The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

J.D. Greear
  • 4.8 (629)
  • Christianity

Every sermon starts with more than can fit into a message. For years, Pastor J.D. Greear has filled his sermon notes with extra illustrations, questions, insights, and rabbit trails that never made it into the final sermon. He calls that section of his notes “the bullpen.” Now, those ideas are coming out of the bullpen. In each episode, J.D. sits down with a few others to unpack a recent message, go deeper into Scripture, wrestle with difficult questions, and explore implications there wasn’t time to address from the pulpit. Along the way, they’ll also tackle important issues and questions happening in the world through the lens of biblical wisdom. No scripts. No polished talking points. Just honest, free-flowing conversations about Scripture, the gospel, and how they apply to real life. The Bullpen is a resource from J.D. Greear Ministries designed to help you go deeper in your understanding and love of the gospel.

  1. 17h ago

    Why Getting What You Want Isn’t Enough | The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

    Why is it that getting what we want so often leaves us wanting something more? In the first episode of The Bullpen, J.D. Greear sits down with Matt Love and Curtis Andrusko to go deeper into his first sermon in the book of Ecclesiastes and the search for a meaningful, satisfying life. They talk about why success and pleasure can’t carry the weight we put on them, how Christians can genuinely enjoy God’s gifts without turning them into idols, and what Ecclesiastes has to say to a culture constantly looking for the next thing. They also discuss social media, our endless appetite for more, and what it looks like to build your life around the things that actually last. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Watch the full sermon HERE Get the sermon transcript. Stay Connected! Text BULLPEN to 97000 for updates about the podcast. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode of The Bullpen!

  2. Aug 17

    Introducing The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

    For years now, whenever Pastor J.D. Greear preaches, he writes far more than he can actually say in the sermon. The material that doesn’t make the cut—the extra illustrations, the rabbit trails, the good questions he didn’t have time to chase—gets kept in a section of his notes he calls the “bullpen.” All of that material, all these years, has just sat there and never seen the light of day. But that changes next week. Each time J.D. preaches, he’ll sit down with a couple of people and unpack the message. They’ll go deeper into the passage, wrestle with the hard questions just like they always have, and bring out implications they didn’t have time to get into during the message. And if there’s something big happening in the world, or a controversial question that could use some Christian wisdom applied to it—even if it wasn’t directly addressed by the text—they’ll discuss that too. No scripts. Just a free-flowing conversation. And as always, J.D. is praying it will be a resource to help you grow deeper in your love and understanding of the gospel. Episode Links: Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen wherever you listen to podcasts.

  3. 12/02/2025

    Is the Deliberate Pursuit of Ethnic Unity the Same As DEI?

    In another special episode, Pastor J.D.  addresses the question: “Is the Deliberate Pursuit of Ethnic Unity the Same As DEI?” Key Takeaways: There is an unbiblical DEI that really is about quota and virtue signaling. Hiring practices should consider the experience of candidates over age 50. Ageism can be a concern when hiring for specific demographics. DEI initiatives can sometimes miss the mark by focusing on superficial metrics. Experience can be more valuable than age in certain roles. The conversation challenges traditional views on diversity in hiring. Understanding the context of DEI is crucial for effective implementation. Church leadership hiring should prioritize the ability to connect with the community. Quotas can undermine the true purpose of diversity initiatives. Real diversity includes valuing experience alongside demographic factors. Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities. Episode Links: Listen to Pastor J.D.’s interview on the Bully Pulpit podcast HERE Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

  4. 11/18/2025

    Is “Voting Blue” the First Sign of Losing Faith?

    In another special episode, Pastor J.D.  addresses the question: “Is ‘Voting Blue’ the First Sign of Losing Faith?” The conversation explores a question Pastor J.D. was asked recently about whether “voting blue” is a harbinger of losing your faith. Key Takeaways: Silence on moral issues can lead to distrust. The character of leaders matters to faith communities. Inconsistencies in beliefs can alienate younger members. The church’s political stance affects its moral authority. Transparency is crucial for maintaining faith. Younger people are seeking authenticity in leadership. The future of the church depends on addressing these issues. Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities. Episode Links: Listen to Pastor J.D.’s interview on the Bully Pulpit podcast HERE Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

  5. 10/27/2025

    WHY Is Gen Z Returning to the Church?

    In this episode, Pastor J.D.  concludes our mini-series about his latest book, Everyday Revolutionary, by asking the question: “WHY Is Gen Z Returning to the Church?” This conversation features Wes Smith, College Pastor at The Summit Church. Much has been said about how Gen Z is returning to the church… but why is that happening? We explore the reasons behind this trend, including a dissatisfaction with secular ideologies and a desire for community and fulfillment. Key Takeaways: Gen Z shows a significant curiosity about Jesus and the Bible. Many Gen Z individuals feel a void in their lives that they seek to fill. The church can provide a sense of community that Gen Z lacks online. Spiritual openness on college campuses is at an all-time high. Clarity on cultural issues is essential for engaging with Gen Z. The church should focus on gospel priority over political alignment. Many young people are coming to faith through authentic community. The rise in baptisms indicates a genuine spiritual revival among youth. Church leaders should emphasize identity in Christ to resonate with Gen Z. Engaging in conversations about controversial topics can lead to deeper understanding. Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities. Episode Links: Last week’s episode: https://jdgreear.com/podcasts/are-christians-c…-the-culture-war/ Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

  6. 10/20/2025

    Are Christians Called to the Culture War?

    In this episode, Pastor J.D.  discusses a question many of us are asking ourselves right now, “Are Christians Called to the Culture War?” As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explains that while believers must be bold in truth, faithfulness to Jesus goes beyond cultural confrontation—it involves embodying grace and truth in everyday life. It’s not less than clarity on issues, but it’s much more. Key Takeaways: Pastor J.D. identifies five components of the “quiet life” that creates a “loud testimony” (1 Peter 3:15): Creation-Fulfilling Every job contributes to beautifying and ordering the world. We’re co-creators with God, showing His glory through our work. Excellence-Pursuing Daniel had “an excellent spirit.” Work “as unto the Lord,” demonstrating God’s perfection through diligence and quality. Holiness-Reflecting Our ethics and integrity mirror the holiness of God. Poor work or unethical behavior damages our witness. Redemption-Displaying Extend grace in surprising ways. Example: a Madison Avenue executive takes the blame for his intern’s costly mistake, using it as a gospel moment — “My life was transformed by someone who took my punishment.” Mission-Advancing Excellence earns influence. Use platforms and opportunities to point to Jesus (Proverbs 22:29). Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities. Episode Links: Last week’s episode: https://jdgreear.com/podcasts/should-pastors-be-more-political-from-the-pulpit/ Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreear.com/donate

  7. 10/13/2025

    Should Pastors Be More Political from the Pulpit?

    In this episode, Pastor J.D.  discusses a question many church leaders face: Should pastors be more political from the pulpit? As part of a short series surrounding Pastor J.D.’s new book Everyday Revolutionary, the conversation explores how faithfulness to the gospel intersects with public issues, when to speak clearly, and when to show restraint. J.D. argues that pastors must boldly proclaim biblical truth even when it overlaps with politics—but resist aligning the name of Jesus with any political party. Political engagement  is a result of discipleship, not the gateway to it. Key Takeaways Be bold on biblical truth, even when it’s political. Some moral issues, like the sanctity of life and God’s design for gender, require clear biblical conviction. Don’t confuse political alignment with gospel faithfulness. The pulpit should be reserved for “thus says the Lord,” not personal policy opinions. Discipleship precedes political realignment. True change begins in the heart before it’s reflected in the ballot box. Avoid both ditches. On one side lies cowardly silence; on the other, a Christless conservatism that replaces the gospel with partisanship. Keep Jesus’ name holy. Associating Christ too closely with a political party risks damaging His reputation and alienating those who need the gospel. Dive more into this conversation with Pastor J.D.’s new book, Everyday Revolutionary, which explores how ordinary believers can live out the gospel in ways that transform their communities. Episode Links: Watch on YouTube: YouTube Channel Listen on Apple Podcasts: Ask the Pastor Listen on Spotify: Ask the Pastor Become a Gospel Partner: jdgreer.com/donate

  8. 04/28/2025

    BONUS: Which Bible Promises Apply Today?

    This week on Ask the Pastor, we have a special bonus episode on the question, “Which of the Bible’s promises apply today?” We covered a similar question several years ago, and you can find that episode HERE. A glimpse inside this episode: The Bible contains approximately 3,000 promises from God. All promises of God are fulfilled in Christ. Understanding the context of promises is crucial for application. There are unconditional and conditional promises in the Bible. God’s character remains consistent despite changing circumstances. Promises made to Israel can still have relevance today. The New Testament often cites Old Testament promises. Believers are encouraged to expect God’s goodness in their lives now. Faith in God’s promises is essential for spiritual growth.

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About

Every sermon starts with more than can fit into a message. For years, Pastor J.D. Greear has filled his sermon notes with extra illustrations, questions, insights, and rabbit trails that never made it into the final sermon. He calls that section of his notes “the bullpen.” Now, those ideas are coming out of the bullpen. In each episode, J.D. sits down with a few others to unpack a recent message, go deeper into Scripture, wrestle with difficult questions, and explore implications there wasn’t time to address from the pulpit. Along the way, they’ll also tackle important issues and questions happening in the world through the lens of biblical wisdom. No scripts. No polished talking points. Just honest, free-flowing conversations about Scripture, the gospel, and how they apply to real life. The Bullpen is a resource from J.D. Greear Ministries designed to help you go deeper in your understanding and love of the gospel.

Information

  • Creator
    J.D. Greear
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 J.D. Greear Ministries
  • Show Website
    The Bullpen with J.D. Greear

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