Outside the Sanctuary

Why Gossip Is Harmful

There's a new episode of Outside the Sanctuary, hosted by Steve Entwistle, Katrina McDonald, and Bill Merkh, and it leans into a topic everyone knows too well but rarely talks about honestly: gossip. Not the light chatter that disappears in a moment, but the kind that lingers, shapes reputations, and quietly reshapes communities. This conversation approaches it with honesty, biblical grounding, real‑life stories, and just enough humor to keep the truth from feeling heavy. It's an episode that invites listeners to look at the way words travel, the way they heal or harm, and the way small choices can change the atmosphere of a home, a church, or a friendship. It's thoughtful, warm, and surprisingly relatable, the kind of conversation that stays with you long after the closing music fades. If you've ever wondered why gossip feels so tempting, why it hurts so deeply, or how to break the cycle without becoming the serious one in the room, this episode is for you. Step outside the sanctuary with Steve, Katrina, and Bill for a conversation that's honest, hopeful, and worth your time.

Is Modern Christian Music Worth Listening To

Hosts: Steve Entwistle, Marc McCleary, Lisa Merkh, and Bill Merkh The conversation opens with the crew diving into the world of Christian music, exploring why it resonates so deeply with some people and why it completely misses the mark for others. Steve, Marc, and Lisa talk about the songs that lift them, ground them, or help them reset during the week. Bill steps in as the lone dissenter, openly sharing that Christian music just doesn't do it for him, which sparks a lively and good‑natured debate that keeps the energy high. As the discussion unfolds, the group leans into the ongoing tension between worship and entertainment. They explore when a song becomes a performance, whether emotional impact equals spiritual depth, and how production value can either enhance or distract from the heart of worship. Each host brings a different angle, creating a conversation that is thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly honest about how music shapes faith communities. By the end, they land on a shared truth: whether you love Christian music, tolerate it, or avoid it like Bill, the intention behind it matters more than the style.

Are Screens Bad for You?

Batman Vs The Joker. Luke Vs Darth Vader. Harry Vs Voldemort. Bill Vs Katrina. This week on Outside the Sanctuary, the usual format gets tossed aside as Katrina McDonald and Bill Merkh go head to head in a lively, good natured debate over one surprisingly complicated question: Are screens actually good for you Armed with notes, research, and a few carefully prepared arguments, the two of them build their cases with confidence and conviction. Bill argues that screens can be powerful tools for learning, connection, and creativity. Katrina pushes back, highlighting the distractions, the overload, and the ways screens can quietly take over more of life than we realize. What follows is a fast, funny, imaginative back and forth where both sides make bold claims, poke holes in each other's logic, and laugh their way through a debate that's equal parts ridiculous and surprisingly insightful. It's a playful detour from the normal format, full of spontaneity, sharp opinions, and the kind of spirited sparring that only happens when two friends are having way too much fun.

Scripture Showdown: Determining the Best Bible Version

In this deep dive of an episode of Outside the Sanctuary, hosts Steve Entwistle, Marc McCleary, and Bill Merkh sit down for a thoughtful, wide ranging conversation about the many English versions of the Bible and what sets them apart. What begins as a simple question Which translation should someone use unfolds into a rich discussion on accuracy, readability, theology, and personal growth. Together, the hosts explore which versions stay closest to the original Greek and Hebrew, which ones are best for new Christians, and how to decide between translations that prioritize word for word precision versus those that aim for thought for thought clarity. They talk through the strengths and weaknesses of popular versions, the role of study Bibles, and why the easiest to understand is not always the same as the most faithful. The conversation also takes a fascinating turn into textual criticism, including a look at the debated ending of the book of Mark and why some Bibles include it with notes while others bracket or omit it. Bill, Steve, and Marc bring a mix of scholarship, curiosity, and practical insight as they unpack how translation choices shape the way people read Scripture. Whether you are a longtime believer, a brand new Christian, or someone simply curious about how the Bible came to be the Bible, this episode offers clarity, insight, and plenty of good natured back and forth from a trio that loves both Scripture and honest conversation.

From Scrubs to Strollers: Embracing Life as a Wife and Mom

In this warm and often hilarious episode of Outside the Sanctuary, hosts Katrina McDonald, Vince McDonald Jr., and Bill Merkh welcome a very special guest: Holly McCleary, wife of fellow host Marc McCleary and a beloved part of the extended OTS family. What starts as a light, good natured conversation quickly unfolds into one of the most warm, candid, and story rich episodes of the season. Holly opens up about growing up in the church, painting a vivid picture of Sunday mornings, youth group culture, and the kind of faith environment that shaped her early years. Her reflections balance sincerity with the kind of humor only someone who has lived through decades of church life can deliver. As a mother of four, Holly brings a grounded, relatable perspective on parenting, sharing the joys, the chaos, the unexpected lessons, and the moments that make her laugh long after the fact. Katrina jumps in with her own mom life reactions, Vince adds his signature dry commentary, and Bill keeps the conversation moving with the perfect mix of curiosity and mischief. But the episode's biggest surprises come when Holly talks about her experiences as a home nurse. From tender moments with patients to the unpredictable, sometimes absurd situations that only happen in people's homes, she brings a treasure trove of stories. Some are touching, some are downright wild, and all of them reveal the compassion, resilience, and humor required to do the work she does. The result is an episode that feels like sitting around a living room with friends, laughing, learning, and appreciating the people who quietly hold communities together. Holly shines, the hosts are in peak form, and listeners walk away with a deeper appreciation for faith and family.