TRENDING

After 172 episodes, here it is—the grand finale of Trending! Today Pastor Joe shares a couple lessons he's learned during his time at Ridgepoint, and teaches us one more time with two big takeaways for us to remember as we continue our walk with Jesus. Thanks to all the friends who have watched and listened with us over the years!

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe talk about something we don’t always give ourselves permission to do: change our minds. Inspired by HBO Max’s recent rebrand (and re-rebrand), they explore how rethinking, repacking, and even reversing course can be part of a faithful life. Looking at examples from Scripture—including Paul, Peter, and even God Himself—they discuss why changing your mind i...

Graduation season is here, and with it comes celebration, emotion, and a whole lot of pressure. This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe talk about how to support the graduates in our lives—not just with cards and gifts, but with presence, encouragement, and grace. They explore the messy middle between childhood and adulthood, why modern graduates often feel unprepared, and how faith communities...

With the new Thunderbolts movie on the way, Matt and Pastor Joe explore why we’re so drawn to anti-heroes—both on screen and in Scripture. From Marvel’s Bucky Barnes and John Walker to biblical figures like Jacob and David, the most compelling characters are often the most complicated. They unpack how our desire for neat categories—hero or villain, good or bad—rarely reflects the real world or the...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week. While Protestants and Catholics have their differences, there’s no denying the global impact of this humble and often surprising leader. They explore what made Francis such a unique figure—from his commitment to simplicity and care for the poor to his willingness to engage...

As we move through Holy Week, Matt and Pastor Joe take a deep dive into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—questions in the Christian faith: Why did Jesus have to die? This episode explores the different atonement theories that have shaped Christian belief over the centuries—from substitution and ransom to Christus Victor and more modern views. Joe walks through the history behind e...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe talk about big life transitions—like jobs, moves, and hard goodbyes. With Joe preparing for his own cross-country move and Luka Dončić making headlines for an emotional return to Dallas, the conversation turns to how we know when it’s time to move on—and how we can do it well. They explore how to discern God’s will, whether every decision has one “right”...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe respond to one of the top spiritual questions people are Googling in 2025: Is there a God? In a world that feels more uncertain by the day, it's a question many people—both inside and outside the church—are asking. Matt and Joe talk through how to approach this conversation with curiosity, empathy, and thoughtful faith. They explore why this question isn’...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe tackle a question that’s becoming more urgent in today’s culture: Does Christian character still matter in leadership? From fallen pastors to compromised politicians, we’re seeing a trend where results often seem to matter more than integrity. Drawing from Galatians 5 and examples from modern ministry, they explore how the Fruit of the Spirit should shape...

Work hard, rest well—that’s the balance we all strive for, but is it really possible? This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into the biblical rhythms of work and rest, sparked by a surprising news story: South Korea is considering adopting a four-day workweek to help combat declining birth rates. What does scripture actually say about work? Is rest just about taking time off, or is it so...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into the mission, structure, and purpose of the Church—how it started, how it has changed, and where it might be headed. They explore the ongoing tension between evangelism and discipleship, and why churches today often emphasize one over the other. Plus, they unpack how the church has evolved across history, from small house gatherings to modern wor...

New research shows that Gen Z is more pro-marriage than previous generations, shifting away from unhealthy dating cultures and toward long-term commitment. But why? And what does this shift mean for the church? At the same time, while the Bible offers plenty of wisdom on marriage, it surprisingly lacks many clear examples of godly marriages—especially in the New Testament. This week on Trending, M...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into the topic of baptism—what it means, why different traditions approach it differently, and how it has shaped the church over time. From infant baptism to full immersion, they explore the biblical, historical, and cultural factors that have influenced the practice, as well as its deep roots in Mennonite and Anabaptist history. Why do some churches...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dive into a conversation about communion—what it is, why different traditions approach it differently, and how it shapes our faith. Sparked by a recent Church of England decision to restrict gluten-free bread and non-alcoholic wine, they explore the history and theology behind the Lord’s Supper, from transubstantiation to memorial remembrance. Should comm...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe take a break from the trending headlines to dive into an important topic: the Bible. Many of us have read Scripture for years, but how can we keep this ancient text alive in our current context without losing its original meaning? Pastor Joe shares insights on the original Greek and Hebrew, why biblical scholarship continues to change, and how modern tool...

Tragedy hit close to home this week as news broke of a devastating plane crash involving a flight from Wichita. In this heavy moment, Matt and Pastor Joe reflect on grief, loss, and how we respond when the unimaginable happens near us. They discuss the temptation to rush to blame, the importance of pausing to grieve, and how faith helps us prepare for life’s inevitable hardships. From keeping shor...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe tackle an age-old debate of prevention vs. cure. Using the ongoing California wildfires as a backdrop, they discuss how proactive planning can save costs and heartache, but over-preparation can also lead to anxiety and unnecessary expense. On a personal level, they explore how intentionality in relationships—like guarding our words or investing in loyalty...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe reflect on mourning, grief, and the power of honoring those who leave a lasting impact. In light of recent events, including the passing of President Jimmy Carter and ongoing natural disasters, they discuss how grief can be an expression of deep love and why it’s important to pause, acknowledge loss, and celebrate legacies. Drawing from scripture and pers...

Happy New Year from Trending! Matt and Pastor Joe kick off 2025 by discussing resolutions, fresh starts, and the power of transformation. Reflecting on examples from scripture, they note that sometimes God took a "clean slate" approach when making changes to shape His people, while other times He intentionally relied on gradual growth over time, and both approaches can work for us as well. Joe off...

As we reach the end of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, Matt and Pastor Joe do their annual "Nostradamus" episode of Trending where they predict significant events and shifts in culture that will happen in the new year. And now that we've said them out loud, they for sure won't happen. 🙂 Enjoy the final Trending episode of the year, and thanks for watching along with us this year!

As we begin to wrap up 2024, this week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe reflect on some of the year’s biggest news stories and personal highlights. While nostalgia and fond memories are natural this time of year, it’s just as important to look ahead with hope for the future. Pastor Joe draws on scripture and culture to explore the wisdom of holding the past, present, and future in balance—being gr...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe explore the cultural fascination with true crime and its ethical dilemmas. Inspired by Anna Kendrick’s new film, Woman of the Hour, they discuss the fine line between storytelling and profiting from tragedy. Kendrick’s decision to donate her profits from the film sparks a deeper conversation about how Christians should earn, spend, and give their money. W...

This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe dig into what it takes to make a great team by looking at examples from sports, politics, and (of course) the Bible. From the mutual respect and teamwork of NBA stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to the intense dynamics of political circles, they explore how qualities like humility, flexibility, and forgiveness are essential. Joe draws a unique parallel...

Malcolm Gladwell, known for his bestselling book "The Tipping Point," recently made headlines by revisiting and challenging his own previous work. This week on Trending, Matt and Pastor Joe explore why this kind of intellectual humility is so rare and valuable in today's world. Through examining Gladwell's willingness to rethink his ideas, they draw parallels to the Christian journey. From the dis...

There's something uniquely fun and inspiring about fans who stick with their favorite sports teams through thick and thin. This week, the NBA chose to induct Jack Nicholson, Spike Lee, and Billy Crystal into the official Hall of Fame as "superfans" to recognize their dedication and support of the NBA. This is a unique move, but it also highlights and elevates the role of a fan. This week on Trendi...