An Almost Perfect Podcast

A company trademarked the phrase "worship leader" and sent a cease and desist letter to an account using it. The guys figure out if their local worship leaders are now in trouble.  E101

It's our 100th episode! This week, we look back on a few past episodes and talk about what the church can learn from centenarians. Show less

Tom and John welcome two guests this week. Carl was at Asbury at the 1970 revival. Jeremiah is there today. They both share their experiences and hopes for what happens next. Plus, does Australia have snowy mountains? E99

Tom and Brad console an Eagles fan. And Brad brings the strange news today. Plus, is there a revival happening in Kentucky? The guys talk about what revival is and how to know if its happening at your church. E98

A city changed their name to try to do something worthwhile. Were they successful? And how do we translate success in church? Should you and your church try to be successful or is there a better way of thinking about all this? E97

Is spending $100 million on commercials for Jesus worth it? Does Jesus have a brand issue? Tom and John talk about the new ad series "He Gets Us."

There's a better way to change! Instead of bombarding yourself with so many life goals and resolutions, be like Marathon Man and pick one thing. Tom and John sit down for the year's first episode.  E94

Tom and John finish off 2022 with some Christmas clarification. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! E93

Is it time for the church to build out of their buildings? If it happens around a campfire and vegetables, is it church? We've talked before about people leaving the church. This week, Tom and John talk about the church leaving the church for more fruitful ministry. E93

The guys had to prove they weren't going to be stressed out by things happening during the holidays. Listen in for ways to let this season be a time of joy and celebration, not anxiety, rush and despair. E91

Two people from Ohio play Santa and it's got John inspired. This week, the guys talk about 3 more reasons to understand why so many people have left the church. What should we do now that more people are leaving? E90

Two people from Ohio play Santa and it's got John inspired. This week, the guys talk about 3 more reasons to understand why so many people have left the church. What should we do now that more people are leaving? E90

The word of the year's got us talking! How do we know what's truth and if we're hearing it? This week, Brad, Tom and John talk about who's gaslighting around here. And Tom's ready for Christmas! E89

More people are showing an interest in Advent. We think that's a good thing! What is this strange time when we think about the end of the world and Jesus coming again? This week, the guys talk about what it means to observe Advent and how it helps us follow Jesus. E88

Doesn't every church say they need more money? Is that some kind of clue? This week, Brad and John talk about the first priority that comes to mind to churches when they get big gifts. Plus, they've got a holiday-decoration and friendship tip you'll want to hear. E87

We get it, you're a sinner. But there's more to us than that. At least if God is as much as we say we believe. This week, the guys talk about what it means to be a saint of God. Heads up: You may not be perfect, but you could be! E85

This may be the most awe inspiring podcast you hear today. Tom and John talk about what it means to live in awe and why it's so important to life and faith. E84

A lot of people say reading the Bible has transformed their lives. Even people who don't read it say the same. What does that mean for the guy who visits his ex-wife's grave? E83

It's Tom and John this week. They give you another reason to either hate or love pumpkin spice. As churches look to plan ministry after the pandemic, is there any chance they can reconnect? Are our churches doomed to failure after such a trying season. We think it's very possible churches can reconnect--and reconnect in meaningful ways. E82

This week we have a special guest who is funny and has us seriously questioning what we think we know about dolphins. Dorie McLemore joins us to talk about her stand up comedy and getting church people to laugh. Plus, pay attention to how many hot dogs you eat! E81

This is our first grab bag episode. These are some of the questions pastors get asked a lot about. Oh, and AI will not take over the work (wink, wink). E80

Has Christian Education been neglected in our churches? Maybe we've been too focused on other things. And what does it mean to offer Christian Education? Mushrooms talk to each other. So, we should talk about this with each other, too. E79

Michael Beck joins us this week to talk about how Fresh Expressions might be the most faithful form of ministry practice. What is it? What makes it important? Michael shares some of his experiences with us. And it turns out John wasn't a messy eater. He was just a Heinz fashion icon waiting to happen. E78

Doing nothing can be doing something great. This week, Brad and John talk about learning to slow down in order to have the life God desires for us. Think you can learn to do nothing? Slow down and enjoy life? E77

This week, the guys talk about a church, potentially, in some copyright trouble. Does the eternal ends justify our infringement means? This all leads us to an important reminder about what evangelism means to the church. E76

There's been a rare sighting: it's a clergy couple serving together! And we have them on the podcast this week. Brad and John talk to Adam and Danielle about their experience as a clergy could with children. Plus, we talk about what faithful family ministry is. By the way, if you're looking for a new job, we've got something that might interest you. E75

It's long been thought women are more religious than men. That checks out with our experience. The guys talk about a recent survey that suggest that GenZ women are now less religious than they once were. And not all DIY projects are worth it! E74

We've been traveling and there's a lot more to it than just leaving and returning. The guys talk about the six stages of traveling that make for what's called "transformative travel." Plus, a man breaks a peanut-pushing record in Colorado and a real-lie Wilson situation develops in Greece. Thanks for listening!

Why does it take the church so long to catch up? Does it have anything to do with apathy? It's one thing if people outside the church don't care. But what happens when the church itself doesn't seem to care? 

This week the guys welcome guest Todd Salmi to talk about ministry with college students and young adults. When did the church give up on young people? And is there anything now we can do about the consequences? Plus, a couple in New Delhi wants to sue their son for not having kids. Speaking of college, a group of students at Johns Hopkins has something new for your burrito. E70

This week on the podcast the guys learn the ocean has a memory. Or did they just forget they already knew that? Plus, what would you do if you retired early? John leads the group in a podcast game called Bad News/Good News. E69

Church doesn't make sense if we don't pay attention to what we're becoming. This week, Tom and John talk about what you should notice if you go to church, pray or read the Bible. Plus, two old ladies go two very different ways.  #68

This week, Tom surprises a lot of people by suggesting Methodists are more like Catholics. Is that true? What difference do our differences make?  E67

If Fox News viewers can change their minds after watching CNN, then surely the church can refocus our attention on the cross of Jesus, right? This week, Tom and John talk about what a cruciform faith looks like and why it's important. E66

Are we not focusing on Holy Week enough or do we really need it? If we told you not to panic about, would that make you panic more?  E65

If a cheese maker and a college student can fix a church clock with WD40, maybe there's still hope for small churches. This week, the guys share a surprising characteristic about most churches in the U.S. And is the satellite model of church anything new? E64

Brad and John call a new hotline. It's one that could help us all. Plus, what happened to conversation? Could the church lead the way to bring it back?  E63

If you're feeling stressed out, you're not alone. The pandemic has stressed out a lot of people. One church offered a creative way to let it all it. After Brad and John consider attending Wade's next church event, they discuss what it means that venture capitalists are funding prayer apps. Is this harmless? The way things are now? Can we learn something about how and why we pray? E62

How many chicken wings did we eat for the Super Bowl, and could there be a new podcast fragrance on the way? This week, can your baptism be invalidated? A Catholic priest who baptized people for twenty years found out. What can we learn from his mistake? E61

There’s a road coming that will charge your electric car. John is impressed. Plus, what does it mean to be a Wesleyan Christian? What distinguishes United Methodist theology from any other you’re probably going to Google today. E60

John couldn’t get the other guys to yodel. But he did manage to get a great conversation out of them about online church. Is it time for churches to quit offering online services? We discuss a recent NY Times opinion piece. #59

Tom and John discuss a woman who tried to free her boyfriend from jail. John’s too mad at her apparatus choice to talk about it anymore. Meanwhile, everyone else is talking about Encanto and not talking about Bruno. It seems as if the church has a bunch of Bruno stuff we don’t talk about that we should. E58

In this week's episode, we talk about a new study that says a lot of evangelicals are satisfied with their church. Who are the evangelicals? Should church be satisfying? Plus, how do we end up talking about Big Macs and Meth Burritos?  #57

It's the first episode of 2022! We're excited to be back to talk about aliens. What impact might alien life have on our faith here on Earth? Plus, what does it mean to be poor and what is the most God-centered approach to ministry with the poor?

It’s the episode no one asked for! Brad, Wade and John talk all things fruitcake. Jesus is in there somewhere.

It's all just a misunderstanding until no one gets any Menudo! This week, we're going to see if mistaking cilantro for marijuana can teach us anything about being the church. Plus, we come up with the world's newest season's greetings. E54

What was John's shining moment of seminary? It has more to do with the end of the world than that United Nations statue. Plus, if we say church is a waste of time, is that a good or bad thing? That depends on what you think the bottom line is. Or if there is one. E53

People are finding all kinds of things in strange places. You found this podcast, after. Maybe now the church can find a healthy sense of evangelism.

The world is always changing. Some people want to buy NBA teams with crypto currency. The Queen of England has one less colony. And could the Iphone be out the door? Besides all that, the church has to figure out how to adapt to the changing world. Good thing there’s a tool to help us do just that. E51

Wade and John realize it’s our 50th episode. So, let’s talk turkey and what it means to be thankful, even when things seem to be less than perfect. E50

So many churches were waiting for people to come back once we all got used to the pandemic. Many of those churches are still waiting. It looks like a lot of the people aren't coming back. What are we supposed to do now? Plus, John learns about the Birthday Effect. E49

Ep#48 Lizzie Wright joins Wade, Tom and John this week. They talk about the relationship between mercy, charity and justice. Recognizing the differences can help our churches understand what ministries God might want them to pursue. Plus, who broke the space toilet?

Wade is counting pumpkins. Brad is out on vacation. And Tom is rooting for the Astros. This week we talk about an ancient tradition being banned. The Catholic Church in Sicily has banned naming godfathers and godmothers. How does that help us think about our baptism and commitment to the church? Episode #47

E46 Social media trolls once ran some of the top Facebook pages for Christians. What does it say about us that we ate up all their divisive and provocative material? How might this shape the church's online ministry? Plus, the guys play a quick round of "What's the sermon?"

E45 Every preacher wants you to read the Bible. But why? This week, we're talking about what it means (and what it doesn't mean) to have a biblical worldview. How do you know if you have one? How does interpreting the Bible get in the way? 

E44 Theology is the thought of God. We all do that. So, how do you know if you're hearing or learning good or bad theology? Where's the line between right belief and heresy? This week, we talk about how you can tell the difference without burying yourself underground to prove the resurrection. 

Episode #43 This week, Brad and John talk about what it means to deconstruct your faith. That's something we've heard a lot from celebrity Christians over the last several years. Many of those Christians have left the faith as a result. But deconstructing faith is nothing new and is something that actually can strengthen your faith. Brad gives some insight into how to deconstruct your faith and John reminds you to not go at it alone. And, please, don't throw baked beans at anyone.

This week we discuss a new effort in the city of Baltimore to train some city employees about how to recognize and help with trauma. Could your local librarian be the next first responder? And what is the church's role in addressing trauma in our communities? Plus, you haven't eaten this many Big Macs!

How do you know if your Christianity is fake? Is that a good word for it? This week, we talk about moralistic therapeutic deism. Some call it fake. Some call it water-down. How does it stand against what some might call authentic Christianity? Plus, how to overcome the awkwardness of making friends.

Maybe it's time to give "doubting" Thomas a break. He's more like us than we realize. This week we talk about how doubt can be helpful and harmful to our walk with God and our relationships with other people. And, please, send all armpit-sniffing inquiries to Brad.

A woman had her fudge recipe engraved on her tombstone. It was her signature dish. As Christians, we gather around the Lord’s table for Communion. United Methodist Christians practice what’s called “open table.” John googled it and it doesn’t have to do with restaurants. When it comes to Communion, it’s something that reminds us of the grace of God. And it influences how we understand the work of the church.

A lot of people wonder why Methodist pastors move around a lot. In this week's episode, we'll talk about some of the good things that happen in the church when pastors move. 

How do you know what God’s will is and if you’re following it? It can be a tough discerning process. So, where do we start? What about marrying the Holy Spirit? Is that God’s will?

Marvin Gaye's album "What's Going On?" turns 50 this week. You'll be grateful none of us sing, but we do reflect on how Gaye's question can help the church figure out where God is leading us now. And some how we squeeze in some baseball and Lego talk.  Visit the episode page for links and audio only version: https://almostperfectpodcast.sermon.net/pa/21792525.mp3

The answer might surprise you. This week, the guys talk about what it means to be really burnt out. What should you do? And how can the church be a place to find what you really need?

Have you ever wondered if your preacher was preaching something another preacher wrote? Would it matter? Tom and John talk about the issue of holy ghostwriting sermons. 

What does it mean to be happy? How do you get happiness? Is happiness even worth the effort? Tina joins Tom, John and Wade to talk about the pursuit of happiness for Christians.  ++SHOW NOTES++ ARTICLES: At what age are people usually happiest: https://theconversation.com/at-what-age-are-people-usually-happiest-new-research-offers-surprising-clues-156906 MENTIONS:  Oldest living American, dead at 115: https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/hester-ford-oldest-living-american-dead-116/QN3E2RY2H5HHTGUUSFTLXXGUDE/

This week, we spoke with Laura Merrill, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Clergy Excellence for the Rio Texas Conference. She shared with us her observations about what clergy and churches need to address as a result of the pandemic. Many clergy people and church leaders are exhausted! It's taking a toll on the health and wellbeing of our pastors, leaders and our churches. What can we do to take care of one another? Laura's new appointment: https://riotexas.org/news/2021/3/11/bishop-schnase-announces-cabinet-appointments Adelante program: https://riotexas.org/adelante

What if civilization ever has to start over? There's a vault that has what we need. And some people want to build one on the moon. Plus, we found more pieces of the Dead Sea scrolls. Well, we didn't, but we're excited other people did. 

Some pastors say you can pray away all diseases, including COVID19. This week, Brad, John, Tom and Wade talk about if that's an okay way to pray. Besides, what is prayer and why do we pray? 

"Safe for the whole family" is something a lot of us can appreciate. In this week's episode, the guys talk about why "safe" and "Christian" movies, music and even sermons may not be all that helpful. They may keep us from telling the whole truth about life and faith and just how powerful the grace of God is. 

A guy lost his chicken at a Cracker Barrel. Could there be a lesson there? How important is it to be a part of a local church? We think it's vital! But why? What makes a local church worth joining? This week's episode is a conversation about what makes a good local church. We'll even consider if "good" is the right word to use. 

Give a 90-year-old man slow Internet and we’ll give you a podcast. Wade and John discuss our grim milestone. And John drops a bombshell right before they’re done!

Tina joins in to talk about the importance of repentance, accountability and forgiveness. Wade and Brad ran out of electricity.

The guys had twelve questions to answer. They only got to three. Their answers may surprise you.

Are you one of the Americans who said your faith grew stronger during the pandemic? Tell us what you mean, please!

We're post-inauguration and wondering things about life after death.

Brad, Wade, Tom and John are all back. What should the church do next in response to the events at our nation's Capitol?

Why you should journal and what church weakness did COVID expose?

Tom and John finish off the year. What should the church be praying for? Tom and John finish off the year. What should the church be praying for? ++SHOW NOTES++ LINKS: The Cherrity Bar: https://cherritybar.com/ Pompeii fast food: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55454717 Hail Mary: https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/humour/tupac-hail-mary-ave-maria-carol-service-typo/ ARTICLE: 6 things to pray for 2021: https://factsandtrends.net/2020/12/16/6-things-to-pray-for-your-church-in-2021/

We found 40+ facts on Christmas on the Internet that have to be true because we found them on the Internet. Merry Christmas! SHOW NOTES 45 Fun Facts about Christmas: https://www.berries.com/blog/45-fun-christmas-facts Service of the Longest Night: https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/3053/longest-night Never-before-seen Hubble space pics: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/space-astronomy/nasa-hubble-telescope-30th-anniversary-photos 14th President of the United States: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/franklin-pierce/ Christmas and Birthday present: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/v1oAAOSwUQRdrKCi/s-l400.jpg

There are only a few people left that can endure the Iron Crotch. What does that mean for the church?

Is there a right and wrong way to read the Bible? ++SHOW NOTES++   *Listening to podcasts makes better preachers: https://www.christianitytoday.com/pas... *Most-read Bible verse of 2020: https://www.christianitytoday.com/new... *Among the Ashes: On Death, Grief and Hope: https://www.amazon.com/Among-Ashes-De... *God and the Pandemic: https://www.amazon.com/God-Pandemic-C... *Incarnation: https://www.cokesbury.com/Incarnation... *Resources from RVL (Ray Vander Laan): https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/ *The Narrative Lectionary: https://www.workingpreacher.org/home-...

Did we find a racist Santa? Tom tells John to change his attitude.