On This Hill

On This Hill #8 - Temu Tantrum

When a Seattle pastor gets called out for his Rolex—and responds with a full-blown Instagram meltdown—Wes and Craig grab the popcorn and hit record. In this episode of On This Hill, the guys break down the bizarre online saga between Pastor Russell B. Johnson of Pursuit NW and filmmaker Nathan Apffel, whose new docuseries The Religion Business calls out shady church finances. What follows is a biblical-level clapback full of Louis Vuitton backpacks, luxury hunting gear, and a whole lot of "I’m not sorry" energy. Craig and Wes dig into the real issue: what happens when pastors forget the “above reproach” part of their job description and start acting like teenage YouTubers with “theology” degrees. They explore whether being "blessed" means you need to screenshot every criticism, and if spiritual maturity should maybe include... not name-calling? Also: $16,000 watches, gay rom-coms, Sitka camo, and why pastors probably shouldn’t compare themselves to Mary of Bethany and flex in first class on the same day. Spoiler: the hill Russell chose to die on is made of sand. And apparently sponsored by Temu.

On This Hill #7 - MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

In this episode, Craig and Wes dive deep into the controversy surrounding the Mayday USA rally in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park. They recount the events—urine-filled balloons, Antifa protestors, and the mayor labeling the peaceful, family-focused rally as “far-right extremism”—and reflect on what it means for Christians to take a public stand in secular, often hostile, cities. The conversation wrestles with tough questions: Does political boldness without the gospel change hearts? Are rallies like Mayday USA effective at protecting children, or do they risk politicizing the gospel? Can a Christian witness be both loving and confrontational? What’s the balance between cultural engagement and spiritual service? They also explore the deeper theological roots behind movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and Seven Mountain Dominionism, and debate whether such frameworks help or hinder the church’s witness. Wes challenges the motives and methods of parachurch activism that lacks a clear gospel message. Craig pushes back, asking whether efforts to stop child mutilation must be overtly evangelistic to be considered fruitful. Together, they land on a shared conviction: the gospel must remain central, but methods matter. Closing Thought: Christians must be strategic, not reactionary. The gospel is the power to change hearts—and that’s what transforms culture. Support & Subscribe: Substack: onthishillpodcast.substack.com Email: onthishillpodcast@pm.me Boost the show on Fountain or your favorite podcasting 2.0 app Website: onthishill.org [https://onthishill.org] Join the conversation—your feedback shapes future episodes.

On This Hill #6 - Members Only

In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Wes and Craig dive deep into the meaning and purpose of church membership—asking hard questions like: Is official membership biblical or just organizational? Does signing a church covenant change your relationship with Christ? What are the risks and rewards of committing to a local church body? They also reflect on personal purpose in work and ministry, sharing real-life struggles about calling, midlife redirection, and trusting God’s timing in career and service. Other highlights: Reflections on the surprise election of the first American Pope—Leo XIV. A rapid-fire rundown of historical Popes named Leo. Obelisks, Babylonian symbolism, and Vatican oddities. A heartfelt discussion on finding meaning at work (with nods to Tim Keller’s wisdom). Comparing church membership to joining a club—and where the line of accountability and spiritual commitment really lies. 📬 Get Connected: Subscribe to the newsletter at onthishill.org [http://onthishill.org] → Click “About” > then “Subscribe HERE” 📧 Email: onthishillpodcast@pm.me with questions, prayer requests, or comments. 🧭 Value for Value: This podcast is listener-supported. If you find value here, help fuel the mission by subscribing to the newsletter and sharing out these episodes… Soon we’ll have a way for you to support the show with monetary value too. :)

On this Hill #5 - Divine Mercy

In this fifth episode of On This Hill, hosts Wes Olsen and Craig Weinberg kick things off with their signature blend of music, banter, and “value-for-value” reflections—thanking their studio musicians, joking about dreadlocks and haircuts, and inviting listeners to subscribe or donate at onthishill.org [http://onthishill.org]. They then dive into a rich conversation sparked by Craig’s recent encounter with the Broadway musical Hadestown, using its mythic “don’t look back” storyline to explore how God’s commandments serve as protective guideposts rather than burdensome rules. From there they wander into “sonic theology,” discussing the Hammond organ’s call-and-response roots in Black church worship and how music itself can convey spiritual truths. The heart of the episode tackles the Divine Mercy Chaplet versus the traditional rosary. Drawing from St. Faustina’s 1930s visions, they outline how the chaplet directly invokes Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, promises extraordinary graces on Divine Mercy Sunday, and immerses the soul in Calvary’s mystery. In contrast, the rosary meditates on Mary’s life and intercession “at the right hand of the King of Kings.” They wrestle with Catholic doctrines of purgatory, sacramental theology, and private revelations—ultimately affirming that faith in Christ alone should be the bedrock, above any ritual or institution. They close by teasing next week’s deep dive into what “church membership” really means—both biblically and legally—and reminding listeners to send prayer requests or show feedback via onthishillpodcast@pm.me. Stand firm, ask the hard questions, and join them “on this hill.”

On This Hill #4 - I Feel Ya

In this episode of On This Hill, we’re diving into the cultural obsession with empathy—why everyone’s saying “I feel ya,” and how that’s become the emotional equivalent of a crying-while-clenching emoji. Empathy is everywhere. It’s our go-to for expressing care, whether it’s saying “same” or absorbing someone’s trauma like we’re human Wi-Fi signals. But here’s the twist: Christian compassion isn’t the same thing. Empathy says, “I’ll feel what you feel.” Compassion says, “I’ll stay with you, act in love, and not lose myself in the process.” Jesus didn’t sponge up people’s emotions—he saw them, loved them, acted. He wept with people, not as people. That’s the heart of Christian compassion: presence with purpose. Not emotional burnout. Not fixing. Just real, gritty, grounded love. So maybe the goal isn’t to be an emotional chameleon. Maybe it’s to sit in the awkward silence and say, “I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to be with you—and if you need bourbon, I brought some.” That’s not just empathy. That’s compassion. With bourbon. And let’s be honest—everything’s better with bourbon. 💡 Why You Should Listen If you’re over the syrupy sentimentality and looking for conversations that respect both your intelligence and your spirit, this episode’s for you. This isn’t just a chat—it’s a challenge to live with grounded faith, honest relationships, and a mission that actually means something. We also take prayer requests. Seriously. 📬 Get Involved – Value for Value This podcast runs on a “value for value” model. That means if you get value from this episode, consider giving value back—through your time, talent, treasure, or even just a thoughtful email. You’re not just a listener; you’re part of the mission. Visit onthishill.org [http://onthishill.org/] or email us at onthishillpodcast@pm.me. Prayers included. Server costs appreciated.