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.

If you’ve ever opened the Book of Acts and thought, “What is even happening right now?” — you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down the most confusing parts of Acts with honesty, humor, and real-life stories. From chaotic missionary journeys to Paul’s dramatic conversion to the wild moments of Pentecost, we dig into why this book feels overwhelming—and why it’s also one of the most important books in the Bible.

We also talk discipleship, mentorship, and how the early church navigated culture, conflict, and calling—issues we still deal with today. Dalton joins us to share what it’s like living out his faith in school, how people respond, and why young believers play a bigger role in the church than they realize.

Since it’s Thanksgiving week, we wrap up with what we’re grateful for, how God shapes us through everyday moments (including puppies), and why gratitude is a spiritual practice we desperately need.

If you want a down-to-earth conversation about Acts, faith, and real Christian life—this one’s for you.

Suggested Segment Markers:

• Intro chaos, Thanksgiving greetings, student listeners
• “What’s the most confusing part of the Bible?”
• Why Acts feels chaotic (Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Luke, etc.)
• Breaking down the missionary journeys
• Paul’s conversion and mentorship
• Holy Spirit moments that shaped the early church
• Living out faith in school (Dalton’s story)
• Gratitude, family, and Thanksgiving reflections
• Final shoutouts + ministry plugs

This podcast episode delves into the profound and transformative experiences of our mission team during their recent journey to Honduras. The primary focus is on the personal growth and spiritual revelations encountered by the participants, particularly emphasizing the realization that the mission was not solely about aiding others, but rather a significant opportunity for self-discovery and healing. As we engage in dialogues with various team members, we explore their individual stories, hurdles faced prior to the trip, and the unexpected blessings that unfolded throughout their time in Honduras. The discussions reveal the depth of connection formed among team members, as well as the meaningful interactions with the local community, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Ultimately, this episode serves as an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider the importance of stepping outside their comfort zones to embrace new experiences that can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth.

Takeaways:

• During the Honduras mission trip, we learned that personal struggles can resonate deeply with others, transcending cultural barriers and fostering genuine connections.
• The experience emphasized the importance of community and support, highlighting that vulnerability can lead to profound healing and understanding among individuals.
• Our mission was not merely about providing aid, but about witnessing and participating in the ongoing work that God is already doing in the lives of others.
• The trip reinforced the significance of sharing our testimonies, as they can empower and encourage those who feel isolated in their struggles.
• We discovered that true service involves building relationships rather than focusing solely on meeting physical needs, which can often lead to a more impactful ministry.
• Through our interactions, we recognized the need to be intentional in our outreach efforts, fostering a culture of love and support within our community.

Links referenced in this episode:

• testifyfoundation.org

The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the profound experiences and reflections of individuals who participated in a mission trip to Honduras. Our discussions illuminate how this journey not only served the local community but also fostered personal and spiritual growth among team members. As we recount our interactions with the Honduran people, we highlight the striking contrasts in lifestyle and faith, emphasizing the richness of their spiritual fervor despite material hardships. We delve into the challenges faced during the trip, including moments of vulnerability and the necessity for communal support, which ultimately deepened our connections with one another. This episode serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of mission work, both for those who serve and those who are served, inviting listeners to consider their own roles in fostering community and compassion.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of community and connection among believers, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth.
• Listeners are encouraged to embrace opportunities for mission trips, as they provide transformative experiences and insights into faith.
• The hosts discuss the significance of empathy and understanding, especially in relation to serving those in need during mission trips.
• The episode highlights the power of words and their impact on relationships, urging individuals to be mindful of their speech and its effects on others.

Links referenced in this episode:

• loveservetestifyfoundation.org

The primary focus of our discourse today pertains to the remarkable transformation experienced by Dalton, a burgeoning leader within our youth ministry. Through a candid reflection on his journey, Dalton elucidates the profound impact of pivotal moments during a recent youth trip, where he confronted feelings of isolation and disconnection. His narrative encapsulates the essence of spiritual warfare as he navigated these emotional challenges, ultimately finding solace and strength through prayer and community support. Furthermore, we explore Dalton's aspirations as he contemplates a future in ministry, underscoring the importance of discerning God's will amidst personal desires. This episode serves not only as a testament to Dalton's growth but also as an inspiration for others grappling with similar struggles, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and fellowship.

Takeaways:

• The journey of spiritual growth is often marked by significant moments of transformation and challenges.
• Experiencing feelings of isolation and discomfort can be crucial in recognizing one's need for faith and community.
• Engaging in prayer and seeking God's presence can lead to profound personal change and breakthroughs.
• The importance of accountability in faith is highlighted, as community support helps individuals remain steadfast in their spiritual journeys.
• Challenges may resurface after a transformative experience, necessitating continued commitment to faith and practice.
• Recognizing God's calling in one's life can lead to a deeper understanding of purpose and direction in ministry.

This episode delves into the profound and transformative experiences anticipated during a forthcoming mission trip to Honduras, where our primary objective is to share the message of Christ with those in need. Kevin, embarking on his inaugural mission journey, articulates the importance of not merely addressing poverty but rather empowering individuals by recognizing and nurturing their inherent strengths. The conversation explores the challenges of immersing oneself in a culture vastly different from our own, addressing both the discomforts of unfamiliarity and the deep-rooted human issues such as anxiety and depression faced by the youth we aim to support. We emphasize the necessity of cultivating genuine relationships, transcending superficial connections, and understanding the unique perspectives of those we encounter. This dialogue serves as an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own journeys while fostering compassion and service towards others, reinforcing that personal growth often emerges from stepping beyond one’s comfort zone.

Takeaways:

• The mission trip aims to share Christ with the people of Honduras while fostering personal growth and understanding between cultures.
• Participants are encouraged to approach the mission with an open heart, ready to learn from the experiences of others and engage meaningfully.
• Preparation for the mission trip includes reading insightful literature that emphasizes the importance of understanding the roots of poverty and community needs.
• Effective communication with those in different cultural contexts requires genuine listening and a willingness to adapt one's approach to meet their needs.
• Personal growth is anticipated as participants confront their own comfort zones and learn to serve others selflessly during the mission experience.
• The significance of establishing genuine connections with individuals, rather than viewing them as part of a group, is crucial for meaningful ministry and impact.