What do youth group dirt bikes, awkward pizza parties, and Ecclesiastes have in common? According to pastor and author Nicholas McDonald—everything.
In this honest and hopeful conversation, Elliot Sands and Nicholas talk about his new book The Light In Our Eyes and the hunger so many people feel for a faith that’s honest, embodied, and full of beauty. They explore what deconstruction really is (and isn’t), why so many have left the Church but not Jesus, and how the Church’s calling is not escape but restoration. Along the way, they laugh at awkward ministry moments, challenge escapist theology, and paint a picture of hope that makes Christians peculiar.
This episode is for anyone who's questioning, carrying someone else’s questions, or ready to rebuild their faith story with Jesus at the center.
What deconstruction actually means
Why many leave the church, but not Jesus
American evangelicalism vs. the historic global church
Escapist theology and the problem with “just get saved”
Confession, communion, and authentic grace
Hope as a spiritual act of resistance
Restorying faith through Scripture, beauty, and belonging
Nicholas McDonald is a pastor, writer, speaker, and the author of The Light In Our Eyes: Seeing the Church Again for the First Time. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the University of St. Andrews, Nicholas has worked in both campus ministry with university students and pastoral roles. His writing explores themes of beauty, belonging, and belief in a disenchanted world. He currently serves at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and publishes a Substack newsletter called The Bard Owl.
Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.
Connect with Nicholas McDonald
📘 Book: The Light In Our Eyes
📰 Newsletter: The Bard Owl on Substack
🎤 X: nicholasmcd
🌐 Church: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis
Connect with Live Faith First
📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst
🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst