To Be The Church

Recently, Andrew came across a question from a youth pastor regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. In light of where our nation is politically, is it OK for a Christian to say the pledge? Is it in bounds to refrain? Join us as Andrew and Tyler take sides and debate the issue.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Non-Participation: A Sermon by John Mark Comer, A Christian Manifesto by Francis Schaeffer, Counter Points Series: Five Views on the Church and Politics by Amy Black, Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel by Russell Moore, God & Politics by Mark DeverCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

Today we’re answering your questions… from church music to Catholic theology to the use of guns in self-defense.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Fight by Preston Sprinkle, More on Guns and Self-Defense by John PiperCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

We talk a lot about DNA on this podcast… but what does that mean? What goes in to a church’s DNA? Is it just the leadership? Or is it the church as a whole?RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, Creature of the Word by Matt Chandler and othersCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

How should a Christian view marijuana? Off limits? Totally in bounds? Is it the same as alcohol? These are the things that Andrew and Tyler think about…RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Three Reasons Not to Drop the Mic, Music Pastor: The size of your Church Matters, Politics and the Christian: 3 CallsCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

Sam is filling in for Andrew this week, and we talk about his recent sermon from Proverbs 7, warning about adultery. Sam and Tyler discuss the balance of grace and truth, as well as the balance of vulnerability in Christian art. They wrapped up this week’s episode by giving a handful of “not mainstream” Christian art recommendations, which can be found below.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Sam’s sermon on Proverbs 7, Tyler’s blog on Christian Art, Humble Beast Records, Reach Records, Ghost Ship, Bret Lott, John Mark McMillan, Josh GarrelsCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

We follow up with Tyler about his Facebook friend, and Drew joins us to discuss conflict. Tyler calls Andrew an activist, and is also the one who gets to name the episodes.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership by Gary McIntosh & Samuel Rima, Death By Meeting by Patrick Lencioni, Sacred Pathways by Gary ThomasCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

Tyler has a Facebook friend he wants to confront, and Andrew wonders if he can have his own opinions.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea for Preaching by R.C. Sproul and othersCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

We received a lot of questions about Episode 74, The “F-Bomb” in a Gospel Song, so we decided to do a really long follow-up. Enjoy. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Tim Keller on the Disappearing Umbrella Over Conservative Christians, What the Bleep Does the Bible Say About Profanity by Preston Sprinkle, Some Words on Words by Andrew Murch, $%#$!@ And Other Stuff by Andrew MurchCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

Tyler and Courtney just got back from a week of youth camp, and today they talk about the importance of youth camp, the different styles of youth camp, and the importance of being intentional with the time away. Also, they talk about prayer and creativity, and recommend some books to read this summer on those topics.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: When I Don’t Desire God by John Piper, A Praying Life by Paul Miller, The Stories We Tell by Mike Cosper, Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer, Life and Letters… by Bret LottCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch

One of Tyler’s favorite gospel bands, King’s Kaleidoscope, recently released a somewhat polarizing song, and he wants to talk about it.RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Our Interview with Chad Gardner of King’s Kaleidoscope, Cussing Podcast, Why A Synthesizer Isn’t the Holy Spirit by Bob KauflinCONTACT US: podcast@tobethechurch.com, facebook.com/tobethechurch & twitter.com/tobethechurch