Church Unscripted

Explore what it really means when God is described as "jealous" and how this impacts our faith, relationships, and family life. The conversation unpacks misconceptions and offers practical approaches for building a God-focused home.

Discover how understanding and praying the names of God can transform your faith journey. This week’s conversation zeroes in on El Shaddai—God as the Almighty and All-Sufficient One.

Join the conversation as practical faith meets real-life challenges and questions about spiritual legacy. This week, the focus is on generational impact, dealing with family patterns, and learning patience in unseen growth.

Explore what it means to call God "El Elyon", the Most High God, and why it matters in everyday faith. Join us as we discuss practical implications for prayer, humility, and living with confidence.

In this episode, the conversation centers on the meaning and significance of God's names, focusing especially on Elohim as Creator. How does understanding God's character shapes prayer and daily living? Is there room for morally grey areas in a Christian worldview? How do we tackle the challenge of seeking identity and affirmation outside of God?

Carry these conversations with you and grapple with them as you live each day striving to have Jesus-centered everything.

This discussion explores the importance of breaking down unintentional barriers to faith, encouraging self-awareness, and fostering Jesus-centered homes and workplaces.

We dive into practical examples from scripture, revealing how everyday actions, from simple hospitality to humility at church, impact others’ journeys toward Christ. Gain insights on identifying and eliminating obstacles, supporting one another in faith, and living out the gospel both on Sundays and throughout the week.

#ChurchUnscripted #Church #Faith #Hospitality #Discipleship

In this episode, the conversation centers on what it really means to have a Jesus-centered home and why it matters. It covers why people sometimes need to hit a point of desperation before real change happens, and whether spiritual or physical healing is more important. Consider how easy it is to hide behind busyness, money, or even church attendance, and how quickly technology can distract from what's actually going on inside.

What shapes the culture of a household? What are the hallmarks of healthy relationships? What it looks like to live in gospel-saturated communities. Answer all of these questions and discover what it means to live a life with desperate faith in this week's episode of Church Unscripted.

In this episode, the conversation focused on the final chapter of Jonah and the lingering questions it leaves. Key themes include Jonah’s struggle with God’s mercy, the tension between obedience and a changed heart, and how to navigate righteous anger. The discussion explored praying for understanding instead of outcomes and the dangers of bargaining prayers. Several points were raised, including the challenge of forgiving deep hurts and the tension of modeling after Old Testament figures instead of Jesus. The dialogue wrapped up with practical ways to embrace discomfort and find joy beyond personal comfort.

In this episode, the focus is on the story of Jonah and its continued relevance. The conversation explores what it means to experience discomfort as part of God's provision and the link between Jonah's time in the fish and Jesus’ resurrection. Several points are raised about how Old Testament stories connect to New Testament realities and why dramatic signs may have been used in Jonah’s time. The discussion explores the tension between emotional agreement and simple obedience, plus recognizing when someone is in their own “belly of the fish” moment. Practical questions around daily humility, spiritual growth, and supporti...

When a storm hits your life, how do you know if God sent it, Satan's behind it, or you just made a bad call? 

Join us as we talk about why God doesn't just gloss over our rebellion, how to discern a God-sent storm from the natural consequences of our own choices, and the danger of hiding behind "spiritual warfare" to dodge responsibility. From there the conversation turns practical: what it actually looks like to "throw yourself overboard" through confession and reconciliation, why rebellion is never isolated to just you, and how to respond w...

This week on Church Unscripted join us as we kick off a brand new series exploring the powerful truths found in the book of Jonah. Unpack the first three verses of Jonah, discover why Jonah ran from God's call, and understand what it means to "find your Nineveh," and how God's grace is at the center of the story.

This episode is filled with real stories, biblical wisdom, and practical steps for anyone seeking spiritual renewal, encouragement, or clarity on their purpose. Whether you’re feeling stuck, searching for answers, or eager to deepen yo...

Are you struggling to find peace and fulfillment in your quiet moments with God? This week on Church Unscripted as we take you through Psalm 63 in the final part of our solitude series. Discover how deep, honest solitude and spiritual wilderness reveal what truly satisfies your soul — and how real lament can honor God even during seasons of loss. Whether you’ve faced life-altering struggles, or you’re preparing your heart for challenges ahead, this discussion will help you see how to ground your identity in God, not your circumstances.

This episode is filled with r...

Can forced solitude become a pathway to spiritual growth and unexpected miracles? In this episode of Church Unscripted, we dig deep into Acts 16 and the experience of Paul and Silas in prison. Discover the difference between chosen and forced solitude, explore our stories of hardship and hope, and learn how to respond faithfully when life places you in situations you never asked for.

Whether you’re facing a difficult season or searching for purpose in hardship, this conversation offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and stories that will help you strengthen your faith journey.

Join us as we dive into 1 Kings 19 and the story of Elijah, exploring practical ways to discern God’s voice, overcome isolation, and navigate depression as a believer. Learn the critical difference between solitude and isolation, how to pursue genuine community, and how to maintain faith even in silence or unanswered prayer.

*Key discussion topics include the following:*

- How to distinguish God’s voice from your own thoughts

- Strategies for overcoming spiritual exhaustion and despair

- The importance of holistic health, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

...

Unlock the transformative power of solitude in your faith journey! In this week’s Church Unscripted, discover how to practice “on demand solitude” and deepen your relationship with God. Pastor Eric, David, and our team explore the rhythms Jesus modeled—moving beyond “me time” to true spiritual restoration.

We break down the three major types of solitude from Scripture, discuss how to pray authentically, handle spiritual silence, and discern God’s voice—even in unanswered prayers. Hear real stories about wrestling with divine “no’s,” tough decisions, and experiencing encouragement through wise counsel and community.

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Discover the transformative power of solitude in your spiritual life! In this episode of Church Unscripted. We explore why biblical solitude is more than just “me time”—it's essential for hearing God's voice, making wise decisions, and restoring your soul. Drawing from Luke 6 and real-life experiences, the conversation tackles common excuses for neglecting personal time with God, practical tips to prioritize solitude in a busy world, and strategies for overcoming distractions like technology.

In this episode, S4E10, the focus is on solitude as a spiritual rhythm.

The discussion explores the differences between solitude and isolation and why true solitude is often challenging rather than restful.

Practical suggestions are offered for starting a solitude practice, overcoming racing thoughts, and integrating these moments into your daily life. The conversation also addresses the role of solitude in healing emotional wounds and dealing with temptation or discouragement. Lastly, we highlight the importance of grace and individual approaches in practicing solitude.

00:00...

We just wrapped up a powerful Easter celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for all of us, and now we’re diving into the rhythm of solitude.

If you’ve ever wondered about these practices or are just searching for something real, we’d love for you to join us this Sunday and see what Brookside is all about.

This is a place where we journey together, ask questions, and keep learning how to experience God’s presence in everyday life!

This week on Church Unscripted, Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David unpack the intense moments leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion—focusing on Jesus before Pilate, the nature of true authority, and how modern believers can spot God’s hand in everyday life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate power dynamics as a Christian or how to cultivate spiritual awareness in a busy world, you won’t want to miss this conversation. We also discuss practical ways to notice God’s movement, deal with injustice, and become better listeners to the Spirit.

How does comfort impact the growth of the church and our personal faith? In this episode, Pastors John, Eric, and David from Brookside Church dig into Peter’s denial, the dangers of “comfortable Christianity,” and what it means to boldly live out your faith in today's world. Discover how routine, fear, and cultural comfort can lead to subtle forms of denial—and how God’s grace calls us back to authentic discipleship.

Packed with honest stories, practical insights, and real-life challenges, this discussion will help you rethink how comfort zones shape spiritual growth in your life...

Pastors John, Eric, and David tackle some of the most challenging and inspiring questions about Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, and the complex tension between Jesus’ humanity and divinity.

Join the conversation as they explore why Jesus allowed himself to be betrayed, the meaning behind “I am He,” and the roles that both the Romans and Jews played in the crucifixion. 

Thinking about how pain, suffering, and purpose intersect in the Christian life? Curious about communion, bitterness towards God, or how humility shapes our understanding of Christ...

Is it possible to love like Jesus, even when betrayed? In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors John, Eric, and David dive into the story of Judas—the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Discover how the events of the Last Supper still hold powerful lessons for us today.

This week on Church Unscripted, Pastor David takes the "hot seat" as Pastor John and Pastor Eric jump right into some raw, challenging questions about service, faith, and identity. The discussion starts with Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, then shifts into the messy, real-life realities of serving others in today’s world.

They dig into what it means to serve from your identity in God (not just for Him), wrestle with the tension of reluctant service, and explore the hard truth of serving people who’ve hurt or betrayed you. They even tackle the tough...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric is joined by Pastor John and Pastor David to wrap up their series on marriage, exploring what makes a great partner and how to respond when a loved one is walking toward a foolish decision. Drawing from biblical examples like Job’s wife and Abigail, the team highlights the importance of speaking wisdom respectfully, meeting emotional moments with maturity, and acting with good judgment rather than impulsivity. The discussion covers strategies for healthy confrontation, balancing urgency and patience, and determining true motivation behind giving advice. They also examine the distinction between go...

Are you searching for practical advice about building a strong, faith-filled marriage? In this episode of Church Unscripted, our pastors at Brookside Church unpack what it means to pursue a truly mission-driven marriage. Join Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David as they discuss:

- How to identify if you and your spouse are a great fit beyond just attraction

- The importance of shared faith and values in your relationship

- Serving together in the church and community, even when giftings differ

- Navigating faith imbalances and...

Welcome to the first 2026 episode of Church Unscripted! This is the kick off the season with an honest conversation about building great marriages and avoiding “marriage killers” using the story of David and Bathsheba. 

They explore how temptations grow, the difference between wisdom and legalism, and practical steps for creating strong relationships. The pastors also open up about the role of the Holy Spirit in true transformation, how repentance and restoration work in broken moments, and what hope looks like when things seem beyond repair.

Whether you’re married, single...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, our pastors tackle the Parable of the Net from Matthew 13 and discuss the hidden meanings behind Jesus' stories. Pastor Eric shares four powerful kingdom principles from the parable, unpacking how we can respond to the unexpected coming of Jesus and what it means for our urgency in sharing the Gospel. The conversation dives deep into topics like the reality of heaven and hell, God's timing, worship, and what genuine faith looks like. If you've ever struggled with questions about God's judgment, grace vs. good works, the return of Jesus, or want practical ways...

In this episode, Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David continue their conversation through Matthew 13 and dive into the deeper meaning behind the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. They discuss what it really means to give up everything for the Kingdom, how integrity and wisdom play into following Jesus, and why living out Kingdom values often looks “irrational” to the world. The pastors get honest about what’s hardest for them to let go of, how the comforts of life can distract us, and how to build (and keep) integrity in a culture that v...

Church Unscripted is a weekly, unscripted conversation with the pastors at Brookside Church, exploring faith, the Bible, and real-life questions about Christianity. In this episode, Pastors Eric, John, and David dig into the meaning behind Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed and yeast, reflecting on spiritual growth, the challenges of comparison, and what it means to be “first” in your family to follow Jesus.

This week on Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric steps into the host’s chair to guides this conversation with Pastor John and Pastor David about the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13). The team unpacks Jesus’ teaching, explores why distinguishing good from evil isn’t always so clear, and discusses what this means for life, judgment, and perseverance as a follower of Jesus. If you’ve ever struggled with the reality of evil in the world or wondered about the role of judgment in the Christian journey, this episode is a must.

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric, Pastor John, and guest Nate Zimmerman kick off Brookside Church’s new series on the parables of Jesus, with a special focus on the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. Using personal stories and biblical insight, they unpack the meaning behind the soils, discuss why some hearts are hardened, and wrestle with the practical question of sharing faith when people seem unreceptive. This episode is raw, personal, and practical covering topics like children, family, and overcoming bitterness in the church.

*Church Unscripted – S3E21: Battling Restlessness *

Welcome to this week’s show notes for Church Unscripted! Below you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the topics discussed by Pastor David, Pastor Eric, and Pastor John, with helpful descriptions and timestamps so you can jump to your favorite sections.

*00:00:00 Intro & Welcome*

- Brief greeting, platform reminders (subscribe, notifications).

*00:00:41] Sermon Recap: Hebrews 4 & Sabbath Rest*

- Pastor Eric summarizes week five of the current series, focusing on Hebrews 4.

- Discussion of Sabbat...

Episode Overview

This week on Church Unscripted, the pastors continue their series on Sabbath, focusing on John Chapter 5 and the story of the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda. They discuss the layers of healing Jesus offers – not only physical but also mental, emotional, and spiritual – and how these intersect with common issues like bitterness, self-pity, and victimhood. The conversation also takes on practical aspects of Sabbath, the risk of commercializing spiritual practices, and the continual importance of reflection and surrender in a fast-paced world.

Key Takeaways

- **Healing in Chri...

In this episode, S3E19, we talk about what Sabbath really means in today’s world. We cover the difference between the letter and the spirit of the Sabbath, and how legalism can easily creep into church life. There’s practical discussion around digital distractions, the pressures of always being busy, and how to intentionally create space for rest. The conversation also touches on church expectations, removing burdens that keep people from honest connection, and why doing good is central to Sabbath. Finally, we consider how pausing and slowing down can help relationships with God, others, and even ourselves.

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor John, Pastor Eric, and Pastor David continue the "Pause" series, focusing on the biblical concept of Sabbath. The conversation explores the shift from Old Testament legalism to New Testament freedom in Christ, and what Sabbath means for Christians today. The pastors address practical challenges for those with busy lives, discuss the difference between spiritual and physical rest, and tackle the guilt often tied to productivity and taking a break.

They also examine the communal aspect of Sabbath, the impacts of technology on rest, and how church attendance...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric, Pastor John, and Pastor David kick off their new "Pause" series by exploring the biblical concept of Sabbath. They trace Sabbath back to its Old Testament roots, discuss its role in the life of Israel, and begin unpacking how it's relevant for modern Christians today. The conversation covers the difference between a Sabbath rest and a typical day off, as well as how Sabbath goes beyond self-care by centering on trust in God's provision.

The pastors share honest reflections on their own attempts to practice Sabbath...

In this episode (S3E16), the focus lands on Peter’s restoration after denying Jesus, digging into how shame can block people from stepping into their true purpose. It unpacks the tension between shame and pride, highlighting why real repentance matters and how forgiveness—whether it’s from God or others—opens the door to moving forward. There’s also a deep dive into the push-and-pull of “being” with Jesus versus “doing” for Him, exploring what it looks like to serve from a place of grace instead of guilt.

The discussion leans into the role of confession...

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors Eric, John, and David dive into the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10 as part of the "Failing Forward" series. They explore what it means to be truly present with God and why finding a balance is crucial in our lives.

Struggling with a broken relationship or looking for biblical guidance on reconciliation and forgiveness? In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors John, Eric, and David dive deep into what real reconciliation looks like, why forgiveness isn’t always the final step, and how to rebuild trust after betrayal—using the powerful example of the relationship between Paul and Mark from the New Testament.

We unpack practical steps, emotional barriers, and offer encouragement for anyone wanting to heal relationships, whether in family, church, or everyday life. Join us as we discuss conflict styles, timelines for heal...