Bearded Theologians

In this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their upcoming Sunday sermons and shared personal reflections on faith and ministry.Connect with the Bearded Theologians at www.beardedtheologians.com

Easter is over — but the season isn't. Matt and Zach dive into one of the church calendar's most underestimated stretches: Eastertide, the fifty days between resurrection Sunday and Pentecost. It's the season when attendance tends to drift and energy can quietly fade — and it's exactly when intentional leadership matters most. In this episode, they get real about what it actually takes to sustain momentum after the high of Easter Sunday, from strategic sermon planning to creating experiences that give people a reason to keep showing up. Along the way, Matt shares a baptism moment that stopped the room, and Zach recounts what made this year's outdoor sunrise service one for the books. If you've ever felt the post-Easter slump creeping in, this conversation is your game plan. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

In this episode, Zach and Matt reflect on their approaches to Easter and the deep meaning within the resurrection story. Zach explores the theme of grief and hope. He invites us to sit in the discomfort of the story rather than rushing ahead. It's in that tension that the power of the empty tomb truly comes alive.Matt highlights the unlikeliness of the resurrection, drawing attention to the surprising and often overlooked details—like the women being the first to proclaim the good news. Together, they consider how God continues to work in unexpected ways through unexpected people.They also reflect on how deeply relatable the disciples are in the Gospel narratives—their fear, doubt, and wonder mirroring our own experiences of faith. Even in stories we’ve heard countless times, there’s always something new to discover when we approach them with fresh eyes.The episode closes with personal glimpses of where they’ve seen God at work during Holy Week—from meaningful moments in ministry to the quiet beauty of wo

On this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold take a thoughtful and honest look at Palm Sunday and the journey into Holy Week.Together, they explore different approaches to worship during this sacred time, including the tension between combining everything into a single Palm/Passion Sunday or allowing each service—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter—to stand on its own. Matt shares why he values creating space for the full story to unfold, giving us time to sit with the weight of Good Friday before rushing to the joy of Easter morning.The conversation invites listeners to slow down, to feel the movement of the week, and to recognize how the depth of the story shapes the power of resurrection hope.As always, Matt and Zach also reflect on where they’ve seen God at work in their lives. This episode is a reminder that Holy Week isn’t just something we remember—it’s something we experience.

Zach and Matt discussed the importance of intentional stillness and silence in spiritual practice. They contrasted this with the modern expectation of constant activity. They explored how moments of quiet can be transformative. These moments allow people to connect with God. They help find meaning in routine practices like communion and the Lord's Prayer. Matt emphasized that it is important to give space for "the plane." These are those in-between moments. One should not immediately seek entertainment or distraction. They agreed that while boredom can be uncomfortable, it can also serve as an invitation to deeper spiritual reflection. Boredom encourages intentionality rather than being something to be avoided at all costs.Connect with the Beards or purchase some swag at www.beardedtheologians.com

In this episode of the Bearded Theologians podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their approaches to Lent this year. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://beardedtheologians.com/You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

This week, Matt and Zach chat with Rev. Nathan Webb about his book, God and the Machine. Join us for a deep dive into navigating faith and technology in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Get the book: Available now on Amazon and Cokesbury! Check out the Church at https://www.checkpointchurch.com/ Find Nathan's website: https://www.nathanisbusy.com/home

The Bearded Theologians sit down with Austin McIlroy, the Master Brewer and co-founder of Cabin Boys Brewery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.We dive into Austin’s personal journey—from his beginnings in homebrewing to opening a staple of the Oklahoma craft beer scene. Austin also gives us the "origin story" of the brewery's brew: The Bearded Theologian.Beyond the recipes, we explore the heartbeat of Cabin Boys. Austin explains how their brewery is built on a foundation of community, hospitality, and gathering—a model that mirrors the best parts of the Church. It’s a conversation about craft, calling, and why the best theology often happens over a pint.Connect with Cabin Boys at www.cabinboysbrewery.comConnect with the Bearded Theologians atwww.beardedtheologians.com

Zach and Matt are getting real about the Bible. Join them as they wrestle with a big question: Why is Scripture actually important? Beyond the theory, they share their personal reflections and engage in a spiritual check-in, looking back at their week to answer: "Where have we seen God at work?" If you're looking for a grounded, spiritual perspective on faith in practice, this one is for you.

Zach and Matt explored the concept of discipleship growth, discussing how individuals can evolve in their faith while acknowledging past beliefs and practices that may no longer align with their current understanding. They reflected on personal and communal growth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in their lives. Both speakers shared experiences of spiritual development, including Zach's observation of a youth-led worship service and Matt's journey of healing and renewal in his congregation. They highlighted the necessity of making space for growth, acknowledging that change can be painful but ultimately enriching. The conversation concluded with a reminder of the importance of intentional discipleship and the joy of witnessing God's work in everyday life.Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

Happy 10th Anniversary to The Bearded Theologians! 

In this episode, we sit down with Reverend Kaury Edwards. He is the author of Failure Sparked Innovation. We talk about why our biggest setbacks are often the catalysts for our greatest breakthroughs.Enjoyed this conversation? Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more interviews on leadership, innovation, and ministry.

This week, Matt and Zach chat about week three in the From Generation to Generation Advent Worship series. The title is We Can Choose A Better Way. The Advent Word is Joy.Check us out on most spaces you can listen to podcast. Don't forget to like and subscribe. The 7 Generation Article ⁠https://www.ecoresolution.earth/resources/seven-generation-thinking⁠

It’s Week 2 of Advent, and the Bearded Theologians are continuing the journey From Generation to Generation. This week, we aren't bypassing the messy stuff—we are diving straight into fear.Listeners interested in a copy can reach out to Zach or Matt to get a copy. Join Matt and Zach for a conversation filled with hope, humor, and the reminder that every story matters. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

For our first week in Advent in the From Generation To Generation series, Matt and Zach discuss how tradition, service, and storytelling shape our faith. They highlight how stories passed from generation to generation keep communities grounded.Listeners interested in a copy can reach out to Zach or Matt to get a copy. Join Matt and Zach for a conversation filled with hope, humor, and the reminder that every story matters. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.

We recently had the immense pleasure of hosting an insightful interview with the Reverend Dr. Casey Sigmund, a dynamic leader whose work is reigniting passion in ministry. Dr. Sigmund currently serves at St. Paul's School of Theology and is the visionary behind the Pause Play Center for Preachers. The conversation explored various aspects of preaching, including creative approaches, the importance of presence and energy, and the evolution of preaching in the digital age, with participants sharing personal experiences and insights about sermon preparation and delivery. Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauseplaycenterFind Caey's book here: Engaging the Gadfly: Reflective Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Preaching in a Digital Age Find the Pause/Play Center Website: https://www.pauseplaycenter.com

Don't miss our latest conversation with Reverend Joe Graves, a United Methodist pastor and church planter!Joe shares his incredibly personal and practical experiences, diving into:⛪️ His journey as part of a clergy couple and the realities of balancing leadership and family life in ministry.

How often do we truly listen to understand instead of just waiting for our turn to speak?

The Bearded Theologians were honored to host Chris Wilterdink who is the Executive Director, Congregational Vitality & Intentional Discipleship; Director, Young People’s Ministries for The United Methodist Church. We explored a few things about discipleship. Plus, learn about resources for young people at UMCYoungpeople.org. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians#TheBeardedTheologians #UMC #ChurchPodcast #Vitality #NewEpisode #Faith