The Berean Project Podcast

The Story of Culture, Do you Trust the Story?

The Story of Culture, Do you Trust the Story?
Another episode in building the understanding of how to create culture in a church.  This is a two campfire conversation episode that starts off with the question of the year that asks:
"Are you excited about your place in the churches future?"
This generates a deep discussion about unpacking what it really means to trust the story verses the obedience value that most people assign to the Bible.
 

Preparation: The Posture of Readiness

Most people say they’re waiting on God. But what if God is actually waiting on us?
In this episode of The Culture Series, we dive into Preparation—not as a checklist, but as a posture. Drawing inspiration from the story of Nehemiah’s watchmen, we explore what it means to live with spiritual readiness in a church culture that often drifts toward comfort and sameness.
Preparation is more than planning—it’s becoming the kind of person who’s ready when God moves. We’re not called to sit passively, waiting for signs. We’re called to sharpen our spears on the wall, to lean into transformation, and to resist the slow fade of spiritual survival.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same rhythms, or sensed your community was waiting for someone else to go first, this episode is for you.
Let’s stop surviving Sundays and start preparing for something sacred.

Culture, Part Three, Posture and Process

Culture, Part Three, Posture and Process
Today we continue with storytelling our way through some sample values that you might want to add to your church culture discussion.  Stories are a great vehicle to make a point and to reflect on.  No sermons here, just another short journey on the road to understanding and building culture in your church.

Culture, Episode 2, Introducing Posture

Have you ever met someone that works for a company or a corporation that loves where they work because of the companies culture?  We have all heard of some of those companies and the way they set themselves apart.  The real question is, why are churches not doing the same thing?  The answers may surprise you as we unwrap several stories and incorporate them into figuring out how to choose values.
If you choose integrity or authenticity as a value, how are YOU going to contribute to those values being carried out.  This is the vital part of the discussion and there are numerous stories to help us understand what posture looks like.  Posture has many looks, so it's important to be thorough.  If you want to make history and develop culture then its important to have backstories.

Culture: The Secret Sauce of a Thriving Church

Beliefs and mission statements matter—but they’re not what makes a church thrive. In this kickoff to our Culture Series, discover why a formal culture statement is the “secret sauce” most churches are missing, and how it can transform everything you do.

The Power of Coming to a Conclusion — and Why It’s Hard to Do

We’ve all been there — circling the same questions, holding back from deciding, hoping clarity will magically appear. But what if staying undecided is the very thing holding you back from growth, truth, and being part of something bigger than yourself? In this episode, we explore why conclusions are so hard to reach, how they shape our future, and why this moment might be your historic opportunity to step out of the status quo.

What If the Bible Isn’t an Instruction Manual at All?

What If the Bible Isn’t an Instruction Manual at All?
"Bible = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It’s catchy. It’s popular. But it may be shaping our faith in ways we never intended. What if the Bible was never meant to be a universal rulebook? Join us as we explore the historical and cultural context of Scripture and discover why reducing it to ‘instructions’ could be missing the point entirely."

Is the Bible Written To You or For You? A Deep Look

Is the Bible Written To You or For You?  A Deep Look
Want to understand the deepest question of modern day Christianity?  Ask someone if the Bible is written to you or for you and you will be shocked at the look of confusion on most people.  Which is it?  And before you say "both", have a listen to this compelling content.

Being Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself Episode 10

Being Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself, Episode 10
Part two of the three part series of being a part of something bigger than yourself.
 
 

Supplemental Information on Prooftexting, a Fresh Approach, Episode 9

Supplemental Information on Prooftexting, a Fresh Approach, Episode 9
We had the opportunity to release a supplemental episode to help with the prooftexting problem in our churches today.  This is getting a lot of feedback and will most likely rise to the top of the pile of issues that need to be addressed in the future.  Instead of giving you a typical podcast with information, we have tried a new angle that I am very excited about.  You may notice an article we posted on the website with this information.  Instead of just letting that sit and resonate we decided to use a little bit of advanced technology and have a discussion with......drumroll please.....AI.  
Why?
Because AI or artificial intelligence has no emotion.  Let's face the facts, when you have a conversation with someone about the Sunday service, and inform them it was full of prooftexting, emotions tend to run high.  I was skeptical myself, since I have often said that I am a student of this podcast as much as any listener.  But when you start to listen to stone cold logic, it adds a new dimension to the discussion.  Go ahead and give it a try, I would love to hear your feedback.