The Messy Walk Podcast

In church, people enjoy hearing about hope, grace, forgiveness, and new beginnings. However, there is one word most people avoid because it is uncomfortable: "sin." Somewhere along the way, Christians have replaced this word with softer language—"mistakes," "struggles," or "brokenness." While these words share similar meanings, they do not carry the same weight; after all, sin is something we all possess. Pastor Adam and Steph define the differences between shame and conviction as a result of sin, emphasizing that people deserve truth that hasn't been watered down. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Romans 3:23, Hebrews 4:12, 1 John 1:8, 2 Corinthians 7:10, John 8:32

Money and church: two words that, when placed together, often make people exceedingly uncomfortable. Perhaps this is because of the history of abuse with money within some churches, or perhaps it is because financial well-being is so deeply personal. Regardless, it is a vital topic—one that Jesus spoke about more frequently than almost any other. Why? Because money is the primary competitor for the place in our hearts that ultimately belongs to God. Your heart follows what you treasure, so you want to make sure you put your treasures in the right place. Pastor Adam and Steph confront the discomfort directly, adding that Christians should be the most generous people on the planet and that it would not make sense to apologize for discussing something that Jesus himself talked about so much. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Matthew 6:21, Matthew 6:24, 2 Corinthians 8:9

While some responsibilities of pastoral leadership are publicly visible, many others are never fully seen and carry a lot of weight. Among these, one of the heaviest responsibilities is managing who stands on the church platform to guide moments that shape people spiritually. Anyone positioned to lead with spiritual influence must possess the moral authority to do so. Pastor Adam and Steph specifically define moral authority as a life that actively pursues what it proclaims; they emphasize the utmost care required when selecting the appropriate individuals to lead from the church platform. Not because leaders have to be perfect, but because people encounter God there. *Scripture referenced in this episode: James 3:1, 1 Timothy 4:16

While most people view Sunday as a day of rest, reflection, or worship, for a pastor, it is the most intense day of the week. It is the culmination of hours of preparation, and the Sunday service is the most visible part of a pastor's spiritual responsibility. Yet, if a pastor is never allowed to take a break, they become the only one people expect to hear week after week. Pastor Adam and Steph clear away the illusion that the church rises and falls on one person. The church is a body that thrives when each of its members is allowed to grow, even as other parts of it are given rest. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Ephesians 4:11-13

Pastor Adam and Steph wish all the listeners of The Messy Walk Podcast a happy Easter!

Unavoidably, a pastor’s family feels the weight of ministry more than anyone else in the church. Furthermore, the family members didn't necessarily choose that life for themselves—especially the children, who are born into the reality of being "pastor’s kids." Pastors often feel immense pressure as their time and attention are shared among so many; the energy spent on another church member is often energy taken away from the immediate family. Pastor Adam and Steph discuss the importance of protecting the family and treating them as his "first ministry." By focusing on family over the church, Pastor Adam is no longer apologizing for this Bible-based priority. After all, if one cannot lead his family well, how can he lead a church? *Scripture referenced in this episode: 1 Timothy 3:5, 1 Timothy 5:8

Pastors are overwhelmed with requests, meetings, conversations, emergency situations, events, and other responsibilities nearly every single day. People don't say it out loud, but the common expectation is that a pastor should always be available. The demand to commit to everything is impossible to meet without disappointing someone along the way. For those who care about others, turning someone down can lead to frequent feelings of guilt. Pastor Adam and Steph are learning that faithfulness is not measured by how exhausted you are; it is measured by endurance. Sometimes that means not overextending yourself by saying "yes" to everything. Sometimes it means unapologetically saying "no."

Without a doubt, pastors spend much of their time loving people, listening to people... and sometimes disappointing people. In a world that prefers comfort, faithfulness to God can sometimes sound offensive. Furthermore, teachers and leaders carry the weight of responsibility to communicate the truths of Scripture clearly and honestly, knowing they will be judged by God for it. Pastor Adam and Steph launch a new podcast series to say "I’m NOT sorry" for a list of things—the first of which is preaching the Bible. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Hebrews 13:17, John 1:14

Sometimes when reading the Bible, you will find details in one book that differ from those in another. At times, these details may seem to pertain to the same event—even if they do not—while in other instances, they may provide an alternative perspective of the same event with a different focus. Without further study, it can look like the authors of scripture have a disagreement. This leads many to believe that the Bible is contradictory. Pastor Adam and Steph unravel the lie by defining what a true contradiction is and conclude this series of episodes.

There are hundreds of English Bible translations, all of which differ slightly. This causes many to question how a text so ancient—and one that has been translated so many times—could possibly remain the same today as it was thousands of years ago. However, it is precisely because there are so many translations with only minimal variations that we can be confident the Bible has been well preserved, along with the core teachings of its authors. Pastor Adam and Steph break down the distinct differences between translation philosophies and make a strong case that the Bible is accurate and trustworthy.

The lie is that no one with intelligence reads the Bible anymore, and that those who do are merely religious fundamentalists and extremists. Even as higher education shuns biblical knowledge, the fact remains that some of the world's most brilliant minds—scientists, professors, and philosophers—still read and cherish the Holy Bible. Pastor Adam and Steph cite examples such as Dr. Younghoon Kim and Blaise Pascal, presenting a simple argument based on Pascal’s Wager: believers have nothing to lose if they are wrong, but atheists have everything to lose.

There is a common idea that reading the Bible is so complex that it is best left to church leaders and clergy to read and interpret. No one would want to misunderstand the Word of God, after all. However, if people place all their trust in professionals, they resign themselves to following leaders blindly and will lack the discernment to identify any slant being applied to scripture. Pastor Adam and Steph challenge this notion with a hard truth: many people have put their lives on the line to make the Bible available to the common person. Furthermore, none of the original twelve disciples of Jesus were "professionals."

Maybe you’ve felt uninterested in reading the Bible because you think it’s boring. You have so many other things you would rather do. The enemy uses this lie to keep people from even getting started, putting all kinds of distractions in front of us to keep us entertained or fixated elsewhere. Pastor Adam and Steph are coming to you through your electronic devices to retaliate against this lie. The Bible is many things, but boring is not one of them.

Pastor Adam and Steph wish all the listeners of The Messy Walk Podcast a happy new year!

Pastor Adam and Steph wish all the listeners of The Messy Walk Podcast a merry Christmas!

It's a common lie. It's said that the Bible is complex and from a different time; therefore, no one can understand it. While it is true that highly educated people are challenged by the literature and intricacies of Scripture, the fundamental truths communicated in the Bible are simple to understand. Even as Jesus encouraged His followers to approach God with childlike faith, the enemy will lie to you and say that you cannot understand God's Word. Pastor Adam and Steph tear down this lie to encourage listeners to read the Bible anyway because what you will learn is that what God has written is meant to touch people on every level of understanding.

Pastor Adam and Steph wish all the listeners of The Messy Walk Podcast a happy Thanksgiving!

The enemy knows that he can keep us from learning and growing in our much-needed relationship with God if he can convince us not to read God's own words written to us in the Bible. Pastor Adam and Steph introduce a new series in which they call out Satan's lies about Scripture. The first lie is for those who have read the Bible before and who think they already know it all. Pastor Adam admits that even after years of study, there is still plenty he does not know, and that is why it is important to continue reading to glean from the depth of God's Word. *Scripture referenced in this episode: John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 2:11

As often as we convince ourselves of many reasons why we don't share the gospel, we do not as often apply these reasons to other types of news. If an article catches our attention, we sometimes feel like talking about it even if we do not know all the details. The fact is, we are more likely to tell others about something that captivates our mind. Pastor Adam and Steph conclude the series by revealing that a big factor in our silence is a loss of awe. If you remind yourself of God's grace, perhaps you will find yourself amazed again, and that will motivate you to share your faith.

Even among close friends, the beginnings of any social interaction can be quite awkward. Sometimes it feels a little uncomfortable to find a way to break the ice. Even more difficult is finding a way to segue a conversation into a way to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Pastor Adam and Steph discuss the importance of developing relationships with people that allow you to show you care well before you share. If a person knows that you are their friend, they will be far more interested in what you have to say. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Luke 19:1-10

Jesus spent a lot of time around his disciples and fellow believers, but he also was criticized because of his frequent hangouts with people who were known to be sinners and who were rejected by religious leaders. To model the way of Jesus, you will need to spend time with both Christians and non-Christians. Pastor Adam and Steph express the value of forming relationships with people who do not share your beliefs, and that it is not likely that you do not know someone who is not a Christ-follower.

Maybe you think your life is too busy, so you have to steal time from something else to make time to share your faith. But Jesus tells us to share the gospel as we go. To be busy is not an excuse for not sharing the gospel; it's actually a good thing for creating opportunities to be a witness for Christ. Pastor Adam and Steph encourage listeners to go through the busyness of ordinary life with gospel intentionality, and to use the time you already have to tell someone about Jesus. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Matthew 28:18-20

Rejection hurts. Of course, you don't want to be turned down or ostracized in any way. People who have felt the pain of rejection often avoid situations where they feel they won't be accepted. Yet, going into something with the expectation that it will happen the same way as it has in the past is not fair when you have an opportunity to share the gospel. Pastor Adam and Steph call out this form of trauma response to remind you that Jesus was also rejected; they're not really rejecting you, they're rejecting Christ in you. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Isaiah 53:3, Luke 10:16

A lack of interest is a real deterrent. No one wants to share something meaningful with someone when it's evident that the other person just wants the conversation to end. Pastor Adam and Steph give examples of why spiritual fruit is so critical to sharing your testimony. Anyone would want the good fruit, or qualities, that the Holy Spirit freely gives. By demonstrating these good qualities and by allowing God to lead our lives, we can be examples that pique the interest of our friends, family, and colleagues in knowing more about the gospel. *Scripture referenced in this episode: John 13:35, Galatians 5:22-23

If someone you know needs to hear the gospel, do you feel equipped enough to share it? You could possibly tell them about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, but perhaps you don't think you know enough Bible verses or you don't have the right personality. If you are honest, you may not think what you have to share is enough. Pastor Adam and Steph tear down the excuse that you feel unequipped and invite listeners to share their story with others. While it's the Church's job to help equip you, you also have a responsibility to equip yourself, and it's not as hard as it seems. God has placed you in this exact time and location to make disciples, and while you plant and water seeds of faith in others, it is only God who can make them grow. *Scripture referenced in this episode: John 15, Ephesians 4:11-13

You have friends, family m,embers, or associates who are in need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and you know that you should share it with them. You're looking for your opening, a segue in the conversation to finally tell them what has been on your mind to say. Maybe they will ask you about it soon? Before you know it, your window of opportunity seems to be closing. It never felt like the right time. Pastor Adam and Steph debunk another reason you do not share the Gospel. You may feel like you don't have an ideal moment, but with practice and prayer, you can hone the skill of recognizing, seizing, and creating an opportunity to let someone know about Jesus. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Colossians 4:2-6

What prevents you from talking about spiritual matters with other people? It may be hard to admit, but there are several reasons many hesitate to share the Gospel. You know that you are supposed to go out and make disciples. You know all about the good news of Jesus Christ and the changes He has made in your life. Yet there often seems to be some reason why you feel locked up and unable to talk about it with your peers. In the start of a new series covering the many reasons people do not share the Gospel, Pastor Adam and Steph call out the number one reason many do not talk about Jesus. The odds are that you are afraid. *Scripture referenced in this episode: 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

In the book of Malachi, why does God invite his people to test him when it comes to tithing? This is the only part of the Bible where God encourages people to test him. Elsewhere in scripture it is considered sinful. What did God mean? Pastor Adam and Steph break down the difference between testing the ability and character of God out of doubt versus testing the known quality of his faithfulness. God allows his people the opportunity to see that the purity of his goodness surpasses all expectations. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Malachi 3:10, Deuteronomy 6:16

Who is allowed to baptize people? In the Bible, we see many people baptized by figures who aren't just pastors. It is widely interpreted that when Jesus gave the Great Commission, he was speaking to everyone who follows him. He told his followers to go out, make disciples, and baptize others in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For this reason, Pastor Adam and Steph believe that anyone with the authority to evangelize also has the authority to baptize. Ideally, a person should be baptized by the person who led them to Christ or by the person who has been most formative in helping them develop that relationship. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Matthew 28:18-20

The "Any Questions?" series continues, and this episode is the fifth and final part of a sub-series answering the question, "How Can Christians Be Salt and Light in Workplaces?" Pastor Adam and Steph conclude the topic by reiterating that people should see their work as a mission field, and that you have to have the Great Commission in mind and strategically figure out ways to use what you are good at to share the good news about Christ.

Is there anything you'd like to know more about, or any confusion that's nagging you? The Messy Walk Podcast is continuing its "Any Questions?" series, inviting you to send your questions on social media to be answered in future episodes. This episode is the fourth of a five-part sub-series answering the question, "How Can Christians Be Salt and Light in Workplaces?" Pastor Adam and Steph reframe the bottom line of what godly work and business looks like, explaining that it should not be about money or growth but instead about the impact of blessing other people. *Scripture referenced in this episode: 2 Corinthians 8:9

We are continuing to invite listeners to send The Messy Walk Podcast questions on social media to be answered in future episodes. This episode is the third of a five-part sub-series meant to answer the question, "How can Christians be salt and light in workplaces?" Pastor Adam and Steph seek to help us understand how worshipful work reflects the highest standard of ethics and how being truthful and honest in the workplace changes everything. If coworkers can trust you and your work, then they'll know they can also trust what you say about God. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Proverbs 11:1

Listeners are invited to continue sending The Messy Walk Podcast questions on social media to be answered in future episodes. This episode is the second of a five-part sub-series meant to answer the question, "How can Christians be salt and light in workplaces?" When we work a job for a while, particularly when we do not feel valued or appreciated, it can be hard to stay motivated. However, Pastor Adam and Steph look to the Bible to teach us that the work we do is actually for God and that worshipful work pursues the highest standard of excellence. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Colossians 3:23-24

The Messy Walk Podcast continues to invite you to send in your questions on social media to be answered in future episodes. This episode is the beginning of a five-part sub-series meant to answer the question, "How can Christians be salt and light in workplaces?" As workplace evangelism becomes increasingly important, Pastor Adam and Steph challenge us to view our workplaces as mission fields and to realize that worshipful work fulfills God's purposes in creation. *Scripture referenced in this episode: Genesis 2:15

Do you have any questions? The Messy Walk Podcast extends an invitation for you to send your own questions on social media so that they may be answered in future podcast episodes. The question of the day: How do you find comfort in the peace of God rather than the comfortability of your sin? Our host, Steph, and her husband, Jonathan, share how they rely on the deeper comfort of knowing God provides for them and that true peace comes from trusting in Jesus' love and freedom rather than by trying to do things in their own unhelpful ways. *Scripture referenced in this episode: John 14:26, Romans 8:28, Psalms 30:4-5

The Messy Walk Podcast is continuing to accept any of your questions on social media that may be answered in future podcast episodes. Have you ever felt like someone is a hopeless case? Sometimes it seems like you can't get through to someone, no matter how hard you try to share your faith with them. When is enough, enough? Pastor Adam and Steph offer an alternative perspective on sowing and reaping, and on assuming the best about the unseen work that God is doing in the lives of others.

Do you have any questions? The Messy Walk Podcast invites you to send questions on social media that may be answered in future podcast episodes. The question of the day is all about how to read the entire Bible. Pastor Adam and Steph give advice on using reading plans, Bible commentaries, chronological Bibles, and more to help you get started in your reading and to help you develop your understanding of the Scriptures by studying on a deeper level.

Continuing the "Any Questions?" series, The Messy Walk Podcast invites you to share your curiosities by sending questions that you may want answered in future podcast episodes. The topic today focuses on honesty in marriage and on how to move forward after broken trust. Married people are one, so there is nothing between husband or wife that should be hidden, whether it be fears, worries, concerns, hopes, struggles, or dreams. Pastor Adam and Steph implore married couples to always bring everything into the light and work through things together so that secrets are not allowed an opportunity to grow.

In the first episode of a new series called "Any Questions?", The Messy Walk Podcast invites you to share your curiosities by sending questions that may be answered in future podcast episodes. Today's question dives deep into church history as Pastor Adam and Steph briefly explain the reasoning and beauty behind the numerous Christian denominations, and they go on to express the importance of setting aside some minor differences for the sake of unity.

Pastor Adam and Steph share details about future episodes of The Messy Walk Podcast. This includes inviting listeners to send questions via social media to be answered in a new series, and other ideas for potential questions that may be covered.

In the conclusion to the Thankful Meditations series, Pastor Adam and Steph mull over a quote from Paul the Apostle in his letter to the church in 1st-century Thessalonica. Pastor Adam and Steph comment that Jesus never intended for us to wear rose-colored glasses and pretend everything is good all the time. In fact, he warned that life will have its troubles. However, Paul encourages the church to remain in constant communication with God and to always be thankful, because this is God's will for us. It is possible to thank him for difficulty because it often leads to something better from a different perspective.

Today's episode continues the Thankful Meditations series by focusing on a second quote from G.K. Chesterton. In his own musings, Chesterton alludes to the unbridled excitement of kids at Christmas time as opposed to our own underappreciated blessings that may seem more mundane. Pastor Adam and Steph relate the childhood enthusiasm for receiving parents' gifts to the grown-up need to generate thankfulness for God's gifts.

The Messy Walk podcast turns 200 episodes old! Celebrate with Pastor Adam and Steph as they go over the history of the podcast and introduce a reel of behind-the-scenes bloopers, off-the-cuff comments, and random ramblings.Also, be on the lookout for the announcement on social media of who will win the book giveaway and receive 10 highly recommended books referenced on the podcast before!

The Messy Walk Podcast is celebrating its upcoming 200th episode with a special book giveaway! Join Pastor Adam and Steph as they discuss 10 highly inspirational books that have been referenced on the podcast.Continuing with the Thankful Meditations series, Pastor Adam and Steph reflect on a quote from Matthew Henry, the author of one of the oldest and most frequently used Bible commentaries of all time. Henry comments on his experience of being robbed, and he realizes his misfortune could in many ways be much worse, demonstrating multiple levels of gratitude, even though bad things happen. Pastor Adam and Steph recall a couple of people they know whose deep faith allows them to handle difficult, life-altering situations with more poise than most.

Practice making God's blessings personal. Enjoy the day; don't just survive it. Treat yesterday as if it died, and today is a new birth. Pastor Adam and Steph are once again meditating on a quote from William Law, whose words were written down in the early 1700s. These ideas also lead them to share a bonus quote from G.K. Chesterton, who teaches that perhaps God is strong enough to enjoy doing His work again and again, even when we, as adults, grow tired of repetition.

Being content means being satisfied with what you have and how things are in the present. It doesn't make a difference if there is an increase or a decrease; you are not worried about striving to change anything. On the other hand, without contentment, it wouldn't matter how much you achieve; the want for more would still be there. Pastor Adam and Steph marinate on a quote from Charles Spurgeon—one of the greatest and most well-documented preachers of all time—and offer a word of advice: If you find your contentment in being a child of God, it cannot be taken away from you.

Life doesn't always feel great, but there is always a decision in how to respond to every situation. Sometimes all we can do is play the hand we are dealt. Even so, there is room for gratitude, and practicing gratefulness when our emotions are still feeling hurt and bitter is a conscious choice. This is what Henri Nouwen, a late 20th-century Catholic priest, was meaning to tell us. In this episode, Pastor Adam and Steph dissect one of the more recent quotes on their list, and they talk about the challenge of choosing to view things as blessings rather than burdens.

To say we owe a lot to God is an understatement, as he is tremendously merciful and kind to us. When we keep this in mind and acknowledge this in prayer, it has lingering depth in God's eyes, and it welcomes his favor. Pastor Adam and Steph meditate on the oldest quotes on their list, nearly 400 years old, from a Puritan preacher in the mid-1600s, John Bunyan. His words serve as a reminder that no matter what, God is constantly guiding us back to him.

We tend to pray about what seems pressing to us, yet we take for granted the many things we should be thankful for. Usually, whoever can be trusted with a little can also be trusted with a lot. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a famous theologian in Germany who was known for his involvement with the anti-Nazi movement during World War II. Pastor Adam and Steph focus on a quote from Bonhoeffer and ask themselves what they might consider big or small things to pray about, and they question what it would mean for God to give great things to those who don't receive the little things from him.