Episode 3: Called to Stand

“Max Gomez: ‘First responders struggle with Christ because we’ve taught them a soft Jesus, yet He’s the Lion and the Lamb.’”In this powerful continuation of the Living Mission First podcast, host Jeremy Wade sits down again with Canadian police sergeant Max Gomez, a veteran with 19 years of law-enforcement experience. If you missed Part 1, this episode picks up where we left off, delving deeper into the spiritual and emotional realities that first responders face daily, and the urgent need for the Church to portray Christ’s full identity.Max speaks with clarity, courage, and compassion about how first responders are trained to face darkness, yet often feel disconnected from a Christ who is presented as gentle and distant. He challenges the misconception that faith must be “soft” to be loving—reminding us that Jesus is both warrior and servant, the Lion and the Lamb. This is a conversation about identity, surrender, and mission: how first responders can live out their calling with integrity, courage, and the gospel at the center.The urgency is real. Max warns that cultural Christianity is sinking, and God is separating those who are merely “playing Christian” from those who are truly following Christ. He calls first responders, leaders, and believers to stop waiting to “clean up first,” and instead to take their seat at the Father’s table, fully redeemed and fully empowered. This episode is a mission-focused wake-up call, an invitation for first responders to become the community’s living testimony of justice, mercy, and humility.Max’s message is clear, the world doesn’t need more “better behavior.” It needs first responders who know who they are in Christ, who can bring justice with mercy, courage with compassion, and truth with humility.About Mission First AllianceMission First Alliance is a national non-profit bringing Real Hope to first responders and their families. We believe the first responder culture is one of the greatest unseen mission fields in our country today, and it’s a mission too important to do alone. Through collaboration and Christ-centered resources, we are not only bringing them the Real Hope found in Christ but we are bridging the gap between the Body of Christ and these brave men and women who serve and sacrifice for us each and every day.Connect: Subscribe to our email list: www.missionfirstalliance.com/email-sign-upJoin the Alliance: Do you have a desire to join us in the effort to bring Real Hope to first responders? Are you a First Responder looking for a community, encouragement and support? Become a member. Membership is Free: https://missionfirstalliance.com/membership/Contact Us: Reach out to our team at: https://missionfirstalliance.com/contact-us/Share: Help us grow the mission. Share this podcast and mission with others. Because every first responder needs Real Hope.Follow UsWebsite: www.missionfirstalliance.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/missionfirstallianceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionfirstalliance/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissionFirstAllianceContent AdvisoryThis episode includes honest discussions about the experiences of first responders and the challenges they face. Graphic situations may be distressing for some listeners and younger audiences. Discretion is advised.This conversation is shared to bring awareness, hope, and encouragement to those serving on the front lines. If this episode connects with you, reach out or seek trusted professional support. You are not alone.Key Chapter Markers:00:01:11 – 00:03:12 – Jesus as Warrior & Servant: Lion and Lamb00:05:28 – 00:09:14 – Why Urgency Matters: Cultural Christianity is sinking00:09:55 – 00:11:17 – Surrender: the barricade call analogy00:15:18 – 00:18:20 – Leadership, wellness, and the missing link of faith00:19:33 – 00:22:52 – Leadership challenge: “Would you follow you?”