The Branch

Faith and Science Playing Nice | The Branch

Faith and science are often put on opposite sides, but Pastor Chris Reed, Pastor Anthony Lombardi, and Pastor Matthew Johnson do not think that tension has to exist. In this episode of The Branch Podcast, the three pastors go deeper on Pastor Tim's recent message and work through some of the biggest questions at the intersection of faith and science. They talk through what Genesis was actually designed to communicate, how Christians should engage scientific consensus, whether evolution conflicts with a biblical view of creation, and how the age of the earth does or does not affect Christian faith. The conversation also takes on philosophical and moral questions that science simply cannot answer on its own. This is a grounded, honest conversation that takes both faith and intellectual integrity seriously. It is a great listen for anyone who has wrestled with these questions personally or in conversation with others. ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kdvFDnVdn5c [https://youtu.be/kdvFDnVdn5c] 🌳 The Tree Church | Lancaster & Logan, Ohio Sunday Services: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Conviction Without Compromise: Truth, Grace, and the Way of Jesus | The Branch

What does it actually mean to believe Jesus is the only way in a world that says every path leads to the same place? In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Chris Reed sits down with Pastor Matthew Johnson for an honest and grounded conversation about truth, relativism, and the exclusivity of Christ in a pluralistic culture. They discuss how faith is both intellectual and experiential, why every belief system makes an exclusivity claim, and what it looks like to hold deep convictions while still loving people well. The conversation also explores how to share faith relationally, how to navigate deconstruction in a healthy community, and what the historic essentials of Christianity actually are. If you have wrestled with these questions yourself or know someone who has, this is a conversation worth sitting with. Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/kvhmntHev_s [https://youtu.be/kvhmntHev_s]

Can the Bible Be Trusted? | Deconstruction, Doubt, and Rebuilding Faith | The Branch

Why do so many people struggle to trust the Bible? In this episode, we explore some of the biggest questions driving deconstruction—hypocrisy, suffering, culture, contradictions, science, and authority—and discuss how faith can be reconstructed on truth instead of emotion, misinformation, or bad experiences.

Social Media Driven Theology | The Branch

Social media has put theology in everyone's pocket - but is it forming us or deforming us? In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony Lombardi, Matthew Johnson, and Chris Reed examine the world of Christian influencers and short-form theological content. They explore why platform size does not equal credibility, how algorithms quietly shape belief, and why genuine spiritual growth has always required community, accountability, and the long, unglamorous work of studying scripture. The conversation closes with practical steps for anyone who wants to take their spiritual formation seriously in a world built for distraction. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MqL7pY5BGls [https://youtu.be/MqL7pY5BGls]

Humble Faith: Holding Truth, Questions, and Trust Together | The Branch

What does it look like to deconstruct and reconstruct your faith in a healthy way? In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastor Chris Reed, Pastor Matthew Johnson, and Pastor Anthony Lombardi tackle that question head-on - and the answer starts with humility. The conversation covers why demanding that God make sense on our terms is rooted in a consumer-culture arrogance, and why real trust in God is built through relationship rather than information. The pastors also address the hurt and disillusionment that often sit beneath intellectual questions about faith, how the church has historically mishandled doubt, and what it practically looks like to create safe space for people who are wrestling. Grounded in Romans 8, John 8, and James 4, this is a pastoral, honest, and encouraging conversation for anyone navigating a season of questioning. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Kw2bMVmMU