Bible Belt Bros Christian Comedy Podcast

The Summer Slump | Vacations, VBS, and Vanishing Volunteers

Summer Church Attendance
You know it's summer when your youth pastor starts doing mental math every Wednesday night, trying to figure out why attendance dropped from 75 kids to, like, 12. And somehow those 12 kids are all the ones whose parents make them come no matter what—the homeschooled kids who wear polo shirts tucked into khakis and know every verse to "How Great Thou Art" by heart.
Welcome to what churches across America like to call "the summer slump," which sounds way more official than "everyone decided the lake is more important than Jesus for three months straight."
The Great Vanishing Act
Let me paint you a picture. School lets out, and suddenly church attendance starts looking like a game of musical chairs where half the chairs just walked away. We're talking about what the Bible Bros Podcast guys call "the VVV's of summer"—Vacations, VBS, and Vanishing volunteers. Though honestly, that third V could just as easily stand for "Very convenient excuses."
It's fascinating how creative people get with their summer church avoidance. You've got your classic "we're traveling" folks, which is legitimate until you realize their "travel" is to the lake that's literally 10 minutes from the church. Then there are the parents who suddenly discover their kid is the next Derek Jeter and has to play in every single baseball tournament within a three-state radius. Funny how little Timmy wasn't quite so athletically gifted during the winter worship services.
But here's what really gets me—and this is straight from the mouths of youth pastors who've seen it all—sometimes people will say they can't make it to church because of their kid's tournament, but they'll "watch online instead." Then Sunday comes around, and you can literally see on Facebook that they're not online either. The church streaming platform has a participant list, Karen. We can see you're not there. You're probably at Cracker Barrel talking about how the sermon "just hits different" when you're eating biscuits and gravy.
Mission Trips: The Good, The Bad, and The Zip Lines
Now, not every reason for missing church is bogus. Take mission trips, for instance. Some churches do these incredible, life-changing experiences where you're actually ministering 24/7. The guys on the podcast talked about trips to Peru where they were doing street theater, going door to door, buying out entire bakeries to give away free bread while telling people about the Bread of Life. That's the real deal right there.
But then you've got the other kind of mission trips—the ones that sound more like summer camp with a sprinkle of Jesus dust on top. "Yeah, we're gonna do VBS for two hours, then we're going zip-lining. Tomorrow we'll have a Bible study, then it's go-kart time!"
Look, I'm not saying fun is bad. But somewhere along the way, "mission trip" started meaning "vacation with a tax write-off." When your mission trip itinerary looks like a Disney World FastPass schedule, maybe we need to have a conversation about priorities.
The funniest part is how these things have evolved over the years. Used to be, mission trips meant sleeping on the floor in buildings with dead rats, outdoor showers with those solar water bags hanging in the sun, and PVC pipe plumbing that may or may not actually work. Now it's like, "We're staying at the Hampton Inn because the kids need their rest for tomorrow's ministry... and jet skiing."
The Lake People Phenomenon
Can we talk about lake people for a second? Because if your church is anywhere near a body of water larger than a puddle, you know exactly what I'm talking about. These are the folks who treat their boat like it's their church pew from June through August.
One of the podcast hosts actually became a Christian because of lake people, in the most backward way possible. His friend invited him to the lake, he said he had to go to church first, and the guy was like, "Well, that sounds lame, but I really want to go to the lake, so... fine." Boom. Life changed. Sometimes God works through our selfishness, apparently.
But here's the thing about lake people—they're not necessarily bad people. They're just people who've discovered that sitting on a pontoon boat with a cooler full of sandwiches feels a lot more peaceful than sitting in a sanctuary with a screaming toddler three rows up. Can you blame them? Have you ever tried to have a spiritual moment while someone's kid is doing interpretive dance to "Amazing Grace"?
The Sports Industrial Complex
And then we have the parents who've been convinced that their 8-year-old's weekend baseball tournament is somehow more important than, you know, worshiping the Creator of the universe. These tournaments are always exactly two hours away—never one hour, never three hours. Always two hours. Just far enough that you "can't possibly make it back for church" but close enough that you definitely could if you actually wanted to.
The best part is when these same parents complain that their kids aren't getting enough spiritual foundation at home. Well, maybe if you spent Sunday mornings in church instead of screaming at a teenager in stripes about a questionable call at second base, little Johnny might learn something about grace and forgiveness.
But sports schedules are sacred in America. More sacred than actual sacred things, apparently. We'll move heaven and earth to make sure kids don't miss practice, but missing church? That's just part of growing up, right?
The Volunteer Exodus
While we're on the subject of summer church struggles, let's talk about volunteers. Or rather, the complete lack thereof.
Picture this: You're the worship leader, and you've got your summer schedule all planned out. Then June hits, and suddenly everyone remembers they have somewhere else to be. Your usual guitar player? Family reunion. Your drummer? Mission trip (the good kind). Your backup singer? Lake house. Your other backup singer? Different lake house.
So now you're standing there on Sunday morning with what essentially amounts to a church karaoke setup, desperately texting people at 8:47 AM: "Can you play tambourine? Please? I'll buy you lunch."
The really frustrating part is when people don't even try to find replacements. They just text you the night before like, "Hey, can't make it tomorrow. Family thing." Oh, a family thing? On the same weekend you've known about for six months? Revolutionary.
And God bless the people who are always there, because they end up getting scheduled for everything. There's always that one guy who shows up every single Sunday no matter what, so he becomes the default backup for everyone else's vacation plans. "Oh, Jeff'll do it. Jeff doesn't have a life." Jeff's probably at home right now, looking at his calendar and realizing he's scheduled for the next eight Sundays straight because everyone else discovered the lake.
The Art of Christian Gathering
Here's where things get really interesting, though. One of the podcast hosts went on this beautiful rant about how everything Christians do together has to be "extra Christian." Like, why can't you just have a pool party without someone breaking out their worn copy of "Jesus Calling" for an impromptu devotional?
Picture it: You're at someone's house, everyone's having a good time, the hot dogs are perfectly grilled, and then suddenly: "Okay everyone, gather around! Before we jump in the pool, let's have a quick devotion. I've been reading through Genesis, and I just want to share something that really spoke to my heart..."
Meanwhile, the kids are standing there in their swimsuits, chlorine is evaporating, and everyone's pretending to pay attention while mentally calculating how long this is going to take.
Why does every single Christian gathering need a spiritual component? Can't we just... hang out? Can't we just be friends who happen to go to the same church without turning every moment into a teaching opportunity?
Band practice is apparently the worst. You're supposed to start at six, but people roll in at 6:15 because Johnny's still eating his dinner (at church, apparently). Then instead of just running through the songs, someone's got to ask for prayer requests. Then there's a devotional. Then finally, maybe, you can actually practice the songs you're supposed to play on Sunday.
It's like we've forgotten that sometimes fellowship is just... fellowship. Not every conversation needs to end with "let's pray about it." Sometimes you can just eat a burger and complain about your job like normal humans.
The Solution Nobody Wants to Hear
So what's the answer to the summer church exodus? Well, the obvious one is just... don't leave. Make a decision not to miss. Revolutionary concept, I know.
But here's the thing—churches are air-conditioned. If it's hot outside, it's not hot inside (unless the AC's broken, in which case, all bets are off). If you're staying home because it's too hot, save that excuse for winter when you'll stay home because it's too cold.
The real issue isn't weather or sports or even lakes. The real issue is priorities. We've somehow convinced ourselves that worship is optional when life gets busy or fun. But maybe—and hear me out here—maybe the times when we least feel like going to church are exactly the times we need it most.
One pastor puts it this way: don't put God first, put God only. Everything else should revolve around that decision, not the other way around.
Finding Balance (Without a Devotional)
Look, nobody's saying you can't go on vacation or that your kids shouldn't play sports or that boats are instruments of Satan. The point is balance, and maybe a little honesty about our motivations.
If you're going to miss church, at least own it. Don't pretend you're going to watch online when everyone knows you're going to be too busy perfecting your cornhole technique at the family reunion. And if you're a volunteer who needs to be gone, maybe—crazy idea—help find your own replacement instead of leaving your leader scrambling at the last minute.
Better yet, if you know you're going to be out of town, find a church where you're going and actually go. Novel concept: worship doesn't have to happen in your home church building to count.
And for the love of all that's holy, can we please have one pool party this summer that doesn't require a group devotion? Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just be present with people without making it weird.
The Bottom Line
Summer church attendance will probably always be a thing. People will always find reasons to skip out when the weather's nice and vacation season hits. But maybe if we were a little more honest about it—and a little more intentional about staying connected to our faith communities even when life gets fun—we wouldn't see such a dramatic exodus every June.
Besides, if you think about it, some of the best spiritual moments happen outside traditional church settings anyway. That mission trip to Mexico where you slept on the floor and dealt with outdoor showers? Probably more transformative than three months of comfortable Sunday services.
Just maybe don't try to convince everyone that your lake weekend is basically the same thing as a mission trip. We can see right through that one.
And please, for everyone's sake, stop trying to turn every casual Christian gathering into a small group meeting. Sometimes we just want to eat hot dogs and go swimming without discussing the theological implications of pool maintenance.
Trust me, the kingdom of God will survive your pool party just fine without a devotional.

Swipe Left or Right on Bible Characters — A Deeply Theological Dating App Style Review

Swiping Through Scripture — One Bible Character at a Time
When Bible Study Meets a Dating App
Welcome to the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, where theology meets swipe culture — kind of. In this episode, Andrew and Dusty channel their inner youth group energy and decide to play a little game: swiping left or right on Bible characters. Yes, it’s as ridiculous and wonderful as it sounds.
If you're new here, this isn't your grandma’s Bible study. This is a Christian Comedy Podcast made for the guys in the back row of church — the ones who definitely don’t have a WWJD bracelet but still know what Jesus would do... because they probably made a meme about it.
If you're looking for a Christian Podcast for Men that's not all protein powder, prayer circles, and yelling — you've found it.
Let the Swiping Begin
The episode kicks off with some classic confusion. Andrew opens the podcast solo, claiming to be alone — until Dusty shows up like a sitcom character entering stage left. Immediately, we’re off-script, talking about chairs and dogs, and whether Andrew needs either of them. Spoiler: he does not.
But eventually, they land the plane: today’s episode is about swiping left or right on Bible characters. Not romantically. This isn’t Christian Mingle. It’s more like: “Would we be friends with this guy?”
Defining the Game
The rules are simple:
Swipe right = You’d let them in your life. Friends. Bros. Small group material.
Swipe left = Hard pass. Let them go be someone else’s burden.
As Dusty clarifies: “Not to sleep with them… we’re both married.”
This is not about biblical compatibility. It’s about vibes. And maybe a little theology. But mostly vibes.
Andrew, the self-proclaimed introvert, threatens to swipe left on everyone and delete the app entirely. Relatable.
First Up: Adam
Adam. The OG human. Made from dust. Given the Garden of Eden and told not to eat one fruit — and, well, here we are.
His resume:
Made in God’s image.
Given dominion over the Earth.
Took a nap and woke up with a wife.
Walked closely with God.
Sounds like a solid dude… except for the whole "plunge humanity into sin" thing. But hey, nobody’s perfect.
Andrew reads the description like a dating profile: “Innocent. Works with his hands. Loves animals. Bit of a fruit issue.”
Dusty, channeling every youth pastor ever, considers it: "If you’re looking for a godly man to be your best friend..."
So... swipe right? Swipe left? They never fully commit. Which, honestly, is very on brand for this show.
The Vibe of the Episode
What makes this episode peak Christian Comedy Podcast isn’t the theological depth — though Adam’s backstory does get some airtime — it’s the tone.
Dusty’s goofy. Andrew’s dry. Together, they somehow make ancient Bible figures feel like candidates on a reality show.
And they do it without ever actually getting to another character. That’s right. One episode. One guy. Adam. And still 30 minutes of content.
This is a Christian Podcast for Men who can’t commit to a Bible reading plan but can commit to laughing about it. And honestly? That’s a ministry.
Swipe Carefully
While the episode starts with the promise of a whole list of Bible characters, it very quickly becomes a character study of Adam, some dog commentary, and a lot of side trails. And that’s what makes this podcast work.
It’s not polished. It’s not prepped. It’s two dudes riffing about scripture like they’re on a coffee break at a men’s retreat.
If you’re the type of guy who’s tried to lead a Bible study with memes, or if your theology degree came from YouTube comments — the Bible Belt Bros are your people.
This episode isn’t deep. But it’s honest. It’s funny. And it’s exactly what the Christian Comedy Podcast world needed — a swipe mechanic for Bible characters.
So if you’re tired of serious sermons and just want a laugh, maybe even at the expense of Adam — grab your metaphorical phone and swipe right on this show.
 

Dusty Takes a Personality Test and Tries to Guess Andrews Spiritual Gifts

What do zookeeping, spiritual gift tests, and wildly questionable discernment scores have in common? This episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, that’s what. Join Andrew and Dusty as they tackle deep theological mysteries like “Did Jesus stand on soapboxes?” and “Can ‘Helps’ actually be a spiritual gift, or is that just Christian for ‘people pleaser’?” It’s equal parts hilarious roast and accidental insight—plus, Andrew might be changing careers to feed giraffes. 
Andrew and Dusty begin with a signature tangent: Andrew has a new life plan. He’s applying to be a zookeeper. This revelation comes out of nowhere and isn't revisited with any serious theological backing—Andrew just thinks it’d be fun to work with animals and carry a stick around. It’s an entertaining cold open that sets the tone for the rest of the episode: part hilarious detour, part unfiltered theological musing.
From there, Andrew jumps into his soapbox of the week, questioning whether Jesus ever got on a soapbox himself. This thought led him down a short-lived research rabbit hole where he promptly forgot all the facts he found. The core of the soapbox was a reflection on how little of Jesus’ words are actually recorded in the Bible. Andrew estimated that the average person speaks around 16,000 words a day, and with only 37,000 to 57,000 of Jesus’ words recorded, we may only have about two and a half days’ worth of His teachings. This realization leads the hosts to muse about the massive gaps between what Jesus did and what was documented.
That theological pondering quickly transitions into the main topic: spiritual gifts and personality tests. Andrew recently took an online spiritual gifts test and shares the results. His highest-ranking gift is "Helps," while scoring zero in "Discernment." Dusty immediately challenges both the legitimacy of the test and the results. His response to "Helps" being a spiritual gift is sarcastic and dismissive: "That’s not a gift, that’s being a good person."
The conversation turns into a comedic breakdown of the spiritual gifts Andrew allegedly has. Dusty goes down the list from the test and calls out each one, essentially rejecting them as false based on his own observations. Andrew’s attempts to defend his gifts are countered by Dusty’s suspicion that Andrew just clicked random answers to finish the test quickly. The comedic tension lies in Dusty’s confidence that he knows Andrew better than the test does—and his high score in "Discernment" is his excuse for not believing a word of it.
Andrew tries to explain that the value of these tests lies in helping people understand where they fit within the church. He reflects on the fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—and how different gifts align with different roles. He acknowledges that he’s probably more of a behind-the-scenes support person, not someone who should be leading from the front.
Despite the jokes, there’s a sincere moment where Andrew explains how understanding his gifts gave him confidence in knowing he doesn’t have to perform upfront to serve. This leads to a brief mention of how churches often misuse or overemphasize certain gifts while undervaluing others like Helps.
Dusty, however, maintains a skeptical tone throughout, poking fun at the idea that clicking through multiple-choice questions can reveal deep spiritual truths. He particularly critiques the "Discernment" category, arguing that someone without it could still use a "gift of Helps" in all the wrong ways—"like helping a guy rob a bank."
The episode never fully lands on whether spiritual gift tests are helpful, accurate, or biblical, but the guys do land on one thing: they’re entertaining. Andrew’s earnest attempt to understand his calling and Dusty’s relentless commentary make for a dynamic mix of introspection and comic relief.
As the episode wraps, the spiritual gift discussion takes a backseat to more sarcasm and lighthearted back-and-forth. Andrew continues defending the test. Dusty continues roasting him. And in the end, listeners are left with a few laughs, some lingering questions about their own gifts, and the image of Andrew at the Tulsa Zoo holding a stick.
This episode doesn’t offer clear answers about spiritual gifts or the effectiveness of online tests. But it does offer an honest look at two friends navigating faith with humor, skepticism, and the occasional zookeeper application.
#ChristianPodcast #ChristianComedyPodcast

Evangelism by Legislation: Finally a law that ensures kids will ignore both Math and Moses at the same time

After weeks of guest overload, this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast finally brings Dusty and Andrew back together, unfiltered and unaccompanied—basically a bro version of couples therapy, if therapy involved mall stories, public education law, and sarcastic jabs about the King James Bible.
The conversation opens like most deep theological discussions do—at the mall.
Turns out both guys used to work there. Andrew was Dusty’s boss. (Let that sink in. Andrew, the man currently co-hosting a podcast in what we assume is a spare bedroom, once supervised someone else’s paycheck.) They recall working at a watch store, greeting mall walkers at ungodly hours, and the time Dusty got his gas siphoned right out of his truck. Because nothing says “servant leadership” like buying your own gas back.
Also, Scheels. Apparently it’s the only reason anyone goes to the mall anymore—unless your kids want to ride a carousel. Which brings us to the first theological point: kids ruin everything. Even your hatred for malls.
Promises, Politics, and Prayer Time
So Texas introduced something called “Promise Month,” and if you're thinking it has anything to do with abstinence, purity rings, or teenage awkwardness, you're not alone. That was the assumption too.
But no, “Promise Month” is a Christian-themed state proposal meant to highlight America’s biblical roots—with an extra helping of “mandated prayer and Bible time in schools.” Because if there’s anything kids love more than algebra, it’s Old Testament genealogy during fourth period.
It was proposed in April. Announced in May. Which is like throwing a surprise birthday party a month late and expecting people to still bring presents.
Oklahoma’s Mandatory Bible & the King James Confusion
Meanwhile in Oklahoma, the state superintendent rolled out a plan requiring every student from grades 5 through 12 to be equipped with a King James Bible. That’s right—the version where even the verbs are confused.
It’s not so much the Bible requirement that raised eyebrows, but the very specific demand for that translation. As Dusty put it, “We don’t need all those 'thee’s' and 'thou’s' confusing a bunch of fifth graders.” Honestly, trying to decipher King James in middle school is like making a toddler learn to type on a typewriter.
What followed was a comedic deep-dive into all the Bible versions that could (or absolutely should not) be used in classrooms, including the Message Bible, children’s Bibles, and the somewhat mythical "Gangsta Bible"—which we’re 85% sure started as a meme and ended up in a dorm room somewhere.
Religious Freedom, First Amendments, and Forced Morality
The guys don’t shy away from the meat of the issue: Should religious content be forced in public schools?
Andrew, ever the realist, points out that forcing biblical teaching through legislation rarely works. It's like trying to make someone fall in love with your grandma’s casserole recipe—it doesn't matter how many times you make it, they’re still gonna complain about the mushrooms.
Dusty argues that teaching the Bible as historical text (rather than spiritual doctrine) makes sense, the same way we discuss Gandhi, Buddha, or even Elvis (we assume) in world history. It’s context. Not conversion.
That’s the line the hosts keep coming back to—Christianity, at its best, invites rather than mandates.
Alabama: Ten Commandments and Ten More Arguments
Just when you think things couldn’t get more theologically spicy, Alabama comes through with Ten Commandments in classrooms and a full-on Pride flag ban. Because if there’s one thing that really gets kids interested in moral values, it’s wall décor.
Dusty and Andrew play devil’s advocate here (ironically). If you’re going to allow Christian symbols in public spaces, shouldn’t other religions get equal footing? Do we need a wall of competing sacred texts in every classroom like some kind of spiritual debate team?
The most repeated line in this episode might be: “We force feed everything.” Politics. Religion. Sports opinions. Even marketing emails (Dusty would know—he works in marketing).
The takeaway? Everyone wants their beliefs visible. Until someone else’s beliefs show up. Then suddenly we all remember we have First Amendment rights we haven't read since high school.
Pivoting ever so gracefully, the podcast veers into the topic of Oklahoma’s potential ban on cell phones in schools. This sparked what may be the most unintentionally hilarious section of the episode.
Apparently, Dusty's son starts his Tesla with his phone. Which feels like a very specific attack on Elon Musk. And now the state wants to take away that phone, essentially asking kids to walk home in 115-degree heat because Dad's truck won't start without an iOS update.
The argument here isn’t really about Teslas, though. It’s about access. If every kid already has a Bible on their phone, do we really need to stock physical copies like it’s 1995? Are we legislating for the sake of appearances or for actual impact?
The episode wraps this thread with a brutal mic drop: “We don’t have a Bible access problem. We have a gospel-sharing problem.”
Yikes. That one hurt, even if it was wrapped in sarcasm.
Discipleship, Drama, and Pyramid Schemes for Jesus
In true Christian comedy podcast fashion, the episode ends on an unexpectedly convicting note. Dusty and Andrew tackle discipleship—or rather, the lack of it. Youth pastors get one hour a week. Sunday mornings get less than that if you factor in coffee breaks and awkward small talk.
The duo rightly point out that schools may be the biggest mission field we’re ignoring. But instead of training students to disciple others, we hand them a verse, a pat on the back, and maybe a free T-shirt if it’s camp week.
Andrew even references the classic "disciple multiplication" model: one person leads another to Christ, who leads another, who leads another. You know, like a holy pyramid scheme—except the only thing we’re selling is eternity.
Final Thoughts: The Bible Isn’t a Magic Poster
If there’s one thread that ties the entire episode together, it’s this: Laws can’t save people. Posters of the Ten Commandments can’t change hearts. And no one’s turning their life around because of an April-themed Christian celebration wedged between Easter candy and allergy season.
What changes people is people.
The relationships. The conversations. The quiet moments of discipleship that aren’t broadcasted or forced, but lived out.
And if that doesn’t work, maybe just ban phones and call it a revival.
A Bit about Us
At Bible Belt Bros, we’re not trying to solve America’s religious education crisis. We’re just two guys with mics, trying to figure out why anyone would still print a King James Bible with gold-leaf pages like it’s a treasure map.
But we are trying to have honest conversations about what it means to be Christians in the real world. And sometimes that includes sarcasm, mall nostalgia, and educational policy debates we’re not qualified to lead.
If you’re looking for a Christian podcast that isn’t afraid to laugh at itself, question the culture, and admit that youth group pizza was the best part of Wednesday nights—then you’ve come to the right place.

Rusty Gunn | Church That Matters Lead Pastor and SEND Network Oklahoma Director

In this special episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, Andrew and Dusty sit down with their long-time pastor and mentor, Rusty Gunn, for an honest conversation about leadership, calling, and transition.
For the past 16 years, Rusty has faithfully led Church That Matters, shaping its culture, guiding its mission, and investing deeply in the lives of those around him. Now, as he prepares to step into a new role as SEND Network’s Church Planting Director for Oklahoma, Rusty reflects on the journey that brought him here and the next season ahead.
Together, we explore what it means to hand off leadership well, the importance of a strong local church presence, and how that ties into a broader vision for church planting and apostolic mission work. Rusty shares candid thoughts on balancing ministry and family, the emotional weight of transition, and the lasting impact of a church that stays rooted while reaching outward.
We close with reflections on church culture, leadership dynamics, and the future of Church That Matters as it continues to grow and evolve.
This conversation is a meaningful look at legacy, leadership, and the ongoing mission of the church.

From Youth Pastor to Lead Pastor with Kyle Henderson

What happens when the “youth guy” suddenly finds himself stepping into the lead pastor role? On this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Henderson from Church That Matters.
Kyle shares the unexpected journey that’s leading him from youth ministry (and whatever else needed doing) to becoming the Lead Pastor this September. We dig into what that shift looks like, the excitement and challenges ahead, and how God sometimes calls you into roles you didn’t even apply for.
This episode is packed with leadership insights, fun stories, and a sneak peek at what’s coming for Church That Matters. Whether you’re in ministry, thinking about leadership transitions, or just here for the Bros banter, this convo with Kyle is one you don’t want to miss.
When You’re the Last to Know You’re the Pastor
Some people feel called to be a Lead Pastor. Others get called into the office and find out they already are one.
That was basically Kyle Henderson’s story on this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Christian Comedy Podcast. A longtime youth pastor, volunteer wrangler, and guy-who-fixes-everything, Kyle didn’t so much apply to be the new Lead Pastor at Church That Matters — he kind of tripped into it.
No Resume, No Tryout, Just… “Hey, You’re Next”
It started like most things in church leadership: casually. A conversation at a staff retreat. Someone asked, “Who do you think would be a good Lead Pastor if something ever happened?”
Kyle threw out a name or two.
Then the Lead Pastor looked him in the eye and said, “What if it’s you?”
Cue awkward laughter. Cue silence. Cue every youth pastor's worst nightmare: responsibility.
Kyle wasn’t gunning for it. He wasn’t dropping hints. But apparently everyone else around him had already seen it. The only person not in the loop… was Kyle.
“I’m Just the Youth Guy”
There’s something beautifully ironic about youth pastors. They’re often treated like they’re in the minors, like their job is some kind of ministry spring training.
But they’re also the ones cleaning up messes, managing chaos, mentoring students, fixing tech, and running services when the real adults are out of town.
Kyle was that guy. He did all the things. The late nights. The camps. The sermons. The leadership development. The emergency plumbing issues.
He wasn’t climbing a ladder. He was just doing what needed to be done.
And then suddenly, someone handed him the ladder and said, "You’re at the top now."
The Calling Nobody Wants (But Everybody Sees)
There’s something kind of biblical about this. Moses didn’t want the job. Neither did Jonah. Or Paul. Or honestly, most people God used.
The ones who aren’t chasing the spotlight are usually the ones most ready for it. Not because they have the best ideas, but because they’ve learned how to serve without needing credit.
Kyle didn’t say yes right away. He wrestled with it. Felt the weight of it. Wondered if he could do it.
That’s how you know someone’s probably ready: they’re scared.
Spiritual PTSD from Youth Ministry
Kyle’s years in youth ministry were preparation. Not on purpose. More like spiritual bootcamp with dodgeballs.
He learned to improvise. To build teams. To pray through crises. To disciple students. To host events with zero budget and leftover pizza.
That kind of ministry doesn’t give you a stage. It gives you scars.
But it also gives you a deep sense of how people actually grow — not in the hype, but in the hard stuff.
And when the Lead Pastor seat opened up, Kyle wasn’t the obvious choice because of charisma. He was the right choice because of consistency.
Leadership Without the Ego Trip
What makes Kyle different is he’s not trying to be a CEO pastor.
He’s not coming in with a 42-page vision plan or rebranding the church overnight. He’s not here to be famous. He’s here to be faithful.
His biggest fear? Not preaching. Not meetings. Not the pressure.
His fear is letting people down. Missing what God is saying. Getting caught up in noise and forgetting why he’s even up there.
Which — let’s be honest — is the most honest thing a pastor can say.
What Makes This Episode Matter
If you’re in ministry, or ever sat under a leader who didn’t want the job but still showed up — this episode hits different.
It’s a reminder that God still promotes people through faithfulness, not self-promotion.
That churches still grow when the guy up front isn’t trying to go viral.
That maybe, just maybe, the best kind of leader is the one who never wanted to be one in the first place.
Ministry Promotion Doesn’t Need a Mic Drop
If you’re out here stacking chairs, running youth lock-ins, and wondering if anyone notices — they do. More importantly, God does.
And when the time’s right, don’t be surprised if He hands you a mic you didn’t ask for.
Just ask Kyle.
 
Stay connected with Bible Belt Bros Christian Comedy Podcast on our website | https://biblebeltbros.com/

Stand-Up and Shotguns with Comedian Jeremy Alder

This week on the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, Dusty and Andrew welcome a special guest whose resume includes both pulpits and punchlines — comedian and former preacher Jeremy Alder. From awkward church giveaways to parallel thinking in comedy, this episode blends hilarious storytelling with deep reflections on faith, creativity, and cringe-worthy church culture.
The episode opens with a bang — quite literally — as Jeremy learns about Dusty and Andrew's church events that include shotgun giveaways and bacon-themed men’s ministries. If that sounds wild to you, buckle up. It only gets better (or weirder). The guys dive into their own church experiences, where sermons get recycled like old youth group T-shirts and pastors sometimes unintentionally moonlight as stand-up comics.
Jeremy brings a unique perspective as someone who once preached weekly and now headlines comedy shows. He discusses how difficult it is to write fresh content — whether it’s a sermon or a comedy set — and gives credit to pastors who have to deliver new material week after week. The trio explore the fine line between originality and influence, and how the internet has made it nearly impossible for comics and pastors alike to avoid being accused of plagiarism, even when it’s just parallel thinking.
Throughout the episode, they unpack:
Why sermon recycling is the church’s version of a "greatest hits" tour
How Jeremy’s journey from youth pastor to stand-up comic shaped his voice and storytelling style
Why pastors and comedians both get called out for plagiarism (but only one gets cancelled)
What it means to bring vulnerability and real-life baggage into faith communities — without the fake Sunday morning filter
The awkward overlap between gun culture and church culture, and why Jeremy thinks it doesn’t always align with the gospel (and why that probably won’t go over well in Oklahoma)
From hilarious stories about bombing at casinos to thoughtful discussions about faith, fallibility, and finding your voice, this episode proves that deep conversations don’t have to be boring — and funny people can still love Jesus.
Jeremy also shares details about his new comedy album “Almost a Grown Man”, currently streaming on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere else fine comedy is sold (or streamed for free). If you're tired of church podcasts that feel like lectures or stand-up that lacks soul, this episode hits the sweet spot.
Follow Jeremy and stay up to date on upcoming shows!
https://www.jeremyalder.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jeremy.alder/
https://twitter.com/JeremyAlder
https://www.facebook.com/jeremyaldercomedy/
 
 
 

Dealing With Church Burnout, Setting Boundaries, and the Overworked Volunteer

In this episode of the Bible Belt Bros Podcast, Dusty and Andrew dive into a topic that hits a little too close to home—volunteer burnout in the church. We’re not just talking about the “I need a nap” kind of burnout—we mean the “Why did I say yes to this...again?” kind. 😅
We’ve all seen it (or been it)—that faithful volunteer who’s running slides, leading worship, brewing the coffee, and fixing the WiFi router—all before the pastor finishes his first cup of coffee. But here’s the kicker: sometimes leaders are unintentionally the biggest culprits, calling on the same willing souls again and again—even on their so-called “day off”.
So in true Bible Belt Bros fashion, we tackle this serious subject with a healthy dose of pet peeves, real talk, and plenty of laughs. We challenge pastors and church leaders: Be better shepherds. Don’t just work your sheep to the bone—protect them from themselves and their inability to say no. (Yeah, we went there.)
We also share personal stories, a few confessions, and throw down the gauntlet for churches to take ownership of burnout. Don’t just blame the volunteer for “overcommitting.” Maybe… just maybe… we all need to rethink the system.
🔥 What You’ll Get:
Tips on how leaders can spot burnout before it starts
Why “no” is a holy word
A few pet peeves (because we couldn't resist)
Encouragement for both volunteers and leaders to do ministry in a healthier way
Whether you’re a pastor, a serial volunteer, or someone who’s just here for the funny rants, this one’s for you.
Press play, have a laugh, and let’s make church life better—one “no” at a time.

Does Satan Use Christian Music to Lead People Away From Christ?

In this episode of Bible Belt Bros, Andrew and Dusty dive into a conversation that might make you think twice next time you're singing along to your favorite worship song. We’ve all heard people talk about how secular music can be used by the enemy — glorifying sin, stirring up pride, or pulling our focus away from God. But what about Christian music?
Yeah... buckle up.
This week, we talk about how Satan doesn’t just use what’s playing on the radio — sometimes he twists what’s playing at church. After all, he used to be Heaven’s worship leader. If anyone knows how to influence people through music, it’s him.
We break down some of the sneaky ways even well-meaning worship songs can hit wrong — like singing about God's promises when you're fresh off a loss, or trying to “feel” something during worship and wondering if God’s even there when you don’t. Sometimes the timing of a song can bring comfort, and other times... it just stings.
We also hit on:
How vague lyrics can slowly mess with your theology
The pressure to look or feel “spiritual enough” during worship
Why emotions aren’t always the best spiritual compass
And how even good songs can trigger comparison, doubt, or frustration if we’re not careful
This episode isn’t anti-Christian music (we love a good worship jam), but it is a reminder to keep our eyes on the One we're singing to — not just how the music makes us feel.

Do Church Group Chats Always End Up Being a Debate of Who's the Better Christian?

In this episode of the Bible Belt Bros podcast, Dusty and Andrew discussed the competitive nature of church life and Christian service commitments. They shared personal experiences about their Bible study habits, with Andrew mentioning 388 consecutive weeks on the YouVersion app (2,716 days). The conversation shifted to a recent situation in their church's youth ministry group chat regarding an Elevation Worship concert on a Wednesday night. Dusty described how the discussion evolved into a debate about who was the 'better Christian' based on attendance at church versus the concert. They explored themes of church commitments, financial considerations and the challenges of balancing personal convictions with community expectations. The hosts also discussed how different interpretations of faith and practice can lead to division within church communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives while maintaining unity in the Spirit.