Collective Young Adult Ministry Podcast

How do I know when it's time to walk away from a friendship? How do I know if I'm supposed to stay? This week, Isaac makes the case that the friendship you actually need looks a lot different than the friendship you've been settling for and that the people closest to you are either pushing you toward the life you want or quietly making it harder to get there. Tune in for week 5 of "The Last 5%"

Most of us think about our own faith in pretty individual terms. What I believe, what I struggle with, what I'm working on. But this week, we get into a dimension most people never consider: the ways the 5% you're holding back might not just be affecting you. The people around you are watching closer than you think.

Most of us think jealousy is just wanting things we don't have. But it's actually something a lot deeper than that. This week Josiah gets into why comparison quietly poisons everything, why getting the thing you're jealous of never actually fixes it, and what it says about what you're really living for.

Why does God care about alcohol? Most people drink for one of four reasons, and none of them are actually about the drink. This week Josiah gets into what's really going on underneath that, why God has anything to say about it at all, and what it would actually look like to not need it anymore.

Most people think being mostly committed is good enough. Mostly honest. Mostly all in. But this week Josiah walks through one of the most uncomfortable stories in the Bible and makes a case that "mostly" might be the most dangerous place you can be. This one doesn't pull punches. But it ends somewhere you might not expect.

It's the question most people are actually asking underneath everything else. If God is real and He actually loves you, why did He let that happen? Why didn't He show up? This week, Josiah sits with that question and doesn't try to explain it away.Instead he walks through a story where Jesus shows up four days too late, a grieving woman says exactly what she's thinking, and God does something nobody expected. It's not a tidy answer. But it might change what you think God actually feels about your pain.

Everyone has something. The thing you think about most, spend the most time on, the thing that has the most control over your emotions. You might not have named it, but it's running your life whether you know it or not. And here's the part nobody talks about: the more power you give it, the more it gives back, but it always takes four times more than it gives.This week Josiah walks through the psychology of what happens when one thing takes over, why the cycles that feel like coping are often the thing making everything worse, and what it actually looks like to get out.

How do you actually know what you’re supposed to do with your life?Most of us are waiting for clarity. Maybe a sign or a clear direction. Something that tells us exactly where we’re going before we take a step. But what if that’s not how it works at all?In this episode, Josiah walks through one of the earliest stories in the Bible, where Abraham is told to leave everything familiar without being told where he’s going. Not as a punishment, but as the starting point of a real relationship with God. This conversation explores why purpose often feels unclear, why we want answers before trust, and why waiting for certainty might actually be the thing holding you back.

How do you actually know if God is first in your life? Well, the answer is a test.In this episode, Josiah walks through one of the most controversial stories in the Bible, where Abraham is asked to give up the thing he loves most. Not to show blind obedience, but to reveal something deeper about how faith actually works. Why the biggest spiritual moments often feel like tension and how to tell what you truly trust.If you’ve ever felt like following God doesn’t make sense, or like He’s asking too much, this conversation is for you. 

God makes Abraham a promise. Abraham believes it. And then Abraham and Sarah decide to help God out a little, just to make sure it actually happens. What follows is one of the messiest, most relatable moments in the entire Bible, and honestly, most of us are living our own version of it right now.This week Isaac walks through what happens when faith turns into control, why the things we add to God to feel more secure are usually the exact things making us miserable, and what it means that in the middle of all that chaos, God shows up specifically for the person nobody else was paying attention to.

Many of us have a version of spiritual anxiety we don't talk about. The fear that if we're not doing enough, believing hard enough, or living right enough and God is going to reject us. This week, Josiah goes back to one of the oldest stories in the Bible and finds an answer that most people completely miss."In this message, I borrowed heavily from two messages that have deeply impacted me: the first is from Pastor Tim Keller in his teachings on Genesis 15. The second was from Pastor Dan Gregory in a message he gave at Momentum Youth Conference on John 8. I would HIGHLY recommend you listen to these on your own! I attached them below." - JosiahTim Keller - https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/abraham-and-the-fire/Dan Gregory - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKmVgEdlLcA&t=1961s

If something feels off, how do I know if I should end it? This week, Vinnie gets personal about a relationship he held onto way longer than he should have, the excuses that kept him there, and what it finally took to be honest with himself.If you've been in a relationship that feels like it's pulling you in two different directions, this one's for you.

**We apologize for the poor audio quality this week. Our systems crashed while recording. While we did our best to recover the audio, we're sorry if things are hard to understand.**This episode is for the guys! How do you know what to be looking for in a girl? This week, Josiah goes somewhere most people won't: the real green flags and red flags that actually predict whether a relationship will thrive or slowly drain you.It's not about a checklist of qualities. It's about one question: is she living for something bigger than herself? Because sweetness isn't the same as selflessness, and how she treats you now is a terrible indicator of how she'll treat you twenty years from now.This one might be the most practical episode of the series. Whether you're dating someone right now or just trying to figure out what you actually want, this is worth your time.

Most of us were never taught what to actually look for in a partner. We go off vibes, attraction, and whether they seem like a good person and then wonder why things fall apart five years in. This week, Josiah gets specific about what separates a healthy man from a toxic one and the answer might not be what you expect.It's not about who's hotter, more successful, or says the right things. It's about trajectory. Does he take initiative or make excuses? Does he take responsibility or quietly let everything drift to whoever's most comfortable? Does he add shame to your life or actively work to take it away? Toxic and healthy men can look almost identical on the surface. Until they don't.We also talk about why the person you keep choosing might say more about how you see yourself than how you see them, and what it looks like to actually raise your standards instead of just saying you have.

There's a reason breakups sometimes hurt way more than they "should." Or why you can't stop thinking about someone you know wasn't good for you. Or why that situationship left you feeling more empty than fulfilled. Turns out, there's actual neuroscience behind it and it has everything to do with how bonding, oxytocin, and intimacy work in your brain.This week, Josiah gets into what modern psychology and an ancient text both seem to agree on: sex is not just physical. It bonds you. And when that bond gets broken without real commitment, it leaves a mark. We talk about why "consensual" doesn't automatically mean "healthy," what it actually means to want all the perks of closeness without any of the vulnerability, and the one question that's way more honest than "how far is too far?"No shame. No gatekeeping. Just a real conversation about relationships, attachment, and what it might look like to actually protect yourself and someone else.

Romance causes more anxiety than almost anything else in life. How do you find the right person? How do you avoid repeating the same mistakes? How do you know when to stay or when to walk away? And why does something we want so badly so often end up hurting us?In this episode, Josiah lays the foundation for a series on relationships by challenging one of the biggest assumptions in modern dating: that love is about what we receive. Drawing from social research, cultural trends, and the teachings of Jesus, he explores why so many relationships collapse and others don't.

In this live Q&A episode, Josiah Bogue, Chuck Olminsky, and Vinnie Lobello respond to some of the most common questions people have about Christianity.Has the Bible been changed over time?Are there real contradictions in it?Are some translations more trustworthy than others?Why does suffering exist if God is loving?Can you be a “good person” and still end up in hell?These questions come from people inside and outside the church, including skeptics, seekers, and longtime believers. The conversation explores how the Bible was translated, how Christians think about apparent inconsistencies, and how faith intersects with doubt, pain, and free will.If you have ever had serious questions about the credibility of the Bible or the character of God, this episode walks through them in a thoughtful and accessible way.

What do you do when something in the Bible really bothers you? When a passage feels confusing, offensive, or completely at odds with what you expect God to be like? A lot of people quietly walk away at that point. Others stay but stop being honest.In this episode, Josiah explores one of the most overlooked ideas in faith: questioning Jesus. Using the story of John the Baptist’s doubts, this conversation looks at how expectations shape belief, why we’re tempted to remake God in our own image, and the difference between looking for confirmation versus being open to conviction.

Reading the Bible can feel intimidating—confusing passages, unfamiliar contexts, and the question of where do I even start? In Part 3 of our Bible series, Chuck helps bring the Scriptures down to earth by offering practical tools for reading the Bible with clarity, consistency, and confidence.In this episode, we talk about how to approach different parts of the Bible, what to do when you feel stuck or overwhelmed, and how to move from simply reading the text to actually understanding and applying it in everyday life. Whether you’re brand new to the Bible or have been reading it for years, this conversation will help you develop a healthier, more sustainable rhythm of engaging with God’s Word.Perfect for anyone who wants the Bible to feel less abstract and more livable.

A lot of people wonder the same thing, whether they’re religious or not: If God is real, how would anyone actually hear from Him? Is it a feeling? A sign? A random thought? And how do you know you’re not just making it up?In this episode, Josiah breaks down one of the most common and confusing questions people ask about the Bible. He explores why so many of us feel unsure about God’s voice, why spiritual signals can feel overwhelming or unreliable, and how Jesus actually said God communicates with people.

We all say we care about certain things. Relationships. Health. Purpose. Meaning. God. But when life gets busy, overwhelming, or painful, those things somehow always end up last.In this episode, Izzy shares what a normal, chaotic day looks like, why so many of us struggle to slow down, and how distractions, doubt, guilt, and exhaustion quietly shape our lives. She walks through a moment from Jesus’ life where he faced the same three pressures we face every day: what we need, what we want, and who we think we are.

A lot of people try spiritual habits like prayer, reading the Bible, or going to church… and walk away feeling bored, frustrated, or unchanged. Some assume they’re doing it wrong. Others assume God isn’t real.In this episode, Josiah talks about why so many spiritual practices don’t work the way we expect—and why that might actually be the point. It isn’t about being more disciplined, more religious, or fixing your life. It’s about why so many of us feel distant, even when we’re “doing all the right things,” and what closeness is actually supposed to look like.If you’ve ever thought, “I tried this stuff and it didn’t work,” this one’s for you.

Every  year, we tell ourselves this one will be different. New goals. New habits. New mindset. But sooner or later, something unexpected hits — stress, loss, disappointment, change — and everything we were trying to build feels shaky again.In this episode, Josiah explores one of the most honest things Jesus ever taught about life and stability: why some people stay grounded through chaos while others feel like they collapse the moment something goes wrong.Whether you consider yourself religious or not, this conversation is about why external achievements can’t create internal stability. If you’ve ever wondered why progress never seems to stick, this one’s worth listening to.

We all have places we go when we feel empty. Things that help for a moment, but never seem to last.In this episode, Chuck walks through a surprising conversation Jesus has with a woman at a well, someone who kept returning to the same place hoping it would finally satisfy her. Instead of judging her, Jesus names her thirst and offers something deeper than quick fixes or temporary relief.

A lot of people are comfortable saying Jesus was wise, loving, and influential. Some even say he was one of the greatest teachers who ever lived. But there’s one question most of us avoid because of how uncomfortable it is: Did Jesus actually claim to be God?In this episode, Josiah walks through what Jesus really said about himself, why so many people misunderstand it, and why the answer matters even if you don’t consider yourself religious. It’s an honest look at history, Jesus’ own words, and the difference between admiring Jesus and actually taking him seriously.

For a lot of people, the biggest obstacle to believing in Jesus isn’t the Bible, science, or unanswered questions. It’s Christians. The judgment. The double standards. The feeling that church is full of people who talk about love but don’t live it.In this episode, Josiah looks at a surprising truth most people miss: Jesus was more outspoken about religious hypocrisy than anyone else in history. He confronts why hypocrisy happens, how it actually forms, and why it pushes so many people away from faith. This is an honest, self-critical conversation about compassion, judgment, and what Jesus was really after in people’s lives.If Christianity has ever given you the ick, this one is for you.

A lot of people vibe with Jesus’ ideas like love, peace, and purpose, but feel confused, frustrated, or boxed in by actual “Christian” expectations. In this episode, Josiah breaks down one of the most surprising moments in Jesus’ life: a massive crowd loved what Jesus did for them, but had almost zero interest in actually knowing Him.

the Bible says that emotional maturity isn’t about pretending you're grown up. It’s about learning what hope is and where it actually comes from.

You ever make a huge decision for God… and then immediately mess it up? In this episode, Josiah talks about Peter messing up and what that moment says about how Jesus handles failure. If you’ve ever wondered if God’s disappointed in you or done giving second chances, this one’s gonna hit home.

If God is real… why doesn’t He just make it obvious? Why not write His name in the sky or give everyone a personal miracle? Wouldn’t that make believing easier? In this episode, Josiah unpacks one of the most honest questions people ask about faith — and what kind of “belief” actually changes your life.

Life can feel like a maze. Everyone’s trying to figure out which path actually leads somewhere good—but what if what feels right isn’t right at all? In this episode, Isaac explores why trusting God can be so hard, especially when what we see seems safer than what He promises. If you’ve ever questioned whether faith actually works in real life—or if God’s way is really better—this one’s for you.

Ever asked God for something—and nothing happened? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, or something way deeper, it’s easy to wonder if prayer even works or if God’s just ignoring you. In this episode, Chuck unpacks one of the wildest stories in the Bible about two people who begged Jesus for help…and how His timing didn’t make sense at all. If you’ve ever felt like God was late, silent, or missing, this conversation might change how you see Him.

Imagine walking into a coffee shop and seeing Jesus laughing with the worst person you can imagine. Not yelling. Not correcting. Just… enjoying them. How offended would you be? That’s exactly what happens in this story. But it turns out that, if you don't believe Jesus can love the most broken of people, then you'll slowly start to believe that He can't love you either.

The "Day of the Lord" is a phrase that shows up all over the Bible. Jesus talked about it all the time. The prophets warned about it. And according to the Bible… it’s coming. But it might not be what you think. And it might be closer than you realize.

We’re in the middle of our series, Lock In: What Jesus Actually Teaches About His Return and the End of the World.In this week’s message, Jesus tells a story about three servants preparing for His return. The first two make God proud. But the third? Apparently, he ends up in hell??What on earth is this parable about? What is Jesus saying?Turns out, it’s not really about performance... But it is about your heart.

Do you ever feel emotionally or even spiritually burntout? In this message, Josiah shares about hitting that wall himself and what Jesus actually says to do when we feel distant, burned out, or stuck.We talk about what happens when we aim our lives at the wrong things, why loving God and loving people can’t be separated, and how real change doesn’t come from forcing it but from being filled with something better.If you're gassed right now, I think this will help.

You’re not alone if church has felt fake, frustrating, or ineffective. But what if what most people reject about American churches isn’t actually what Jesus intended? This podcast opens up a conversation for skeptics, spiritual wanderers, and the spiritually curious to explore the real mission of Jesus. No pressure, no judgment, just a clear look at the original vision.

There's a very famous story in the beginning of the Bible where God wipes out an entire city called Sodom. Jesus takes this same story and says it's a foreshadowing of the end of the world. But what if the deeper story is about love, warning, and a chance to walk away from what’s killing you? This isn’t fire-and-brimstone yelling. It’s an honest look at the choice we all face: follow God forward, or look back.

Most people hope they’ll be with God after this life but deep down they’re not totally sure. In this episode we explore one of Jesus’ most thought-provoking stories about a wedding with ten bridesmaids and a locked door. We talk about how you can be confident in where you stand with Jesus!

Most people think Noah’s Ark is about animals and rain. But when Jesus talked about it, He was warning us about something much bigger: His return. In this episode, we take a fresh look at an ancient story and what it reveals about the moment Jesus ends evil once and for all.

Most people assume their biggest problem with God is their past—what they’ve done, what they regret, how far they’ve wandered.But what if the thing that actually keeps you from God… is something else entirely?In this message, we talk honestly about the one thing Jesus says He can’t overlook—not because He’s harsh, but because He’s good. It’s not your mistakes. It’s not your doubts. It’s something far deeper—and far more common.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I really good with God?” or “Why can't I hear God's voice?”—this conversation is for you.

We’ve all heard the end-of-the-world talk—apocalyptic headlines, megaphone preachers, conspiracy-theory YouTubers. But what did Jesus actually say about the end of the world… and why hasn’t He come back yet?In this kickoff to our Lock-In series, we take an honest look at what Jesus actually taught about His return. No conspiracy theories. No paranoia. No fear. Just Jesus' words and what they reveal about His heart for you.

You probably wouldn’t say it out loud—but deep down, something’s off. The goals you’re chasing feel hollow. The highs don’t last. And no matter how much you tweak your life, you keep running into the same restlessness. In this episode, we explore why self-centered living feels so natural yet leaves you exhausted—and why surrendering to Jesus might be the only way out that actually makes sense.

Ever notice how bad thoughts seem louder, heavier, and way more powerful than the good ones? You're not crazy—and you're not stuck. In this episode, we explore why negativity takes over our minds so easily and what Jesus actually says we can do about it. Whether you’re skeptical of faith or deep in your walk with God, this talk breaks down a practical and surprising way to win the battle in your head—and start living free.