Send us a text So… why are we obsessed with the end of the world? In Part 2 of our chaotic theological therapy session with Jeff Swanson, the Christian AF crew gets personal, philosophical, and—let’s be honest—maybe a little punch-drunk from talking about dispensationalism for 4+ hours. We dig into: Why certainty might be the biggest enemy of faith The toxic fallout of end-times obsession Why shame ≠ conviction (yes, there’s a difference) How to unlearn bad theology without losing your mind Also...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 126
Send us a text In this heresy-flavored episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan sit down with resident dispensationalism whisperer (and trauma-sharing expert) Jeff Swanson to break down one of the most influential and weirdly persistent frameworks in evangelical thought. We’re talking Left Behind. Charts. Rapture timelines. Helicopter-locust hybrids. Why your grandma had a Bible thicker than your thigh. And what it means when churches care more about the end of the world than li...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Send us a text Deconstruction. The word that sends evangelicals into a cold sweat and has half of social media in a theological meltdown. But what does it really mean? Are people deconstructing their faith, or just ditching the bad theology they were handed as kids? In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast , Jesse, Jen, and Evan grab a drink (or two) and dig into the messy, weird, and sometimes necessary world of deconstruction. We’re talking about why people deconstruct, the biggest triggers...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 5Ep. 124
Send us a text Genesis 1-11: The greatest hits of Sunday school, or something much deeper? In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan dive into the origins of everything—creation, Adam & Eve, Noah’s Ark, and the Tower of Babel—except we’re not here for the flannelgraph version. Is Genesis meant to be taken literally, or is there something bigger going on? Why do so many people make this the hill they’re willing to die on? And most importantly, how do we talk about this...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 123
Send us a text You made it to part two! Or maybe you skipped part one and are just diving in here. Either way, welcome to the unfiltered, mildly chaotic continuation of our conversation on quiet quitting church . This time, we dig even deeper into the reasons people drift away from church and whether or not leadership should be diagnosing (or preventing) it. Some of the big questions we tackle: Are people quietly leaving because they’re being overlooked? Has the church made Sunday services more ...
Feb 26, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 122
Send us a text Ever feel like you’re slowly backing out of a room, hoping no one notices? That’s quiet quitting —but not at your job. We’re talking about quietly quitting church . 🏃♂️💨 In this episode of Christian AF , Jesse, Jen, and Evan (joined by our buddy Creig) dive into why so many people are ghosting church communities without saying a word. Are we just bad at confrontation? Is church just another consumer product we discard when it stops working for us? Have we been trained to think ...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 121
Send us a text In this heretical hot take of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan crack open the tangled world of heresy —what it is, why it’s a big deal (or is it?), and how we’ve all probably dabbled in a little heresy ourselves. From universalism to fundamentalism, Americanism to the infamous "alien Jesus" theory, this episode is a chaotic deep dive into the beliefs we question and the ones that might actually define us. We explore the allure of universalism (because who doesn’t lov...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 5Ep. 120
Send us a text Happy New Year! 🎉 In this special year-end episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan tackle the big question: Why don’t we live like eternity is real? With 2025 kicking off, we reflect on how eternity (or our avoidance of it) shapes our decisions, relationships, and priorities. The crew dives into everything from our cultural obsession with immediacy and distraction to the spiritual disciplines that help us slow down and focus on what really matters. They explore ...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 119
Send us a text 🎄 It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're back with a brand-new episode! In this special holiday-themed discussion, Jesse, Jen, and Evan tackle some big theological questions (and a whole lot of Christmas banter). From debating the dual nature of Jesus—fully God, fully human—to sharing favorite Christmas cookies and holiday movies, we’ve got all the festive chaos you never knew you needed. This episode dives deep into the mystery of Jesus' humanity and divinity. Was J...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 118
Send us a text Leadership and discipleship—two words we hear a lot in church, but do they really mean what we think they do? In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan dive into the messy overlap of leadership and discipleship in the church. Is leadership about casting the widest net, or is it about leading people deeper into faith? And when did discipleship become more about programs than relationships? The crew takes a hard look at the history of leadership in the modern...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 117
Send us a text The election may be over, but the tension isn’t. In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan take a deep breath, grab their drinks, and tackle the big question: "Now what?" With post-election emotions running high, we explore how to navigate this moment as people of faith without spiraling into the usual political drama. We’re keeping it real and throwing in some sarcasm for good measure. They dig into what it means to live out your faith in a politically div...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 116
Send us a text Buckle up, because we're diving into some of the weirdest, most mysterious stuff the Bible has to offer – and it involves giants, fallen angels, and things that sound like they're straight out of a fantasy novel. This episode of the Christian AF Podcast tackles the Nephilim—yep, those elusive beings mentioned briefly in Genesis and Numbers that have sparked endless debates, theories, and, let's be honest, some hilarious conspiracies. Jesse, Jen, and Evan explore who (or what) the ...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 115
Send us a text Ever thought about planting a church? Well, before you grab your Bible and shovel (metaphorically, of course), you might want to take a listen to this episode of the Christian AF Podcast. Jesse, Jen, and Evan unpack the "folly" of church planting, revealing why it's not always the holy grail it's cracked up to be. We dive into the messy realities: the burnout, the big promises of fast growth, and the cold, hard stats showing that more churches are closing than opening. As always, ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 114
Send us a text Ever wondered what the heck a denomination is and why we even have them? Well, grab a drink and brace yourself because this episode of the Christian AF Podcast dives into the history, the misconceptions, and the modern-day relevance (or lack thereof) of church denominations. Jesse, Jen, and Evan go deep into why denominations exist, how they started, and what they mean for us today. Whether you grew up Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, or in the wild west of non-denominationalism, ther...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 5Ep. 113
Send us a text Ever had a conversation so good, that you had to do it twice? Well, that's exactly what happened with this episode of the Christian AF Podcast featuring Tim Whitaker from The New Evangelicals. That's right, folks. We managed to forget to hit record the first time around (classic us), but trust us, this take is worth the wait. In this episode, Jesse, Jen, and Evan dive deep with Tim into the chaotic world of modern evangelicalism. Tim shares his journey from growing up in a conserv...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 112
Send us a text What does Jesus value about the church, and how does that compare to what we value today? In this insightful episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan delve into the core question of values within the church. They explore the nuances of what Jesus might prioritize versus the values often emphasized in modern church communities. Throughout this thought-provoking conversation, the hosts examine specific examples like generosity, prayer, and high production values. Th...
Jul 24, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 111
Send us a text Ever wondered about the difference between faith and belief? In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, Jesse, Jen, and Evan dive into the profound yet often misunderstood distinction between these two concepts. They explore how Western culture and Bible translations have blurred the lines between faith and belief, potentially fueling the rise of deconstruction within the church. Join the hosts as they discuss the implications of prioritizing belief over faith, the influence of ...
Jul 10, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 110
Send us a text Today we're talking about the great recoil (as Evan calls it). We've noticed that many churches have tried to recoil back into what was comfortable before the pandemic because it's comfortable instead of growing and evolving from that time. Is that ok? Should we be trying to create something more? What are the members of the faith community looking for in 2024? Let's discuss! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: MODERNE PILSNER - Moderne Dune Brewing Co. Chicago, IL Czech Style Pilsner | 5.3% ...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 109
Send us a text In this episode of the Christian AF Podcast, hosts Jen, Jesse, and Evan sit down with David Fitch, an author, professor, and pastor, to discuss his new book, "Reckoning with Power: Why the Church Fails When It's on the Wrong Side of Power." The conversation covers a range of topics including the dynamics of power within the church, the impact of Christian nationalism, and the importance of humility and community in church leadership. Fitch shares insights into his theological jour...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 108
Send us a text In this episode, hosts Evan and Jesse are joined by Courtney Bandeko and Benjamin Koppin, the talent behind the unconventional Christian film "Pastor's Kid." With Jen out sick, the duo navigates an engaging discussion about the film's daring approach to Christian storytelling, exploring themes of faith, struggle, and redemption in ways that traditional Christian films often avoid. From behind-the-scenes insights to deep personal revelations, this episode not only delves into the m...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 5Ep. 107
Send us a text What is the point of spiritual discipline? Do we need to read our bibles? Why do we need to PRACTICE discipleship? Isn't going to church and trying to be good Christians enough? The CAF podcast crew welcomes back Creig Day to help us work through a few of these questions and more. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: WEST O BEER - Smoked Red Ale West Okoboji, IA Americana Red Ale | 6.5% ABV FARMHAUS CIDER CO - Daily Dry Hudsonville, MI Dry Cider | 6.4% ABV KROMBACHER - Pils Kreuztal, Germany G...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 5Ep. 106
Send us a text Today's episode is a little different. In the wake of a difficult week for our community in Rockford, Jen, Evan, Jesse, and Creig have a candid conversation about our roles amid tragedy. NEWS ARTICLES https://www.wifr.com/2024/04/09/suspect-accused-killing-rockford-walmart-employee-pleads-not-guilty/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rockford-illinois-violence-stabbing-dead-rcna145388 GOFUNDME LINKS Jason Jenkins https://www.gofundme.com/f/xbzfr-jason-jenkins Romona and Jacob S...
Apr 10, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 105
Send us a text Welcome to part 2 of the ladies' podcast. We're amplifying the voices of some of our favorite women during Women's Month as Jen sits down with some of her closest friends (wives of Jesse and Evan and good friend Heather Camacho) to talk about the role of women in the church past frustrations, and future thinking. Drink like a girl and grab a stiff glass of bourbon as we finish up this convo with the lady podcasters! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: WOODFORD RESERVE - Straight Kentucky Bour...
Mar 27, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 104
Send us a text Dive into a candid episode of the Christian AF Podcast as we welcome a very special group of women: Evan's wife Heather, Jesse's wife Alix, and our friend Heather join Jen for today's conversation. As we celebrate Women's Month, we delve into their journeys within the church, the triumphs and trials of leadership, and the unique experiences that have shaped their paths. So grab your favorite drink and join us for this unforgettable PART 1 of exploration of faith, leadership, and t...
Mar 13, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 103
Send us a text Right smack in the middle of trying to build a stronger community, the topic of volunteering in church stirs up more than just dust. It's a whirlwind of questions: Are we asking too much from our volunteers? Is there a thin line between utilizing skills and outright exploitation? And what about burnout – that silent thief that sneaks up on the most willing of spirits? This week, Jesse, Evan, and Jen tackle these questions head-on, dissecting the delicate balance of volunteerism wi...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 102
Send us a text Let's talk fasting! What is the practice of fasting and why do we do it? Is it still applicable to our lives today? How do we keep our focus on prayer while fasting? Join us as we talk about starting a 30-day fast with our church, what we're giving up, and what fasting has looked like for us in the past. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: MAPLEWOOD BREWERY – Country Mile Chicago, IL English Pub Ale | 4.5% ABV Support the show –––––––– BUY US A DRINK https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ChristianA...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 101
Send us a text Join us in a toast as we mark a major milestone: our 100th episode of Christian AF Podcast! In this special edition, we're switching things up – your hosts become the guests. Dive into our personal stories, early influences, and those pivotal moments that have shaped our journey. We're setting our sights on the future, discussing our ambitions and dreams for the next chapter. This episode is a tribute to you, our dedicated listeners, who've been part of this incredible journey. So...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 5Ep. 100
Send us a text Ever wondered what it would be like to receive a letter from the apostle Paul in today's fast-paced, digital age? In this intriguing episode, we embark on a thought-provoking journey into the hypothetical scenario of today's Western church receiving a letter from Paul. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the profound impact of social media on our daily lives, the challenges of finding authentic community in our increasingly disconnected digital society, and the strong...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 5Ep. 99
Send us a text In a world where quick fixes and instant solutions are often sought after, how does this impact the way we approach challenges in our churches? Are there really 'silver bullets' that can instantly resolve systemic issues, spur numerical growth, or transform congregational cultural dynamics? Or are we simply chasing after the wind? This episode of Christian AF tackles the allure and the illusion of quick fixes in church life. Join us as we dissect the temptation to seek out 'silver...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 98
Send us a text Does spiritual growth happen in isolation, or is it a journey best walked with others? In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, how important is community in our spiritual formation? This episode of the Christian AF Podcast dives into the dynamic between personal growth and communal development in our faith journeys. We're excited to have Creig Day with us to explore the delicate balance between nurturing our individual faith and fostering spiritual connections wit...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 97
