Three Pastors Walk into a Bar: Recent Episodes
Athol Baptist Church
Discussions between three pastors and a variety of guests ranging from theological leaders to philosophical thought contributors. Episodes deal with a wide array of topics and hot button issues of the day. Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and share.
Today’s topic is controversial among church goers and church leaders alike, especially in our region of the country. Distrust of government can easily seep into guilt by association–distrust of pastors who also take political stances. Or it can lead to complacent, ignorant believers who prefer to remain isolated ‘above’ anything political.
Let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief–the election is over. In this episode, we discuss some of the major and minor takeaways from what some have called the most important election of this generation.
The 2024 general election may turn out to be the most pivotal election in our lifetimes. Constitutional challenges and individual and state rights are at stake in the campaign platforms of both parties like never before. Exercising your right to vote is critical to the future of our nation.
The pastors go off-script and have a freestyle discussion of the dangers of trusting everything we hear versus fact checking to learn real truth.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the Proposed Constitutional Amendment HJR 5 and the Top-Four Primary and Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative that will appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
Idaho Voter Pamphlet [PDF – 3 MB]
Pamphlet Audio with Chapters
Our nation is deeply divided over who it wants to become the President of the United States Of America in November. But who occupies the other houses of government in Washington D.C. and in our state capitols is just as important. The ABC pastors discuss the critical issues that will guide their vote choices in this episode.
For the full text, click here:
Athol Baptist Church Affirmation Of Values
A security breach and the subsequent theft of a massive amount of personally identifiable information for hundreds of millions of Americans now means that practically everybody is at risk of identity fraud. Everybody, period. Three of our pastors discuss what this means for you and what you can do to minimize the odds of you becoming the next victim of identity fraud.
Use these links to place a credit freeze online or by phone:
Equifax
Experian
Transunion
Use this link to check if your contact information exists online:
Google Results about you
Use these links to check if your personal identity was stolen in the National Public Data breach:
NPD Breach Check
Search the National Public Data Breach
Are guardian angels a myth or for real? And if they’re real, how should we think about them, like Santa Claus, a spiritual force field, Jesus Lite?
Today Ken and Greg interview Rod McCoy and get to hear his background and how he got to where he is today. Greg, Ken, and I shared our testimonies on this podcast not long after we launched it. If you want to hear about us, listen to the three preceding episodes in the series titled Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers. Links are in this episode’s description.
Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers - Part 1
Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers - Part 2
Cynics, Skeptics, and Scoffers - Part 3
The three pastors gather at their favorite virtual bar after watching the 2023 movie Nefarious, which aims to jolt secular viewers awake to the reality of satanic evil in our world and how it has deceived much of mankind into self destruction. The pastors compare and contrast what the Bible says about the origin, behavior, and purposes of demons to how Hollywood has portrayed them.
Note: this episode discusses demon possession, satanic oppression, execution by electrocution, and other topics that are not suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.
Nafarious on Amazon Prime Video
In our society today, many people thrive. But some people struggle just to survive. For them, our society doesn’t hold out much hope, mercy, or opportunity. The Bonner Gospel Mission holds out the love of Jesus Christ to men who are struggling just to survive another day and who are looking for a hand up out of their circumstances and hope for a better life.
Bonner Gospel Mission website
Chris, Greg, and Ken explore whether the first and greatest commandment trumps all others. In other words, is breaking a commandment ever the right thing to do for a higher purpose?
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss some of the other voices speaking out about moral issues on the web and give you their recommendations on whether you should listen to those voices or not.
Links to recommendations on YouTube. May also be available on other media platforms.
Russell Brand
JD Greear
Jordan Peterson
Dennis Prager
Ben Shapiro
Matt Walsh
Pastors Chris and Ken take on the risky business of surveying Scripture on women’s pursuit of beauty. They are complemented by the female perspectives of Chris's wife Kim and Pastor Richard's wife Leslie. The discussion grows into the issues of vanity and attraction in both sexes and what they might say about our spiritual maturity or lack thereof.
Pastors Chris and Ken welcome Lakeland Joint School District’s top leaders back to the program to address a recent controversy at Athol Elementary School and for an update on the positive improvements being made in the district.
Listen also to:
Library Porn Act To Become Law In Idaho
What You Can Expect From The New Leadership At Lakeland Joint School District
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the apparent suicide of another local pastor and its implications.
Other episodes in this series:
Mental Health in the Church - Part 1
Mental Health in the Church - Part 2
Mental Health in the Church - Part 3
The trio of pastors look at reasons why the US should support Israel against Hamas regardless of our Judeo-Christian values, as compelling as they are.
You might also like:
Israel At War Again
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss one of the most controversial bills passed by the 2023 Idaho Legislature and the arguments against it.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss recent rumors and warnings that COVID mask mandates and lockdowns will be returning. The facts (so far) tell a different story.
Chris, Greg, and Ken weigh in on the moral debate between formal and material cooperation with evil, between compromise and conscience, between idealism and reality.
Chris and Greg host Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican party, to discuss the accidental(?) removal of our state's presidential primary election. The Republican party has responded by planning caucus meetings statewide to select the party's preferred candidate to advance to the general election. Was it an honest mistake or political subterfuge? Why don't the legislators call a special session and fix their mistakes? Who is going to select the presidential candidate for Idaho? Chris and Greg dig for answers.
Some recent survey and poll data has revealed an unusual shift in the political views of high school and college age men and women. Like so much other division and polarization in this country, young men are increasingly leaning to the right, politically speaking, while young women are increasingly leaning left. This argues against the popular narrative that all young people are becoming more liberal. In this episode, we discuss some of this data with a view to what this might mean for marriages, families, and the church in America.
Survey Shows Increasing Numbers of High School Boys are Conservative, Girls Becoming More Liberal
Monitoring the Future project
High school boys are trending conservative
The Growing Political Divide Between Young Men and Women
High School Boys Becoming More Conservative While Girls Move Farther Left: Survey
Democrats Have a Man Problem. These Experts Have Ideas for Fixing It
Chris, Greg, and Ken are joined by Arizona State University Assistant Professor Jonathan Barth to discuss the US economy which has been crippled by government overspending and seemingly insurmountable national debt.
Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome attorney Katherine Hartley to discuss how the Pacific Justice Institute helps their clients to fight back against threats to their religious freedoms, parental rights, and civil liberties. The Equality Act, free speech, and Idaho’s new law that criminalizes transgender surgeries are also discussed.
You can find the Pacific Justice Institute online at pacificjustice.org
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss perhaps the biggest risk that we run of being part of a local church. But even if that risk becomes reality, there can be reward if we don’t lose faith.
Chris, Greg, and Ken meet with Idaho District 1 Representative Heather Scott to learn what went right and what went wrong in this year’s legislative session in Boise.
Idaho Freedom Update From Heather Scott
101 Things You Can Do To Help Preserve Our Rights And Freedoms
Chris and Ken welcome special guests Heather Scott and Ryan Gattoni to the podcast. Ryan is a solo missionary living on Gonave Island off the coast of Haiti in the Caribbean Sea. After most missionary organizations have left the country due to the devastation left by hurricane Matthew in 2016, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 and the subsequent government collapse, a civil war with criminal gangs, widespread corruption, and crushing poverty, Ryan is living among the Haitians who remain--feeding the hungry, treating the sick and injured, teaching the children, and showing them all the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
Chris, Greg, and Richard discuss the role that entertainment media, and films in particular, should play in the life of a Christian. How pure and perfect would a film have to be to get the unreserved approval of every Christian. Of Christ?
Chris, Greg, and Ken challenge the assertion that there is systemic racism in Idaho that needs to be abolished and learn what it means to be black in Idaho from three men who are actually living it.
Chris, Greg, and Ken challenge the assertion that there is systemic racism in Idaho that needs to be abolished and learn what it means to be black in Idaho from three men who are actually living it.
Chris, Greg, and Ken tackle perhaps the biggest dilemma faced by nonbelievers–why a gracious, loving God would allow evil to prevail in his own creation: murder, hate, greed, natural disasters, wars, poverty, disease, and injustices of every sort.
Chris, Greg, and Ken tackle perhaps the biggest dilemma faced by nonbelievers–why a gracious, loving God would allow evil to prevail in his own creation: murder, hate, greed, natural disasters, wars, poverty, disease, and injustices of every sort.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the major differences between Bible versions and why they matter. They conclude with a crash course on how to read scripture.
Chris and Ken dispel some common myths and discuss what the Bible actually says about the eternal destiny of those people who reject salvation in Jesus Christ.
Chris, Greg, and Ken consider the risk of an environmental disaster in North Idaho similar to the recent train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio. North Idaho railroad lines are critical to moving coal, oil, and other cargo through the state. It is also a region with some of the most beautiful geography in the nation, home to abundant wildlife of every kind, and a natural playground for everyone who lives here.
Chris, Greg, and Ken explain the answer to one of the most controversial questions of our day.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the so-called revival that sprang up at Asbury University in Kentucky in recent weeks, what characterizes an authentic revival, and what it might say about our decaying moral culture.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the typical reasons that people give for not being a part of a local church. Using scripture and their nearly 100 years of combined ministry experience, they point out the fallacy and futility of making excuses for not taking your place in the body of Christ that He died for.
On their way to having a serious discussion about a completely unrelated topic, the three pastors veer off down two rabbit trails but we kept recording anyway. Listen for examples of what pastors talk about when they're off duty. Down rabbit trail 1, Pastor Greg wasn't impressed by the movie The Whale. Down rabbit trail 2, the pastors discuss how church size can effect evangelism, discipleship, and church growth.
Chris, Greg, and Richard take a look at the prepping phenomenon–preparing yourself, your family, and your home to live through an emergency. Whether it’s a run on toilet paper at the supermarket or the Apocalypse, what will you do? Why should you? Are preppers wild-eyed, conspiracy theorists? Do preppers lack faith in God to provide for them?
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the current flurry of political and legal battles going on at North Idaho College with retired City of Coeur d’Alene attorney, Mike Gridley. Mike has sued several current NIC board members, the acting President, and the school’s legal counsel over actions they have taken against the school’s hired president. The turmoil has cost the school over $1 million dollars so far, put its accreditation at risk, damaged education partnerships, demoralized staff and students, and spoiled the school’s otherwise excellent reputation. We begin to dig into the truth about what is really going on.
Chris, Greg, and Ken meet Nate Harder, Director of Protectors’ Peak, a non-profit ministry that provides retreats for police officers, first responders, military, and spiritual leaders experiencing overwhelming stress. Guests to the 144 acre mountain ranch in north Idaho can enjoy a variety of soul-healing indoor and outdoor activities.
Chris, Greg, and Ken sit down with freshman Senator Scott Herndon to discuss House Bill 666, which was approved by the Idaho House in the spring of last year but is now “drawered” in the State Affairs committee. Will it get taken up by the Senate in the 2023 legislative session or die without ever getting a reading?
Chris and Ken meet with Lisa Arnold and Lynn Paslay, the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of the Lakeland Joint School District and discuss the issues that are the most important to parents about their children's education: parents rights, racial equity and gender identity indoctrination, performance standards, staff shortages, school choice, homeschooling, and levies.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the origins of some of America’s Christmas traditions and contrast them with focusing on the real reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ our savior. They share how they celebrate Christmas with their families and close with a Christmas prayer for all their listeners.
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken interview Kristin Cope, Advancement Director and Joanne Zaijcek, Director of Women's Ministries Union Gospel Mission Center for Women & Children in Coeur d’Alene, ID about how the Center is helping women and their children who are homeless in North Idaho.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the possibility that paranormal beings exist and that many people believe in them, even Christians. The pastors look at examples of scripture in the Bible and whether they are consistent with the unexplainable.
Credit Ghostbusters Theme Song: Ghostbusters · Ray Parker, Jr. Ghostbusters (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) ℗ 2010 Raydio Music Corp. Released on: 2016-07-15 Composer, Lyricist: Ray Parker Jr.
Credit Grim Grinning Ghosts: Grim Grinning Ghosts (From "The Haunted Mansion") · The Melomen · Paul Frees · Betty Taylor · Bill Lee · Thurl Ravenscroft A Musical Tour: Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at The Reagan Library ℗ 2005 Walt Disney Records Released on: 2012-01-01
Chris, Greg, and Ken sit down with recently elected Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris to talk about the challenges of law enforcement in one of the fastest growing counties in the US. Keeping the peace here in a conservative region has been made even more difficult by the COVID pandemic, a liberal county nearby in Washington state, attacks on constitutional rights in the name of social justice, and a steadily declining society.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the possibility that paranormal beings exist and that many people believe in them, even Christians. The pastors look at examples of scripture in the Bible and whether they are consistent with the unexplainable.
Chris, Greg, and Ken refute the popular notion that our Constitution forbids any demonstration or display of religious faith by government institutions and that it is illegal for a person or church to express their faith in order to influence how society is governed.
Chris, Greg, and Ken preview the Idaho 2022 General Election ballot and give their advice for each office and piece of legislation up for a vote. For more information about the election, polling places, absentee ballots, past results, and more, click the voteidaho.gov link below.
Chris, Ken, and Richard discuss some of the shocking findings of the annual American Worldview Inventory survey. It shows a dramatic decrease in pastors who hold a biblical worldview. Conversely, it shows troubling increases in syncretism being taught from pulpits across the country and denominations, which leads to confusion, doubt, uncertainty, relativism, and a host of other social ills.
Chris, Ken, and Heidi discuss some of the shocking findings of the annual American Worldview Inventory survey. It shows a dramatic decrease in parents who hold a biblical worldview. Conversely, it shows troubling increases in syncretism among parents, which leads to confusion, doubt, uncertainty, relativism, and a host of other social ills in their children.
When three pastors walk into a bar, they’re bound to meet people who give a variety of reasons why they either don’t believe Jesus is the Christ or they’re put off by Christians. In the third of a three part series, Pastor Ken shares his testimony of growing up in a form of universalism that left him confused and doubtful that there was any absolute truth to be found. But God loves even skeptics who struggle with answers to the hard questions about Him and His son Jesus. Ken now helps lead a church that includes many former cynics, skeptics, and scoffers who are living their lives as demonstrations of authentic, selfless, faith-filled service to their community and the world.
When three pastors walk into a bar, they’re bound to meet people who give a variety of reasons why they either don’t believe Jesus is the Christ or they’re repelled by his church. In the second of a three part series, Pastor Greg shares his testimony of growing up in a Catholic home before pursuing a life of chasing worldly pleasures. But God loves even those who scoff at His invitation to discover real peace and contentment through His son Jesus. Greg now helps lead a church that includes many former cynics, skeptics, and scoffers who are living their lives as demonstrations of authentic, selfless, faith-filled service to their community and the world.
When three pastors walk into a bar, they’re bound to meet people who give a variety of reasons why they either don’t believe Jesus is the Christ or they’re repelled by his church. In the first of a three part series, Pastor Chris shares his testimony of growing up as a pastor’s kid only to run in the opposite direction as a young adult. But God loves cynics too and pursued him with jealous love, undeniable truth, and radical grace. Chris now leads a church that includes many former cynics, skeptics, and scoffers who are living their lives as demonstrations of authentic, selfless, faith-filled service to their community and the world.
Chris, Greg, and Ken meet with Lisa Arnold, the new Superintendent of the Lakeland School District and discuss the issues that are the most important to parents about their children's education: parents rights, racial equity and gender identity indoctrination, performance standards, staff shortages, school choice, homeschooling, and levies.
Chris and Greg run into US Senate candidate Scott Cleveland at the virtual bar. Scott has a lot to say about the incumbent, Mike Crapo and why he should be Idaho’s next senator.
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome their state representative, Heather Scott, back to their Christian cantina to find out what the 2nd half of 2022 holds for individual freedoms in the state of Idaho.
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken interview Dr. Rick Hawk to find out what life has been like at North Idaho’s biggest crisis pregnancy center since the overturn of Roe v. Wade and what he expects for the future of the Pro Life cause in Idaho.
Interview With Pastor Paul Van Noy About the Difference Between Christian Nationalism and Patriotism That Keeps Jesus King Of All
Pastor Chris welcomes Ammon Bundy to the pretend pub to learn why a man that has defied federal and state agencies in at least three states in the past 8 years would want to run for the top government office in Idaho and why Idahoans should vote for him.
He fought against an army of communists in Vietnam fifty years ago. Today, his country is dependent on communist China like nobody of his generation could have imagined. Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome former Marine Joe Stenglein to the show to hear his experience as a soldier in Vietnam and compare the social climate then with today’s very different reality.
The pastors discuss school shooting prevention, preparedness, and response in our own county in the aftermath of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting. Deputy Nick Franssen, who is the active threat instructor for the Kootenai Co. Sheriff’s Office shares how Idaho police officers are trained and prepared to respond to deadly threats anywhere in their communities. They also discuss rights, responsibilities, and recommendations for armed citizens and resources you can use to prepare for the unthinkable.
Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome David Reilly, who ran for Idaho Governor in the 2022 primary election as a Democratic write-in candidate, to the virtual bar. David has always voted for Republican candidates and espouses conservative Christian values but ran as a Democrat to draw attention to the practice by some Democrats of running as Republicans in order to compete in Idaho politics where Republicans dominate.
Chris, Greg, and Ken welcome Idaho Freedom Foundation President Wayne Hoffman to the virtual bar to discuss the risks and rewards of public accountability in Idaho politics. The IFF holds a lot of sway in state elections and legislation. Is it earned legitimately or is it dark money at work in the state capitol?
Chris, Greg, and Ken talk with Northwest Baptist Convention Executive Director Randy Adams about the current state of Christianity in the Northwest, how churches can get too big for their own good, and the sexual abuse scandal that is rocking the Southern Baptist Convention of churches.
Chris, Greg, and Ken are joined by Arizona State University Assistant Professor Jonathan Barth to give us a remedial class in the two basic economic principles of inflation and debt. We need to be reminded how these principles work because our country is quickly veering off into risky territory from dramatic spikes in both.
Chris, Greg, and Ken help you to decide who to vote for in the 2022 Idaho primary election on May 17. They look back at the many interviews they’ve done with key candidates at the state and district levels. As always, they comment on the issues affecting religious liberty, personal freedom, and states’ rights at stake.
Online resources: KCRCC Recommended Candidates (kootenaigop.org) Sitting Legislators’ Votes, Positions, Funding (justfacts.votesmart.org) Idaho Freedom Index also Spending and Education (idahofreedom.org) American Conservative Union - Idaho Ratings (ratings.conservative.org)
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken meet Priscilla Giddings, who is running to step up from her House of Representatives seat to Idaho Lt. Governor in the 2022 primary election. Her background as a world class powerlifter, US Air Force fighter pilot, recipient of college degrees in science, multiple term Idaho House Representative, and mom, she is a formidable candidate.
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken meet Adam Rorick who is running for Idaho State Representative seat 1a to discuss controversial issues facing Idaho residents and how Adam would represent his constituents in the Boise state house.
The three pastors belly up to the virtual bar with Todd Engel, who is running for Idaho state representative seat 1b on a platform primarily about keeping federal government overreach in check. Todd was convicted of participating in a land use protest in Nevada in 2014 and spent four and one half years in federal prison before charges against him were dropped.
Senior Pastor Chris and his wife Kim plus Assoc. Pastor Ken meet up with Idaho Secretary of State candidate Mary Souza. She was the first state lawmaker in America to draft legislation banning private dark money, like what was distributed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in the last election, from being used to operate our public elections.
The Idaho 2022 primary election is May 17, the general election is Nov. 8. Republican Dale Hawkins is running for Idaho State Representative for District 2 seat B. He lives with his wife near Fernwood, ID in Benewah County south of Kootenai Co. and Lake Coeur d’Alene. We interview Dale and get his perspective on some of the most pressing issues on the minds of Idahoans. dalehawkinsforidaho.com
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken sit down with Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane, WA. They discuss the mission’s many ministries to the homeless, poor, and addicted and how ordinary people can be Jesus’s hands extended to those most vulnerable and at risk around us.
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken sit down with Greg Pruett, president of the Idaho 2nd Amendment Alliance to discuss the current state of gun rights in Idaho, one of the most gun friendly states in the nation. We’re faced with fatal gun shootings weekly, which enrage gun control proponents. How can America both protect its constitutional right to gun ownership and prevent the shooting of innocent victims.
This week, our podcast production team of Chris, Ken, and Heidi follows the money that’s changing hands between the COVID vaccine makers and the politicians in Washington, DC. Huge campaign contributions and expensive lobbying is buying pharmaceutical companies favor with politicians who award massive vaccine contracts to those same companies. Meanwhile, many congressional representatives invest in pharma stocks that they know will surge in value, netting them windfalls in profits.
Pastors Chris, Greg, and Ken are joined by Dusty Frantz from the Convention of States Project to discuss how Article V of the US Constitution could be legally used to make critically needed amendments by circumventing our habitually self-serving Congress.
Chris, Greg, and Ken sit down with Heather Scott, the three term state representative from Idaho District 1. They discuss some of the most important and controversial issues facing Idaho as they relate to the national political stage and the future of our beloved home state. As always, we end with what the Bible has to say to Christians about how to navigate our difficult times and what we can do to make a difference from a biblical worldview.
To download 101 Things You Can Do and more information, visit : growingfreedomidaho.com repheatherscott.com
Chris, Greg, and Ken are joined by Professor Jeffrey McCall of DePauw University. They discuss how the free press that we were once proud of and that held our politics in check has sold out to a small group of big corporations and the interests of their owners instead of the public they are responsible to serve.
Chris, Greg, and Ken discuss the results of a recent survey of Americans’ attitudes about mental health issues, some causes of the stigma surrounding mental health in the Church, and how the Church can partner with mental health professionals to effectively help those affected by mental illness. Their guest is Dr. Robert Hoppe, who is a licensed Psychologist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and Professor of Psychology at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Three pastors meet with Joe Evens of KIND Idaho to discuss the legalization of marijuana in Idaho.
The pastors discuss the reality of human trafficking with Anthony from the 611 Network.
Worship leader Tim and associate pastor Richard debate the appropriateness of different styles of music and genres for worship. With the help of senior pastor Chris and associate pastor Greg, they all come to a consensus on what believers should listen and worship to.