Relish: a Christian podcast

12/24/2025

Why does faith feel strong in calm seasons—and fragile when life gets hard?

In this week’s Relish episode, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson explore spiritual formation, modern idolatry, and what Scripture really means by the “armor of God.” With warmth, humor, and pastoral honesty, they wrestle with grace, discipline, and the everyday practices that shape resilient faith.

If you’ve ever felt spiritually unprepared—or wondered how grace and obedience truly fit together—this conversation is for you.

🎧 Watch or listen here:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/5hS6HL7MAyE

Rumble: https://rumble.com/v73e5kq-why-many-christians-feel-spiritually-unprepared-and-what-the-bible-says.html

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-many-christians-feel-spiritually-unprepared-and/id1577813650?i=1000742584568

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/794EUOPgeAXcQWJUaoaP0c

Why do so many Christians feel unprepared when life turns difficult?In this episode of Relish, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson begin with lighthearted ...

12/19/2025

In this episode, hosts Rowan Miller and Don Patterson sit by the warm glow of winter’s approach and begin with a playful question: which Bible character are you most like? Their banter—Samson’s streng

12/18/2025

Money, faith, identity—how do they really fit together?

In this week’s Relish episode, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson have an honest, thoughtful conversation about what Scripture teaches us about finances, generosity, and trusting God in everyday life. From biblical characters we relate to, to modern decisions about debt, work, and family, this episode connects faith to real human experience.

It’s warm, reflective, and deeply practical—perfect for anyone trying to follow Jesus while navigating the pressures of modern life.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/pG4mBv1qqRk

Rumble: https://rumble.com/v734re4-faith-finances-and-family.html

In this episode, hosts Rowan Miller and Don Patterson sit by the warm glow of winter’s approach and begin with a playful question: which Bible character are you most like? Their banter—Samson’s streng

12/15/2025

It's sad when someone denies their calling. It affects your faith and way of thinking. If you're feeling a nudge to ministry, don't dismiss it! Take it seriously and find a mentor to help you discover and explore that call.

12/11/2025

What does it really mean to trust God, follow His call, and step into the unknown with confidence?
In this episode of Relish, hosts Don Patterson and Rowan Miller take listeners on a Scripture-rich, story-filled journey into calling, obedience, and everyday Christian faithfulness.

The conversation begins with a surprising question: Why do most churches worship on Sunday morning? Don and Rowan trace the biblical and historical roots—from the resurrection to early church practice—and explore how modern congregations are adapting worship rhythms to better reach visitors, serve families, and build discipleship patterns.

From there, the discussion goes deep into Acts 1, Philippians 2, and the mystery of Jesus’ humanity and divinity. Together they reflect on Christ’s humility, the incarnation, and how Jesus models servant-hearted leadership for the church today.

Throughout the episode, Don and Rowan share honest personal stories of saying yes to God:
• stepping into podcasting unexpectedly
• accepting pastoral roles at Kalona Mennonite Church
• mission work, teaching, and speaking in new environments
• trusting God when calling feels unclear or uncomfortable

Their reflections highlight the importance of obedience, the danger of resisting God’s call, and the joy and growth that come when believers step forward in faith—even when they don’t feel ready.

Listeners will also hear a sobering but hope-filled look at global church realities, including:
• leadership shortages
• ministry challenges around the world
• ongoing persecution
• transformative work happening in Nigeria through the Anabaptist Peace Center

Whether you’re discerning your own calling, leading a ministry, mentoring young believers, or simply wanting to grow in your walk with Christ, this episode offers grounded wisdom, biblical encouragement, and practical next steps for following God faithfully.

Many Blessings,
Rowan & Don

🎧 Watch or listen here:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/zLLPzYxraRg

Rumble: https://rumble.com/v72stjc-when-saying-yes-changes-everything-trusting-gods-call.html

What does it really mean to trust God, follow His call, and step into the unknown with confidence?In this episode of Relish, hosts Don Patterson and Rowan Mi...

12/04/2025

Relish — Episode: Faith That Moves Us

What does it really mean to live by faith?
In this week’s episode of Relish, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson sit down for a rich, heartfelt conversation about Scripture, spiritual growth, and the kind of faith that actually moves people to action.

We start with an honest look at Bible-reading habits—community reading plans, devotionals, and how the right starting place (like the Gospel of John) can make all the difference for new believers. Roan and Don share how Scripture reading has shaped their own walk with God over the years.

Then we dive into the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22, focusing on the one many overlook: faith.
What is faith?
What does Scripture say—not just tradition?

Using Hebrews 11, Rowan and Don explore the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, and Moses… and how each one models a faith that steps into the unknown even when logic says “this makes no sense.”

Noah built an ark in a world that had never seen a flood.
Abraham left everything familiar because God spoke.
And believers today still step into ministries, risks, and new seasons because faith calls them forward.

This episode also touches on mentorship, generational wisdom, and the joy of sharing faith stories that spark renewal in our communities.

If this blesses you, share it with someone—your story might encourage another heart.

More Fruit of the Spirit episodes coming soon!

🎧 Watch or listen here:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/YsLnNIsq0OQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/v72ipzg-faith-that-moves-us.html

What does real, biblical faith look like? In this episode of Relish, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson explore the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22, focusing especially on faith—what Script

12/03/2025

Many people think God is different in the Old and New Testaments, but that's not true. God's benevolence is well-described in both. The New Testament culminates that goodness, freeing us from sin and enabling a relationship with Jesus.

11/27/2025

🎙 NEW Relish Episode — Old Testament, New Testament & The Heart of Jesus

Rowan & Pastor Don start off with a fun chat about favorite Bible characters (Joseph’s coat makes an appearance)… and then dive deep into how the Old and New Testaments connect as one unified story of God’s unchanging character.

Highlights from this week’s episode:
📖 How Old Testament prophecies point directly to Jesus
✝️ Why God’s character NEVER changes between Testaments
🕊 What the 400-year “silent period” between Malachi and Matthew was all about
📜 A look at the Book of Enoch, Michael Heiser, and historical context
🧭 What it means to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4)
🔥 Why Achan’s story still speaks to the church today
😂 Plus some light Black Friday banter to wrap things up

This episode blends biblical teaching, historical insight, pastoral wisdom, and warm conversation — just the kind of encouragement your week needs.

🎧 Watch here:
▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/klGgM3bvvZs

📺 Rumble: https://rumble.com/v728jt2-old-vs-new-testament-gods-character-prophecy-discipline-and-jesus-explained.html

❓ Got questions for Pastor Don?
Send them to [email protected]

In this episode, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson explore the powerful connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament, showing how both reveal the same unchanging character of God and

11/20/2025

📘 Facebook Post

🔥 New Relish Episode: “When Churches, Gen Z, and Culture Collide”

Join hosts Rowan Miller, Don Patterson, and Marcus Miller for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about how Christians can speak across political, cultural, and generational divides with respect and clarity.

They begin with a striking story about a university professor who ended up on a conservative “watch list,” the threats that followed, and the missed opportunity for real dialogue — opening the door to a bigger discussion about polarization in the church and in America.

Together they explore:
🗣 How to disagree without attacking people
📖 Why biblical literacy matters more than ever
🤝 How the church can model respectful dialogue rooted in Luke 4 and the Sermon on the Mount
🌱 How Gen Z is reshaping faith through new worship forms, online communities, and a renewed hunger for Scripture

They share real parish stories — declining volunteer structures, long-standing events ending, and hopeful new practices like meat canning ministries and Scripture-focused evening services — showing how the church can adapt while staying faithful to its mission.

The episode closes with encouragement to create deeper intergenerational relationships, refocus on discipleship, and keep the mission of Jesus at the center.

💬 Questions for Pastor Don?
Send them to [email protected]

🎧 Watch or listen here:
📺 Rumble: https://rumble.com/v71y5sc-when-churches-gen-z-and-culture-collide.html

▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/dBIYqYIXCH0

Join hosts Rowan Miller, Don Patterson and Marcus Miller for a wide-ranging, candid episode of Relish that explores how Christians can talk across political ...

11/20/2025

Stories circulate about pastors criticized for quoting the Sermon on the Mount. Some call it 'woke.' But Jesus Himself said to care for the poor, to liberate the captives. Has the church forgotten its basic mission?
Full Video: YouTube: https://youtu.be/dBIYqYIXCH0

11/13/2025

👕 New Episode: “From Amish Coats to Blue Jeans — Dressing Faith in a Modern World”

This week on Relish, Don and Rowan sit down with longtime Hillcrest teacher and coach Marcus Miller for a special conversation about faith, culture, and the language of dress — how what we wear can express who (and whose) we are.

Marcus brings along his grandfather’s transition coat — marking the shift between Amish and conservative Mennonite dress — and shares stories from his Iowa Mennonite School (now Hillcrest) days. Together, they trace how styles, school rules, and expectations have changed over generations… and what those changes reveal about belief, community, and identity.

Rooted in Romans 12:1–2, the discussion asks tough but timely questions:
✨ Does outward appearance still communicate inward faith?
👔 Where’s the line between legalism and heartfelt worship?
🕊 How can our actions and character reflect transformation more than our clothing?

From choir tie rules to letter jackets, from prison chaplains to Gen Z trends, this episode blends humor, history, and heartfelt faith — showing how true nonconformity starts with a transformed heart.

🎧 Watch or listen here:
📺 Rumble: https://rumble.com/v71ksiq-from-amish-coats-to-blue-jeans-dressing-faith-in-a-modern-world.html

▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/y2XzpqOoRC8

👖 Whether you grew up in plain dress or blue jeans, this one will make you think — and maybe smile.

Relish returns with a special edition conversation about faith, culture, and the often-overlooked language of dress. Hosts Don Patterson and Rowan sit down w...

11/13/2025

What if every action preached as loudly as our words? Reflecting on God's mercy means offering ourselves—body and mind—as a living sacrifice. It's about transformation, not conformity. Let's renew our minds.