Against the Grain

61. Stop Arguing. Start Asking Better Questions About Faith (with Rick Townsend & Brian Prascher)

Sharing your faith can feel intimidating. Many Christians want to talk about Jesus but hesitate because they don't feel knowledgeable enough, worry about being asked difficult theological questions, or fear coming across as pushy or judgmental. So how do you faithfully share the gospel while still being gracious, genuine, and inviting? In this episode, Eric, Brian, and Rick explore practical, biblical strategies for having meaningful conversations about faith. They discuss how asking thoughtful questions can open doors, why listening is just as important as speaking, and how to approach evangelism with humility, wisdom, and love. Rather than relying on polished arguments or having every answer, they explain how developing the right perspective can help you confidently point people to Christ in everyday conversations. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or you're just beginning to grow in your faith, this conversation will encourage you to share the hope of the gospel with confidence, compassion, and authenticity. Topics: Christian evangelism | How to share your faith | Gospel conversations | Talking about Jesus | Overcoming fear in evangelism | Answering difficult questions about Christianity | Christian apologetics | Asking better questions | Winsome evangelism | Biblical communication | Effective discipleship | Sharing the gospel with confidence | Faith conversations | Living out the Great Commission

60. Facts or Faith? (with Rick Townsend and Jason Gardner)

Is Christianity supported by evidence, or is faith simply believing without proof? Many people struggle with questions about faith because so much of the Christian life requires trusting what we cannot see. Yet biblical faith is not blind faith. Christians can confidently embrace both faith and facts, knowing that the evidence surrounding the Christian faith is undeniable. In this episode, Eric, Rick, and Jason discuss why every believer should develop a foundation in Christian apologetics. They explore how apologetics strengthens personal faith, helps Christians respond to difficult questions, and equips believers to clearly articulate and defend the truth of the Gospel in an increasingly skeptical culture. Whether you're new to apologetics or looking to grow in your confidence when discussing your beliefs, this conversation offers practical insights for building a stronger foundation and engaging others with truth, grace, and conviction. Key topics: Christian apologetics, evidence for Christianity, defending your faith, faith and reason, Christian worldview, biblical truth, apologetics for beginners, how to defend Christianity, reasons to believe in God, Christian podcast, evangelism, discipleship.

59. Bold Faith, Courageous Life (with Rachel Smith)

As culture grows increasingly hostile to the Word of God, how do we stand firm in our convictions without wavering? What is the foundation of a boldness that would walk into the lion's den for the sake of truth? In this episode, Eric and Rachel explore the book of Daniel, unpacking its historical significance, the details we often overlook as modern readers, and how this ancient story is meant to shape the way we live today. If you want a faith that is courageous, countercultural, and grounded in something unshakeable, this conversation is for you. Keywords: book of Daniel, bold faith, biblical courage, Christian podcast, Daniel and the lion's den, standing firm in faith, countercultural Christianity, Old Testament study, faith under pressure, Bible study podcast, Christian living, conviction and culture, Eric and Rachel, Scripture and everyday life

58. Developing Spiritual Hunger (with Tyler Moffett)

What if the spiritual hunger you feel is actually God's invitation to something greater? In this episode, Eric and Tyler unpack how broken young people struggling with isolation and hidden sins are finding real transformation through a "wide call, high call" approach: everyone is welcome, nothing is held back. Drawing from Luke 14's banquet parable, Tyler introduces his three A's framework for discipleship that fits naturally into the life you're already living. Ask their story. Articulate your own. Address topics biblically. No new program required. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or a mentor, this conversation will challenge and equip you to disciple the people already around you. Don't miss this practical roadmap to spiritual transformation. Keywords: discipleship, spiritual growth, mentorship, men's ministry, sexual addiction recovery, isolation, Luke 14, faith-based leadership, parenting with purpose, biblical counseling, spiritual transformation, Christian podcast, how to disciple, young men and faith, practical Christianity

57. You Weren't Meant to Grow Alone (with Brandon Smeltzer & Becky Stamps)

Exhort, Challenge, Grow: How Intentional Relationships Fuel Lasting Personal Growth Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Whether you're pursuing personal development, spiritual growth, or professional transformation, the relationships around you matter more than you might think. In this episode, Eric, Becky, and Brandon unpack what it really means to exhort one another, to speak truth, offer encouragement, and issue a genuine charge toward growth. This isn't surface-level accountability. It's the kind of deep, intentional relationship that actually moves the needle. What You'll Learn in This Episode: * Why personal growth requires community, not just commitment * What it means to "exhort and charge" someone in truth, and how to do it well * How to build intentional relationships that create space for honest, growth-focused conversations * The difference between sustainable growth and short-term change Becky and Brian bring a wealth of experience as leadership coaches, working daily with individuals and teams to cultivate lasting, transformational growth. Their coaching philosophy centers on walking alongside people, not pushing from behind or pulling from ahead, but partnering in the process. If you've been trying to grow on your own and feeling stuck, this episode is for you. Show notes: Learn more about Undefeated Growth: https://undefeatedgrowth.com/ Keywords: personal growth podcast, leadership coaching, intentional relationships, Christian accountability, spiritual growth, transformational coaching, life coaching, exhort one another, sustainable growth, truth in relationships, personal development, growth mindset, coaching podcast, faith and leadership