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. "Phibby" & The Gauntlet of Questions

    4D AGO

    "Phibby" & The Gauntlet of Questions

    Behind the Pulpit returns!  Pastor Bob and Pastor Dave cover a wide range of topics touching both ministry life and larger cultural conversations. The episode includes reflections on winter weather and recent travel, updates from global missions through World Venture, and thoughtful engagement with current cultural movements shaping conversations around marriage, family, and children’s rights. The discussion also takes up several listener questions, working through theological issues related to disability, suffering, God’s sovereignty, and how Scripture holds together brokenness and hope. Familiar segments return as well, including the Weekly Warm-Up, Book War, and Theology Sprint. The conversation is anchored by reflection on 2 Samuel 9 and the story of Mephibosheth, raising practical questions about who is seen, who is overlooked, and how the church lives out covenant faithfulness in everyday ministry. **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 The Underground Sessions Weekend https://millingtonbaptist.org/underground-sessions/ When Love Hurts https://millingtonbaptist.org/when-love-hurts-group/ Birds and the Bees  https://millingtonbaptist.org/birds-and-bees-small-group/ Christian Nationalism | The Underground Sessions Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qd5PuGc2bE Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:02 Denver & the "Snowpocalypse" 14:10 Weekly Warmup 18:26 In The News 28:26 The Great Book War 36:56 Audience Questions 1:01:24 Sermon Recap 1:17:39 Theology Sprint Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 23m
  2. Caperna-What?

    JAN 12

    Caperna-What?

    Welcome Back! The episode opens with the return of the Weekly Warm-Up, unpacking Proverbs 4:18 and reflecting on faithfulness, character, and long obedience over time. From there, the discussion moves through current events, ethical questions, and the responsibility Christians carry when navigating complex cultural moments—especially when quick conclusions are tempting but wisdom requires patience. The conversation then turns to difficult and timely issues at the intersection of faith and public life. The pastors wrestle with the sanctity of human life, disability and dignity, moral failure in Christian leadership, and how believers should think about justice, grace, accountability, and compassion. Throughout, the episode contrasts Christian moral reasoning with utilitarian frameworks, particularly when it comes to human worth, suffering, and decision-making in moments of crisis. A significant portion of the episode is devoted to sermon recap, revisiting Mark 2 and the story of the paralytic whose friends break through the roof to bring him to Jesus. The discussion explores advocacy, barriers—both physical and spiritual—and what it means for the church to actively remove obstacles that keep people from encountering Christ. The episode also addresses healing, suffering, and why Jesus prioritizes forgiveness before physical restoration, grounding the passage in the larger story of the kingdom of God. The episode closes with a Theology Sprint on sanctification, offering a concise reminder that growth in Christ is progressive, grace-driven, and shaped over time. As the year begins, the conversation invites listeners to pursue wisdom, faithfulness, and Christlike maturity in a world that rarely rewards patience. **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 Night of Revival hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/ The Bridge https://millingtonbaptist.org/the-bridge-mbc/ Womens Retreat  https://millingtonbaptist.org/women/ Baby Bottle Boomerang https://1stchoicefriends.org/events/baby-bottle-boomerang/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Weekly Warmup 8:19 In The News 30:52 The Great Book War 49:17 Audience Questions 47:42 Sermon Recap 1:08:28 Theology Sprint Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 13m
  3. Into the Upside Down

    JAN 6

    Into the Upside Down

    Behind the Pulpit returns for the new year with Pastor Bob and Pastor Dave back at the table, easing into 2026 with humor, reflection, and a wide-ranging In the News conversation. From holiday recaps and cultural commentary to a substantive discussion on Stranger Things, global politics, socialism, Venezuela, and notable public figures engaging faith, the episode models how Christians can think carefully, critically, and charitably about the stories shaping our moment. The Book War also resumes, with two very different recommendations aimed at helping believers think more deeply about truth, limits, and faithfulness. In the sermon recap, the conversation centers on the launch of the new series Upside Down Glory, drawn from 1 Corinthians 1. Pastor Bob unpacks the core claim of the message—that human weakness and limitation are not obstacles to God’s glory, but the very stage on which He displays it. The discussion explores disability, the image of God, cultural ideas of “normal,” and how the church is called to respond to weakness not with avoidance or pity, but with honor, presence, and faith shaped by the gospel. Together, the pastors reflect on how embracing dependence reshapes both personal discipleship and life together as a church. The episode closes with a Theology Sprint tackling the doctrine of biblical inspiration—what it means to say Scripture is God-breathed, how inspiration relates to inerrancy and illumination, and why this doctrine matters for faith and practice. It’s a thoughtful wrap-up that invites listeners to begin the year grounded not in confidence in themselves, but in trust in the God who speaks. **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 Little Footprints Learning Center https://www.littlefootprintsnj.com/ Underground Sessions Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R3SjWBWHtxUhGRYK-J6Qr9I Fresh Wave https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R2kMdhQ9eLWmErvDUsk_7_t Night of Revival hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/ City Relief February Outreach https://millingtonbaptist.org/missions/cityrelief/ Birds and the Bees https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/smallgroups/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:23: Holiday Recap 6:41 In The News: Stranger Things 18:26 In the News: Venezuela, Celebrity Conversions, Iran 36:32 The Great Book War 47:33 Audience Questions 55:32 Sermon Recap 1:11:59 Theology Sprint Music "Ventura" Morgan Taylor U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

    1h 18m
  4. A Behind the Pulpit Christmas Part 3

    12/25/2025

    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
  5. Where in the World was Pastor Dave Hentschel?

    12/16/2025

    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
  6. Skeleton Crew

    12/09/2025

    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
  7. Turkey Truce

    12/02/2025

    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
  8. Let's Talk About Vision

    11/24/2025

    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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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