Behind The Pulpit

Millington Baptist Church

Our weekly pastors podcast where we discuss fun new stories, church events, previous sermons. As well as answering interesting questions from you!

  1. A Behind the Pulpit Christmas Part 3

    2D AGO

    A Behind the Pulpit Christmas Part 3

    Merry Christmas from Behind the Pulpit. In this special Christmas Day episode, Pastor Bob and Pastor Dave reflect on the rhythms, humor, and joy of the season as they welcome listeners wherever and whenever they’re tuning in. The episode features a festive edition of the Book War, the return of Will It Preach? with Christmas-themed sermon illustrations, and the annual Prop of the Year awards—highlighting some of the most memorable (and chaotic) moments from the pulpit in 2025. In the sermon recap, the conversation centers on Isaiah 61 and Isaiah 62, tracing the hope, restoration, and renewal promised through the coming Messiah. The pastors explore themes of captivity and freedom, God’s end of silence, the gift of a new name, and the invitation to experience true reset and restoration through Christ. Together, they reflect on how these texts shape both personal faith and the church’s calling to live as a visible preview of the coming kingdom. The episode concludes with a Christmas edition of the Theology Sprint, addressing the question of whether Christmas is a pagan holiday Christians “baptized” or a distinctly Christian celebration that absorbed cultural elements—offering historical clarity and theological perspective. All of it comes together as a joyful reminder that every story, tradition, and celebration ultimately points back to the one true story of Christ’s birth. Merry Christmas from all of us at Behind the Pulpit. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ ***VOTE HERE*** The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header Walk thru the Bible https://millingtonbaptist.org/walk-thru-the-bible/ Preparations Class https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/ Serve with City Relief https://millingtonbaptist.org/missions/cityrelief/ Night of Revival hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:39 The Great Book War 14:25 "Will it Preach?" 27:14 Sermon Recap 44:59 Prop of the Year 1:02:49 Bearded Bob 1:04:54 Theology Sprint Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 11m
  2. Where in the World was Pastor Dave Hentschel?

    DEC 16

    Where in the World was Pastor Dave Hentschel?

    This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob is joined once again by Pastor Dave as the team kicks off the episode with a brand-new Weekly Warm-Up, reflecting on Romans 12:15 and what it means to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep—especially during the Christmas season. From there, the conversation moves into In the News, where the pastors thoughtfully engage recent cultural and theological headlines, followed by another installment of the Book War, offering recommendations that help Christians think more clearly about truth, theology, and the world we’re living in. In the sermon recap segment, the pastors unpack Isaiah 58 and wrestle with its challenging call to authentic worship, justice, and mercy. The discussion explores how God confronts performative religion, calls His people to care for the vulnerable, and invites the church to live out faith in tangible, costly ways—pressing listeners to consider how obedience to this passage should shape everyday Christian life. The episode wraps up with the Theology Sprint, tackling a difficult and often polarizing question: Should Christians support or oppose the death penalty?—bringing the conversation to a thoughtful close that challenges listeners to engage complex issues with biblical clarity, humility, and conviction. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ ***VOTE HERE*** The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header Senior Lunch hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/ Underground Sessions Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R3SjWBWHtxUhGRYK-J6Qr9I City Relief Packing Party https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/ Night of Revival hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/ Blue Christmas https://millingtonbaptist.org/blue-christmas/ Young Adult Christmas Party jgraves@millingtonbaptist.org Chapters: 0:00 Intro 6:48 Weekly Warmup 12:15 In the News 22:43 The Great Book War 37:38 Sermon Recap 1:04:24 Theology Sprint Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 13m
  3. Skeleton Crew

    DEC 9

    Skeleton Crew

    This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob hosts a skeleton-crew episode with Tim while both Pastor Dave and Noah are out. The two reflect on the polar vortex, pond hockey season, and the surprising evolution of the Fresh Wave podcast, now a short-form youth devotional series. In their news segment, they tackle listener-requested controversy around Skillet’s metal rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, discussing music styles, worship philosophy, and why genre debates continue to divide Christians. There’s also a ceasefire in the Book War, some ad-read jazz flair, and a few laughs courtesy of the ever-present Reese’s shrine. In the sermon recap, Bob and Tim discuss James Rickershauser’s message on Isaiah 55:1–13 and the call to find true satisfaction in God. They explore spiritual thirst, the four classic idols (power, approval, comfort, security), and the challenge of trusting God’s providence—especially in suffering. The two also share reflections on why people still resist everlasting hope and what it looks like to pursue daily satisfaction in the Lord amid cultural pressures. The episode wraps with this week’s Theology Sprint as the hosts tackle the question, “Does God want us to be happy?” Their brief discussion sets up a thoughtful conclusion, pointing listeners back to the deeper joy found not in temporary comforts but in Christ Himself. This episode will also showcase a preview clip from our upcoming Underground Sessions interview with Amy Huber of First Choice, offering an inside look at her remarkable experience attending oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court. It’s a powerful behind-the-scenes moment you won’t want to miss. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ Fresh Wave https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R2kMdhQ9eLWmErvDUsk_7_t Blue Christmas hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/blue-christmas/ Mens Breakfast https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/men/ Serve with City Relief https://millingtonbaptist.org/missions/cityrelief/

    46 min
  4. Turkey Truce

    DEC 2

    Turkey Truce

    This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob leads a post-Thanksgiving episode with Tim and Noah, comparing holiday meals, sharing stories from family gatherings, and laughing through a friendly “turkey truce” with one of our most dedicated listeners. The team also gives a spoiler-free reaction to Stranger Things Volume 1 before moving into major headlines—from AI-driven shopping scams to the Supreme Court case involving First Choice Women’s Resource Center. Add in updates on the City Relief Packing Party, Christmas Eve services, and another round of Book War (with rising concerns about ballot stuffing), and it’s a lively start to December. The conversation then shifts to a rich recap of Pastor Bob’s sermon on Isaiah 52–53, exploring why peace is so elusive, how the Servant willingly suffers on our behalf, and what the “great exchange” truly means for followers of Christ. With questions about surrender, trust, and the kind of beauty Scripture calls us to value, the team unpacks one of Isaiah’s most moving passages and reflects on how it speaks into the unrest many believers feel today. To close out the episode, the Theology Sprint returns with a heavy but important listener question—one that pushes the hosts to wrestle honestly with the nature of evil and the forces at work in the world. It’s a brief but sobering sprint that invites listeners to think deeply, and a fitting way to wrap up another meaningful week on Behind the Pulpit. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ City Relief Packing Party https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/ Blue Christmas hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/blue-christmas/ Christmas Eve https://millingtonbaptist.org/christmas-eve-2025/ Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    46 min
  5. Let's Talk About Vision

    NOV 24

    Let's Talk About Vision

    This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob is joined by Pastor Dave and special guest Amy Huber for a lively post–Vision Sunday conversation. With Thanksgiving around the corner, the trio swaps stories about thawing turkeys, travel delays, and tryptophan myths before diving into cultural commentary ranging from New Jersey’s latest parental-rights debates to robotics on the battlefield and ongoing developments in Ukraine. They also revisit their Book War picks, talk outreach, celebrate upcoming Advent resources, and even critique Hollywood’s newest releases — all while enjoying plenty of good-natured baton humor inspired by Vision Sunday. The team also takes time to reflect on this year’s Vision Sunday itself, exploring MBC’s 175th anniversary, the newly launched strategic plan, and the ministries and initiatives taking shape across the next three years. From the discipleship portal and theology survey to disability ministry development, outreach expansion, and plans for intergenerational mentoring, the conversation offers a warm, hopeful look at where God is leading MBC and how each person can be part of the mission. In this week’s Theology Sprint, Bob and Dave unpack the biblical idea of God’s long-suffering — exploring its Hebrew and Greek roots, its connection to God’s mercy and patience, and what “slow to anger” really means for followers of Christ. It’s a timely reminder heading into the holidays: the God who is patient with us invites us to extend that same grace to others. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ ***VOTE HERE*** The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header Mens Breakfast https://millingtonbaptist.org/mens-breakfast-december-13/ Mens Power Hour https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/men/ City Relief Packing Party https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/ REJOICE Women of MBC https://millingtonbaptist.org/women/ Prayer Room https://millingtonbaptist.org/prayer-room/ Discipleship Opportunities  ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Thanksgiving Preview 4:08 In the News 17:49 The Great Book War 28:20 Sermon Recap 59:38 House of David Recap 1:05:32 Theology Sprint Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 13m
  6. New Fear Unlocked.

    NOV 18

    New Fear Unlocked.

    This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastors Dave and Bob are finally back together at the table — just in time for Thanksgiving season. After a couple of missed Mondays, Dave returns with fresh energy, while Bob catches him up on everything he missed. The two dive into a wide spread of stories, from “new fears unlocked” about tick-borne red-meat allergies and global surveillance concerns, to baseball gambling scandals, drone mysteries, and even professional hockey’s surprising innocence. Add in a lively Book War matchup, some banter about worship speed remixes, and a few laughs over giant Reese’s cups, and it’s a full slate from start to finish. Listeners will also enjoy an engaging set of Theology Sprint and apologetics-leaning questions, including a deeper dive into last week’s Nicene Creed discussion and a challenging conversation on creation, fall, and human nature. Dave and Noah team up for a chart-assisted exploration of Augustine’s fourfold nature of man, before fielding an apologetics question about the Flood and the origins of ancient peoples — a thoughtful defense rooted in Scripture, history, and worldview clarity. In the sermon recap, Pastor Bob unpacks Isaiah 49 and the second Servant Song, drawing out themes of calling, mission, and the “song” God sings over His people. From the identity of the Servant, to the melody Christ expands to the nations, to the invitation for believers to “come out” of bondage and join the harmony — the passage calls us to tune our hearts to God’s voice amid the noise of competing songs. As you listen, may your ears be drawn more clearly to the true Servant’s melody, and may His grace tune your heart to sing His praise. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ ***VOTE HERE*** The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header Senior Luncheon https://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/ Christmas Eve https://millingtonbaptist.org/christmas-eve-2025/ City Relief Packing Party https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/ Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 7m
  7. Lightning Round

    NOV 12

    Lightning Round

    This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob hosts a special “lightning round” edition with guest co-host Noah Graves, who steps in for  Pastor Dave as he takes a week off. The trio keeps things fast-paced and lively, covering everything from government shutdown updates and Supreme Court rulings to Mars missions and a few hilarious travel memories. The episode also features rapid-fire book recommendations, audience questions, and a surprise set of Theology Sprint challenges that test Pastor Bob’s biblical reflexes. In their audience Q&A segment, Bob, Tim, and Noah tackle two deep theological questions submitted by listeners — one exploring whether the angel of the Lord in Judges 13 could be a preincarnate appearance of Christ, and another examining the line on baptism from the Nicene Creed. The discussion dives into the difference between water and Spirit baptism and what it truly means to confess “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” Finally, in the sermon recap, Pastor Bob reflects on Pastor Dave’s message from Isaiah 41–46, unpacking themes of idolatry, divine sovereignty, and what it means for God to be our “everything.” He reminds listeners that while idols promise security, only the living God knows us by name and walks with us through the fire and the flood. It’s a fast, fun, and thought-provoking episode that blends humor with deep truth — the perfect balance of lightning and light. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ For all upcoming events and general information, check out our website! https://millingtonbaptist.org/ Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    33 min
  8. Go Johnny, Go!

    NOV 3

    Go Johnny, Go!

    This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob is joined by Tim, who steps in as guest host while Pastor Dave recovers at home. Together they dive into a mix of topics — from fall weather trends and winter predictions to reflections on marathon season, baseball’s thrilling World Series finish, and the ongoing issue of Christian persecution around the world. The episode blends humor and insight, complete with the latest Book War results and a surprise Theology Sprint question from Pastor Dave that keeps everyone on their toes. Listeners will also hear an exclusive interview with Youth Director Johnny Graves, fresh off completing the New York City Marathon. Johnny shares about the challenges, discipline, and endurance it took to go the distance, and how his experience on the course became a picture of faith and perseverance in everyday life. In the sermon segment, Pastor Bob unpacks Isaiah 40 and the comfort God offers His people in the midst of catastrophe. From a discussion on Deutero-Isaiah to the subtle idols of modern life and the grace God extends even in our self-inflicted storms, this conversation reminds us that true strength comes from trusting in the Lord. **SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE** https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/ Church Work Day https://millingtonbaptist.org/trunk-or-treat-2025/ Fresh Wave https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R2kMdhQ9eLWmErvDUsk_7_t&si=_ZjbsrWTVLq29OIS Shepherds Freezer https://millingtonbaptist.org/freezer/ Rejoice! https://millingtonbaptist.org/women/ Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 15m

About

Our weekly pastors podcast where we discuss fun new stories, church events, previous sermons. As well as answering interesting questions from you!