Best Off The Top Dope Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep. 378: Miles Smith Reads The Ex-Vangelicals 24:18

1h ago24:18

24:18

You may have heard the term ex-vangelical. An ex-vangelical is someone who formerly identified as an evangelical, but no longer does so. The phenomenon has created a sub-genre of books from memoirs – such as those by Josh Harris, Rachel Held Evans, and others — to more journalistic accounts, such as Sarah McCammon’s “The Ex-Vangelicals.” But is the…

1
How to Be a Badass -Top Gun Navy Jet - Attack - Pilot? Subscribe to The Wingmen Show Podcast! 31:40

1d ago31:40

31:40

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Perseverance is key to accomplishing anything worth doing, especially if it is difficult at first. Those who succeed are those who do not quit after encountering hurdles that can be overcome eventually with persistence. Many people can become jet pilots, but relatively few people have landed aboard a fl…

1
Ep. 377: Former Olympian Casey Converse On Lessons Learned – and Not Learned — From the 1976 Olympic Doping Scandal 44:43

5h ago44:43

44:43

The 2024 Summer Olympics are about to begin in Paris, and that event should be of interest even to those who don’t much care about sports. For one thing, it’s the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Olympics, also held in Paris, in which Christian missionary Eric Liddell won a gold medal. That story was famously recounted in the Academy Award winning mov…

1
Ep. 376: The SBC’s Reversal on Brent Leatherwood, First Baptist Dallas, Life Surge Conferences 23:43

1d ago23:43

23:43

On today’s program, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission—the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention—fired its president Brent Leatherwood this week…then less than 12 hours later reversed course and said he was NOT fired. We’ll have details. Also, Life Surge wealth conferences draw big audiences with its celebrity speaker lineup a…

1
Ep. 375: Carlos Campo on Leadership, Christian Higher Ed, and the Museum of the Bible 28:21

2h ago28:21

28:21

Carlos Campo has one of the most interesting biographies I know about. His parents were entertainers who had hit records and a national profile in the 1940s and 50s. Carlos Campo’s mother was Betty Clooney, who with her sister Rosemary rose to the top of the music industry. That also makes Carlos Campo a part of a family that some consider entertai…

1
How To Win an Emmy, Get Racially Profiled In Central Park! 32:28

2h ago32:28

32:28

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Maintaining a positive attitude will take you farther in life than just being down in the dumps all the time. Central Park in New York City serves as a meeting place for different kinds of people. An encounter between a birdwatcher and a pet owner who found themselves in the same place at the same time …

1
Ep. 374: Matt Chandler, Robert Morris, and Former Christian Billionaire Bill Hwang 25:37

8h ago25:37

25:37

On today’s program, Village Church Pastor Matt Chandler is under fire after his church hired a man who, in the past, was convicted of child sexual abuse. That man was his father. We’ll take a look. Also, Robert Morris—the Gateway Church pastor accused of abusing a young girl starting when she was 12 years old—is having his radio and tv programs can…

1
Ep. 373: Kirk Farney Discusses Radio Pioneers Fulton Sheen and Walter Maier Their influence on Christian radio still shapes the medium today 30:09

10h ago30:09

30:09

For the past 100 years, radio has proven to be a persistent medium. Television, podcasts, and other digital media have taken their slices of the market, but radio has not gone away. In some ways it is as strong today as ever. About eight in 10 Americans over the age of 12 listen to terrestrial radio in a given week. And as long as there has been ra…

1
How to have better Sex, follow these 7 healthy Tips! 33:08

6h ago33:08

33:08

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! We all possess some form of brilliance whether we are superstars or everyday people. In a shocking turn of events, the wingmen pull the covers off, and exposes better sex secrets to the world, but in a way that is different than most. They earn a “G” rating, making this information acceptable for Genera…

1
Ep. 372: The Village Church Restructures, Another Christian College Closes, California SBC Lays Off Staff 29:04

1d ago29:04

29:04

On today’s program, a South Carolina church is facing fallout after it became known that its pastor is a registered sex offender for abusing a minor. Leaders knew when they hired him, but didn’t alert members. We’ll have details. And, years ago a handful of Dallas-area churches that started as multi-site campuses of The Village Church transitioned …

1
Ep. 371: John Inazu Wants Us To “Learn To Disagree” 28:14

3d ago28:14

28:14

We live in a polarized time. People with whom we disagree are not just wrong, but evil – or so we (and they) often think. John Inazu thinks that posture towards those with whom we disagree is neither helpful nor biblical. He thinks empathy, curiosity, and love – both loving our neighbors but also loving our enemies – is both a biblical approach, an…

1
How To Fly Through the Air With the Greatest of Ease? Be Simone Biles! 31:28

4d ago31:28

31:28

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! When you have a positive attitude you increase the odds of good things happening to you. There are some people who model footwear, but Dr. Paul is not one of them. He is a good example on why it’s important to take care of your feet! In addition to being the greatest Olympic gymnast for her past feats, …

1
Ep. 370: “Jesus Calling” Study by PCA is a Gift to the Church 10:50

11d ago10:50

10:50

The book, “Jesus Calling,” has sold more than 45 million copies, but it has been the object of criticism from its first publication date in 2004 until now. The Presbyterian Church in America’s decision to do an in-depth study of the book is a gift to the broader Christian church, presenting the opportunity to settle controversies about the book onc…

1
How To Live In Luxury, Give Yourself the Soft Pillow 29:07

11d ago29:07

29:07

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Children need love, attention and a nurturing environment to help them develop to their full potential. Along the way, make sure to tell them you love them; don’t assume they always know. Give yourself a little extra love and attention every now and then. Commander Drew got a one-person cold plunge pool…

1
Ep. 369: Giving Up, More on Robert Morris, Denominational News from the Christian Reformed Church Robert Morris, Anglicans, and Nazarenes 30:07

15d ago30:07

30:07

On today’s program, the Christian Reformed Church synod have voted to suspend leaders within the denomination who approve of LGBTQ lifestyles…their message: repent or disaffiliate. We’ll have details. Also, ministries continue to distance themselves from megachurch pastor Robert Morris after a woman claimed he abused her starting when she was 12 ye…

1
Ep. 368: A Few Thoughts About Christian Higher Education and Cornerstone University 13:06

1M ago13:06

13:06

Christian colleges and universities are in a tough spot. Spiraling costs and shrinking demographics, plus technological and other cultural concerns, are putting unprecedented pressure on them. We’ve reported on the closures of many Christian colleges here at MinistryWatch, and our reporting has barely touched the magnitude of the problem. According…

1
Poor Customer Service! Who in the Hell Hired Them? 33:04

18d ago33:04

33:04

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Who would have guessed that before he became our beloved Commander Drew Brown, he was a young civilian who ran an after-hours, fancy-schmancy nightclub that attracted the rich and famous in New Orleans. Customer service varies a lot depending on the business. Companies like American Express, Apple and C…

1
Ep. 367: Robert Morris, Paul Pressler, and Appalachian Bible College 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

On today’s program, Megachurch Pastor Robert Morris resigns as senior pastor of Gateway Church after a woman claims he abused her decades ago starting when she was 12 years old. We’ll have details.And, Lincoln Christian University closes its doors debt free…with plans to continue its ministry through a new institute. We’ll take a look.And, Southern…

1
Ep. 366: Anglicanism Can Save Evangelicalism – But Must First Save Itself Provincial meeting in Latrobe, Pa., next week will be defining moment 25:30

1M ago25:30

25:30

The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) has been one of the success stories in recent American church history. Most denominations in the U.S. are in decline, but ACNA, founded just 15 years ago, has grown to more than 1000 congregations and a membership of 120,000. In today’s commentary, I share my thoughts about what’s needed to keep ACNA on a…

1
How to Make It to The Olympics, Don’t Be Caitlin Clark! 36:01

27d ago36:01

36:01

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Bravery is not always the absence of fear but rather the willingness to press forward into unfamiliar territory or patterns that involve taking risks. There is much good news in the world, and especially so for many corporate CEO’s whose average annual compensation sits at $15.7 million per year. North …

1
Ep. 365: SBC News Round-Up, Tony Evans, and K-Love 29:48

1M ago29:48

29:48

On today’s program, almost 11-thousand Southern Baptists gathered in Indianapolis this week, facing a long list of key decisions, including abuse reform, a constitutional amendment about women pastors, and the election of a new president. We’ll take a look .Also, megachurch pastor and bestselling author Tony Evans is stepping away from his pastoral…

1
Ep. 364: Bridging The Church/Para-Church Divide A conversation with Scott Harris of Mission Increase 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

A couple of months ago I came across an article that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind. It’s called “The End and Future of the Church/”Para-Church” Relationship: A Call for Generous Partnership.”The article was written by two people I have come to respect a great deal in the past few years. One of them is Amy Sherman, who has written a numb…

1
How to Make Millions Going To College, Become a Baller! 33:48

1M ago33:48

33:48

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Everyone has a talent in something. It may be apparent or hidden inside of you, just waiting to come out. In a time of great social and political change, Mexico has elected its first female president. The country where women have only been allowed to vote for a few decades will now be led by a Jewish wo…

1
Ep. 363: SBC’s Abuse Reform Task Force, The UMC and Same-Sex Weddings, and Kanakuk Kamps 30:03

1M ago30:03

30:03

On today’s program, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Abuse Reform Task Force will be ending next week…without any names on its website of pastors credibly accused of abuse…and with no clear path forward. We’ll take a look.And, Salem Media Group pulls Dinesh D’Souza’s movie ‘2000 Mules’ from all its streaming platforms. We’ll have details.Plus, a T…

1
Ep. 362: Karl Vaters Wants To “De-Size” The Church 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

Karl Vaters is not against bigness on principle. He is quick to point out that large churches can use their size to do things that smaller churches simply cannot.But he also says that the things that big churches do better are few, and that getting big, pursuing growth, often comes at great financial and spiritual cost.His new book is called De-Siz…

1
Ep. 361: Reggie Joiner, Kristen Ivy & Orange; Ed Young Retires, Missionary Couple Murdered 28:53

2M ago28:53

28:53

On today’s program, former CEO of Orange, Kristen Ivy, originally admitted to an “inappropriate relationship” with the ministry’s founder Reggie Joiner. Now, she’s reclassifying that relationship as clergy abuse. We’ll have details.Also, summer is the season of short-term missions—but The Chalmers Center has some warnings before posting about those…

1
Ep. 360: Remembering Marshall Allen 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

On today’s MinistryWatch podcast we remember Marshall Allen, an investigative journalist who was a friend and supporter of MinistryWatch.To read a transcript of this podcast, click here. You’ll also find there links mentioned in today’s episode.The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.Until next time, may God blss you.…

1
How to Avoid this Shi_t! Commander Drew Was Mugged and Now Dr. Paul Got Hacked! 30:26

2M ago30:26

30:26

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! You can contribute to improving the world by taking the time to improve yourself. There is good news in the world that we present on the show, but there is some bad news. The restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for bankruptcy. Is it possible the chain collapsed because Commander Drew & his son Doctor…

1
Ep. 359: SBC Prof, Pastor Indicted, Boy Scouts Fall But Trail Life Rises World Vision Fined 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

On today’s program, the U-S Department of Justice has indicted a former professor and interim provost of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for obstructing justice in a sexual misconduct case. We’ll have details.Also, the Boy Scouts of America changes their name in hopes of boosting its dwindling numbers—but instead, a different scouting min…

1
Ep. 358: More Thoughts On The PCA/David French Controversy 14:08

2M ago14:08

14:08

On today’s EXTRA Episode, Warren Smith identifies four lessons we can learn from the controversy surrounding David French and the Presbyterian Church in America.To read more about this controversy:https://ministrywatch.com/editors-notebook-the-pca-david-french-debacle/https://ministrywatch.com/pca-cancels-anti-polarization-panel-with-david-french-f…

1
How to Travel Internationally and Not Get Robbed ! 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! How to Travel Safely on an International Trip Traveling to a foreign country can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it's important to prioritize your safety while exploring new destinations. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or traveling with friends, taking the necessary precaution…

1
Ep. 357: Mica Miller Update, When Helping Hurts Haiti, KP Yohannan, Another Homeless Shelter Shut Down 24:35

2M ago24:35

24:35

On today’s program, a North Carolina Sheriff’s office has called in the FBI to help investigate the death of pastor’s wife, Mica Miller. We’ll have details.And, Haitian workers are concerned Christian donors could be hurting the very people they’re trying to help…and ask donors to redirect their money away from orphanages. We’ll take a look.Also, G…

1
Ep. 356: Celebrities For Jesus: A Conversation with Katelyn Beaty 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

Katelyn Beaty believes that some Christian leaders use their fame and influence in positive ways. But too often, she says, fame and celebrity are cultivated for their own sake, or for the sake of profits and the building of personal empires. We see this phenomenon most conspicuously with the prosperity Gospel preachers. But, increasingly, these pra…

1
Ep. 355 : Eric Metaxes, Gunman in Pennsylvania Church, Investigation on Mica Miller 26:17

3M ago26:17

26:17

On today’s program, an investigation into the death of a South Carolina pastor’s wife, 30-year-old Mica Miller, has captured the attention of people across the nation, raising questions about mental health and abuse. We’ll look at the latest findings.A Pennsylvania pastor faces a gunman in the middle of his Sunday sermon. We’ll have details.A new S…

1
Ep. 354: A Conversation with Aaron Renn About Life In The Negative World 36:48

3M ago36:48

36:48

For centuries, Christianity has been seen as a positive force in the world – even by those who are not Christians. But my guest today, Aaron Renn, argues that this perception has changed. In a widely read and discussed article for “First Things” magazine, first published a decade ago, Renn said that the world up until 1964 was a “positive world” fo…

1
How Be Happy and Content….Just Do These 7 Things 33:09

2M ago33:09

33:09

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! It is said that if you find something you love to do, it won’t seem like a job when you do it. Commander Drew’s cruise has taken him to the island of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal on the eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean that is more than six hundred miles from the Portuguese capital of Lis…

1
Ep. 353: United Methodist Church Approves LGBTQ Clergy, Wayne Grudem Retires, Metaxas and Feucht Hit Manhattan 24:39

3M ago24:39

24:39

On today’s program, the top legislative body of the United Methodist Church gathered in Charlotte, N.C., this week for its long-awaited General Conference. There, delegates cast decisive votes on issues of gender and sexuality. We’ll have details.And, an Ohio church is under fire AGAIN for opening its doors to shelter the homeless. We’ll take a loo…

1
Ep. 352: A Conversation with Nancy French Cancer, Politics, Ghost-Writing, and Life 46:31

3M ago46:31

46:31

Nancy French was not a household name in American politics -- because she mostly operated behind the scenes. But she was well known in the highest levels of Republican circles. She was the ghost writer for politicians and conservative celebrities, with five books she wrote making it to the New York Times Bestseller List.But she found the Republican…

1
How to Cruise the Mediterranean… U.S. Navy or Virgin Voyages? 35:20

3M ago35:20

35:20

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Self reflection and critique is a good way to show emotional growth, but don’t be so hard on yourself that you fail to see the upside of life. Cruising the high seas is a lot different as a civilian on a vacation than being a military member preparing for warfare. Flying high performance aircraft over t…

1
Ep. 351: More on Driscoll-Lindell, A Seminary Survives, and Orange’s Reggie Joiner Resigns 24:43

3M ago24:43

24:43

On today’s program, Arkansas pastor Steven Smith steps down after fallout from mishandling abuse allegations against a former children’s minister. We’ll have details.Also, controversial megachurch pastors Mark Driscoll and John Lindell seemed to reconcile on stage at the Stronger Men’s Conference last week…but since then, tensions between the two l…

1
Ep. 350: Some Thought About The Mark Driscoll-John Lindell Controversy 11:16

3M ago11:16

11:16

On today’s EXTRA Episode, MinistryWatch President Warren Smith has some additional thoughts about the Mark Driscoll-John Lindell controversy.The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Thanks to Casey Sudduth, Stephen duBarry, Kim Roberts, Rod Pitzer, and Christina Darnell for additional support.Until next time, may God bless you.…

1
“How to Transition to Women Sports? Love The Game! 34:35

3M ago34:35

34:35

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Consider taking some time out just to laugh. Laughter is beneficial for the body, mind and spirit, providing stress relief, endorphin release, along with cardio vascular benefits. Have you ever seen an opera performed by a rock band? If not check out the stage production directed by Commander Drew’s cou…

1
Ep. 349: Mark Driscoll, Calvin University, Chuck Swindoll 29:09

3M ago29:09

29:09

FIRST SEGMENTWarrenHello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.Natasha I’m Natasha Cowden in Denver, Colorado. We’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.WarrenOn today’s program, General Episcopal Theological Seminary thought it had found a solution to its financial woes—until 7 bishops intervened, sa…

1
Ep. 348: Eric Metaxas’s Letter To The American Church 32:51

3M ago32:51

32:51

Ten years ago, Eric Metaxas was the belle of the evangelical ball. Indeed, his evangelical bona fides were nearly impeccable. Early in his career he wrote for Veggie Tales and worked for Chuck Colson. He wrote humorously but piercingly about Christian apologetics. His biography of Bonhoeffer was named the book of the year by the Evangelical Christi…

1
How To Be A Parent Without Going To Jail….Love Your Children! 30:57

3M ago30:57

30:57

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Happiness is a two way street, when you give someone good cheer, you will get some back. In a landmark case in the state of Michigan, two parents are being held responsible for violent actions taken by their child. The implications are broad, but brings into question the level of responsibility parents …

1
Ep. 347: State Department Proposes Rules that Could Hurt Ministries Salem Media Reports Big Loss 27:24

4M ago27:24

27:24

SHOW NOTES:On today’s program, a proposed State Department rule could impact employment regulations for nonprofits…and some ministry leaders are voicing concern. We’ll take a look.And, the North Carolina pastor who went viral for remarks he made from the pulpit about rape has apologized—but the controversy, which has sparked ongoing protests, caugh…

1
Ep. 346: From Half-Time to Full-Time A conversation with David Bahnsen about the dignity of work 29:44

4M ago29:44

29:44

You’ve probably heard that you should achieve balance in your life. Perhaps you’ve heard the old saying that “No one ever said on their death-bed that they wish they had spent more time at the office.” Maybe you’ve read the popular Christian book “Half-Time” by Bob Buford, in which he said you should reach a place in your career in which you pivot …

1
How To Honor Lou Gossett Jr.? Be An Officer & A Gentlemen! 33:39

4M ago33:39

33:39

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you! Will Rogers gave good advice about taking the right path in life. You better keep moving to avoid getting knocked down; suffering from paralysis caused by too much analysis will keep you stuck in the same position. In other words, dynamic action beats inaction. The blockbuster movie, An Officer and a Ge…

1
Ep. 345: T.D. Jakes, NC’s Pursuit Church, Birmingham Southern College To Close 26:14

4M ago26:14

26:14

On today’s program, North Carolina Pastor Bruce Frank is joining the crowded Southern Baptist Convention presidential race. Frank was a former leader of the SBC’s abuse task force. We’ll have details. And, Bishop TD Jakes is mentioned in a lawsuit against music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs—though the lawsuit does not accuse the bishop of wrongdoing. We…

1
Ep. 344: A Conversation with Andrew Peterson He talks music, writing, community, Wingfeather, and becoming a ministry leader 34:22

4M ago34:22

34:22

Andrew Peterson is, as the old saying goes, a “man of many parts.”I first discovered Andrew’s music in the late 1990s, when his song “Nothing to Say” first became a favorite – and it still is. I began following his musical career and quickly discovered that he had more on his mind that music. He was building a community of artists in Nashville that…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Off The Top Dope Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide