Why do so many young adults struggle to stay committed to a local church?

In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek and Matt sit down with Dave, a young adult pastor, to talk about church hopping, discipleship, and staying rooted in Christ. They discuss how information-driven faith can replace obedience, why baptism matters, and how serving in the local church shapes spiritual maturity.

This episode is for believers wrestling with commitment, leaders discipling young adults, and anyone asking what biblical church involvement really looks like.

2 Corinthians 5:20 | James 3 | Job 2

1. Church consumerism and young adult faith
2. Staying rooted in Scripture and mission
3. Why service matters more than preference
4. Hospitality and first impressions in church
5. Representing Christ in everyday life
6. Growth through commitment, not convenience

Takeaways:

1. Young adults are often transient in their church involvement, which can hinder their spiritual growth and community impact.
2. Rootedness in Scripture is essential for young adults to develop a solid foundation in their faith and understanding of God's will.
3. The mission of the church should be a guiding principle for individuals seeking to serve and engage with their community effectively.
4. Serving in the church is not just a task; it is an expression of being ambassadors for Christ in every interaction with others.
5. Young people often seek knowledge and information but must balance that with building relationships and community in their faith journey.
6. Creating a welcoming environment in churches significantly influences newcomers' willingness to return and become part of the community.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. blueletterbible.com
2. biblegateway.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Victory Church
2. Blue Letter Bible
3. Bible Gateway
4. Ocean's Church
5. Andy Stanley
6. Ritz Carlton
7. Dax Entertainment
8. Roman Roofing

Anxiety is something nearly everyone faces — but few know how to navigate it with clarity, faith, and peace.

In this episode of The Truth Response, Derek is joined by Shaleza and Shaelyn for an honest, multi-generational conversation about anxiety, fear, control, and the search for peace in a chaotic world. From school stress and uncertainty about the future, to medication, generational trauma, and surrendering control to God, this episode dives deep into what anxiety really is — and how faith can transform how we respond to it.

We explore:

• What anxiety looks like across different generations
• How fear and uncertainty fuel anxious thinking
• The difference between reacting in anxiety and acting in peace
• Why anxiety is often a symptom, not the root issue
• Faith-based tools for grounding yourself when anxiety hits
• The tension between truth, compassion, and speaking in love

This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and grounded in Scripture — reminding us that peace isn’t the absence of anxiety, but learning how to walk through it with God.

📖 Key Scripture Referenced:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety yourself, walking alongside someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of peace through faith, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.

This podcast episode addresses the decision to postpone the release of an episode pertaining to the theme of mourning during the holiday season. We were advised by a significant individual, who plays a crucial role in promoting our podcast and assisting individuals in navigating their grief, that the timing for such a discussion was inappropriate. Given the sensitive nature of the topic and the circumstances surrounding those they support, we deemed it prudent to defer the episode until after the new year. We acknowledge the importance of this subject matter and are committed to treating it with the respect and sensitivity it warrants. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing new content with you next week.

Takeaways:

• The episode was initially intended to address mourning during the holiday season.
• We decided to postpone the release of the episode due to important feedback received.
• A significant individual advised against releasing the episode at this particular time.
• The intention is to support those who are currently dealing with loss and mourning.
• We are committed to providing content that is sensitive to the listener's needs.
• A new episode will be released next week, maintaining our regular scheduling.