#135: Our Wild 2026 Predictions

It’s the Christmas episode of Pastors Unfiltered, and the crew is back with one of their most fun and wide-ranging conversations of the year. In this episode, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Tony are joined by Venture staff members Rachel Winfield and Kehlani as they make bold (and sometimes hilarious) predictions for 2026. From blockbuster movies and music charts, to the economy, cryptocurrency, sports, and the future of Venture Church — nothing is off limits. Along the way, they talk about:What’s coming next for Venture Church in 2026Predictions for church growth, generosity, and servingStaff life, babies, marriages, and transitionsMovies, music, Survivor, and Seattle sportsThe economy, AI, crypto, housing, and inflationChristmas reflections and looking ahead with faithIt’s lighthearted, honest, occasionally chaotic, and completely unfiltered — the perfect episode to close out the year. Merry Christmas from the Pastors Unfiltered team. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:28 – Christmas episode introduction01:10 – “Moral failures” and holiday confessions01:52 – Switzerland coaster story02:40 – Merry Christmas message to listeners03:00 – Introducing predictions for 202603:28 – Introducing Rachel & Kehlani04:35 – Nicknames, banter, and Josh facts05:00 – Josh’s Christmas list reveal06:12 – Biggest blockbuster movie predictions07:28 – Hunger Games, Marvel, and movie debates09:09 – Horror movies and movie habits10:10 – Survivor predictions11:03 – Survivor Season 50 discussion12:48 – Transition to economy predictions13:11 – AI, layoffs, and government spending14:39 – National deficit and job market15:12 – Crypto, gold, and silver predictions16:25 – Gas prices, interest rates, and housing17:37 – Political climate and midterms19:07 – Childcare costs and paid leave20:39 – Predictions for the church in 202621:17 – Venture Church growth and serving22:20 – Radical generosity and service23:13 – Giving goals and kids ministry vision24:10 – Building expansion and future plans25:11 – Staff prediction recap from last year25:58 – New staff predictions for 202627:02 – Leadership additions and growth28:05 – Dallas prediction moment29:16 – Babies, marriages, and staff life30:14 – Staff stability and transitions31:25 – Music artist predictions for 202632:41 – Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and pop culture34:03 – Country music era predictions35:05 – Mariners over/under predictions36:05 – Golf vs cowboy boots bet37:23 – Seahawks, Sonics, and Seattle sports38:18 – Kraken and NFL predictions40:27 – Pop culture and hobbies discussion42:09 – Chick-fil-A staff predictions44:41 – Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua prediction46:49 – Final thoughts and Christmas wrap-up47:33 – Closing encouragement and sign-off