Church Pew Sports - Pastors Talking Sports & Life

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 180  -  Brotherhood, Baseball & Saying Goodbye: Faith and Sports in Life's Toughest Moments After a short break, Church Pew Sports returns with a powerful blend of sports talk and soul-level reflections. Hosted by Bill Hobson alongside co-hosts Pastor Paul Miller, Scott Holmgren, and David Collins, this episode begins with a spirited dive into the Detroit Tigers' surprising rise, the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, and how the NCAA's historic settlement is reshaping college sports as we know it. The guys take on hot topics with their usual insight and humor—from the puzzling economics of baseball contracts (will Chris Ilitch pay Tarek Skubal what he's worth?) to the quirks of umpiring in an era of automated calls and helmet taps. They also unpack how the MLB app, shifting sports commentary trends, and changes in TV contracts are affecting fan engagement. But what sets this episode apart isn't just the sports commentary—it's the deeply personal turn the conversation takes near the end. In the final segment, Pastor Paul Miller shares an emotional update on the recent loss of his 94-year-old father, a moment that brings the meaning of Church Pew Sports into sharp focus. His honest reflections on caregiving, grief, and what it means to be supported by a “band of brothers” will resonate with every listener who has navigated loss or leaned on friends through tough times. This segment powerfully reminds us that while sports are fun and important, they also serve as the backdrop for deeper connections—between fathers and sons, between friends, and within the podcasting community itself. Paul's words are a tribute not only to his father but to the strength found in friendship, faith, and brotherhood. In true Church Pew fashion, the episode ends with encouragement for men everywhere: stay connected. In a world that often isolates, this podcast is a living example of what happens when men show up for each other—on and off the mic. Whether you came for the baseball or stayed for the brotherhood, this episode delivers on every level. --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 179 - Either/Or: Sports Debates, Loyalty, and Life Lessons In this lively and thought-provoking episode of Church Pew Sports, hosts Bill Hobson and Pastor Paul Miller welcome a brand-new guest: Pastor Mike Szoradi, a passionate Arizona sports fan and youth pastor with a strong Michigan family connection. What follows is a rapid-fire conversation packed with hot sports takes, irrational fan loyalty, and biblical life insights—all through the lens of sports. The crew kicks off with a fun introduction to Mike, diving into his long-suffering loyalty to the Arizona Cardinals and his love for the Phoenix Suns. But things heat up as the group launches into a round of “either/or” sports decisions—where bold takes are required, and no one's allowed to ride the fence. First up: should the Dallas Mavericks keep their draft lottery pick to select Cooper Flagg or trade it all for the proven greatness of Giannis Antetokounmpo? Mike and Paul both make the case for Giannis, with Bill joining in agreement—highlighting not just Giannis' elite skills, but his calm demeanor and leadership qualities. Then the trio switches gears to compare playoff atmospheres—NBA vs NHL. While Mike's NBA loyalty is rooted in his Arizona upbringing, Bill gives the edge to the nail-biting overtime thrill of NHL postseason action. Paul, ever the balance-keeper, appreciates both but finds NBA storylines this year especially compelling. The show dives deeper into current sports controversies, including whether Michael Jordan will thrive as a broadcaster, the impact and perception of Draymond Green's behavior, and the possibility of Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson entering the MLB Hall of Fame now that their bans have been lifted. Mike urges accountability, while Bill suggests history—with all its blemishes—should still be preserved. Broadcasters like Rich Eisen and Pat McAfee also enter the discussion, with Mike favoring Eisen's polished style and Paul highlighting McAfee's fit with College GameDay. Bill agrees—McAfee may not suit daily sports talk, but he lights up the right setting. The group wraps with a debate on college football kickoff times (noon vs primetime), critiques of controversial sports media content and owner decisions, and a few standout sports stories—from Shohei Ohtani's surprise strikeout to heartfelt high school traditions. As always, the episode closes with a powerful spiritual reflection—this time on Proverbs 19:21—reminding listeners that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails. Don't miss this high-energy episode filled with opinions, passion, and purpose. Be sure to subscribe at churchpewsports.com and share it with every sports-loving friend in your circle.   This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Mike Szoradi --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 178 - Brains, Baggage & The Big Leagues - Why So Many Young Athletes Flame Out We welcome Kip Rodgers, founder of BrainCode Corp, for a deep and eye-opening conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes of the NFL Draft—and why so many talented athletes never live up to expectations. With over a decade of experience assessing NFL draft prospects' mental makeup, Kip shares how she uses neuroscience-based evaluations to help athletes, agents, and teams make better decisions. From entitlement issues to spiritual grounding, Kip dives into the mental, emotional, and spiritual traits that often determine whether a player succeeds or crashes out of the league. We discuss real stories of players who let pride and poor judgment derail their careers, and why some top talents fall in the draft for reasons beyond the field. Kip also explains the growing trend of college transfers, how money changes everything, and what she asks young players about their family life and faith background during evaluations. Also: What role does humility play in quarterback success? Why is strong faith a predictor of stability? And how should teams screen for red flags without crossing the line? It's a fascinating blend of sports psychology, faith, and football culture—an absolute must-listen for fans who care about what really shapes a player.   This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Kip Rodgers --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 177  - Shedeur Sanders - A Cautionary Tale from the NFL Draft In this episode of Church Pew Sports, we welcome a special guest—Bryce Johnson, host of the Unpackin It podcast and founder of a sports-faith ministry that's been impacting lives for over a decade. Bryce joins Bill and Paul to talk sports loyalties (yes, he's a Duke fan), ministry in the locker room, and how fantasy football can actually draw people closer to Christ. We dive deep into the 2025 NFL Draft, breaking down quarterback drama, the mystery of Shedeur Sanders' draft slide, and why NFL teams still struggle to evaluate talent correctly. Bryce The crew also talks about how NIL deals are changing the hunger levels of incoming NFL talent. This episode goes beyond Xs and Os—we explore how perception shapes opportunity, and why humility matters more than ever in sports and in faith. Bryce offers insights into living boldly for Christ even when it's uncomfortable, referencing moments from the draft that highlight how character can make or break an athlete's future. Plus: Mel Kiper hot takes, draft-night surprises, NBA replay frustrations, and why Seth Rollins announcing the Bears' pick was Paul's favorite moment of the weekend. Don't miss this conversation at the intersection of sports, faith, and culture—and hear how Bryce is helping fans unpack both the games they love and the gospel they need.   This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Bryce Johnson --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 176  - 2025 NFL Draft... of Biblical Characters What if the NFL Draft looked a little more… Biblical? Welcome to a truly unique episode of Church Pew Sports, where the crew dives into a one-of-a-kind fantasy draft—selecting Biblical figures to build the ultimate NFL team. It's the 2025 NFL Biblical Character Draft, and trust us, it's just as wild, hilarious, and thought-provoking as it sounds. In this episode, Joshua takes Samson off the board early for his raw power and sky-high potential, even if his locker room presence might raise a few eyebrows. Bill picks John, the beloved disciple, envisioning him as a lightning-fast wide receiver. Meanwhile, Paul throws a massive curveball by selecting Og, the King of Bashan—arguably the biggest draft pick in NFL history. From linebackers with Daniel's fearlessness to quarterbacks like Gideon and David with legendary leadership skills, the crew debates the perfect blend of spiritual strength and gridiron grit. There's even talk of Methuselah anchoring the O-line with centuries of chemistry-building experience! As the episode unfolds, the team mixes humor, biblical insight, and football strategy, all while exploring how faith intersects with competition. The conversation wraps with thoughts on modern sports—from TV-driven college rankings to the ethics of roster building in today's NCAA. It's the draft episode you never knew you needed—until now. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Josh Pardee Josh Gilmer Jacob Miller --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 175 - March Madness Memories As A Legend's Son with Brandt Packer The Final Four is filled with 1-seeds and brackets have largely been busted...but this edition of CPS is championship material as we welcome special guest Brandt Packer, the son of the late legendary broadcaster Billy Packer. Brandt's career as a top TV sports producer and his dad's legacy as one of the most revered analysts in the game provides us with powerful insights into the world of college sports, media, and the unbreakable bond between father and son. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Kurt David --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 174 - March Madness - Mysteries, Debates, Outrage, & Predictions The brackets are set, the upsets are brewing, and the madness is officially here! In this episode of Church Pew Sports, we dive into the biggest mysteries, hottest debates, and most controversial selections of the NCAA Tournament. From bubble team snubs to Cinderella contenders, we're breaking it all down—plus, our bold predictions for who's cutting down the nets. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just in it for the office pool, this is your courtside seat to all things March Madness. Let's talk hoops, faith, and the madness that makes this tournament unforgettable! Join the CPS Bracket Challenge: SIGN UP

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep  173 - Is The SUPER CONFERENCE Era Upon Us? Reports of the formation of massive realignment in college sports have begun heating up ahead of the timing most thought possible. Is an overhaul to conferences the best thing for all of college sports, or just the elite programs with super deep pockets? We also pay tribute to the late Gene Hackman with a discussion about the best sports movies of all time and David brings us inside the world of Redbeard the Pirate. We've packed a little bit of everything into this fun CPS episode! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 172  - Play Ball! It's Spring Training Time! The cold days of winter are nearly over and Spring Training is under way. We're here to catch you up on the baseball news you missed - player signings, rule changes, the changing TV landscape, and more. If you've been missing warm weather and thoughts of summer, this conversation is sure to warm your baseball fan heart! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Scott Holmgren --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep  171 - Former Eagle Cedrick Brown - Football, Faith, Philly In the aftermath of the Eagles dominating Super Bowl win, we welcome former Eagle and current Pastor, Cedrick Brown to talk about his career, his life journey leaving Compton and making it to the NFL, and leadership lessons he's learned (and taught) along the way. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller --------- You can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 170 - The Most Mind Blowing Trades In Sports History The REALLY big sports trades are the kind that reshape the balance of leagues and have fans both thrilled and outraged - like Luka to the Lakers. We're breaking down the biggest trades in sports history, so listen in and then share yours in the comments! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins John Fitzsimmons --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 169  - Buckeye Redemption & The Faith Factor Of A Championship This week we welcome special guest

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 168 - Undefeated in 2025 - Creating A Winning Culture What does a winning culture look like? How are unbreakable teams assembled and led? We're launching the new year with a great conversation about leadership, chemistry, and why we'd much rather lead like Dan Campbell than the UCLA hoops coach. Get ready for some laughs and thought-provoking insights! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Alex Rauch David Collins --------- Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 167- Christmas Wishes and The Chiefs Hallmark Movie On this 4th season finale of CPS, we're wrapping up the year with an examination of what the transfer portal has done to the bowl game system, the Lions remarkable run of injuries, and bringing you the most comprehensive review of the KC Chiefs Hallmark movie special (as presented by the loser of our seasonlong College Football Picks). Also, would you take a minute and vote for Church Pew Sports in one or both of these categories? https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-sports-talk-podcast/# https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-equality-and-social-impact-podcast/ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Brian Sharpe Josh Gilmer --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 166  - SEC Tears & College Football Playoff Madness The first ever 12-team College Football Playoff brackets have been formed and there is a LOT of debate about the wisdom, logic, and whiffs from the Playoff Committee. We're diving into all of it with one of the funniest episodes of CPS we've ever done - including a spirited game of "Name That Bowl," and soooo much more. We also announce the winner (and loser) of our season long College Football Weekly Picks and have a jarring upheaval atop the standings. If you like drama, comedy, and action - this episode has no less than two of those! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Carson Greenhaw David Collins --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 165 - Flag Planting: Fair or Foul? Is Sportsmanship Dead? The sports world is still stunned by the massive upset Michigan delivered in Columbus, but most of the discussion what happened AFTER the game. The Wolverines attempt to plant their flag on the Buckeye 50 yard line resulted in an ugly scene and raises so many questions about sportsmanship, maturity, and leadership. We're diving into the topic headfirst (while also celebrating the Michigan win) on a rollicking edition of the CPS Pod! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Josh Pardee Jason Romano - Sports Spectrum Randy Gilmer --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 164 - Football and Faith with Jim Daly - Pres of Focus on the Family What an incredible conversation with the man who leads the team at Focus on the Family, Jim Daly. He's a HUGE football guy (loves the Broncos), loves golf (casual Augusta National name drop in the pod), and truly "gets it" when we talk about connecting men to a deeper faith through their love of sports. His insights on coaching and leadership need to be heard by every Pastor and ministry leader in the nation. Please SHARE this link with other sports fans in your world - it's one of the best episodes in CPS history!   This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Jim Daly --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 163  - Making Sense of the CFP Playoff Picture The College Football Playoff picture is taking shape and that shape is like an ink blot test - everyone sees something different. On this week's CPS, we're trying to make sense of the bracket, conference "locks" and more as the college football season draws near a close. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Holter Robinson --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 162  - Is The NFC North - Football's Best Division? It's a 2-man studio this week as we look at football's strongest collection of teams - the NFC North - led by the red hot Detroit Lions. We also look at the playoff contenders in College Football, discuss the true meaning of "born on third base," and navigate the challenging protocols of Halloween candy distribution and collection. Hard hitting journalism straight ahead! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Josh Pardee --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 161  - College Football Has An Officiating Mess We're turning up the heat on college officiating after the Texas-Georgia debacle, mourning the current state of the Wolverines, celebrating a gritty Lions win, and wondering why the WNBA players think a walkout is in their best interests. Get ready for some high energy debate fun stretching from Michigan to Minnesota to North Dakota! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins Pastor Adam Glombowski --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 160- The Mighty NFC North - The Best Division in Football A most unusual thing has happened. The NFC North has become the strongest division in the NFL with the Vikings, Lions, Bears, and Packers all contending for the crown and rolling over teams from across the league. Our panel of fans dives into the surprising strength of the NFC North, the loyalty of fans, and the highs and lows of being longtime, long suffering fans. If you love the Lions, Vikings, and Bears you'll love this episode. Packer fans, not so much.   This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson (Lions) Pastor Paul Miller (Bears) Pastor Dan Davis (Lions)  Alex Rauch - EFCA Gateaway Ministries Director (Vikings) --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 159 - The Amazing Detroit Tigers And Other Baseball Talk We're focusing on Major League Baseball's postseason and the stunning run by the young Detroit Tigers, closing the season on a 31-13 tear to go from a .2% chance to claiming a wildcard spot, beating the Astros, and going further than anyone anywhere thought they could. We also explore: Momentum in Baseball and Playoff Success Baseball Playoff Strategy Baseball Dynamics, Pitching Strategies, and Rule Changes And More! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins Scott Holmgren --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 158 - Armen Keteyian On College Football's Era of Chaos We welcome in NY Times Best-selling author, Emmy Award winner, and legendary investigative reporter Armen Keteyian to talk about his new book, THE PRICE: What It Takes To Win In College Football's Era of Chaos. Armen discusses the current state of college football, particularly focusing on the issue of player compensation and transfers... the recent case of the UNLV quarterback and the offer made by a Michigan fan to a top 10 quarterback. Armen also shared his insights on the NCAA, describing it as a cartel violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. He also mentioned the legal history of the NCAA, including the O'Bannon, Austin, and House cases. We also discuss the reality that the NCAA has been delaying and denying player compensation for decades, spending millions of dollars defending its indefensible practices. Order: THE PRICE   This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins --------- You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316                

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 157 - The NFL Is Back - Is YOUR Team Ready? This week we focus our attention on the launch of the NFL season, exploring team storylines, QB battles, rule changes, the pretenders and contenders, and what it truly means to be in the Bills Mafia. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Dr. Dallas Gatlin Pastor Carson Greenhaw Pastor Brian Sharpe (Bills mafia) Shea Houdmann - Founder of gotquestions.org --------- You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 156 - Are You Ready For Some Football? We're running out of the tunnel and taking the field for the start of FOOTBALL SEASON! With a 6-guest lineup bringing the heat, we explore the Michigan asterisk, Stalions Netflix doc, SEC offensive explosion, Brian Kelly's postgame rant, and bring some Super Bowl predictions. It's football, football, football! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Billy Walker David Collins Randy Gilmer Josh Gilmer You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 155 - Stolen Kickers and Ultra Marathons We're back after a summer respite and hitting the ground running VERY long distances as we learn the ins, outs, ups and downs of the world of Ultra Marathons before diving into the big sports headlines of the past few weeks - the story of Alabama stealing a kicker, the husband who gave his wife a 2-week notice that football was on the way, the NCAA's continued obsession with Jim Harbaugh, and the best athlete interview voice you'll ever hear...and much more! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Carson Greenhaw You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 154 - OUR REACTION TO THE SHAMEFUL OPENING CEREMONY DEBACLE: A Church Pew Sports Special Episode The entire world of sports and faith is buzzing about the amazingly offensive and pathetic Olympics Opening Ceremony provocation of Christianity and the “Big C” church around the globe.Here's the Church Pew Sports reaction to the controversy…from the standpoint of a sports fan and follower of Christ, featuring a commentary from CPS Executive Producer Bill Hobson   You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 153 - The Summer Olympics Are Here - A CPS Preview The eyes of the sports world turn to Paris for the Summer Olympics and the storylines are numerous. On this edition of Church Pew Sports, we explore the much-anticipated competitions  as well as those that make no sense being included (breakdancing?) in the Olympics. We also sneak in an early review of the hottest video game on the market - EA Sports College Football 25 and get into a feisty Lebron debate. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins Bo Hobson You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 152 - Unlimited NIL Dollars - Is That What Kids REALLY NEED? We're in the slow summer days of sports but there's still MUCH to discuss on this fun edition of the podcast. We're exploring: Mike Gundy's most unusual defense of his player being busted for drunk driving The Oregon Ducks being "blessed" with unlimited NIL money from major donor and Nike Founder, Phil Knight Djokovic ranting at fans for booing him at Wimbledon A tearful sendoff for the legendary Bernhard Langer Much more! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Dr. George Hillman from Dallas Theological Seminary Pastor Dave Boerema You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 151 - Waving Goodbye to NCAA Amateurism As summer plows ahead, so does the march to end the pretense of amateurism in college sports. What does it mean when the NCAA approves the paying of "student" athletes? Where is it all headed? We've got an extra intense discussion about the demise of amateur college sports and you'll want to hear all of it. We open by welcoming a Celtics fan to the show for the sole purpose of gloating about the 'chip, but he ends up making a really strong case for them being a (gasp!) likable team. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Nate Murray David Collins You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 150 - Why All The Hatin' On Caitlin? The WNBA Has Issues The WNBA's premier "needle mover" is rookie Caitlin Clark, but some in the league view her with more disdain than appreciation - and it's playing out in the form of over-the-line physical punishment. Why? We explore that question and many more in a wide-ranging Church Pew discussion that concludes with a serious message for anyone feeling lonely or isolated. We're here for you, so please reach out if you need a listening ear! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 149 - Harrison Butker & Scottie Scheffler: Undefeated It's rare to have the entire sports world focusing on the words and actions of an NFL kicker and PGA Tour golfer but the last few days have seen Harrison Butker (KC Chiefs) and Scottie Scheffler (World #1 Golfer) thrust squarely in the center of the news cycle for completely different reasons. We're discussing Butker's speech and Scheffler's consistently faith-filled walk and how both men have kept from being canceled in the face of a hostile culture, by living a life above reproach. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Doug Halcomb You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 148 - NBA Playoffs - Knicks, Nuggets, and Too Much Spike The NBA Playoffs are bringing the drama and perhaps the next generation of superstars...along with far too many courtside shots of Spike Lee. What are the big storylines and which teams are headed to the Finals? We discuss with special guest, Knicks G League Assistant Steve Miknis and superfan Brian Sharpe. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Brian Sharpe Steve Miknis You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 147 - See Thru Uniforms And Other Strange Sports News We start with a really fun update on the world of baseball with Scott & AnnaMarie Holmgren as they continue their tour of every MLB ballpark and then we're exploring the bizarre sports headlines like see thru baseball uniforms, a change in "America's Team," the NCAA going down in flames, and many more! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Scott Holmgren Annamarie Holmgren You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316      

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 146 - I Feel A Draft - Your Guide To The NFL Draft This episode is your complete guide to the 2024 NFL Draft, including predictions about Caleb Williams, JJ McCarthy, what your favorite team needs to do to improve, and the pressure on GMs to never again repeat the Tom Brady mistake. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Alex Rauch - GATEWAY Ministry Coordinator at EFCA You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 145 - The Masters - A Tradition Unlike Any Other There is no sporting event quite like The Masters. The traditions, the champions, and even the rules for patrons all come together to deliver a remarkable experience. From the Champions Dinner to the instant ejection if you're caught with a cell phone, we're talking all things Masters on this special edition of Church Pew Sports. You'll also hear some powerful words from the #1 player in the world, Scottie Sheffler as he shares his testimony and reminds us that our true identity is found in Christ...and not in what we do for a living. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Brian Taylor - Real Golf Radio, live from Augusta You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316          

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 144 - The Unwritten Rules of Sports Bunting to break up a no hitter. Taking too long of a home run trot. Scoring an empty net goal via slapshot from up close. The list of "unwritten rules" in sports is lengthy and when those lines are crossed, tempers often flare. We're examining those lesser known parts of sports where viral video clips spring up because someone broke a rule that was never put in the rule book. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Scott Holmgren John Fitzsimmons Matt Shepard - former voice of the Detroit Tigers TV broadcasts You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 143 - Making Sense of March Madness It's non-stop basketball as the NCAA March Madness Tournament enters the second week, filled with fantastic drama and storylines. Small schools pulling upsets, free throws deciding games, 94 replay reviews in the final 2 minutes, the Women's Tournament more popular than ever, and all of us wondering how our brackets could go so terribly wrong. We're talking about all things March Madness this week! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Kurt David You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 142 - Coaching Chaos and Leadership Lessons For Everyone With these turbulent times among coaching staffs in college and the pro ranks, we're looking at the upheaval from a unique angle - what it says about the profession, the sports culture, and the similarities to church culture. If you're a fan of "leadership content," this episode of CPS is definitely for you! BONUS: We've got a special incentive for those who listen to the entire show. Details in the pod! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 141 - Spring Training Special with Dan Dickerson of the Detroit Tigers We're honored to be joined by the voice of the Detroit Tigers, Dan Dickerson, to explore the wonders of Spring Training not only for the Tigers but across the league. How seriously do managers take the outcome of games? What are all those scouts doing? What's the vibe in spring vs regular season? We explore a wide range of questions with one of the premiere voices of the game and whether you're a Tiger fan or root, root, root for another home team, this is one fantastic conversation! Here are the links to the 2 books Paul Miller mentioned during the 3 Minute Message: BOOK ONE BOOK TWO This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Scott Holmgren You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 140 - Is The NBA Still On YOUR Radar? No more football means it's time to take in some basketball and that means checking out the NBA. But is the NBA still on your radar? Based on the feedback from All Star Weekend, hoop fans are less than thrilled with the product being presented by the professionals.  This week on CPS, we're catching up on the lead NBA storylines and prepping you for the second half of the season - even if you didn't know the first half had already happened. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Sam Burke Ryan Slocum You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 139 - A Swiftie Super Bowl Dynasty The Super Bowl is behind us but the storylines continue to play out. This week, we welcome in special guest Jason Romano from Sports Spectrum, back home after a Super Swiftie week in Vegas. He's got great stories of faith-centered player interviews and we explore the controversy surrounding the "He Gets Us" commercial. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Jason Romano You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 138 - The Agony of Defeat - Crushing Sports Losses Surrender cobra. Bartman. Trouble with the snap. Decker reported. Bird steals the pass. Our sports fandom lives are saturated with crushing defeats as our favorite teams somehow lose games you knew they would win, leaving you with the agony of defeat. We're exploring some of the most painful losses our hosts have experienced and pouring just enough salt in the wounds to make it fun. Sort of. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Kurt David Scott Holmgren You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 137 - Detroit Lions Mania & Bills Mafia - The NFL Playoffs The NFL Playoffs are generating incredible buzz as the kneecap-biting Lions make their first run in forever, the Bills' Mafia is breaking tables at an alarming rate, and the AFC QB battles are making history. We're breaking it all down and getting a sneak peak in the culture building in Detroit. In other words, THIS is your official playoff primer! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller - Dir. of Student Ministries, EFCA Nate Thompson - Dir. of Communications, EFCA Dave Wilson - former Lions Chaplain and current host of Family Life Today You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 136 - Do The Michigan Wolverines Deserve An Asterisk? The Michigan Wolverines won the Natty in convincing fashion, so what do we do with that asterisk some seem determined to attach to their title? We've got some thoughts on the team, the team, the team as our CPS Team of Wolverines and Buckeyes debate the Harbaugh legacy and the 15-0 Team #144. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins Randy Gilmer Josh Gilmer You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 135 - Our Official 2024 "PrayDictions" - Looking Ahead To The Year In Sports Welcome to the Season 4 debut of Church Pew Sports as we assemble a panel of recurring guests to share with us their fearless "praydictions" for 2024. What's in store for your favorite team? Who will win the Super Bowl or the CFP Natty? (Go Blue!) We had a blast hearing from 6 different "praydictors" with a wide array of prognostications! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Billy Walker Pastor Dan Davis Dr Dallas Gatlin Randy Gilmer David Collins Ryan Slocum You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316        

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 133 - Chasing The Bag: Big Bucks Dominating Sports Ohtani signs for $700 million. Rahm bolts for LIV and $300 million. And on it goes. In what seems like spending madness, sports is awash in Monopoly money and the pursuit of more. Where does it all lead? Are fans beginning to tune out in disgust? Is greed ruining your favorite sport? We're diving in with both feet to a discussion that has lots of emotion on all sides, so buckle up for some high energy fun! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller David Collins Scott Holmgren  You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 132 - College Football Chaos - NIL, Transfer Portal, and THE Game The world of college football is changing before our eyes and not always for the better. How will Conference Championship Weekend impact the playoffs and what will it all look like one year from now? We're exploring the chaotic world of College Football and looking back at THE Game(s) from a wild finale to the season!   This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Josh Pardee John Fitzsimmons You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316  

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 131 - Thanksgiving Thoughts & THE Game Predictions Enjoy this special abbreviated edition of CPS where we share predictions for THE Game between Michigan and Ohio State, along with some serious moments of thankfulness. Happy Thanksgiving and thank YOU for being part of the CPS family! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Randy Gilmer You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316    

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 130 - When Athletes Talk About God Excitement, exhaustion, hubris, humility, profanity, tears. We've seen and heard a little bit of everything from athletes when they talk about God in the heat of the moment. This week, we share a sampler platter of examples of emotional outbursts (Sherrone Moore from Michigan), remarkable arrogance (Megan Rapinoe), and heartfelt testimony (multiple others) all in the context of a conversation about what we hope to hear when athletes talk about God. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Dr Dallas Gatlin You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 129 - Jim Brandstatter on Harbaugh, Stalions, and Michigan Men We welcome in Michigan legend Jim Brandstatter to glean insights about the Michigan drama, the Big Ten's conundrum, how far this year's team could go, and what it truly means to be a Michigan Man. Could the Wolverines leave the Big Ten? The Brandstatter view from the inside is well worth the listen, as is his new book: Voices of Michigan Stadium so be sure to pick up your copy of the paperback or audiobook! This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Randy Gilmer Scott Holmgren You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/ We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316