The Enduring Church

Compassion is essential to the Christian life, but what happens when compassion is separated from truth, accountability, and transformation? In this episode of the Enduring Church Podcast, we explore the growing tendency toward compassion-only Christianity and why empathy by itself cannot produce spiritual maturity. Drawing from passages like 1 Thessalonians 5, John 15, Romans 5, and James 1, we d...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, Michael Davis sits down with apologist and author Abdu Murray to ask a pressing question for pastors and church leaders: What do we do with AI? They unpack how “AI mania” and the rejection of biology are reshaping culture, why letting a chatbot write your sermon or act as your “prayer partner” is so dangerous, and how over-reliance on AI can dull our...

s your church starving for care or clarity? Too often, pastors feel torn between preaching the Word and shepherding the people, but the truth is, your church can’t thrive without both. In this episode of the Enduring Church Podcast, Nathan and Michael unpack how this false divide has weakened churches and burned out leaders. They dive into why preaching is shepherding, how to build a team that hel...

Biblical masculinity should resonate with strength, sacrifice, and leadership—but in today’s churches, many men feel sidelined, silenced, or bored. In this episode of the Enduring Church Podcast, Nathan and Michael unpack why modern churches are struggling to engage men and what it means to reclaim a robust vision of biblical manhood. They explore how worship culture, emotionalism, and consumer-dr...

Tongues, prophecy, and healing spark some of the deepest divides in today’s church. Are these gifts an actual work of the Spirit or a dangerous distraction? In this episode of the Enduring Church Podcast, Nathan and Michael delve into the tension between cessationists and continuationists, share compelling stories from their ministry experiences, and explore how pastors can approach the sign gifts...

In this sobering episode, we explore how pastors and church leaders can shepherd their congregations through the national grief surrounding the murder of Charlie Kirk. We discuss the deep spiritual need for God in moments like this, the real danger of civil war rhetoric escalating into action, and the urgent reminder that vengeance belongs to the Lord. We also unpack how to disciple believers towa...

What happens when ministry becomes more draining than life-giving? When the passion fades, the pressure builds, and you’re left wondering if you can keep going. In this episode, we get honest about the emotional, spiritual, and practical weight of leadership in the church—especially when the joy that once fueled your calling starts to slip away. Whether you’re a pastor shouldering the demands of a...

The culture has shifted, and it’s not moving back. In this episode, we talk about what it means to pastor in a world where Christianity no longer holds cultural power. But it’s not all bad news. We explore why the death of cultural Christianity might be good for the Church, and how this moment could purify and strengthen our witness. We also unpack the “vibe shift” that’s followed recent elections...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we explore the growing tension between the self-help message and the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Has the church traded repentance for personal development? Are we offering inspiration when what people need is transformation? Michael and Nathan unpack the subtle ways the self-help gospel creeps into our preaching, how it shifts our focus from Christ...

Disunity is more than disagreement—it’s what happens when conflict turns into division. In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we unpack what disunity really is and what it isn’t. We explore how pastors and church leaders can spot the difference between healthy tension and harmful division, and how to respond when relationships start to fracture. More importantly, we discuss the challengi...

Church hurt is real, but it’s not always what we think. In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we unpack what church hurt is (and what it isn’t), share some of our own experiences, and explore how pastors can respond with grace, truth, and a focus on healing. Whether your church has wounded you or you are walking with someone who has, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and a path tow...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we examine the rise of online church. Is it truly fostering worship, community, and discipleship, or has it become a convenient substitute that weakens the local body? We discuss why simply streaming services is not the same as gathering as the Church, the dangers of turning worship into passive content, and how pastors can call their people back to...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we explore a strange but familiar reaction in the church: why do we get so weird when celebrities come to faith in Christ? From instant platforms to public discipleship, we discuss the tension between celebrating salvation and placing unrealistic expectations on new believers. Should fame fast-track someone into spiritual influence? And what does a w...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we examine the growing influence of the celebrity pastor mindset, where charisma, platform, and personal brand often overshadow humility, service, and faithfulness. We explore how this mentality takes root, why it’s so tempting in modern ministry, and the damage it can do to pastors, congregations, and the church's witness. This episode is a call to...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we tackle a timely and often tense question: How can the church love its country without losing its focus on the Kingdom of God? We explore the difference between healthy patriotism and idolatry, the distinct roles of the government and the church, and how pastors can guide their congregations toward gospel-centered priorities. Michael Davis also sha...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we take an honest look at the early church—its simplicity, its power, its mess—and ask the big question: Should we model our churches after it today? We explore what the early church got right, what challenges it faced, and how much of its structure and rhythm still applies in a modern, complex world. Is Acts 2 a blueprint or just a snapshot? And are...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we speak directly to pastors navigating the delicate and often painful reality of church hurt. We explore what church hurt really is and what it isn’t, and how leaders can faithfully shepherd those who’ve been deeply wounded by the very place meant to offer healing. From rebuilding trust to creating a culture of safety, we offer practical and pastora...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we explore the real-world tension of bivocational ministry. Is working a second job while pastoring a strategic advantage—or a heavy sacrifice? We explore the benefits, challenges, and spiritual dynamics of bivocational leadership, discussing how it impacts pastors, their families, and the churches they serve. Whether you’re considering bivocational...

Money is one of the most uncomfortable topics in the church, but are we talking about it the wrong way? In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Summers, a major giving officer with decades of experience, to expose the most significant mistakes churches make when discussing money, tithing, and generosity. Are churches guilt-tripping people into giving? Are they too vag...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we tackle a pressing issue: Why Are Young People Leaving Your Church? Churches across the country are struggling to retain the next generation, but is the problem with them or how we’re engaging them? We dive into the biggest reasons young adults are walking away, the mistakes churches make when trying to reach them, and practical, biblical strategie...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we tackle a tough but necessary topic: What Do You Do if Your Church Turns Against You? Whether you’re a pastor facing conflict, a leader dealing with division, or a church member feeling betrayed, this conversation is for you. We discuss real-life scenarios, biblical wisdom, and practical steps for handling church hurt, navigating difficult seasons,...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast , we tackle a challenging question: Is your church preaching to the lowest common denominator? While making the gospel accessible is crucial, have we watered down biblical teaching to the point where it lacks depth and discipleship? We explore the tension between clear, engaging preaching and the need for spiritual growth, discussing how churches can...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we take a deep dive into what biblical evangelism truly looks like in the light of the Great Commission. We explore common pitfalls churches face in their efforts to share the gospel, from overcomplicating the message to focusing on the wrong priorities. Join us as we provide practical, scripturally grounded strategies to help churches and individual...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we ask an important question: Is your church overcomplicating the gospel? We explore how churches can unintentionally add unnecessary layers to the simple, life-changing message of Christ. From overly complex theology to burdensome programs, we discuss common pitfalls that can obscure the gospel’s clarity and power. Join us as we share practical ways...

In this episode of The Enduring Church Podcast, we tackle the critical topic of church security. Michael Davis, a combat veteran who served in Iraq, brings unique insights into how churches can balance preparation, training, and protecting their congregations while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment. We discuss practical steps for creating a security plan, equipping volunteers, and foste...