The Pulpit and Porch

In Part 1 of our conversation with Andrew Carrier, we walk through the raw and powerful story of what it’s like to face a cancer diagnosis head-on and choose to fight. Andrew takes us back to the moment everything changed, the emotions that followed, and the decision to keep showing up every single day, for his family, his coworkers, and himself. It’s a conversation about grit, gratitude, and fait...

In part two of our conversation on leadership and loneliness, we shift from weight to worth. What makes it all meaningful? How do you lead without losing your soul? And what fruit makes the sacrifice worth it? Tony and Robert share stories, mistakes, and some honest truths about calling, pressure, and the unexpected joy that comes from leading well, even when it’s hard. If you’ve ever questioned w...

Leadership sounds noble, but it can feel heavy, isolating, and unseen. In this episode, Tony and Robert dive into the often unspoken reality of loneliness in leadership. Why does it feel so isolating? Who carries the weight with us? And what do you do when you can’t share the full story with anyone? It’s an honest and heartfelt conversation about the cost of carrying the mantle, and how to keep go...

What do ranch dressing, folding laundry, and theological debates all have in common? They’re all on the table in this laugh-out-loud episode of The Pulpit & Porch . This week, Robert and Tony are joined by their wives, Amanda and Melissa, for an epic round of hot takes, strong opinions, and the hilarious (and sometimes serious) hills we’re all willing to die on. From petty preferences to deep...

Summer might be laid-back, but ministry never really stops. In Part 2, we dive into the hard stuff: burnout, identity, and how to stay grounded when attendance drops and motivation dips. What does summer reveal about our leadership? How do we lead well when the room is half full? And how do we balance rest without feeling like we’re slacking? It’s honest, practical, and just the conversation we al...

Summer doesn’t have to be a slump. In this episode, we kick off a two-part convo about how churches can actually win the summer, not just survive it. From finding unexpected opportunities to embracing flexibility, we unpack what makes summer ministry unique (and maybe even fun?). Why is summer a chance to cut the fluff and focus on what really matters? How can churches slow down and show up well?...

We sat down to talk about summer in the church… but ended up spending an hour reliving our favorite summer movies, TV shows, and guilty pleasure rewatches instead. From childhood classics to hot takes on overrated franchises, this episode is pure front porch nostalgia and laughs. Kick off your summer with a smile, and maybe a new movie for your watchlist. Listen now on your favorite podcast app! #...

We’re back on the porch for Part Two of our conversation on what we’re learning in this season, and it gets even more personal. In this episode, Tony and Robert dive into what it means to lead from a place of weakness, why slowing down is harder (and more important) than it sounds, and how God often teaches us through tension, not clarity. If you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or unsure , this one’s f...

Pull up a chair and pour some sweet tea . This week, it’s just Robert and Tony on the porch. No guest, no script… just a real conversation about the life lessons, leadership shifts, and faith discoveries we’ve been sitting with lately. From navigating uncertainty to reevaluating identity, Part One of this two-part series dives into the raw, unfiltered stuff we’re wrestling with , and how a Christi...

Join us on  The Pulpit & Porch Podcast  as we sit down with award-winning author and master storyteller Steven James to talk about his newly re-released book  A Heart Exposed . We explore what it means to pray honestly, live vulnerably, and let go of polished faith for something far more real. It’s a raw, rich conversation you don’t want to miss. Grab some sweet tea and join us on the porch. L...

This week on  The Pulpit & Porch , we welcomed comedian, magician, and speaker Matt Fore (www.mattfore.com) for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and inspiring. Matt shares how he uses humor and sleight of hand to point people toward faith, the art of storytelling on stage, and the surprising parallels between magic tricks and the wonders of God’s work. Pull up a chair, grab your fav...

What happens when you unplug from TV, movies, and media for 40 days, and intentionally turn your attention toward Jesus? In this special episode, Tony sits down with Robert for an honest conversation about his Lent experience. What started as a simple media fast became a deeply personal journey of self-awareness, spiritual growth, and a surprising look at the noise we live with every day. Whether...

This week, we slide off the sermon notes and into the batter’s box. It’s a shorter, special episode where we’re talking  just baseball . From childhood memories to current obsessions, we cover our favorite teams, moments, and what baseball means to us. And yes—Robert pitches a  truly wild  idea for a rule change that just might change the game forever (or at least start an argument or two). No the...

In Part 2 of our conversation on Lent, we dive deeper into the heart behind the season. Is giving something up really what Jesus asks of us? Or is there a better way to draw closer to Him? With honesty, humor, and a porch-side perspective, we explore the history of Lent, its value (and potential pitfalls), and whether it’s time to rethink how we prepare our hearts for Easter. Whether you’ve observ...

On this episode of  The Pulpit & Porch , Tony and Robert dive into the history and heart behind Lent. Where did it come from? Is it biblical? Why do some churches observe it while others don’t? With perspectives from the Restoration and Baptist traditions, we ask the big questions about spiritual practices, tradition, and how we draw closer to Jesus in meaningful ways. Whether you grew up with...

In the final installment of our Attractional vs. Transformational series, we dive deeper into the practical steps churches can take to ensure they are not just drawing crowds but truly making disciples. How can church leaders measure discipleship effectiveness? What key changes might be necessary to create a church culture that fosters real spiritual growth? Join us as we wrap up this important co...

The conversation continues! In Part 2, we go deeper into practical strategies for  ensuring that an attractional church model leads to real, lasting discipleship.  We discuss key metrics pastors should track, real-life examples of churches that are doing this well, and how leaders can evaluate and strengthen their discipleship approach. Whether you’re leading a church or simply invested in your sp...

In a world where churches strive to be engaging and relevant, how do we ensure we’re not just drawing crowds but making true disciples? In this episode, we dive into the balance between being  attractional and transformational , discussing how churches can create engaging experiences while still ensuring deep spiritual growth. Can a church be both? What does true discipleship look like? Join us as...

How does caring for our physical health impact our spiritual leadership? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Howard Petersen to discuss the connection between body and spirit in Christian leadership. We explore key scriptures on caring for our bodies, the challenges leaders face in maintaining their health, and practical ways to integrate wellness into a busy ministry life. Join us for an insigh...

Can vulnerability in worship include raw language? We’re exploring the boundaries of expression in Christian music, focusing on Brandon Lake’s “Hardfought Hallelujah.” Is it a powerful portrayal of a real struggle, or a step too far? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation. #Worship #Authenticity #BrandonLake #HardfoughtHallelujah

Ready to dive deeper? In Part 2 of our Super Bowl special, we’re exploring cultural engagement for church leaders. How do we understand the cultural landscape? How do we “meet people where they are?” Join us as we unpack the answers! #CultureAndFaith #SuperBowlLIX #Podcast #Ministry

Was Super Bowl LIX a cultural touchdown or fumble? In Part 1, we’re not afraid to ask tough questions about the Halftime Show, the commercials, and how they reflect the world around us. Join the conversation and let’s explore how this relates to our roles as church leaders! #SuperBowl #ChurchAndCulture #PodcastDiscussion

Loyalty is a rare but powerful virtue in today’s world. In this episode, we dive deep into what true loyalty looks like—in friendships, leadership, and faith. How do we cultivate loyalty in our teams, churches, and personal lives? What does the Bible say about staying committed even when it’s hard? Join us as we explore the impact of unwavering commitment and the dangers of misplaced loyalty. Tune...

We’re continuing our deep dive into the role of AI in ministry! In Part 2, we tackle the ethical concerns, theological boundaries, and real-world applications of AI in churches today. Should AI have a place in spiritual guidance? How can pastors and church leaders use it responsibly? Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities AI presents for the future of faith. Listen now! #FaithAndTe...

In Part One of AI in Ministry: The Future of Faith and Technology, we dive into the fascinating world where innovation meets faith. From AI-driven sermon tools to churches experimenting with virtual pastors, we’re exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we engage with ministry. We discuss groundbreaking stories like the AI Jesus in a European confessional booth and the American...