Bitcoin Reformation Podcast

David Rufner, Jared Townley, Ben Haupt

Welcome to the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast. We're three pastors who love the Gospel, the Reformation, and Bitcoin. We want to invite you into a conversation with us. We're not financial advisors, and nothing that we say on this show should be taken as financial advice. We don't promise any kind of returns even if we speculate about them. We simply want to study this new technology of Bitcoin alongside of you, invite you into the conversation, and welcome you into how we're thinking about it as we ourselves study Bitcoin.

  1. 2D AGO

    049 Hurdle Rate: The Number No One is Talking About

    Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ Welcome back to the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast - where three LCMS pastors talk about their love for Jesus and Bitcoin. This week on the podcast, they introduce the “hurdle rate” as the rising bar households must clear as inflation and cost of living increase, criticizing CPI “basket” changes and noting gas and housing pressures. Using housing appreciation and money-supply expansion as examples, they argue fiat money printing raises prices and forces people further out on the risk curve (from gambling/prediction markets to stocks). They discuss saving options like bonds, the S&P 500, Bitcoin’s long-term performance despite volatility, and MicroStrategy’s STRC (“Stretch”) preferred stock paying about 11.5% as a way to clear inflation with less volatility. 09:46 Hurdle Rate Explained 25:14 Stimulus And Inflation 28:31 Why Saving Fails 30:04 Risk Curve And Gambling 33:43 Saving For A Home 35:37 Bonds Stocks Bitcoin 37:35 Bitcoin Volatility Window 45:02 Banks Adopting Stretch 47:54 Bitcoin As Education 52:58 Jesus The Hurdler The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    57 min

  2. MAY 6

    048 Confusion About Stewardship: Money, Idols, and Living in a Received World (with Bitcoin)

    Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ Two Christian pastors on the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast share life updates—post-Easter busyness, kids’ stories, family visits, a missed Mount Whitney permit, college graduation plans, a Europe trip funded partly by Bitcoin savings, and a son’s baseball home run—before shifting to a faith-focused discussion on stewardship. They frame the world as “received,” emphasizing that stewardship is about far more than money: time, talents, relationships, and even children as gifts from God. They challenge the idea that God wants people’s money, arguing God wants hearts and warning that mammon is a pervasive idol measured by fear, love, and trust. They connect this to Bitcoin through love of neighbor and Bitcoin’s fixed rules and limits, and they address the myth “I have nothing to give,” stressing that presence, prayer, and community are real gifts, encouraging regular giving without tying it to earning God’s favor. 11:07 Stewardship Topic Intro 15:13 Received World Framework 20:48 Stewardship Beyond Money 23:10 Disarming Money Guilt 30:27 God Wants Your Heart 36:06 Giving as Safety 42:34 Saving Versus Hoarding 46:12 You Have Something to Give 49:41 Stewardship Beyond Dollars 53:07 Regular Giving and Grace The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    56 min

  3. APR 22

    047 Before the 2026 Bitcoin Conference

    Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ With the 2026 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas just around the corner in the last week of April, Jared Townley and David Rufner explore what they are hoping to see and hear about at the 2026 Bitcoin Conference. From price, quantum computing, political movement, and much more, this episode is a catch-all for the latest narratives in Bitcoin. 10:25 Bitcoin Conference Preview 17:13 Building Cycles and Adoption Shifts 19:55 Energy, Mining, and Human Flourishing 23:22 AI Data Centers and Bitcoin Narrative 32:04 Politics And Bitcoin Laws 37:58 Bitcoin For College Savings 41:26 Bitcoin Meets Housing Finance 48:02 Quantum Computing Risk Debate 53:23 Paying With Bitcoin IRL 58:02 Conference Wrap And Easter Hope The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    59 min

  4. APR 1

    046 What Actually Makes Good Money?

    Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ Find the image here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/shotki/fidelity_compares_gold_vs_btc_vs_fiat_based_on/ David Rufner and Jared Townley, two pastors on the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast connect Holy Week reflections and Christian apologetics with a “back to basics” question: what makes good money. Using a chart of seven monetary qualities (durable, divisible, fungible, portable, verifiable, scarce, track record), they compare cows, gold, fiat currency, and Bitcoin. While not comprehensive, they lead us to consider why we might desire a different money than the current currency we use on a daily basis. 12:43 What Makes Good Money 16:49 Seven Money Properties 27:41 Testing the Cow Standard 35:31 Gold as Store Value 41:49 Gold Scarcity and Track Record 46:29 Fiat Fails at Saving 58:30 Bitcoin as Better Tool The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    1h 11m

  5. MAR 18

    045 Beyond Buying Bitcoin Only…

    Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ David Rufner and Jared Townley, two Lutheran Pastors on the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast discuss how Bitcoin is being used beyond simply buying and holding, offering a layman’s overview of emerging financial products while urging listeners to do their own research. After personal ministry and family updates during Lent, they frame Bitcoin as sovereign money—especially vital for people facing currency debasement, like citizens in Iran—then focus on Western use cases. They explore People’s Reserve ideas for Bitcoin mortgages and Bitcoin Mortgage Insurance (BMI) that converts PMI-like payments into Bitcoin with the goal of paying off a mortgage sooner, Strategy’s “Stretch” (STRC) perpetual preferred stock targeting ~11.5% return on capital for income-focused investors, Bitcoin high-income ETFs using covered-call strategies, and borrowing against Bitcoin to avoid selling and potential capital gains taxes, noting risks and past failures like BlockFi. They close by emphasizing Jesus, Lent, and Easter hope. 05:42 Why Bitcoin Use Cases Matter 06:32 Sovereign Money Worldwide 09:56 Bitcoin Meets Housing Costs 18:43 Pricing Homes in Bitcoin 24:15 Retirement Portfolios and Stretch 34:27 Housing vs Simple Yield 36:34 Other Bitcoin Income ETFs 45:11 Borrowing Against Bitcoin The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    56 min

  6. MAR 4

    044 Is Bitcoin Christianity?

    Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ Join Pastor Jared Townley & David Rufner as they explore the similarities and differences between Bitcoin and Christianity. From “proof of work” as a critique of fiat money and as an analogy to Christianity’s claim that the faith stands or falls on historical events, especially Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection. They connect Bitcoin’s “don’t trust, verify” to Christian apologetics, arguing believers can investigate Christianity’s historical claims while recognizing faith still involves mystery. They note a major contrast: Christianity depends on its founder’s person and work, while Bitcoin continues without knowing Satoshi Nakamoto. They also mention both Bitcoin and Christianity assume a low view of human nature, and conclude that while Bitcoin may help “fix the money,” it is temporary compared to Christianity’s eternal hope in Jesus’ return. 06:34 Episode Theme Christianity and Bitcoin 07:36 Proof of Work vs Fiat 22:35 Don’t Trust Verify 38:56 Founder and Achilles Heel 45:04 Low View of Man 46:37 Bitcoin vs Eternity The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    49 min

  7. FEB 18

    043 Bitcoin & Gambling

    Find the rest of the video here: https://youtu.be/6TODpeuDZ8w Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ Join Pastors Jared Townley and David Rufner on the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast as they discuss the complex world of gambling and Bitcoin. They go and forth exploring the pastoral implications of the problems with gambling and the way the fiat system leads people astray. The conversation concludes with thoughts on how or why Bitcoin differs from gambling. 08:17 The Power of Baptism and Church Life 12:11 Transition to Main Topic: Gambling 24:21 The Concept of Family and Mutual Ownership 27:00 Gambling Within the Family Context 32:18 Bitcoin and Its Perception as Gambling 43:06 Bitcoin as a New Monetary System 50:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    51 min

  8. FEB 3

    042 Bitcoin is Simple

    Have a question or comment for us? Email us at ⁠bitcoinreformationpodcast@gmail.com⁠ In this episode of the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast, Jared Townley and David Rufner, two Lutheran pastors, take Bitcoin and make it simple. While Bitcoin certainly has many complicated and complex parts, this episode is about returning to the basics of what Bitcoin is and why it is so much more simple than we typically think. 07:22 Bitcoin: Flipping the Conversation 18:05 Fixed Supply: The Core of Bitcoin's Simplicity 28:14 Taking Control of Your Own Resources 46:51 Bitcoin as a Global and Accessible Asset 52:34 The Beautiful Complexity of Bitcoin 54:40 The Gospel and Bitcoin The Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all related content, including but not limited to audio recordings, social media posts, show notes, and supplementary materials, are produced for general informational and educational purposes only. Neither Ben Haupt, David Rufner, Jared Townley nor any guests, employees, or affiliates of the Podcast are licensed financial advisors, registered investment advisors, brokers, or dealers. The views, information, and opinions expressed in this Podcast: Do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax adviceAre not an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, security, or financial instrumentMay not be suitable for your individual circumstancesMay be subject to change without noticePast performance of any asset, including but not limited to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, and you may lose all or part of your investment. While we approach discussions through the lens of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod teachings on stewardship, our content should not be your sole basis for making any financial or investment decisions. We strongly encourage all listeners to: Conduct thorough independent researchSeek guidance from qualified financial, investment, tax, and legal professionalsExercise due diligence before making any investment decisionsConsider their risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and investment objectivesBy accessing our content, you acknowledge that the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast and all associated parties shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with: Your use of or reliance on information from the PodcastAny investment decisions you make based on Podcast contentAny errors or omissions in the contentFor specific investment advice tailored to your situation, please consult with qualified professionals who can evaluate your individual circumstances. Keywords: #lutheran #bitcoin #pastor #finance #ChristianFinance #BitcoinReformation #Reformation #ThinkOfBitcoin #BetterMoneyBetterWorld #FixTheMoney #BTC

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Bitcoin Reformation Podcast. We're three pastors who love the Gospel, the Reformation, and Bitcoin. We want to invite you into a conversation with us. We're not financial advisors, and nothing that we say on this show should be taken as financial advice. We don't promise any kind of returns even if we speculate about them. We simply want to study this new technology of Bitcoin alongside of you, invite you into the conversation, and welcome you into how we're thinking about it as we ourselves study Bitcoin.

Information

  • Creator
    David Rufner, Jared Townley, Ben Haupt
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Rufner, Jared Townley, Ben Haupt
  • Show Website
    Bitcoin Reformation Podcast