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The Average Joe

The Average Joe

By Michael Kuhlkin

A discipleship arm of Hope Chapel FMC in Perry NY. We are a group of average guys working to bring men together to build and create spiritual leaders in the home, in the church and in the community. This podcast came about in an effort to accomplish this goal beyond Sunday mornings, and without requiring more time away from family life. This podcast hopefully encourage men as they seek to imitate Christ through boldness, humility, and faith. Weekly podcasts will include interviews, discussions, and devotional thoughts directed specifically at men.
Currently playing episode

Ep 57 Biblically Masculine Men

The Average JoeApr 16, 2024

00:00
38:54
Ep 57 Biblically Masculine Men

Ep 57 Biblically Masculine Men

Great conversation about how we as men can take steps to lead in our homes and church. We also talk about the movie the Patriot and the difference between Biblical Masculinity and Toxic Masculinity.

Apr 16, 202438:54
Ep 56 A Look at Passivity in Society and a New Guest on the Show.

Ep 56 A Look at Passivity in Society and a New Guest on the Show.

This week we look briefly at the statement about abortion that was put out by a certain presidential candidate and talk about how passivity has lead to a sense of not caring in our society. We also welcome to the show for the first time, a new guest speaker.

Apr 11, 202442:26
Ep 55 Godly Men Bracket Challenge Pt 2

Ep 55 Godly Men Bracket Challenge Pt 2

In week 2 of our bracket challenge

1 Seed Hosea goes up against 4 Seed Gideon

2 Seed Danial goes up against 3 Seed Joseph (Mary's husband)


You can vote for one in each match up.

Apr 03, 202401:12:21
Ep 54 Godly Men Bracket Challenge Pt 1

Ep 54 Godly Men Bracket Challenge Pt 1

This week in honor of March Madness we have a little fun and create our own "bracket" of men from the scriptures and we debate their contributions. We need you as listeners to participate by voting in our polls here or on Facebook! We will announce who will face the winners of next week's bracket.

Mar 27, 202456:04
Ep 53 So Long Levi

Ep 53 So Long Levi

Levi's final episode as he takes a new job.

The theory of evolution vs the truth of creation - the root of our faith.

Finding a small group for 40-somethings.

Intergenerational Ministry

Mar 20, 202451:15
52 Episodes in...

52 Episodes in...

On our 52nd episode we realize that we start repeating ourselves from over the course of the year. Topics discussed include self defense, and looks at community and vulnerability within the church and how that is important for men.

Mar 14, 202456:44
A Garbage Plate of an Episode

A Garbage Plate of an Episode

On this episode, we forge ahead without a topic. It's the Seinfeld episode of The Average Joe podcast episodes, a podcast episode about nothing. Also, stay tuned for a bonus episode where Mike talks with the Guest of Honor at the Game dinner on March 15 that will be posted later this week.

Mar 06, 202459:39
Ep 50 Spiritual Squirrels

Ep 50 Spiritual Squirrels

The 3 Amigos cover a lot of ground in this one. We even came to the belief that ADHD is contagious. Enjoy trying to keep up with us!

Feb 27, 202456:07
He Didn't Just Wash Feet... He Changed People

He Didn't Just Wash Feet... He Changed People

This week we forge ahead without Mike again. On this Episode, we look at the newest "He Gets Us" commercial that aired during the Superbowl. We dissect and look at this commercial from a Biblical view.

Feb 21, 202456:01
Ep 48 Mike Unhinged

Ep 48 Mike Unhinged

The Joes talk this week about how to determine when to engage in debate and how to do so with grace. Mike gets a bit heated and Brad pushes him further into a righteous rage. The intro didn't record but the conversation is worth the listen.

Feb 14, 202447:31
When The Adults Are Away, The Kids Will Play

When The Adults Are Away, The Kids Will Play

The Guys forge on without Mike and Ryan for yet another week. this week, money talks.

Feb 08, 202422:13
Ep 46 Spoons, Racquetball, and Bedtime Prayers

Ep 46 Spoons, Racquetball, and Bedtime Prayers

Continuing our discussion of Nehemiah, we zoom in a bit more this week on what leadership looks like and if we are all called to be leaders. The drive to do something big often distracts us from doing the things God wants us to do.

Jan 31, 202446:48
Ep 45 Dude, Why are you So Mad?

Ep 45 Dude, Why are you So Mad?

The fellas discuss Nehemiah chapter 4 this week once they get the technical issues sorted out. Listen to the end and see if Brad can truly keep his prayer short.

Jan 24, 202454:38
Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah 4

This week we mention the Iowa Caucus, and dive into Nehemiah 4.

Jan 18, 202456:19
Ep 43 Nehemiah goes Undercover
Jan 10, 202455:29
Ep 42 Nehemiah Weeps!

Ep 42 Nehemiah Weeps!

This week the Average Joe's begin a series of exploration through the book of Nehemiah. Follow along as we journey with Nehemiah as he helps to rebuild and defend Jerusalem - the city of God.

Jan 03, 202447:17
 A Die Hard CHristmas

A Die Hard CHristmas

We finish of this year's Christmas series with the movie Die Hard. We look at why men are drawn protecting and defending, and if it is even Biblical. This will also be our last episode until the new year.

Dec 21, 202343:20
Ep 41 Redeeming the Grinch

Ep 41 Redeeming the Grinch

Continuing in our series of Christmas movies and drawing out biblical and masculine themes - this week we take on Jim Carry's the Grinch.

Dec 13, 202342:04
Ep 40 The Joys of Family During the Holidays

Ep 40 The Joys of Family During the Holidays

This week the Joes discuss ways to manage expectations and lead our families during the holidays. They talk about how to decide where to spend the holidays, driving on Christmas, and the guys add in some appropriate comedic relief via quotes from "Christmas Vacation."

Nov 29, 202344:31
Will The Real Thanksgiving Please Stand up!

Will The Real Thanksgiving Please Stand up!

Figuring out what is really true about Thanksgiving. History, context, time, and individualism can blur our understanding of history. How can we find what is true?

Nov 22, 202342:24
Dude You Smell! That's Just the Aroma of Christ

Dude You Smell! That's Just the Aroma of Christ

as per the usual for the Average Joes, we go down several rabbit holes this week. We start out with the idea of seeker sensitive churches and worship and end on a discussion of alcohol in the Christian Community.

Nov 16, 202353:31
End Times?

End Times?

It is a question that Christians have been asking each other a lot recently, given the events in Israel and the Jewish community. Are the end times here? On this episode we attempt to make sense of this question by looking a little bit into the history of Israel, as well as looking into scripture to answer this question.

Nov 08, 202353:24
The Mikeless Episode

The Mikeless Episode

Tonight we forge ahead without Mike behind the Mic. Some of our topics include Sunday services, pastor appreciation month, and how true love is giving your spouse the good spoon. Oh, and do you put your toilet paper on the roll so it folds over the top or around the back?

Nov 01, 202341:31
Growing Family by Leaving

Growing Family by Leaving

The old dudes talk about watching their children grow up and start their own families, while the young bucks share their thoughts on starting new families.

Oct 24, 202341:52
Nothing Says Appreciation Like Tofu

Nothing Says Appreciation Like Tofu

This week we are joined by guests: Josh Smith, Kim Boyles, and a surprise guest Shawn Bowman.

We discuss peeing on Bee-Stings, Hag Fish, and a new podcast coming soon - "Average Janes"

Oct 17, 202335:10
A Small Discussion on Small Groups

A Small Discussion on Small Groups

Tonight we discuss small groups and if they still have a place in the church. We also discuss some obstacles when it comes to attending small groups, and what makes people not want to attend.

Oct 11, 202345:09
Don't Mean to Get Political, Oh Wait Yes We Do.

Don't Mean to Get Political, Oh Wait Yes We Do.

On this episode we discuss if churches should talk about and get involved in politics. We look at the two different political parties and the flaws in both of those parties, and how a Christian should vote during elections.

Oct 04, 202349:25
No More "Yes Dear"

No More "Yes Dear"

"Yes Dear". We have all said it to our wife at some point, but it never seems to progress the conversation, and what if that statement does not do the trick and solve the situation? On this episode, we attempt to tackle how to maintain a healthy and happy relationship with our spouse, we also look at the importance of teaching the next generation this act as well.

Sep 27, 202343:54
An Evening in Prison and Fixing our Slip Ups

An Evening in Prison and Fixing our Slip Ups

We check with Brad, Ryan, and Mike about their average days and talk a bit about how we as men deal with slip ups. Text or email us topics you would like discussed in coming podcasts.

Sep 21, 202334:01
Putting the "Men" in Mentorship

Putting the "Men" in Mentorship

Did you ever have a mentor of some sort? What did you gain from that relationship? Tonight we talk about mentorships and why it is necessary for Christian men to mentor the younger generation. We also tease an upcoming event that will be happening in late winter.

Sep 13, 202340:11
What is Reverence?

What is Reverence?

This week we mull over the idea of reverence and look at what it means to be reverent. we look at what the Bible says about reverence, and discuss what culture says about reverence as well. we also introduce the sound board to the podcast.

Sep 06, 202338:60
In The Name of Jesus, That Sucks.

In The Name of Jesus, That Sucks.

In staying with out trend of talking about the uncomfortable and un-talked about topics in the Church, we attempt to tackle depression, anxiety and fear. We understand that people often struggle with this and that a solid foundation in Christ is the first step towards conquering this, but we also understand that sometimes more needs to be done.

Aug 30, 202354:46
A Camp Fire Analogy

A Camp Fire Analogy

We are men, we like fire and we like a certain three letter word. Since this is a man's podcast, we have decided to tackle the idea of sex and the beauty of it when is is celebrated in the Biblical context of a husband and wife. And yes, we equate sex to a camp fire. This is likely the first installment of more conversations to come around this topic.

Aug 23, 202343:37
Out of The Wilderness

Out of The Wilderness

This week we welcome Mike back to the podcast after his 9 week sabbatical. We look at his sabbatical from his perspective and from the our perspective as a church. Topics include Senegal, writing a book, and crying while running. Tune in and welcome Mike back to the podcast.

Aug 16, 202341:28
An Account of Accountability

An Account of Accountability

This week we talk about the importance of accountability and how it is necessary for Christians to have accountability with each other. We look at Bible Verses that show the importance of accountability within Christian circles. Other topics discussed include the Niagara Falls, honeymoon destination as well as a destination for other more morbid things.

Aug 09, 202331:46
Blue Collar or White Collar, all are Called to Work

Blue Collar or White Collar, all are Called to Work

1.7 million men are admittedly unemployed. They are willingly unemployed even when there is a tremendous surplus of jobs available. On this episode, we attempt to understand why this is, and what our response as Christians should be. We also have a Mike sighting as he has joined us for the first time in several weeks.

Aug 02, 202301:02:06
The Doubting Joes

The Doubting Joes

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." Mark 9:24 This is a very common thought among Christians, so common that the church as an institution tends to shy away from talking about doubting God, and going through difficult times. This episode we discuss the times in our lives when we ask those tough questions of God, and in one case may even want to cuss out God.

Jul 26, 202353:43
Devotions and Intentional Time in the Word.

Devotions and Intentional Time in the Word.

This week we discuss devotions and why they are important. We look at what it takes to be intentional with both of time in the word, and our time in prayer.

Jul 19, 202336:42
A Night at the Movies

A Night at the Movies

Join the Joes as they reminisce on tv shows and movies of yesteryear and the examples they set for us as men. We also discuss the movies and shows of today and how they may not exactly provide the best example for Christian Men to live by.

Jul 12, 202332:21
From Weakness to Meekness

From Weakness to Meekness

Are you weak or meek? What is your role, protector, healer, or prayer? This week dive into the idea of weakness in Christian men. The conversation quickly dives into being meek instead of weak, and filling the role that you are meant to fill, protector, healer, or prayer.
Jul 06, 202343:58
Awake But Not Woke

Awake But Not Woke

On this episode, an absentee host of the podcast proposed a question that a few others bat around and discuss. Topics discussed include: The truth vs. your/my truth, being well informed on what you support, getting to know other men in the church, and the necessity for leaving the path for discussion open.

Jun 28, 202341:22
Fake Christians. A.K.A. Christians by Name Only

Fake Christians. A.K.A. Christians by Name Only

Did you know that more that 70% of women who are married to "true" Christian men say that they are happier in their marriage? Well you do now!

In this episode, three of the Joes wrestle with the idea of nominal Christians and "true" Christians, and how this can affect fatherhood and marriage. They discuss what should come first in a marriage and how society and culture today tends to have it backwards. Also, a first for the Joes, a guest caller calls into the show.

Jun 21, 202352:22
Neanderthal in the Church

Neanderthal in the Church

Average is what you can expect from us! The knuckle dragging Neanderthal. "Spaghetti with a Chance of Meatballs meets The Incredibles." Meek is not weak.

Jun 14, 202345:02
"Boys to Men"

"Boys to Men"

When did you realize you were a man? Our pastor swore, but at least he didn't teach it to his kids. Ryan is a gopher. We are missing the hallmarks of moving from boyhood to manhood.

Jun 07, 202345:52
It's not good for a Dr. to be alone!
May 31, 202344:57
Church of the Holy Moose Head

Church of the Holy Moose Head

More Earl Grey. Shootout Recap - more meat please. Why are people coming to our church? Church Pew or Barstool?

May 24, 202345:25
Men Doing Manly Things
May 17, 202353:24
What to look for in a man!
May 10, 202339:51
Saved, Being Saved, Will be Saved

Saved, Being Saved, Will be Saved

Tobacco Theology. Evangelism and being Saved. Controversial Topics.

May 02, 202336:53
Episode 9

Episode 9

Brad's day in prison. Marriage counseling never ends. Why rescue someone from a burning building - just put the fire out. The gauntlet has been thrown down - Average Joe's vs Cavemen on the paintball field.

Apr 25, 202343:02