Ep 8: The Kind of Strength You Only Get Through Struggle

Ep 9: Jesus at Your 9-5

In this episode, Pastor Jason Britt sits down with longtime friend, mentor, and veteran podcaster Mike Linch - Lead Pastor of Northstar Church and host of Linch with a Leader - for a transparent conversation about what it actually takes to go the distance in faith, leadership, and community impact.   In a culture obsessed with quick wins, viral clips, and instant platforms, Jason and Mike unpack the counter-cultural power of longevity and resilient redundancy. They look at the changing cultural landscape from 2020 to 2026, dealing with the painful realities of leadership - like navigating hyper-sensitive cultural optics and learning when to simply "let the disgruntled grunt" while keeping a "screen door" policy of open-hearted love.   Finally, Mike shares an incredible, perspective-shifting story from the baseball diamond that reminds us of our true identity: wherever you are placed on the map, you are a "minister in disguise." Whether you are a parent at the dinner table, a corporate leader, or a coach on the field, this episode will challenge you to stop overestimating social media clout and start leaning into the profound influence of everyday discipleship.   In this episode, we cover: * The Anchor of Longevity: Why staying in one place long-term kills ego, builds deep trust, and keeps you grounded. * Church FOR the Community: Re-positioning the local church to become the city's first call for help by serving with no strings attached. * Resilient Redundancy: Why doing the same core things over and over with hunger and curiosity is the secret "magic" behind momentum. * Letting the Disgruntled Grunt: Embracing the emotional toll of leadership, handling exits with grace, and maintaining an open "screen door" church culture. * Ministers in Disguise: Why your uniform, job title, or zip code is just a cover for your real assignment: representing Jesus exactly where you are.   Timestamps   * 00:00 – Intro: Shifting from a weekend message to a mid-week mission. * 00:45 – Welcoming Mike Lynch: A 30-year full-circle friendship. * 02:30 – The In-Law Connection: Honoring the legacy of Eddie and Lou Dell Bishop. * 06:40 – The Anchor of Longevity: Staying grounded when people know the "real you" first. * 12:06 – Church FOR the Community: Becoming the city's first call for help. * 16:18 – Irresistible Influence: Building bridges to schools, government, and local businesses. * 18:25 – The Aftermath of Crisis: Showing up consistently before tragedy strikes. * 21:40 – Who is My Neighbor? Recognizing the needs of the people in your natural life path. * 24:15 – Moving at the Speed of People: Why Jesus’ greatest ministry moments were actually interruptions. * 26:17 – 10 Years of Lynch with a Leader: Core takeaways from a decade of interviewing iconic Christian leaders. * 28:45 – Sweeping the Streets: True greatness found in the mundane. * 31:30 – Intentional Curiosity: Why leaders must never assume they have a corner on the market (and Andy Stanley’s driver). * 34:19 – Resilient Redundancy: How doing the same core things over and over builds the magic of momentum. * 35:33 – The Battle and the Build: Managing burnout, emotional weariness, and personal rhythms in ministry. * 38:49 – Letting the Disgruntled Grunt: Navigating the emotional toll of people leaving and why we need "screen door" relationships. * 43:31 – The Post-2020 Shift: Leading through a landscape hyper-sensitive to optics, assumptions, and misread moments. * 45:31 – Digital Boundaries: Practical strategies for protecting your peace on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. * 47:57 – Ministers in Disguise: The inspiring home plate prayer story and the unmatched value of everyday influence over social media clips.   Episode Resources * https://mikelinch.com/ [https://mikelinch.com/] * Bethlehem Church Website [https://bethlehemchurch.us]   Call to Actions (CTAs)   * Identify Your Assignment: You are a minister in disguise. Whether you're an educator, a business owner, a stay-at-home parent, or a nurse, how can you consciously represent Jesus in your "uniform" this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below! * Embrace the Routine: If the "resilient redundancy" of your everyday life is starting to feel heavy or boring, take Mike's advice: build in a brief rhythm to pause, reset, and ask God to renew your curiosity for the mundane spaces. * Tune In & Expand Your Leadership: Want to catch more of Mike's interviews with world-class leaders? Subscribe to Lynch with a Leader on your favorite podcast platform. * Subscribe & Share: If this conversation gave you a healthy dose of courage to face your daily battles, hit subscribe and share it with a teammate, coworker, or friend who needs the reminder that they aren't where they are by accident. #SayThatAgainPodcast #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #MikeLynch #NorthstarChurch #LynchWithALeader #EverydayDisciple #ResilientRedundancy #MinisterInDisguise #SpeedOfLove #MarketplaceKingdom #ChristianLeadership #Longevity #CommunityFirst

Ep 8: The Kind of Strength You Only Get Through Struggle

In this episode, Pastor Jason Britt sits down with Tyler Staton - Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland and author of The Familiar Stranger - for a masterclass on the most misunderstood person of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit. In this conversation, they bridge the gap between "Word" churches and "Spirit" churches, moving past the "hermeneutic gymnastics" that often keep us from experiencing God’s power. From Tyler’s roots in rural Kentucky to his raw, personal journey through a two-year battle with cancer, this episode explores why the Spirit is often a "Familiar Stranger" in our lives. They tackle the hard truth at the center of the gospel: that the greatest strength is often forged in the deepest suffering. They also provide a vision for a "Marketplace Kingdom" that exists everywhere from car dealerships to Little League games. Whether you're a pastor searching for fresh leadership tools or a believer longing for a "both/and" faith (spirit and truth, thinking and feeling), this conversation is the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for.   In this episode, we cover: * The "Familiar Stranger" Problem: Why we are comfortable with God as Father and Son, but remain awkward with the indwelling Spirit. * The “Simon the Sorcerer” Trap: Differentiating between the "ego-driven" pursuit of miracles and the "cross-driven" pursuit of Jesus. * The Theology of Suffering: Why the most powerful work of Jesus' life came through His own suffering—and why ours is no different. * New Testament Prophecy: Reclaiming prophecy as a humble act of brotherly love rather than a "spiritual bullseye." * The Marketplace Kingdom: Why 39 out of 40 parables were set outside the temple—and how to live missionally in your "ordinary" life. * After Amen: An inside look at Tyler’s new 50-day devotional, featuring poetry lifted straight from his private prayer journals during his illness. Timestamps * 00:00 – Intro: Moving from a weekend message to a mid-week mission. * 01:30 – Meet Tyler Staton: The impact of Familiar Stranger on Bethlehem Church. * 02:54 – Tyler’s Journey: From Nashville tobacco farms to Brooklyn and Portland. * 05:48 – Defining the "Familiar Stranger": Knowing about Him vs. knowing Him. * 09:40 – Theology, Model, & Practice: Why our models of the Spirit are often the source of our fear. * 14:59 – The Marriage of Word and Spirit: Ending the 51/49 theological divide. * 17:12 – Holy Spirit in the Valley: Lessons on finding the "peace that transcends understanding" during a cancer battle. * 23:35 – Power vs. The Cross: Learning from the mistakes of Simon the Sorcerer. * 29:05 – The Apostle Peter: From cutting off ears to being filled with the Spirit. * 30:38 – Rightsizing Prophecy: How to hear and share the voice of God with humility. * 37:15 – For Pastors: Leading a "both/and" community in a noisy, image-driven culture. * 40:46 – Marketplace Faith: Why Jesus dreams about the Kingdom invading our everyday lives. * 44:00 – After Amen: A 50-day journey through the signs of John and the "treasures of the wilderness." * 48:38 – Final Blessing: Being a "city on a hill" in your community.   Join the Conversation Jesus spent most of His time teaching in the streets, not the temple. Where is your "marketplace"? How are you seeing the Kingdom of God show up in your office, in your gym, or at your kitchen table this week? Share your story in the comments!   Episode Resources: * Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton [https://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Stranger-Introducing-Experiential-Spirituality/dp/1400247705] * After Amen: A 50-Day Devotional by Tyler Staton [https://www.amazon.com/After-Amen-Days-Poetry-Prayer/dp/1400257506] * Bridgetown Church Prayer Trainings [https://bridgetown.church/prayer] CTAs: * Subscribe & Review: If Say That Again is a "breath of fresh air" for your week, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This helps us reach more people with the message of the Kingdom! * Spread the Light: Know someone currently navigating a "wilderness" season? Send them a link to this episode. The kind of strength found in struggle is meant to be shared. * Stay Connected: Don't miss a beat. Follow Bethlehem Church on social media to stay updated on our latest series and mid-week resources. #SayThatAgainPodcast #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #TylerStaton #BridgetownChurch #FamiliarStranger #AfterAmen #HolySpirit #ChristianPodcast

Ep 7: The Church Isn’t What It Used to Be…

Podcast Description: The "Disney World" of secular culture is looking hollower than ever. In this episode, Pastor Jason Britt and Pastor Jason Berry (Senior Pastor of 12Stone Church) discuss why the next generation is trading "jumpy houses" for deep prayer and authentic worship. They explore the startling shift in the last 24–36 months, identifying a "fresh move" of God that is rising out of cultural pressure. From the expansion of 12Stone into South Carolina to the vital importance of the Ecclesia (the Church) over "celebrity Jesus" culture, this episode is a rallying cry for the "Big C" Church. Whether you are a leader in Gwinnett, Barrow, or beyond, learn why the local church remains "Plan A" for a world that is finally realizing that money and comfort don't satisfy. Stick around until the end for a hilarious "behind-the-scenes" look at the Jasons' friendship, featuring a golf cart mishap and a Nissan Maxima with no brakes.   Key Topics & Keywords * Spiritual Awakening: Why cultural darkness is actually waking up the Church * The "Ecclesia": Moving from "me and Jesus" to "us and the Body” * Youth Ministry Trends: The shift from entertainment-based ministry to spiritual hunger * 12Stone Church Future: Updates on the Somerville campus and upcoming men’s ministry * The Local Church: Reaching the communities of Gwinnett, Barrow, Walton, and Oconee 📌 Episode Timestamps: * 00:00 – Intro: Digging deeper into the Bethlehem Church weekend message. * 02:18 – Jason Berry’s heritage: Breaking the cycle of alcoholism through revival. * 09:16 – Ending Church Competition: Why the darkness is making us brothers. * 15:43 – Preaching in the AI Age: Writing for a local burden, not a social media retweet. * 20:14 – The Joshua Generation: Why today’s residents are "hungry and humble." * 29:05 – The "Fresh Move": Why the last 36 months have changed everything. * 30:11 – The Disney World Analogy: Identifying the hollow promises of secularism. * 32:20 – The Future of 12Stone: Expansion, Men’s Ministry, and "Biblical Jesus." * 33:50 – Ecclesia over "Me": Why Jesus loves the Church more than the individual "brand." * 36:11 – The Golf Cart Story: A hilarious moment in the Jasons’ friendship. * 37:55 – Final Blessing: Being a “city on a hill" in your daily life. Episode Resources:  * 12Stone Church [https://12stone.com/]   CTAs: * Subscribe & Review: Help us reach more people by subscribing on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. * Share the Mission: Know someone in the Gwinnett or Barrow area? Send them this episode to encourage them in their local faith journey. * Join the Conversation: Are you seeing a "fresh stirring" in your own community or workplace? Tell us where you see God moving right now—we’d love to hear your stories! * Support the Body: Visit Bethlehem Church [https://bethlehemchurch.us/] or 12Stone Church [https://12stone.com/] to find out how you can get involved in the Body of Christ! #BethlehemChurch #12Stone #JasonBritt #JasonBerry #ChurchLeadership #SpiritualRevival #JoshuaGeneration #ChristianPodcast #GwinnettCounty #Ecclesia

Ep 6: Is Your View of Israel Shaped by the Bible or the News?

Podcast Description: In this episode of Say That Again, Pastor Jason Britt and Discipleship Director Angela Buckland sit down with biblical guide and historian Mark Crosland for a raw and insightful conversation about the biblical context of current events in the Middle East. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the news headlines or caught in the crossfire of social media rhetoric, this episode is a refreshing invitation to view the world through a "Jesus-centered" lens rather than a geopolitical one. Mark and the team pull back the curtain on the complex history of the Holy Land—from Mark’s upbringing in Jerusalem to the archaeological digs at Shiloh. They move past the surface-level noise to explore the 4,000-year history of the "two brothers," Isaac and Ishmael, and how God’s heart remains steadfast for all people groups in the region. Whether you are navigating the historical evidence of the Abrahamic promise or trying to understand how the Holy Spirit is moving through supernatural dreams in the Middle East today, this episode points the way toward an authentic, kingdom-first perspective. In this episode, we cover: * The Root of the Conflict: A 4,000-year history lesson starting with Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar that explains the age-old tension between Isaac and Ishmael. * Geopolitics vs. Spiritual Forces: Why our "post-Enlightenment" minds often miss the principalities and demonic forces at play in global division. * The Modern State of Israel: An honest look at the spiritual landscape of Israel today and why the vast majority of the population identifies as atheist or agnostic. * Dreams and Visions: Miraculous accounts of "the man in the white robe" appearing to people in the West Bank and Iran, leading them to Yeshua. * Identity in Christ: How the New Testament shifts the focus from physical geography to a spiritual identity as "Abraham’s offspring" through faith. 📌 Episode Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome: Introduction to the podcast and the mission of digging deeper into current events. * 02:35 – Living in Jerusalem: Mark Crosland shares his story of growing up overlooking the Temple Mount and loving both "sides." * 05:22 – The 4,000-Year History: Tracing the lineage of Ishmael and Isaac and the origin of the current Middle East tension. * 08:39 – The Abrahamic Covenant: A deep dive into Genesis 12 and what it means for "all nations" to be blessed. * 13:59 – Image Bearers: Moving past political labels to see every person as a valuable bearer of God's image. * 16:38 – Supernatural Encounters: Incredible stories of Muslims and Jews having visions of Jesus in conflict zones. * 17:52 – The Spiritual Reality: Discussing the high percentage of agnosticism in Israel and the growth of the Messianic church. * 24:56 – Prophecy and the Land: A look at the geography of Israel, fault lines, and the biblical return of the Messiah. * 27:02 – Understanding Gaza: Historical context of the 1948 reinstatement of Israel and the reality of the West Bank. * 32:45 – The Battle for Air: Why Pastor Jason believes we must recognize the "rulers of the air" in modern division. * 39:47 – The Two Kingdoms: Shifting our focus from earthly politics to the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Darkness. * 41:26 – Seeds of Hope: Practical examples of bridge-building in the West Bank through Christian education. * 49:46 – The Ripping of the Veil: How Jewish tradition and the Babylonian Talmud point to the significance of 30 A.D. * 55:10 – Hope for the Future: Encouragement for the Church to stand on the side of Jesus and the final victory of the gospel. Episode Resources: * Bethlehem Church Website [https://bethlehemchurch.us] * Seeds of Hope Ministry [https://www.seedsofhope.org](West Bank Education) * Romans 9-11 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%209-11&version=ESV] (Paul’s Teaching on Israel and the Nations) CTAs: * Subscribe to catch new episodes and dive deeper into the weekend messages at Bethlehem Church. * Like this video if the conversation about viewing things through the "eyes of Jesus" or the "spiritual battle" resonated with you. * Share this with a friend who is looking for a biblical perspective on Middle Eastern news. * Comment Below: How has your understanding of the biblical history of Israel and Ishmael changed after listening? #PastorJasonBritt #SayThatAgain #BethlehemChurch #MiddleEast #Israel #BiblicalContext #Yeshua #IsaacAndIshmael #Discipleship #Faith #KingdomFirst

Ep 5: You’ll Never Look at Easter the Same

Podcast Description: In this episode of Say That Again, Pastor Jason Britt, Pastor Kevin Miller, and Chevas Phillips sit down for a raw and insightful conversation about the true meaning of Easter and the power of the Resurrection. If you’ve ever felt like your faith was more of a "family heirloom" or a "holiday-only" tradition, this episode is a refreshing invitation to move from just attending a service to experiencing a living, breathing relationship with Christ. The trio pulls back the curtain on their own lives—from Pastor Kevin’s 1980s "Miami Vice" Easter hair to Chevas’s journey from "court clothes" to a life transformed by the gospel. They move past the commercialization of bunnies and baskets to explore what it actually looks like to surrender personal authority to the Lordship of Jesus. Whether you're navigating the historical evidence for the empty tomb or trying to understand how the Resurrection changes your Monday morning, this episode points the way toward an authentic, lasting dependency on the Holy Spirit. In this episode, we cover: * The "CEO" Christian: Why a faith built only on "Christmas, Easter, and Other Crises" misses the beauty of abiding in Christ. * Evidence vs. Authority: A look at the historical reliability of the Resurrection and why our biggest hurdle is often Lordship, not logic. * The "Unbecoming": How surrendering to Jesus allows us to let go of worldly labels and become who He truly created us to be. * Ginosko vs. Oida: Understanding the difference between having information about God and experientially knowing the power of His Resurrection. * The Practical Holy Week: Simple, intentional "handles" for families to move past the pomp and circumstance and into true worship. 📌 Episode Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome: Introduction to Holy Week and why the empty tomb makes anything possible. * 03:12 – Miami Vice Easter: A hilarious look at 80s church culture and the evolution of "church clothes." * 07:45 – The Family Heirloom Faith: Defining "CEO" Christianity and the trap of performance-based religion. * 11:03 – The Case for Easter: Discussing historical evidence, eyewitness accounts, and the logic of the Resurrection. * 15:10 – The Authority Gap: Why we often choose "the big man upstairs" over a personal Lord and Savior. * 17:40 – Heaven and Hell as Reality: Chevas shares the moment her faith shifted from a concept to a conviction. * 21:40 – The Power of Surrender: Shifting from "expressive individualism" to a life led by the Spirit. * 25:26 – Supernatural Living: How the Resurrection changes the way we pray, grieve, and lead. * 27:54 – The Battle for Control: Real-life examples of keeping in step with the Spirit in the heat of the moment. * 30:30 – Slave to Righteousness: Exploring Romans 6 and the "holy obligation" that comes with new life. * 35:10 – Holy Week Handles: Practical resources, reading plans, and using the Bethlehem Church app. * 37:45 – Intentional Parenting: Moving beyond the Easter basket to lead your children toward Christ. * 40:54 – A Word to Fathers: Why men should take the lead in making Holy Week significant for their families. * 42:48 – The Great Candy Debate: A final look at Cadbury eggs, Starburst jelly beans, and the joy of the season. Episode Resources: * Bethlehem Church Easter Page & Reading Plan [https://bethlehemchurch.us/easter] * The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel [https://www.amazon.com/Case-Easter-Journalist-Investigates-Resurrection/dp/0310371651/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LDDAY0LNLDBA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UgI7N2MkV3Wr7n52EAUIz9nSeaj2rYl6Wv1XJP7qXCgRyHjG30iIwpM2IWJ075DjEYXE_LA-TrhAwX70ZauzP8POBrm8lM-dX1J6RQzqGlGp0915xCDa-Z7fGQkpQL94yId6XxrpJq8nX2s7y_Klxv5kvYI2TqU0Svy8Am8V2lI37bfIv0suYrfwXy4VMWsoEfFMPNUi6Uc5cMqYe60xq8GwrMSBEKr0v2lMkaV-TvQ.LoIpBkp3NytlEVYfbLlOFHifytJuVUdrZ4MfB6ipZYA&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+case+for+easter&qid=1774894025&s=books&sprefix=the+case+for+easter%2Cstripbooks%2C203&sr=1-1] * The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel [https://www.amazon.com/Case-Christ-Journalists-Personal-Investigation/dp/0310209307] * Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis  [https://www.christianbook.com/mere-christianity-c-s-lewis/9780060652920/pd/2926X?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=academic-0-20%7C2926X&p=1179710&utm_source=google&p=1229912&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=1082047678&cb_adg=175624485249&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=1082047678&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHY4AKk1M2s96Fu-UW2IfYS-Q&gclid=CjwKCAjwvqjOBhAGEiwAngeQnSx6XokG8VeNgPm-ewiaA43XGzVeJRwmPeexy7zHtgcKRaoaNERC5xoCRd4QAvD_BwE] CTAs: * Subscribe to catch new episodes and dive deeper into the weekend messages at Bethlehem Church. * Like this video if the conversation about the "unbecoming" or something else from the episode resonated with you. * Share this with a friend who is looking for more than just a holiday tradition this year. * Comment Below: How are you intentionally preparing your heart or your family for Resurrection Sunday? #PastorJasonBritt #SayThatAgain #BethlehemChurch #Easter #Resurrection #HolyWeek #Discipleship #Faith #Surrender