The Pulpit Banter

In this episode, we highlight the power of the name of Jesus and why it remains central to the apostolic faith. We talk about Jesus name baptism, the authority of His name in the life of a believer, and the biblical truth that everything we do in word or deed should be done in Jesus name. This is a conversation about truth, power, and the name that changes everything.

There is a growing trust problem, and Gen Z feels it deeply. In this conversation we talk about why institutions have lost credibility, how the church has sometimes damaged it's own witness, and why young people are increasingly resistant to anything that feels staged or shallow. But we also confront the deeper issue: when distrust keeps people from the church, it can keep them from the God they need. This episode is an honest conversation about failure, authenticity, and the church's responsibility to represent Jesus with integrity. 

Today we sit down with Bro. Darrell Bates to discuss student ministry, the need for a true burden for students, and why relationships and spirituality must matter more than entertainment. This conversation is a challenge to student pastors and church leaders to pray, prepare, invest, and create environments where students can have God moments. In a generation shaped by social media and distraction, one thing is clear: we better get a burden for them.

In this episode, we dive into what's really shaping the modern church—and it may not be what you think. We often blame short attention spans, but the truth is...we can focus just fine on what we love. So maybe the issue isn't our ability to pay attention—it's what we've trained our hearts to desire.  From doom scrolling to constant stimulation, the content we consume is forming us. And if we're not careful, it can keep us carnal, distracted, and disconnected from the things of God. This conversation tackles: Why attention span might not be the real problem How desire—not distraction—is shaping our habits The spiritual danger of constant consumption How immediate gratification is affecting our walk with God At the end of the day, this isn't just about content...it's about formation. Because what you consume...is consuming you.

In this episode, we're getting back to the text. We sit down with AJ Holloway—biblical scholor and Hebrew linguist—to talk about something the church desperately needs again: proper interpretation of scripture. We dive into hermenutics, exegetical study, and why expository preaching must make a comeback. Because the truth is—too often, we built messages without fully understand the text.  With honesty and humility, we acknowledge that we've all made mistakes in handling scripture. But this conversation is a call higher—for ministers to study, to grow, and to rightly divide the Word of truth.  If you preach, teach, or simply love the Word of God...this one matters.

Today on the Pulpit Banter, we talk about the rise of celebrity culture in the church. When platforms grow, so does influence—but influence without character can become dangerous.  We discuss the responsibility of ministers to have the character to carry success, and the responsibility of the church not to put men on pedestals they were never meant to stand on.  We also talk about something every young minister needs: humility, accountability, and a pastor who's isn't afraid to pull their coattail when needed.  Because the church was never meant to revolve around personalities—it was always meant to point to Christ.

The Empower Conference may be over, but we're still talking about it. In this episode we recap some of the biggest moments, the messages that impacted us most, and a few behind-the-scene stories from the week. Expect a little goofin', a few laughs, and some bible study stories as we reflect on what God did at Empower.

Maybe you didn't leave God—maybe you left people. Maybe you were hurt. Maybe you have questions. Maybe you tore down everything you were taught and now you're not sure what's left.  This episode is a conversation to the prodigal. We talk about deconstruction, why it's attractive, where it can lead, and why the imperfect church is still the body Christ gave His life for. More than anything, we want you to hear this clearly: The door never closed. You're not unwelcome. You can come home.

Bonus Episode from Empower Conference In this special episode we're sharing two powerful messages from Rev. Wayne Huntley that challenged the church at Empower Conference.  In his first sermon, "Why some Pentecostal Church's do not want revival," Bro. Huntley walks through the parable of the sower and reminds us that the issue isn't the sower or the seed—It's the soil. The greatest hindrance to revival in North America isn't demons or devils. It's comfort, convenience, and complacency.  In his closing night message, "The hope of the world is the faith of the church," he delivers a stirring call for believers to guard their faith. The world's hope is not found in governments, systems, or culture — the hope of the world is the faith of the church.  If the church loses it's faith, the world loses it's hope.  These two messages will challenge leaders and believers alike to prepare the soil of their hearts and protect the faith that the world desperately needs.   

The pulpit is public. The pressure is private. Today we discuss pastoral burnout, hidden burdens, and how leaders can remain steady when the season gets heavy.

On the opening night of Empower Conference we heard Rev. Tim Gaddy deliver a timely message reminding us that the church's first calling was never to programs, platforms, or production—it was to Jesus Himself. Before he sent them out two by two, He called them to Himself. If we have Him, we already have everything we need.

In this episode, we talk with Pastor Travis Houston about developing young ministers without programs or formulas. His approach? Bring them close. Sit with them. Walk with them. From sermon preparation to conversations around the table, this episode explores why proximity—not structure—is often the greatest teacher. 

The church was never designed to be preserved—it was desgined to grow. In this conversation, we address the preservation culture that prioritizes comfort over calling and familiarity over fruitfulness. We discuss why new people, new problems, and new demands are not signs of failure, but evidence of life. Growth will cost you comfort—but comfort has never been the mission.

After weeks of heavy conversations, we decided to lighten things up. Joined by Wayne Fortenberry, we share funny church stories, youth camp memories, and moments from ministry that reminder us not to take ourselves to seriously. No agenda--just laughter, friendship, and classic Pulpit Banter.

In this episode we talk about why unity is essential to the Apostolic church. We explore how moving past labels, competition, and comparision allows the church to operate as one body with one mission. Unity isn't about compromising truth-it's about walking together in humility so revival can flow freely.

If we believe the same truth, why are we so divided? In this episode, we have an honest conversation about factions in the Apostolic movement-organizations, labels, holiness differences, and unspoken divisions that keep us part. We explore how these issues have created barriers to fellowship, weakened our witness, and left the lost caught in the middle.  This isn't about compromising doctrine-it's about putting the Kingdom first. When unity is lost, revival suffers. It's time to stop fighing each other and refocus on what truly unites us.

What happens when the church becomes a product and believers become consumers? In this conversation we unpack the dangers of church shopping, the long-term spiritual cost of constant movement, and why accountability, commitment, and spiritual authority can't thrive without being planted. With honesty and grace, we explore why growth often happens on the other side of discomfort and why being planted matters more than preferences.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the pastor's role—exploring the biblical calling, the expectations realistic or otherwise, and the myth of the 'perfect' leader that may be doing more harm than good.

In this first episode we learn about our hosts, their stories, and the "Why" behind the call!