Seeking the God who is not safe, but is very good.
Pointing to Christ and His Kingdom
We live in a postmodern, post-Christian age. Christianity is dwindling, secularism is rising, and the faith of many is being shipwrecked on the rocks of doubt and deconstruction.
It’s into this world that GoodLion was born.
It started with two youth pastors with a heart to see young people caught in the storm of modern culture find an anchor in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The name GoodLion comes from C.S. Lewis’ classic Narnia stories. The child Lucy asks if Aslan is a safe lion, and to this the woodland creatures respond… “Safe? Of course he’s not safe… he’s a lion! But he’s good.”
It’s our deepest desire for people everywhere to encounter this Jesus, the God who is not safe but is very good.
We want to see people break free from apathy. We want to help doubting Thomases see the holes in the hands of Christ. We want to help people move from a place of cheap grace and easy-believism to radical discipleship. We want to raise up powerful peacemakers in a hostile and divided culture.
Most of all, we want to help people live their lives for the Kingdom of God.
We are GoodLion, and we are glad you are here.
Who we are.
Aaron Salvato
Aaron spent over a decade sheperding youth ministry students in the Way of Jesus. He has served as a middle school pastor, high school pastor, and Bible College teacher. He currently works as Content Strategist / Podcasting Director at Calvary Global Network.
Aaron describes himself as having the heart of a pastor and the hands of an artist, which he expresses in a drive for creating Gospel-centered content through podcasts, writing, videos, and theological courses. He is an avid reader, lifelong learner, and dedicated Bible teacher. Aaron is passionate about helping young people navigate our post-Christian culture, prioritizing the ministry of peacemaking in a divided world. Aaron is most happy when he is mentoring others on their journey with Christ.
Aaron lives in Oklahoma with his best friend Brooklynn and their new son, Jack. His favorite ministry role so far is husband/father.
Brian Higgins
Brian has served as a pastor, teacher, and discipler for nearly 15 years. Previously, he worked as a Youth Pastor at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge and as the Director of Admissions for Calvary Chapel Bible College. Currently, Brian is leading a small group seeking to plant a church in Central New Jersey.
Brian’s main ministry passion is personal discipleship, helping people enjoy and embrace the lifestyle of Jesus. He works to do this through podcasting, writing, preaching, and one-on-one mentorship. Brian loves to see a new generation of Christians learn to live like Jesus so they can experience and advance God’s Kingdom.
Brian lives in New Jersey with his incredible wife Tori and their newborn son Nathan.
Aaron and Brian met in 2017, founded the GoodLion Podcast Network, and now serve together researching, writing, and creating content to help young people walk with Jesus.
We create resources and content to help people follow the Way of Jesus.
We want to walk with people through the complexities and challenges of faith in our age.
Our goal is to challenge you to think, learn, and grow in your apprenticeship to Jesus.
Podcasts
One of the core ways we serve the Church is by creating podcast content that is theological, educational, and focused on forming disciples in the way of Jesus.
Below you will find curated lists of our content.
Our cornerstone show is The GoodLion Podcast.
Sort Podcasts By Topic
- The GoodLion Podcast
- Theological Deep Dives
- Navigating Culture
- Following Jesus
- Hot Topics
- Ministry
- Preaching Training
- Youth Ministry
- Questions and Answers
Healing From Covid Division – Terry Michaels
In this episode Aaron chats with pastor Terry Michaels, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Austin Texas, for a conversation about a wound that’s been inflicted on the church in recent times – division. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about challenges that tested the unity of the church, with masks and vaccines becoming sources of division, causing harm to its witness.
But in this episode, we’re not here to point fingers or place blame. We’re here to explore what it looks like to embrace radical peacemaking, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and make peace within the church, instead of dividing the body of Christ over secondary issues. We’ll delve into the hard questions and offer reflections on how we can move forward and heal the wounds inflicted during these challenging times.
Aaron says “Pastor Terry is a wise and loving soul, a grandfatherly figure whose words are like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. I’m honored to have him on the show, and I can’t wait for you to experience his wisdom and love for yourself.” Join us for a conversation that’s sure to inspire, challenge, and encourage.
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LINKS
GoodLion: Way of the Peacemaker (Peacemaking on Social Media)
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In this episode Aaron chats with pastor Terry Michaels, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Austin Texas, for a conversation about a wound that’s been inflicted on the church in recent times – division. The COVID-19 […]
February 3, 2023
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As Christians, it is easy for us to come to God only when we want to escape the consequences of our sin, rather than coming to Him with a genuinely broken heart of repentance. Aaron […]
January 11, 2023
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The GoodLion Podcast is excited to bring you this special episode featuring a sermon from Aaron Salvato. Aaron recently preached at Calvary Chapel Vista on Psalm 86, a psalm that speaks to the fatherhood of […]
January 3, 2023
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The GoodLion Podcast is a show that explores the intersection of faith and culture. Hosts Aaron Salvato and Brian Higgins have been doing the show for 8 seasons and have built a loyal audience of […]
December 14, 2022
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Evan Wickham and Aaron Salvato discuss the “Mission of God” and what it means for followers of The Way of Jesus. They discuss their shared background growing up as pastor’s kids in evangelical culture, and […]
November 3, 2022
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So often we turn to things like money, stuff, safety and security to give us what we need. In doing so, we often grow apathetic towards our true need: Christ. In this episode, Aaron gives […]
October 26, 2022
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A dive into the concept of God’s Holiness and the call for Christians to be Holy. What does Holy even mean? How can we be asleep to this reality? We explore how failing to understand […]
October 13, 2022
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Brian and Aaron respond to a message from a listener who 1. admits her struggle with apathy, and 2. also shares some beautiful insight on how to resist it! In this episode we try our […]
October 4, 2022
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Part 2 of GoodLion’s series on “Resisting Apathy.” The first step to waking up from the slumber of apathy is recognizing God’s story and where we find our place in it. But the next thing […]
September 22, 2022
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In this episode, Aaron speaks with professor Uche Anizor, author of the book “Overcoming Apathy: Gospel Hope for Those Who Struggle to Care”. They discuss the struggle many church kids face, namely, growing up in […]
September 14, 2022
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Part one of a new series by GoodLion Ministries called “Resisting Apathy”. Aaron and Brian speak into the problem of apathy in the Christian life, noting how it is a problem that is born out […]
September 7, 2022
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Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful and it stuck with me. Over the […]
August 22, 2022
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Brian Higgins shares with us about the necessity of community in the Christian life. We are currently living through a post-pandemic cultural moment where many Christians are finding it hard to regain community. We also […]
August 16, 2022
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Is it possible for a sin to be so bad that Jesus himself can never forgive you? This is a question that’s haunted many Christians, especially in light of the scriptural passage on the “blasphemy […]
August 9, 2022
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In a cultural moment that is growing hostile towards the Church, it’s becoming easier than ever for Christians to slip into mission drift. “Without careful attention, faith-based organizations will inevitably drift from their founding mission. […]
August 1, 2022
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Theological Deep Dives
At the center of what Aaron & Brian do is a passion to go deeper, ask tough questions, avoid easy answers, and take time to wrestle through matters of faith.
Is the Bible The Word of God, or is Jesus? – Evan Wickham
Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful
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Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful […]
August 22, 2022
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Is it possible for a sin to be so bad that Jesus himself can never forgive you? This is a question that’s haunted many Christians, especially in light […]
August 9, 2022
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Fear is the enemy of love. The idols of safety and security can push us to live the Christian life from a posture of fear. If we are […]
March 17, 2022
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This world is not our home. It was never intended to be. We are pilgrims here on earth and we should live as such. The problem that has […]
February 22, 2022
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In the New Testament, Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. In other words, we are called to live in society and […]
February 10, 2022
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How does a Kingdom advance normally? Through the sword. Violence, war, and bloodshed. Jesus’ Kingdom is much different. The Kingdom of Heaven does not advance through the sword, […]
January 26, 2022
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There is a dangerous tendency today to make the Kingdom of Heaven about what we need, or want. It is not about us. The Kingdom is about Him. […]
January 20, 2022
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Welcome to the GoodLion theology class, a brand new segment on the show where we bring you rich theological lessons and thoughtful discussions with our students! In part […]
January 12, 2022
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Prof Gerry Breshears is back for his record breaking 3rd time on the show! In this episode we dive into the debate swirling around PSA (Penal Substitutionary Atonement) […]
December 7, 2021
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In today’s world, many of us are afraid of confrontation. Confrontation is uncomfortable. None of us like to be in a disagreement with someone, especially if we believe […]
July 27, 2021
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In this episode, Aaron and Brian explore the way that postmodern thinking is currently effecting young people. As two former youth pastors, we have a huge heart for […]
July 13, 2021
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Postmodernism may be today’s common thinking, but is that a good thing? In this episode, Brian and Aaron push past the facade of freedom postmodernism offers to explore […]
June 22, 2021
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Why are Millennials and GenZ kids who grew up in the Church leaving in droves? How can we reach people struggling with doubt and deconstruction? Evan Wickham, pastor […]
June 11, 2021
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In this episode Brian & Aaron begin to scratch the surface of a notoriously hard to define topic: postmodernism, specifically postmodern philosophy. While western culture has been in […]
May 30, 2021
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When God made the world, he called it good… and yet when we look at the world today, a lot of times it doesn’t really seem very good. […]
March 20, 2021
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Navigating Culture
Our current cultural moment is filled with many challenges and obstacles for the Christ Follower. Aaron & Brian attempt to navigate these chaotic waters with courage, commitment to truth, and a heart for peacemaking in a divided world.
Mission Drift, Political Extremes, and Wisdom in the Negative World – Mike Doyle
In a cultural moment that is growing hostile towards the Church, it’s becoming easier than ever for Christians to slip into mission drift. “Without careful attention, faith-based organizations
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In a cultural moment that is growing hostile towards the Church, it’s becoming easier than ever for Christians to slip into mission drift. “Without careful attention, faith-based organizations […]
August 1, 2022
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Many Christians now sense the world has shifted. While culture was once positive towards Christianity, we now see a world that has shifted from openness, to indifference, and […]
July 19, 2022
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Abortion is a hot button topic that is often debated by both Christians and non Christians. Ryan Lynn (Founder of the Speak Life Collective) is here to challenge […]
June 25, 2022
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Throughout our lives many of us have heard older generations harken back to a time when Christians were accepted, praised, and embraced by the culture. Everyone went to […]
June 8, 2022
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Aaron talks with Nick Cady all about the problem of Christian hypocrisy, how it is harming the church, and how it shatters the witness of the Christian Church. […]
March 24, 2022
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In an age where tech dominates our lives, we spend so much time on social media. Christians need to face the facts. Whether we like it or not, […]
March 8, 2022
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Why are Millennials and GenZ kids who grew up in the Church leaving in droves? How can we reach people struggling with doubt and deconstruction? Evan Wickham, pastor […]
June 11, 2021
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Abortion is a hot button topic that is often debated by both Christians and non Christians. Ryan Lynn (Founder of the Speak Life Collective) is here to challenge […]
May 10, 2021
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Aaron gets invited to come onto Brenna Blain’s podcast “Can I Say That?”, a podcast that tackles tough topics around Christianity and faith. In the episode, Aaron speaks […]
February 24, 2021
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The way to win is not through violence, revolution, or political power. The way to win is through the person of Jesus, and for Christ followers our strategy […]
January 11, 2021
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The entire Good Voice Collective intern team discusses all the crazy challenges facing churches and Christians during Covid-19. — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/goodvoices/message […]
November 23, 2020
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Shaviane Abiel leads us through a devotional look at all the challenging changes we have been facing in our lives this year. We hope this episode helps you […]
November 17, 2020
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Aaron & Brian are back together to talk about 5 practical ways to Re-Center ourselves on Jesus (when the world seems crazy.) In all the insanity, loss, and […]
November 11, 2020
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As we wait for election results, Aaron wrestles through his own doubts, anxieties, and fears around the effects of political ideologies and parties on both the Church and […]
November 4, 2020
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The 2020 election is one of the most pervasive and divisive topics in American culture. In this episode, Brian discusses the culture of anxiety surrounding the election, they […]
October 30, 2020
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Following Jesus
Our heart at GoodLion Ministries is that you would learn to walk the path of Christ. These episodes will help encourage you on your journey.
Wake Up To Your Need For Christ – Resisting Apathy pt.5
So often we turn to things like money, stuff, safety and security to give us what we need. In doing so, we often grow apathetic towards our true
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So often we turn to things like money, stuff, safety and security to give us what we need. In doing so, we often grow apathetic towards our true […]
October 26, 2022
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A dive into the concept of God’s Holiness and the call for Christians to be Holy. What does Holy even mean? How can we be asleep to this […]
October 13, 2022
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Brian and Aaron respond to a message from a listener who 1. admits her struggle with apathy, and 2. also shares some beautiful insight on how to resist […]
October 4, 2022
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Part 2 of GoodLion’s series on “Resisting Apathy.” The first step to waking up from the slumber of apathy is recognizing God’s story and where we find our […]
September 22, 2022
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In this episode, Aaron speaks with professor Uche Anizor, author of the book “Overcoming Apathy: Gospel Hope for Those Who Struggle to Care”. They discuss the struggle many […]
September 14, 2022
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Part one of a new series by GoodLion Ministries called “Resisting Apathy”. Aaron and Brian speak into the problem of apathy in the Christian life, noting how it […]
September 7, 2022
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Brian Higgins shares with us about the necessity of community in the Christian life. We are currently living through a post-pandemic cultural moment where many Christians are finding […]
August 16, 2022
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Defensive violence, wounded Healers, and how radical enemy-love changes the world! So often as Christians we feel we must defend Jesus and lash out at those who are […]
June 1, 2022
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Navigating The Highs and Lows of Faith – Why do I feel close to Jesus one day, and distant the next?
Aaron and Brian take some time to answer a great question from a friend: “Why do I feel closer than ever to Jesus one day, and then other […]
December 20, 2021
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Most people struggle with change. When we go through major change in a short period of time, it can easily overwhelm us. Learning to navigate change well is […]
November 16, 2021
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As Aaron and Brian get ready to go on an official break, they reflect on the importance of rest, the pitfalls of workaholism in ministry, and the call […]
August 25, 2021
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In this midweek message, Brian takes us through the example of Peter and shows us a path to get out of “survival mode” as we fix our eyes […]
May 26, 2021
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Have you ever wondered if you are actually saved? if Jesus’ work on the cross was enough to really save you? Have you ever been discouraged about how […]
May 24, 2021
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In this GoodLion midweek message Aaron shares with us about the evil twin brother of faith – doubt. Doubt is not a very fun topic to talk about […]
May 19, 2021
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GoodLion is starting an online young adults ministry! Aaron preaches the first message on the importance of Faith, Hope, & Love in a world desperate for all three. […]
March 25, 2021
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Hot Topics
Content speaking into some of the most challenging topics believers face today.
Is the Bible The Word of God, or is Jesus? – Evan Wickham
Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful
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Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful […]
August 22, 2022
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Abortion is a hot button topic that is often debated by both Christians and non Christians. Ryan Lynn (Founder of the Speak Life Collective) is here to challenge […]
June 25, 2022
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With war raging between Russia and Ukraine, we wanted to take a moment and connect with a pastor in the thick of it. Friend of the show and […]
March 30, 2022
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Sexuality is one of the main ways people identify themselves today. Our modern moment asks people to freely express who they are by unchaining themselves from traditional concepts […]
January 5, 2022
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Aaron and Brian chat with their friend Michael Bowles (Pastor, former youth pastor, and current student at Western Seminary) about the challenges of wrestling through the supernatural. The […]
December 14, 2021
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In all of the insanity, confusion, and cultural upheaval of the early 2020s, there’s been a growing resurgence of the term “social justice” that has taken the world […]
October 26, 2021
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Deconstruction is a growing trend in religious and philosophical circles. While many Christians have begun to address deconstruction, we don’t often engage with deconstructionist ideas directly. In this […]
October 19, 2021
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Brenna Blain (host of the Can I Say That? Podcast) shares her story about the unique challenges of being a same sex attracted woman of faith. She tells […]
February 1, 2021
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Aaron sits down with his old friend Jordan and her boyfriend (now fiancé since the time of this recording!) Hip-Hop and R&B artist Jon Keith to discuss dating, […]
January 18, 2021
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On this week’s episode, Aaron sits down with Pastor Benjamin Morrison to discuss two articles he wrote for CalvaryChapel.com about the issue of systemic racism. The articles received […]
December 5, 2020
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Aaron & Brian take an episode to respond to more questions from listeners about doubts and faith. […]
October 22, 2020
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In today’s class I ask the men in the class, what would you want to tell your sisters in Christ that they could do to help you fight […]
January 27, 2020
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Last week we looked at the trend of men blaming objectification on the women who are victims. This week we are going to examine the other side of […]
December 15, 2019
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In this class we will – Examine our cultures tendency to play the blame game. – Specifically in this episode we will look at how natural and easy […]
November 25, 2019
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In this class we will – Cover the roots of objectification found in the garden of Eden – Examine the issue of how easy it is for us […]
November 15, 2019
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Ministry
Episodes to help you as you serve Jesus, make disciples, and preach the Gospel.
Brian and Aaron Become Dads – (Season 8 Premiere)
The GoodLion Podcast is back for season 8! Brian and Aaron sit down for a heart to heart about a recent big change in their lives: becoming fathers!
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The GoodLion Podcast is back for season 8! Brian and Aaron sit down for a heart to heart about a recent big change in their lives: becoming fathers! […]
May 24, 2022
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In a culture where every issue requires us to take sides, finding unity is incredibly difficult. This has shown up in the church as Christians are dividing over […]
November 9, 2021
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The last 18 months seemed to tear everything apart. The normal structures of our lives, our work, and our relationships seems to have fallen completely apart. For many […]
November 2, 2021
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We’ve got a special treat for you guys: Aaron has asked his old friend Mike Winger to come on and chat about the power and potential of doing […]
July 7, 2021
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Brian Higgins sits down with church planting veteran Pilgrim Benham to discuss the ins and outs of everything you need to know before you plant a church. Show […]
May 17, 2021
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Ask GoodLion: Are words necessary when preaching the Gospel, or is the often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi quote “Preach the Gospel…. and if Necessary use words” […]
March 4, 2021
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Brian and Aaron discuss discipleship. What is discipleship? Why do we do it? Why is it important? What are ways we misunderstand it? All these questions and more […]
January 5, 2021
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Aaron sits down with Phil Metzger (lead pastor at Calvary San Diego) to talk about the art of “Crossing Cultures.” Phil and his family have spent meant years […]
November 20, 2020
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Pastor and comedian Joel Turner talks with Aaron about evangelism… specifically the challenges of doing it during a pandemic, his views on top methods and best practices, the […]
September 25, 2020
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Aaron & Brian are back with Season 4 of the GoodLion Podcast! Is social media a distraction to Christians, or does it actually present one of the greatest […]
September 18, 2020
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Most Christians have friends who are not believers, but sharing Jesus in those friendships can be really hard. In this episode, Aaron and Brian talk through the dynamics […]
February 21, 2020
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Sharing the gospel is hard. No matter how much we may want to evangelizing, getting ourselves to do it can be tough. In this episode, Aaron and Brian […]
February 14, 2020
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In our final episode on grief and loss, Sarah shares with us some practical advice on how to help and minister to those who are hurting. […]
February 7, 2020
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Brian and Aaron discuss the challenges of adulting while doing ministry. Both share their experience of formerly being full time youth pastors, who now are working full time […]
February 2, 2020
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In part 2 of our 3 part series on Grief and Loss, Sarah shares with Aaron about the link between Grief and Depression and how hope can be […]
January 18, 2020
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Training – Preaching
Brian and Aaron are passionate about preaching, and both have spent their lives doing it both within the church and outside of it. This collection of episodes, including ones from Brian’s First Time Bible Teacher podcast, will help you grow as Bible teachers and proclaimers of the Gospel.
Q&A: Are words necessary when preaching the Gospel?
Ask GoodLion: Are words necessary when preaching the Gospel, or is the often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi quote “Preach the Gospel…. and if Necessary use words”
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Ask GoodLion: Are words necessary when preaching the Gospel, or is the often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi quote “Preach the Gospel…. and if Necessary use words” […]
March 4, 2021
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In the search for truth, sometimes we ignore the emotional state of our people. To teach the Bible effectively, we need to remain aware of the emotions of […]
November 18, 2019
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Everyone prepares for what they find important. In our Bible teaching, it’s important that we prepare ahead of time. A good teaching calendar can help you teach prepared […]
November 11, 2019
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Many people think being a Christian is a list of rules to follow. Unfortunately, bad application methods can reinforce wrong ideas about God. In this episode, we define […]
November 4, 2019
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Teaching above the head of your audience is a great way to get them to tune out. In this episode, we discuss how to make sure you’re staying […]
October 28, 2019
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Many Bible teachers feel like slaves to their notes. But breaking free can be a scary process. This episode talks about the need to learn this important skill […]
October 7, 2019
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Every Bible teacher will face discouragement at some point. The question for Bible teachers is what they’ll do when discouragement comes. This episode talks about analyzing your discouragement, […]
September 16, 2019
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Jesus came to be a servant, not to receive service from us. Bible teachers need to follow his example. This episode examines some bad motives that may slip […]
September 2, 2019
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For Bible teachers, it can be hard to be transparent. We want to be honest with our listeners, but how much is too much to share? This episode […]
August 26, 2019
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Can you reach a point in your study where it stops being helpful? The answer to that might actually be yes! At some point, a Bible teacher needs […]
August 19, 2019
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In your teaching life, you’ll often have plenty of time to prepare your sermon. But sometimes, you’ll get almost no time at all. How can you respond to […]
August 12, 2019
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We’re back with new weekly episodes! This episode explains where there’s been such a gap in time between the last episode and this episode and dives into the […]
August 5, 2019
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For many, the desire to teach is more present than the opportunities. That doesn’t mean that you can’t hone your teaching gift now. This episode is designed to […]
May 13, 2019
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What do you do when you’re in the middle of a teaching and it’s not going well? For many, the answer is panic. While that may be the […]
April 29, 2019
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Sometimes, we get too focused on what other teachers think of us. If we’re not careful, we can teach only for other preachers, not the people sitting in […]
April 22, 2019
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Training – Youth Ministry
Before they started GoodLion, Aaron and Brian spent their 20s as youth pastors. Currently they have a passion for mentoring young youth pastors/volunteers, and sharing from their experience and things Jesus has taught them about serving young people.
#4 | Questions from first-time Youth Pastors!
Brian and Aaron answer rapid-fire questions from guys who are just getting started as youth workers. How do you balance life and ministry when you work part time?
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Brian and Aaron answer rapid-fire questions from guys who are just getting started as youth workers. How do you balance life and ministry when you work part time? […]
April 16, 2019
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Brian Higgins and Aaron Salvato share from their combined 20+ years of Youth Ministry experience by answering the question… “What would you tell your younger self about youth […]
April 16, 2019
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Q&A
The team at GoodLion loves questions. We think the best thing you can do with your questions is wrestle through them with your fellow believers. In these episodes, we tackle questions sent in by listeners and do our best to help. We aren’t experts, but we are life-long learners who love helping fellow questioners find truth.
Is the Bible The Word of God, or is Jesus? – Evan Wickham
Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful
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Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful […]
August 22, 2022
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Is it possible for a sin to be so bad that Jesus himself can never forgive you? This is a question that’s haunted many Christians, especially in light […]
August 9, 2022
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Navigating The Highs and Lows of Faith – Why do I feel close to Jesus one day, and distant the next?
Aaron and Brian take some time to answer a great question from a friend: “Why do I feel closer than ever to Jesus one day, and then other […]
December 20, 2021
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Prof Gerry Breshears is back for his record breaking 3rd time on the show! In this episode we dive into the debate swirling around PSA (Penal Substitutionary Atonement) […]
December 7, 2021
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In all of the insanity, confusion, and cultural upheaval of the early 2020s, there’s been a growing resurgence of the term “social justice” that has taken the world […]
October 26, 2021
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In this episode Brian & Aaron begin to scratch the surface of a notoriously hard to define topic: postmodernism, specifically postmodern philosophy. While western culture has been in […]
May 30, 2021
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Ask GoodLion: What are your strategies for avoiding sin? Brian and Aaron discuss the importance, of confession, openness, accountability, and resisting the devil so he will flee from […]
March 29, 2021
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When God made the world, he called it good… and yet when we look at the world today, a lot of times it doesn’t really seem very good. […]
March 20, 2021
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Ask GoodLion: How are ways that Christians “major on the minors?” Aaron and Brian discuss eschatology, Calvinism / Arminiamism debates, LGBTQ issues, and how the way we talk […]
March 11, 2021
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Ask GoodLion: Are words necessary when preaching the Gospel, or is the often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi quote “Preach the Gospel…. and if Necessary use words” […]
March 4, 2021
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In this episode, we dive into some dangerous territory: questions about God’s sovereignty. The sovereignty of God can be an extremely challenging topic for Christians. A lot of […]
February 15, 2021
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Aaron sits down with his old friend Jordan and her boyfriend (now fiancé since the time of this recording!) Hip-Hop and R&B artist Jon Keith to discuss dating, […]
January 18, 2021
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Aaron invites pastor and author Dominic Done onto the show to discuss questions about faith and doubt. Question asked: 1. What has been your biggest crisis of faith […]
October 9, 2020
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2020 has been a politically charged year. Between Covid 19, the upcoming election, debates about health and safety vs rights and religious freedom, and now the recent murder […]
June 18, 2020
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As we wrestle through the tough questions raised by Covid-19, we begin to look at the topic of God’s wrath. Could God be the one behind this pandemic? […]
May 22, 2020
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Courses
As lifelong learners, we have a passion to help shape the next generation of believers. We want to freely share with them what we have learned. Below you will find some of the free theology courses we have developed.
More Resources From Our Library
Questions
The team at GoodLion loves questions. We think the best thing you can do with your questions is wrestle through them with your fellow believers. In these episodes, we tackle questions sent in by listeners and do our best to help. We aren’t experts, but we are life-long learners who love helping fellow questioners find truth.
Is the Bible The Word of God, or is Jesus? – Evan Wickham
Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: “Jesus is what God has to say.” It was powerful and it stuck with me. Over the years I’ve been mulling over this phrase and thinking about how it intersects with one of the debates that’s being had within Christianity about the concept of “the word of God.”
Some people insist the Bible is the word of God. Still others insist, no Jesus is the Word of God. Where does the truth lie?
That’s the question we are going to dive into today.
On this episode I’m joined by that same mentor I learned the phrase “Jesus Is what God has to say” from: my former youth pastor and good friend, Evan Wickham. I know you’re going to be blessed to hear from Evan today. If you don’t know him, he’s a worship leader, Husband and father of 5 kids, a graduate of western seminary, and a church planting pastor who leads Park Hill Church in San Diego.
I can’t speak more highly of the guy. He’s been one of the people in my life who has challenged me and inspired me to follow Jesus the most. He’s always encouraged me to dive deep, not shy away from tough questions, and has always pointed me back to Christ. In fact, if it wasn’t for the ways he impacted me over the years, this show and ministry of GoodLion probably wouldn’t exist!
With all that said, I know you’re going to enjoy todays episode as we explore the concept of the “Word of God”, and ask who, or what, is the Word of God? We get deep. We get Biblical. I know that I learned a lot, and I hope you do too.
I hope this conversation between a teacher and his former student blesses you, encourages you, challenges you, and surprises you.
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Aaron and Brian love preaching and teaching the scriptures and helping people grow in their passion and love for Jesus and the Kingdom.
Both Aaron and Brian have spent many years preaching to youth ministries, Bible college classrooms, young adults ministries, churches, camps, and conferences.
They are as comfortable speaking to rooms of 10 as they are rooms of 500.
A big part of what we love to do at GoodLion is invite people into discussion.
We love leading discussions and Q&A after we preach to help people go deeper.
If you’d be interested in having Aaron and Brian speak at your event, please let us know!
We can be booked individually, but we love working together as a package deal, much more fun.
We don’t charge to speak. The Gospel is our mission, not our side hustle! You are free to donate an offering to support what we do, but we don’t have rates and we aren’t afraid to work for free. We only ask that our travel expenses are covered.
Note: Due to both of us having newborns, we are less likely to be open to traveling outside of our home states of Oklahoma and New Jersey in 2022, but we’d love to work with you in 2023 and beyond, and are also open to creating video content for your event, or speaking virtually at your event, big or small.