Courage in Complex Conversations, Ft. Ryan McDermott | The Good Fight

Not every fight is the good fight. In a world filled with cultural tension, complicated issues, and loud opinions, many Christians are left asking: When do I step into the conversation? When do I speak up? And how do I engage without losing the heart of Jesus? In this episode of the Pioneer Assembly Podcast, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Pastor Ryan McDermott to explore what it truly means to fight the good fight of faith—not by winning arguments, but by having the courage to stay in the conversation. Together, they unpack: • How to engage difficult and “gray area” issues with both truth and humility • Why the real battle is not what you think • How to hold strong convictions without becoming combative • Why relationships—and sometimes even tacos—matter in hard conversations • What it looks like to stay at the table when it would be easier to walk away With honesty, humor, and real-life stories, this conversation reminds us that the good fight isn’t about proving a point—it’s about loving people well while holding onto faith. 📖 Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12 🎙 Guest: Ryan McDermott Ryan also has some incredible resources and bible studies he's authored that the Pioneer Assembly recommends! If you’ve ever struggled with how to navigate hard conversations in your faith, this episode will encourage you to lean in with courage, grace, and a pastoral heart. Because sometimes, the good fight simply looks like this: Staying at the table.    Follow along the journey: Pioneer Assembly Instagram For more in-depth content on this and more, check out: Pioneer Assembly Substack