An Almost Perfect Podcast

This week we’re talking about the “One-Stop Church” mentality—when churches try to be everything for everyone. Balancing ministry, expectations, and reality isn’t easy, and churches can’t do it all. How much is too much to expect from your church?Oh, and it's our 145th episode.

This week, the guys dive into why everyone needs a place to be real—shouldn’t the church be that place? What keeps us from true authenticity? Plus, if you're a fan of Botox, one comedy club might show you the door!

Is hope hard to hold onto? Don't forget hope has a history. This week, we explore why real hope isn’t just wishful thinking — it’s rooted in what we know and believe about who God is and what God has done. #143

We let Wade back in, and all is right with the world. But, still, that spiritual exhaustion can still set in. Have you had that experience? Do you know how if feels? This week, we talk about exhaustion, how we might end up there and what to do next if we do.E142

Think pastors have it all figured out? Think again. In this episode, we dive into the real (and sometimes ridiculous) expectations of church leadership—what churches expect from pastors, what pastors expect from churches, and why neither side is always right.E141

There's a report that says the end of civilization will happen in 2040. That's got John wondering how much of our life is really in our control. E140

Wouldn't it be weird if our ears moved when we listened to something? Maybe that'd help us listen better. This week, we talk about what it means to listen to God (and maybe even to others). E139

This week, we wonder what some Christians have against being joyful. Is there a real connection between holiness and joy? We sure hope so! E138

It's our first episode of 2025! This week, we talk how to be happy in the new year. HINT: It doesn't include having an AI version of your pastor.

John says he didn't steal the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, but that sounds like something someone who stole the leg lamp from a Christmas Story would say. Merry Christmas! #136

Is there something missing or are we missing the point when it comes to Christmas trees and baby Jesus? E135

It's the gift-giving season! Tom and John wonder if it's okay to give cash as a Christmas gift? E134

John has a newfound respect for the octopus. Tom could be diving with them and we're all wondering if confessing to AI Jesus is an okay thing to do. E133

This week, we dive into the quirky tradition of the presidential turkey pardon. Plus, what is the connection between faith and Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is not just about feasting but also a time to reflect on God's invitation to grace and how we can share that grace with others. Pull up a chair, grab a drumstick, and let’s give thanks together! 🦃 🙏 E132

Churches often hold tight to traditions, rituals, and practices that may have once been meaningful but now feel more like clutter than a gift. In this episode, we talk people leaving junk behind for their families and ask: Are we doing the same with our faith? Are we passing down spiritual junk or leaving behind something of real value? What do future generations need from us—not just rituals and traditions, but authentic faith, enduring hope, and a deep connection with Jesus. Think about the legacies we’re creating. And let's get to clearing out the clutter and focusing on what truly matters for the next wave of believers. Hit play, subscribe, and let’s build a legacy worth inheriting! E131

Christians get mad. Yes, pastors get mad. After all, even Jesus got mad. This week, we talk about what makes us so fired up, why anger is a natural human emotion, and how we can respond in ways that are both faithful and healthy. E130

In this episode, we dive into liberation theology, explore how sermons should resonate (and for how long!), check out a new Bible for kids with dyslexia, and tackle the question: should Christians watch horror movies? From scares to Scripture, it’s a packed episode of thoughtful—and sometimes spooky—conversation! E128

In this episode, we talk about the joy of giving and how generosity is about much more than money. We explore what it means to truly trust in God’s provision and how that trust transforms our understanding of giving. Sometimes, giving money alone isn't enough to be generous—true generosity comes from the heart and extends into how we give our time, love, and attention to others. E127

This week, we dive into one of the wildest ethical dilemmas yet: What happens when someone does the wrong thing for the “right” reasons? Inspired by the real-life story of a man who stole a car just to make it to his court hearing (for—you guessed it—car theft), we explore the complexities of making ethical decisions as Christians. How do we navigate those gray areas where right and wrong seem to blur? And how should our faith guide us when we’re faced with tricky moral choices?

Tom, Joseph, and John share the missteps, and "oops" moments from our ministries that have shaped us, humbled us, and even made us better leaders. We’re reflecting on the lessons learned through our failures and how God’s grace shines brightest in our imperfections. E125

In this episode, we dive into the challenging balance between marketing and discipleship within the church. How do we share the message of Christ in an engaging way without losing the heart of true discipleship? As churches grow and evolve, it's easy to get caught up in branding, social media, and promotion—but where does that leave our call to make disciples?

We forgot about evangelism. Or we decided we didn't want to do it. Then we couldn't remember what it meant. Now, we're wondering what happened to the church? We think it's past time to reclaim evangelism.

We settle the question of whether listening to an audio book is reading. Is reading the point of reading? And how is reading connected to faith in Jesus?

Tom and John go through a round of Good News/Bad News. It's a reminder there's always something good and not so good happening. But we have faith! E120

Do you ever get the feeling no one's really listening to each other? Why is it so hard to learn to listen? To really listen to what others are saying. Tom and John discuss the art/skill and power of listening. If we learn to listen better we just might be saving our souls! Oh, and what about the women who was 40% canine? E119

This week, Tom and John discuss the merits of Gen Z's disillusionment. Maybe they're on to something. Plus, Chiefs fans need amputations and we found a way to truly be out of this world.

Tom and John discuss whether the "attractional" church is dead. And if we can't be attractional, what can we be?

This week's podcast covers what we've been reading and watching. Tom was almost inspired to do something great until he realized we weren't talking about a Cheese Danish. E115

The U.S. may not be ready to wage war against an alien invasion, but the guys think the church can stand against cover-bandism. This week, the guys talk about what's happening that's making a lot of our churches into cover bands?

If you're a new Christian or always want to be a reNEWed Christian, following the Spirit is important. In this week's podcast, we talk about how to follow the Holy Spirit. Oh, and how much your old Christmas tree might be worth.

It's our last podcast of 2023! As the guys look back on 2023, they find out they think of the Roman Empire more than they thought. And what did Corpus Christians search for most on Google? What do you remember about 2023?

What's your favorite Christmas movie? Get ready to unwrap some festive fun with our Christmas episode! Yule probably want to watch one of our favorite movies before we're done. It's a holly jolly episode coming Wednesday!

What do witch bottles and processing fees have in common at church? This week the guys talk about what was recently found on the beach and how to get our church ready for Christmas.

If you slow down you might save some money. This week, Tom, John and Joseph talk Advent and what it means to walk with faith together.

Joseph and Tom share some of their international church experiences and wonder if there's room for diversity in the US church.

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