In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) interviews a prominent New Testament scholar, author, and speaker known for his work on early Christianity, the historical Jesus, and Christian living Dr. Scot McKnight.

Drawing from decades of teaching, writing, and walking with the church, Scot shares his thoughts on how Jesus-centered communities can navigate toxic church culture, spiritual abuse, and the lure of celebrity leadership. We also explore the tension of civic engagement from a Christian perspective—what it means to participate in politics without compromising Jesus's ethic.

This conversation invites us to rethink what goodness looks like in the Church and how we can embody Kingdom values in everyday life.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Intro

[02:15] - What Is Tov and Why Does It Matter?

[10:01] - Why Prioritizing Character Might Be the Only Way Forward

[17:04] - Reimagining Faith Communities Through the 12 Principles of Tov

[22:38] - What If Power Looked Like Sacrifice?

[27:08] - What If Everyone’s a Priest?

[31:24] - Following Jesus’s Path of Creative Nonviolence and Peaceful Power

[37:08] - Vote as an Act of Love

[40:28] - How Should Christians Use Power?

[46:16] - What Do We Do When Politics Defies the Kingdom?

[48:50] - How Do You Choose the Lesser Evil?

[51:34] - What to Do When Christians Choose Not to Vote

[54:32] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#MicroChurch #HouseChurch #Deconstruction #ChurchReimagined #MissionalLiving #FaithJourney #AuthenticCommunity #UnpolishedChurch #ChurchWithoutWalls #SpiritualHealing #SimpleChurch #ModernDiscipleship #ChurchPlanting #BelmontLofts #RepurposedChurch #ChurchLeadership #ChurchTransition #churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #church #church #revelation #bookofrevelation #discipleship #dr.scotmcknight

In this special solo episode of the Unpolished Podcast, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) takes you on a thoughtful journey of exploring the complex intersection of faith, family, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

As a dad and a Christian, Jon shares his reflections on how AI and emerging technologies challenge us to think critically about their impact, especially on young children and parenting in today’s digital age.

Join us as we pause to consider how, as image bearers of God, we can navigate these advancements thoughtfully and intentionally for His glory.

If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with friends!

[00:00] - Intro

[00:47] - Faith Meets AI: How Should Christians Respond?

[02:35] - Generative AI: A New Challenge for Families and Faith

[04:40] - How Parents Can Lead by Example in a Digital Age

[07:04] - Are Kids Choosing AI Over Reality?

[10:44] - What Are the Benefits of AI?

[13:20] - The Hidden Risks of AI and False Information

[16:47] - Is AI the New Fake News Machine?

[19:10] - Are We Letting AI Parents Our Kids?

[21:13] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

Mentioned in the podcast:

AI for Education: Parent guides, classroom resources, and policy frameworks: https://www.aiforeducation.io/

Common Sense Media AI Resources: Age-appropriate guidance and tool reviews - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ai/tips-and-videos

Internet Matters: AI Guide for Parents: Safety and digital wellbeing advice - https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/parent-guide-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-tools/

National Association for Media Literacy Education: Resources connecting AI to broader media literacy - https://namle.org/understanding-generative-ai/

What is ChatGPT Doing…and Why Does It Work?: Detailed technical explanation of generative AI from Stephen Wolfram -

https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2023/02/what-is-chatgpt-doing-and-why-does-it-work/

#bible #biblestudy #jonsherwood #unpolishedpodcast #unpolishedchurchpodcast #microchurch #missionalcommunities #community #microchurch #organicchurch #church #housechurch #scripture #truth #spiritual #study #faith #believing #jesuschrist #disciplesofchrist #debates #theology #christian #jesusandai #aiandjesuschrist #aiandjesus #ai #chatgpt #artificialintelligence #parenting #parentingandai #kidsandartificialintelligence #techparentingtips #shoulditeachmykidsai

In this episode of The Unpolished Church, Jon Sherwood (https://www.jonsherwood.com) sits down with Martha Brown to explore the evolving nature of church leadership and spiritual community.

With decades of experience in traditional church settings as an elder’s wife and ministry leader, Martha shares her journey into micro church life and what she’s learned.

Jon and Martha discuss the challenges and blessings of moving from a structured, institutional church to a simpler, more relational expression of faith.

This conversation is about reimagining the Church—not as a polished program, but as a people gathered around Jesus.

[00:00] - Intro

[01:11] - Would Martha Do It All Over Again?

[04:01] - What’s It Like to Step Back from Leadership?

[07:22] - Expectations vs. Reality About Micro Churches

[14:52] - Finding Healing and Safety in Micro Church

[20:30] - Challenges of Being in a Micro Church

[23:33] - Is Consumer Christianity Putting Us to Sleep?

[30:12] - From Spotlight to Shared Space: The Pros and Cons of Micro church Leadership

[38:11] - Lessons from Years in Micro Church

[41:06] - What Relevance Does Micro Church Have in America?

[46:13] - Divine Gravity: What Really Pulls Us Together?

[50:15] - Outro

UNpolished Church podcast exists to help equip and resource Christians toward experiencing greater intimacy with one another, transformation into Christ, and impact for Jesus' redemptive mission in the world. If you have enjoyed or benefited from this podcast, please share with a friend and be sure to turn notifications on so you will be alerted to future episodes!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive updates: https://www.jonsherwood.com/podcast

#MicroChurch #HouseChurch #Deconstruction #ChurchReimagined #MissionalLiving #FaithJourney #AuthenticCommunity #UnpolishedChurch #ChurchWithoutWalls #SpiritualHealing #SimpleChurch #ModernDiscipleship #ChurchPlanting #BelmontLofts #RepurposedChurch #ChurchLeadership #ChurchTransition #churchleader #church #bible #christianity #leadershippodcast #churchbeyondsunday #christiancommunity #importanceofchristiancommunity #whyweneedchristiancommunity #christianfriends #community #jesuschrist #microchurch #housechurch #churches #christian #jesus #god #biblestories #jesuslovesme #biblestory #marthabrown

Why I Believe Micro Churches Are So Relevant Today w/Martha Brown