#155: Church Planting, Movie Theaters, and the Miraculous Grit of Starting Small

#156: The Hidden Reality of Modern-Day Slavery with Jeff Tiegs

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with Jeff Tiegs, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Delta Force operator, author, and founder of Skull Games.Jeff shares about his 26 years in the military, his time serving in special operations, living in Israel, and how God eventually led him into the fight against commercial sex trafficking.This conversation is honest, heavy, eye-opening, and deeply important. Jeff explains how Skull Games works alongside law enforcement to identify victims, track traffickers, and help expose the hidden world of online exploitation. He also helps unpack what trafficking really looks like, how vulnerable people are targeted, and why the church cannot ignore the suffering happening all around us.Pastor Tony, Pastor Brandon, and Jeff also talk about faith, spiritual formation, Israel, the Jewishness of Jesus, the responsibility of the church, and what it means to care for the vulnerable in our communities.Please note: this episode includes conversations around sex trafficking, abuse, exploitation, and violence. Listener discretion is advised, especially if children are present.Short Description OptionIn this powerful episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon are joined by Jeff Tiegs, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Delta Force operator, and founder of Skull Games.Jeff shares how his military background, faith, and passion for justice led him into the fight against commercial sex trafficking. Together, they discuss what trafficking really looks like, how vulnerable people are targeted, and why the church has a responsibility to care for those who are hurting and exploited.This is a heavy but important conversation about justice, compassion, and the call to bring hope into dark places.Listener discretion is advised.

#155: Church Planting, Movie Theaters, and the Miraculous Grit of Starting Small

Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with Darius from New Hope Church in Bonney Lake for a hilarious and honest conversation about church planting, growth, exhaustion, faith, and the wild things pastors do to invite people to church. They talk about New Hope’s move out of a Regal theater and into a shared church facility, what it feels like to grow from a tiny launch team to nearly 100 people, why buildings matter for church momentum, and how God has been moving through baptisms, healing, and stories of people encountering Jesus. Before the conversation gets serious, there is plenty of chaos: Dominican Republic trip stories, soccer debates, Survivor predictions, Easter Bunny outreach, Buddy the Elf promos, Yellowstone, Brandon Sanderson, Tim Keller, and more. Jesus is the hope of the world. Let’s make Him famous.

#154: Why Small Churches Still Matter with Andy Pursley

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon sit down with Andy Pursley, Assistant Superintendent of the Northwest Ministry Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on ministry, missions, leadership, and what God is doing across the Pacific Northwest. Andy shares about his time pastoring in Forks, Washington, what it was like leading a church in a small and isolated community, and how God used that season to shape him as a pastor. The conversation also dives into the importance of small churches, supporting missionaries well, developing healthy leaders, and why every community needs a gospel presence.

#153: Planting a Church in Orlando with Tanner Ming

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon are back together and joined by special guest Tanner Ming. Tanner shares the story behind his call to plant a church in Orlando, what it was like stepping away from the church he grew up in, and how God began forming a vision for a church centered around biblical hospitality. From navigating family, transition, obedience, and calling, this conversation gives an honest look at what it means to follow God when the next step is both exciting and uncomfortable. They also talk about church planting, building a team, creating a welcoming home for people far from family, and the heart behind The Abode Church—a church that exists to welcome people home into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Plus, as always, there’s plenty of banter about Network Conference, Survivor, sports, and everything in between.

#152: Why Anxiety Is So Common in the PNW?

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Brandon hosts solo while Pastor Tony is away at Network Conference, and he is joined by returning guest Heather Taylor for an honest conversation about mental health, anxiety, and the unique challenges of living in the Pacific Northwest. After recapping the recent Stressed sermon series, Pastor Brandon and Heather talk about why anxiety and mental health struggles are so common in our region, how weather, sleep, caffeine, finances, social media, and isolation can all play a role, and why community matters more than we realize. Heather also shares practical insight from her work as a therapist, including simple ways to support your mental health, the importance of naming what you’re carrying, and how spiritual health connects with emotional and physical health. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of encouragement for anyone learning how to navigate anxiety, stress, and the rhythms of life in a healthier way.