Burn the Haystack

Josh and Jesse have had just about enough of the new digital world we're all part of now. Don't get us wrong: we know it's here to stay, and we embrace that fact, but one thing is undeniable: there's a drain that happens when you spend a lot of your time online, doing the things you used to do in-person. So, let's talk about that. 00:00 Welcome & Catchup 02:29 Why Did we Go on a Break? 12:28 Digital Burnout 22:32 The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast and Media 25:53 Are we Building a Personal Brand or the Jesus Brand? The 5 Things that have Helped Josh Deal with Digital Burnout 30:20 1: Slowing Down 30:49 2: Purging the Podcast Feed 32:56 3. Doing Less in General 37:02 4: Stopped Browsing Phone in Bed 37:47 5. Reading more Physical Books 38:57 A Return to Creativity 46:52 The Line Between the Analog and Digital is Blurring 51:26 Wrap-Up 52:01 Jesse's Moving back to Australia 55:09 Outro Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh, Laura, Josh, and Jesse look back on 3 years of the podcast. and reminisce on our favourite memories. Despite the multitude of highs and lows, it's been an amazing ride. Seeing as this is our last episode before we go on our long-needed hiatus, we hope you'll join us for this livestreamed episode! From all of us at Burn the Haystack, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and an amazing 2021! Hopefully we'll see you soon. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk about Carl Lentz. He's the latest in a line of pastors falling from grace due to moral indiscretions, but this time, it hits a little closer to home. The guys also talk about the impact this controversy has had on the church, and how things simply must change if we're going to reach a skeptical culture with the Gospel. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse interview Matthew Korpman on his new book, Saying No to God. In this book, he seeks to help us reevaluate our understanding of how we relate to God, and how he relates to us. Is God truly unmoved and sovereign, or does he change his mind based on us, humans? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk to Daniel Cocking about climate change. A somewhat controversial topic in the polarized world of today, it is nonetheless vital that we grapple with this important issue. No matter your stance on climate change, we hope that this episode is interesting and informative! We definitely learned a lot. Links & Resources: David Attenborough's 'A Life on Our Planet' Elon Musk's Unbelievably Simple 12-minute Killer Break Down on Climate Change Greta Thunberg Hears Your Excuses. She Is Not Impressed (NY Times). COVID-19 is awful. Climate change could be worse. Is It Too Late To Stop Climate Change? Well, it's Complicated. Greta Thunberg Does The Carbon Budget Math Woolworths pledges to source 100 per cent renewables by 2025 Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk to Nathan Brown about his new book, Advent: Hearing the Good News in the Story of Jesus' Birth. This Advent book takes readers on a journey from the first whisperings of the Messiah to his death and resurrection. Designed to be either read devotionally Dec 1-31, or in church community, this book is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to recapture the wonder and awe of the Advent season. Advent Book from Signs Book Depository Nathan's Amazon Page Road to Bethlehem Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk to Kevin Wilson, aka Cross Culture Christian, aka the guy who makes Chai on Tik Tok. He has 144,000 Tik Tok followers, and is reaching hundreds of thousands of people every month through his social media presence. Join us as we talk to Kevin about ministry, life, and why Chai? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse interview long-time friend and mentor, Andre Afamasaga. After having been a pastor in the Adventist Church for 11 years, Andre, though a Kiwi, came out as gay in a column in the Sydney Morning Herald. He is no longer a pastor, but is still a dedicated follower of Jesus, and in this episode we explore the tricky landscape of sexual identity and the place it has in the Church. WARNING: Whilst this episode is clean, we do talk about some fairly heavy topics, such as sex, gender identity, suicide, among others. If your kids usually listen to the podcast with you, please be aware of the content in this episode. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh Wood and Jesse talk to Emily Weber and Linda Biswas all about the American Election! Emily is a Republican supporter, whereas Linda bleeds blue. We talk to them about why they believe what they believe, and their perspectives on 2020 and the election from their respective sides of the political aisle. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse revive a classic episode they did 2 years ago: we're doing our Spooktober Special! This year, we decided to feature 6 more heroes of the Christian faith to celebrate and commemorate their contribution to Christianity, as well as much, much more. So, sit back, relax, and listen to this decidedly NOT spooky Spooktober Special! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk about one of the cultural ideas that has been prevalent in Adventism from the very earliest days of our beginnings. We're talking about Sunday Law, of course! What is it, is it coming, and is it the best we can do in our interpretation of prophetic Scripture? Let's find out! UNIVERSAL SUNDAY LAWS AND ADVENTIST DOCTRINAL INTRANSIGENCE Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse have the distinct honour of welcoming Sam Leonor and Tim Gillespie onto the podcast. Tim and Sam are both pastors and educators who host a podcast called... Tim & Sam. The guys talk all about ministry, the craziness that is 2020, and a lot in between. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, the guys talk all about algorithms, The Rabbit Hole podcast, and The Social Dilemma. The rise of the internet and the 'Wild West' of social media has definitely affected the way we interact with each other and our politics. But one question remains for us: is it affecting our theology and faith practices? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, the guys interview Catalina Arevalo. Catalina is the host of the CONNECTED Adventist podcast. She also is the creator of SDA Insider on Youtube and Living with J on Tik Tok! In this episode we talk all about digital Injustice, Privilege, & Digital Entrepreneurship, as well as the sociology degree she's currently studying. Josh and Jesse come face-to-face with their own privilege, and their own oppression!  Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk all about preaching: preaching that sucks, preaching that inspires, and every brand in-between. The vital question we want to answer this week is: should we retire the sermon? Is it still fulfilling the goal it originally was trying to achieve? How should followers of Jesus relate to the sermon? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk to Dr John Skrzypaszek. Dr Skrzypaszek is a newly-retired senior lecturer at Avondale University College, and for the last 15 years has been the director for the Ellen White Research Center at Avondale. In this episode, we talk to John about Ellen White's life and ministry, and what we often get wrong when we talk about her and the Prophetic Voice. Whether you're an ardent student of Ellen White, or you're skeptical of her methods and ministry, this episode has something for you! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse finish with their final thoughts on Reading Scripture Responsibly, and answer the questions you had in regards to this series! Thank you all for participating alongside us in this series! We hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse welcome Pr Kirsten Oster-Lundqvist on to the podcast. Pr Kirsten is a Danish pastor currently working and living in Wellington, NZ, and comes with a wealth of knowledge and ministry experience. In this episode, we talk all about inspiration and interpretation. One thing we all need to grapple with is the fact that we all bring cultural, gender, and racial presuppositions to the table when reading the Bible, and Pr Kirsten helps us grapple with this in this episode. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse tackle one of the most tricky parts of Biblical reading: forming a Hermeneutic. If you've never heard the word before, essentially it's the process of interpretation. Once I know what the text meant to its original author and audience, how do I translate that intent into something I can apply to my life? Though it's not a word we use in our everyday vernacular, it's something we do every time we engage with Scripture. To read the Bible is to form a Hermeneutic. So, let's find out how we can form a faithful and honest Hermeneutic by using all the tools and principles we've learned so far. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. This episode of Burn the Haystack is sponsored by Avondale University College. To learn more about Avondale, click here.

This week, Josh and Jesse use the tools they talked about last week to exegete a passage of Scripture. Follow along at home!

This week, Josh Hacko steps into the co-host chair for our final episode of Season 3. Josh is a luxury watchmaker from Sydney, Australia, and his fiance, Maryellen Fairfax, joins us for a conversation about COVID-19, their experience with it, and their hopes for the future. We hope you've enjoyed this trilogy of Joshes and can't wait to see you again once we start Season 4 on August 4! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh Stadnik steps into the co-host chair (along with his fluffy son Sampson), to talk about all the leadership shifts we're experiencing post-COVID. Will the church continue to innovate and change as a result of this worldwide pandemic, or will we go back to the way things used to be? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh Wood is subbing in for Josh Stothers as our co-host! In this episode, Josh and Jesse discuss how we exploit people in their giftings for the benefit of the Church. What's the healthy tension we need to manage better and how can we more effectively help release people in their giftings rather than driving them to burnout? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse review the Ex-Adventist subreddit community on Reddit. We explore the anonymous stories of Adventist upbringings, the strangeness of the Adventist subculture, and ultimately what led to so many people leaving the denomination altogether. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh, Josh, Laura & Jesse return in a round-panel discussion on the church post-COVID that we hosted live on Facebook! Come back to hear the answers to all the questions we couldn't get to last week, as well as some of the others sent in by our community! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Josh and Jesse respond to your questions on our three episodes on Finding Grace in the Old Testament series. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions, we had a blast! Why Pharaoh's Heart Grew Hard by Tim Mackie Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk with their team about the implications of COVID-19 on the church, what is going to have to change post-lockdown, and what we'd like to see stay the same. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk once again to Ben Reynolds. This time, they talk about the theme of the Cosmic Conflict, and how this worldview can influence the way you live your Christian experience. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Merch Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse welcome back a longtime friend of the show: Ben Reynolds. This time, they talk about the historical figure of Jesus in a way that removes the hyper-spiritualization, mythologization, and misinformation that we often have to wade through to talk about him. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse look at responses to COVID-19 from a variety of prominent Christian leaders. From Kenneth Copeland to Tony Spell, we discuss how a crisis like this one has the power to reveal what our true motivations are in ministry. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

In our final installment of our series on Grace in the Old Testament, Josh and Jesse talk about sacrifice. It's a staple throughout the OT narrative, from Genesis to Jesus, Abraham and his descendants sacrificed. In times of peace and times of war, millions of animals over the course of thousands of years were sacrificed to Yahweh. What can we make of this? Is God an advocate for animal cruelty, or is there something else at work here? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This Week, Josh and Jesse tackle one of the most uncomfortable and strange episodes in the Old Testament: the Canaanite conquest and subsequent genocide that follows. How can we as modern people read this part of scripture and find grace in it? Let's find out! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk about one of the most oft-asked issues people have with the Bible: the seeming huge emphasis on grace in the New Testament, and the seeming lack thereof in the old. This is going to start a conversation about the perceived lack of grace and love in the Old Testament, and how maybe there's more grace than first meets the eye.  Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse are coming to grips with living in a world coloured and characterized with COVID-19. We didn't think this virus was here to stay, nor that it would impact so heavily on our day-to-day lives, and churches. In this episode, we talk about how we're navigating this new reality personally, as well as as pastors.  Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

Can you believe, Burn the Haystack turns 100 today! Not 100 years, but 100 episodes. To celebrate, we're going to share our favourite moments from the last 99 episodes and roughly 2 years of burning haystacks. We'd like to give big thanks to everyone who has supported us, prayed for us, given us feedback, and donated to us financially over these last 2 years. We wouldn't be here without you. We're not slowing down: in fact, we're only just getting started! Here's to another 100 episodes of burning haystacks! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse talk about the virus that's been getting everyone worried: COVID-19. Italy has just been quarantined by it, the death toll is rising, and everyone seems to be losing their minds. How worried should you be about this virus? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

Justin Khoe needs no introduction, but in case you're not caught up: he's 'That Christian Vlogger'. After spending many years in door-to-door evangelism, Justin switched to YouTube. He built a successful YouTube channel and has reached millions of people around the world with his simple, to-the-point conversational style. In 2020, however, he's closing the door on That Christian Vlogger and starting a new project: I'm Listening with Justin Khoe. We talk all about that, and he shares some of the wild stories of where this project has taken him. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse discuss the differences between big and small churches. Jesse has been on quite the journey when it comes to his personal ministry ambitions, and is now questioning whether big churches are even a good idea. Josh has some different thoughts, so this should definitely be an interesting discussion! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

In our final episode in The Gatehouse Recordings, we talk to Ray Moaga, or Ray Ray (as his friends call him). Ray has been a university chaplain, youth director, and is currently serving in Brisbane, Queensland as pastor of several churches. He's also the founder of USO, a clothing brand that has been making waves not only in the faith community, but in the sporting world as well. In this episode we talk fitness, ministry, entrepreneurship, and finding time for margin. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

In our second installment in The Gatehouse Recordings, we talk to Chris Oberg. Chris is an influential leader, teacher, and pastor of La Sierra University Church in Riverside, California. Chris speaks to us about Last Generation Theology and its impact in her life and in her ministry. She also guides us through the process of letting go of beliefs and theologies that are no longer serving us well. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

We're starting the year with a trilogy of episodes we're calling The Gatehouse Recordings. In our first installment, we have the privilege of sitting down with one of the most sought-after public communicators in the Adventist world: Ty Gibson. Ty is a pastor, communicator, author, and entrepreneur hailing from Eugene, Oregon. We talk to Ty about seeing the world through atheist eyes, and the mental hoops we often force people to jump through when engaging them with faith. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

Season 3 is about to drop. Let's get hyped!

In this episode, Jesse and Josh are joined by the whole team: Josh Wood and Laura, to discuss their top memories of the last decade. Prepare for some serious nostalgia and reminiscing as we celebrate the end of another year, and the end of the decade! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

Today, Josh and Jesse talk to Matthew Hunter. Matthew is a pastor, church planter, and thought leader originally hailing from Victoria, Australia. He is now a pastor living and ministering in Adelaide, SA. The guys talk to Matthew about church planting, missional living, and his experiences learning about organic church from Francis Chan. Enjoy! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Josh and Jesse talk all about independent ministries. What are they, why do they exist, and are they a net negative or positive for the church? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Josh and Jesse talk about a recent controversy that started in a humble Hearthstone tournament, and has quickly become a major talking point in the Hong Kong conversation. This episode is a bit different from what we've touched on in the past few months, so we hope you enjoy our take on Blizzard, Hong Kong, and censorship culture. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

Show Notes This week, we talk to TJ Sands. TJ is a pastor working in the Oklahoma Conference, and leads the second-largest church in his conference. He's also passionate about discourse and honest conversations, and boy do we have one for you today! Jewelry and the use of it has been a divisive issue in the church ever since the Victorian era. Even today, people look down at those who wear wedding earrings, necklaces, or even wedding bands. So, what's the deal? Does the Bible truly prohibit it, as many assume, or is there something deeper to the conversation? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

Show Notes In light of our conversation about women in ministry, new expressions of Christianity, and the constant struggle between established power structures and emerging voices in the Christian space, we thought it appropriate to address a recent controversy. Popular preacher, author, and "theologian" (quotations added) John MacArthur recently made some provocative statements directed to another popular preacher and author: Beth Moore. Specifically, he said that she should 'go home,' that she is 'narcissistic,' and that just because she's skilled at 'selling makeup,' does not mean she should be allowed to preach. Yep, it's a doozy this week. Let's discuss it. (03:51) Question of the Week (thanks to ramjo95 on Instagram): If you could be any superhero, who would you be?  (11:17) Intro to the Discussion on John MacArthur and Beth Moore. (13:54) The 'Go Home' Clip. We snipped a small portion off the clip toward the end. If you'd like to hear it in its entirety, you can find it here on Youtube. (21:38) Can MacArthur and Johnson's position be defended? Josh and Jesse try to make sense of their statements in context. (37:18) Should we allow culture to inform our exegesis of the Bible? (40:31) Beth Moore's Response to John MacArthur and our final thoughts Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse springboard off their conversation last week on Kanye West to a conversation about power and influence in Christianity. Put simply: who gets to define what are appropriate expressions of Christianity, and what aren't? Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Sneaky Snitch" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

So, Kanye West just released an album. And it's a Christian album. What are we to make of it, and what does this mean for the Christian world? Let's talk about that! Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.

This week, Josh and Jesse tackle one of the more controversial topics of our church today - women and pastoral ministry. Currently in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, women can not be ordained into pastoral ministry. The guys have refrained from tackling this issue head-on until now, so enjoy our take on ordination, women in ministry, and how gender plays into the church's mission. Website and Blog | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram Send us an email at burnthehaystackpodcast@gmail.com.