Wisdom for the Wilderness

Overland Church Midtown
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join the pastors of Overland Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, as they explore spiritual faithfulness amid life's challenges and suffering. Through discussions on theological questions and inspiring stories, Wisdom for the Wilderness offers guidance and hope for navigating the complexities of faith in a broken world.

  1. 3D AGO

    When Is War Just? Just War Theory and the Conflict with Iran

    In this timely and weighty episode, Pastors Zack and Josh explore just war theory—a historic Christian framework for thinking about when (and how) war can be morally justified in a broken, sinful world. Drawing from Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Romans 13, and the Sermon on the Mount, they walk through the classic criteria of justice before war, during war, and after war. As the podcast releases roughly 44–45 days into Operation Epic Fury (the U.S. and Israeli campaign against Iran that began February 28, 2026), the conversation applies these principles to real headlines: preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, targeting military capabilities while minimizing civilian harm, the challenges of fighting an apocalyptic ideology, and the high cost of conflict (including U.S. casualties and tragic civilian losses). You’ll hear honest discussion on: The spectrum between pacifism (over-realized eschatology) and “might makes right” imperialismKey just war criteria: just cause, legitimate authority, last resort, right intention, probability of success, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and civiliansHistorical examples like World War II, the atomic bomb, and the messy realities of the War on TerrorWhy a Christian worldview that affirms humans are made in God’s image fundamentally shapes how we evaluate warThe importance of justice after war—restoration, reconciliation, and pursuing lasting peace (as seen in post-WWII Japan and Germany versus other conflicts)How radical Islamist ideology (explored more in the next episode) complicates traditional just war thinking The pastors emphasize that Christians are not warmongers—we should be among the hardest to convince to go to war and the most eager to pray for peace and human flourishing. Yet in a fallen world where evil exists and governments bear the sword (Romans 13), sometimes force is a tragic necessity to protect the innocent and restrain wickedness. True peace is the goal of any just war. Whether you’re wrestling with current events, military service, or how to pray amid global conflict, this episode offers biblical clarity without simplistic answers.

    33 min

  2. APR 7

    Faithful in a Fallen Workplace: Boycotts, Conscience, and Standing Firm

    In this episode, Pastors Josh and Zack tackle a listener question about boycotting businesses that promote non-biblical values—especially around LGBTQ+ issues like Pride Month displays at Target. But they quickly move to what they see as the bigger, more personal issue: How do Christians faithfully navigate secular workplaces when companies push agendas that conflict with biblical convictions? Topics covered include: The practicality (and limits) of boycotts in a globalized economyWorking as salt and light without withdrawing from the worldThe difference between a company selling certain products vs. requiring employees to affirm or celebrate sin (e.g., wearing pride pins, using preferred pronouns, teaching gender fluidity)How to stand for conscience without being combative or a poor witnessThe importance of integrity, hard work, and character before you take a stand (Daniel in Babylon as a model)When it might be wise to leave a job—and when to stay and endureLegal protections for religious liberty and resources like Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)The Protestant view of vocation: every job is a calling from GodThe pastors emphasize that Christians cannot find a “perfect” workplace, but we are called to live with clear conscience, bold conviction, and humble faithfulness—being in the world but not of it. This is practical, pastoral advice for teachers, corporate workers, and anyone facing increasing cultural pressure at work.

    26 min

  3. MAR 31

    Complementarianism Clarified: Women, Leadership, and 1 Timothy 2

    In this follow-up to Pastor Zack's sermon on 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Pastors Josh and Zack sit down to answer your questions about women in the church, complementarianism, and what the Bible teaches about gender roles in leadership, the home, and beyond. They recap the key passage—"Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man..."—and explain why Paul grounds his instruction in creation order (Adam formed first, then Eve) and the Fall, rather than temporary cultural issues in Ephesus. The pastors affirm that men and women are equal in dignity, value, and worth before God, while exploring: The differences between egalitarianism, complementarianism, and patriarchy.Practical applications: Can women be CEOs, worship leaders, or kids ministry directors? What does "exercising authority" actually mean in the local church?Missionary contexts where qualified men are lacking.The beauty of distinct male and female callings, including the high value of homemaking, nurturing, and childbearing as part of God's good design.How healthy male leadership and delegation foster flourishing for everyone.This episode is pastoral, biblical, and hopeful—encouraging the church to be faithful rather than cultural, and calling men to step up as servant leaders while honoring the vital contributions of women. Sermon on 1 Timothy 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9WeTVuROtI

    45 min

  4. MAR 24

    Gospel Goodbyes: Celebrating and Sending a Church Planting Team

    In this special episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh reflect on the profound mix of sorrow and joy in "gospel goodbyes" as Overland Church commissions and sends Pastor Brandon Dupré and a launch team to plant Overland Church North Fort Collins. With rapid growth and new homes in the area, this crosstown plant (launching Easter Sunday) represents bold obedience to the Great Commission: "Go and make disciples." They share candidly about the pain of losing dear friends and key servants (echoing the earlier Durango plant's impact—dozens of baptisms, first-generation believers, and multiplication that doubled the sending church's reach). Yet they celebrate it as kingdom investment: eternal perspective makes temporary losses small, while souls saved and families transformed last forever. The episode calls the church to pray fervently (spiritual warfare is real), continue faithful giving, invite outsiders (especially for Easter), step up in leadership/volunteering to "reload," and embrace risk for the gospel. Healthy churches multiply—may this send-off spark more plants across the Mountain West. Whether you're part of Overland or following from afar, join the mission: support the work, pray boldly, and consider how God might call you to risk for His kingdom. Questions? Email wisdom@overlandchurch.org. overlandchurch.org overlandchurchnorth.org overlandchurchdurango.org

    23 min

  5. MAR 17

    IVF, Infertility, and the Dignity of Life: Guardrails for Christian Couples

    In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack Thurman and Josh Hutchens tackle a listener question: "What do you think about IVF?" Drawing from personal family experiences with infertility, they offer deep compassion for the "unique sorrow" of longing for children in a broken world—echoing biblical stories like Rachel and Hannah. They explain the IVF process plainly (egg retrieval, lab fertilization, implantation, surplus embryos), then walk through major ethical concerns from a biblical worldview: life begins at conception, embryos are image-bearers of God, routine destruction/freezing of embryos equates to loss of life, genetic selection risks eugenics, and surrogacy often exploits women. Referencing the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention resolution "On the Ethical Realities of Reproductive Technologies and the Dignity of the Human Embryo," they advocate for strict guardrails: using only husband-wife gametes, creating no surplus embryos to discard, and avoiding selection/abortion. They encourage younger marriage, adoption (including "snowflake" adoption of frozen embryos), foster care, or faithful child-free living poured into kingdom work. Whether you're facing infertility, considering reproductive technologies, or simply seeking biblical wisdom on family, this episode reminds us: children are gifts from God, but our identity and fulfillment rest in Christ alone—not parenthood. Submit your questions at wisdom@overlandchurch.org

    34 min

  6. MAR 10

    Spotting False Teachers: Biblical Discernment in a World of Christian Content

    In this listener Q&A episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack Thurman and Josh Hutchens tackle a pressing question: How do we discern false teachers in an age flooded with Christian books, sermons, videos, and online content? Building on recent sermons from 1 Timothy and our episode on theological triage, the pastors define key terms—heresy (denial of core gospel truths leading to damnation) vs. error (disagreements on secondary matters)—and explain orthodoxy through historic creeds like the Nicene. They warn against movements like Word of Faith, prosperity gospel, and New Apostolic Reformation as crossing into heresy (e.g., turning faith into works, syncretism with witchcraft-like practices, or distorting the gospel). Practical discernment tools include: testing teaching by Scripture (exegesis vs. proof-texting/eisegesis), ensuring gospel centrality (grace through faith in Christ's death/burial/resurrection), evaluating character and accountability (track record, eldership, avoiding unaccountable platforms), and examining fruit (Matthew 7). They discuss safe publishers (e.g., Crossway, B&H as reliable; broader ones like Zondervan requiring caution), reading actively (pen in hand, questioning passages), and prioritizing local relational discipleship over digital-only influences. Warnings about dangerous trajectories (e.g., Rob Bell's path, John Mark Comer) underscore the need for Berean-like examination (Acts 17) and Bible-first living. The episode challenges listeners: Mature faith involves critical thinking grounded in Scripture—not paranoia, but protection. Prioritize God's Word firsthand over any secondary content.  Got a question? Email wisdom@overlandchurch.org. Subscribe, share, and join us this Sunday at Overland Church!

    37 min

  7. MAR 3

    Critical Thinking Without the Critical Spirit

    In this follow-up to last week's discussion on receiving criticism, Pastors Zack Thurman and Josh Hutchens explore how to cultivate true critical thinking as Christians—without slipping into a critical, fault-finding spirit.  We live in a world of two ditches: naive acceptance of everything (being tossed to and fro by every idea) or chronic cynicism that sees problems in everyone and everything. Social media often amplifies both extremes, from blind shares to endless "yeah, but" comments. The goal? Intellectual seriousness grounded in God's objective truth, combined with relational humility, grace, and love—thinking carefully while speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Drawing from Scripture (the Bereans in Acts 17, Jesus and the Pharisees, Paul's warnings, Jude's call to contend for the faith), the pastors unpack biblical discernment: testing ideas against God's Word, recognizing our own flaws through total depravity and grace, calming emotional reactions, and avoiding pride disguised as discernment. They share practical insights—like asking "why" behind a critical reflex, giving people the benefit of the doubt, modeling gracious critique (e.g., Mark Dever, Tom Schreiner), and learning from examples like theological triage on first-order issues vs. preferences. The conversation then shifts to offering critique rightly: checking motives, applying a "24-hour rule," following Matthew 18 principles (private first, then witnesses), considering tone and authority, using clarity with solutions (and yes, a well-stacked "compliment sandwich"), and prioritizing edification over winning arguments.  Whether you're a leader, a church member, or just navigating everyday opinions and online debates, this episode challenges us to think deeply, love deeply, and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit—even when contending for truth.  Listen in for wisdom on sharpening your mind without hardening your heart. Questions or thoughts? Email us at wisdom@overlandchurch.org. Subscribe, share, and join us this Sunday at Overland Church!

    44 min

  8. FEB 24

    Growing By Receiving Criticism

    In this episode, pastors discuss the biblical approach to receiving, evaluating, and giving criticism—especially in leadership, faith, and daily life. Learn how to distinguish godly critique from ungodly critique, handle it with grace, and grow through feedback. Key TopicsDeveloping a tough yet teachable mindset towards criticism.Proverbs' teachings on loving discipline and reproof.Differentiating between godly criticism and ungodly critique motivated by pride or manipulation.Practical steps to evaluate whether critique is true, biblical, loving, or ungodly.The role of self-awareness, humility, and walking by the Spirit in processing criticism.Learning to give helpful critique that edifies others.Recognizing manipulation and flattery disguised as praise or critique.The biblical example of Peter’s correction by Paul and its lessons for us.The impact of miscommunication and the fallen world in misunderstandings.How to seek wise counsel and avoid confirmation bias in critique. This episode emphasizes that handling criticism biblically is a vital skill for growth, ministry, and personal sanctification. Remember, criticisms often reveal more about the critic than about us—focus on walking by the Spirit and seeking truth in love.

    32 min
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Join the pastors of Overland Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, as they explore spiritual faithfulness amid life's challenges and suffering. Through discussions on theological questions and inspiring stories, Wisdom for the Wilderness offers guidance and hope for navigating the complexities of faith in a broken world.

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