Shows
What Your Pastor Really ThinksNavigating Gender Identity Issues in Church, Work, and FamilyIn this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Matt Wolf and Drew Tarwater tackle one of the most complex and sensitive topics facing Christians today: gender identity. With candor, compassion, and a commitment to biblical truth, they explore how followers of Jesus can navigate issues of gender identity in the workplace, the church, and personal relationships.The pastors discuss how Christians can balance grace and truth, address the challenges of pronoun usage and name changes, and respond to new legal mandates such as Colorado's recent legislation around gender identity in schools and workplaces. Drawing on...2025-06-2444 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksFaith, Facts, and the Bible’s TrustworthinessIn this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Drew Tarwater, Ryan McBride, and Matt Wolf dive into one of the most challenging and foundational questions in the Christian faith: Does the Bible prove God exists—or does it simply presume He does? Together, they explore the reliability of Scripture, the tension between faith and science, and how believers can respond to skepticism in a thoughtful, honest way.With references to historical evidence, textual preservation, and personal faith journeys, this conversation balances scholarly insight with real-world application. Whether you're a committed believer, an honest skeptic, or so...2025-06-1635 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksSchool’s Out, Church’s… Optional?In this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Ryan McBride, Matt Wolf, and Drew Tarwater tackle a surprisingly hot topic: Summer Church. Is church really "out for summer"? From dwindling attendance to camping weekends, they explore the rhythms, frustrations, and opportunities that arise when warm weather and worship collide—especially in Colorado, where the mountains beckon every Saturday morning.The pastors candidly share how their churches adapt through creative scheduling, outdoor services, online worship options, and community events like Whitewater Festival and Blossom Fest. They also discuss how habits around church attendance affect spiritual health—and...2025-06-0231 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksIf God Knows Everything, Why Do Bad Things Still Happen?In this thought-provoking episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Matt Wolf, Ryan McBride, and Drew Tarwater tackle one of the most challenging theological questions: If God's foreknowledge is perfect—why does He allow suffering, tragedy, and evil in the world?From natural disasters like the Joplin tornado to personal loss and deep spiritual confusion, the pastors explore questions many believers wrestle with:Why pray if God already knows everything?Does free will limit divine intervention?How can we reconcile God’s goodness with our daily suffering?2025-05-2729 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksJesus, Ethics, and AICan artificial intelligence bring you closer to Jesus—or is it a digital distraction? In this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Matt Wolf, Ryan McBride, and Drew Tarwater dive into the rapidly growing world of AI and explore how it intersects with faith, ethics, and the church.From using ChatGPT for sermon research and meal planning to debating whether AI-generated worship songs are spiritually authentic, the pastors get real about where the line is—and how not to cross it. They unpack everything from AI-powered relationship tools to digital discipleship, discussing whether AI i...2025-05-1925 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksDoes Jesus Love My Drug Use?In this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Rob sits down with Pastors Matt Wolf, Ryan McBride, and Drew Tarwater to take on one of the most culturally relevant—and spiritually challenging—questions facing the church today: “Does Jesus love my drug use?”From marijuana and microdosing psychedelics to medically prescribed cannabis, the pastors offer a raw and honest conversation about legality, spiritual leadership, biblical interpretation, and what it really means to be sober-minded. With firsthand experience, practical wisdom, and deep theological insights, they explore how substances can either dull or deepen our dependence on Chris...2025-05-1225 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksDoes God Send Evil Spirits? | What Your Pastor Really ThinksThis week on What Your Pastor Really Thinks, we’re digging into one of the Bible’s most controversial ideas: the notion that God might send evil spirits. With insights from 1 Samuel 16 and real-life stories of spiritual warfare, Pastors Drew Tarwater and Matt Wolfe join host Rob Blausey to discuss God's sovereignty, biblical interpretation, and the spiritual realities often ignored in modern culture.Key topics include:What the Bible really means when it says “an evil spirit from the Lord”The difference between God sending and God allowingReal-life experien...2025-04-2128 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksTaxes: Paying Thine Taxes What Your Pastor Really Thinks – Ep. Taxes: Paying Thine TaxesIt's tax season, and we're diving headfirst into the topic that makes everyone sweat—yes, taxes. In this episode, Pastors Matt Wolf and Drew Tarwater join host Rob Blausey for a candid, thought-provoking, and at times hilarious conversation about what Scripture really says about paying taxes, the ethics of tax loopholes, and how Christians should navigate gray areas with integrity.We explore:Jesus’ famous “Give to Caesar” teachingBiblical foundations for civic responsibilityLoopholes vs. law-breaking—what’s ethical?The tensio...2025-04-0728 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksThe Truth About Lent & St. Patrick’s DayIn this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, we dive into the real meaning behind Lent and St. Patrick’s Day! Our pastors discuss their personal experiences with Lent, fasting, and church traditions, while also exploring the incredible story of St. Patrick—beyond the green beer and parades.🌟 Topics Covered: ✅ Why some churches observe Lent (and why others don’t) ✅ St. Patrick: His journey from slavery to spreading the gospel ✅ The myths vs. reality of St. Patrick’s Day (Snakes? Shamrocks? We break it down!) ✅ How faith and culture intersect in modern churches ✅ The power of dreams and how God st...2025-03-1739 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksQ&A – Your Toughest Questions AnsweredIn this special Q&A episode, Pastors Matt Wolf, Ryan McBride, and Drew Tarwater tackle some of the toughest and most intriguing questions sent in by listeners. From the reality of spiritual forces to whether pastors are held to a higher standard, this episode is packed with deep theological insights, engaging discussions, and a few surprises.📢 Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on these topics? Have more questions? Drop them in the comments or email us at rob@sympler.com👍 Like, Subscribe, and Follow for more real conversations on faith, theology, and culture!2025-03-1025 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksPop Culture & The Church – Finding the BalanceShould churches use pop culture to engage people, or does it dilute the message of Jesus? In this episode, Pastors Matt Wolf, Ryan McBride, and Drew Tarwater dive into the role of music, movies, and cultural references in church. From playing secular songs on Sunday mornings to using movie clips in sermons, the pastors debate how to reach people without compromising the gospel. 📢 Join the Conversation: What do you think? Should churches use pop culture to reach people? Let us know in the comments! Have deeper questions? Email us at rob@sympler.com👍 Don’t forget...2025-03-0335 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksDoes the Bible Condone Slavery?Slavery is one of the most difficult and controversial topics in the Bible. Does Scripture condone it, regulate it, or outright condemn it? In this episode, Pastors Matt Wolf, Ryan McBride, and Drew Tarwater break down biblical slavery vs. modern slavery, explore historical context, and discuss how Jesus’ teachings point toward freedom and equality.📢 Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on this topic? Let us know in the comments! Have deeper questions? Email us at rob@sympler.com👍 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Follow for more thought-provoking episodes on faith, culture, a...2025-02-2431 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksShould Christians Judge? | What the Bible Says About Judging Others | What Your Pastor Really ThinksIn this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Drew Tarwater, Matt Wolfe, and Ryan McBride tackle one of the most misquoted Bible verses: "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). What does Jesus actually say about judgment? Are Christians supposed to judge others? And how do we balance truth with love?From calling out hypocrisy to helping fellow believers with sin, this episode dives deep into the biblical perspective on judging others.📌 Topics Discussed: What does the Bible really say about judging others? The difference between righteous judgment and hyp...2025-02-1722 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksChristian Dating: Modern Challenges & Biblical WisdomIn this episode ofWhat Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Drew Tarwater, Matt Wolf, and Ryan McBride take on the topic ofdating as a Christian. From navigating modern dating culture to applying biblical principles, they share personal stories, hot takes, and practical advice for finding a partner who shares your faith.Whether you’re single, dating, or raising kids who are stepping into the dating world, this conversation unpacks what it means to date well in a Christ-centered way.💬 Join the discussion! Share your thoughts in the comments or email us at Rob@symler.com.📌Ke...2025-02-1028 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksGambling, the Bible, and the Super Bowl
In this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Drew Tarwater, Matt Wolf, and Ryan McBride dive into the controversial and gray-area topic of gambling. As Super Bowl betting skyrockets across America, the pastors explore what the Bible says about gambling, its impact on faith, and how to approach it with wisdom.
Can you place a bet responsibly, or does it cross the line into sin or foolishness? From personal stories and scripture-based insights to discussions on stewardship, addiction, and family impact, this episode offers a balanced and engaging perspective.
💬 Join the con...2025-02-0328 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksChristian Hedonism – Can Happiness and Holiness Coexist?
Can Christians pursue happiness while remaining holy? In this thought-provoking episode, Pastors Drew Tarwater, Matt Wolf, and Ryan McBride delve into the intriguing concept of Christian hedonism, popularized by John Piper. With differing perspectives, they tackle the tension between finding joy in God and navigating a culture that often equates pleasure with sin.
This episode is packed with insights, humor, and respectful disagreement, offering a balanced exploration of whether Christians can glorify God by enjoying Him forever.
👉 Join the conversation! Who’s right? Cast your vote in the comments.🎧 Follow and subscribe for more epi...2025-01-2733 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksAliens, UFOs, and the Bible
Are aliens real? Could UFO sightings be supernatural? In this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, Pastors Matt Wolfe, Ryan McBride, and Drew Tarwater dive into one of the most fascinating and speculative topics: extraterrestrial life. Join the pastors as they explore the science, theology, and cultural intrigue surrounding aliens and UFOs. From humorous takes on who should represent Earth to probing questions about the spiritual implications of UFO sightings, this episode delivers a blend of fun, faith, and thought-provoking conversation.
👉 Join the conversation! Who’s right? Cast your vote in the comments.🎧 Follow and subs...2025-01-2027 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksRespecting Leaders and Bridging Political DividesJoin Pastors Drew Tarwater, Matt Wolf, and Ryan McBride as they dive into a timely and challenging discussion on respecting leaders, honoring differing perspectives, and finding unity in a polarized world. In this episode, the pastors share biblical insights, personal experiences, and practical tips on navigating political tensions as Christians. From exploring the balance between honoring leaders and addressing sin issues to shifting our identities from political ideologies to Christ-centered living, this episode offers a thought-provoking and grace-filled perspective for believers.
👉 Join the conversation! Who’s right? Cast your vote in the comments.🎧 Follow and subscribe for more epi...2025-01-1329 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksDry January: A Pastor’s Perspective on Drinking and DisciplineIn this thought-provoking episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, we dive into the complex topic of alcohol and Christian living. Join Pastors Drew Tarwater (Forefront Church), Matt Wolf (Arise Church), and Ryan McBride (Catalyst Church) as they explore questions like: Is drinking biblical? What does scripture say about moderation, dependency, and sober-mindedness? And how can Dry January reveal more about our habits—and hearts?
From cultural perspectives to personal stories, this candid discussion tackles the role of discipline in our lives, balancing Christian liberty with leadership, and identifying idols that may creep into our daily routines. Wh...2025-01-0622 min
What Your Pastor Really ThinksNew Year, New Habits: A Pastor's Perspective on ResolutionsIn this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, we tackle the age-old tradition of New Year's resolutions. Are they biblical? How do habits and goals intersect? And what can ancient Babylon teach us about self-improvement? Join Pastors Drew Tarwater (Forefront Church), Matt Wolf (Arise Church), and Ryan McBride (Catalyst Church) as they dive into the origins of resolutions, the power of habits, and how to glorify God through intentional growth.
From tips on breaking bad habits to creating rhythms for spiritual and personal development, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice for starting the...2024-12-2826 minWhat Your Pastor Really ThinksWhat Your Pastor Really Thinks: The Journey BeginsWelcome to the debut episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks! Join hosts Rob, Drew Tarwater (Forefront Church), Matt Wolfe (Arise Church), and Ryan McBride (Catalyst Church) as they pull back the curtain on pastoral life. Why are pastors more casual these days? What’s the deal with beards and first-name bases? In this introduction, we explore the heart behind the podcast: addressing cultural issues, theology, and even fun topics like aliens, Sasquatch, and New Year’s habits. Prepare for honest opinions, biblical insights, and a few laughs along the way.
Got a topic you want covered? Drop...2024-12-2713 min