The Zeppelin Lounge Podcast: Recent Episodes
Qusai Mahmud & Sergei Marchenko
Q and Sergei reflect on the important conversations of the year based on Collin Hansen's list of Top 10 Theology Stories of 2020.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/my-top-10-theology-stories-of-2020/
Q and Sergei leaf through their journals and discuss what it has been like to minister during the last 9 months.
Bill Pinalto joins Q and Sergei to talk about the 2020 election (even as the ballots are still being counted) and consider how the church should respond to the political turmoil and division.
Q and Sergei discuss what American evangelicals believe based on the recent survey conducted by Ligonier Ministries. You can find all the findings here: https://thestateoftheology.com
Q and Sergei discuss the complexity of being involved in foreign missions based on Aubrey Sequeira's article "A Plea for Gospel Sanity in Missions." https://www.9marks.org/article/a-plea-for-gospel-sanity-in-missions/
Q and Sergei discuss Mark Galli's reversion to Roman Catholicism and consider the future of Mitch Trubinsky.
Q and Sergei discuss the Bible's teaching on justice and consider how it compares with the postmodern view. This is Part Three of the discussion of Tim Keller's article "A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory." You can find it here: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
Q and Sergei discuss the Bible's teaching on justice and consider how it compares with the liberal and the utilitarian views. This is Part Two of the discussion of Tim Keller's article "A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory." You can find it here: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
Q and Sergei interrupt the series on justice to discuss the news about Jerry Falwell Jr. and the state of evangelicalism.
Q and Sergei discuss the Bible's teaching on justice and consider how it compares with the libertarian view. This is Part One of the discussion of Tim Keller's article "A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory." You can find it here: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
Q and Sergei discuss the legacy of R.C. Sproul and consider whether Reformed theology is overrated.
Q and Sergei discuss the legacy of Ravi Zacharias, the future of apologetics, and the value of Mike Trout.
Q and Sergei discuss the legacy of J.I. Packer.
Watch "J.I. Packer in His Own Words" here: https://www.crossway.org/articles/j-i-packer-in-his-own-words-2/
Q and Sergei discuss the most popular news stories of 2019 according to Christianity Today: www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/december-web-only/top-20-christianity-today-news-articles.html
Q and Sergei welcome Bill "The Pinalternator" Pinalto to talk about Christianity Today's editorial advocating for President Trump to be removed from office. This episode is sponsored (not really) by Entertainment Tonight.
Mark Galli's editorial: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/december-web-only/trump-should-be-removed-from-office.html
After almost a half an hour of banter about pulpits, weather, and Elizabeth Heironimus, Q and Sergei consider the church's response to the increasing experience of loneliness in our culture.
Rod Dreher's post about loneliness in the church: www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/church-without-community-benedict-option/
Q and Sergei discuss the dangers of innovation in ministry as well as cover a bunch of nonsense.
Q and Sergei tackle another contemporary threat: expressive individualism. Listen to find out how this worldview sets me vs. God and me vs. community. This episode is sponsored (but not really) by Disney Plus.
Trevin Wax's series of articles on expressive individualism and the church: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/expressive-individualism-series
Q and Sergei continue talking about the danger of pragmatism as they focus on the church growth movement and our obsession with numbers in ministry. This episode is sponsored (not really) by Walgreens, although Walgreens is in no way responsible for the hosts' views on politically correct sports team names. Also, Q describes a meme.
In this riveting episode, Q and Sergei consider the danger of pragmatism and contrast it with biblical wisdom.
"The Biggest Demographic Churches Are Missing" by Thom Rainer: https://thomrainer.com/2019/10/the-biggest-demographic-churches-are-missing/
Q and Sergei consider another danger to the church, namely consumerism. How do business principles affect decisions made in the church? This episode is brought to you (not really) by Duracell.
To kick off a new series, Q and Sergei tackle legalism, one of the most dangerous enemies of the church. This episode is brought to you (not really) by the cheese making class at your local public library.
"Three Types of Legalism" by R.C. Sproul: https://www.ligonier.org/blog/3-types-legalism/
Q and Sergei are back (but don't call it a comeback!) for a new season as they consider how to respond when public Christian leaders denounce their faith.
Q and Sergei never get to their topic and talk about nothing for an hour. This is probably not worth your time. Let's Go Blues!
Q and Sergei give their take on what it means to be an authentic Christian and draw the line between being honestly complacent in sin and honestly embracing a new identity in Christ. Q does two segments: Constitutional Corner and Ethnic Minute.
Sergei reads poetry in Russian and Q enjoys ancient grains as they talk about the ideal size of a church congregation.
Q and Sergei discuss the pros and cons of churches owning businesses to generate income for the ministry. Q does a news segment. This episode is brought to you (not really) by the Cara Cara Orange.
Q and Sergei are back and ready to tackle some serious issues. What is wrong with the church? Could it be that the Evangelical Industrial Complex has become too powerful? Is the celebrity pastor phenomenon an anomaly or a necessity?
Read Carl Trueman's essay here: http://www.reformation21.org/articles/what-if-life-was-complex.php
What is a sermon? Can we replace a sermon with anything else? Does drinking malted shakes lead to drinking beer? These are just some of the questions Q and Sergei tackle in this Valentine's Day episode.
Q and Sergei discuss what their reaction should be to what has been happening at Harvest Bible Chapel.
Here is Julie Roys' article about James MacDonald: https://world.wng.org/2018/12/hard_times_at_harvest
Q and Sergei cover the latest rap song from Magnus Carlsen, praise Kevin Kostner's masterpiece Waterworld, do internet research on air, and eventually get to an article listing some common falsehoods held by Christians.
https://relevantmagazine.com/god/8-lies-too-many-christians-believe
Q and Sergei discuss attitudes that kill church attendance (based on Thom Rainer's blog post) as well as reflect on Magnus' victory over Fabi. This episode is sponsored (not really) by Duke Cannon.
Q and Sergei break down the recent midterm elections, rate sandwiches, and get angry at pastors taking Christians to court.
In this special Halloween episode, Q and Sergei look at scary trends, leaders, and ideas within modern evangelicalism. Boo!
Q shares a story from his childhood. A boy, a father, a donkey, a village desperate for clean water, a tragic mistake.
Q and Sergei consider what people should do with the books of Christian leaders who have recently discredited themselves by moral failure.
Q and Sergei discuss the recent Revoice Conference, yaks come close, and carrots get juiced. It's gotta be the salsa!
Q shares his research and Sergei gets angry as the airship pilots consider stregths and weaknesses of Vacation Bible School.
Q and Sergei consider a controversial topic. Should evangelicals pursue mysticism? The crickets are back.
After a lengthy sabbatical, Q and Sergei are back. In this episode, they discuss the benefits of and problems with retreats. And, the podcast may have found its first sponsor: Duke Cannon Soap for Men.
Q and Sergei are back to discuss possible reasons (good and bad) for leaving a church. This episode is a lot of fun in spite of the chirping of crickets in the background.
Q and Sergei suggest what to look for when choosing a new church, but not after they spend a good portion of the show discussing chess. Fabiano vs Magnus, who you got?
Mr. Wallace joins Q and Sergei to discuss the influence of technology on the church and the benefits of carrot juice.
Q and Sergei, two men, consider the nuances of complementarianism, touch on local politics, and discuss the game of chess.
Part Two of our conversation with Kevin Bult. Q and Sergei explore some of the differences between the American and the Mexican Christian cultures.
Q and Sergei welcome their first international guest Kevin Bult who shares his experience of being a missionary in Mexico.
Q and Sergei discuss the history of stained glass and try to convince Christians to observe Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Q and Sergei are back after a month-long hiatus to discuss the origins of the pews and how to get the most out of a sermon.
Q and Sergei look at the most popular news stories of 2017 according to Christianity Today.
Q and Sergei consider special opportunities for outreach during Christmas and accuse each other of lying.
Q and Sergei consider the merits of the regulative principle of worship applied to the Advent season and discuss Christmas songs. Q issues another tip.
In this second Advent episode, Q and Sergei discuss the disadvantages of holiday themed ministries. Q wants to discipline the ungenerous and Sergei's laptop battery dies before the official end of the episode.
Q and Sergei discuss Thanksgiving, argue about the beginning of Advent, and give tips for making the most out of the holiday season.
Q and Sergei discuss preaching on the Second Coming of Christ, Sergei mocks Q for his failure to trap a raptor, and Q shares a tip for disarming a bully (like Sergei).
Q and Sergei discuss Q's crime-fighting activities on Reformation Day and consider various hobbies, most of them surprisingly bird-centric.
Q and Sergei are back to discuss Pastor Appreciation Month, bro country, and ask a very important question: Should we be making a big deal about the 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation?
Q and Sergei talk with Bill Pinalto about Christian liberty, Game of Thrones, Gnomio and Juliet, and Kevin DeYoung. Are there good gnome jokes?
Q and Sergei welcome back Bill "Threepeat" Pinalto to discuss the Nashville Statement. Bill and Sergei compete in yet another edition of America's favorite game "Dog Groomer or Hot Dog Stand?"
Executive Pastor Q and Sergei continue last week's conversation about introverts and extroverts in the church and attempt to arrive at a place of peace, harmony, and shalom.
Q and Sergei welcome back Ben "Mad Dog" Rico to talk about introverts in the church. Do churches really favor extroverts? Beware, this conversation gets out of hand and ends abruptly. Carl Jung gets referenced several times.
Q and Sergei continue their conversation about the Christian response to racism with Mark "B.K." Eason. Jacob Bart makes a very brief appearance. If you like the podcast, please leave a review on iTunes and share it on social media.
Q and Sergei welcome the hall-of-famer Mark "B.K." Eason to talk about the Christian response to racism.
Q and Sergei discuss the 2014 documentary "Poverty, Inc." How should wealthier Christians and churches help the poor? Check out the documentary on Netflix or at www.povertyinc.org
Q and Sergei discuss the benefits of attending seminary. Q goes on a rant, baseball and Christian hiphop are briefly discussed. If you like the podcast, please share this episode on social media and rate it on iTunes.
Q and Sergei come dangerously close to getting embroiled in a brouhaha while talking about a recent controversy. If you like the podcast, please leave us a review on iTunes and follow us on all other platforms.
Q and Sergei discuss biblical patriotism, Sergei competes against the state of Utah in "Dog Groomer or Hot Dog Stand," and Q tells the world how he feels about Nate.
Q and Sergei welcome back Todd Goulet from The Yankee Pilgrim Podcast and talk about pastoral qualifications, specifically as related to divorce and remarriage. Towards the end, the conversation takes an awkward turn and zeroes in on Sergei's and Q's friendship. And the guys play "Dog Groomer or Hot Dog Stand. New England Edition." If you like the podcast, please rate and review it on iTunes.
Q and Sergei welcome Jake "The Snake" Carlson to talk about Christ-centered preaching of the Old Testament. Another round of America's favorite game "Groomer or Hot Dog Stand" is played.
Q and Sergei meander through the topic of lay eldership as well as talk about sweaters, poetry, and Todd Goulet.
Q and Sergei talk about spiritual giants of the past and their blindspots and failures. And Q issues another excellent tip.
Q and Sergei welcome back Paul 'Coops' Cooper to talk about cool churches and to play another round of America's favorite game 'Dog Groomer or Hot Dog Stand?'
Q and Sergei play America's new favorite game "Dog Groomer or Hot Dog Stand" and consider the value of premarital counseling. If you like the podcast, please leave a review on iTunes.
Q and Sergei welcome Todd Goulet from The Yankee Pilgrim Podcast to consider what the Bible says about divorce and remarriage.
Q and Sergei discuss outreach strategies for churches, stumble on some ancient truths, and share their marketing ideas for energy drinks.
In this bonus episode, Q and Sergei respond to another podcast's review of Code of Honor starring Steven Seagal. The Lounge defends the honor of the misuderstood modern auteur and instigates an epic conflict between Zeppelin Navy and Gut Check Army.
Q and Sergei discuss the ever-pressing question: How can I know God is speaking to me? And in an unexpected turn of events, it is Sergei that offers a Q tip!
Q and Sergei consider advantages and disadvatages of bi-vocational ministry, Q discovers the "dramatic piano" sound effect, and more Q-tips are revealed.
Q and Sergei broadcast live from the Gospel Coalition Conference in Indianapolis. Mad Dog Rico is in the room.
Q and Sergei welcome back their friend-man Bill Pinalto to determine the champion of the inaugural Tournament of Bad Church Ideas. It's March Madness, Zeppelin Lounge style!
Q and Sergei discuss best practices of corporate and personal discipleship and argue about libraries.
Chris Wright returns to discuss church planting, Q tries to stir up controversy, and Sergei brings up Hitler.
Q and Sergei attempt to correct the prevailing perspective on singleness by looking at it as a calling with many advantages.
Q and Sergei discuss the idea of dating in light of the Bible, Q makes an unfortunate alliteration, and Sergei can't even.
Q and Sergei discuss various questions concerning baptism with a special emphasis on baptizing children and teenagers.
Q and Sergei welcome Aaron Damiani to talk about his new book "The Good of Giving Up" and explain the benefits of observing Lent. You can get your own copy of the book by sharing this episode on social media or by discovering our podcast based on one of those shares.
Q and Sergei welcome Jen Pollock Michel to talk about her books, the biblical view of desire, and female voices in the blogosphere.
Q and Sergei consider abuse of power as a firable offense and reflect on the type of leaders evangelicals seem to attract.
Q and Sergei welcome Paul Cooper to talk about differences between rural, urban, and suburban churches.
Q and Sergei reflect on Christianity Today's most popular stories of 2016 and give out their Steven Seagal themed awards.
Q and Sergei discuss Harry Potter and whether Christians should expose their children to magic.