NCMU Podcast

 In this episode of the Nerd Culture Ministry Underground Podcast, host Bubba Stallcup sits down with FlatCapDapperPastor to talk about his journey from traditional pastoral ministry into digital ministry, Twitch streaming, online discipleship, and equipping missionaries for digital spaces. Flat shares how God used drama ministry, church tech needs, livestreaming, sermon prep streams, Bible reading on Twitch, and community-building platforms like Discord and WhatsApp to shape his calling. The conversation also explores the work of The Church Digital, including digital missionary training, global ministry partnerships, Control Alt Redeem, digital pastoral care, and why churches need to think beyond simply posting online if they want to build real digital community. 

Mark talks with professional voice actor Brian Stivale about his journey from Broadway to working in voiceover for animation, video games, and biblical projects. Brian shares how God redirected his career from on-camera performance to voice acting, where he has voiced characters like Venom and Batman, as well as the Prophet Samuel in Angel Studios’ David.In this conversation, they discuss discernment in the entertainment industry, pursuing excellence in creative work, and trusting God’s leading even when the path looks unconventional. It’s an encouraging episode for anyone navigating calling, creativity, and faith in professional spaces.Hosted by Mark Lutz Guest: Brian StivaleWebsite: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, Bubba Stallcup talks with David Byron Hicks about discovering the power of local game store ministry through simple, faithful presence. Rather than relying on programs or gimmicks, David shares how regularly showing up, building genuine friendships, praying for people, and serving them in practical ways became a meaningful expression of Christ’s love.Their conversation highlights how ministry in nerd spaces can help bridge the gap between church culture and gaming culture, creating places of trust, belonging, and authentic connection around the table.Host: Bubba Stallcup Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Bubba sits down with David Gustafson to talk about turning nerd culture into ministry. From discovering NCMS through Storyland Studios to a pivotal summit in Marble Falls, David shares how he launched “Nerd Nights,” built a five-person team, and led mission trips to PAX Unplugged. Now a leader in the Nerd Culture Ministry Collective, he encourages others to use their passions to fulfill the Great Commission.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Boots (BootStrapBoots) shares his journey from solo League of Legends streaming to co-founding Campfires and Dragons, a Dungeons & Dragons ministry channel. He explains how the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit helped him realize he was called to do ministry collaboratively, prompting a shift from competitive gaming content to D&D play that builds welcoming community for tabletop gamers. Boots also discusses the importance of knowing yourself spiritually before going live and how his team uses D&D as a tool to reach people who may be isolated or searching for belonging.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, host Mark welcomes Dr. Level Up (Steven Kelso) for a thoughtful conversation on the evolution of nerd culture ministry and the vital role of behind-the-scenes contributors. They discuss the impact of the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS), the challenges of working within Christian content spaces, and the importance of investing in quality creation.Dr. Level Up also shares the inspiration behind The Guiding Lantern, a fantasy-driven project designed to teach leadership and discipleship principles, as well as his journey through content creation and community building. This episode is a meaningful listen for anyone passionate about faith, fandom, and ministry done well.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Bubba talks with Dylan — better known as DeadlyDill — a pastor-turned-streamer leading one of the largest and fastest-growing faith-based gaming communities online. Dylan shares how a simple desire for friendship turned into the DeadlyDill Fam: a thriving Discord space where thousands of gamers find genuine connection, accountability, and the love of Jesus.Together, Bubba and Dylan explore the realities of digital ministry, sustainable online discipleship, and why gaming can be one of the most powerful mission fields of our time.DeadlyDill:discord.gg/deadlyfamtwitch.tv/deadlydillgamingWebsite: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Bubba sits down with creative professional Jason H. Tucker — author, illustrator, and founder of Group Lore — to talk about how faith, creativity, and entrepreneurship intertwine. Jason shares his journey from architecture to storytelling, his vision for Group Lore and The Way of Yahweh, and his passion for helping artists unite creativity with business wisdom to sustain their calling.Together, Bubba and Jason explore what it means to “color outside the lines” as Christian creators, living out faith authentically in every space.Check it out: https://grouplore.com/Hosted by Bubba.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Mark interviews legendary twin brothers and Disney animators Tom and Tony Bancroft, whose work helped shape iconic films like The Lion King, Aladdin, Mulan, and The Emperor’s New Groove. They share their inspiring journey from childhood sketchbooks to the heart of Disney animation, and how their faith in Christ guided them through a secular creative industry. The brothers also discuss fear, contentment, and calling — and how God led them to create Light of the World, a 2D animated film about Jesus.Hosted by Mark Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/TomBancroftStudio.comTonyBancroft.com

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, host Bubba sits down with Butch Hartman, creator of The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom. Butch shares his journey from mainstream animation to producing faith-based projects like The Garden. They discuss how faith reshaped his career, his heart for family-friendly storytelling, and his vision for raising up the next generation of creators.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Mark sits down with Q and Big Chris of Corvus Comics to talk about their unique journeys from the worlds of video games, film, and merchandising into faith-driven comic publishing. Chris shares stories from his decades in game design on franchises like Halo and Call of Duty, while Q reflects on her film background and even training exotic animals. Together, they share how God redirected their creative paths after COVID, inspiring the launch of Corvus Comics and projects like The Chosen graphic novel and a biblical series with Dallas Theological Seminary.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/👉 Learn more about Corvus Comics:Website: https://www.corvuscomics.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvuscomicsChris on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bigchriscorvusQ on IG: https://www.instagram.com/q.corvus

This week on NCMU Podcast, Bubba Stallcup is joined by Brannon Hollingsworth of Brainy Pixel Productions. They discuss his journey into creative ministry, why story doesn’t need to be sacrificed for “the message,” and how Brainy Pixel is reclaiming media and art for the Kingdom.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/Pre-Register for NCMS by Sep 5th! https://www.ncmsummit.com/prereg2026 (Regular Registration opens on Sep 8th!)Check out Brainy Pixel: https://www.brainypixel.com/

Host Mark Lutz welcomes That Denver Guy (Denver Moore) to the NCMU Podcast for a powerful conversation about faith, creativity, and calling. Denver shares his journey from PE teacher to Fortnite streamer to creative director, unpacking what it means to follow God’s direction no matter the outcome. Discover why full commitment is necessary for growth and how obedience opens doors to new opportunities.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

In this episode of Nerd Culture Ministry Underground, Mark Lutz continues his behind-the-scenes journey through the staff of Lux Digital Church by welcoming Gregg Miller, Lux’s Video Director. Tune in as they explore the role of video in digital ministry, the creative process behind weekly services, and how visual storytelling helps bring the gospel to life online.

In this episode of Nerd Culture Ministry Underground, Bubba sits down with Jeff Grant (Cru) to explore how campus ministry is adapting to the evolving landscape of gaming culture. They discuss innovative ways ministries can effectively engage students through gaming, providing insights into building genuine connections in the digital age.

In this episode of Nerd Culture Ministry Underground, Mark Lutz welcomes Andy Mage, Creative Pastor and Worship Leader at Lux Digital Church. Together they explore the growing importance of digital worship and the increasing demand for media creation within ministry. Tune in as they discuss how creativity intersects with faith in our digital world.

In this episode of Nerd Culture Ministry Underground, Mark Lutz welcomes Pastor Druzi (Dalton Ruzicka) from Lux Digital Church, where he serves on staff as the Community and Discipleship Pastor and on the Lux Management Team. Dalton oversees spiritual formation, community development, and actively participates in Lux’s gaming communities. Together, they explore practical strategies for building meaningful digital community spaces that foster genuine connection and growth.

In this episode of NCMU, Bubba sits down with Chris Mikesell (HopeCity NC) to discuss Chris’s unique calling into Disability Ministry - a ministry his wife Angela launched at their home church. Learn how the call to accommodate inspired innovative approaches—like their “buddy” system—to ensure anyone with a disability or sensory issue feels truly welcome and at ease. Discover practical ways to make ministry inclusive for all.

Season 4 of Nerd Culture Ministry Underground kicks off with a captivating conversation between host Mark Lutz and Philipp Bonin of Nerch—a church plant in Frankfurt, Germany, dedicated to creating a welcoming space for nerds to explore the gospel. They dive into Nerch’s origins, discuss why they have a large number of non-believers in regular attendance, and share the insights they’ve gained along the way. Tune in and discover how faith and nerd culture can unite in a powerful way! 

In this unconventional season finale, Bubba hands over the show to two unnamed A.I. podcasters (courtesy of Google's notebookLM project) to recap the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit's keynote speakers.

This week, Mark welcomes Giles Hash of Disciple Gaming Ministry, as he shares his passion of sharing the Gospel with gamers in Colorado and around the world. He shares how they help gamers connect with local churches, equip churches to use tabletop RPGs as a Bible study aid, and bring people closer to God and each other.

Mark welcomes Jon Wiest, Director of Next Ventures for Exponential NEXT and the Strategic Director of Mobilize the Church, a global ministry mobilizing disciple-makers, pioneer leaders, and church planters. Today they'll talk about what it takes to get the church out of their seats and into active ministry, ahead of Jon's keynote at the upcoming Nerd Culture Ministry Summit.

 Gwen Leong is the NorCal director of Jesus Otaku, a cosplay group originating in Southern California, with members all over the world, united by a common love for anime, cosplay, and for God. Gwen leads teams as they attend conventions, host panels, wear cosplay, spread the love of Jesus, and sometimes just show up and have fun with other members of the anime community. 

In this episode of NCMU, Bubba welcomes Chris Skaggs, founder of Soma Games. Chris shares his story of being called to create Christian video games, even when that hadn't been on his radar.somagames.com

Mark welcomes R. York Moore to share about his journey from atheism to faith, his ministry speaking to crowds large and small, and how the pandemic created a new opportunity to create hopeful content for those seeking for answers on TikTok.TellTheStory.net

In this episode of NCMU, Bubba welcome Andrew Lowen or Lowen Games, creator of Deliverance - a co-op tactical adventure board game set in the spiritual realm, and the highest-grossing Christian crowdfunded board game of all time! They'll talk about the board game industry, the new flood of actually good Christian games, and Lowen's latest Kickstarter soon to launch for Deliverance: Council of the Fallen.

Mark Lutz interviews Jay Kranda from Saddleback Church about online church, online ministry, VR chat, and the changing times. In this engaging discussion, they delve into the evolution of church services in the digital age, the impact of virtual reality on ministry, and how churches are adapting to stay connected with their communities. 

In this episode Bubba talks to Charles, the Founder of “Beneath the Tangles,” which is a website that focuses on the unexpected convergence of Christianity and anime. Join the conversation as they explore how we can turn our passions, and sometimes even obsessions, into meaningful moments where people far from God experience Him up close. 

In today’s episode, Mark sits down with MrMasterWong to talk about how both scary and rewarding it was for him to move to full-time streaming. Join the conversation as we hear how his time spent in the restaurant industry helps to inform the Kingdom work he is doing in and through Nerd Culture Ministry. 

In today’s episode Bubba talks with Brad Hickey, Director of Gaming at Dordt University about the importance of academia in Nerd Culture Ministry. Join the conversation as they share the vision of what God is doing at the collegiate level and how the road is being pathed for people to be certified in Nerd Culture Ministry.

In today’s episode, Mark talks with Lorumerth University about what it takes to make memories when most people are focusing on only creating content. Join the conversation as we dive deeper into what a marketing strategy looks like when Jesus drives it.

On this episode of the NCMU Podcast, Bubba is joined by Jamie Harris, CEO and founder of Satellite Gaming, a video game ministry geared towards middle school and high school students. Join the conversation as Jamie explains what led him to start this ministry, where God has taken it and how you might be able to discern whether or not God is calling you to do the same.

On this episode of the NCMU Podcast, Mark speaks with pastor and Twitch streamer XtianNinja (Christian Ninja). Join the conversation as they talk about what it was like for him to find a renewed sense of spiritual purpose on Twitch after multiple cases of burnout, and how you can be encouraged to seek God in the midst of a troubling time.Find XtianNinja:Website: http://www.xtian.ninjaTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtianNinjaYTX: https://twitter.com/XtianNinja

On this episode of the NCMU Podcast, Bubba talks with Nerd Pastor Nate of Checkpoint Church about collaboration, digital ministry within the United Methodist Church and how he has found peace in delegation. Join the conversation as we hear about this unique take on ministering to nerds, geeks and gamers and how you can better do the same.Find Nerd Pastor Nate:Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/checkpointchurchX - https://twitter.com/NerdPastorNateX - https://twitter.com/CheckpointnerdLinktree - https://linktr.ee/nerdpastornateLinktree - https://linktr.ee/CheckpointChurch

In our Season 2 premiere, Mark interviews variety streamer MissPositivity, as they discuss the desire to do more in our streams, talking about the tougher stuff, and leaning into the positives of faith and gaming. Join the conversation as they look at how being willing to tackle tough spiritual questions on stream can bring the curious and searching into the fold.Find Miss P online:Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/misspositivityX: https://www.x.com/_misspositivity

In this season 1 finale of the NCMU Podcast, Mark interviews Christian content creators and Nerd Culture Missionaries Johno, Amanda Souza, Pastor Skar and MmamaLlamaFace live from the first ever Nerd Culture Ministry Summit. Join the conversation as they share about the ways that God is moving through them as they try to better love and serve the nerds in their spaces.

In this episode Jon Rush, gaming pastor at elevation church, joins Bubba to talk about His journey to from aspiring professional halo player to helping to lead and develop nerd culture ministry at one of the largest churches in the US. Join the conversation as they look at ways to increase your accountable influence by raising the bar for expectation and excellence.Find Jon Rush-Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jonrushX: https://www.twitter.com/jonwkeyrushCheck out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Check out Bubba on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bubba_ltnEmail Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode Mark talks to John Merrit, ESports Director at Oklahoma Wesleyan university, about his testimony and how God called him to nerd culture ministry at the collegiate level.Find Johno:Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/johnoTwitter/X - https://www.twitter.com/johnostreams

Mark and Bubba sit down with Cheroney, known online as MmamaLlamaFace in her livestreams on Twitch and Kick. Join the conversation as they chat about how livestreaming can be Gospel work and how she balances that with a husband and children while remaining relevant and effective in the space.https://www.twitch.tv/mmamallamafacehttps://kick.com/mmamallamaface

In this episode Bubba talks with Jaclyn S Parrish, Director of Marketing at South Western Theological Seminary and keynote speaker at the 2023 Nerd Culture Ministry Summit. Join the conversation as Jaclyn speaks on the importance of community and how dungeons and dragons can help people find friendships in the places they already are.Find Jaclyn –Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynSparrishFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaclynSparrishX: https://www.twitter.com/jaclynSparrish

In this episode we hear from Mike Erre, teaching pastor of Journey Church in Brentwood, TN and host of the Voxology podcast. Listen in as he and Mark talk about how the church tends to lag behind when it comes to reaching an emerging generation.Check out the Voxology Podcast: https://voxologypodcast.com/Check out Mike on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mikeerreCheck out Voxology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxologypodcast/REGISTER FOR the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Email Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode we hear from Luke and Asia Filipiak, a married couple highly involved in Nerd Culture ministry both with Love Thy Nerd as an organization and through their own personal livestreams.Check out Luke on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/frostbyteivCheck out Luke on Twitter: https://twitter.com/frostbyteivCheck out Luke on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frostbyteivSupport Luke at LTN: https://lovethynerd.com/partner-with-luke/Check out Asia on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/asiathegirlCheck out Asia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AsiaTheGirlCheck out Asia on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asiathegirlCheck out Asia on the Moviga Podcast: https://www.twitch.tv/movigaREGISTER FOR the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Check out Bubba on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bubba_ltnCheck out Love Thy Nerd: https://www.lovethynerd.comEmail Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, we hear from Steve Valdez of SavePoint Ministries about his youth pastor roots, calling into nerd culture ministry and how he connects people online to physical nerd-friendly churches.Check out Steve on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/savepointminCheck out SavePoint Ministries: https://savepointministries.com/REGISTER FOR the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Check out Bubba on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bubba_ltnCheck out Love Thy Nerd: https://www.lovethynerd.comEmail Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast Pastor Mark from Lux Digital Church gets to hang out with Jared from Video Game Ministries! Jared gives us a great look at how he stepped out of full time vocational ministry to walk through whatever doors God would open in the world of gaming. He offers some great advice for getting into local Esports in High Schools as a source of income and challenges us to question and examine our motives before we get into gaming ministry. Check out Video Game Ministries on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmbPFzToY6XMMFIlbeAMCQREGISTER FOR Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Email Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast Pastor Mark from Lux Digital Church gets to hang out with Jate from JateLive! Jate has an amazing story of how he got started in live streaming and full time content creation. It's a genuine Jonah story! Hear how Jate left a very successful and promising carrier to follow Jesus into the unknown of live streaming and digital missions!Check out Jate on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jateliveREGISTER FOR Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Email Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast Pastor Mark from Lux Digital Church gets to hang out with Matt from SouzyLive! After hearing from Souzy last month in our conversation about GSC we have him back on the show to talk about his streaming journey. Matt is one of the few that blazed the trail and inspired many of the people we see in the space today! Learn from his 8.5+ years of experience as a content creator and a live streamer and what it really takes to make it as an evangelist on Twitch!Check out Souzy on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/souzyliveREGISTER FOR Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Check out The Digital Church Network: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/Email Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast Pastor Mark from Lux Digital Church and Pastor Savage get to hang out with Aki and Momma Peach from The Adventures of Aki and Fam! We get to talk about how they stream with their entire family, making a home on Twitch for those that don't have a home, and how to partner your streaming journey with your local church. This show got real more then once and it's a must listen to anyone married who wants to start streaming as a ministry.Check out The Adventures of Aki and Fam on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/akiandfamREGISTER FOR Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out PastorSavage85 on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/pastorsavage85Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Check out The Digital Church Network: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/Email Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, Pastor Mark from Lux Digital Church and Pastor Savage get to hang out with Bubba from Love Thy Nerd! Bubba tells the story of how God led him and a small team to start a missions organization that seeks to be the love of Jesus to nerds and nerd culture. The ministry field of gamer and nerd culture extends far beyond Twitch, and LTN is leading the way in helping the broader Church bridge the gap between nerds and church culture Check out LTN on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lovethynerdREGISTER FOR Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out PastorSavage85 on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/pastorsavage85Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Check out The Digital Church Network: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/Email Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, Pastor Mark from Lux Digital Church and Pastor Savage get to hang out with Matt and Amanda Souza from God Squad Church! Matt and Amanda tell us about how God moved them to start a fully digital church for gamers years before anyone else would even dream of the idea. Matt and Amanda have inspired many of the digital missionaries that you see on Twitch and most of whom you will hear from on this show. These pioneers share their story and some of the things they wish they had known when they first got started. Check out GSC on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/godsquadchurchREGISTER FOR Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS) 2023: https://ncmsummit.com/Check out PastorSavage85 on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/pastorsavage85Check out Mark on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theliftCheck out Lux Digital Church: https://www.luxdigitalchurch.com/Check out The Digital Church Network: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/Email Mark to connect or to ask about getting on the show: [email protected]