The Promise in the Water: Focusing on the Objective Word over Subjective Feelings

Wounded by the Body of Christ

It’s no secret that people are leaving the church in droves. While it’s easy for institutions to write them off or point fingers, hosts Todd and Sean want to lean into a much harder, more painful truth: a lot of people aren’t leaving because they lost their faith; they’re leaving because they got hurt. In this episode, Todd and Sean tackle the heavy tension of loving a broken church while validating the deep scars it leaves behind. As radical Lutherans, they dive into the messy reality that the church is simul iustus et peccator—simultaneously saint and sinner. While they ultimately disagree with walking away from the community of faith, they refuse to minimize the spiritual malpractice and institutional trauma that drives people out the door. Grab a drink and join the conversation as they discuss: * The difference between "church hurt" and theological disagreement. * How the law is often weaponized where gospel should be proclaimed. * Why understanding someone's pain matters more than winning an argument about church attendance. * What it looks like to hold onto Christ when His body on earth has let you down. Whether you're struggling to stay in the pews, you've already walked away, or you're trying to figure out how to love someone who has, this episode is a reminder that Christ’s grace is bigger than our worst institutional failures.

Testimony Tuesday: Rodney

Welcome back to another powerful Testimony Tuesday on We are Rebel and Reformer. Your hosts, Todd and Sean, sit down for a deeply moving, hour-and-ten-minute conversation with our brother, Rodney. When we talk about faith being tested, we often think of minor speed bumps. But Rodney’s story mirrors the biblical Book of Job. He has walked through seasons of immense trial where his faith wasn’t just strained—it was tested in the absolute highest degrees. Yet, just like Job, through every loss, roadblock, and heartache, Rodney’s faith has emerged not just intact, but proven and refined. In this episode, Todd and Sean dive deep into how Rodney held onto his trust in God when the world around him was shaking. Rodney also opens up his heart to share a specific, vital message he felt deeply compelled to pass along to our listeners going through their own seasons of testing. And because joy always comes after the trial—yes, the guys absolutely dive into Rodney’s massive love for Star Wars! Come for a masterclass in biblical endurance, and stay for a galaxy far, far away. Grab your headphones, settle in, and join Todd and Sean for an episode that will challenge, convict, and deeply encourage your walk with Christ.

The Theology of the Cross in the Dark Night

Simul Iustus et Nada: The Lutheran Case for John of the Cross What happens when you strip away the worship highs, the moral checklist, and the cozy feeling that God is your personal therapist? You get the "Dark Night of the Soul." This week, Todd and Sean are crossing enemy lines into the 16th-century Counter-Reformation to hang out with John of the Cross—a Carmelite monk who was kidnapped and thrown in a cell by his own religious order for being too radical. While Martin Luther was deconstructing the church's theology from the pulpit, John was deconstructing the religious ego from a literal closet. Join Todd and Sean as they explore why John’s philosophy of absolute emptiness (nada) perfectly mirrors the radical Lutheran reality of total passivity before God. If you’ve ever felt like God has gone completely silent, this one is for you. Turns out, you might just be simul iustus et nada—simultaneously justified and bringing absolutely nothing to the table.

Raw Grace & Old Rebels: Shaping the Future of Bravehearted Men

Hey Rebel and Reformer family! We are dropping a special mid-week bonus episode straight from ourBravehearted Men’s Group In this raw, unfiltered session, Todd and Sean dive into a vital conversation: How do we help the next generation understand and navigate their future? We look closely at key biblical verses that highlight the massive impact older Christian men can have when they step up to guide, mentor, and pour into younger guys. A Quick Heads-Up: Because we recorded this live and in the moment during our Wednesday men’s group, there is a good amount of background noise. Think of it as sitting right there in the room with us—grab a coffee, lean in, and embrace the atmosphere! * The biblical blueprint for intergenerational mentorship. * Key scriptures that give young men a roadmap for their future. * Practical ways older Christian men can step into the role of a guide and reformer for the youth. Whether you're a father, a mentor, or a young man looking for direction, this episode is packed with hard-hitting truths you won't want to miss. Listen in, get challenged, and join the movement. What We Cover: * The biblical blueprint for intergenerational mentorship. * Key scriptures that give young men a roadmap for their future. * Practical ways older Christian men can step into the role of a guide and reformer for the youth. Whether you're a father, a mentor, or a young man looking for direction, this episode is packed with hard-hitting truths you won't want to miss.

Satan’s Toolbox, Christ’s Workbench

Grab a drink and join Todd and Sean for another episode of Rebel and Reformer. This week, we’re looking at the tools of the devil. Spoiler alert: It’s probably not what you think. The enemy's favorite tool isn't blatant sin; it's the subtle distortion of the truth that makes us look at ourselves instead of Christ. We’re breaking down how to spot the lies, reject the accusation, and rest entirely in radical grace