The Shock Absorber

Every technology gives you something. Every technology takes something away. The problem is we're usually so focused on what we gain that we don't notice what we've lost until it's gone.

Joel and Tim open with new creation theology and the deep physicality of what Christians are actually looking forward to — then trace that thread through rally driving, unwrapping CDs, the washing machine, the microwave, the self-driving car and Zoom meetings that left everyone exhausted for reasons nobody could explain.

Mike Dicker's framework for thinking about technological trade-offs is the practical anchor. Alan Noble's theology of...

Seth Kaplan's article on the After Babel Substack reads like a secular argument for why youth ministry matters.

Joel and Tim trace the arc from 1950s street culture to the latchkey generation to the screen-based void that smartphones were custom-built to fill, and ask what the church uniquely offers in response. The answer, according to both secular sociology and Christian theology, is the same thing: thick, embedded, multi-generational communities where kids are known, challenged, given genuine responsibility and can't just opt out when conflict arises.

Tim also pushes back on one of Kaplan's conclusions, and...

Last episode was the intangibles. This is the tangibles.

Joel, Stu and Tim open with the Met Gala, a $1 bill across Sarah Paulson's eyes, and whether millionaires protesting billionaires is tone deaf,  before tracing the thread from wealth inequality all the way to how the church should function as a genuine leveller. Then they get practical.

What systems does Soul Revival actually use? How do you say no to a good idea without crushing the person who brought it? What is ministry slide and why does grace need to be structurally built into your t...

Is efficiency a godly value? And if the Good Shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find the one, what does that say about how we should be running our churches?

The guys open with King Charles's surprisingly funny speech to the U.S. Congress, a masterclass in soft power, humour and resetting an agenda without throwing a punch, before getting into the real conversation: how do you manage a church well without accidentally turning it into a business?

Stu unpacks Soul Revival's approach to project management — organised messiness, ministry slide, double-up meetings and why grace has to be...

Tony Abbott wrote a history of Australia called, wait for it, Australia. Tim has been reading it, which sent him down a rabbit hole about celebratory versus critical history, cognitive dissonance, steel-manning both sides, and why we're so terrified of changing our minds.

Joel and Tim work through black armband versus three cheers versions of Australian identity, and what Christian Smith's critical realist personalism has to do with welcoming newcomers at church. Then they land somewhere that ties it all together: Jesus is the synthesiser. Not a middle ground between two political tribes, not a careful...

Every Christian parent has felt the tension. Do you send your kids to a Christian school? They're plugged into kids church right? The faith formation is happening right? But is it? And whose job is it really?

Joel, Stu and Tim are joined by David Stonestreet — Principal of Shire Christian School and Soul Revival member number 009, to work through the history of Christian schooling in Australia, what sets a covenantal Christian school apart, why church attendance in the Sutherland Shire has dropped from 11% to around 1% in a generation, and why the school-church-home partnership is more urgent now th...

Is banter just harmless fun — or is something deeper going on beneath the surface?

Joel, Stu and Tim open with Easter reflections, including JoelChristian humour, banter and friendship, male friendship theology, tall poppy syndrome Australia, hegemony church, belonging and identity, Andrew Huberman friendship, banter church community, shock absorber podcast, soul revival church, church leadership podcast, intergenerational ministry, Christian culture Australia, microaggression, theology of joy, fruit of the spirit joy, church and culture, adolescent belonging, Easter baptism, Christian banter baptising his own son at the river service, before diving into a clip from Andrew Huberman's podcast about male fr...

Most churches have spent the last sixty years trying to lower the cultural barriers to Christianity. Clean car parks. Professional music. Seeker-sensitive services. The logic made sense at the time. But has making church more like the world actually worked and is it still the right strategy?

Joel and Stu work through the tension between institutional and organic church structures, unpack the history of the attractional church model from Donald McGavran to Willow Creek, and explain why Soul Revival has deliberately gone the other direction — building a countercultural, intergenerational Yellow Submarine that goes beneath the surface of...

Jim Rayburn, the father of modern youth ministry, said it was a sin to bore a kid with the gospel.

Joel, Tim and Stu work through a sharp distinction from a new book on kids theology: distilling versus simplifying. Distillation keeps the essentials and removes the unnecessary. Simplification removes the complexity, and sometimes the truth along with it. The difference matters enormously for anyone trying to pass on a faith that lasts.

They also talk about Lee Strobel's adolescent drift into atheism, why apologetics isn't landing the way it used to, e-bikes and teenage rebellion...

Half of kids surveyed say their parents should be worried about their screen time. Jonathan Haidt thinks he missed something big in his own book. And Meta allegedly knew about the damage it was doing to children for years — and said nothing.

Joel and Tim work through a raft of confronting data about childhood today, wrestle honestly with the collective action problem of smartphone culture, and then land somewhere unexpected: a conversation about preaching John 15 that produces one of the sharpest applications you'll hear.

Don't let people hate Jesus because of you. Let them hate yo...

Joel, Stu and Tim are relaunching the Shock Absorber Network, and this episode explains what it is, why it matters and how you can be part of it.

Ministry was never meant to be done alone. But for a lot of church leaders, that's exactly what it feels like, isolated in your local context, carrying the weight of cultural change without anyone to process it with.

Stu traces the thinking all the way back to his first PhD at UNSW, where he was studying Christian youth ministry as a social movement using...

Everyone's chasing the algorithm. More clicks, better thumbnails, optimised titles, short-form funnels. So what does a Christian do with all of that?

Joel and Tim start with football, Real Madrid vs Barcelona, identity, rivalry and what success actually means, and end up somewhere and end up with a biblical framework for thinking about metrics of success in a world that rewards inflammatory, clickbaity and often dishonest content.

Along the way they work through the cultural mandate in Genesis 1 and 2, the trifecta of good, true and beautiful, Proverbs' wisdom about living with the grain of God's...

Richard Dawkins likes Christmas carols. Tom Holland calls himself a Christian. Robert Greene thinks religion is great for transcending the banality of social media.

Joel and Tim trace a thread from Bluey, through the culture war trap of coding everything left or right, into Skye Jethani's four distorted postures toward God, and land on the one thing that separates Christianity from every other self-improvement and philosophical framework: Jesus himself.

Timestamps
05:47 Bluey is not a normal kids show
25:44 We can progress and conserve
39:51 Life with God
58:56 Tim's Takeaway - Seek the kingdom...

Most churches have got the small group and the Sunday service figured out. But there's a whole layer of community that's gone missing,  and it might be why people keep saying "I don't feel like I belong here."

Joel, Stu and Tim dig into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology of friendship as an ecclesial category, and why his concentric circles of relationship,  drawn straight from Jesus' own relational model, give churches a practical framework for building community that's expansive instead of cliquey. 

They also pull in Robin Dunbar's research on the cognitive limits of human relationship, and lan...

Tim and Joel are back for 2026 with a conversation about authority, hierarchy, and authentic relationship with Jesus.

It starts with parenting, authoritarian (high control, low love) versus authoritative (high control, high love). But the real question: how does the parent-child relationship mirror our relationship with God? For those with great fathers, God being the perfect Father is comforting. For those with absent or abusive fathers, it's healing.

This opens a bigger conversation about hierarchy and power. Postmodernism wants to deconstruct all hierarchies as inherently corrupt. But because there's an inherent power imbalance between...

Recorded five days after the Bondi terrorist attack, Tim reflects on the strange providence of preaching about peace the morning before the attack.

His sermon from Philippians 4 explored why we struggle to find peace in a world online world where research shows rising depression, anxiety, and suicidality across all generations. But the biblical vision of peace (shalom) is both gift and obedience: the Spirit gives us peace, and the Spirit empowers us to pursue peace. Prayer, that act of relationship, trust, and faith is what guards our hearts and minds. Not the outcome, but the praying.

With Stu traveling and Tim unwell, Joel brings in the super-subs, Ethan and Brayden, to tackle the 6-7 meme and what it tells us about internet culture, and how Christians should respond.

They start with a primer on the 6-7 meme, following a breakdown by aidanetcetera on Instagram that claims it's evidence that "postmodernists won the culture war" and what it means to meme something into relevance.

The guys discuss whether this holds up. Is 6-7 actually abstract art, or is it just teenagers doing what they've always done, creating subculture that adults don't...

Joel reclaims the hosting chair from Tim (who did a great job, but still...). They start off by debating favourite movies, why Tim can't finish The Godfather, and the comfort of rewatching The Bourne Identity, but quickly pivot into questions of efficiency, productivity and whether we should be as efficient as the world demands us to be.

Tim has been reading extensively about digital culture, AI, and what it means to be embodied Christians in an increasingly disembodied world. He introduces two key books: Christine Rosen's secular "The Extinction of Experience" and Samuel D. James's Christian "Digital...

In this Joel-free episode (don't worry, he's just away), Tim, Stu, and Ethan dive deep into what makes Soul Revival's approach to church distinctive—and why it matters.

The conversation starts with preaching in hostile environments (including the story of Stu getting hit with an orange at a school), then moves into a fascinating discussion about why church kitchens are vanishing across America. A recent Christianity Today article reveals that newly built churches are scrapping full kitchens in favor of "co-working spaces" and other community-facing facilities. But Soul Revival has doubled down on meals as central to ch...

If you woke up in a third-world jail cell with one phone call, who would you ring to get you out? That person has high agency—the ability to get things done even in impossible situations.

Stu, Tim, and Joel explore what high agency means for Christian leadership and ministry, building on last week's conversation about Blue Ocean Strategy and Stu's PhD research. They dive into an essay by George Mack on high agency and unpack five low agency traps that hold us back: the vague trap (being captured by problems instead of solutions), the mi...

Are our churches unintentionally approving exclusivity?

Stu, Tim and Joel dive deep into the research behind Stu's PhD on the Shock Absorber, youth ministry and generative intergenerational ministry—and why most churches experience cultural lag that makes them irrelevant.

Motivated to understand why young people leave the church, Stu shares why he started (and restarted) his PhD, using what he has learned from 20 years in youth ministry and 13 years planting Soul Revival.

The conversation explores the meditative benefits of writing and walking, the imposter syndrome Stu feels in academia, and the "cl...

Our culture tells us that independence is everything — but what if true flourishing happens when we give some of it up?

Joel and Tim explore how commitment to a local church is not just a spiritual act, but something deeply human. They unpack how technology, hyper-individualism, and cultural values can isolate us, while the church pulls us back into the kind of community God designed for our good.

From the sociology of connection to the theology of commitment, this conversation challenges us to see that infringing on our individuality might actually be the healthiest thing fo...

Joel and Tim explore what it means to live and raise children as elect exiles in a world with different values. They reflect on social media, culture, and the ways Christians can tell the alternate story of Jesus — distinctive, thoughtful, and rooted in grace.

The discussion covers family and intergenerational ministry, schools, and creating spaces for children to engage meaningfully with the church. They highlight the importance of modelling commitment through consistent presence and participation.

Over-commitment to church isn’t the problem — intentionality, faithfulness, and living in deep community are. By prioritising time together, parents and ch...

Joel and Tim explore Soul Revival Church’s 2025 Planning Day — and how the church can prepare for God to grow them, being ready if He chooses to do that.

They begin by talking about writing, storytelling, and collective memory — how churches pass down faith through shared stories that shape who they are. Tim reflects on his recent work about how intergenerational communities strengthen faith by remembering together.

The conversation then turns to independent media and creativity, drawing lessons from writers like Ryan Holiday and Jonathan Wilson. Joel and Tim reflect on how Christians can balance curios...

Joel and Tim return from a short break to wrestle with a timeless question — are Christians today still exiles? Drawing from 1 Peter, they explore what it means to live faithfully in a world that doesn’t always share our values.

With both Joel and Tim preaching on 1 Peter they delve into the different ways they have approached the sermon preparation process. Joel focuses on identity, inheritance, and how God’s power sustains us through trials. Tim looks at the cultural lens — what it means to live as “God’s elect exiles” in a post-Christendom world. Together, they reflect on how...

MINI-SERIES: World — Mission Is for Everyone

Mission doesn’t just belong to a few — it’s everyone’s call.

Joel, Tim, and Jai continue the service team mini-series on World, unpacking why God’s plan has always been for His salvation to reach all nations and how that shapes the life of the church today.

They trace the theology of mission through Matthew 28, Psalm 67, and Isaiah 49, showing how Israel was blessed to be a blessing, and how Jesus’ death and resurrection brings salvation that explodes out to the whole world. Mission isn’t an optio...

MINI-SERIES: Welcoming — Don’t Expect Them to Know

Welcoming doesn't just happen on accident.

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Joel, Tim, and Jai continue our mini-series on Welcoming, unpacking why we can’t assume newcomers will automatically understand the culture of our church. First impressions give people dignity, remove the unknowns, and either open the door to belonging or make someone turn away. That’s why intentional welcoming matters.

They trace the theology behind hospitality—drawing on Hebrews 13, Romans 12, and 1 Peter—and wrestle with the difference between a polite greeting and a genuine we...

The Missing Piece in Digital Ministry: Churches Skip Strategy Between Theology and Practice

In the final episode of our mini-series on Communications, Joel, Digital Pastor at Soul Revival Church, shares at the inaugural Virtual Church Assist Conference how Soul Revival’s digital ministry has grown over the last five years—and the key factor behind it: a consistent and solid ministry framework.

He talks about how Soul Revival's Theology → Strategy → Practice framework that has allowed he and the team to produce podcasts, coordinate content, and engage communities online in a meaningful way. The piece many churches...

Incarnate church is the main thing — digital ministry is second, and it should always intentionally draw people into gathering together.

In this episode of our service teams mini-series, Tim, Joel and Brayden explore the practice of Communications. Starting with a trip back to 90s culture and the optimism of the Britpop era, they draw out how the internet has reshaped culture, attention, and community. From there, they reflect on what Soul Revival has learnt since COVID, when church was forced online and new opportunities — and challenges — emerged.

The team walks through Soul Reviva...

MINI-SERIES: Communications Service Team — Strategy

Stu, Tim, and Joel discuss why church communications need strategy. Drawing on Andy Crouch and Jay Kim, they explore how technology, online community, and AI affect formation—and why embodied relationships remain central.

Christians have always used tools to communicate, from Paul’s letters to AI, but digital spaces can’t replace real-life discipleship. At Soul Revival, that’s meant pursuing an 80/20 balance: online tools supplementing, not replacing, physical community.

They also contrast God’s truth-telling with AI’s flattery, reflect on formation in the mess of real life...

“If we were meant to fully grasp God, we wouldn’t need Him—exploring faith, wonder, and dependence.”

With Stu out sick, Tim and Joel take a break from their mini-series on the Communications Service Team to chat about what’s caught their eyes and minds this week.

They explore Tim’s German heritage, wrestling with the tension between beauty and atrocity in culture, the challenge of engaging with complex heroes, and what it means for Christians to hold a non-anxious presence in a fallen world.

They also dive into Joel’s reflections on Augustine’s...

Stu, Tim, and Joel explore the theology of communication, from the Sydney Sweeney ad controversy to how Christians can share the gospel wisely in a media-driven world.

MINI-SERIES: Theology of Communications

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The Shock Absorber continues it's mini-series on Soul Revival’s service teams — this time focusing on the Communications Team and the theology that underpins everything we say and share.

We break down the recent Sydney Sweeney ad controversy, explore the impact of the attention economy, and reflect on how God communicates through creation, scripture, and ultimately, His Son.

Th...

Why Soul Revival go away for a whole week as a church.

Joel, Ethan and Jai share why Soul Revival Church spends five whole days away together each year at Week Away—our annual church camp. We talk about how extended time and proximity help deepen existing relationships and spark new ones, all while growing together in God’s word.

We explore the beauty and challenge of having so much free time, the impact of late-night conversations, and why we love designing keepsake apparel each year. It’s about forming lasting memories, building unity in Jes...

MINI-SERIES: Part 5 on the Practice of Arts: Word ministry

In this episode, Stu, Joel and Brayden why God's word remains central to everything Soul Revival does as a church.  They reflect on their earliest (and often awkward!). We’re talking theology, history, practical training, and how God’s Word really does simplify church life when we keep it central.

They trace the influence of the Reformation and Anglican Prayer Book on how Soul Revival structures church services, unpack the role of the service leader, and talk through the value of liturgy, creeds, and communal prayer. Wheth...

In a short break from our Arts service team series, we hear about Tim's trip to Kentucky to present and be part of the Intergenerational Ministry Conference. This is a crossover episode from our Chip Lunch podcast.

Brayden and Joel are joined by Jamie who makes his first appearance on the podcast as they continue our mini-series on the Arts Service Team at Soul Revival Church—this time focusing on the often-unseen but essential work of tech ministry, including sound, slide presentations, and livestreaming.

They begin by reminiscing about the early days of church tech—think overhead projectors and the high-stakes task of getting the lyrics right. It’s a lighthearted entry into a deeper conversation about serving in a ministry that’s usually only noticed when something goes wrong. Together, they reflect on how a fo...

SERVICE TEAM MINI-SERIES: Practice of Arts (Music)

Brayden and Joel continue our mini-series on the Arts Service Team by diving into the practice of music ministry—particularly how preparation and intentionality help music serve the church community.

They begin by sharing memories of their favourite live music performances, reflecting on the joy, spontaneity, and relational nature of playing music in real time. Whether it's the energy between bandmates or the connection with a crowd, they explore how God has designed music to be not just emotional and expressive but deeply spiritual and communal.

Fr...

SERVICE TEAM MINI-SERIES: Strategy of Arts

Joel, Stu and Brayden begin with a light-hearted yet thoughtful conversation about how music listening has changed over the decades—from records and tapes to CDs and streaming. They share memories of burning CDs and crafting the perfect mixtape, reflecting on how streaming has opened up access to a wider range of music than ever before.

But the discussion quickly turns to a deeper question: What does it mean to serve from the front of church—especially in music? The hosts unpack the difference between producing a polished product and...

SERVICE TEAM MINI-SERIES: Theology of Arts

Stu, Joel, and guest co-host Brayden (Soul Revival’s Arts pastor) explore the significance of the Arts service the context of church ministry  and how it moves beyond music to a broader theological vision. They open with reflections on why communal singing has declined in modern culture, despite its historical and emotional power. Drawing from history, village life, and the COVID-era sea shanty revival, the hosts highlight the rich tradition of singing as a bonding and memory-shaping activity.

They link this to the church’s continued practice of communal singi...