations, the conversation traces how people encountered the Word of God—and how that shape...

What if self-control isn’t about willpower—but about freedom? In the final episode of Relish’s Fruits of the Spirit series, Pastor Don Patterson and Rowan Miller explore the biblical meaning of self-control (temperance), showing how Scripture connects restraint with inner strength, healing, and grace. From anger and temptation to addiction and desire, this conversation offers honest insight and pr...

What does “goodness” actually mean in the Christian life—and why does it feel so unclear today? In this episode of Relish, Pastor Don Patterson and Rowan Miller explore the fruit of the Spirit known as goodness, unpacking the Greek word agathosune and Jesus’ teachings to show why biblical goodness is outward-facing, costly, and meant to tangibly benefit others. Rather than a private virtue or mora...

Why do setbacks reveal more about our faith than success? Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson reflect on spiritual formation, idolatry, and the armor of God in this thoughtful episode of Relish. Blending Scripture, church history, and pastoral counsel, they examine why modern Christians often feel spiritually unprepared—and how grace-filled discipline forms resilient faith. From Ephesians to Heb...

Who are you becoming—and what role do faith and finances play in shaping that story? In this episode, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson reflect on Scripture, identity, and the everyday realities of money, work, and family life. With humor, honesty, and pastoral insight, they explore what the Bible teaches about debt, generosity, and trusting God in practical decisions—from buying a home to rai...

Join hosts Don Patterson and Rowan Miller on Relish as they explore what it means to trust God, accept a calling, and live out faith in everyday life. In this episode they discuss why many churches meet on Sunday mornings, the biblical roots of worship timing, and contemporary approaches churches use to reach visitors and form deeper discipleship rhythms. Don and Rowan dig into Scripture—Acts 1 an...

Relish pleasing or zestful flavor — a quantity just sufficient to flavor to be pleased or gratified by enjoy. Welcome back to another episode of Relish. Host Rowan Miller is joined by Pastor Don Patterson for a warm, conversational look at spiritual life, memory, and how faith shapes what we do. We begin with a personal chat about ways of reading the Bible: community reading plans, working through...

In this episode of Relish, hosts Rowan Miller and Don Patterson open with a lighthearted conversation about favorite Bible characters — with Joseph and his coat of many colors serving as a springboard to discuss forgiveness and family dynamics. From there they move into a deeper biblical and historical conversation about the differences between the Old and New Testaments, and what those difference...

Join hosts Rowan Miller, Don Patterson and Marcus Miller for a wide-ranging, candid episode of Relish that explores how Christians can talk across political and cultural divides with respect. The conversation opens with a personal story about a university professor who appeared on a conservative "watch list," the threats that followed, and the missed opportunity for real dialogue — a springboard i...

Relish returns with a special edition conversation about faith, culture, and the often-overlooked language of dress. Hosts Don Patterson and Rowan sit down with longtime Hillcrest history teacher and coach Marcus Miller to explore how clothing, customs, and community expectations have signaled belief across generations — and what that looks like today. The episode opens with warmth and anecdote: M...

In this episode of Relish, hosts Roe Miller and Don Patterson tackle practical questions about prayer, money, and Scripture that many believers face. A young questioner, Rowan, prompts a wide-ranging discussion about prayer’s role in major life decisions like choosing a college and seeking God’s calling, and how prayer brings peace and clarity during uncertain seasons. The conversation moves into...

Join hosts Don Patterson and Roan Miller for a warm, candid episode of Relish that blends humor, personal stories, and practical theology. They kick off with morning devotion habits and a lighthearted quiz game, reflect on a 50th high school reunion, and answer the simple but profound question: Who is Jesus? Expect laughter, memory lapses, and heartfelt testimony about faith lived out. The convers...

Today, we chat about relationship with God, repentance, and trusting the path He's set for you. Expect honest stories, laughter, and a few surprises (yes, there was jello). Listen in like you're sitting in the front pew — it's casual, encouraging, and might just add a little spice to your week.   Do you have questions for Pastor Don?  send them to tmadask@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...

Relish — a little pleasing, zestful flavor for your day. We hope what we bring today adds a spicy, meaningful bite to your life. We chat about gentleness (or kindness) not as something mushy but as something "fit for use" — manageable and marketable in God's work. Think custom hay bales and a summer crew: being ready, teachable, and able to step in wherever you9re needed is how faith gets shared....

Hey friend — welcome back to Relish with Rowan and Don, where we tackle the big, messy questions about faith in a simple, down-to-earth way. In this short episode they answer listener questions about hearing God’s call, praying with confidence (and not always getting a yes), what Exodus really meant by “eye for an eye,” and how Jesus raises the bar on justice and forgiveness. If you’re wrestling w...

Hey friend — I wanted to share a short, personal reflection on Charlie Kirk and why I think Christians need to stop being quiet about public life. He combined sharp knowledge of current events with a deep biblical grounding, and that kind of clear, respectful engagement is exactly what our Gen Z kids are asking for. Growing up Anabaptist taught me the tension between church and state, but now I th...

Hey — pull up a chair. In this episode Roan and Don share stories of answered prayer (from childhood healing to everyday miracles), wrestle with prophecy and the second coming, and dig into how the fruits of the Spirit and the parable of the talents shape the way we live and give back what God’s entrusted to us. Got an answered-prayer story? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear it. Hope thi...

Fruit of the Spirit: Patience This episode is short and honest: stories, Scripture, and a reminder that suffering has purpose — and that Christ gives the strength to get through it. Share it with someone who needs a little encouragement, and thanks for listening. Do you have questions for Pastor Don?  send them to tmadask@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkAVsuqU5_zWnmGca-OYaw/...

Roan and Don walk through tough questions with warmth and honesty, from vivid images of heaven and hell to how Christians might respond to Obergefell and meet people on the street. Do you have questions for Pastor Don?  send them to tmadask@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkAVsuqU5_zWnmGca-OYaw/videos Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RELISH319 Apologetics, Theology, Kalona, Wellma...

Hey friend — in this episode we dive into the wild, sometimes icky, sometimes awe‑inspiring story of the plagues: total darkness, frogs that won’t quit, locusts, and the life‑changing Passover. We talk about why God made such a dramatic point, what it meant for Pharaoh and the Israelites, and how those events echo forward to things like the brass serpent and Jesus. Pull up a chair, pour a cup of c...

Hey there—ever wondered if church is really necessary in today's world? Join us as we explore the vital role of community in authentic discipleship, why it keeps your faith grounded, and how blending free prayers with written ones can deepen your spiritual life. We share an incredible healing story, dive into spiritual warfare, and offer real talk on embracing joy while following Jesus through cha...

Hey friend — in this episode we jump from an emotional high school dugout to the story of the Tower of Babel, unpacking why God might’ve scattered the people, how power and unity can go wrong, and even a quirky tie to tectonic shifts. It’s a warm, conversational dive into faith, leadership, and purpose. Stick around for honest reflections on church oversight, the meaning sports can bring to a youn...

Today, we are talking about church family, how to welcome the stranger, why translating the Bible matters, and what it looks like to live out Jesus in everyday life. Do you have questions for Pastor Don?  send them to tmadask@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkAVsuqU5_zWnmGca-OYaw/videos Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RELISH319 Apologetics, Theology, Kalona, Wellman, Washington,...

Why can Satan stand in God’s presence when humans can’t? 🤔 Rowan and Don unpack one of the Bible’s most puzzling questions, diving deep into the book of Job to reveal the heavenly courtroom, Satan’s role as “the accuser,” and what this means for faith, trials, and God’s sovereignty. In this episode: The shocking truth about Satan’s access to God Why Job’s story matters for your faith today How to...

This week, we’re talking about being present for people who need hope—without compromising who we are. Inspired by Paul's example of becoming all things to all people, we share: How to live authentically in challenging spaces Real-life examples from construction sites and hard conversations Why staying grounded in purpose is essential How your personal flaws might be reflected through others Wheth...