Bent Christian Podcast

Brynn Cochran’s story is about surviving childhood trauma, abuse, foster care, adoption, shame, and seasons of self-destruction — and discovering that pain does not have to be the end of the story. In this episode of the Bent Christian Podcast, Cliff talks with Brynn, founder of Broken Together and creator of the Love Wins event, about trauma, healing, church hurt, adoption, foster care, surrender, and redemption. Brynn shares honestly about the abuse she experienced as a child, the years she spent trying to survive and numb the pain, and the moment she cried out to God and began a different kind of healing journey. This episode is for anyone who has felt unseen, abandoned, ashamed, or too broken to be used for anything good. Brynn’s story is a reminder that healing is not always instant, faith does not erase every struggle, and redemption can still begin in the middle of a very messy story. Brynn also shares how God began turning her pain into purpose through Broken Together and the Love Wins event, which helps connect communities, churches, ministries, and organizations around foster care, adoption, family support, and local resources. In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Bent Christian Podcast 01:30 Meet Brynn Cochran 03:00 Brynn’s early childhood, foster care, and abuse 14:00 Finding safety, adoption, and church experiences 24:00 Church hurt, shame, and self-preservation 35:00 Hitting bottom and crying out to God 44:00 The beginning of Broken Together 52:00 Foster care, adoption, and community resources 59:00 The Love Wins event 1:07:00 Moving with purpose About Broken Together and Love Wins: Broken Together helps bridge the gap between churches, communities, ministries, and organizations that support foster care, adoption, families, and people in need of hope and resources. The Love Wins event is a 5K, one-mile walk, and kids’ fun run created to bring people together, highlight local ministries and organizations, and move with purpose. Love Wins Event: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveWinsEvent Broken Together Ministry: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broken_together_ministry/ Register for the Love Wins 5K: https://getmeregistered.com/LoveWins5K Event Details: Love Wins 5K, One-Mile Walk, and Kids’ Fun Run Date: August 22 Location: Sports Complex in Jamestown Slogan: Move with Purpose Listen to Bent Christian: Podcast Website: www.bentchristian.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-christian-podcast/id1758559638 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LECnLClLOliw0KIecgS7L Connect with Bent Christian: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BentChristian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552098519942 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebentchristian/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bentchristian Contact: [email protected] Subscribe to Bent Christian for honest conversations about faith, imperfection, grace, doubt, healing, and following Jesus when life feels messy. If this episode encouraged you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to know their story is not over. #ChildhoodTrauma #HealingJourney #FosterCare

What does it actually mean to “give your life to Christ”? If you’ve ever heard phrases like “be saved,” “commit your life to Jesus,” or “be born again” and felt confused… you’re not alone. In this episode of the Bent Christian Podcast, we break it all down in the simplest way possible. No complicated church language. No pressure to have it all figured out. Just real, practical truth. We talk about: Why salvation has become so confusing What Jesus actually meant The 3 simple steps to starting a relationship with God And how you can take that step today This isn’t about religion—it’s about relationship. Not perfection… just willingness. If you’ve been searching, questioning, or unsure where to start—this episode is for you. 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Bent Christian on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more inspiring content. You can learn more about Bent Christian at: 🌐 Website: https://bentchristian.com 📸 Instagram: / thebentchristian ▶️ YouTube: / @bentchristian 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... 🎵 TikTok: / bentchristian 🎙 Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... 👕 Support our community – Merch: https://bent-christian.printify.me ❤️ Donor Support: https://bentchristian.com Ask Get answers, explore topics, and more #salvationprayer #newbeliever #giveyourlifetochrist

Struggling to read the Bible for the first time? Here are 5 simple tips to help you stick with it without giving up. If you’ve ever started reading Scripture with good intentions but found yourself overwhelmed, distracted, or quietly quitting, you’re not alone. Many people begin their faith journey excited — only to feel discouraged when parts of the Old Testament feel confusing, repetitive, or hard to understand. In this Bent Christian episode, we walk through five simple shifts that can completely change how you approach the Bible. This isn’t about reading faster or trying harder. It’s about reading differently — with clarity, grace, and relationship at the center. The Bible was never meant to be a performance test. It’s an invitation. In this episode, we cover: • Why certain parts of the Bible feel so difficult • Why starting with Jesus can change everything • How to read without burning out • What to do when you feel stuck • How to give yourself grace along the way 💬 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear your perspective! 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Bent Christian on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more inspiring content. You can learn more about Bent Christian at: 🌐 Website: https://bentchristian.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebentchristian ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BentChristian 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552098519942 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bentchristian 🎙 Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bentchristian 👕 Support our community – Merch: https://bent-christian.printify.me ❤️ Donor Support: https://bentchristian.com #ReadTheBible #BibleStudy #BibleForBeginners

What can Christians really learn from someone like Jelly Roll? For some believers, that question feels uncomfortable. Jelly Roll’s past, his music, and his story don’t fit neatly into the boxes many Christians are used to. And yet — if we’re honest — his journey reflects something deeply biblical: redemption, honesty, grace, and ongoing transformation. In this episode of Bent Christian, we explore 5 Things Christians Could Learn from Jelly Roll — his music, his story, and his ongoing walk. This isn’t about celebrity worship or excusing sin. It’s about asking a harder question: 👉 Are we missing what God might be showing us through people we least expect? We talk about: Why God consistently uses messy people before they’re “polished” How honesty often reaches hearts before religious language does Why grace draws people in before theology makes sense Why a person’s past doesn’t cancel their present growth And why faith that reaches the broken often offends the religious Along the way, we unpack a real-life dinner conversation that revealed how quickly “so-called Christians” can dismiss someone based on labels — and how that mindset may be building walls God never asked us to build. At Bent Christian, we believe: You don’t have to stay broken. You’re not perfect. So maybe we’re all just bent. If you’ve ever struggled with judgment, skepticism, or reconciling faith with real-life stories of redemption — this conversation is for you. 💬 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear your perspective! 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Bent Christian on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more inspiring content. You can learn more about Bent Christian at: 🌐 Website: https://bentchristian.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebentchristian ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BentChristian 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552098519942 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bentchristian 🎙 Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bentchristian 👕 Support our community – Merch: https://bent-christian.printify.me ❤️ Donor Support: https://bentchristian.com #BentChristian #BentNotBroken #JellyRoll

Why Are Christians Such Hypocrites? Welcome to the Bent Christian Podcast! In this episode, Cliff shares a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation that began at a dinner table with close friends. What started as casual small talk turned into an intense, four-hour discussion after one friend asked, “Why are Christians such hypocrites?” From there, Cliff dives into a range of important and relevant topics that impact faith and society today, including: - The dangers of absolute stereotypes and why labels often do more harm than good. - How social media manipulation affects the perception of Christianity and amplifies negativity. - Living as Christians in a pluralistic society: what it means to honor diverse perspectives while staying true to your beliefs. - The problem with fighting negativity with negativity – how grace, patience, and humility can shift the narrative. - Training vs. trying to live out the Christian faith and how small, intentional actions can make a difference. - The biblical concept of honoring those in positions of authority, even when it’s difficult. This episode isn’t just about answering tough questions—it’s about having an honest conversation on faith, authenticity, and how Christians can move beyond the “hypocrite” label by living with integrity and love in a world full of complexities. Let’s explore these deep topics together, challenge our assumptions, and discover what it really means to live out our faith in a way that reflects love, humility, and authenticity. 💬Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear your perspective! 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Bent Christian on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more inspiring content. You can learn more about Bent Christian at: Website: https://bentchristian.com Instagram: / thebentchristian YouTube: / @bentchristian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... TikTok: / ucp18zm9ei7a7ffaas9r8cgw Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Support our community: Merch: https://bent-christian.printify.me/pr... Donor Support: https://bentchristian.com Hashtags: #ChristianFaith #HypocrisyInChristianity #FaithConversations #BentChristianPodcast #RealTalk #ChristianPodcast #Stereotypes #SocialMediaManipulation #PluralisticSociety #TrainingVsTrying #HonorAndAuthority #AuthenticFaith #ChristianDiscussion #BibleTalk #ChristianityAndCulture #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #OpenConversation #RelatableFaith #PositiveInfluence #GraceAndHumility #ChristianLife #FaithMatters #TruthInLove #christianfaith #hypocrites #religion #christian

Are tattoos unbiblical? Can Christians have tattoos? In this episode of the Bent Christian Podcast, host Cliff Sweazey dives into the controversial topic of tattoos and their place in Christianity. Starting with the commonly cited verse, Leviticus 19:28, Cliff unpacks the context of the Mosaic Law and how it applies to believers today under the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. We’ll explore key questions like: What does the Bible actually say about tattoos? Are we being consistent in applying scripture? How should Christians approach tattoos in a way that honors God? Cliff also shares a personal story about a young woman seeking a church where she wouldn’t feel judged for her tattoos, sparking an honest discussion about grace, love, and acceptance in the Christian community. Whether you have tattoos, are considering one, or are simply curious about the biblical perspective, this episode is for you! Join us as we reflect on love, understanding, and how to live out our faith in a way that truly honors Christ. 💬 We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and testimonies in the comments below. 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Bent Christian on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more inspiring content. You can learn more about Bent Christian at: Website: https://bentchristian.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebentchristian YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCp18zm9EI7a7FFaaS9r8CGw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552098519942 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCp18zm9EI7a7FFaaS9r8CGw Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bent1 Support our community: Merch: https://bent-christian.printify.me/products Donor Support: https://bentchristian.com #BentChristianPodcast #FaithAndTattoos #ChristianLife #GraceAndLove #BiblicalDiscussion

Bent Christian and Conformed to Transformed This episode I interviewed Bryan Crouch, Founder of Conformed to Transformed. Bryan describes himself as a 26-year Information Technology veteran, lover of Jesus, and a sinner saved by undeserved grace! He is a father in a blended family of 4 teenagers, a husband of an amazing wife Krista of 8 years and wants to use his story of life changing transformation and deliverance from addiction to see thousands of souls do the same using the mind transforming power of the gospel and God’s will for their lives. Join us as we discuss religion, family, addiction, brokenness, salvation, recovery, conformation and transformation. #transformation #addiction #recovery You can learn more about Bryan and his ministry Conformed To Transformed at: Website: https://conformedtotransformed.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conformed2transformed/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCuHYdeo9VLhPLYNbZVYJF0A Twitter: https://x.com/c2transformed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conformed2transformed/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@conformed2transformed Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/conformed-2-transformed6 You can learn more about Bent Christian at: Website: https://bentchristian.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebentchristian/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCp18zm9EI7a7FFaaS9r8CGw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552098519942 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCp18zm9EI7a7FFaaS9r8CGw Podcast: https://thebentchristian.podbean.com/ Support our community: Merch: https://bent-christian.printify.me/products Donor Support: https://bentchristian.com/

Am I Bad at Making Friends Now? What has changed? Bent Christian Podcast #friends #mentalhealth #socialmedia Why don’t we see each other like we used to, I know we are all busy, the world is busy, but we always seem to “make time” for other “important” things in our lives. So are our friends no longer important? More on that later… And what do friendships look now? because I can tell you my relationships with many of my old friends has drastically changed over the years and for a variety of reasons Yet I still feel closer with friends from 20 years ago than I am with people I meet today? I mean Even if I don’t see them very often. Is it just the history… the nostalgia or the old, shared experiences? Or am I just bad at making new friends now? @SimonSinek Simon Sinek: "Strong Thigh Muscles = More friends", This Is Why You Can't Make Friends! https://youtu.be/I3WUiD8HYn8?si=2D302WzfwXrcVAGN @JohannHari Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong | Johann Hari | TED https://youtu.be/PY9DcIMGxMs?si=JVX3mZMCtNDbApDn BLESS: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World https://amzn.to/3VOsWOG Website: https://bentchristian.com/ Instagram: / thebentchristian Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552098519942 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@bentchristian BC Store: / https://bent-christian.printify.me/products Please like, comment and subscribe!

Not Ready to Say Goodbye: A Journey of Faith, Grief, and Healing #FaithAndHealing #GriefSupport #NavigatingLoss Losing a loved one is a profoundly difficult experience, and the process of saying goodbye can be complex and deeply personal. For Christians, faith can offer comfort through beliefs in the afterlife, hope, community support, rituals, prayer, and scripture. Key biblical verses that provide solace include Matthew 5:4 ("Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"), John 11:25-26, Revelation 21:4, and Psalm 147:3. The Bible acknowledges human imperfection (Ecclesiastes 7:20) and God's healing power (Psalm 147:3). Recognizing our shared humanity and the universality of grief, we can support those who are mourning through several practical and compassionate actions: 1. **Be Present**: Simply being there can provide significant comfort. 2. **Listen Actively**: Allow them to express their feelings without judgment. 3. **Offer Practical Help**: Assist with daily tasks to alleviate their burden. 4. **Share Comforting Scriptures**: Provide biblical encouragement and hope. 5. **Acknowledge Their Pain**: Validate their feelings and respect their grief. 6. **Pray with and for Them**: Offer spiritual support through prayer. 7. **Be Patient**: Understand that grieving is a long and individual process. 8. **Encourage Self-Care and Healing**: Support their journey towards healing, including seeking professional help if needed. By embodying empathy, patience, and practical support, we can offer meaningful assistance to those grieving, helping them navigate their loss with compassion and understanding. Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to our channel for more great content. Don’t forget to hit the bell icon to be notified whenever we post new videos. **Follow Us:** - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552098519942 **Support Us:** - Merch: https://bent-christian.printify.me/products **Join the Community:** - https://bentchristian.com/ Got any questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below! We love hearing from you. For information on GriefShare Recovery program visit https://bentchristian.com/family-and-relationships Stay tuned, stay awesome, and we’ll see you in the next video!

I will never forget thinking to myself that I have tried to avoid this moment my entire life. I was being held by this huge, incarcerated individual with tears running down my face and it all started by handing out cookies for Kairos Prison Ministry! Welcome to "Inside the Walls: A Bent Christian Podcast Series," the podcast that brings you powerful stories of transformation, redemption, and hope from those who have found God while incarcerated. Join us as we explore the incredible journeys of individuals who have encountered Jesus, experienced profound spiritual awakenings, and discovered faith in the most unexpected places. Through heartfelt interviews and inspiring testimonies, you'll hear how these men and women have been saved, found purpose, and continue to live out their faith despite the challenges of life behind bars. Whether you're seeking encouragement, curious about the role of spirituality in prison, or simply looking for stories of human resilience and divine intervention, this podcast offers a unique perspective on faith that transcends walls and reaches into the heart. Tune in and be inspired by the miracles of grace and redemption happening within prison walls and beyond. For more information on @KairosPrisonMinistryIntl visit https://kairosprisonministry.org/ For more information on @BentChristian visit us @ www.BentChristian.com Series 2 Episode 1 #Prison #christianpodcast #faithjourney

Have you ever been disappointed in God's answers? You are not alone. Even if He is protecting us, it can still be frustrating. Learning to have faith in all situations takes practice. This is a crazy story about God doing exactly what I prayed for Him to do and I was still disappointed when God Said NO! #god #trust #faith

What is Bent Christian? We are a community of imperfect believers that exist to share the message of faith, hope, and love through prayer, resources, testimonies, and podcasts to everyone, everywhere, every day. Hi guys. My name is Cliff Sweazey with Bent Christian and the number one question I get asked daily is what is a Bent Christian? I want to take a moment to explain exactly what it means to be a Bent Christian. First off, Bent Christian is not some religious nut, holy roller, some self-righteous judgmental person who goes around pointing out the faults in other people. Actually, it starts with the understanding of the exact opposite. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. No one is perfect. No one. Not me, not you, not your friends, not your family, not your in-laws, not your girlfriend, boyfriend, partner, not even your spouse. Although it might not be a good idea to point that out. Not one single Christian or any person of any other religion, and that includes the pastors, preachers, or priests. Not your employers, no professional athletes, no entertainers, no influencers, not even our politicians. The fact is the Bible acknowledges the imperfection of human beings and emphasizes the idea that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, as seen in Romans 3.23. While the Bible acknowledges that no one is perfect and that sin is a reality, it also teaches about the possibility of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. The term broken is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Its usage varies across different translations. It's often used to describe a person's feelings, their heart, spirit, or state of being. Psalms 147.3 it says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Because of God's love, grace, and mercy, we don't have to be broken. We can heal from our fear, loneliness, guilt, shame, anxiety, depression. We can learn to let go, regardless of our past or even what we may be going through right now. If we can agree that no one is perfect and that we don't have to stay broken, maybe we all exist somewhere in the middle. Maybe we're all just bent. I know God has healed my brokenness. I also know that I am nowhere near perfect. I know that I'm bent. My hope for each of you is that you get bent too. I pray you experience God's unconditional love and that you learn to let go of feelings of brokenness that you may be struggling with. I hope you know that sometimes it's okay to not be okay and that you understand that no one is perfect, regardless of how they act or what they may post on social media. Once we acknowledge these simple facts, we can understand what it means to be a bent Christian. Just imagine what we can do for each other once we get rid of stereotypes, prejudices, and labels, and we begin to treat each other how God intended with the greatest commandment. Matthew 22, 35 through 40, one of the experts in law tested Jesus with this question. He said, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is just like it. Love your neighbor as yourself." See, we have gotten so distracted with religion and churches, legalism, and institutions that we've forgotten that being a believer is not about a religion, it's about a relationship, a relationship with Christ, and a relationship with each other. This is not a movement. This is not a revelation. This is a simple understanding of the truth, and the truth will set you free. Welcome to Bent Christian! Not Perfect, Not Broken, Just Bent! Get Bent! #broken #love #jesus www.BentChristian.com Comment below on topics you would like to see!