The Truth Response

Why do so many young adults struggle to stay committed to a local church?In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek and Matt sit down with Dave, a young adult pastor, to talk about church hopping, discipleship, and staying rooted in Christ. They discuss how information-driven faith can replace obedience, why baptism matters, and how serving in the local church shapes spiritual maturity.This episode is for believers wrestling with commitment, leaders discipling young adults, and anyone asking what biblical church involvement really looks like.2 Corinthians 5:20 | James 3 | Job 2You’ll Hear About:Church consumerism and young adult faithStaying rooted in Scripture and missionWhy service matters more than preferenceHospitality and first impressions in churchRepresenting Christ in everyday lifeGrowth through commitment, not convenienceTakeaways:Young adults are often transient in their church involvement, which can hinder their spiritual growth and community impact.Rootedness in Scripture is essential for young adults to develop a solid foundation in their faith and understanding of God's will.The mission of the church should be a guiding principle for individuals seeking to serve and engage with their community effectively.Serving in the church is not just a task; it is an expression of being ambassadors for Christ in every interaction with others.Young people often seek knowledge and information but must balance that with building relationships and community in their faith journey.Creating a welcoming environment in churches significantly influences newcomers' willingness to return and become part of the community.Links referenced in this episode:blueletterbible.combiblegateway.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Victory ChurchBlue Letter BibleBible GatewayOcean's ChurchAndy StanleyRitz CarltonDax EntertainmentRoman Roofing

Anxiety is something nearly everyone faces — but few know how to navigate it with clarity, faith, and peace.In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek is joined by Shaleza and Shaelyn for an honest, multi-generational conversation about anxiety, fear, control, and the search for peace in a chaotic world. From school stress and uncertainty about the future, to medication, generational trauma, and surrendering control to God, this episode dives deep into what anxiety really is — and how faith can transform how we respond to it.We explore:What anxiety looks like across different generationsHow fear and uncertainty fuel anxious thinkingThe difference between reacting in anxiety and acting in peaceWhy anxiety is often a symptom, not the root issueFaith-based tools for grounding yourself when anxiety hitsThe tension between truth, compassion, and speaking in loveThis conversation is raw, thoughtful, and grounded in Scripture — reminding us that peace isn’t the absence of anxiety, but learning how to walk through it with God.📖 Key Scripture Referenced:“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7Whether you’re struggling with anxiety yourself, walking alongside someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of peace through faith, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.

This podcast episode addresses the decision to postpone the release of an episode pertaining to the theme of mourning during the holiday season. We were advised by a significant individual, who plays a crucial role in promoting our podcast and assisting individuals in navigating their grief, that the timing for such a discussion was inappropriate. Given the sensitive nature of the topic and the circumstances surrounding those they support, we deemed it prudent to defer the episode until after the new year. We acknowledge the importance of this subject matter and are committed to treating it with the respect and sensitivity it warrants. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing new content with you next week.Takeaways: The episode was initially intended to address mourning during the holiday season. We decided to postpone the release of the episode due to important feedback received. A significant individual advised against releasing the episode at this particular time. The intention is to support those who are currently dealing with loss and mourning. We are committed to providing content that is sensitive to the listener's needs. A new episode will be released next week, maintaining our regular scheduling.

If you’ve ever opened the Book of Acts and thought, “What is even happening right now?” — you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down the most confusing parts of Acts with honesty, humor, and real-life stories. From chaotic missionary journeys to Paul’s dramatic conversion to the wild moments of Pentecost, we dig into why this book feels overwhelming—and why it’s also one of the most important books in the Bible.We also talk discipleship, mentorship, and how the early church navigated culture, conflict, and calling—issues we still deal with today. Dalton joins us to share what it’s like living out his faith in school, how people respond, and why young believers play a bigger role in the church than they realize.Since it’s Thanksgiving week, we wrap up with what we’re grateful for, how God shapes us through everyday moments (including puppies), and why gratitude is a spiritual practice we desperately need.If you want a down-to-earth conversation about Acts, faith, and real Christian life—this one’s for you.Suggested Segment Markers:Intro chaos, Thanksgiving greetings, student listeners“What’s the most confusing part of the Bible?”Why Acts feels chaotic (Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Luke, etc.)Breaking down the missionary journeysPaul’s conversion and mentorshipHoly Spirit moments that shaped the early churchLiving out faith in school (Dalton’s story)Gratitude, family, and Thanksgiving reflectionsFinal shoutouts + ministry plugs

This podcast episode delves into the profound and transformative experiences of our mission team during their recent journey to Honduras. The primary focus is on the personal growth and spiritual revelations encountered by the participants, particularly emphasizing the realization that the mission was not solely about aiding others, but rather a significant opportunity for self-discovery and healing. As we engage in dialogues with various team members, we explore their individual stories, hurdles faced prior to the trip, and the unexpected blessings that unfolded throughout their time in Honduras. The discussions reveal the depth of connection formed among team members, as well as the meaningful interactions with the local community, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Ultimately, this episode serves as an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider the importance of stepping outside their comfort zones to embrace new experiences that can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth.Takeaways: During the Honduras mission trip, we learned that personal struggles can resonate deeply with others, transcending cultural barriers and fostering genuine connections. The experience emphasized the importance of community and support, highlighting that vulnerability can lead to profound healing and understanding among individuals. Our mission was not merely about providing aid, but about witnessing and participating in the ongoing work that God is already doing in the lives of others. The trip reinforced the significance of sharing our testimonies, as they can empower and encourage those who feel isolated in their struggles. We discovered that true service involves building relationships rather than focusing solely on meeting physical needs, which can often lead to a more impactful ministry. Through our interactions, we recognized the need to be intentional in our outreach efforts, fostering a culture of love and support within our community. Links referenced in this episode:testifyfoundation.org