The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

Why didn’t J.D. tell the church who to vote for? Is it wrong to want a church that meets your needs? And how do you talk about Jesus without being weird?

In this episode of The Bullpen, J.D. and Matt are joined by J.D.’s wife, Veronica Greear, and John Muller, campus pastor at the Summit’s Capital Hills campus. Together they unpack J.D.’s sermon on the church in Antioch in Acts 11… and by the way, why didn’t J.D. tell the church who to vote for? They also discuss how to evangelize without being weird.

Finally, they explore social media influencers who mix Christian faith with crystals, grounding, and moon water.

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3

Watch the full sermon: https://summitchurch.com/GetFile.ashx?Guid=a25ee27f-f28b-41f3-b811-7f53c9673a2e

00:00 Intro
04:01 Veronica’s Summary of the Antioch Sermon
13:00 Is It Wrong to Want a Felt-Needs Church?
19:34 When Should You Stay or Leave a Church?
25:05 Sharing Your Faith Without Being Weird
32:11 Practical Tools for Sharing the Gospel
38:32 Why J.D. Doesn’t Tell the Church Who to Vote For
41:27 Signs Politics Has Become Your Identity
48:08 The Lesser of Two Evils Is Still Evil
50:35 Christian Influencers, Crystals, and Syncretism
57:42 Knowing the Word for Yourself
1:01:00 Shirt Critiques and How to Subscribe

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Can you find real community in a megachurch? Why would a growing church send away its best leaders? And how do you know if God might be calling you into ministry?

In this bonus episode of The Bullpen, J.D. and Matt are joined by Kyle Mercer of Two Cities Church and Andrew Hopper of Mercy Hill Church. Fresh off the Collaborative Conference, these three pastors share the joys and challenges of leading growing churches—and why their vision extends far beyond filling their own seats.

00:00Why attendance and serving matter for feeling connected

01:33The Collaborative’s vision and shared values

03:20Mercy Hill’s move from planting a church to planting a network

05:28Why Kyle Mercer joined the movement

09:15What pastors find most rewarding about church growth

12:22The personal impact of sending leaders

15:42How large churches address connection and care

20:15Community groups, DNA groups, and serving as next steps

22:29Identifying and developing future ministry leaders

24:33Holding everyday vocation and ministry callings together

30:21Chosen, Open Bible, Open Life, and episode resources

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Is temptation itself a sin? Why do Christians follow some Old Testament laws but not others? And can you be pro-life while supporting the death penalty?

This week on The Bullpen, J.D., Matt, and Curtis welcome a special guest: J.D.’s wife, Veronica Greear! After Veronica grades J.D.’s sermon (and his fashion choices), the conversation turns to what it means that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law—and why Christians still follow some commands but not others.

They also tackle some difficult questions about capital punishment, biblical justice, and the relationship between being pro-life and supporting the death penalty.

Finally, they explore the difference between temptation and sin, why changing our behavior isn’t the same as changing our hearts, how obedience and accountability help us grow, and why baptism is a starting point rather than something we have to earn.

Scripture: Matt. 5:17-22

Watch the full sermon HERE.

Get the sermon transcript HERE.

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Can God lead you into a decision that fails?

J.D., Matt, and Curtis close out Ecclesiastes by talking about the small compromises that can eventually take someone out, the difference between faith and recklessness, how to discern God’s will, and why peace isn’t necessarily proof that a decision will succeed.

Then they turn to Christian nationalism—religious liberty, who gets to define what counts as Christian, the viral University of Texas student-section photo, race and national identity, immigration and enculturation, and the difference between Christian influence in government and government authority over Christianity.

Read Pastor J.D.’s article, “Why I’m Not a Christian Nationalist,” at The Gospel Coalition: HERE

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10-12

Watch the full sermon HERE.

Get the sermon transcript HERE.

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Are you building a life that looks successful—or one that will actually matter when it’s over?

In this episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love, Curtis Andrusko, and special guest Julius Tennal to go deeper into Ecclesiastes 7 and the surprising wisdom that can come from hardship, loss, and even thinking about death. They talk about the difference between résumé virtues and eulogy virtues, what we tend to sacrifice in the pursuit of success, why we need people in our lives who are willing to tell us the truth, and how obedience can quietly become an attempt to control God. Julius also shares what it means to “live sent,” why Christians shouldn’t always wait for a dramatic calling before taking a step of obedience, and his family’s journey toward planting a church in South Africa. Plus, with football season back, we tackle the explosion of sports betting and ask whether “Is it a sin?” is even the right question.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7

Watch the full sermon HERE.

Get the sermon transcript HERE.

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Why do bad things happen to good people—or are we asking the wrong question?

In this episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love and Curtis Andrusko to go deeper into Ecclesiastes 3 and what it means to trust God in seasons we don’t understand. They talk about why “God has a plan” can be true and still be difficult to hear when you’re hurting, how Christians can respond to suffering without minimizing someone’s pain, and why J.D. says the Bible actually reframes one of our biggest questions about God and evil. They also talk about learning to enjoy the season you’re in instead of constantly waiting for the next one, whether our pets will be in heaven, and how Christians can hold together grace and truth as questions about gender and sexuality continue to play out in culture.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Watch the full sermon HERE.

Get the sermon transcript.

Stay Connected! Text BULLPEN to 97000 for updates about the podcast.

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Bullpen!

Why is it that getting what we want so often leaves us wanting something more?

In the first episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love and Curtis Andrusko to go deeper into his first sermon in the book of Ecclesiastes and the search for a meaningful, satisfying life. They talk about why success and pleasure can’t carry the weight we put on them, how Christians can genuinely enjoy God’s gifts without turning them into idols, and what Ecclesiastes has to say to a culture constantly looking for the next thing.

They also discuss social media, our endless appetite for more, and what it looks like to build your life around the things that actually last.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Watch the full sermon HERE

Get the sermon transcript.

Stay Connected! Text BULLPEN to 97000 for updates about the podcast.

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Bullpen!

For years now, whenever Pastor J.D. Greear preaches, he writes far more than he can actually say in the sermon. The material that doesn’t make the cut—the extra illustrations, the rabbit trails, the good questions he didn’t have time to chase—gets kept in a section of his notes he calls the “bullpen.”

All of that material, all these years, has just sat there and never seen the light of day.

But that changes next week.

Each time J.D. preaches, he’ll sit down with a couple of people and unpack the message. They’ll go deeper into the passage, wrestle with the hard questions just like they always have, and bring out implications they didn’t have time to get into during the message.

And if there’s something big happening in the world, or a controversial question that could use some Christian wisdom applied to it—even if it wasn’t directly addressed by the text—they’ll discuss that too.

No scripts. Just a free-flowing conversation.

And as always, J.D. is praying it will be a resource to help you grow deeper in your love and understanding of the gospel.

Episode Links:

• Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel
• Listen wherever you listen to podcasts.

In another special episode, Pastor J.D. addresses the question: “Is the Deliberate Pursuit of Ethnic Unity the Same As DEI?”

Key Takeaways:

•

• There is an unbiblical DEI that really is about quota and virtue signaling.
• Hiring practices should consider the experience of candidates over age 50.
• Ageism can be a concern when hiring for specific demographics.
• DEI initiatives can sometimes miss the mark by focusing on superficial metrics.
• Experience can be more valuable than age in certain roles.
• The conversation challenges traditional views on diversity in hiring.
• Understanding the context of DEI is crucial for effective implementation.
• Church leadership hiring should prioritize the ability to connect with the community.
• Quotas can undermine the true purpose of diversity initiatives.
• Real diversity includes valuing experience alongside demographic factors.

Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities.

Episode Links:

• Listen to Pastor J.D.’s interview on the Bully Pulpit podcast HERE
• Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor
• Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor
• Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

In another special episode, Pastor J.D. addresses the question: “Is ‘Voting Blue’ the First Sign of Losing Faith?”

The conversation explores a question Pastor J.D. was asked recently about whether “voting blue” is a harbinger of losing your faith.

Key Takeaways:

•

• Silence on moral issues can lead to distrust.
• The character of leaders matters to faith communities.
• Inconsistencies in beliefs can alienate younger members.
• The church’s political stance affects its moral authority.
• Transparency is crucial for maintaining faith.
• Younger people are seeking authenticity in leadership.
• The future of the church depends on addressing these issues.

Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities.

Episode Links:

• Listen to Pastor J.D.’s interview on the Bully Pulpit podcast HERE
• Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor
• Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor
• Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

In this episode, Pastor J.D. concludes our mini-series about his latest book, Everyday Revolutionary, by asking the question: “WHY Is Gen Z Returning to the Church?”

This conversation features Wes Smith, College Pastor at The Summit Church. Much has been said about how Gen Z is returning to the church… but why is that happening? We explore the reasons behind this trend, including a dissatisfaction with secular ideologies and a desire for community and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

•

• Gen Z shows a significant curiosity about Jesus and the Bible.
• Many Gen Z individuals feel a void in their lives that they seek to fill.
• The church can provide a sense of community that Gen Z lacks online.
• Spiritual openness on college campuses is at an all-time high.
• Clarity on cultural issues is essential for engaging with Gen Z.
• The church should focus on gospel priority over political alignment.
• Many young people are coming to faith through authentic community.
• The rise in baptisms indicates a genuine spiritual revival among youth.
• Church leaders should emphasize identity in Christ to resonate with Gen Z.
• Engaging in conversations about controversial topics can lead to deeper understanding.

Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities.

Episode Links:

• Last week’s episode: https://jdgreear.com/podcasts/are-christians-c…-the-culture-war/
• Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor
• Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor
• Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

In this episode, Pastor J.D. discusses a question many of us are asking ourselves right now, “Are Christians Called to the Culture War?”

As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explains that while believers must be bold in truth, faithfulness to Jesus goes beyond cultural confrontation—it involves embodying grace and truth in everyday life. It’s not less than clarity on issues, but it’s much more.

Key Takeaways:

Pastor J.D. identifies five components of the “quiet life” that creates a “loud testimony” (1 Peter 3:15):

• Creation-Fulfilling

• Every job contributes to beautifying and ordering the world.
• We’re co-creators with God, showing His glory through our work.

• Excellence-Pursuing

• Daniel had “an excellent spirit.”
• Work “as unto the Lord,” demonstrating God’s perfection through diligence and quality.

• Holiness-Reflecting

• Our ethics and integrity mirror the holiness of God.
• Poor work or unethical behavior damages our witness.

• Redemption-Displaying

• Extend grace in surprising ways.
• Example: a Madison Avenue executive takes the blame for his intern’s costly mistake, using it as a gospel moment — “My life was transformed by someone who took my punishment.”

• Mission-Advancing

• Excellence earns influence.
• Use platforms and opportunities to point to Jesus (Proverbs 22:29).

Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities.

Episode Links:

• Last week’s episode: https://jdgreear.com/podcasts/should-pastors-be-more-political-from-the-pulpit/
• Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor
• Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor
• Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

In this episode, Pastor J.D. discusses a question many church leaders face: Should pastors be more political from the pulpit?

As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explores how faithfulness to the gospel intersects with public issues, when to speak clearly, and when to show restraint.

J.D. argues that pastors must boldly proclaim biblical truth even when it overlaps with politics—but resist aligning the name of Jesus with any political party. Political engagement is a result of discipleship, not the gateway to it.

Key Takeaways

• Be bold on biblical truth, even when it’s political. Some moral issues, like the sanctity of life and God’s design for gender, require clear biblical conviction.
• Don’t confuse political alignment with gospel faithfulness. The pulpit should be reserved for “thus says the Lord,” not personal policy opinions.
• Discipleship precedes political realignment. True change begins in the heart before it’s reflected in the ballot box.
• Avoid both ditches. On one side lies cowardly silence; on the other, a Christless conservatism that replaces the gospel with partisanship.
• Keep Jesus’ name holy. Associating Christ too closely with a political party risks damaging His reputation and alienating those who need the gospel.

Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities.

Episode Links:

• Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor
• Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor
• Become a Gospel Partner: http://jdgreer.com/donate

This week on Ask the Pastor, we have a special bonus episode on the question, “Which of the Bible’s promises apply today?”

We covered a similar question several years ago, and you can find that episode HERE.

A glimpse inside this episode:

• The Bible contains approximately 3,000 promises from God.
• All promises of God are fulfilled in Christ.
• Understanding the context of promises is crucial for application.
• There are unconditional and conditional promises in the Bible.
• God’s character remains consistent despite changing circumstances.
• Promises made to Israel can still have relevance today.
• The New Testament often cites Old Testament promises.
• Believers are encouraged to expect God’s goodness in their lives now.
• Faith in God’s promises is essential for spiritual growth.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Correct Theology Matter?”

A glimpse inside this episode:

• Theological doctrine shapes our relationship with God and others.
• Understanding essential beliefs is crucial for unity in the church.
• Not all theological issues are of equal importance.
• Spiritual maturity involves developing strong convictions with restraint.
• Knowledge of God should not outpace our love for Him.
• The Bible emphasizes a proper view of God.
• We must discern between essential and non-essential beliefs.
• Personal opinions should not be equated with biblical truths.
• Theological study is important for all believers, not just seminarians.
• Unity in the church is vital for the integrity of the gospel.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Everyday Faithfulness Matter?”

A glimpse inside this episode:

• Living a faithful life is essential, even in mundane tasks.
• Every believer has a role in God’s mission, regardless of their position.
• Motherhood and domestic roles can be fulfilling and significant in God’s eyes.
• Ordinary obedience can lead to extraordinary outcomes in God’s plan.
• Faithfulness is what God desires from us in our daily lives.
• The quiet life can demonstrate the beauty of the gospel.
• Service to others is a calling for all believers.
• God uses ordinary people to accomplish his purposes.
• The influence of a godly mother can shape generations.
• Living remarkably in everyday life can attract others to Christ.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does the Existence of Hell Matter?”

A glimpse inside this episode:

• The doctrine of hell is crucial for understanding God’s justice.
• Many people struggle with the concept of hell, leading to doubt.
• Biblical imagery of hell should be taken seriously, not metaphorically.
• The severity of hell reflects the infinite nature of God.
• Hell serves as a means to understand injustice in the world.
• God’s judgment is an expression of His holiness and righteousness.
• Understanding hell magnifies the love of God in salvation.
• The conversation about hell is essential for a robust faith.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with the question, “Why Does Prayer Matter?”

A glimpse inside this episode:

• Prayer is essential for experiencing the fullness of joy.
• Unanswered prayer can be a part of God’s better plan.
• Persistence in prayer is often necessary for receiving answers.
• Prayer is a means by which God accomplishes His will on earth.
• God’s sovereignty does not negate the importance of prayer.
• Sometimes God answers prayers in ways we do not expect.
• Prayer changes us and the circumstances around us.
• The act of praying is a way to inhabit God’s presence.
• Unanswered prayers can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
• The gospel reassures us of God’s constant presence and care.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. pauses his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” to answer a listener question about challenges of tithing when a spouse disagree.

A glimpse inside this episode:

• Tithing is a biblical command that reflects trust in God.
• Communication is key when spouses disagree on financial matters.
• It’s important to honor each other’s perspectives in marriage.
• Testing God through tithing can lead to personal testimonies of faithfulness.
• You can’t give what you don’t have authority over.
• Prayer is essential in changing hearts regarding financial decisions.
• Generosity can be demonstrated through small acts of giving.
• God values the spirit of generosity over the amount given.
• Mutual respect in financial decisions strengthens marriage.
• Encouragement and prayer can lead to shifts in financial perspectives.

This week on Ask the Pastor, Pastor J.D. continues his series called, “Why Does It Matter?” with a question on why it matters to live a gospel-centered life.

A glimpse inside the episode:

• The gospel is central to every part of the Christian life.
• Living a gospel-centered life means returning to the gospel daily.
• The gospel fosters organic change rather than external pressure.
• Daily reminders of the gospel help combat idolatry and insecurity.
• The gospel prayer is a practical tool for spiritual growth.
• Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for transformation.
• The gospel is not just a starting point but a lifelong journey.
• Faith in the gospel activates the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives.
• Generosity flows from a heart transformed by the gospel.
• The gospel teaches us to desire what God desires.