Lutherans have a history with alcohol and, in some ways, it has become part of our corporate identity. Ben and Josh talk about that today and where we have to be careful. Also, the audio issues are on Ben - so surely Josh can get some additional points. Right?!
Jun 30, 2025•26 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Lutheran history goes back to the 1500s - right?Well, that depends on your perspective. In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about different historical parts of the church and how they have contributed to Lutheran Identity over the years.
Jun 23, 2025•41 min•Season 8Ep. 1
In the first episode of Season 8 of Cross Checking (formerly Manbuns and Jesus, formerly Coffee, Protein Shakes, and Jesus), Josh and Ben introduce the season's topic - Lutheran Identity - and why it might matter to you!
Jun 16, 2025•41 min•Season 8Ep. 1
In the season finale of Cross Checking, Ben and Josh talk about one of the most fundamental things they don't teach you about at Seminary. How do you convince people to care about this stuff?
May 19, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 13
Honestly, we could not remember what the season finale was supposed to be about. So instead we covered some current events (kinda) and talked about some of the best ways to pick leaders in the church.
May 12, 2025•36 min
Join Ben and Josh in the penultimate episode of the season where we talk about some issues with the framework of how we think about church sometimes.
May 05, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 12
Today Ben and Josh talk about creatively diplomatic emails and messages to deal with problems that are kinda problems but not full on problems .
Apr 28, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 11
On this light after-Easter episode, Ben and Josh talk about a couple things they would magically fix in the LCMS if they could.
Apr 21, 2025•12 min
Continuing in the series-within-a-series on correction bad theology - today Ben and Josh talk about the Rapture. A lot of end-times-y stuff lately, someone should tell these guys to chill.
Apr 14, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 10
Ben and Josh continue a little mini-series on correction bad theology. What's in their crosshairs today? Decision theology!
Apr 07, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Are you predestined for greatness? What about for eternal life? Part of a mini-series on how we correct bad theology.
Mar 31, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 8
This week Ben and Josh are talking about immaturity in the church. It can impact our spiritual walks and our operations as a community - so we all could probably do with some growing up!
Mar 03, 2025•37 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Context is a word that gets thrown around a lot (at least in our circles). Why is it such a big deal and how do we understand the contexts we are in?
Feb 24, 2025•39 min•Season 7Ep. 6
In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about when programs are useful for congregations to implement . . . and when they aren't.
Feb 17, 2025•37 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Ben and Josh talk about how churches should approach organizational change.
Feb 10, 2025•42 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode, Ben and Josh talk about what it should look like when you're picking a church. We also have some mildly spicy takes on what it shouldn't look like.
Feb 03, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Josh and Ben talk about what happens when churches have to go through major transitions like different professional church workers or changing major ministries.
Jan 27, 2025•37 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 7 of Cross Checking (formerly Manbuns and Jesus)! This season we will spend a lot of time talking about the work of the church, the limitations of pastors, and the roles of volunteers in the church. We kick that off by checking in on our ministry contexts and reflecting on where we both are.
Jan 20, 2025•46 min•Season 7Ep. 1
This is the final episode of season six, where we talk about the important distinctions that are grounded in the Trinity.
Dec 17, 2024•55 min•Season 6Ep. 27
We're getting towards the end of the season and we're making some more distinctions between groups in this episode.
Dec 02, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 23
We're getting towards the end of the season and the Book of Concord starts to help us make some theological distinctions between groups.
Nov 22, 2024•43 min•Season 6Ep. 26
Jesus went to hell for you. And the more you think about it, the more meaningful we realize His sacrifice was.
Nov 12, 2024•26 min•Season 6Ep. 25
The presidential election is tomorrow, so Ben and Josh take on this audacious question.
Nov 04, 2024•50 min
The Law is a good gift that serves as our guide, but that isn't all it does. Also, here is the link for the book Josh shamelessly plugs during the episode....
Oct 29, 2024•49 min•Season 6Ep. 24
In the church, we're called to deal with sin. Excommunication is one of the tools we use to do it. Big name, scary name, but ultimately a process driven by compassion and a desire for reconciliation.
Oct 22, 2024•44 min•Season 6Ep. 23
Feeling angry, frustrated, sad, or tired about politics right now? Well we've got a show for you.
Oct 15, 2024•40 min
There have been some things said lately and it seems fair to weigh in on them from the perspective of the Book of Concord.
Oct 01, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 22
Traditions are great, but they aren't necessary for salvation.
Sep 24, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 21
Confession, absolution, and ecclesial tyranny? Certainly not on Manbuns and Jesus?!
Sep 17, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 20
It's really more of an episode about vocation, but we want the titles for the season to be consistent. And yes, I know I could just say "Concerning Vocation" but that didn't occur to me until I was writing the description and I'd have to actually click back on the Title box instead of just using the Tab key - not on your life!
Sep 10, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 19