The Bullpen with J.D. Greear
by J.D. Greear
Every sermon starts with more than can fit into a message. For years, Pastor J.D. Greear has filled his sermon notes with extra illustrations, questions, insights, and rabbit trails that never made it into the final sermon. He calls that section of his notes “the bullpen.” Now, those ideas are coming out of the bullpen. In each episode, J.D. sits down with a few others to unpack a recent message, go deeper into Scripture, wrestle with difficult questions, and explore implications there wasn’t time to address from the pulpit. Along the way, they’ll also tackle important issues and questions happening in the world through the lens of biblical wisdom. No scripts. No polished talking points. Just honest, free-flowing conversations about Scripture, the gospel, and how they apply to real life. The Bullpen is a resource from J.D. Greear Ministries designed to help you go deeper in your understanding and love of the gospel.
Episodes
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BONUS: Three Megachurch Pastors Get Honest About Church | Ep. 6 | ft. Andrew Hopper & Kyle Mercer
Can you find real community in a megachurch? Why would a growing church send away its best leaders? And how do you know if God might be calling you into ministry? In this bonus episode of The Bullpen, J.D. and Matt are joined by Kyle Mercer of Two Cities Church and Andrew Hopper of Mercy Hill...
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Being Good Isn’t Good Enough + The Death Penalty | Ep. 5
Is temptation itself a sin? Why do Christians follow some Old Testament laws but not others? And can you be pro-life while supporting the death penalty? This week on The Bullpen, J.D., Matt, and Curtis welcome a special guest: J.D.’s wife, Veronica Greear! After Veronica grades J.D.’s sermon (and...
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Does God Lead You Into Failure? + The Problem with Christian Nationalism | Ep. 4
Can God lead you into a decision that fails? J.D., Matt, and Curtis close out Ecclesiastes by talking about the small compromises that can eventually take someone out, the difference between faith and recklessness, how to discern God’s will, and why peace isn’t necessarily proof that a decision...
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What Will People Say at Your Funeral? + Is Sports Betting a Sin? | Ep. 3
Are you building a life that looks successful—or one that will actually matter when it’s over? In this episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love, Curtis Andrusko, and special guest Julius Tennal to go deeper into Ecclesiastes 7 and the surprising wisdom that can come from...
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Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? + WNBA Struggles to Define “Woman” | Ep. 2
Why do bad things happen to good people—or are we asking the wrong question? In this episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love and Curtis Andrusko to go deeper into Ecclesiastes 3 and what it means to trust God in seasons we don’t understand. They talk about why “God has a…
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Why Getting What You Want Isn’t Enough | Ep. 1
Why is it that getting what we want so often leaves us wanting something more? In the first episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love and Curtis Andrusko to go deeper into his first sermon in the book of Ecclesiastes and the search for a meaningful, satisfying life. They talk...
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Introducing The Bullpen with J.D. Greear
For years now, whenever Pastor J.D. Greear preaches, he writes far more than he can actually say in the sermon. The material that doesn’t make the cut—the extra illustrations, the rabbit trails, the good questions he didn’t have time to chase—gets kept in a section of his notes he calls the...
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Is the Deliberate Pursuit of Ethnic Unity the Same As DEI?
In another special episode, Pastor J.D. addresses the question: “Is the Deliberate Pursuit of Ethnic Unity the Same As DEI?” Key Takeaways: There is an unbiblical DEI that really is about quota and virtue signaling. Hiring practices should consider the experience of candidates over age 50. Ageism...
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Is “Voting Blue” the First Sign of Losing Faith?
In another special episode, Pastor J.D. addresses the question: “Is ‘Voting Blue’ the First Sign of Losing Faith?” The conversation explores a question Pastor J.D. was asked recently about whether “voting blue” is a harbinger of losing your faith. Key Takeaways: Silence on moral issues can lead…
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WHY Is Gen Z Returning to the Church?
In this episode, Pastor J.D. concludes our mini-series about his latest book, Everyday Revolutionary, by asking the question: “WHY Is Gen Z Returning to the Church?” This conversation features Wes Smith, College Pastor at The Summit Church. Much has been said about how Gen Z is returning to the...
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Are Christians Called to the Culture War?
In this episode, Pastor J.D. discusses a question many of us are asking ourselves right now, “Are Christians Called to the Culture War?” As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explains that while believers must be bold in truth,...
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Should Pastors Be More Political from the Pulpit?
In this episode, Pastor J.D. discusses a question many church leaders face: Should pastors be more political from the pulpit? As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explores how faithfulness to the gospel intersects with public…
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BONUS: Which Bible Promises Apply Today?
This week on Ask the Pastor, we have a special bonus episode on the question, “Which of the Bible’s promises apply today?” We covered a similar question several years ago, and you can find that episode HERE. A glimpse inside this episode: The Bible contains approximately 3,000 promises from God....
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Why Does Correct Theology Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Correct Theology Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: Theological doctrine shapes our relationship with God and others. Understanding essential beliefs is crucial for unity…
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Why Does Everyday Faithfulness Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Everyday Faithfulness Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: Living a faithful life is essential, even in mundane tasks. Every believer has a role in God’s mission, regardless...
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Why Does the Existence of Hell Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does the Existence of Hell Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: The doctrine of hell is crucial for understanding God’s justice. Many people struggle with the concept of hell,...
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Why Does Prayer Matter?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Prayer Matter?” A glimpse inside this episode: Prayer is essential for experiencing the fullness of joy. Unanswered prayer can be a part of God’s better plan. Persistence in...
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How Do I Balance Marriage and Tithing?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. pauses his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” to answer a listener question about challenges of tithing when a spouse disagree. A glimpse inside this episode: Tithing is a biblical command that reflects trust in God. Communication is key when spouses...
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Why Does It Matter to Live a Gospel-Centered Life?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with a question on why it matters to live a gospel-centered life. A glimpse inside the episode: The gospel is central to every part of the Christian life. Living a gospel-centered life means returning to…
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Why Does It Matter? The Virgin Birth
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” by diving into the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus. A glimpse inside this episode: The virgin birth is crucial to understanding Jesus’ identity. Jesus was born without a sin nature due to the...
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Are You Committed to Only Preaching Expositionally?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D.pauses his “Why Does It Matter” series to answer a listener question who asked, “Are You Committed to Only Preaching Expositionally?”Pastor J.D. addresses some common questions and emphasizes the importance of grounding sermons in Scripture, the role of the...
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Why Does It Matter? Purity Before Marriage
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” and focuses on why purity before marriage even matters by exploring the biblical stance on sexual ethics. A glimpse inside this episode: Many people question why sex before marriage is a big deal. God’s...
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Why Does It Matter? Biblical Authority
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. starts a brand new series called, “Why Does It Matter.” Listen as he unpacks the significance of the Bible’s authority, inerrancy, and its role in Christian life. A glimpse inside this episode: The Bible’s authority is foundational to Christian faith....
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Books of the Year, Part 2
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares part two of his favorite books in 2024. A glimpse inside this episode: Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature. Forgive by Tim Keller The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of…
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Books of the Year, Part I
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books in 2024. A glimpse inside this episode: Pastor J.D. shares his favorite books from 2024 ranging from spiritual and secular literature. Bless God and Take Courage: The Judson History and Legacy: Rosalie Hall Hunt How to Know a...
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Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Followers of Jesus Get Plastic Surgery?” A glimpse inside this episode: There are many the nuances for Christians around plastic surgery, enhancing beauty, the cultural pressures surrounding appearance, and the importance of focusing on…
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Should Christians Be Concerned about AI?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Should Christians be concerned about AI?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. looks at the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) from a Christian perspective. While AI is a tool that can be used for…
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Are Denominations Biblical?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers “Are Denominations Biblical?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the biblical basis for denominations while addressing common criticisms. While denominations may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the...
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Is It Wrong for Christians to Do Yoga?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that has actually been asked by two listeners, Lillian and Jesse: “Is it OK for Christians to do Yoga?” A glimpse inside this episode: In this week’s episode, Pastor J.D. explores the historical roots of yoga in Eastern religions and how...
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My Marriage Started After an Unbiblical Divorce: What Should We Do?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question that asked, “I’m currently married to a man who had an unbiblical divorce. To make it worse, we actually began dating before the divorce was finalized. We recently both got saved, and now are facing the question: are we living in...
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How Can I Give Honest Criticism with Grace and Love?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tristan who asked, “As Christians, how can we be honest about an individual’s poor performance (in my case, scoring a poor performer based on their work quality) with grace and love?” A glimpse inside this episode: Honest...
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How Do I Learn to HATE My Sin?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Tyler who asked, ““I know in my head that my sin is sinful, but I can’t seem to ‘metabolize’ it and get that truth into my heart. How can I do that?” A glimpse inside this episode: The goal of salvation is a new kind of...
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Will There Really Be No Marriage in Heaven?
This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. answers a question submitted by Andrew who asked, “Could you attempt to provide some clarity on whether an earthly marriage between Christians means that husband/wife relationship carries into eternity?” Thank you Andrew for your question! A glimpse inside...
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Gospel & Politics: Joseph Backholm
This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Joseph Backholm. Joseph is a Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement at Family Research Council. He combines extensive legal, political, and policy experience with a love for the way biblical...
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Gospel & Politics: Neil Shenvi
This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Neil Shenvi where they discuss the complexities of critical theory, its implications for society, and how it intersects with Christian beliefs. Neil is another member of the Summit Church with a Ph.D. from Berkeley...
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Gospel & Politics: Brooke Medina
This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Brooke Medina. Brooke is a member of the Summit Church and serves as Vice President of Communications for the John Locke Foundation. She’s been published in numerous outlets including The Hill, Entrepreneur,...
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Gospel & Politics: Katie McCoy
This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Katie McCoy. Dr. McCoy serves as the director of Women’s Ministry for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. She holds a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of To Be A Woman…
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Gospel & Politics: Jason Thacker
This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Dr. Jason Thacker. Dr. Thacker serves as an assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Boyce College and Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a senior fellow in bioethics and director of the...
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Gospel & Politics: Ben Watson
This week on Ask the Pastor features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Ben Watson. Watson is a former NFL tight end as well as a writer, speaker, and activist. He is a college football studio analyst with the SEC Network, and he serves as VP of Strategic Relationships with the Human...
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Gospel & Politics: Ed Stetzer
Ask the Pastor is continuing our Gospel & Politics series. This week features a conversation between Pastor J.D. Greear and Dr. Ed Stetzer. Stetzer is a leading thinker in his field and has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned...
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Gospel & Politics: Rebecca McLaughlin
This week’s Ask the Pastor episode kicks off our brand new series, Gospel & Politics. This series will feature Pastor J.D. with other respected leaders talking about how we can integrate both the gospel and politics into our lives this election season. A glimpse inside this episode: Secular…
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Greatest Hits: Is There Such a Thing as an “Unanswered Prayer?
In this final edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. talks about the pain of unanswered prayer and the realities of prayer for the Christian. A glimpse inside this episode: This is a tricky question. I’ve often heard that behind every question is a questioner. When we’re dealing...
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Greatest Hits: Why Aren’t YOU a Missionary?
In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. shares how God called him to the mission field before calling him to be a pastor of a church that sends and supplies the mission field in extravagant ways. A glimpse inside this episode: When God called me to be a pastor, he did so by...
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Greatest Hits: How Do We Live in the World but Not of the World?
In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. talks how to live in the world but not of the world. A glimpse inside this episode: Who do you feel the closest kinship with? Who do you spend most of your time with? The lesson from Lot’s life is that you have to make up your mind…
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Greatest Hits: Is Marijuana Ever OK for Christians to Use?
In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. talks about whether the legal use of marijuana is wise or helpful for Christians. A glimpse inside this episode: In the past, this was an easy enough question, because marijuana was illegal. It wasn’t a “gray area” for Christians. The...
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Greatest Hits: What Do You Do if You Find Out About Sexual Abuse Situations?
In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. shares four important things to keep in mind when responding to instances of sexual abuse. A glimpse into this episode: This is an extremely important question, so much so that after becoming SBC president, the first thing I did was...
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Greatest Hits: Public school, private school, or homeschool?
In this edition of Ask the Pastor’s Greatest Hits, Pastor J.D. talks about some key advantages and disadvantages to each type of schooling and how Scripture guides our decision-making. A glimpse inside this episode: My friend Joby Martin says if you want some entertainment, get a home-school mama...
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Greatest Hits: Is It OK to Get Divorced?
Show Notes: The answer to this question comes from the lips of Jesus, the most compassionate person ever to live. Marriage is a covenant you make with your spouse before God. God created it in Genesis 2 as a union where two literally become one, and death is the only thing that can dissolve that...
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Greatest Hits: If a Child Wanders From the Faith, Is It the Parents’ Fault?
Show Notes: We should be as intentional with our families as we are with our jobs. There is a sense that, on one level, I as a parent affect the faith journey of my kids. But on another level, there is a limit to the responsibility parents have for the choices our kids make. God has made them as...
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Greatest Hits: Who or (What) Is a Christian?
Pastor J.D. answers a question about what it really means to be a Christian. Show Notes: Everyone has a different assumption of what it means to be a Christian. In the Western world, a lot of people have the assumption that if you’re not a Jew, not a Muslim, and not an atheist, you must be a...
About this show
Every sermon starts with more than can fit into a message. For years, Pastor J.D. Greear has filled his sermon notes with extra illustrations, questions, insights, and rabbit trails that never made it into the final sermon. He calls that section of his notes “the bullpen.” Now, those ideas are coming out of the bullpen. In each episode, J.D. sits down with a few others to unpack a recent message, go deeper into Scripture, wrestle with difficult questions, and explore implications there wasn’t time to address from the pulpit. Along the way, they’ll also tackle important issues and questions happening in the world through the lens of biblical wisdom. No scripts. No polished talking points. Just honest, free-flowing conversations about Scripture, the gospel, and how they apply to real life. The Bullpen is a resource from J.D. Greear Ministries designed to help you go deeper in your understanding and love of the gospel.
Hosted by
J.D. Greear
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