The BRAVE Way Podcast
Christians have BIG questions—about the Trinity, about prayer, and yes… about Christmas, Easter, and even Halloween. In this fast-paced episode of Ask Pastor Jeff, he tackles some of the most debated topics in the church today: 🔥 Is Trinity subordinationism biblical? 🔥 How does Jesus intercede for us right now? 🔥 Can you pray “wrong” to the Trinity? 🔥 Are Christmas and Easter actually pagan? 🔥 Should Christians avoid Halloween—or redeem it? Pastor Jeff cuts through confusion with clear biblical answers—especially from Romans 14—and reminds us that every day belongs...
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Have you ever wondered whether your good deeds play a role in your salvation? Pastor Jeff brings absolute clarity to this foundational question, breaking down Ephesians 2:8–9 with powerful, biblical truth. Through practical examples and Scripture-rooted teaching, he shows that good works don’t earn salvation—they flow out of it. Salvation is God’s gift by grace through faith, and the works we do are the evidence of a transformed life. If you’ve wrestled with doubt, confusion, or pressure to “do more” to be saved, this message will reshape your perspective and deepen your...
info_outlineThe BRAVE Way Podcast
Have you ever wondered whether your good deeds play a role in your salvation? Pastor Jeff brings absolute clarity to this foundational question, breaking down Ephesians 2:8–9 with powerful, biblical truth.
Through practical examples and Scripture-rooted teaching, he shows that good works don’t earn salvation—they flow out of it. Salvation is God’s gift by grace through faith, and the works we do are the evidence of a transformed life.
If you’ve wrestled with do
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Does baptism actually save you? Should infants be baptized? What’s the difference between water baptism and Spirit baptism? Pastor Jeff Schwarzentraub breaks it ALL down — straight from Scripture — with clarity, conviction, and Biblical accuracy. In today’s video you’ll learn: Who biblically should be baptized Why water baptism does NOT remove sin What Spirit baptism actually is Why “baptismal regeneration” isn’t in the Bible How to know if YOU need to get baptized again What happened to Pastor Jeff when HE finally got baptized If you have EVER had questions about baptism —...
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Learning Scripture deeply—and multiplying it in others
Finishing well: humility, correction, and accountability
Forming men to bless women, children, church, and city
Why BRAVE runs toward mission (“Taking Ground”)
Chapters
00:00 Welcome & the “gates of hell” moment
03:05 Peoria roots, sushi night, and a God-woven friendship
08:42 Fasting, preaching, and confirmation of calling
15:10 Bible study that mov
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What if God’s greatest work began in the darkest place?
At 17 years old, Pastor Howie was sentenced to 75 years in prison for violent crimes. But inside a solitary confinement unit known as “the dark side,” he encountered a tattered Bible—and the truth that would change everything. Through Psalm 139, Howie discovered he was fearfully and wonderfully made, not a mistake but a man with divine purpose.
This moment sparked a radical transformation—from a violent fi
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Even in her darkest moments, when anxiety, depression, and self-harm consumed her life, Lauren Donegan discovered that Christ never left her side. In this powerful episode of The Brave Way Podcast, Pastor Jeff sits down with Lauren, an 18-year-old from BRAVE’s Next Gen ministry, to share her raw and redemptive journey from brokenness to new life in Jesus.
Lauren opens up about the lies of the enemy, the dangers of isolation and social media, and the destructive patterns that once defin
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Former Wisconsin Badgers captain & Bucs safety D'Cota Dixon shares how God turned a performance-driven life into a bold call to evangelism. From loss, struggle, and mentorship to family and ministry—this is a powerful testimony. Pastor Jeff interviews D'Cota Dixon about his journey from the NFL to full-time ministry. D'Cota opens up about losing his father, college struggles with sin, the mentors who discipled him, why evangelism is an overflow of love, and how marriage, fatherhood, Scripture, and prayer shaped his walk with Christ. You’ll hear: How God used spiritual fathers to...
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Former Wisconsin Badgers captain & Bucs safety D'Cota Dixon shares how God turned a performance-driven life into a bold call to evangelism. From loss, struggle, and mentorship to family and ministry—this is a powerful Jeff interviews D'Cota Dixon about his journey from the NFL to full-time ministry. D'Cota opens up about losing his father, college struggles with sin, the mentors who discipled him, why evangelism is an overflow of love, and how marriage, fatherhood, Scripture, and prayer shaped his wal
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Ever wondered what it’s really like to grow up in a pastor’s home? In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Pastor sits down with his daughter, Brooke, to talk about faith, family, and life in the spotlight of ministry. From childhood moments of grace to the life-changing day she accepted Christ, Brooke shares her journey with vulnerability and hope. Pastor reflects on raising children authentically—focusing on love over obligation and trust over fear—while navigating the unique challenges of ministry life. You’ll be encouraged to create open, grace-filled conversations in your own...
info_outlineIn a recent podcast, Pastor Jeff and Pastor Doug discuss their experiences with church planting and ministry challenges. They reflect on the importance of adaptive leadership, especially as church plants grow and transition from survival to health, and share insights on trusting God amidst uncertainties. Doug emphasizes the need for authentic community and the role of prayer in church growth, while both pastors acknowledge that each phase of ministry presents unique challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, they express hope for future church plants and the importance of empowering leaders within their congregations.
00:39 - Doug Long on the Brave Way Podcast
01:56 - Living in a Snowstorm
04:30 - Paul the Planter: Growing a Church in Michigan
06:26 - Marathon Family Church starts in Traverse City
09:42 - Pastor Doug on Being a Senior Pastor
12:21 - Different Preaching When You're Invited
16:17 - Thought for the Week: Devotional Time and Study Time
19:59 - How to Celebrate Your Wedding Anniversary
20:49 - What's the Next Step for the Kingdom?
24:53 - How to Be a Pro-Planter Pastor
25:46 - How to Lead a Megachurch
28:35 - How to Plant 5 Churches in 5 Years
31:05 - Challenging Early Days in Church Planning
34:57 - 5 and 5: Reach 5 Churches in the Next 5 Years
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