Nephilim Death Squad The 501c3 System w/ Zack Killey of Salty Saints Podcast
Jan 12, 2026
02:37:57
In this episode of Nephilim Death Squad, we’re joined by Zack Killey, pastor and host of the Salty Saints Podcast, to break down the 501(c)(3) church system, how it reshaped modern Christianity, and why the institutional church often looks nothing like the model Jesus established.
We discuss how tax-exempt status, church growth metrics, and corporate-style leadership structures have shifted the focus away from the Great Commission and toward attendance, money, branding, and compliance. Zack explains why discipleship has been outsourced to pastors, how the church became a business model, and why many believers feel spiritually stalled despite constant “church activity.”
This conversation goes deep into biblical authority, discipleship, spiritual warfare, and the difference between Christ’s original mission and modern religious systems. We also examine worship culture, repetition, psychology, and why real transformation happens through lived obedience—not performance.
This is a necessary conversation for anyone questioning the modern church while still taking Jesus seriously.
👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes
👉 Support the show on Patreon for early access and exclusive content
👤 Guest Socials
Zack Killey
Podcast: Salty Saints Podcast
Website: https://saltysaintspodcast.com
Platforms: Apple Podcasts, podcast platforms
⚠️ Note: Search “Salty Saints Podcast” (not the Mormon apologetics channel)
00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter
01:14 Support Us on Patreon
01:58 Guest Introduction: Zach
04:29 Discussion on 501(c)(3) System
04:45 The Great Commission and Church's Mission
09:52 Challenges and Criticisms of Modern Church Practices
32:01 Worship and Authenticity in Church
40:25 Reflecting on Jesus' Original Church
41:48 The Great Commission Discussion
44:28 Personal Testimonies and Discipleship
46:05 Challenges in Modern Church Systems
48:25 The Role of Discipleship in Faith
51:02 Critique of Church Practices
52:29 The Importance of Personal Testimony
58:56 Discipleship vs. Teaching
01:18:14 The Impact of Modern Life on Faith
01:21:47 Historical Shifts in Christianity
01:23:59 The Pursuit of Knowledge
01:24:12 The Enlightenment Period
01:24:24 Debate Culture in the Church
01:25:55 Institutionalization of the Church
01:26:50 The Role of Constantine
01:27:43 Rituals and Discomfort in Church
01:31:44 The Importance of Systems
01:41:55 The Body of Christ
01:45:18 Challenges in Modern Church Leadership
01:47:11 Biblical Context for Church Roles
01:52:32 Living a Life of Faith
01:56:24 Evangelism and Individualism
01:58:28 Transforming Hearts Through the Gospel
01:59:59 Lessons from Disobedience
02:00:27 Understanding God's Role
02:01:01 Challenges in Ministry
02:02:41 Reforming the Church
02:04:58 Balancing Ministry and Livelihood
02:09:44 The Role of Wealth in Faith
02:16:41 Practical Advice for Pastors
02:17:20 The Importance of Community
02:19:24 Navigating Modern Church Dynamics
02:36:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.
☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.
Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.
Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com.
Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.
We discuss how tax-exempt status, church growth metrics, and corporate-style leadership structures have shifted the focus away from the Great Commission and toward attendance, money, branding, and compliance. Zack explains why discipleship has been outsourced to pastors, how the church became a business model, and why many believers feel spiritually stalled despite constant “church activity.”
This conversation goes deep into biblical authority, discipleship, spiritual warfare, and the difference between Christ’s original mission and modern religious systems. We also examine worship culture, repetition, psychology, and why real transformation happens through lived obedience—not performance.
This is a necessary conversation for anyone questioning the modern church while still taking Jesus seriously.
👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes
👉 Support the show on Patreon for early access and exclusive content
👤 Guest Socials
Zack Killey
Podcast: Salty Saints Podcast
Website: https://saltysaintspodcast.com
Platforms: Apple Podcasts, podcast platforms
⚠️ Note: Search “Salty Saints Podcast” (not the Mormon apologetics channel)
00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter
01:14 Support Us on Patreon
01:58 Guest Introduction: Zach
04:29 Discussion on 501(c)(3) System
04:45 The Great Commission and Church's Mission
09:52 Challenges and Criticisms of Modern Church Practices
32:01 Worship and Authenticity in Church
40:25 Reflecting on Jesus' Original Church
41:48 The Great Commission Discussion
44:28 Personal Testimonies and Discipleship
46:05 Challenges in Modern Church Systems
48:25 The Role of Discipleship in Faith
51:02 Critique of Church Practices
52:29 The Importance of Personal Testimony
58:56 Discipleship vs. Teaching
01:18:14 The Impact of Modern Life on Faith
01:21:47 Historical Shifts in Christianity
01:23:59 The Pursuit of Knowledge
01:24:12 The Enlightenment Period
01:24:24 Debate Culture in the Church
01:25:55 Institutionalization of the Church
01:26:50 The Role of Constantine
01:27:43 Rituals and Discomfort in Church
01:31:44 The Importance of Systems
01:41:55 The Body of Christ
01:45:18 Challenges in Modern Church Leadership
01:47:11 Biblical Context for Church Roles
01:52:32 Living a Life of Faith
01:56:24 Evangelism and Individualism
01:58:28 Transforming Hearts Through the Gospel
01:59:59 Lessons from Disobedience
02:00:27 Understanding God's Role
02:01:01 Challenges in Ministry
02:02:41 Reforming the Church
02:04:58 Balancing Ministry and Livelihood
02:09:44 The Role of Wealth in Faith
02:16:41 Practical Advice for Pastors
02:17:20 The Importance of Community
02:19:24 Navigating Modern Church Dynamics
02:36:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.
☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.
Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.
Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com.
Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.