The Standard

devinkschaffer
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Standard is a weekly conversation between co-hosts Gary Jones and Devin Schaffer, dialoguing on Scripture, theology, and the practical realities of living out faith today. Each episode takes a topic — sometimes a text, sometimes a question the culture is wrestling with — and works through it out loud, the way two people who trust each other actually talk: pushing back, digging into the Hebrew or Greek when it matters, and asking what the Bible actually has to say to the issues we're facing right now. It's an exercise in contextualizing ancient Scripture for contemporary life — not bending the text to fit the moment, but letting it speak into it. If you're looking for tidy answers, this isn't that. If you want two guys taking the Bible seriously and talking about it honestly, pull up a chair.w podcast weblog

Episodes

  1. Aug 12

    Episode 11: Dignity Over Imitation: Reclaiming True Empowerment in Christ

    This episode is for faith-driven men and women who want to break free from modern cultural traps and reclaim the inherent, God-given dignity they already possess. What You’ll Learn: Why "getting the bag" or behaving badly isn't true empowerment, but rather a deceptive permission to imitate the very systems and lifestyles that have historically caused our communities harm. A raw, transparent critique of modern cultural tropes—from the "dope boy" persona to the hyper-sexualization of female rap—and how these deceptions drain our families of generational wealth and spiritual authority. How to apply the timeless blueprint of Micah 6:8 to prioritize our children's spiritual legacy over the world's false metrics of success, because having everything in the Lord beats going to Harvard without Him. Next Step: Subscribe to The Standard and share this powerful, transparent episode with someone in your circle who needs to walk in their true identity today.

  2. Aug 10

    Episode 10: Yielding the Wheel: Moving From Self-Made to God-Made

    This episode helps faith-driven professionals and leaders recognize when they are clutching the wheel of their lives too tightly and teaches them how to transition from exhausting self-reliance to true spiritual surrender. What You’ll Learn: How to identify the warning signs that your will is out of alignment with God—including chronic irritability, micromanagement, anxiety over results, and an inability to rest. The crucial difference between Savior and Lord, and why many believers settle for being saved while still trying to "run their own play" instead of God's. Why surrender is not weak resignation but an active, powerful alignment that requires far more internal strength than pushing forward on brute ego. Next Step: Subscribe to The Standard on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with a leader who needs to lay down their heavy burdens today

  3. Aug 10

    Episode 9: The Three Ps: From Pretend and Predict to Powerful Prayer

    This episode helps faith-driven professionals strip away the pressure of "pretending" and "predicting" so they can experience the life-changing power of true, surrendered prayer. What You’ll Learn: The danger of "pretending" by putting on a strong face to get through the workweek while hiding personal and spiritual exhaustion underneath the surface. Why checking religious boxes or relying solely on "rational" Western logic acts as a barrier to a genuine, direct relationship with God. How the Lord’s Prayer serves as a practical map for daily surrender—highlighting why we must release unforgiveness and submit our plans before asking for provision (the lessons of the daily Manna and the fiery furnace of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). Next Step: Subscribe to The Standard on your favorite podcast app and share this episode with a brother who needs to exchange their heavy burdens for God's peace today.

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 3: Navigating the Tension: Relationship vs. Religion with Dr. Warren McMillan

    This conversation with special guest Dr. Warren McMillan is for believers looking to navigate the seemingly contradictory "tensions" of scripture by leaning on the Holy Spirit rather than rigid religious rules. What You’ll Learn: How to understand scriptures that seem to contradict each other (like Proverbs 26:4-5) by seeking the contextual guidance of the Holy Spirit. The critical difference between falling in love with the "church system" (religion) versus building a genuine, obedient relationship with the Father. Why auditing your friend group and having a trusted community is essential for identifying the "blind spots" in your own spiritual walk. Next Step: Follow The Standard on your favorite podcast platform and connect with our community to find your own trusted sounding board.

  5. Jul 28

    Episode 4: Making Your Calling Sure: Why You Don't Need Human Validation

    This episode encourages believers who feel called by the Holy Spirit to step into their assignments without waiting for validation from traditional institutions or human systems. What You’ll Learn: How the Apostle Paul’s conversion on the Road to Damascus proves that God's calling doesn't always require traditional institutional approval or seminary training. The difference between possessing a genuine, Holy Spirit-led calling and simply seeking the spotlight or a title. How to act as a "clean window pane" for God's light, bringing your authentic personality to your calling without obscuring the message. Next Step: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know how you are stepping into your unique calling this week.

  6. Jul 28

    Episode 5: Navigating Spiritual Warfare and the Wilderness Season

    This episode helps faith-driven professionals understand that the "wilderness" is not a punishment, but a necessary preparation for your true purpose. What You’ll Learn: Why the enemy often attacks your identity right before you step into your God-given calling and purpose. The difference between finding solutions through the guidance of the Holy Spirit versus relying solely on humanism and modern counseling. How to recognize the "turn signals" of spiritual warfare and why the wilderness is designed for development rather than delay. Next Step: Subscribe to The Standard and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement in their wilderness season today.

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 6: Hardpressed But Not Crushed: Navigating Systemic Pressure and Grief

    This conversation is designed for African-American men and leaders looking for biblical resilience when facing cultural expectations, burnout, and profound grief. What You’ll Learn: How to apply 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 to modern challenges like systemic oppression, corporate exhaustion, and daily family responsibilities. The importance of biblical lament and giving yourself permission to process grief and sadness honestly without toxic positivity. Why relying on true community and shared faith is critical when you feel culturally pressured to just "put your head down and keep grinding". Next Step: Follow The Standard on your favorite podcast app and visit our website for more resources on faith, leadership, and emotional health.

  8. Jul 28

    Episode 7: Finding Surrender Over Strength: The Reality of Samson's Fall

    This episode is for believers seeking emotional maturity who want to understand why God values true spiritual surrender over raw talent and strength. What You’ll Learn: Why your calling and anointing can sometimes arrive well before your character and emotional maturity are fully developed. The hidden dangers of relying on intoxicating human affirmation and external success instead of staying deeply connected to the Holy Spirit. How God's redemptive nature can restore you and use you for His purpose even after a massive setback or public failure. Next Step: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know how this episode helped you understand your own calling and surrender.

  9. Jul 28

    Episode 8: The Church Exodus: Rediscovering Covenant Over Consumerism

    This challenging episode is for believers looking to move past a consumer mindset of church and rediscover the true power of fellowship and community. What You’ll Learn: How hyper-individualism, convenience, and social media isolation have contributed to a quiet exodus away from the physical church. The danger of treating church like an entertainment venue or a "showroom" rather than a hospital for the broken. Why genuine spiritual growth requires vulnerability, accountability, and walking through life's struggles with a trusted community of believers. Next Step: Share this episode with your community and join Gary and Devin every week for deep discussions on faith, leadership, and legacy.

  10. Jul 28

    Episode 2: Tailor-Made Purpose

    This episode helps believers understand that God wants to use their unique personality and natural gifts to deliver His message, regardless of whether they hold a formal title. What You’ll Learn: Why your life is a "living epistle" and how your everyday profession—whether in business or the arts—can be your true pulpit. The difference between a "ready-made" life and the "custom-tailored" purpose God forms within you before you are even born. How to identify your God-given gifts by paying attention to the things that come naturally and easily to you.   Next Step: Share this episode with a friend who is struggling to find their purpose outside of traditional church walls.

  11. Jul 20

    Episode 1: Introductions & The Entrepreneurial Leap

    This inaugural episode is for Black professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to reconcile their corporate experiences with their authentic, God-given calling. What You’ll Learn: How hosts Gary and Devin navigated their distinct paths from inner-city roots and high-level corporate careers to finding their true purpose. The danger of letting human systems and institutions stifle the unique personality and gifts God gave you. The "wolf and the dog" analogy, and why true entrepreneurship requires you to rely completely on the Lord rather than a predictable paycheck. Next Step: Subscribe to The Standard and join Gary and Devin every week for deep discussions on faith, leadership, and legacy.

  • 11 Episodes

About

The Standard is a weekly conversation between co-hosts Gary Jones and Devin Schaffer, dialoguing on Scripture, theology, and the practical realities of living out faith today. Each episode takes a topic — sometimes a text, sometimes a question the culture is wrestling with — and works through it out loud, the way two people who trust each other actually talk: pushing back, digging into the Hebrew or Greek when it matters, and asking what the Bible actually has to say to the issues we're facing right now. It's an exercise in contextualizing ancient Scripture for contemporary life — not bending the text to fit the moment, but letting it speak into it. If you're looking for tidy answers, this isn't that. If you want two guys taking the Bible seriously and talking about it honestly, pull up a chair.w podcast weblog

Information

  • Creator
    devinkschaffer
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Standard