Do Catholics Worship Mary? What’s the Deal with the Pope? Are Catholics Christians? And Wait… What is a Rosary, Really?

In this episode, we sit down for an honest, often humorous, and deeply thoughtful conversation about Catholicism — tackling the questions people are actually asking.

We cover everything from misunderstandings around Marian devotion to what the Rosary really is (spoiler: it’s not just beads, it’s a journey through the life of Christ). We talk about the structure of the Church, what the Pope’s role actually is (and isn’t), and why it’s all a little messier — and more human — than you might think.

Some highlights:

Why Catholics don’t worship Mary (but why she’s honored)

The meaning and process behind praying the Rosary

How Catholic teaching draws from both Scripture and tradition

Clearing up the idea of papal infallibility (yes, Popes can be wrong!)

A call for unity — recognizing that we’re all on the same team

This isn’t a lecture — it’s a conversation. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you just might walk away with a fresh perspective on what it means to be part of the Church — Catholic or not.

#afterchurchpodcast #catholic #pope #rosary #podcast #christian

In this episode of the After Church Podcast, Kurt and Trey wrap up the series on the Parables of Jesus—but not before one last conversation packed with honesty, hope, and a whole lot of heart.

From the Parable of the Prodigal Son to the Lost Sheep, this episode explores:

• The lavish, unexpected grace of the Father
• How resentment and pride creep in, especially for the “older brothers” among us
• Why God’s grace should lead us to celebration—not judgment

The guys also take a step back to reflect on the cultural moment we’re living in:

• People are asking spiritual questions—on podcasts, in communities, in crisis
• How the Church can show up, not to win a fight, but to win people
• Why grace, not religiosity, should be our default posture in a divided world

Kurt and Trey don’t shy away from real talk—how God might use voices like Joe Rogan or Jordan Peterson to stir curiosity, why the Church should run toward prodigals, and what it looks like to represent Jesus in both word and action.

“It’s not a fight against people—it’s a fight FOR people.”

“Let our default be compassion and grace—just like the Father.”

In this episode we discuss Jesus’ most sobering teachings—the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25)—and reflect on what it really means to live prepared for the return of Christ.

We also connect this parable to the Book of Revelation, where Jesus is portrayed as the Bridegroom returning for His Bride (Revelation 19). The conversation explores what it means to wait well, to live faithfully, and to be ready—not just in word, but in a life that bears real spiritual fruit.

One of the most profound moments in this episode is the emotional weight behind Jesus’ words: "I never knew you." What does it mean for people who looked the part—who served, who sat in our pews—but weren’t truly known by Him?

Key Scriptures:

Matthew 25:1–13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

Revelation 19:6–9 (Wedding Supper of the Lamb)

Matthew 6:33 ("Seek first the kingdom...")

Matthew 22 (Wedding Banquet)

Matthew 25:14–30 (Parable of the Talents)

Luke 15 (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Prodigal Son)

#afterchurchpodcast #JesusIsComing #BookOfRevelation #Bridegroom #WeddingFeast #TenVirgins #KingdomLiving #ChristianPodcast #eschatology #parables #666 #endtimes #podcast #rapture

In this episode of the After Church Podcast, Kurt and Trey dive deep into Matthew 13 and the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. They challenge us to examine our passions, priorities, and what we truly seek first in life. From personal reflections to practical exercises, this is an honest conversation about reorienting our lives around God's kingdom—not our own little castles.

Join us for this convicting yet hopeful conversation as we prepare our hearts for Christ's return and the mission we’re called to live out today.

#AfterChurchPodcast #SeekFirst #KingdomOfGod #EastridgeChurch #FaithInAction

This week we're talking about gardens, seeds, and hearts—but not in a Pinterest kind of way. It’s the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. We "dig" into what it means to have “ears to hear,” why your heart might feel like rocky ground some days, and how God is the one who preps the soil.

Here’s what we cover:

Why the soil (your heart) isn’t the hero

What it looks like to actually receive God’s Word

How conviction and encouragement are both part of spiritual growth

 Why the goal isn’t just hearing—it’s fruit

 What kind of potential God can grow from one tiny seed

In this episode we sit down for a rich and wide-ranging conversation about faith, calling, and biblical literacy with special guest Dr. Steve Steinhilber from Luther Rice College & Seminary.

We kick things off by revisiting the powerful story of Lazarus in John 11 — exploring how Jesus’ tears, His timing, and His questions point us to a deeper understanding of His humanity and divinity. From there, the conversation moves into how God calls people into ministry — often unexpectedly and uniquely — and why biblical education isn't just for pastors.

Dr. Steve Steinhilber shares compelling insights on what happens after seminary: how tools like theology, hermeneutics, and biblical languages help people read Scripture more faithfully and interpret it more responsibly. We even dive into the fascinating detail of the "charcoal fire" in John 21 and how our senses are tied to memory and restoration.

Whether you're feeling called into ministry, hungry to better understand the Bible, or just curious how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways, this episode will challenge and inspire you to listen more closely to what God is saying.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by the wise and thoughtful Dr. Stewart for a powerful Holy Week conversation centered on Jesus’ cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Together, we explore:

What Jesus was truly experiencing in that moment

The deep connection to Psalm 22

The spiritual reality of Christ being forsaken—so that we never would be

How this moment invites us into deeper trust, even in silence

Practical tools for reading and understanding the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus

How the resurrection redefines everything

Whether you’re new to faith or you’ve been walking with Jesus for years, this episode will encourage, equip, and challenge you in all the right ways.

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of The After Church Podcast. In Episode 32, Trey Bailey & Kurt Petersheim are diving deep into one of the most significant questions in history: Did Jesus really rise from the dead?

Joining Trey and Kurt for this episode is Dr. Evan Posey, the Executive Vice President and Provost of Luther Rice College and Seminary. Together, they have a fascinating and "messy middle" conversation about the trustworthiness of the resurrection of Jesus. Is it a historical fact? Did it really happen? What evidence supports the claim?

In this episode, the conversation takes listeners through a combination of theological reflection and historical evidence. We explore the implications of the resurrection, the transformation of the disciples, and how these events have changed the course of history. Dr. Posey shares his expertise in apologetics, helping us understand the textual evidence and historical context that support the claim of the resurrection.

They also discuss the real-world significance of the resurrection, not just as a theological concept, but as an event that has the power to impact our lives today. Whether you are a long-time believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this episode challenges us all to confront the truth about what happened on that first Easter morning.

Whether you're familiar with the biblical accounts or hearing these questions for the first time, Episode 35 is an engaging exploration of faith, history, and the messy middle of difficult questions. Tune in, and don’t miss out on this intellectual yet deeply personal conversation.

Key Takeaways:

- Historical evidence supporting the resurrection of Jesus

- Why the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith

- Insights into how skeptics and believers view the resurrection

- The impact of the resurrection on believers' lives today

Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find this enlightening episode.

[This episode is in partnership with The Town Square Podcast, a local community podcast hosted by Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall. They have created a space where local leaders and influencers can have difficult, but constructive, conversations where the aim is unity, not uniformity. You can find The Town Square Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at www.TheTownSquarePodcast.com.]

#podcast #faith #afterchurchpodcast #thetownsquarepodcast #resurrection #apologetics #hottopics

Visit a church Easter Sunday (Apr 20). Here's a partial list of local churches in the Newton County area:

Eastridge Church

Fusion Church

James Paschal Missionary Baptist

Life Now Church

Hope Church

New Life Praise Center

Springfield Baptist

Journey Church

Church 213

Wesley Methodist (Easter on The Square)

St. Augustine (Catholic)

Holy Cross Cathedral (Anglican)

Pleasant View Baptist

New Hope Baptist

First Baptist of Covington

First Methodist of Covington

First Presbyterian of Covington

Solid Rock Church

The Church Covington

Central Community Church

Starrsville Church

Dovestone Church

Mansfield Baptist

Good Hope Baptist

Stewart Community Church

Bethlehem Baptist

Crossroads Baptist

CrossPointe Church

In this episode of the After Church Podcast, we discuss what it means to live on mission — Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, God has called you to see your city as your mission field. We talk about overcoming obstacles that keep people from knowing Jesus.

Join us as we explore how God grows our compassion for others, the importance of obedience even when we don't "feel" it, and how to view everyday interactions as opportunities to share the gospel. 

In this special episode, we sit down with Stacy from the Newton Christian Learning Center (CLC) to hear incredible stories of life change and community transformation. Local students are discovering purpose through their faith and CLC is making a lasting impact — one heart at a time.

Highlights Include:

How CLC is influencing the local community

Stories of students finding confidence and academic success

The power of integrating faith into students' lives

Ways you can support and get involved

Visit NewtonCLC.com to learn more, volunteer, or donate.

Let’s Be On a Mission Together!

#EastridgeChurch #NewtonCLC #MissionsMonth #FaithInAction #ChristianLearningCenter #CommunityImpact #ServeOthers #afterchurchpodcast

We’re excited to introduce you to Hosanna Fletcher from Giving Hands Food Pantry, one of our incredible Missions partners making a real difference in the lives of those in need in our local community. From providing meals to offering hope, Hosanna is actively living out the gospel—and through your generosity, you get to be part of that mission!

Trey and Kurt also discuss the illustration of a Disco Ball that shines in all directions. So go be a disco ball, baby—reflect His light everywhere you go!

Giving Hands Food Pantry:

www.CovingtonFirst.org/givinghands

Email Community@covingtonfirst.org

Give to Eastridge Missions:

Eastridge.Church/Missions

#EastridgeChurch #GivingHands #Missions #Generosity #BeADiscoBall #afterchurchpodcast

Can you have faith without works? James sure doesn’t think so, and honestly… neither do we. In this episode, we discus what it really means to be alive in Christ. If Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, but he just laid there—uh, that’s not life! Faith without action is the same way—if it's real, it moves.

We’re unpacking James and even getting into the Piper vs. N.T. Wright debate (don’t worry, we keep it friendly). At the end of the day, it all comes down to this: If you’re a Christian… act like one. Live it out. Bear fruit. Be all in. Because real faith? It doesn’t just sit there—it walks.

Topics Covered:

-Faith vs. Works: Are they two sides of the same coin?

-What does it mean to be alive in Christ?

-The Lazarus illustration—get up and walk!

-John Piper, N.T. Wright, and the debate on justification

-Sheep, goats, and how Jesus actually judges us (Matthew 25)

-What does it look like to live in allegiance to King Jesus?

#FaithAndWorks #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Jesus #Podcast #afterchurchpodcast #james

Are You Truly Living Free in Christ?

Many believers talk about freedom in Christ, but what does it actually look like? In this episode, we wrap up our journey through Galatians and explore what it means to sow to the Spirit instead of the flesh. True freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want—it’s about walking in the Spirit, staying rooted in God’s Word, and living in Koinonia (authentic fellowship).

We break down the practical ways to grow in faith, avoid the traps of the flesh, and experience the grace of God through community, prayer, and worship. Plus, we share key scriptures like Galatians, Ephesians, James, and 1 John to guide you in your walk with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

What it really means to "sow to the Spirit"

The role of Koinonia (fellowship) in your spiritual growth

Practical ways to walk in the Spirit daily

Looking for a place to start? Dive into Galatians & Ephesians 4-5!

We're chatting about what it really means to live as sons and daughters of God. We get into the idea of freedom in Christ—what it looks like, how it feels, and why it changes everything. From baptism to the gifts of the Spirit, we’re exploring the deep (and sometimes mind-blowing) truth that we are heirs in God’s kingdom. We also get into how our faith impacts our daily lives, from prayer to almsgiving, and what it means to truly walk out our Christian journey. We explore how Lent can serve as a time for spiritual recentering, focusing on fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as ways to draw closer to God.

Join us for a lighthearted yet thoughtful conversation that blends faith, family, and the joy of living in the freedom of being God's kids. It’s all about embracing what God has for us and living life with purpose.

The After Church Podcast is available on all major Podcast Platforms.

Justified by faith, transformed by love! As we further discuss Galatians, we are breaking down justification vs. salvation, what it really means to be a child of God, and how faith isn’t just a belief—it’s a life-changing reality! 

The legal reality of justification – BAM! (Cue the gavel drop!)

Once justified, always justified? 

Living as sons not just servants – what that means for us today 

The ultimate command: Love God. Love people.

Galatians is jam-packed with truth, and we’re unpacking it all in a way that’s real, relatable, and relevant. So buckle up, grab your Bible, and let’s explore what freedom in Christ really looks like!

Listen now and let’s grow together in faith!

What does it truly mean to be crucified with Christ? In this episode, we dive deep into Galatians and explore Paul’s teachings on dying to self, living in faith, and walking in the Spirit. We break down the tension between grace and works, the meaning of true faith and allegiance to Christ, and how to live life every day.

Join us as we discuss the transformative power of the gospel, the freedom found in Christ, and the call to walk in faithfulness. Whether you're new to your faith or have been a believer for years, this study of Galatians is a powerful reminder of the gospel’s impact on our daily lives.

Scripture References:

Galatians 2:20 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | Romans 6 & 7 | Philippians 2:12 | Philippians 1:6 | James 2

Arguments For Christ

Baptism And Communion

Love Never Fails

Unity In The Church