In this episode of the Curious Curmudgeon Podcast, Barnabas Piper and co-curmudgeon, Adam Read, take a stroll through their church histories, examining the fabric of their faith from childhood to the present. They reflect on their formative years in the pews, the nuances of congregational life across different geographies, and the profound impact of long-term church relationships. From San Diego's sun-soaked sanctuaries to the Bible Belt's abundance of worship, listen in as they unpack the beauty and trials that come with being entrenched in the Body of Christ.In this heartfelt conversation, Barnabas and Adam navigate the ebb and flow of church life and the intricate dance of church transitions. With personal stories of denominational shifts, crises of faith, and the grappling with the realities of church politics, they explore the landscape of church involvement. You'll hear how journeys through job losses, divorce, and a call to ministry have been underpinned by the support of local church families. This is a narrative of resilience, demonstrating how, even amid life's upheavals, the grace of God maintains our connection to this unique community.Lastly, they delve into the complex dynamics of church membership, from the challenges of over-politicization within congregations to the role of church music and community engagement. The conversation also offers a contemplative pause, inviting you to imagine witnessing pivotal historical events. So tune in for an episode that's as much about the heart and soul of the church experience as it is about the soul-stirring moments that define our faith journey. Whether you're rooted in a church, searching for one, or somewhere in between, this episode speaks to the enduring quest for a vibrant, Christ-centered fellowship.

Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane, exploring the evolution of friendship through the various stages of life. We start with childhood, reminiscing about the constant companionship of siblings and the golden days of high school with its bands and mild mischief. As we move through the timeline, we laugh over the social minefield of middle school and the burgeoning emotional connections of high school. Listen in as we reflect on the unique environment of college, where conversations deepened, yet the weight of adult responsibilities hadn't quite landed on our shoulders.This conversation address the hurdles of cultivating friendships in adulthood, especially in the aftermath of 2020. The year was a litmus test for relationships, distinguishing between fleeting interactions and the profound sharing of life's trials. We discuss the challenges and the necessity of intentional effort to maintain and build friendships that truly matter. We explore the critical roles of empathy, vulnerability, and mutual support in these enduring connections, emphasizing how shared experiences bond us in ways that are irreplaceable.We wrap up the episode with a couple of light-hearted segments that bring humor and introspection to our discussion on friendships. We debate the realities of friendship and its potential impact on our wider social circles, even considering how Jesus's approach to friendship can guide our own. Then, shifting gears, we revel in our Curmudgeon Moment, ranting about the self-checkout experience and its place in our modern world. This episode is a heartfelt mix of nostalgia, insight, and laughter, perfect for anyone who cherishes the friends they've made along the way.

Join us on the Curious Curmudgeon podcast as we unpack the various suitcases that come with moving through different stages of life. We share our own nomadic journeys, spanning countless states and homes, and reflect on how these transitions have reshaped our lives. From the thrill of adventure when flying solo to the intricate dance of relocating with a family, we tackle the less discussed human costs that accompany the financial ones. Listen in as we weigh the effects of uprooting and the nuanced decisions behind the starts of new chapters.In this week's conversation, we shine a light on the nuances of creating a new life in a new place, with a focus on Tennessee as a backdrop for discussion. Moving isn't just about a change of scenery; it's about the communities we leave behind and the ones we hope to forge. We delve into the role of faith communities, like local churches, in providing a bedrock of support for families in transition. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the importance of these spiritual havens and the 'village' we often don't realize we've lost until it's no longer there.Finally, we navigate the what we learn as we parenting teens, finding those precious moments to impart wisdom and demonstrate Christ's love. As we extend hospitality to our neighbors and potentially invite them to join our church community, we're presented with a unique chance to make a lasting impact. But it's not all heavy topics – we also share a good old-fashioned 'curmudgeon moment,' lamenting the lost art of face-to-face interaction and the rising tide of smartphone distractions in our daily lives. So grab your headphones and get ready for a blend of heartfelt insights and lighthearted banter with your favorite co-curmudgeons, Barnabas Piper and Adam Read.

Ever wondered how a job can be more than just a paycheck, or pondered the spiritual significance behind the daily grind? Join Barnabas Piper and co-curmudgeon, Adam Read, as they unravel the tapestry of career paths, job satisfaction, and the deeper meaning of work. This inaugural flight begins with brooms in hand as church custodians, a humble start that springs into a rich dialogue about the twists and turns of their professional journeys. They explore the catalysts that prompt career changes, whether it's the financial provision, the pursuit of growth, or the alignment of personal ethics with professional endeavors.Debating the dignity of all work, from factory floors to executive suites, Barnabas and Adam share insights on how even the most repetitive tasks can be a form of worship and a calling. These candid conversations reveal moments of mentorship and the reframing of perspectives that transformed mundane occupations into divine missions. They tackle the oft-quoted advice of chasing a passion-fueled career with a healthy dose of skepticism, diving into the reality that even the most beloved work comes with its trials and tribulations.As Adam and Barnabas wrap up this heartfelt conversation, their curmudgeonly sides shine through with musings on career 'what-ifs' and the frenetic norms of digital communication. From the pride in coaching little league to the whimsy of managing a coffee shop, they share personal anecdotes that celebrate the work of living. And for a spirited finale, they grumble about the relentless demands of texting etiquette, hinting at the curious ways our world connects—or perhaps, disconnects—us. Tune into the Curious Curmudgeon Podcast for a blend of humor, reflection, and a refreshing look at the roles we play in the workforce and beyond.

A suburban Nashville pastor and a rural Virginia technology director coming together to stir up a heartwarming concoction of wisdom and wit. That's what you're in for as Barnabas Piper and Adam Read swing open the doors to their lives, revealing the quirks of pastoral duties and digital dilemmas, all while herding chickens and wrangling kids. Amidst the hum of family chaos and clucking poultry, we delve into the everyday realities that keep us grounded and perpetually curious. It's not every day you get to eavesdrop on two friends as they navigate life's transitions, from the pitter-patter of little feet to the proud pomp of graduation day, all through a lens that seeks to honor the Lord.Prepare yourself for a journey beyond the Sunday sermons and screen glare, as 'The Curious Curmudgeon' podcast peels back layers of life revealing the hilariously candid, sometimes curmudgeonly, yet always enlightening perspectives of your hosts. Barnabas and Adam don't claim to have all the answers, but they're curious enough to seek to ask the right questions and want to invite you along for the ride. Whether it's building a backyard coop or building up the faith of a congregation, this eight-episode season taps into the heart of what it means to embrace life's major milestones with a dose of divine wisdom and a sprinkle of good humor. So, pull up a chair, lend an ear, and join us for a conversation that's as real as it gets.