The Dumb Saints Podcast

One moment. One craving. One trade that changed everything.In this episode, we dive into the story of Jacob and Esau and the shocking decision to exchange a lifelong blessing for a single bowl of soup. It sounds crazy—until you realize how often we do the same thing. From relationships to calling, we explore how easy it is to give up what matters most for what feels good right now. If you’ve ever wrestled with impatience, impulse, or short-term thinking, this conversation will challenge you to see the value of what you’re holding—and think twice before trading it away.

When everything in church gets a paycheck, what happens to serving?In this episode, we unpack the shift from raising volunteers to hiring “doers.” It can feel efficient—and sometimes even necessary—but it may be quietly changing the culture of our churches. Are we still developing people, ownership, and calling… or just paying to get things done?We talk through the tension: stewardship vs. discipleship, excellence vs. participation, and where the line actually is. Because if we’re not careful, we might build systems that work—without building people who grow.

Comfort might be the biggest threat to the church in America — and nobody wants to talk about it.In this episode, we ask some uncomfortable questions:Has following Jesus become too easy? Have we built churches around convenience instead of conviction? And what happens to our faith when comfort becomes the goal?The early believers in the Acts of the Apostles faced pressure, persecution, and sacrifice — yet the church exploded with growth. Meanwhile, we live with more freedom, more resources, and more comfort than ever… but many churches feel spiritually weak.So what happened?This is a conversation about comfort, conviction, and whether the modern church has slowly traded one for the other.

In this episode of the Dumb Saints Podcast, we’re asking a question that might make some church leaders uncomfortable: Are we building the Church… or just building a brand?In a world of livestreams, social media clips, stage design, and viral sermons, it’s easier than ever for churches to look successful. But does looking successful mean we’re actually making disciples?We talk about the tension between excellence and image management, pastors becoming influencers, and whether metrics like views and attendance are replacing real spiritual growth. None of this means branding or creativity are bad—but when the mission of the Church quietly shifts from faithfulness to optics, something has gone wrong.So how do we pursue excellence without drifting into performance? How do we use modern tools without letting them shape the mission?Let’s talk about it.

We’re back in the comment seat. In this fourth reaction episode of The Dumb Saints Podcast, we watched viral clips from churches and preachers across the internet — and let’s just say… not all of them passed the vibe check.Some moments were hilarious. Some were painfully awkward. And some were straight-up “what are we doing?”We talk about the funny, the cringey, and the theologically questionable — all while asking a bigger question: how do we stay faithful, humble, and grounded when church culture gets weird?Laugh with us. Cringe with us. And maybe check your own church clip before it hits the timeline.

Faithfulness isn’t flashy. It’s not viral. It’s not platform-building.It’s staying.In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Seth Goldsmith of Coastal Church to talk about longevity, small-town ministry, and the grind of showing up year after year. We talk about pastoring in a place like Sebastian, resisting the pressure to chase bigger stages, and why obedience over time matters more than hype.This one’s for the ones who are still here.

The church got roasted… and if we’re being honest, we kind of earned it.In this episode, we unpack the viral Druski church skit and why it struck such a nerve. From celebrity pastor responses to preachers saying absolutely unhinged things from the pulpit, we talk about how moments like this expose a deeper issue with modern church culture. The world is watching the church—and laughing. The question is: how should we actually respond? Defensive outrage, or humble self-reflection? This is an honest, uncomfortable, and much-needed conversation about our public witness, discernment, and why the church has to stop giving people reasons to cringe.Oh yeah, also we talked about sea dragons, Leviathan, and unicorns that are in the Bible. Yeah, not kidding.

Random words. Two-minute sermons. Zero prep. Then we got uncomfortably honest about the things we don’t like to admit in church but feel deep down. This one’s messy, real, and very Dumb Saints. Brain Dump: Preaching Edition.

What does faith look like when it actually costs something?In this episode of Dumb Saints, we sit down with missionary Jack Harris, founder of Global Messenger Services, to talk about the Gospel beyond comfort. Jack shares firsthand stories from the front lines of faith—bringing the Gospel to cannibal tribes, partnering with underground churches in Vietnam, being kicked out of India for “too many conversions,” and seeing over one million people gain access to clean water through wells built around the world.We also turn the conversation inward, unpacking the flaws of the American church, why people walk away over dumb disagreements, and how comfortable Christianity often clashes with the radical nature of the Gospel.This is an honest conversation about risk, sacrifice, global missions, and what it really means to follow Jesus when it’s inconvenient—or even dangerous.

We all have toxic people in our lives—and pretending they don’t exist doesn’t make them go away. In this episode of Dumb Saints, we talk about what actually makes someone toxic, the red flags to watch for, and why unhealthy behavior often gets ignored or excused.We also wrestle with the harder question: how do you love toxic people without enabling them or losing yourself in the process? This conversation is honest, practical, and rooted in real life—because love doesn’t mean tolerating everything, and boundaries aren’t a lack of compassion.

Every January, we convince ourselves that a new calendar will fix old patterns. But what if New Year’s resolutions aren’t just ineffective—what if they’re built to fail?In this episode of Dumb Saints, we rant about why resolutions rarely stick, how they’re rooted more in shame and willpower than repentance and grace, and why the Bible never tells us to wait for January to obey God. We talk stats, Scripture, and sanctification—and why real change comes from daily rhythms, not annual hype.If you’ve ever quit a resolution by February and wondered what that says about your faith (or your discipline), this episode is for you.

Christian music didn’t just change styles — it changed cultures. In this episode, we trace the journey from traditional hymns to modern chart-topping worship and CCM, exploring the key eras that shaped the Christian music industry. Along the way, we talk honestly about the strengths, struggles, and tensions each era introduced — ministry and marketing, worship and performance, faith and fame. Whether you love the old hymns, modern worship, or everything in between, this conversation invites you to think deeper about how Christian music reflects the Church, the culture, and our calling today.

Why are so many young people walking away from modern churches and finding a home in older, more traditional expressions of faith?In this episode, we explore the cultural, spiritual, and emotional forces driving Gen Z toward Catholicism and liturgical Protestant traditions. From a desire for deeper roots and sacred rhythms to frustrations with contemporary worship culture, we dive into the theories, stories, and trends behind this growing movement.Whether you’re a church leader, a curious listener, or someone wrestling with these shifts yourself, this conversation sheds light on what today’s young adults are truly longing for—and what the modern church can learn from their journey.

In this episode of Dumb Saints, we crack open the pages of Scripture your Sunday school teachers definitely skipped. From the prophet who curses a group of kids and unleashes two angry bears, to the dead who walked out of their graves and into town at Jesus’ resurrection—these are the stories that make you say, “Wait… that’s actually in the Bible?” We’ll dive into holy teleportation, ancient necromancy, and the moments that are equal parts miraculous, mysterious, and downright wild.If you’ve ever wondered what else is lurking between the lines of your Bible, this episode’s for you.

We’re back for our third comment episode, and this time we’re diving into your feedback on our recent conversations about evangelizing to the LGBTQ community. You sent thoughtful questions, critiques, and encouragement, and we’re taking the time to respond with honesty, humility, and a heart for truth. The discussion continues—because real conversations don’t end when the episode does.

Everyone says reaching the LGBTQ+ community is complicated — but what if we’ve made it harder than it needs to be? In this episode, we talk about how to share the Gospel without watering it down, how to love without affirming sin, and what real repentance looks like in a culture that rejects truth.

The Church says it cares about reaching lost people — but are we actually doing it? In this episode of The Dumb Saints, we take an honest look at why evangelism in the modern church isn’t working and what needs to change now.We break down four practical shifts every church should make if we want to reach the people Jesus actually called us to reach. From strategy to culture to how we talk about faith, this one’s a wake-up call for leaders, pastors, and believers who are tired of playing church and ready to make an impact.If you’ve ever wondered why evangelism feels harder than ever — and what we can do to change that — this episode is for you.

This week, we’re joined by Bryce Thompson, the visionary founder of Joyful Noize — a Christian nightclub that’s shaking up what faith, community, and worship can look like.Bryce opens up about his story — from his early struggles and finding faith to how God gave him the wild idea to turn the party scene into a praise scene. What started as a dream became a movement: a place where lights flash, beats drop, and Jesus is at the center of it all.Some people call it too different. Some call it too bold. But Bryce calls it obedience.This episode will challenge what you think ministry looks like — and make you rethink what it means to bring light into the dark.

Everybody messes up. Judas and Peter both blew it big time—but only one stuck around long enough to let Jesus redeem the mess. In this episode, we talk about what active faith looks like, why “picking Christianity like a favorite color” doesn’t cut it, and how real faith keeps moving even when you fall.

What were you doing at 18? Probably not surviving a stroke and then dedicating your life to telling the world about God’s healing power. Lerato Fridge did exactly that. In this episode, we sit down with Lerato to hear The Miraculous Comeback of Lerato Fridge — her wild, hope-filled, and brutally honest story of walking through something unthinkable and coming out with a mission.

Some questions never make it past the pew. They’re whispered in small groups, wrestled with in journals, or left hanging because no one dares ask them out loud. In this episode of The Dumb Saints Podcast, we dive into The Questions Your Church Avoids — the ones that feel too risky, too heavy, or too “off-limits” for Sunday morning. From doubt and suffering to church culture and theology, we’re tackling the stuff most people are afraid to bring up, but everyone is secretly thinking about.

Why do so many Christians avoid serving in the church? In this episode, we push back on the excuses, the consumer mindset, and the “I just want to be fed” attitude that keeps people from stepping into their role in the body of Christ. Yes, we talk about the dangers of manipulation and burnout—but we also challenge the idea that sitting on the sidelines is an option. Serving isn’t just a duty, it’s part of your calling and your purpose.

Have Christians traded the kingdom for the ballot box? In this episode, we dive into how misplaced allegiance and voter idolatry have crept into the church. From political parties elevated above the gospel to the myth that democracy is a kingdom principle, we challenge the ways faith has been entangled with politics — and ask what true witness looks like under the reign of Christ the King.

This week, we sit down to watch a mix of clips we picked out for each other—some funny, some serious—and give our unfiltered reactions. From wild revival moments to debates about tongues and church culture, to preachers saying crazy stuff from the pulpit (and even slipping up in hilarious ways), we dig into it all. Some moments spark laughter, others spark real conversation about what’s actually a move of the Spirit—and what’s just plain human.

Becoming king wasn’t David’s “happily ever after.” The same man who slayed giants and wrote psalms also faced betrayal, moral failure, family drama, and the heavy weight of leadership. In this episode, we dig into the highs and lows of David’s reign — and what his story reveals about God’s faithfulness even when His people are far from perfect.

In this week's episode, we follow the dramatic early journey of David before he ever wore a crown. A humble shepherd is secretly anointed to be Israel’s next king, yet his path is anything but straightforward. He shocks the nation by slaying Goliath, rises as a celebrated war hero, and then becomes a fugitive, narrowly escaping Saul’s attempts on his life. Through triumph and pursuit, God’s favor follows him, setting the stage for a divine elevation that begins as Saul’s reign nears its end. This episode is a story of calling, conflict, and the mysterious work of God in shaping a king.

After a flood of feedback, hot takes, and DMs—we're back for round two. In this follow-up episode, we respond to your thoughts and dig even deeper into the tensions around worship culture. Are preferences dividing the Church? And how do we keep Jesus at the center when everything else gets loud? It’s honest, a little spicy, and totally worth the part two.

This week on The Dumb Saints Podcast, we dive into what worship really means beyond the lights, lyrics, and livestreams. Is Christian music too “me” focused? Why do churches get so particular about how worship should look or sound? Should musicians get paid for leading worship—or is that missing the point entirely? We unpack the heart, the hype, and the hot takes around modern worship culture.

This week, we’re pulling back the curtain on the flashy side of ministry. From designer suits to luxury cars, some preachers have turned the pulpit into a platform for self-promotion. But where’s the line between relevance and showmanship? We talk honestly about the pressure to make church appealing in a modern world—and how that pursuit can sometimes drift into vanity. Let’s get real about what truly reflects the heart of the Gospel.

In this honest and unfiltered conversation, we sit down with Stephen Swebb—a pastor, church leader, and former Elevation staffer—for a deep dive into the complicated layers of church culture. We talk about what happens when church becomes more about appearance than authenticity, how over-religious behavior can damage real faith, and why knowing when to walk away might be the most spiritual move you make.Stephen shares lessons from his time inside big church systems, what quitting well looks like, and how he’s rethinking ministry, leadership, and life. If you've ever felt disillusioned with church or wondered if it's okay to question how we "do ministry," this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive into the story of Jonah—not just the whale tale, but the raw journey of disobedience, bitterness, and reluctant obedience. We explore how Jonah's struggle mirrors our own: running from God's call, wrestling with grace, and learning that God's plan often collides with our expectations. Join us as we unpack what Jonah’s story reveals about our hearts—and God’s.

In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Fremont and Elijah Little, who bring their personal experiences, insights, and honest perspectives to the table. Together, we’re digging deeper into the cultural, historical, and spiritual dynamics that shape the Black and white church in America today.

In this episode, we unpack the trap of comparison — how it sneaks into our thoughts, steals our joy, and distorts our identity in Christ. Whether it's social media, success, or spiritual maturity, we explore what Scripture says about measuring ourselves against others and how to shift our focus back to God's unique purpose for our lives. Join us as we discuss practical ways to break free from the comparison game and walk confidently in God's grace.

This week, we're doing something different. You've watched, you've commented—and now we're responding. In this special episode, we take time to read and reflect on the feedback, questions, and even the criticisms left on our previous videos. It’s real talk, honest answers, and a reminder that we're all growing together in Christ.

In this episode, we dive into the dilemma many believers face: we know discipleship matters, but are we actually doing it? We talk about the value of investing in the spiritual growth of others while also remaining teachable and open to being discipled ourselves. True discipleship is a two-way street—and it’s essential for a thriving, Christ-centered life.

In a world full of noise, pressure, and mixed messages, discerning your true calling can feel overwhelming—sometimes even paralyzing. Join us as we untangle the confusion around purpose, vocation, and faith.

In this episode of The Dumb Saints, we dive into the well-meaning but often unhelpful clichés that float around Christian circles—phrases like “God won’t give you more than you can handle” or “Everything happens for a reason.” Where do they come from, and do they hold up to biblical truth? Join us as we unpack the theology (or lack thereof) behind these sayings, laugh at the absurdity, and look for a more honest, grounded faith.

In a world that glorifies having the last word, what happens when we choose silence instead? In this episode, we explore the biblical wisdom of holding our tongue, the strength found in quietness, and how listening can be a powerful tool. Sometimes (probably most of the time), the best thing for a saint to do is shut up.

We all mess up—but God can use our failures to grow us, teach us, and even draw us closer to Him. Because sometimes, the biggest lessons come from the hardest moments.

In this episode, we explore the often unspoken differences between big churches and small churches—beyond just the size of the sanctuary. From worship styles and community dynamics to pastoral presence and spiritual depth, we’re diving into what makes each setting unique. It's a conversation that might ruffle some feathers, but it's one worth having.

In this episode, we explore the often unspoken differences between big churches and small churches—beyond just the size of the sanctuary. From worship styles and community dynamics to pastoral presence and spiritual depth, we’re diving into what makes each setting unique. It's a conversation that might ruffle some feathers, but it's one worth having.

In this episode, we dive into the tension between the boundless gift of grace and the call to transformation that comes with it. How do we live in the tension between mercy and accountability? Join the Dumb Saints as we unpack this paradox.

In this debut episode, we’re diving into some of the most common misconceptions about ministry—what it is, who it's for, and what it really looks like behind the scenes. Whether you've felt called, confused, or just curious, this conversation unpacks the truth behind the titles, the trials, and the calling. Let’s break the myths and talk real ministry.

The Dumb Saints podcast is launching on April 9.