What’s the big deal? You’re just standing up there, talking. On this week’s episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson suggest some things about preaching the average church member may not know. Some misunderstandings, misperceptions, and even mis-aimed appreciations.

One thing Jared and Ross share is sarcasm as a love language. So on this week’s ep they’re revisiting the subject of humor — sarcasm among friends, mockery on social media, the pros and cons of humor, the ins and outs of humor sensitivity, and what the Bible says about it all.

It’s a mailbag episode! On this week’s For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson dig into the inbox and tackle questions related to sheep swapping and church hopping, the pursuit of writing, fruitful pulpit supply, and how Satan’s rebellion connects to questions of worship, sanctification, and the possibility of sin in the new heavens and new earth. As always, to submit a question for the mailbag, email us at [email protected]

Lots of singles in the church. Fewer and fewer marriages. What gives? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about their own observations and experienes in the “dating world” of the local church. Why are young men and women finding it difficult to find potential spouses? Why do they find it difficult sometimes to even talk to each other? What are the relational landmines in seeing the church as a dating pool? And what can singles actually do to enhance their potential for Christian marriage?

Is there a particularly Christian way to approach sports? Does the Bible say anything about it? Beyond the typical warnings about idolatry and obsession, what good can Christians derive from athetlics and athletic competitions? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the importance and influence of sports, including the question about whether Christians should participate in sports like boxing and MMA.

This week the guys decide to touch one of the touchiest subjects in the church — money. What’s it really for? Why is it so difficult to talk about among Christians? How can we best steward it? And how is generosity a reflection of worship?

In this episode, the latest annual reflection during Easter week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss why too many preachers and churches frequently leave out the resurrection in their gospel presentations. Why is it so easy to forget the resurrection? And what should this week’s emphasis on Christ’s emergence from the grave mean for our thinking and ministry year-round?

In the second of two live episodes recorded at the Federated Fellowship Bible Conference in Pella, Iowa, this time around Jared and Ross answer questions from the conference audience. No pre-screening. No safety net. Just a couple of guys, a couple of mics, and a handful of surprise queries.

Here’s a first for the FTC Podcast! Jared and Ross recorded this Mailbag episode live at the Federated Fellowship Bible Conference in Pella, Iowa on March 8, 2025 as the first part of two total live episodes. The questions submitted by listeners include: when should pastors speak out about politics, why evangelism feels “transactional,” the impact of conferences and podcasts on our understanding of pastors, and how uniform church members should be on doctrinal matters.

Jared and Ross return to a past episode format — “mixing it up” — where they draw out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation — this week, on student ministry.