What if the safest path isn't God's path?Pastor Micah Berteau had a thriving ministry, a clear future, and every reason to stay put, including his dad's expectations. Instead, he walked away from it all to plant a church from the ground up in Fort Worth, Texas. In this honest conversation, Micah shares the hidden realities of church planting, pastoral leadership, church hurt, criticism, faith, and trusting God when the outcome isn't guaranteed.You'll also hear:* Why he chose planting over inheriting a ministry* How to leave a church the right way* The truth about church hurt and betrayal* Why hardship often shapes your calling* Building a church with nothing but faith* The Thief on the cross taught us so much * Youtubers chose to end their baby's life because of Down syndrome, Zach and Micah unpack it unapologetically. Micah Berteau is the pastor of The House Church and is a husband and father of 4 boys! Enjoy this great conversation

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Has joy gone missing from the Church?

Some Christians act like if you laugh too hard, the Holy Spirit leaves the room. But what if joy isn't the enemy of our faith—what if it's actually one of the greatest evidences of it?

In this episode, I sit down with comedian Michael Pasvar for an honest conversation about Christian joy, church culture, comedy, faith, and why so many believers seem afraid to laugh.

We talk about:
• Why joy feels like it's disappearing from the modern Church
• The difference between holiness and seriousness
• Why comedy is rooted in truth
• How laughter breaks down walls and opens hearts
• Why humor can be a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel
• Michael's new comedy special, Blended Feathers
• Church culture, worship trends, and the tension many Christians feel today

One of my favorite moments from this conversation is the idea that if joy were a person, we'd have to put her on a milk carton:

"Missing: Joy. Last seen moving powerfully through the early church. Known for bringing life, freedom, laughter, and strength. If found, please return immediately. Things are not working well without her."

Scripture tells us in Nehemiah 8:10 that "the joy of the Lord is your strength." If that's true, then maybe one of the enemy's greatest strategies isn't stealing our salvation—it's stealing our joy.

🎤 See Michael Pasvar's new comedy special here: Blended Feathers

Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: ⁠https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking⁠

Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

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This viral story of a YouTuber and his wife terminating their baby's life due to a potential Down syndrome diagnosis has sent the internet on fire with discussion... Here is the perspective of two Jesus Followers who have close ties to this story.

Pastor Micah Berteau of The House Church joins Zach in the studio to unpack it all.Whatcha think? Is this just the world being the world, or does society as a whole have to shift its mindset on LIFE!

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