In this episode, the guys discuss what it really means to love the local church—not through rose-colored glasses, but through the lens of biblical realism. From Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas show us that the church’s beauty lies not in her perfection but in her perseverance.

Together, we explore how being realistic about the church actually deepens our love for her. Paul and his traveling companions strengthened disciples, reminded them that suffering is part of the journey, and appointed elders to help the church grow under God’s direction. That’s realism—and it’s what keeps us rooted in grace and unity today.

In this episode of Four Preachers and a Podcast, the guys discuss practical ways of making sure new Christians get connected in local congregations.

In this episode of Four Preachers and a Podcast, the guys discuss the tremendous blessings of belonging to a local church!

In this episode, Chance leads the discussion on Romans 12, exploring God's expectations for the members of the local church.

In this season finale of Four Preachers and a Podcast, the guys come together for a heartfelt and hope-filled conversation about church hurt. What happens when the people of God wound one another? How can we process that pain in a healthy, Christ-centered way?

We dive deep into the gospel’s answer to broken relationships, disappointment, and betrayal within the body of Christ. With Scripture as our guide and personal experience as our context, we seek to offer practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for anyone who’s been hurt by the church—or by Christians.

🎉 This wraps up our Season 5 miniseries! Four Preachers and a Podcast will return with Season 6 in August 2025.

Until then, stay faithful, stay encouraged, and keep looking to Jesus.

When someone is wounded by the church—whether through conflict, disappointment, or betrayal—it can be a long road to healing. As fellow Christians, how can we walk alongside those who are hurting? What should support look like? And how can we avoid unintentionally making things worse?

This is part four of our miniseries on Church Hurt, a candid conversation exploring the real pain that can happen within the church family, and how God’s people can seek healing together.

In this heartfelt episode, the four preachers delve into the sensitive topic of interpersonal hurt within the church community. Building upon the previous discussions in their “Church Hurt” miniseries, they explore how conflicts among church members can arise, the impact of such hurt, and the path toward healing and reconciliation.

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, the four preachers tackle a difficult but necessary topic: the intersection of church leadership and church hurt. While the church is a place of healing and hope, many have experienced hurt—even at the hands of leaders. In this episode, we explore how church leaders (elders, deacons, preachers, and various ministry leaders) may – either intentionally or unintentionally – contribute toward church hurt, then we transition to discuss how church leaders can minister to those in our churches who are hurting.

This is part 2 in our miniseries on church hurt.

In this episode, we begin a brand-new six-part miniseries on a topic that touches more people than we often realize — Church Hurt. For many, painful experiences connected to the church have left deep wounds, strained relationships, and even shaken faith. But what exactly do we mean when we say “church hurt”?

Robert, Chance, and Brad take a thoughtful and compassionate look at:

• Defining church hurt — Is it the same as disappointment? Abuse? Conflict? Sin?
• Recognizing the wide range of experiences that fall under this term.
• The difference between personal offense and genuine spiritual harm.
• Why this is an important conversation for the church today.

We invite you to listen with an open heart as we seek understanding and prepare to walk through this sensitive subject biblically and practically in the episodes ahead.

Have you ever faced moments when prayer felt like the last thing you wanted to do? In this episode, the preachers tackle the struggles that many Christians experience when they feel unmotivated to pray. Drawing from Scripture and personal insights, we explore the reasons behind prayer reluctance, the role of faith in those seasons, and how to rekindle a meaningful connection with God.

Episode Resources:
BOOK: Disappointment with God: Three Questions No One Asks Aloud by Philip Yancey
https://amzn.to/4gqULVi

In this episode, the Four Preachers tackle a question that has challenged believers for centuries: Do my prayers make any difference? They explore the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human prayer, addressing key questions such as:

• Does God change His mind in response to prayers?
• What biblical examples illustrate the power of prayer?
• How can we reconcile God’s unchanging nature with His responsiveness to our requests?
• Does my faith (or lack thereof) impact God’s willingness to act?

In this episode of Four Preachers and a Podcast, the panel dives into the rich lessons on prayer found in Jesus’ parables. Together, they examine stories like the friend at midnight (Luke 11:5-8) and the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), unpacking how these narratives challenge and encourage Christians to approach God with boldness, persistence, and faith.

In this episode, the Four Preachers explore the theme of persistence in prayer, focusing on Jesus’ parables that teach the importance of perseverance in our communication with God. The conversation centers on the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) and the Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-13), diving into the lessons they offer for deepening our faith, strengthening our resolve, and trusting in God’s timing.

The preachers discuss practical applications, share personal experiences, and provide biblical insights to encourage listeners to persist in prayer even when answers seem delayed.

In this episode, the four preachers discuss the importance of intercessory prayer and the specific people Christians should include in their daily prayers. Drawing from biblical teachings and personal experiences, the hosts dive deep into how Christians can be more intentional about praying for others. This conversation centers around the power of God through prayer in strengthening relationships, supporting the church, and impacting lives.

The preachers identify key groups of people that need our prayers and why consistent prayer for these individuals reflects a Christ-like heart. They also offer practical advice on how to make prayer for others a regular part of your spiritual routine.

In this episode, the Four Preachers delve into the crucial topic of praying according to God’s will. Drawing insights from Scripture, they discuss what it means to align our prayers with God’s purposes and plans. This episode encourages Christians to seek a deeper understanding of God’s will as they approach Him in prayer, cultivating a mindset of trust and surrender.

In this episode, the four preachers explore the biblical significance of praying in Jesus’ name. They discuss what it means to approach God through Christ, how praying in Jesus’ name is both a privilege and responsibility, and how it aligns our prayers with God’s will. The conversation touches on key scriptures, offering practical advice for incorporating this powerful practice into daily life.

In this episode of Four Preachers and a Podcast, the hosts delve into the profound and transformative power of prayer. Exploring the rich tapestry of prayer language found throughout Scripture, the episode provides listeners with insights into how different types of prayers—be it praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition—reflect our relationship with God.

Episode Resources (affiliate links):
📕 Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? - Philip Yancey: https://amzn.to/3X2xcto
📕 Praying the Bible - Donald Whitney: https://amzn.to/3yTshD1
📕 Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God - Timothy Keller: https://amzn.to/3Mmorp5
📕 Disappointment with God: Three Questions No One Asks Aloud - Philip Yancey: https://amzn.to/3T4dU5y

In this episode of Four Preachers and a Podcast, our hosts dive deep into the essence of prayer as a relational experience rather than a mere transactional activity. The discussion challenges the common mindset of approaching prayer as a means to an end, focusing instead on cultivating a deeper, more intimate relationship with God through prayer.

Key Discussion Points:
🙏 1. Understanding the Relational Nature of Prayer:
• The preachers explore what it means to engage in prayer as a conversation with God, emphasizing the importance of building a personal connection rather than simply presenting requests.
• Biblical examples that illustrate the relational aspect of prayer, including Jesus’ teachings on prayer and His own prayer life.

❌ 2. Common Misconceptions About Prayer:
• Addressing the transactional mindset many believers fall into—viewing prayer as a way to get what they want from God.
• The dangers of treating prayer like a spiritual vending machine and how this perspective can hinder spiritual growth.

✅ 3. Practical Steps to Foster a Relational Prayer Life:
• Tips for deepening your prayer life, including setting aside dedicated time and incorporating Scripture.
• Encouraging listeners to approach prayer with an attitude of gratitude, trust, and openness to God’s will.

In this thought-provoking episode of Four Preachers and a Podcast, our hosts delve into the profound mystery of the Godhead's involvement in prayer. Join us as we explore what happens in the spiritual realm when we pray and how each person of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—responds when we pray.

Key Takeaways:

🧭 Practical Implications: How understanding the roles of the Godhead in prayer can deepen our prayer life and strengthen our faith.

🙏 The Father: How God the Father hears our prayers and the role of His sovereign will in the answers we receive.

🙏 The Son: The mediating work of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf before the Father.

🙏 The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's role in empowering and guiding our prayers, even interceding with "groanings too deep for words."

🎙️ If you’d like to support the show, consider joining our Patreon at Patreon.com/tln. Members receive exclusive benefits and perks, and your support helps us continue bringing you valuable content.

A listener to Four Preachers and a Podcast wrote in to ask about whether it would be wrong for an eldership to use a rotation of men from the congregation to fill the pulpit. The guys respond by reflecting on what the New Testament has to say about located preachers.