The Pulpit and Porch

This week on The Pulpit & Porch, we welcomed comedian, magician, and speaker Matt Fore (www.mattfore.com) for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and inspiring.

Matt shares how he uses humor and sleight of hand to point people toward faith, the art of storytelling on stage, and the surprising parallels between magic tricks and the wonders of God’s work.

Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and get ready for a magic...

What happens when you unplug from TV, movies, and media for 40 days, and intentionally turn your attention toward Jesus?

In this special episode, Tony sits down with Robert for an honest conversation about his Lent experience. What started as a simple media fast became a deeply personal journey of self-awareness, spiritual growth, and a surprising look at the noise we live with every day.

Whether you observed Lent or not, this one wi...

This week, we slide off the sermon notes and into the batter’s box. It’s a shorter, special episode where we’re talking just baseball.

From childhood memories to current obsessions, we cover our favorite teams, moments, and what baseball means to us. And yes—Robert pitches a truly wild idea for a rule change that just might change the game forever (or at least start an argument or two).

No theology. No hot takes on church strategy. J...

In Part 2 of our conversation on Lent, we dive deeper into the heart behind the season. Is giving something up really what Jesus asks of us? Or is there a better way to draw closer to Him? With honesty, humor, and a porch-side perspective, we explore the history of Lent, its value (and potential pitfalls), and whether it’s time to rethink how we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Whether you’ve observed Lent for years or never given it ...

On this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, Tony and Robert dive into the history and heart behind Lent. Where did it come from? Is it biblical? Why do some churches observe it while others don’t? With perspectives from the Restoration and Baptist traditions, we ask the big questions about spiritual practices, tradition, and how we draw closer to Jesus in meaningful ways.

Whether you grew up with ashes and fasting or have never once ...

In the final installment of our Attractional vs. Transformational series, we dive deeper into the practical steps churches can take to ensure they are not just drawing crowds but truly making disciples. How can church leaders measure discipleship effectiveness? What key changes might be necessary to create a church culture that fosters real spiritual growth? Join us as we wrap up this important conversation with insights, challenge...

The conversation continues! In Part 2, we go deeper into practical strategies for ensuring that an attractional church model leads to real, lasting discipleship. We discuss key metrics pastors should track, real-life examples of churches that are doing this well, and how leaders can evaluate and strengthen their discipleship approach. Whether you’re leading a church or simply invested in your spiritual growth, this episode is for y...

In a world where churches strive to be engaging and relevant, how do we ensure we’re not just drawing crowds but making true disciples? In this episode, we dive into the balance between being attractional and transformational, discussing how churches can create engaging experiences while still ensuring deep spiritual growth. Can a church be both? What does true discipleship look like? Join us as we explore these important questions...

How does caring for our physical health impact our spiritual leadership? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Howard Petersen to discuss the connection between body and spirit in Christian leadership. We explore key scriptures on caring for our bodies, the challenges leaders face in maintaining their health, and practical ways to integrate wellness into a busy ministry life. Join us for an insightful conversation on leading well i...

Loyalty is a rare but powerful virtue in today’s world. In this episode, we dive deep into what true loyalty looks like—in friendships, leadership, and faith. How do we cultivate loyalty in our teams, churches, and personal lives? What does the Bible say about staying committed even when it’s hard? Join us as we explore the impact of unwavering commitment and the dangers of misplaced loyalty.

Tune in now and let’s talk about the...

We’re continuing our deep dive into the role of AI in ministry! In Part 2, we tackle the ethical concerns, theological boundaries, and real-world applications of AI in churches today. Should AI have a place in spiritual guidance? How can pastors and church leaders use it responsibly? Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities AI presents for the future of faith.

Listen now! #FaithAndTechnology #AIinMinistry #ThePulpi...

In Part One of AI in Ministry: The Future of Faith and Technology, we dive into the fascinating world where innovation meets faith. From AI-driven sermon tools to churches experimenting with virtual pastors, we’re exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we engage with ministry.

We discuss groundbreaking stories like the AI Jesus in a European confessional booth and the American pastor offering a subscription-bas...

The conversation continues on the porch! In this episode, Tony and Robert dive deeper into preparing for a meaningful and purposeful 2025. From setting goals that matter to cultivating habits that last, this is a guide to stepping into the new year with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re mapping out dreams or fine-tuning daily practices, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement to help you move forward.

Start the n...

Lessons Learned: Part One 

Pull up a chair and pour a glass of sweet tea as we dive into meaningful conversations about the year gone by. In this episode, Tony and Robert share personal stories, thought-provoking practices, and practical tips to help you reflect on 2024 and prepare for a purposeful 2025. Whether you’re seeking clarity, closure, or inspiration for the road ahead, this is the perfect place to start your new year.

Tu...

We’re back for the second half of our year-end celebration! In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, we’re diving even deeper into the best moments of 2024. From personal milestones to behind-the-scenes stories, and even some surprise favorites from the podcast, we’re wrapping up the year with heartfelt gratitude and a lot of laughs.

Pull up a chair on the porch and join us as we look back, share what we’ve learned, and get ready...

Join us on The Pulpit & Porch as we look back on an unforgettable year! In this special episode, we’re sharing our favorite moments from the podcast, the most impactful listener stories, and some of the life lessons we’ve learned along the way. From standout episodes to personal reflections, this is the perfect way to close out the year with gratitude and a little bit of fun.

Grab a glass of sweet tea, pull up a chair, and take...