Podcast
Bearded Theologians
Hosted by Bearded Theologians · EN
Join Rev. Matt Franks and Rev. Zach Bechtold as they navigate the messy, beautiful world of faith and ministry. From deep theological dives to the practical "how-to" of church work and discipleship, Matt and Zach offer an unfiltered look at what it means to lead and follow today. We don’t have all the answers, but we’ve got the conversation covered.
Explore more at www.beardedtheologians.com
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
6.18.26 Bearded Theologians with Bishop Will Willimon
2w ago00:42:17Tap to summarizeMatt and Zach sit down for a fascinating, wide-ranging conversation with retired Bishop Will Willimon. Check out more of Bishop Willimon’s work and resources at: https://www.willwillimon.com Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
Transcribe →5.28.26 BeardedTheologians 1 Peter Part 3
May 2800:21:14Tap to summarizeThe Bearded Theologians Matt and Zach this week tackle 1 Peter 2:1-10 as part of our 1 Peter series. Check it out.Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
Transcribe →5.21.26 Beaded Theologians Hang Out in the Sandbox
May 2100:55:18Tap to summarizeThis week, Matt and Zach are hanging out with Rachel Billups and Matt Rawle! Rachel and Matt are the hosts of the In the Sandbox podcast and the authors of the brand-new book, Dream, Dare, Disrupt: How Experiments, Risk and Embracing Failure Can Build Life-Giving Ministry. Join in their conversation this week and don't forget to...Get the Book: Grab your copy of the book and companion workbook here.Learn More: Explore Rachel and Matt's work at Hub 4 Innovation.Stay Connected: Keep up with Matt and Zach at Bearded Theologians.
Transcribe →5.14.26 Bearded Theologians on 1 Peter Part 2
May 1500:21:04Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Bearded Theologians podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechthold continued their series examining 1 Peter, focusing on chapter 1 verses 13-25. They discussed key themes including liberation from worldly desires, holiness, and the importance of placing faith and hope in God rather than in perishable things like silver and gold. The conversation explored what it means to be "liberated" on a personal level, moving beyond grand-scale political liberation to address individual obstacles to faith growth. You can connect with us at www.beardedtheologians.com You can check out our past shows and buy some merch.
Transcribe →5.7.26 Bearded Theologians with Pastor Charles McKinzie
May 701:00:48Tap to summarizeMatt and Zach sat down with Charles to discuss his upcoming mission work in Geneva, Switzerland. Charles shared his journey from a late-blooming pastor to becoming a United Methodist missionary. Along with many other topics connected to the Theology of Missions. You can find more info or support Charles athttps://gbhem-umc.my.site.com/hemgm/s/campaign/a3fPo000000RnB7IAK/mckinzie-charles-iiConnect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
Transcribe →4.30.26 Bearded Theologians on 1 Peter Part 1
Apr 3000:27:14Tap to summarizeStarting a series looking at the Epistle of 1 Peter. This week we spend some time on 1 Peter 1:1-12. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
Transcribe →4.16.26 Bearded Theologians Sunday Morning Preview
Apr 1700:30:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold discussed their upcoming Sunday sermons and shared personal reflections on faith and ministry.Connect with the Bearded Theologians at www.beardedtheologians.com
Transcribe →4.9.26 BeardedTheologians on Post Resurrection Slump
Apr 1000:20:47Tap to summarizeEaster is over — but the season isn't. Matt and Zach dive into one of the church calendar's most underestimated stretches: Eastertide, the fifty days between resurrection Sunday and Pentecost. It's the season when attendance tends to drift and energy can quietly fade — and it's exactly when intentional leadership matters most. In this episode, they get real about what it actually takes to sustain momentum after the high of Easter Sunday, from strategic sermon planning to creating experiences that give people a reason to keep showing up. Along the way, Matt shares a baptism moment that stopped the room, and Zach recounts what made this year's outdoor sunrise service one for the books. If you've ever felt the post-Easter slump creeping in, this conversation is your game plan. Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/Beardedtheologians You can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
Transcribe →4.2.26 BeardedTheologians Hope For Easter
Apr 300:17:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Zach and Matt reflect on their approaches to Easter and the deep meaning within the resurrection story. Zach explores the theme of grief and hope. He invites us to sit in the discomfort of the story rather than rushing ahead. It's in that tension that the power of the empty tomb truly comes alive.Matt highlights the unlikeliness of the resurrection, drawing attention to the surprising and often overlooked details—like the women being the first to proclaim the good news. Together, they consider how God continues to work in unexpected ways through unexpected people.They also reflect on how deeply relatable the disciples are in the Gospel narratives—their fear, doubt, and wonder mirroring our own experiences of faith. Even in stories we’ve heard countless times, there’s always something new to discover when we approach them with fresh eyes.The episode closes with personal glimpses of where they’ve seen God at work during Holy Week—from meaningful moments in ministry to the quiet beauty of worship.Join the conversation as we prepare for Easter and explore the hope that meets us, even in the midst of grief.Connect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
Transcribe →3.26.26 Bearded Theologians reflect on Palm Sunday
Mar 2700:23:20Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Bearded Theologians Podcast, Matt Franks and Zach Bechtold take a thoughtful and honest look at Palm Sunday and the journey into Holy Week.Together, they explore different approaches to worship during this sacred time, including the tension between combining everything into a single Palm/Passion Sunday or allowing each service—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter—to stand on its own. Matt shares why he values creating space for the full story to unfold, giving us time to sit with the weight of Good Friday before rushing to the joy of Easter morning.The conversation invites listeners to slow down, to feel the movement of the week, and to recognize how the depth of the story shapes the power of resurrection hope.As always, Matt and Zach also reflect on where they’ve seen God at work in their lives. This episode is a reminder that Holy Week isn’t just something we remember—it’s something we experience.👉 Listen in, reflect deeply, and prepare your heart for the journey to Easter.#BeardedTheologians #PalmSunday #HolyWeek #FaithPodcast #ProgressiveChristianityConnect with the Bearded Theologians at https://www.linktr.ee/BeardedtheologiansYou can find the Beardcast on Youtube, Stitcher, Apple, Spotify, Castbox, or wherever else you listen to Podcast.
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