Not Your Father's Faith: Recent Episodes
Jeffrey Winters
It’s okay to get lost even after you’re Found. Join former missionary and current pastor, Jeff Winters, on a journey into a wider, deeper, and stronger understanding of modern faith. We all have morals, but where do yours come from? We all have a backstory, but what has left a lasting-impression with you? What’s the Bible for, and how can you use it correctly? Who is this God, and how do you get to know Him? Jeff and co-hosts Pam and Scott challenge you ask better questions which can lead to surprising revelations about your faith. Dare to explore with us every episode of Not Your Father’s Faith dropping Tuesdays at 1pm.
Scott's sister Wendy heard the last episode on Prayer and thought we needed to be schooled a little bit. Armed with scripture and quotes and books on prayer, she teaches us a lesson or two.
Listen as Scott turns to Pastor Jeff and Dave to unlock the mystery of prayer. Their answers may surprise you.
Listen as Pastor Jeff and Scott kick around the subject of masculinity and what it means to express your love for one another. How has our role as men changed in the last generation or two? Did your father tell you he loved you? Did he hug you? Are you telling your sons today you love them? Are you hugging them? WWJD?
Pastor Jeff gave us a good health scare 3 months ago but is back with the best excuse ever for his not so up to par golf game. Listen as we learn about his extended hospital stay and successful (almost) complete recovery.
What an exciting now year as we continue to get to know the members of our church family. And in this episode we welcome 26-year-old Austin Lewis to Not Your Father's Faith. Finally, some youth. Or as Fred Gwynne's character asked in My Cousin Vinny, "what's a yoot?" Listen to find out.
If you, like many others, grew up Catholic, you will relate to Michelle Gardiner's early challenges understanding God. She takes us from Hopewell to Clarion to Roland's to a life with 4 men/boys. Listen and get to know a woman that started in the back row of Freedom Life Center to the front.
From Flint to Brussels to Minnesota to Florida to Africa. Try to keep up as Michelle Winters takes us around the world in her life's journey with the Lord including Jeff robbing the cradle.
As we continue our quest to learn everyone's story in our faith community, we welcome Connie "Perk" Rostosky in to the NYFF studio to share her incredibly inspirational and revealing journey of family and faith.
Come to a service at Freedom Life Center or watch the live stream and you can't help but notice a larger than life man in the second row. Turns out Lonnell Becoate's heart is at the heart of an incredible story of hardship, inspiration and giving. Listen and learn as we continue to get to know the fascinating people in our faith community.
Pastor Jeff and Scott pick the brain of our resident Neuropsychologist Jamie Petrick in a fascinating discussion about our heads and hearts and God.
If you've ever joined us for a service at Freedom Life Center you've heard Pastor Jeff poke fun at Marty Toth for representing the elder members of the congregation. Listen as we all get to know our favorite Martin.
Listen as Pastor Jeff and Scott explore the spiritual gifts God has given us to serve him in church and in the community. And how is that someone else may be better at recognizing our gifts than we do.
Jeff, Scott and Dave recommend a book a piece for you starting with a book that could save your life.
With an election less than 3 weeks away, we thought we would kick around some issues and policies that might help guide you through the process of deciding who to vote for as a Christian.
Who wrote the bible? Why were these scriptures written down? Who were they meant for? Do the various translations do justice, or not to the spirit of the word? Join Jeff, Scott and good friend Dave in this effort to answer some difficult and fascinating questions about the most important book ever written.
We try to understand why God is a lawman in the Old Testament but sends us a loving Jesus, his human form, in the New Testament. How do we reconcile the stark differences between the old covenant and the new covenant.
Do you have any regrets? Is it healthy to think about regrets? Should regret be the first step in a process of repentance that leads to spiritual grow? Explore the subject of regrets with Pastor Jeff and Scott in this new episode.
When you are out in the world, can you recognize the fellow Christians among us? If so, what does a Jesus follower look like? And what can we do to better represent our selves as a Christian? What does it take for someone in the world to look at us and say, "they are a believer."
Following a couple episodes exploring the before/during/after journey Pastor Jeff took with his recent open heart surgery, this episode fails miserably at answering the age old question of why does a loving God allow us to suffer if he is all powerful.
Jeff presses the microphone against his chest to reveal that his newly repaired heart can play Iron Man by Black Sabbath. Tell me if you don't hear it.
How do you take your 89 year old aunt to her cardiologist appointment and YOU'RE the one that gets the open heart surgery? Jeff has some explaining to do in this latest episode.
Learning To Float author and friend of the podcast Dave Stradling joins us for an episode that was recorded in church that teaches us how to write a book and ultimately, through his latest book, to discover a life of purpose and joy.
Following Father's Day weekend, Jeff and Scott reminisce about their dads and grade themselves as fathers.
Listen to the unbelievable story of our friend Pete Rostosky's brush with death and his mantra, 'Way2BU". And Scott is schooled on how to say his name.
Our buddy from New York, Dave Stradling joins us as the prolific author releases another book, this one describing a very personal, often times painful journey of self doubt and eventual growth threw the help of a special letter writing relationship.
Let's get caught up and count a few blessings. And do you need to be of a certain age to know what sup hose are?
We left the bottom half of Jeff dangling in the last episode. This two parter wraps up as Jeff & Michelle's and the boys journey from Africa back to the United States where Freedom Life Center was born.
Thought you might enjoy a "let's get to know Jeff" episode. Our fearless podcast leader often refers to his life before he became a pastor, but listen to this episode to get a greater understanding of the background that shapes the perspective that he shares with us every week.
Join Pastor Jeff and Scott and our frequent guest Pastor Dave as we examine the ways to worship following Easter. Dave also gets personal in his upcoming new book which he teases in this episode.
Listen as Oklahoma Jeff, Pastor Jeff and Scott explore a visit to Waco Texas, church financials, how to worship post resurrection and is Easter a gift giving holiday.
The more porters you drink the better we sound as we tackle naked yoga, Lent and a physical resurrection. Find another podcast that challenges you like this.
Listen to learn what Scott did with Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to lose his job. And we question how music should be incorporated into worship.
The Oklahoma accent and sage advice is very comforting as our friend Jeff Williams jumps aboard to share his prayer vision ahead of his visit to Pittsburgh and Freedom Life Center in a couple of weeks.
Jeff, Dave and Scott break down how we should prepare for Easter through prayer, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, almsgiving, simple living and self denial. Say what? And is your favorite Easter candy the most popular in the country?
Our buddy Dave joins us for a first in a series of episodes about all things Lent. Today we touch on fish, fasting and that crazy rabbit. Fish Yeah!
Our friend and author Dave Stradling helps us anticipate the season day by day and week by week with hope, love, joy and peace.
If it's better to give than receive, isn't the act of giving selfish because it makes the giver feel good? In other words, are we giving to make the receiver feel good or us? No matter what, we give you this episode with the hope you receive it with love. Oh, and it makes us feel good too.
Listen to our frequent podcast guest and friend Pastor Dave Stradling describe the process of writing his first (and second) book. Then get a sneak peek into "25 Invitations of Christmas (An Advent Devotional)".
Jeff and Scott explore the story of a married woman who realizes how unhappy her marriage is, and seeks a new direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to "find herself". Can you see yourself in this Julia Roberts character?
When tragedy strikes, how do we have faith in a loving God that let us down? That didn't prevent this from happening? How do we not question everything? Well, Pastor Jeff and Scott do.
Who are we at our core? Are we created in love or sin first? Our buddy Dave Stradling reviews his talk about the story of Frankenstein to see what it reveals about our humanity and the people we have been created by God to be. And Dave gives us the big news about his soon to be released book.
Jeff leads us in a discussion about serving in the church. Seems pretty simple, right? Then why do so few do so? And our friend Pastor Dave tells us what the 4 and 6 year old are going as for Halloween and when we can expect the BIG announcement. What a tease!
Friend of the podcast Dave Stradling leads us down the road to salvation and teases us with his soon to be announced BIG NEWS.
Our exploration of the book of Genesis turns into a discussion about the translation and interpretation of that book and the Bible in general. Yes, we went there. Join us.
Jeff is back from Bimini challenging us to challenge the first couple of chapters in the bible. Will you cruise through this bible study or will you find yourself in rough seas?
The importance of religion is on the decline but the importance of community is on the rise. And more people are open to spirituality. So why aren't people finding community in church? Why is the church not seen as a place that fosters the community people are desiring? Listen as we explore these questions with our friend Pastor Dave Stradling.
Join us for a discussion about divorce. When can a marriage be saved? When has Pastor Jeff recommended a split? And are God-centered couples more likely to save their marriage?
If a friend came up to you and said they saw you in a vision or they said they saw you in a dream, which one would you be more comfortable with? Scott says dream. You?
Scott is a grandfather again and Jeff is taking a trip. Maybe not the kind you're thinking of.
Join the conversation as dads Jeff and Scott explore the differences of raising boys and girls and why a mason jar of what appears to be baby formula, may be the last thing Pappy should be feeding the granddaughter.
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? This oath may apply in court, but it certainly doesn't in the outside world. We discuss when it's appropriate to lie...a little bit.
Having trouble picking out a baby name for your next child? Might we suggest "Jeff" or "Scott?" Or better yet, let us suggest some faith based names. We discover the most popular names given to babies last year and reveal the most famous or infamous "Jeffrey" in history. Are you thinking who we're thinking?
If we had a church elder it would be Carl Bauer who shares his well worn faith and wisdom with us on this episode. Listen until the end to discover how we arrived at the "Ask Carl" title of this podcast.
Our guest Jefferson represents a growing number of believers who are struggling to find a church that fits their needs, or worse yet, are "done" with church as we know it.
Jeff returns from anniversary vacation to quiz on the love languages most important to our marriages.
See if you're as confused as Scott is as Pastor Jeff welcomes Doug (ChatGPT) into the studio for a discussion about chatbots and the future of artificial intelligence that can think like a human (or better).
If getting to Heaven is the ultimate goal, what has God placed us on earth to do in the meantime? Listen to our friend Steve who believes he has discovered the truth.
He has risen! Now what? Pastor Jeff leads us in a bit of a bible study to explain the 40 days following the resurrection. And how important are the events of this time in the growth of Christianity.
Jeff and Scott welcome Pastor Dave Stradling back to the podcast to teach us a trick or two about Spiritual Formation including the art of silencing yourself. Listen to Dave's instruction to see if you can meet this spiritual challenge.
Though both are gun owners and carry guns, Scott's son-in-law Brennan and Pastor Jeff discuss how the bible could lead you to different conclusions about God's take on guns.
Pastor Jeff's friend Jeff leads us in a fascinating conversation about the business of church and how to avoid the temptation of leaning on the church big givers. We also discuss other toxic church symptoms and solutions.
Where is the best place to welcome people into the kingdom of God? On a golf cart of course. See what I did there? Meet Roger Emerson, a self described missionary lawyer from Akron, Ohio who shares a slice or two of wisdom with Jeff and Scott.
Our guest Pastor Dave Stradling from Awaken Westchester Church in New York breaks down Spiritual Formation. What are your practices?
SPOILER ALERT! Jeff and Scott make an attempt to talk in circle as not to give away too much about the new movie called Jesus Revolution. Let's just say they failed miserably.
Pastor Jeff questions whether we need a revival (Asbury University in Kentucky) to grow closer to God or to be transformed. What will you think after listening to this discussion?
After a month of podcast technical and equipment issues, Pastor Jeff returns to school us on where God's will begins and our free will kicks in. Do you believe God has predetermined everything in your life, or does God allow us to make choices based on the wisdom he has given us?
While the church ladies party in their PJ's, Jeff, Pam and Scott revisit the subject of gratitude through a write-it-down exercise.
On our Thanksgiving episode, Jeff suggests that by writing down what we are grateful for everyday, we will realize a greater sense of thankfulness.
Do you tell your best friend, your spouse everything? We mean EVERYTHING? And did Jesus have friends. Listen in as our special guest Pete returns for a second episode about friends.
Who knew that when they met in 8th grade Jeff would become a pastor and his friend Pete would become a Pittsburgh Steeler? Pete Rostosky joins us for a discussion about friendship and what qualifiers lead to lasting relationships.
Father of the groom Jeff, recaps the big wedding and shares the provocative advice he gave Brent & Annie. Get your rim shot ready!
“Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s” is a well-known quote that is part of Jesus’ response to a joint attempt by the Herodians and Pharisees to make Jesus stumble in front of His own people. Jeff, Pam and Scott run exegeses and hermeneutics exercises on this quote to uncover the real meaning of this very clever response from Jesus.
We get the latest report on Pam's dad. We get the latest report on the wedding of the century. And we learn what Jesus might have meant when he told us to turn the other cheek.
Be careful what you ask for. Do you want the truth? Or, do want the truth sometimes and a little white lie other times?
Feel the power of Pam and her inspiring t-shirt message taking place in the checkout line at the grocery store. Listen and reflect on how God has worked in mysterious ways in your life and how you've unexpectedly lifted someone up.
If your business partner embezzled money from you, confessed to it and you forgave them, does he still owe you the money back?
Listen in on a spirited discussion between Pastor Jeff and Scott's mom about gatekeepers and this Bible verse: do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Who is the keeper of the gate that unlocks the real truth written in the bible? Pastor Jeff perhaps?
How blessed are you? And has a bad thing in your life turned into a blessing? Jeff has popcorn on his list, while Pam is blessed by her car. What are your blessings? Let us count them together.
Pam returns with great family medical news. And we pop the top on some bubbly to celebrate a podcast milestone, thanks to you for listening.
Jeff dons scrubs to describe how doctors literally blew smoke up people's backsides back in the day. This is what happens when Pam leaves the boys to play.
Jeff, Pam and Scott debate the difference between Joy and Happiness. One conclusion: there can be joy in sorrow, but not happiness. What do you think?
Pastor Jeff, Pam and Scott attempt to tackle the question of whether Jesus is the only one capable of healing others?
Pam is back from the beach. Mom is 90 and still open minded. And you still can't buy a car on Sunday!
When we say Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we mean that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, but they are not three gods but only one God.
Ladies and Gentlemen, will you please stand and join me as we welcome for the SECOND time publicly, Mr. & Mrs....
Pastor Jeff, Pam and Scott continue the conversation about living the life of a transgender family and what determines today's sexual morality.
Listen in as Pam shares her experiences as an ally to the LGBTQ community and how the church navigates through this MODERN issue.
Many schools have quietly taken the words "Christmas" and "Easter" out of traditional school holiday breaks, replacing them with religion-less references like "Winter" and "Spring" instead. Should this be a time to stand up and say, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this any more?" Pastor Jeff, Pam and Scott invite you into the conversation.
We learn about Paul who is considered the author of 13 books of the Bible—more than any other biblical writer. For this reason, Saint Paul had a greater impact on the world’s religious landscape than any other person besides guess who?
Listen in on the discussion of how the Hebrew scriptures became the basis of the Christian Holy Bible.
Look at the Old Testament through a modern lens. Can the tech-savvy minds of today really understand the importance of the stories from oral cultures in the past?
If you don't understand the story OF the Bible, it's easy to discount the stories IN the Bible. Join us for a fascinating history lesson about the origins of the Bible. Who knew? Pastor Jeff did!!!
Is God the genocidal God of the Old Testament or the God of Jesus we learn in the New Testament? Yes, we dare to go there. Do you?
We may need to gag Jeff to get through this one as we welcome his wife, Michelle to give us the lowdown about being married to a pastor.
From "the talk," to an analogy about sex using scrambled eggs, we attempt to tackle romantic love in a biblical and cultural sense.
Listen as we explore the meanings of these two often overused but very important words. The pressure is on Pam to be the most graceful.
Time to tackle the taboo topic of money. Flush out the formulas and feelings our podcasters use to calculate tithing.
Are there right (and wrong) ways to worship God? Look inside and outside Sunday services at the time we spend with Him.
We welcome Tony, drummer at FLC and Pam’s husband, to answer our first listener-suggested question: What is worship?
Take a wider view on the definition of prayer as we discuss the spiritual (and physical) benefits of meditation and fasting.
Jump in for a ride as Jeff and Scott take a look in the rear view mirror and turn the headlights on 2022.
While enjoying Pam's cookies, the discussion centers around The Christmas Story and whether it's fable or fact or a little of both.
Pam's teenagers and little one don Christmas PJ's with footies as we share traditions and gift memories 'round the tree.
Pam wants to pin her sin on the devil, but Jeff doesn’t see a need to personify evil. If God is all things good, does Satan balance the scales?
Before his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus lived life as a man. But why did God spend time with us in that way? Hear our take on the impact of an earthly existence.
After sampling “Did God Kill Jesus” by Tony Jones, our podcasters dive deep into atonement.
Consider the possible meanings of the phrase “the Word of God”. Were biblical writers stenographers to the Lord or inspired authors sharing stories through their own world views?
Continuing our search for faith fundamentals, Scott wants to know who we should pray to. Let’s talk Holy Trinity and messages from above.
Pam and Scott want a crash course for newbies, but Jeff brought centuries of theology to unpack. Question 1: How do you become a Christian?
Like a trapeze artist, you must let go of where you are to get to where you need to be. Shine a light on the scary liminal space and the grieving process that go hand-in-hand with change.
Did this religious podcast just become a philosophical debate? Evaluate your sources and your stance on finding truth.
Will brick-and-mortar churches weather the storm of a global pandemic? Investigate online viewing, church-shopping, and separation from religious communities. For better or worse, what might the future hold?
Whether following in his father’s footsteps or forging a new path for himself (and others), Jeff has gone where the Lord has led him. Hear how a religious man has handled the hills and valleys of life.
When all else fails, start name-dropping. Enjoy Scott’s lightly embellished and sometimes spiritual backstory.
From Little House on the Prairie to podcasting with the pastor, find out how finance, false decrees, and food (mostly food) have influenced Pam’s religious journey.
Simplify the complicated work of caring for people without condoning behavior. Give your actions the love test.
Time for a pop-quiz! Are the ‘rules’ of the Bible universal or cultural? How do we interpret and apply them today? Is there a good method for determining the intent of biblical law?
The phrase ‘All Welcome Here’ looks great on a marquee, but are churches really practicing what they preach? Learn how Jesus showed love and acceptance of all, even the sinners.
God doesn’t change, but that doesn’t mean our relationship with Him never changes. Find the freedom in shedding the trappings of religion as Jeff shares his start on a journey to know God better.
Delve into the difficult task of definition as we discuss the impact that context and intention have on the meaning of words.
From a simple meal group to a deep-diving podcast, witness the humble beginnings of an honest conversation about modern faith.