Christianese with JD Shinn

What if the problem isn’t just Christian music… What if it’s how we think about church? In Part Two of JD’s conversation with Jeff Brown (former worship pastor), the discussion moves from the “cheese factor” in Christian music to something deeper: the assumptions underneath how we do church. We reference ideas from the Verlon Fosner episode, wrestle with voices like John Cooper and A.J. Swoboda, and ask an uncomfortable question: Are “Christian” and “worship” automatically good adjectives? We talk about: When labels become shortcuts instead of substance Why simplicity sometimes becomes shallowness The tension between clarity and complexity Sitting with the grey instead of demanding black-and-white answers Why humility and curiosity may be more Christlike than certainty This isn’t deconstruction for sport. It’s an invitation to grow up in our faith. If you care about worship, church culture, and doing things with more depth and integrity — this conversation is for you. #ChristianPodcast#RethinkingChurch#ChurchCulture#ChristianMusic#WorshipLeader#FaithAndCulture#HumilityAndCuriosity#SitWithTheGrey#TheologyMatters#HonestFaith#JohnCooper#AJSwoboda#MessyGodLikesItThatWay#SpotifyPodcast

Is Christian music powerful… or painfully predictable? In this episode of Christianese, I sit down with former worship pastor Jeff Brown to talk about the “cheese factor” in Christian music — where it helps, where it hurts, and why it exists in the first place. We laugh. We get honest. And we wrestle with the tension between sincerity and simplicity, artistic excellence and accessibility, worship and performance. Jeff brings the perspective of someone who has led from the stage and lived inside the culture. Together, we unpack: Why Christian music can feel formulaic When “cheesy” is shallow… and when it’s actually helpful Beginning suggestions for making some adjustments This isn’t a bash session. It’s a grown-up conversation about art, theology, and the responsibility of leading people in worship. If you’ve ever cringed at a lyric… or been deeply moved by one — this one’s for you.

We survived Part One… so naturally we had to keep going. In Part Two with Michael Hawkins, we go deeper into what it actually means to study Scripture well—beyond clever arguments and historical flexing. This episode moves from how to study the Bible to why it matters in our journey with God. Eschatology, church history, we cover a bit. We talk about: When historical insight helps—and when it becomes a crutch The danger of reading modern assumptions into ancient texts How humility changes the way we interact with those who don't see Scripture the say Why good Bible study should shape obedience, not just opinions Still a lot of laughter. Still a few shots fired. But this one presses harder on the heart.

“My church historian can beat up your church historian.” This still turns into a serious and silly (and much-needed) conversation. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Hawkins to talk about how Christians are actually supposed to study Scripture. Not cherry-picking verses. Not vibes-based theology. Not weaponizing Greek words you found on Instagram. We laugh a lot, poke at bad habits we’ve all seen (and maybe practiced), and dig into why context, history, and humility matter if we’re going to handle God’s Word honestly. If you’ve ever wondered why Christians disagree so loudly—or why Bible study feels confusing, intimidating, or flat—this conversation is for you.

In part two of the conversation, JD and Buddy Puckett go deeper—this time into purposeful parenting and intentional spiritual growth. What does it mean to raise kids with direction instead of default? How do you grow spiritually without turning faith into a checklist or performance? This episode challenges parents (and future parents) to be deliberate about what they’re modeling, what they’re prioritizing, and how they’re walking with God in the middle of everyday life. info@backyardtheology.com https://conversationswithbuddy.transistor.fm/ https://branches.guildmortgage.com/or/salem/buddy-puckett-479-wgbp.html https://open.spotify.com/show/0Q5v2hI2jwe6eJCM4hMMlH?si=28dd2b6ab15642f6 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X336uhKYmTNctWFTQQRWD?si=d12f6775de28497d

What does it actually look like to reflect God in everyday life? In this episode, I sat down with Buddy Puckett for a real conversation about kindness—not as a personality trait, but as a lived-out reflection of who God is. They also unpack something many Christians feel but rarely say out loud: the process of getting to know God doesn’t have to be rushed, polished, or fake. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to take your time with faith, wrestle honestly, and let kindness lead the way—this conversation is for you. www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett

For a long time, I was afraid of guys like Jason Bunse. The dealer type. The ones you cross the street to avoid. If I’d met the old Jason back then, I probably would’ve been afraid too. But that’s not who he is anymore. In this episode, Jason shares his raw, unfiltered story—from running drugs like a business, to hearing a voice say, “It’s time to go back to church,” to trying to “date the church” just long enough to get God off his back. What followed wasn’t religion—it was pursuit. Jason talks about: Why Jesus being fully God and fully man actually matters Trying to check the “church box” instead of surrendering God using law enforcement (Salem Police Department, FBI, and a jail cell) to answer desperate prayers Picking up a Bible in a holding cell—and never being the same The mercy of Jesus: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Finding hope when you feel too far gone Discovering the heart of the Father Walking in boldness after radical transformation This is a story for anyone who thinks they’ve gone too far… and a reminder that Jesus doesn’t lower the bar of truth—He meets us with mercy and changes everything.

For a long time, I was afraid of guys like Jason Bunse. The dealer type. The ones you cross the street to avoid. If I’d met the old Jason back then, I probably would’ve been afraid too. But that’s not who he is anymore. In this episode, Jason shares his raw, unfiltered story—from running drugs like a business, to hearing a voice say, “It’s time to go back to church,” to trying to “date the church” just long enough to get God off his back. What followed wasn’t religion—it was pursuit. Jason talks about: Why Jesus being fully God and fully man actually matters Trying to check the “church box” instead of surrendering God using law enforcement (Salem Police Department, FBI, and a jail cell) to answer desperate prayers Picking up a Bible in a holding cell—and never being the same The mercy of Jesus: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Finding hope when you feel too far gone Discovering the heart of the Father Walking in boldness after radical transformation This is a story for anyone who thinks they’ve gone too far… and a reminder that Jesus doesn’t lower the bar of truth—He meets us with mercy and changes everything.

Sometimes the people who’ve walked through the darkest corners end up shining the brightest. This week, I sit down with someone who was abandoned, lived on the streets, ran with dealers… and then got ambushed by the grace of Jesus. Now? He’s a Hope Dealer in the truest sense — giving away the very thing he never had growing up. We dig into the gritty parts, the hard parts, and the holy parts. This is redemption with teeth. This is what Jesus does when everyone else has given up. If you’ve ever doubted that God still transforms lives, buckle up. This episode is going to hit you right in the soul. #ChristianeseWithJDShinn #HopeDealer #RedemptionStory #JesusSaves #Testimony #FromTheStreetsToTheSavior #GraceChangesEverything #KingdomStories #ChristianPodcast #FaithThatFights https://www.beboldstreetministries.org/

We wrap up this conversation with Pastor Will Robertson — author of 20 True Things and the When We Listen series — as he joined me on the podcast. Will’s a gentle soul with a steady conviction, the kind of pastor who listens before he speaks and points you back to Jesus without theatrics. Across these two episodes, we dig into what it actually looks like to hear God in a chaotic world, how Christians can move past surface-level faith, and why truth still matters even when culture tries to blur it. Will brings clarity, humility, and the kind of wisdom that sneaks up on you and sticks. His website is linked in the show notes. Go check him out and explore his books — they’re worth your time. https://www.amazon.com/20-True-Things-William-Robertson/dp/B0DQBSYSWD https://whenwelisten.net/

Pastor Will Robertson — author of 20 True Things and the When We Listen series — joins me on the podcast this week. Will’s a gentle soul with a steady conviction, the kind of pastor who listens before he speaks and points you back to Jesus without theatrics. Across these two episodes, we dig into what it actually looks like to hear God in a chaotic world, how Christians can move past surface-level faith, and why truth still matters even when culture tries to blur it. Will brings clarity, humility, and the kind of wisdom that sneaks up on you and sticks. His website is linked in the show notes. Go check him out and explore his books — they’re worth your time. https://www.amazon.com/20-True-Things-William-Robertson/dp/B0DQBSYSWD https://whenwelisten.net/ #ChristianeseWithJDShinn #20TrueThings #WhenWeListen #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #DeepFaith #ListenForGod #ChristianLiving #ActLikeIt

This week, I’m joined by my friend Dean, a guest who comes from a 'slightly rebellious Catholic' perspective—someone who also things about the concepts of Jesus, Scripture, and the tension between tradition and truth and we come at it from different perspectives. We dig into who Jesus really is, how/whether a person can be confident He’s God, and whether the Bible can be trusted. Even with our differences, the conversation stays grounded in respect, clarity, and a genuine desire to understand one another. If you’re craving a dialogue that blends conviction with compassion and friendship, you’ll love this episode. #ChristianesePodcast #FaithConversation #WhoIsJesus #JesusIsGod #BibleTruth #GodsWord #UnderstandingScripture #ChristianDiscussion #FaithAndReason #GraceAndTruth #SeekingTruthTogether #ChristianPodcast #RespectfulDialogue #ChristianCommunity #ExploreFaith

Sorry for the audio quality. Kip finishes his story about Jesus entering his life. He was abused. He was rejected. The deepest hurt created a painful cycle: he brought hurt to others. That was his story, until one day—when something wild happened. God stepped boldly into his life and shattered the pattern. This isn't just a testimony; it's a raw, powerful look at rescue and total transformation. You're about to hear the beginning of his unforgettable story, told in two crucial parts. Listen to this week we'll finish next week. #Redeemed #GodSteppedIn #Testimony #BrokenToBold #ChristianPodcast #Gospel

He was abused. He was rejected. The deepest hurt created a painful cycle: he brought hurt to others. That was his story, until one day—when something wild happened. God stepped boldly into his life and shattered the pattern. This isn't just a testimony; it's a raw, powerful look at rescue and total transformation. You're about to hear the beginning of his unforgettable story, told in two crucial parts. Listen to this week we'll finish next week. #Redeemed #GodSteppedIn #Testimony #BrokenToBold #ChristianPodcast #Gospel

This week’s episode is all about waking up to the truth that growing up around faith isn’t the same as living it. My guest shares his story of realizing that being “in church” doesn’t automatically mean being “in Christ.” It’s the kind of moment a lot of us face—when the Sunday routine stops being enough, and you start asking, “Do I really know Jesus, or do I just know about Him?” We talk through what it looks like to move from growing around faith to personal conviction, and how that shift changes everything.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jacob to talk through his journey with Jesus — from his time making music to the moment he decided to walk a different path. We talk about the loneliness that came with following Christ, the tension between being part of church life without getting lost in it, and the impact of watching steady, Godly people live out their faith day after day. It’s a real, down-to-earth conversation about growth, calling, and what it means to stay faithful when the crowd moves on. #ChristianesePodcast #FaithOverFame #WalkWithJesus #TestimonyThursday #AuthenticFaith #ChristianPodcast #JesusChangesEverything

An early in life reader Carmelle had a unique relationship with Jesus. Struggling with some of the balance between the rules and the reverence and the relationship part of who Jesus is. Life hasn't always been easy but she recognizes where Jesus has played a role in her life all along. Even when her life was spared during a car accident. Make yourself comfortable for this conversation.

This season feels different—in the best way. We’re stepping out of the abstract and into the personal. Real people, real stories, all centered on one question: How did you meet Jesus—and how do you know He’s who He says He is? Host JD Shinn sits down with friends, guests, and folks from all walks of life to share what he calls “the second greatest story ever told”—the story of how God’s mercy meets an individual soul. Some stories will move you. Some might stretch you. All of them point to the truth that faith isn’t just words—it’s action. It’s Backyard Theology with skin on it. Let’s roll. https://www.amazon.com/Second-Greatest-Story-Ever-Told/dp/1596143169

I set out to discuss the importance of doctrine with Marc in this episode. What I received in this discussion was more than what I thought I'd get. While doctrine informs how we live out our relationship with God, it is only part of the dance with the Divine. It informs the depths of how we pursue a loving relationship and what's more is that it informs us how the Almighty lovingly pursues humans. This episode closes out season 2 of Christianese. I'll catch you next season. I love you. Email me - jeremy.shinn@outlook.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jd-shinn/support

How different is church outside the west from what we experience here in the West? Well it varies but some of the deeper concepts of what we can learn from church outside the west should really be explored as to how we can model the Christian faith better. I sat down with one of my other favorite people who had the privilege of serving people through a missions organization on a trip to Nepal. #church #nepal #missions #missionary #lukewarm #gospellife Contact me directly: jeremydshinn@outlook.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jd-shinn/support