Pastors Unfiltered

Tony, PB, and Brandon are keeping it casual and talking about life in ministry, relationships, vacations, weddings, social media, and what it actually looks like to be a healthy pastor and church.Topics discussed- Social media & the pastor’s inner circleTaking a break from Instagram and only watching instead of postingHow social media can shape our idea of friendship and communityThe difference between ministry friends and genuine friendshipsAsking: “Who am I inviting to Revival Night?”- Wedding season storiesTony reflecting on wedding season coming to an endFalling asleep during a wedding toastPB’s Russian wedding storyRachel & Claire’s weddingStories and memories from past weddingsPastors, therapy & vacationTony’s famous “I don’t go on vacay” mentalityWhy pastors can struggle with guilt when taking time offThe pressure to always be availableThe importance of pastors actually resting and taking vacationsHow a pastor’s constant presence can actually point to an unhealthy church cultureHow available should pastors be?How available should a lead pastor realistically be to their church?Being relational without being constantly accessibleKnowing when something is mission-criticalLeading through vision and mission, rather than trying to personally handle everythingYou don’t have to be the hero“Not everyone needs to love you.”Why pastors need to release the need to receive all the creditEmpowering others instead of doing everything yourselfRaising up leaders and sending them out🙌 Healthy church leadershipGiving staff opportunities to leadDeveloping leaders instead of creating dependenceBuilding a church where ministry doesn’t revolve around one personLearning to be yourself as a leaderNot allowing every outside voice to determine who you are or what you do

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with Jenny Waldron from New Life Kitsap, where she serves as the church’s Multiplication Lead and Teaching Lead and is helping prepare the church to launch new campuses. Jenny shares her journey from graphic design and creative ministry into pastoral leadership, how she wrestled with feeling disqualified, and what it looked like to eventually say yes to the calling God had placed on her life. She also opens up about growing up as a pastor’s kid, becoming a female pastor, and the support her husband has given her throughout that journey. The conversation goes deep into healthy leadership, burnout, developing teams, vulnerability, weakness, and resilience. Jenny shares how watching her dad burn out in ministry shaped her conviction that ministry was never meant to be done alone, and why great leaders have to learn how to give things away and raise up other people. They also talk about the pressure pastors feel to prove themselves, the temptation to build influence, and why intimacy with Jesus and who we are becoming matters more than public success. And of course, it wouldn’t be Pastors Unfiltered without Mariners frustration, generational stereotypes, questionable childhood stories, fantasy books, ADHD, and plenty of chaos along the way. Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered0:31 Recording On Location0:59 Venture Staff Retreat Chaos1:41 Brandon and David’s Disagreement2:00 Working Through Conflict2:48 Seahawks Hard Knocks4:00 Brandon’s Failed Predictions5:31 The Mariners Need a Miracle6:35 Tony’s Seabrook Vacation7:16 Brandon’s Staff Retreat Moped Story8:33 Introducing Jenny Waldron9:12 Jenny’s Journey to New Life9:59 Dating as an Evangelism Strategy11:28 Jenny’s Role at New Life Kitsap12:02 A Vision to Launch Five New Campuses12:29 Church Job Titles Are Weird13:02 Jenny Has Done Almost Every Church Job14:10 From Graphic Designer to Leader15:06 When Someone Else Is Better Than You15:19 Jenny’s Call Into Pastoral Ministry16:00 “I’ve Called You to Bring Fresh Water With Your Words”16:37 Leadership Was Always in Her17:20 Feeling Disqualified18:02 Growing Up as a Baptist Pastor’s Kid18:29 Wrestling With Women in Ministry19:07 Saying Yes to the Call19:46 Her Husband’s Support20:21 Watching Her Dad Burn Out in Ministry21:07 “We Were Not Made to Do It by Ourselves”21:22 Why Jenny Develops Leaders22:21 The Old Model of Doing Everything Yourself23:09 Why So Many Pastors Burn Out23:30 Knowing What You’re Actually Good At24:11 Brandon’s Early Ministry Learning Curve25:03 Brandon Tries to Become a Worship Leader25:33 “Lay Down the Guitar”26:12 What’s the Guitar in Your Leadership?26:34 Giving Things Away to Better Leaders27:04 Vulnerability and Weakness in Ministry27:29 Jenny’s Shame, Grace & Resilience Class28:06 Facing Weakness to Become a Better Leader28:35 The Pressure to Be Everything29:09 Why Resilience Matters in Ministry29:51 Trying to Prove Yourself30:10 Learning to Lead a Quiet Life30:55 Jesus Cares About Who We Are in Him31:24 Calling vs. Intimacy With Jesus31:40 Staying Connected to People Outside the Church32:37 The Doors God Opens When You Slow Down33:00 Ministry, Marriage & Raising Kids34:04 What Jenny Would Change About Her Early Leadership34:42 Pastor Culture and “Show Off Time”36:02 Gen Z Pastors and Vulnerability37:17 The Millennial Debate37:49 Jenny’s Montana Story38:25 Cow Tipping and Questionable Childhood Decisions39:17 The Three Questions39:39 What Jenny Is Reading40:31 ADHD and “Now It All Makes Sense”41:14 Body Doubling41:53 The ADHD Tax42:24 What Jenny Is Watching42:42 More Mariners Frustration43:29 Ted Lasso44:05 What Jenny Does for Fun44:24 15 Years of Mariners Season Tickets44:59 The Dream MLB Stadium Road Trip46:06 Baseball, Books & the Good Life46:23 Closing Thoughts46:36 Wrap Up46:59 Jesus Is the Hope of the World47:30 Raiders Roll

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/pastors-unfiltered-9-life-as-a-pastor-s-kid-with-elijah-beals-and-rachel-winfield--57033323 (Link to Previous Episode with Elijah)This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Tony and Pastor Brandon are joined by Elijah Beals to talk about his journey into vocational ministry and his new role as Venture Church’s Junior High Pastor.Elijah shares how he first felt called to ministry as a teenager, why he spent years saying “not yet” to ministry opportunities, and why finishing his master’s degree became an important part of preparing for what God had next. He also talks about studying business at the University of Washington, working in sports partnerships, serving with the UW Navigators, and having a career he genuinely loved before ultimately choosing to step away from it and pursue the calling he had felt since high school.They also address the obvious question: was working at his dad’s church always the plan? Elijah explains why it wasn’t, why he seriously considered opportunities at other churches, and what eventually changed his perspective about joining the team at Venture.Plus, there’s plenty of Pastors Unfiltered chaos along the way, including Mariners heartbreak, Dolly Parton, celebrity crushes, camper vans, Ezra and Nehemiah, youth ministry memories, and the return of a very questionable puppet named TJ.Timestamps0:00Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered0:40 The Mariners Sucked Brandon Back In1:36 Giving Away Tickets to an Incredible Mariners Game2:14 The “Spank and a Hug” Sermon3:17 Brandon’s New Bigfoot Hat4:07 Meet the New Broadcast Director5:01 Tony’s ADHD Medication5:23 Remembering Dolly Parton6:30 Favorite Dolly Parton Songs7:26 Bruce Willis Movies8:36 The Girls Started Their Own Podcast11:50 Why Most Podcasts Don’t Last12:35 Tony’s Seabrook Vacation13:36 Brandon Wants a Camper Van14:54 Brandon’s Goodreads Account15:14 Introducing Ruins to Revival16:08 The History Behind Ezra and Nehemiah17:39 Introducing Elijah Beals18:31 Elijah’s First Pastors Unfiltered Appearance19:49 The Story Behind Elijah Joining Venture Staff21:14 Why Elijah Turned the Job Down a Year Ago21:48 Finishing His Master’s Degree22:14 Feeling Called to Ministry for Years22:56 Why Education Mattered Before Ministry24:13 “You Never Feel Completely Ready”24:42 Brandon’s Own Journey Into Ministry25:45 Elijah’s Career in Sports Partnerships26:40 Looking Back at God’s Preparation27:27 The UW Navigators28:28 Bible Studies Inside Fraternities and Sororities29:22 Was Elijah Always Expected to Work for His Dad?30:15 Elijah’s Call to Ministry31:12 Telling Brandon for the First Time31:27 Brandon’s Response: “I Know”32:11 Tony’s Role in Elijah’s Discipleship33:00 Choosing the Call of God34:02 Coming Full Circle at Venture Seattle34:43 Experiencing Church Without Being “The Pastor’s Kid”35:05 Leaving a Job Elijah Loved35:49 A Career He Could Have Stayed in Forever37:20 The Importance of Youth Pastors38:15 Why Parents Need Great Youth Leaders39:42 Looking Back on Youth Ministry40:06 The Next Generation of Venture Youth Ministry41:12 Five Generations of Youth Pastors41:55 Tyrone Is Now Tony’s Boss42:49 Chick-fil-A and Pastoral Lunches43:20 Why Elijah Didn’t Initially Want to Work at Venture43:53 Leaving the “Dream Job” for Ministry45:14 Why Venture Eventually Felt Like Home46:27 Other Churches Were Pursuing Elijah47:24 The Only Problem With Venture’s Youth Pastors47:44 Introducing TJ49:01 TJ Interviews Pastor Elijah49:44 What Elijah Is Watching50:47 What Elijah Is Reading51:33 Waiting for GTA 651:58 Dating Advice From Pastor Elijah52:21 What Elijah Is Listening To53:50 Faith, Sports, and Junior High Priorities54:26 Should Tony and Brandon Guest on the Girls’ Podcast?55:03 What’s Coming Next on Pastors Unfiltered55:30 Closing

Pastor Brandon is hosting solo this week while Tony is on vacation, and he’s joined by one of Venture Church’s newest staff members, Tyrone Renata.Tyrone shares his story, from growing up in Washington and serving alongside Brandon in Modesto to pastoring in Arizona and eventually finding his way back to Venture. They unpack the nearly year-long process that originally had Tyrone preparing to help launch a new Venture location in Edmonds, only for God to unexpectedly redirect the plan and open a completely different role.Tyrone also shares what he’ll be leading at Venture, including Kingdom Builders, locations, leadership development, and serving on the executive team, along with what he’s most excited about in this next season.And, of course, Pastor Brandon has plenty to say about the Mariners’ historic 22–0 loss, old racquetball injuries, books, Star Trek, Bigfoot, UFOs, and a few other things that probably weren’t on the episode outline.It’s an episode about ministry, friendship, trusting God through transition, and recognizing when His plans look completely different from your own.Timestamps0:00 Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered0:31 Brandon Is Hosting Solo1:06 The Mariners’ 22–0 Disaster3:32 Brandon Is Done With the Mariners... Again4:41 Josh’s One-Year Venture Anniversary5:31 Brandon’s Latest Book Obsession6:59 Dallas Is Reading Red Rising8:04 Staff Transitions at Venture8:58 Introducing Tyrone Renata9:23 Tyrone’s Mariners Reaction10:15 Ted Lasso11:17 Why Is His Name Tyrone?13:39 Brandon & Tyrone’s Modesto Days14:29 Meet Tyrone’s Family14:55 Tyrone’s Ministry Journey16:38 Ten Years of Pastoring in Phoenix17:40 Why Tyrone Loves Sedona18:53 The Hard Parts of Ministry19:16 How Tyrone Ended Up Back at Venture20:42 The Original Plan for an Edmonds Location21:50 Why Venture Paused Edmonds22:41 When the Plan Suddenly Changed23:51 Christian’s Unexpected Transition25:11 Brandon Calls Tyrone With a New Opportunity26:25 Praying Through Two Different Doors27:08 “Go Do Ministry With Your Friends”27:50 Tyrone’s Family Finds a Home at Venture29:03 A Year-Long Hiring Journey29:42 Tyrone’s Hobbies31:26 Seahawks, Raiders & Old Sports Memories33:21 The Mariners’ 116-Win Season34:11 The Modesto Racquetball Days35:23 Brandon Nearly Loses an Eye36:18 The Injury Brandon Still Deals With36:59 Tyrone’s New Role at Venture38:58 What Tyrone Is Most Excited About39:21 Kingdom Builders & $20,000 for Spokane40:08 Supporting Venture’s Locations40:30 Preparing for Saturday Night Services42:41 How to Get to Know Tyrone43:40 Why Venture Wanted a Ministry Family45:06 What Tyrone Is Watching45:45 Tyrone Is a Trekkie46:29 The Love Song Documentary47:47 What Tyrone Is Reading49:48 What Tyrone Is Listening To50:23 Bigfoot, UFOs & The Confessionals51:53 Giants, the Nephilim & Joe Rogan52:50 Looking Ahead53:09 The Unexpected Way God Brought Tyrone to Venture53:29 Closing

Pastors Unfiltered is back for Season 4!Tony and Brandon catch up on everything from Disneyland and Banff to ADHD diagnoses, social media, and a passionate Mariners rant before welcoming Amanda Farley, location pastor of Venture Church Spokane.Amanda shares the story behind planting Venture Spokane, why church planting requires grit, and what it looks like to put down roots in a community and live on mission together.The conversation then turns to the devastating Spokane wildfires. Amanda gives a firsthand update on the impact across the community, how churches and local organizations are responding, and why the work of recovery will continue long after the initial crisis is over.They also talk about Venture Church raising more than $20,000 for Convoy of Hope’s Spokane relief efforts and what it practically looks like for the Church to show up, serve, and love its neighbors when tragedy hits.Timestamps0:00 Welcome to Season 40:39 Back in the New Studio1:56 Brandon & Jared Ming at Disneyland3:37 Talking Israel, Politics & Difficult Conversations6:13 Brandon's Trip to Banff7:10 Seeing the Spokane Wildfire Smoke7:32 Preaching on Lust9:28 Listener Shoutouts10:29 Dallas Looks Like Cole Young11:07 Tony's ADHD & OCD Diagnosis11:59 Why Tony Quit Social Media15:04 The Mariners Rant Begins18:16 Seahawks, Hard Knocks & the NFL20:50 Introducing Amanda Farley21:33 Meet Amanda & Venture Spokane23:54 Amanda's Favorite Venture Spokane Story25:54 Amanda's Family & Life Outside Church29:03 Why Amanda Became a Church Planter30:50 Why They Chose Venture Church33:45 Church Planting Takes Grit35:28 The Future of Venture Spokane37:19 Putting Down Roots in a Community37:34 Spokane Wildfire Update38:21 Hundreds of Families Displaced39:42 How Spokane Is Responding40:33 The Long Road to Recovery41:20 Pastoring Through a Wildfire43:26 Venture Raises $20,000 for Spokane Relief43:52 How Convoy of Hope Is Helping44:11 What Will Families Need Long-Term?45:44 When Should Teams Come Help?46:57 Spokane's Community Response48:44 How Should the Church Respond to Disaster?49:09 A Chance for the Church to Be the Church51:28 Thinking Beyond the Initial Response51:51 The Three Big Questions52:14 What Amanda Is Reading53:02 What Amanda Is Watching & Listening To55:56 Looking Ahead at Spokane Recovery56:47 A Wedding Story for Next Week57:28 Revival Weekend58:14 Closing

Season 3 comes to a close!In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Tony look back on the journey of the podcast, share behind-the-scenes stories from the past three seasons, announce a short summer break, and give a preview of what's coming in Season 4.They also talk about upcoming guests, church updates, travel plans, sports, current events, and plenty of the random conversations you've come to expect from Pastors Unfiltered.Thanks for listening to another season. We'll see you back in a few weeks for Season 4!Timestamps0:00 Introduction 0:29 Welcome Back 1:45 Season 3 Finale Announcement 2:14 Three Week Podcast Break 2:56 What's Coming in Season 4 3:18 Brandon's Never Ending Cough 4:21 Looking Back at the Early Podcast Days 6:08 How Pastors Unfiltered Started 9:10 Why This Podcast Exists 10:45 New Podcasts Coming This Fall 11:24 Russell Johnson Dream 12:28 Have We Been Canceled Yet? 13:50 Funny Podcast Habits 14:34 Charismatic Church Culture 15:00 Christian Podcast Parody 16:23 Summer Plans 17:31 Brandon's Europe Trip 19:02 Alaska Airlines vs. Delta 22:40 Brandon's Summer Speaking Schedule 27:31 Convoy of Hope Banff Trip 28:45 Speaking at Sound Life Church 31:31 Saturday Night Services 32:33 Predictions for the Next Three Weeks 33:33 Mariners Trade Talk 34:32 Iran, Politics & Gas Prices 40:08 Seattle Summer Predictions 42:48 Joe Rogan, Addiction & Recovery 45:34 Conor McGregor's Return 46:49 Thanks for an Amazing Season 47:28 See You in Season 4Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the start of Season 4. Thanks for listening, and as always, let's make Jesus famous.Ask

Season 3 comes to a close!In this episode, Pastors Brandon and Tony look back on the journey of the podcast, share behind-the-scenes stories from the past three seasons, announce a short summer break, and give a preview of what's coming in Season 4.They also talk about upcoming guests, church updates, travel plans, sports, current events, and plenty of the random conversations you've come to expect from Pastors Unfiltered.Thanks for listening to another season. We'll see you back in a few weeks for Season 4!Timestamps0:00 Introduction0:29 Welcome Back1:45 Season 3 Finale Announcement2:14 Three Week Podcast Break2:56 What's Coming in Season 43:18 Brandon's Never Ending Cough4:21 Looking Back at the Early Podcast Days6:08 How Pastors Unfiltered Started9:10 Why This Podcast Exists10:45 New Podcasts Coming This Fall11:24 Russell Johnson Dream12:28 Have We Been Canceled Yet?13:50 Funny Podcast Habits14:34 Charismatic Church Culture15:00 Christian Podcast Parody16:23 Summer Plans17:31 Brandon's Europe Trip19:02 Alaska Airlines vs. Delta22:40 Brandon's Summer Speaking Schedule27:31 Convoy of Hope Banff Trip28:45 Speaking at Sound Life Church31:31 Saturday Night Services32:33 Predictions for the Next Three Weeks33:33 Mariners Trade Talk34:32 Iran, Politics & Gas Prices40:08 Seattle Summer Predictions42:48 Joe Rogan, Addiction & Recovery45:34 Conor McGregor's Return46:49 Thanks for an Amazing Season47:28 See You in Season 4Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the start of Season 4. Thanks for listening, and as always, let's make Jesus famous.

Pastor Brandon is joined by Dick Brogden, Global Leader of Live Dead, for a conversation about missions, church planting, reaching the Muslim world, and seeing the gospel spread to the least reached places on earth. 0:00 – Intro 0:28 – Pastor Brandon Goes Solo 1:14 – Pittsburgh Trip and PNC Park 2:58 – Mariners Struggles and Cole Young's Homecoming 4:12 – Listener Shoutouts and Podcast Community 5:45 – Introducing Dick Brogden 7:45 – Dick's Missionary Family Story 10:25 – Meeting Bobby Knight 11:58 – How Dick Met His Wife 14:27 – Following Jesus and the Call to Missions 16:16 – Looking at the Stars and God's Glory 17:17 – Going to the Mission Field 18:32 – A Heart for the Muslim World 19:27 – Ministry in Sudan 20:20 – Expanding Into Egypt and the Arab World 21:51 – Life in Dubai and Returning to Egypt 23:17 – Why Cairo Is Unlike Anywhere Else 25:15 – What Is Live Dead? 27:52 – How Missionaries Build Relationships 30:17 – Reaching People Through Everyday Work 31:02 – The Vision for the Future of Live Dead 31:51 – The Harvest Is Plentiful, but the Workers Are Few 32:12 – The Greatest Challenges of Missions 34:33 – Ministry in Saudi Arabia 36:08 – Why Church Planting Matters 37:15 – Loving the Muslim World 39:33 – Sports, Chicago, and the Bears 42:59 – Camping, Reading, and Life Outside Ministry 44:42 – Must-Visit Places in the Middle East 45:23 – What Dick Is Reading 46:46 – Podcasts and Sports 47:58 – Encouragement and Closing Thoughts 49:07 – Make Jesus Famous

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Tony is back with Pastor Brandon for a conversation that starts with church updates, Mariners games, staff transitions, Raising Cane’s, movie thoughts, and a very unfiltered discussion about Dallas, Audrey, and a possible live podcast proposal.Then Pastor Brandon and Tony dive into the Hartford Institute’s Church Resurgence Study, a major report on megachurches and large churches in America. They talk through the current landscape of churches in the United States, how many churches are under 250 people, how rare churches over 2,000 really are, and what growing churches tend to have in common.They also discuss what this means for Venture, including small groups, young adults, diversity, church attendance, online engagement, inviting friends, leadership longevity, and the importance of churches staying spiritually alive, mission-focused, and willing to change.This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how pastors think about church health, growth, leadership, and the future of ministry in America.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon is joined by Pastor Kehlani and Pastor Christian for a behind-the-scenes conversation about big updates at Venture.They talk about VBS, Kailani’s new role as Family Pastor, the upcoming Saturday night service, Christian’s transition to Dean of the College of Ministry at Northwest University, and how God is leading Venture into the next season.Timestamps0:00 – Pastors Unfiltered Intro0:28 – Pastor Brandon Opens the Episode0:53 – Previewing Next Week’s Megachurch Report Conversation2:09 – Upcoming Episode with Dick Brogden3:01 – Dallas, Pastors Huddle, and the Mariners Game4:08 – The Craziest Mariners Game Ever4:34 – Morgan Starts the Wave5:14 – Junior High Boys Left at the Game5:39 – Guys Trying to Get on the Big Screen6:34 – Watching the World Cup During the Mariners Game7:21 – The Vomit Cleanup Situation8:10 – Mariners Win and Funko Pop Disappointment9:19 – Why Summer Matters at Church9:53 – How Venture Shares Change11:06 – Strategic Leaking and Inside Information11:38 – Introducing Kehlani12:00 – VBS Recap12:22 – Celebrating Venture Volunteers12:43 – Stories from VBS13:32 – Why VBS Helps Kids Build Friendships14:00 – Staff Serving at VBS14:38 – Dallas and the VBS Photos15:34 – Allen the Kids Ministry Mascot16:46 – What Should Allen’s Voice Sound Like?17:37 – Using Technology for Allen18:16 – Turtle Talk with Crush Comparison18:52 – Allen on Pastors Unfiltered?19:21 – Kehlani’s New Role19:40 – Kehlani Becomes Family Pastor20:07 – The Dream of Having a Full-Time Family Pastor20:36 – What the Family Pastor Role Will Oversee21:00 – Supporting Parents, Families, and Growth Groups21:25 – Kehlani’s Second New Role21:50 – Launching a Saturday Night Service22:21 – Why Venture Has Considered an Alternative Service23:12 – Worship and Teaching for Saturday Nights23:37 – Vision for the Saturday Night Service24:10 – How to Get Involved24:34 – When Saturday Night Services Begin25:05 – Kehlani Reflects on Her New Season26:00 – The Future of Venture Youth27:23 – Adjusting to Washington After One Year28:30 – Seattle Weather and Mountain Views29:11 – Dick’s Burgers vs. In-N-Out29:50 – Becoming a Seattle Sports Fan30:31 – Introducing Christian31:27 – Christian’s New Role at Northwest University31:58 – Why This Was a Big Decision32:44 – A New Day at Northwest University33:11 – Bringing Church and Academic Ministry Together33:59 – Training the Next Generation of Ministers34:27 – Pastor Brandon’s Support Through the Process35:06 – Christian’s Excitement for the Role35:27 – Christian Staying Connected to Venture36:16 – The Fast Timeline of the Process37:32 – How God Was Already Orchestrating the Transition38:20 – The Right Fit at the Right Time39:10 – Venture’s Future and God’s Faithfulness40:12 – Processing Change and Trusting Jesus41:14 – What About Junior High and Kingdom Builders?41:44 – Identifying, Recruiting, and Training Talent42:41 – God’s Timing in Staff Transitions43:25 – Who Will Step Into the Open Roles?44:19 – Preparing for Change Before It Happens44:51 – More People to Love45:15 – The Information Is Officially Leaked46:03 – Closing Thoughts and Future Excitement46:49 – Share the Podcast47:07 – Parent Meeting and Junior High Transition Details47:54 – Encouragement for People Who Don’t Like Change48:22 – Leave a Review and Share the Show48:44 – Make Jesus Famous

n this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon keep things lighthearted with a summer recommendation episode.After last week’s hot topics, they shift gears and talk about TV shows, books, summer rhythms, and the kind of mindless entertainment that helps you relax when life is busy. Tony and Brandon share some of their favorite shows to binge, including comedies, dramas, reality shows, sports stories, and a few Taylor Sheridan picks.They also share book recommendations for the summer, including spiritual growth books, leadership books, and a few fun reads for when you just need something easy to enjoy.The episode wraps with an update about Venture’s upcoming summer service schedule, staff changes, and what listeners can expect in the next episode.Whether you’re looking for a show to watch, a book to read, or just a fun conversation to listen to, this episode is full of summer recommendations, random rabbit trails, and classic Pastors Unfiltered energy.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon are back in the same room for a wide-ranging and very unfiltered conversation.They kick things off with sports, the Stanley Cup, Mariners games, Seattle dogs, World Cup excitement, summer fitness goals, Invisalign, Botox, and all the random rabbit trails that make Pastors Unfiltered what it is.Then the conversation shifts into some bigger cultural and church topics, including politics, the Middle East, Israel, Iran, the role of America, and how followers of Jesus should think about complicated global issues with humility and wisdom.Tony and Brandon also spend time talking about women in ministry, recent decisions within the Southern Baptist Convention, different theological perspectives, and why Venture Church believes in raising up and empowering women to follow God’s call. They talk honestly about what it means to hold biblical convictions, disagree with grace, and keep the main focus where it belongs.Through every topic, the reminder is simple: our goal is not to make a church, denomination, country, or leader famous. Our goal is to make Jesus famous.Jesus is the hope of the world.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon record remotely for the first time and talk about summer rhythms, ministry, rest, planning, and how to make the most of the season.They start with the usual mix of sports, Vegas, World Cup excitement, Stanley Cup dilemmas, and the chaos of summer schedules before shifting into a practical conversation about what summer should look like for people living in the Seattle area, church communities, and pastors.Pastor Brandon shares why summer in Seattle is something to fully embrace, why church leaders should not simply coast through the slower months, and how summer can become a strategic opportunity to connect with new people, build relationships, plan for the fall, and grow personally.Tony and Brandon also talk about prayer retreats, reading, goal setting, building community, spending time with your team, and preparing spiritually and practically for what God wants to do next.Whether you are a pastor, a church leader, or someone trying to be intentional with your summer, this episode is a reminder to rest well, stay present, and use the season with purpose.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon are back together for a wide-ranging conversation about sports, Seattle, AI, leadership, ministry, and what it looks like to trust God in uncertain times.After catching up on hockey, baseball, soccer, Seattle politics, AI, and the future of work, Tony and Brandon turn their attention to the next part of Venture’s Chasing Purpose series: the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs.As Venture moves from Ecclesiastes into Proverbs, they unpack Proverbs 3:5–6 and talk about what it means to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” when life feels unclear. From personal finances and job uncertainty to church leadership, growth, and ministry in the Seattle area, this conversation explores the difference between trusting God and leaning on our own understanding.They also talk honestly about what it means for the church to stay humble, keep its edge, serve the city, raise up leaders, and remain faithful to the mission of helping people meet Jesus.This episode is funny, honest, reflective, and practical—a conversation about wisdom, trust, leadership, and staying faithful in a changing world.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with Jeff Tiegs, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Delta Force operator, author, and founder of Skull Games.Jeff shares about his 26 years in the military, his time serving in special operations, living in Israel, and how God eventually led him into the fight against commercial sex trafficking.This conversation is honest, heavy, eye-opening, and deeply important. Jeff explains how Skull Games works alongside law enforcement to identify victims, track traffickers, and help expose the hidden world of online exploitation. He also helps unpack what trafficking really looks like, how vulnerable people are targeted, and why the church cannot ignore the suffering happening all around us.Pastor Tony, Pastor Brandon, and Jeff also talk about faith, spiritual formation, Israel, the Jewishness of Jesus, the responsibility of the church, and what it means to care for the vulnerable in our communities.Please note: this episode includes conversations around sex trafficking, abuse, exploitation, and violence. Listener discretion is advised, especially if children are present.Short Description OptionIn this powerful episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon are joined by Jeff Tiegs, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Delta Force operator, and founder of Skull Games.Jeff shares how his military background, faith, and passion for justice led him into the fight against commercial sex trafficking. Together, they discuss what trafficking really looks like, how vulnerable people are targeted, and why the church has a responsibility to care for those who are hurting and exploited.This is a heavy but important conversation about justice, compassion, and the call to bring hope into dark places.Listener discretion is advised.

Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with Darius from New Hope Church in Bonney Lake for a hilarious and honest conversation about church planting, growth, exhaustion, faith, and the wild things pastors do to invite people to church. They talk about New Hope’s move out of a Regal theater and into a shared church facility, what it feels like to grow from a tiny launch team to nearly 100 people, why buildings matter for church momentum, and how God has been moving through baptisms, healing, and stories of people encountering Jesus. Before the conversation gets serious, there is plenty of chaos: Dominican Republic trip stories, soccer debates, Survivor predictions, Easter Bunny outreach, Buddy the Elf promos, Yellowstone, Brandon Sanderson, Tim Keller, and more. Jesus is the hope of the world. Let’s make Him famous.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with Andy Pursley, Assistant Superintendent of the Northwest Ministry Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on ministry, missions, leadership, and what God is doing across the Pacific Northwest. Andy shares about his time pastoring in Forks, Washington, what it was like leading a church in a small and isolated community, and how God used that season to shape him as a pastor. The conversation also dives into the importance of small churches, supporting missionaries well, developing healthy leaders, and why every community needs a gospel presence.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon are back together and joined by special guest Tanner Ming. Tanner shares the story behind his call to plant a church in Orlando, what it was like stepping away from the church he grew up in, and how God began forming a vision for a church centered around biblical hospitality. From navigating family, transition, obedience, and calling, this conversation gives an honest look at what it means to follow God when the next step is both exciting and uncomfortable. They also talk about church planting, building a team, creating a welcoming home for people far from family, and the heart behind The Abode Church—a church that exists to welcome people home into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Plus, as always, there’s plenty of banter about Network Conference, Survivor, sports, and everything in between.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon hosts solo while Pastor Tony is away at Network Conference, and he is joined by returning guest Heather Taylor for an honest conversation about mental health, anxiety, and the unique challenges of living in the Pacific Northwest. After recapping the recent Stressed sermon series, Pastor Brandon and Heather talk about why anxiety and mental health struggles are so common in our region, how weather, sleep, caffeine, finances, social media, and isolation can all play a role, and why community matters more than we realize. Heather also shares practical insight from her work as a therapist, including simple ways to support your mental health, the importance of naming what you’re carrying, and how spiritual health connects with emotional and physical health. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of encouragement for anyone learning how to navigate anxiety, stress, and the rhythms of life in a healthier way.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with YoYo Garcia, a U.S. missionary with Youth Alive, to talk about reaching the next generation where they are—on their school campuses. From launching over 170 campus clubs across Washington and Idaho to seeing students step into bold faith, this conversation dives into what it really looks like to empower students to share the gospel. They also unpack the reality of mental health in Gen Z, personal stories of overcoming anxiety, and why community, discipleship, and the local church matter now more than ever. This is an honest, fun, and powerful conversation about the future of the church—and why it starts with students. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro + Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered0:30 – Catching Up + Vacation Stories2:00 – Church Culture + Life Updates3:00 – AI, Tech, and Job Market Shifts4:00 – Pop Culture Talk: Survivor Recap11:45 – Introducing YoYo Garcia12:30 – First Impressions + Podcast Conversation13:00 – Youth Alive + Ministry Background15:00 – Moving to Seattle + Following the Call17:00 – What Is Youth Alive?18:00 – Launching 170+ Campus Clubs20:00 – The Vision: Reaching Students on Campus21:30 – Why This Generation Needs the Gospel23:00 – Adjusting to Seattle + Culture Differences 🔥 Key Conversation 32:50 – The Mission: 300 Campus Missionaries33:30 – Vision for Culture Change in Schools34:00 – Mental Health Stats in the Northwest35:30 – Why Anxiety Is So High in Gen Z36:00 – Personal Story: Struggling with Mental Health36:30 – The Turning Point: Community + Accountability37:00 – The Role of Therapy + Faith 🙌 Ministry & Discipleship 37:30 – Student-Led, Church-Fed Model38:30 – Why the Local Church Matters39:30 – How Youth Pastors Can Get Involved40:30 – Reaching Small Churches + Rural Areas 🎉 Fun + Closing 41:00 – Social Media + Meme Culture45:00 – Ministry Support + Fundraising Reality49:00 – Church Growth + Kingdom Impact51:00 – What YoYo Is Reading, Listening To, Watching58:50 – Final Thoughts + Encouragement

In this special collaboration episode of Pastors Unfiltered and Kingdom Builders, we dive into the heart behind the Light Bearers Project—a powerful initiative focused on discipling the next generation. This isn’t just about redesigning a kids space. It’s about creating an intentional environment where kids discover who they are in Christ and learn to carry His light into the world. Hear from the team behind the vision as they unpack the meaning of “Light Bearers,” the strategy behind the new kids environment, and how this project is impacting both our local church and communities around the world. From Mill Creek to the Dominican Republic, this is about bringing light everywhere.

In this week’s episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon recap an incredible Easter weekend across all Venture campuses. From record attendance to powerful moments of life change, it was a weekend to celebrate—but the real question is: what happens next? This conversation dives into the importance of follow-up after Easter, why numbers aren’t the true measure of success, and how churches can steward the people God brings through their doors. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at everything from losing your voice mid-sermon to what it really takes to pull off Easter weekend.

In this week’s episode of Pastors Unfiltered, we sit down with Rabbi Matt for a powerful and honest conversation during Holy Week. From the meaning of Passover to the deeper context behind communion, this episode explores what many believers may be missing when it comes to understanding the Jewish roots of our faith. We talk about how context shapes everything, why translation matters, and how easily meaning can be lost over time. This conversation also dives into identity, culture, and what it looks like to live in the tension of being misunderstood. Whether you’re new to these ideas or have been walking with Jesus for years, this episode will challenge you to see Scripture—and your faith—in a deeper way.

In this week’s episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Tony Matar and Dr. Brandon Beals wrap up their series on the life of Solomon with honest reflections, key takeaways, and practical application. Solomon’s story is one of wisdom, success, and blessing—but also slow drift. What started as devotion turned into compromise, showing how even good things like success and pleasure can become dangerous when they take God’s place. This conversation dives into the reality of drifting, the importance of surrounding yourself with wise counsel, and the difference between Solomon and David—repentance. No matter where you find yourself, God is still calling you back. The question is: will you listen?

In this week’s episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Tony Matar is joined by special guests Rachel and Claire, for a real and honest conversation about friendships, relationships, and how life seasons shape the people around us. From navigating friendships after college to the shifts that come with marriage, this episode dives into what it actually looks like to build meaningful relationships in your 20s and beyond. They unpack the tension between wanting deep, intentional friendships while also balancing different life stages, expectations, and priorities.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon sits down with therapist Ann Hopkins for an honest and powerful conversation about grief, loss, and healing. Ann shares the deeply personal story of losing her son Alex in a tragic accident and how faith, community, and purpose helped her and her family navigate unimaginable loss. Together they discuss how people process grief differently, why it’s important to allow yourself to feel, and how faith can shape the way we walk through life’s hardest moments. This episode offers encouragement for anyone who has experienced loss or is supporting someone who is grieving. Listen as they talk about grief, healing, community, and how God can bring meaning even through painful circumstances.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony Matar and Pastor Brandon Beals sit down with Dalton Beaty, youth and young adults pastor at Eastridge Church. Dalton shares his journey from Florida to Seattle, stepping into ministry leadership at a young age, and what he’s seeing in the next generation today. The conversation covers youth ministry trends, discipleship, Gen Z culture, and why many students today are actually craving biblical truth more than ever. They also dive into ministry leadership, the importance of longevity in church leadership, and what it looks like to faithfully follow God’s call even when it means stepping far outside your comfort zone. Along the way, the guys talk about baseball, Survivor, church culture, and a few laughs about life in ministry.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Brandon and Tony dive deep into the life of Solomon and the dangerous reality of spiritual drift. Why do so many leaders fall later in life? Is influence a blessing—or a test? And what roadblocks should we be building in our lives to protect our legacy? This conversation covers pride, accountability, obedience, influence, and the subtle compromises that can quietly derail even the wisest leaders. If you’re a leader, pastor, business owner—or just someone who wants to finish well—this one is for you.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony sits down with Audrey to talk about obedience, calling, discipleship, and what God can do when you simply say yes. From growing up in the church to choosing the internship path over the “expected” college route, Audrey shares how God planted roots in her faith and used obedience to shape her leadership. The conversation dives into Gen Z and what they’re really looking for in church, why depth matters more than hype, and how discipleship can change the trajectory of a life. They also talk about mentorship, staying when it would be easier to leave, discovering your passions, and trusting God even when you don’t have a five-year plan figured out. Plus, a little Arsenal banter and an unexpected MrBeast discussion. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re called to do, how to grow deeper in your faith, or how to disciple the next generation, this episode is for you. 

n this powerful episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Tony sit down with Parker Tennant to talk about faith in the middle of suffering. Almost one year ago, Parker survived a devastating head-on collision caused by a drunk driver. She broke multiple bones, endured five surgeries, and spent months in hospitals and rehab. But through it all, she chose joy over bitterness and faith over fear. In this honest conversation, Parker shares what it was like to wake up after the accident, navigate physical pain and recovery, wrestle with emotions, and rely on Jesus when everything felt uncertain. She also talks about forgiveness, choosing to speak life instead of anger, and how the church community surrounded her family during one of the hardest seasons of her life. This episode is a real and raw reminder that faith is proven in the fire — and that Jesus is faithful even in our darkest moments. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon Beals and Pastor Tony Matar dive into an honest, wide-ranging conversation about leadership, integrity, influence, and what it really means to stay faithful over the long haul. They talk openly about celebrity culture in the church, the pressure of platform, discerning God-given opportunities versus distractions, and why slow, steady faithfulness matters more than hype or popularity. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Brandon and Tony reflect on lessons learned, mistakes avoided, and the importance of keeping Jesus as the hero — not pastors, speakers, or personalities. This episode also touches on ministry burnout, saying no to good opportunities, stewarding influence well, and why finishing well matters more than starting strong.

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon sits down with Jeremy Johnson, the newly appointed President of Northwest University, for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, calling, Christian education, and the future of Northwest in the Pacific Northwest. They talk about Jeremy’s journey from pastoring to higher education, the challenges and opportunities facing Christian universities today, and why this season of life is so formative for students. This episode is full of vision, humor, and practical wisdom for pastors, leaders, parents, and anyone passionate about raising up the next generation.

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon Beals and Pastor Tony Matar are back together for a wide-ranging, honest conversation to start the year. They catch up on life, birthdays, recovery from surgery, and what it’s like living in the public eye as pastors. The conversation naturally moves into deeper topics like integrity in leadership, celebrity culture in the church, faithfulness over fame, and why Jesus — not pastors — must always remain the hero of the story. Brandon and Tony also reflect on longevity in ministry, the danger of reading your own press clippings, learning to laugh at yourself, and staying grounded in calling rather than popularity. With humor, transparency, and wisdom, this episode reminds us why faithfulness, humility, and obedience matter far more than platform or influence. This is a thoughtful, funny, and timely conversation about leadership, calling, and keeping Jesus at the center.

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Morgan and Pastor Jonathan step in for an honest and fun conversation while Pastor Brandon recovers and Pastor Tony is on campus. They talk about church expansion, family, kids ministry, calling, obedience, and why investing in the next generation matters more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of ministry this episode is for you.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.00:00 Intro and surprise hosts01:18 Where Pastor Brandon and Pastor Tony are03:05 Church expansion and what’s coming next06:30 Life, family, and moving to the PNW19:00 Heart behind kids ministry23:00 Parenting, discipleship, and everyday faith30:30 The LIGHT values for Venture Kids35:00 How God called Jonathan into kids ministry38:00 Why serving in kids ministry matters40:30 Closing thoughts and encouragement

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Johnny White sits down with Pastor Tony Matar for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about ministry, leadership, youth pastoring, and the current climate of the Church. Tony shares his personal journey from getting saved, stepping into youth ministry, navigating seasons of growth and transition, and eventually sensing God’s leading into a new chapter of ministry. Together, they talk about raising the next generation, discipleship over platforms, evangelism in everyday life, and what it looks like to lead with empathy, humility, and faithfulness. They also explore larger themes facing the Church today including Gen Z, spiritual hunger, consumer Christianity, excellence versus perfection, and why connection and discipleship matter more than ever. This episode is full of stories, wisdom, laughter, and a hopeful perspective on what God is doing right now. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:28 – Introducing Johnny White and Tony Matar01:02 – Studio banter and dynamic01:23 – “Step-son energy” explained01:51 – Tony’s journey into ministry04:20 – Getting saved and serving in youth ministry05:15 – Calling, Bible college, and early leadership06:16 – Mill Creek campus beginnings07:53 – Navigating growth, transitions, and challenges08:35 – Youth ministry growth before COVID09:24 – Staying faithful when it’s difficult10:28 – Discovering joy in discipleship11:30 – Calling vs becoming more like Jesus12:24 – Helping people follow Jesus for life13:42 – Raising leaders and launching churches14:20 – Sensing God’s call to start a church15:05 – Identifying and raising the next generation16:24 – Letting go of ministry roles17:15 – Reaching Gen Z in a new way18:16 – Leading with empathy and care19:39 – The “third option” and gospel-centered thinking21:14 – Spiritual hunger and formation over performance23:19 – Reverence, authenticity, and connection25:03 – The human need for belonging26:53 – Small groups and real community28:14 – Excellence as stewardship30:10 – Evangelism and serving the marginalized31:19 – Moving past spiritual consumerism33:07 – Shepherding people, not platforms35:50 – Reaching people, not just inviting them38:17 – Being present in everyday spaces39:16 – A global hunger for God40:43 – Activation, testimony, and mission42:03 – Serving as a volunteer43:22 – The importance of parking and first impressions44:03 – Closing encouragement and final thoughts

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

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Tony look back at their 2025 predictions and see just how right (and very wrong) they were. From movies, music, sports, and pop culture, to the economy, church growth, staff predictions, and even fashion trends, nothing is off-limits in this hilarious and wide-ranging episode. The guys unpack what actually happened in 2025, celebrate big wins at Venture Church, and reflect honestly on a year filled with transition, generosity, construction, and growth. Along the way, they also introduce their brand-new podcast studio, explain the stories behind some very questionable décor choices, and share candid moments about leadership, ministry, and what God has been doing behind the scenes at Venture. It’s funny, reflective, and completely unfiltered — the perfect year-endepisode. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:27 – Introducing the new podcast studio01:22 – Why this studio exists and how it came together01:45 – Pastor Appreciation gifts and studio décor tour02:36 – Aliens, Biggie Smalls, and questionable collectibles03:41 – Autographed memorabilia and survivor memorabilia04:34 – Dallas and Josh share their favorite studio items06:00 – The tradition of yearly predictions06:22 – Reviewing the 2025 prediction episodes07:15 – Best Picture predictions and movie disappointments08:57 – State of movies post-COVID09:22 – Diddy predictions and what actually happened11:21 – Economy predictions and interest rates12:18 – Light rail and Seattle infrastructure hopes12:56 – Stock market, Bitcoin, and gas prices14:12 – Inflation, cereal prices, and Costco habits15:57 – Venture staff dating predictions16:52 – Josh chooses a football team17:52 – Staff pregnancy predictions19:05 – Staff transitions and ministry changes20:06 – Will the Sonics return?21:23 – Music artist of the year predictions22:33 – Spotify and Billboard results23:17 – Mariners season predictions and bets24:29 – Country concert wager consequences25:09 – Work, Sabbath, and leadership commentary27:13 – UW men’s soccer championship28:11 – Venture Church predictions for the year29:10 – Attendance during construction season30:10 – Building expansion updates31:09 – Palouse campus transition32:02 – Record-breaking year of giving33:25 – Fashion predictions and trends36:13 – Dick’s Drive-In predictions38:01 – Wrapping up 2025 recap39:04 – Preview of next episode with the gals43:11 – Final thoughts and Christmas Eve invitation

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon sits down for a powerful one-on-one conversation with Hal Donaldson, the founder and president of Convoy of Hope, at their world headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. Hal shares the incredible story of how Convoy of Hope began — from a childhood marked by tragedy and poverty, to a life-changing interview with Mother Teresa, to loading groceries into a single pickup truck, all the way to becoming one of the largest relief organizations in the world. In this episode, you’ll hear: • How Convoy of Hope now feeds 639,000 children every day • The heart behind disaster relief, women’s empowerment, and agricultural programs • Stories of families and communities transformed around the world • Why personal health and spiritual obedience changed the direction of Hal’s life • How churches like Venture are making a global difference • Unfiltered conversations on leadership, priorities, sports, food, books, and family This is one of the most inspiring and eye-opening episodes we’ve ever shared. Whether you love global missions, leadership stories, or hearing how God can use one act of obedience to change the world — this episode will move you.

Welcome back to Pastors Unfiltered! This week, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Tony kick off the Christmas season with one of the funniest, most chaotic, and most heartfelt episodes yet. From office décor wars and thrift-store treasure hunts, to social media trolling, to Thanksgiving leftovers, to shocking sermon illustrations… nothing is off limits in this episode. The pastors also share updates about church life, Christmas events, Pastor Brandon’s upcoming shoulder surgery, and the top five things each of them wants for Christmas this year (some serious, some very not serious). Along the way, you’ll hear:• A brand-new sponsor announcement• Why PB’s office smells like a cigar lounge• The “Josh Segment” update• Thoughts on church culture, preaching, and online criticism• Wild sermon stories (yes, including planters warts, bestiality, and threesomes)• Christmas at Venture – decorations, services, and outreach• The honest fears and hopes surrounding PB’s surgery• Their dream Christmas wish lists It’s real, hilarious, unfiltered, and the perfect way to welcome the holiday season. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:28 – Interior design roast + PB’s office reveal01:17 – Claire approves PB’s thrifted office01:40 – New sponsor: Master’s Touch Woodworking02:36 – Tony guesses PB’s office style03:31 – Danish modern vs. youth pastor décor04:23 – PB’s revelation about himself04:40 – The Planning Center sermon controversy05:26 – Comment regrets + online critics06:06 – Which preaching “tribe” was involved?06:35 – When megachurch pastors fight online06:54 – Tony admits he’s a sports troll07:31 – Millennials vs. Gen X childhoods08:20 – Stranger Things, spiritual darkness & Netflix09:09 – PB’s shoulder surgery announcement10:13 – Pain meds + preaching = disaster?11:17 – More Josh Segment updates12:21 – Josh is officially a shoe guy13:01 – The “homeschooler fashion” roast13:38 – Dallas enters the chat14:12 – Christmas décor at Seattle campus15:14 – Last year’s Christmas wish list16:07 – Christmas events at both campuses17:02 – New Year’s Sunday preaching assignments18:09 – Chocolate theft in the office18:56 – Women’s Brunch + Live Nativity prep19:16 – Pastor Di’s incredible sermon report20:16 – Women in ministry conversation22:01 – Beth Moore is coming back22:18 – Benny Hinn divorce news23:11 – Gifts for the homeless through UGM23:55 – Youth pastor travel roast24:22 – Christmas gift #1: Coffee machine dreams25:31 – PB’s flannel era + Sunday style26:20 – Christmas gift #2: Leather bomber jacket27:34 – Christmas gift #3: Get Tony hair28:10 – The hairpiece discussion gets real29:01 – How to reveal your new hair29:40 – Christmas gift #4: Magic the Gathering haul31:26 – Christmas gift #5: Golden Goose shoes32:14 – PB still wants a giant Sasquatch33:36 – Wish list turns into construction prayers34:35 – Office space problems35:22 – Christmas gift #6: Pastors Unfiltered neon sign35:52 – Tony wants a vacuum and a new shower36:56 – PB’s real wish: healing after surgery38:16 – Jacket envy: The Canada Goose moment39:10 – The surgery conversation gets deep40:54 – PB is the surgeon’s “favorite patient”42:20 – Surgery fears and prayers43:28 – Stories from surgeon family members44:24 – The “planter’s wart sermon” breakdown46:20 – Jared Ming’s three-part sermon shocker47:26 – When sermon illustrations go too far48:48 – The infamous "F-word" forgiveness video49:20 – Russell Johnson energy vs. PB energy50:38 – Extrovert/introvert confessions51:20 – Baby announcement shoutout51:44 – Next episode preview52:00 – Predictions episode coming soon52:29 – Christmas Eve invite53:19 – Encouragement to attend church & Advent plan53:43 – Why multi-site ministry matters54:35 – Five-star review plea + closing

Welcome back to Pastors Unfiltered! This week, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Tony sit down for a special Thanksgiving weekend episode filled with laughter, honesty, gratitude, and some of their most unfiltered conversations yet. They share the five serious things they’re most thankful for in 2025—faith, family, health, ministry, unity among pastors, and the incredible generosity of Venture Church. And of course… they also share five not-so-serious things they’re thankful for, including construction nightmares, Bigfoot merch, maple syrup handles, and a gas station clerk who really wants Tony to buy a car wash. Along the way they talk about:• Pastoral unity across the Northwest• Raising families that love Jesus• The wild world of tipping culture• Youth ministry tattoos they regret• Why everyone thinks Tony is a “boomer”• Joshua Single: Week 2 of the Bachelor Bio• Black Friday deals, Legos, Seattle weather, and more It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with the real conversations pastors have when the cameras are rolling and when they’re not. Thanks to the faithful 253 who listen every week — this episode is for you. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:26 – Opening prayer + Thanksgiving greeting01:08 – Gratitude for listeners during the holidays01:48 – Brandon’s Lego Death Star project03:01 – The largest Lego sets they’ve ever built04:03 – Lego therapy & aging trends05:04 – “Per Harvard” becomes the new disclaimer05:53 – Joshua Single: Week 2 bio update08:11 – Eligible bachelors at Venture09:01 – Campus staff shoutouts10:25 – Black Friday purchases10:54 – Hanging TVs at the Dome11:12 – Gen-X childhood & car repair11:36 – Gratitude segment begins12:38 – #1 Thankful for what God is doing in the Northwest13:00 – Young adults bouncing between churches14:01 – Why unity among churches matters15:10 – Pastors across denominations working together16:26 – Addiction, calling, and pastoral influence17:46 – Shoutouts to Northwest pastors18:20 – Elijah’s calling & future decisions19:25 – #2 Thankful for health20:20 – #3 Thankful for families that love Jesus21:31 – Youth ministry memories and transitions22:36 – #4 Tony’s surprising “gratitude”: Donald Trump23:34 – Politics, war, and peace negotiations24:23 – The evolution of Tony’s viewpoints25:55 – Taylor Swift and accidental fandom26:19 – #5 Thankful for generous, patient churches27:04 – Massive giving year for Venture27:27 – Seattle weather appreciation28:07 – New staff adjusting to Washington weather29:16 – Christian education & thankful for Kings Schools30:10 – Bonus: Thankful for the “Faithful 253” listeners31:19 – Funny Gratitudes Begin31:19 – #1 Tony: Roosevelt gas station car-wash guy32:20 – #1 Brandon: Cal Raleigh and Mariners grief33:01 – #2 Tony: The tiny maple syrup handle34:04 – #2 Brandon: All the Bigfoot gifts35:12 – #3 Tony: Restaurant QR code rage & phone flashlights36:08 – Tipping culture meltdown37:06 – Youth ministry tips & tattoos37:29 – #3 Brandon: 30-year Raiders seat contract38:49 – Seahawks becoming the new Raiders39:11 – #4 Tony: Donut people who say “I really shouldn’t…”40:19 – #4 Brandon: Thankful for construction projects (but not really)42:00 – Mukilteo bridge saga + mailbox incidents42:38 – Parking enforcement & Miller the ticket man43:45 – Speed cameras & expensive fines44:16 – How Judah hacks parking permits45:01 – Disabled parking confessions45:58 – TikTok obsessions & the “Fate of Ophelia” dance47:18 – Youth pastors and tattoos48:02 – Ending banter48:20 – Airplane jeans debate49:18 – Holiday encouragement50:09 – Looking ahead to 2026 predictions50:51 – Closing

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony is joined by special guest Christian Lembeck for one of the most real, hilarious, and heartfelt episodes yet — the Seattle Episode. From Magic: The Gathering decks and online Discord games… to life on Capitol Hill… to the challenges and beauty of doing ministry in one of the most complex cities in America, Tony and Christian talk about the highs, lows, tensions, joys, and calling of urban ministry. They open up about:What it’s really like raising families in SeattleThe spiritual battle pastors face in the cityWhy God calls people into difficult placesThe growing movement of young, diverse churches in SeattleThe importance of unity in the ChurchHow everyday conversations become moments of ministryThis episode is honest, funny, and deeply encouraging — a reminder that God is working in cities and in people’s lives in powerful ways. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:25 – Tony introduces Christian Lembeck00:47 – Last episode recap and great feedback01:05 – The “cool kid” podcast mic setup01:25 – Meet Joshua: our single sound tech01:45 – Josh reveals a fun fact02:15 – The “Hallmark dog guy” moment02:49 – A less serious episode ahead03:00 – Tony’s new hobby: Magic the Gathering03:40 – Christian reacts to Tony’s deck04:19 – Tabletop Simulator & Discord gaming05:25 – Magic otters, mana costs, and chaos06:17 – “You’re a wizard, Harry”06:50 – Harry Potter, spells, and old emails07:14 – Discipleship or just board games?07:30 – The Seattle Episode officially begins08:12 – The reactions people give when they hear “I live in Seattle”08:56 – Seattle’s beauty and brokenness09:55 – Addiction, encampments, and real challenges10:49 – The dignity of every human being11:13 – Shifting into what we love about the city12:00 – Living on Capitol Hill12:19 – Seattle stereotypes & the reality13:02 – Seattle media perception vs. reality13:41 – Walkable community and neighborhood culture14:19 – Restaurant stories and talking to strangers15:13 – The “I’m a pastor” moment16:21 – Conversations about cancer, grief, and prayer17:29 – Meeting neighbors from all walks of life18:04 – Loving the walkability and community18:23 – Tony’s life in Roosevelt19:04 – The joy (and chaos) of city life19:24 – The harder side: hostility toward faith20:06 – Why pastors choose the city anyway20:26 – Loving people where they are21:13 – The realities of danger and mental health crises22:04 – Why choose Seattle?23:08 – Tony’s “why we stay”23:55 – The cost and calling of urban ministry24:01 – Christian’s calling and conviction24:27 – How the early church reached cities25:41 – Why cities matter for the Gospel26:18 – Cities as centers of influence27:20 – Every human is looking for Jesus27:47 – Calling to pray for the city28:09 – Jeremiah 29 and living in exile29:25 – Seeking the peace of the city29:52 – Spiritual strongholds and prayer walks30:11 – Fighting with spiritual weapons, not frustration31:22 – The overlooked challenge of urban church planting32:05 – The new wave of Seattle churches32:26 – Shoutouts to pastors across the city33:07 – Stories of grit and calling in Seattle34:05 – Multiethnic, multigenerational church life35:20 – The historic building on 65th36:03 – A church merger story36:50 – Heroes of the faith in the city37:11 – Encouragement to believers outside Seattle37:57 – The spiritual battle pastors face38:19 – How other churches have supported the mission38:38 – Top restaurant recommendations (the important stuff!)40:36 – The best sandwiches and pasta in Seattle41:22 – Best brunch in the city41:48 – Final thank yous and encouragement42:07 – Honoring long friendships and calling42:54 – World Cup 2026 chaos + Trump jokes43:14 – Closing remarks and reminders44:00 – December 12th special guest announcement44:15 – See you next week!44:28 – The obligatory “win that” moment

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Brandon and Tony sit down with Joshua Tallent, who teaches adult discipleship classes at Venture Church, for a deeper dive into Ephesians 3. Together they unpack Paul's vision of God's boundless love, the mystery of the gospel, and what it means for the church today. It's honest, practical, and rooted in real-life discipleship.

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Brandon Beals and Tony Matar are joined by David Diaz, Worship Pastor at Venture Church, for a packed and hilarious conversation. From PB’s upcoming trip to the Green Bay Packers game, to David’s stories about the first-ever Venture Live Recording Night, this episode blends laughter, behind-the-scenes insight, and encouragement about what God is doing at Venture. David shares the story behind Venture Music’s songwriting retreat, how over 25 original songs were written, and how the team is preparing to release their first live worship album. The pastors also talk ministry life, travel quirks, auto-tuning in worship, and what it’s really like leading a growing church in the middle of a massive building project. This one’s got heart, humor, and a ton of energy — don’t miss it! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered 01:20 – Pastor Brandon’s trip to Nashville 03:00 – The Grand Ole Opry and country music 05:00 – Packers vs. Eagles and ministry travel stories 07:00 – Guest introduction: David Diaz is back! 08:30 – Taylor Swift, Turning Point, and random hot takes 10:00 – Venture turns 21 and the building expansion 12:00 – Behind-the-scenes of Venture’s renovation 13:00 – The story behind the Live Recording Night 15:00 – The call to write original worship music 16:00 – How Venture Music wrote 26 songs in one retreat 18:00 – Creating the first Venture Music album 19:00 – Building the songwriting team and hearing from God 21:00 – How each songwriter was chosen and called 22:30 – The future of Venture Music and upcoming releases 24:00 – Plans for the Venture United project 27:00 – Recording, mixing, and producing the first songs 28:00 – The debate over Auto-Tune in church worship 30:00 – Pastor Brandon’s “Lay down the guitar” story 32:00 – Saxophone stories and musical throwbacks 34:00 – Memories from 21 years of Venture Church 35:00 – Honoring past worship leaders and volunteers 37:00 – Wrapping up and what’s next for Venture Music 39:00 – Random closing chaos — AI videos, Sora, and Taylor Swift

Venture Church just turned 21!In this special anniversary episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Tony Mattar and Morgan Butcher sit down with guest host John Plotner to look back at 21 years of Venture Church — the stories, challenges, and hilarious moments that shaped it all. From football injuries and youth ministry fails to moments of life change and deep gratitude, this episode is a reminder that ministry is messy, meaningful, and full of God’s grace.

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Brandon and Tony dive into Ephesians 2 and talk about one of the hardest—but most important—truths in Scripture: who we are without Christ and who we become in Christ. From discussing the reality of sin, culture, and spiritual warfare to the hope that comes through Jesus, this episode is a powerful reminder that even when we were dead in our sins — “But God” changes everything. They also talk Mariners baseball, puppets in kids ministry, AI, church culture, and why absolute truth still matters in today’s world. Watch or listen for laughter, honesty, and deep biblical truth as the pastors unpack Paul’s words and challenge us to live like we’ve truly been made alive in Christ. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered1:30 – Mariners heartbreak and Seahawks talk4:00 – Pastor Brandon’s “dog portrait” gift6:00 – Church chaos and puppet appearances10:15 – Kids ministry puppets and laughter13:00 – New AI app “Sora” and deepfake craziness16:20 – Diving into Ephesians 2: Made Alive in Christ18:00 – What it means to be “dead in sin”19:30 – Slaves to the world, the devil, and our flesh21:20 – The influence of culture and social media23:30 – Truth vs. relativism in today’s world26:00 – The struggle between grace and our flesh28:30 – Conviction, self-control, and spiritual maturity30:40 – Paul’s brutal honesty about sin and judgment33:00 – What “wrath” really means in Scripture35:00 – The responsibility of pastors to teach truth38:00 – Culture, compromise, and the Gospel40:00 – Why preaching absolute truth still matters44:00 – “But God” — the turning point of hope46:00 – What’s next on Pastors Unfiltered

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Brandon and Tony are back with a fun and honest conversation that moves from Mariners baseball and Taylor Swift to unpacking the heart of the book of Ephesians. They share why this letter from Paul still matters today, what it teaches us about identity in Christ, and how the church can live with unity and strength in a divided world. It’s real talk about faith, culture, calling, and what it looks like to live it out every day.

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon sits down with Matt and Lynn Clayton, lead pastors of Real Life Church in California. Together, they share what it’s like to co-lead a church as a married couple, balancing calling, leadership, and family. Lynn opens up about her powerful testimony of salvation during the Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames revival, and the couple talks candidly about women in ministry, church culture, and what it means to lead with unity and humility.

In this week’s episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon sits down with Claire Rasor and Rachel Winfield for a candid conversation about what it’s really like being women in ministry. They talk openly about navigating expectations, balancing marriage and ministry life, and breaking through stereotypes in a historically male-dominated field.

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon and Pastor Tony are back together in the studio with a timely and raw conversation about faith, culture, and what it means to follow Jesus in a polarized world.

This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony is joined by Pastor Morgan and special guest Judah Beals the faithful producer who has been behind the board since the very beginning of the podcast. With Pastor Brandon away tending to his wife after an accident, the crew shares laughs, cultural commentary (including the infamous “Phillies Karen”), and some heartfelt moments as Judah reflects on his journey. From growing up as a pastor’s kid, to serving at Venture, to preparing for his next career step at Boeing, Judah talks about what he’s learned, his work ethic, his faith, and some of his favorite podcast memories.