unCOMFORTABLE

This week, we unpack “Crotch Christianity” — the belief that sexual ethics sit at the top of God’s moral hierarchy while justice, greed, pride, and mercy get sidelined. We wrestle with purity culture, politics, Scripture, and the uncomfortable possibility that American evangelicalism may reflect cultural obsession more than biblical priority.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we tackle one of Christianity's most emotionally charged debates — whether Christians should drink alcohol — exploring what Scripture actually says, how church history shaped our assumptions, and how to hold freedom and wisdom together in a culture built around drinking. Joined by Dr. Karl Pagenkemper, we're not looking for loopholes; we're after something better: a way to live free, self-controlled, and deeply loving toward others.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we invited church staff to answer the question What’s an uncomfortable issue the Church is facing today that we don’t talk about enough? How can we respond in a way that reflects Jesus? Their answers expose blind spots, challenge our instincts, and force us to wrestle with whether we actually live like Jesus or just talk about him.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.📺 Watch or 🎧 Listen at cccomaha.org/uncomfortable

This week, we confront the uncomfortable reality that while we’re more informed than ever, our minds are increasingly fragmented—trading reflection for reaction, and depth for speed in a culture of constant distraction. We explore how this erosion of deep thinking is shaping our faith, our discernment, and our ability to hold truth with nuance—and how intentional rhythms can retrain our minds for clarity, wisdom, and spiritual formation. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we ask whether the Church has softened its view of sin and what gets lost when rebellion, repentance, and holiness are replaced with safer, more therapeutic language. We talk about how to hold grace and truth together without crushing people or excusing what God still calls sin.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we explore why adult friendship isn’t being rejected but quietly drifting, and how modern life has made deep connection harder than most of us want to admit. We unpack the gap between being connected and being known, the cost we avoid, and the simple, consistent rhythms that actually rebuild real friendship.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.📺 Watch or 🎧 Listen at cccomaha.org/uncomfortable

This week, we explore the IKEA Effect—why we value what costs us—and how a frictionless, convenience-driven world is quietly reshaping our habits, relationships, and spiritual formation. We examine how effort forms us, where convenience is costing us more than we realize, and what it looks like to follow Jesus in a culture that avoids resistance.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we talk with Dr. Sarina Thoendel of Lily Haven about what child trafficking actually is, how grooming and online access create vulnerability, and the myths that keep people from seeing it clearly. We also discuss warning signs, how parents and churches can respond without panic or shame, and why long-term healing matters for survivors.Learn more at lilyhaven.orgDISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we step into the intersection of neuroscience, trauma, and faith with Dr. Lee Warren, exploring what it means to face the battle within our own minds. We unpack how our thoughts shape suffering, why some wounds cannot be healed with a scalpel, and how pain and loss impact both mental health and spiritual formation. We examine “self-brain surgery,” the practice of taking our thoughts seriously without being ruled by them, and how Scripture speaks into the renewal of the mind, while learning how to hold hope without minimizing pain.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.📺 Watch or 🎧 Listen at cccomaha.org/uncomfortable

This week, we examine what Paul meant when he wrote that love “keeps no record of wrongs” and why that verse is often simplified to mean forgetting harm, removing consequences, or restoring trust immediately. We explore the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, how Scripture handles truth-telling about wrongdoing, and why forgiveness removes guilt without requiring amnesia.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we examine the rise of “therapy speak” and ask whether language meant to help us name wounds is sometimes used to avoid conflict, label others, or prioritize comfort over truth. We explore the difference between healing and hiding, boundaries and avoidance, and how the gospel invites emotional honesty without making our feelings the final authority.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we wrestle with what spiritual warfare really is — and what it isn’t — pushing past fear, clichés, and hyper-spiritual thinking to pursue grounded discernment. We explore how Scripture holds tension between real spiritual conflict and real human struggle, and how maturity looks like wisdom, humility, and asking better questions.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we are joined by Dante Edwards and Anthony Edwards as we name the tension around Black History Month and ask whether our discomfort reveals division, politicization, or blind spots in our formation, pressing into unity, identity, and the fear beneath the debate with biblical clarity and pastoral honesty. We explore race, history, theology, politics, Revelation 7, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:15, identity in Christ, Black History Month, BLM, unity, diversity, church, culture, formation.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we talk with Dr. Paul Putz about why sports gambling feels different right now and how Christians can think clearly about odds, apps, and an industry shaping our habits and loves. With history, pastoral wisdom, and no hot takes, we explore where the line is, who is most vulnerable, and how faith calls us to better formation.To learn more about Dr. Paul Putz, check out www.paulemoryputz.comDISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Dawn Gentry to explore why conversations about women in ministry begin not with prooftexts, but with the assumptions we bring to Scripture. We talk biblical authority, God’s bigger story, leadership shaped by Jesus, and what a faithful way forward looks like for churches seeking to steward gifts without fear.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Rick Painter to explore why money is never just about numbers and how our relationship with money shapes our anxiety, identity, and sense of security. We examine what research and Scripture reveal about financial stress, trust, and contentment, and what it looks like to pursue a healthier posture toward money no matter how much you have.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

The greatest wealth transfer in history is happening right now, but what is really being passed from one generation to the next?In this episode, Alex talks with Scott Kubie, President of Orchard Alliance, about how money shapes families far beyond bank accounts. Using Scripture and real world experience, Scott explains why this moment is more emotionally charged than ever and how unspoken fears, secrecy, and silence around money can quietly shape kids, marriages, and faith.

This week, we explore why generosity is one of the most uncomfortable topics in church culture and how Scripture reframes giving as a pathway of discipleship rather than pressure or fundraising. We sit down with David Whiting, Senior Vice President of GenerosityOS, to unpack the Six Levels of Giving and invite listeners to reflect on how generosity forms who God is shaping us to become.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we ask what Jesus meant when he said he was coming “soon,” exploring why this question keeps resurfacing in anxious cultural moments and fear-driven Christian conversations. We turn to Scripture to show that “soon” is about readiness, not timelines, and that the promise of Christ’s return is meant to produce hope, faithfulness, and peace—not panic.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we cut through fear, rumors, and speculation surrounding the Mark of the Beast and the Antichrist, examining why these ideas grip our imagination and how culture fuels the anxiety. We return to Scripture to show that the mark is about allegiance and worship, the Antichrist is about deception, and Revelation is meant to strengthen faith—not feed paranoia.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we unpack where the modern Rapture idea came from, compare cultural fears with what Scripture actually says, and explore why this topic has shaped so much confusion, fascination, and faith. We focus on the hope of resurrection, the clarity of Jesus’ return, and how to pursue steady discipleship instead of fear-driven speculation.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we revisit our earliest memories of end-times teaching, explore why every generation feels drawn to these conversations, and cut through cultural noise to clarify what Scripture actually emphasizes. We look at common views, common misunderstandings, and why the return of Jesus is meant to form hope, not fear.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we explore why breaking unhealthy family patterns can lead us to swing too far in the opposite direction and how overcorrection quietly creates new cycles of disconnection. We walk through practical ways to pursue emotional balance, name inherited patterns, and build healthier relationships without suppressing what matters.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we unpack why the U.S. Surgeon General issued a public health advisory aimed not at kids, but at parents — revealing a burnout crisis driven by loneliness, cultural pressure, and fractured community. We explore how the church can respond with honesty, presence, and hope in a moment where exhausted families need connection more than ever.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Dr. Ron Walborn to explore whether Jesus is still our healer as we walk through His compassion, the mystery of unanswered prayers, the ministry of healing today, and the hope of future wholeness. This conversation invites honest faith, humble expectation, and a grounded look at how God meets us in suffering and healing.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we break down the five apology languages and explore how owning our failures strengthens trust and honesty. We also look at practical, real-life examples that show why true apologies require more than the words “I’m sorry.”DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.📺 Watch or 🎧 Listen at cccomaha.org/uncomfortable

This week, we break down the five apology languages and explore how owning our failures strengthens trust and honesty. We also look at practical, real-life examples that show why true apologies require more than the words “I’m sorry.”DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.📺 Watch or 🎧 Listen at cccomaha.org/uncomfortable

This week, we explore how coffee became more than a drink—how it shapes our culture, our rituals, and even our discipleship. From caffeine addiction to church hospitality, we ask what our morning brew reveals about the modern Christian soul.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.📺 Watch or 🎧 Listen at cccomaha.org/uncomfortable

This week, we pull back the curtain as Jarrett and Bryce join Eric and Jess as guests to unpack what it really takes to make an episode—from idea to upload —before diving into culture talk on The Louvre Heist, OpenAI’s Sora, and the No Kings protests. We wrap with ChatGPT taking over and interviewing us.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we unpack why outrage has become our default emotion and how curiosity can interrupt the cycle. From cancel culture to church culture, we explore what it means to follow Jesus with emotional intelligence, humility, and restraint in an age of reaction.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we grapple with why empathy is being branded as a weakness in political and religious spaces, even as science and scripture highlight its power. From brain science to cultural critiques, we explore how empathy can both strain and sustain us, and what it takes to turn it into compassion guided by truth.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we examine the rise of AI-generated Bible videos and ask whether they help people engage with Scripture or risk distorting God’s Word. Dr. Karl Pagenkemper joins us to weigh the promise, the pitfalls, and the guardrails churches need for faithful use.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.📺 Watch or 🎧 Listen at cccomaha.org/uncomfortable

This week, we confront the realities of student dropout rates, the myths that fuel stigma, and how Omaha Street School provides hope and alternatives for at-risk youth. We see the human side behind the statistics through data, honest questions, and one student’s story.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week we wrestle with the grief and confusion of national tragedy, from the death of Charlie Kirk to acts of senseless violence that shake our faith and our communities. We reflect on lament, leadership, and the hope of Christ in the face of suffering.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week Jess sits down with Kris Reece to unpack the pain of toxic relationships, the grip of narcissism, and the hope of setting healthy boundaries. Together we explore her story, biblical wisdom, and practical steps toward freedom and healing in Christ.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we explore Forrest Frank’s summer of miracles, music, and controversy—unpacking his back injury and healing, his rise in mainstream culture, and the online clash with Cory Asbury and Matthew West. We wrestle with the line between satire and mockery, and what Christian witness looks like in the digital age.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we examine the rise and fall of purity culture, weighing its good intentions against the shame and wounds it left behind. We ask what true purity looks like when defined by Jesus, not cultural expectations.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, Alex sits down with Joshua Harris to trace his journey from writing I Kissed Dating Goodbye and shaping a generation’s view on relationships to rethinking, retracting, and rebuilding his life and faith. Harris reflects on purity culture, faith, identity, and his legacy after walking away from ministry.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we respond to Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War Season 2, examining Teen Mania’s culture-war rhetoric, extreme discipleship tactics, myth-driven narratives, and their impact on a generation.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with a couple who share their raw, honest story of infidelity, broken trust, and the long road to healing through faith and forgiveness.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

In this episode, we sit down with American Ninja Warrior champion Daniel Gil to talk about more than just obstacle courses. Daniel shares how his faith in Jesus has shaped his journey as a competitor, what he’s learned through the highs and setbacks of the show, and how he’s using his platform to point others to God’s Kingdom. From discipline and perseverance to identity and purpose, this conversation goes deeper than the buzzers and balance beams.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we hear Eva Brandt’s story of divorce, single motherhood, co-parenting, and unexpected redemption. From grief and grit to grace and new beginnings, she reflects on how God met her in the mess and kept showing up.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Erin Huber to explore what Scripture says about divorce, how it shaped her as a child and adult, and what healing looks like on the other side. From biblical tension to personal restoration, this conversation holds truth, grace, and the raw reality of navigating divorce and faith.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

Karsten Williams has been a standout competitor on American Ninja Warrior, but his story runs far deeper than the obstacle course. In this episode, Karsten reflects on how ANW reshaped his definition of success, gave him a platform to share his faith, and opened unexpected doors in life, business, and purpose. From veteran wisdom on coaching and failure to lessons for young athletes and the power of community, Karsten opens up with honesty and hope. He also shares about his current passions—like The Ninja Project and Neighborhood Ninjas—and what drives him outside the spotlight. Whether you're chasing a goal, facing setbacks, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation will inspire you to live for more than just the next win.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

In this two-part episode, we explore the lives of some of the Ninja world’s most inspiring athletes—not just for what they’ve accomplished on obstacle courses, but for their faith, perseverance, and purpose behind the scenes.Part 1: Sam & Isabella Folsom Sam and Isabella share how their relationship began through the Ninja community, what it’s like being married elite athletes, and how they balance ambition, faith, and marriage. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at American Ninja Warrior and reflect on how God has shaped their journey both on and off the course.Part 2: Phil Folsom & Tyler Smith  Phil and Tyler recount the rise—and heartbreaking loss—of The Barn, a cherished Ninja training ground that became a hub for growth, community, and spiritual strength. Both multiple-time world champions, they discuss what it’s like being among the best ninjas on the planet while often staying in the shadows of the TV spotlight. They also open up about their friendship, how they push each other through a friendly but fierce rivalry, and how faith has fueled their resilience in the face of loss and rebuilding.Whether you're chasing your next obstacle or walking through your own fire, this episode is filled with raw honesty, hard-won wisdom, and hope.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we hear from Shannon Persinger as she prepares for a high-risk open-heart surgery, sharing how fear, faith, and the unknown have shaped her journey. It’s a raw and hope-filled conversation about courage, mental health, and trusting God when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we wrestle with how our obsession with comfort, efficiency, and emotional ease has distorted our understanding of passion, purpose, and the cross. We ask what it really means to follow a suffering Savior in a world that can't bear to suffer.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Minister Mark Ashton to explore what the Bible really says about immigration, challenging political assumptions with kingdom-minded truth. From Scripture’s call to love the foreigner to practical steps the Church can take, we unpack how Christians can navigate this issue with both grace and conviction.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Bryan Slone, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, to break down immigration’s true impact on Nebraska’s economy, from workforce shortages to business growth. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week we share Nar’s journey from displacement to faith, tracing her path from Bhutan to a refugee camp in Nepal and finally to the U.S. Her story challenges us to see refugees with empathy and consider how the Church can respond. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.