Anchored In Christ

Episode 19: You Should Go to Church to Be Offended

Is it unloving to offend someone? Are Christians supposed to be “unoffendable”? What do we do when the Gospel itself becomes offensive in our culture?
In this episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah get into the cultural obsession with feelings, the pitfalls of silence in the name of tolerance, and why God’s Word is supposed to unsettle us. They unpack the different ways we get offended—relationally, socially, spiritually—and why some discomfort is actually good for the soul.
You’ll hear why church isn’t a weekly pep rally—it’s more like a visit to the doctor. You’re there because you’re sick. And when you hear something that stings, it just might be the Holy Spirit doing heart surgery.
This one might offend you… and that’s kind of the point.
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Is That Really What the Church Has Always Believed?

This is the conclusion of our two-part conversation with Pastor Andrew Abraham, a former Roman Catholic now serving as a Lutheran pastor in Tennessee. Together with Pastor Curt Hoover and host Doug Hannah, we dig deep into some of the most misunderstood and misrepresented aspects of historic Christian belief.
• What is the apostolic tradition — and who really preserved it?
• Why the Reformation wasn’t a start-from-scratch protest movement
• Why so many believers today are rediscovering liturgy, sacrament, and theological depth
• And what to say to those curious about Catholicism but unsure what they’re getting into.
This episode will challenge assumptions, shine light on forgotten truths, and offer assurance in the promises of Christ. We talk real presence, infant baptism, the canon of Scripture, and how Lutheranism can feel like seeing the gospel in full color.
Mentioned in this episode:
📘 Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (2017 Edition) – CPH
📘 The Theology of Martin Luther by Paul Althaus – Amazon
📘 Has American Christianity Failed? by Bryan Wolfmueller – Amazon
📗 Interested in Pastor Abraham’s full story? Reach out to us through anchoredpod.org.
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From Priest to Pastor: A Catholic’s Journey to Lutheran Joy

In this powerful Reformation Week episode of Anchored in Christ, Pastor Curt Hoover and Doug Hannah welcome Pastor Andrew Abraham, who shares his incredible journey from the Roman Catholic priesthood to becoming a joyful Lutheran pastor. What makes someone walk away from a lifelong commitment to the Catholic Church? What happens when someone discovers, for the first time, the full sweetness of the gospel?
Pastor Andrew’s story is one of calling, wrestling, and ultimately finding peace—not through moral striving, but through the finished work of Christ. He speaks candidly about the loneliness of the priesthood, the guilt that haunted him even after confession, and the shocking beauty of learning that God is not angry with him.
Whether you’re Lutheran, Catholic, or just curious about what makes this Reformation message so potent—you won’t want to miss this conversation.
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“Am I Really Going to Heaven?” What Most Christians Get Wrong

After a recent comment by President Trump—“I’m not sure I’m going to make it to heaven”—Doug and Pastor Curt dive into what this reveals about our modern view of salvation, assurance, and the ongoing confusion many Christians experience around grace.
They explore why so many people, even those surrounded by faith communities, live in spiritual insecurity—and why the gospel gives us permission to be confident, not in ourselves, but in Christ.
 
 
In this episode:
 
Why “I hope I’ve done enough” is a spiritually dangerous mindset
What the Reformation got right about assurance
Why American Christianity defaults to “do your best” instead of “Christ alone”
What pastors owe their congregations—and presidents
How you can live in daily confidence, not insecurity
Key Quote:
 
“It’s not about how sincerely you prayed, how hard you tried, or how much good you did. The gospel is not law. It’s mercy. And it’s knowable.”
 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
 
Luke 18:8
Ephesians 2:8–9
Romans 10:9
AnchoredPod.org – Get in touch or support the podcast
 
 
 
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Is 'Good Enough' Christianity Good Enough? | The Truth About Christ's Bride & Church Division

"If you're going with 'good enough,' you ain't going with good enough."
Is the Church just a collection of preferences, or is it something more?
In this candid and powerful episode of Anchored in Christ, Doug Hannah sits down with his pastor, Curt Hoover, to share some of the wise things his pastor says about theological complacency. We are constantly seeking what's easiest, most comfortable, or simply "good enough"—but as Pastor Curt warns with a phrase that sticks: "If you're going with 'good enough,' you ain't going with good enough."
Pastor Curt and Doug discuss the sobering reality of church rifts and division and what happens when local congregations prioritize trendy performances over the enduring gifts of Christ. The Church is not a business that can "open up shop down the street" when things get difficult; it is Christ’s own, beloved Bride, and "there is truth out there."
If you are struggling with a lack of assurance, questioning modern church trends, or searching for the clear, historical truth of the Christian faith, this episode is essential listening. Don't settle for "good enough" when you can be Anchored in Christ.
 
📌 Episode Highlights:
 
Wise words from my Pastor: Why settling for "good enough" in your faith is never an option, and Pastor Curt's warning: "If you're going with 'good enough,' you ain't going with good enough."
The difference between church division in history vs. today.
The ultimate, unshakable definition: Why the Church exists as "Christ's bride" and what that means for you.
The reality of modern church rifts: Why congregations "open up shop down the street."
 
Support the Podcast
 
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Leaving Church Over Carpet Color? Why We’re Getting It All Wrong

Have we started treating church like a restaurant — switching locations when the service feels off or the “vibe” changes? In this episode, Doug and Pastor Curt Hoover dig into the modern consumer mindset that’s infected how we view the church. Is it ever okay to leave your church? What about when someone hurts you? And how do we discern the difference between real spiritual harm and personal discomfort?
If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, “Should I stay or should I go?”—this episode is for you.
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Is Your Church a Business or the Body of Christ?

We live in a time when many churches sound like startups, operate like corporations, and cater to consumers like retail stores. But is that what Jesus meant when He said, “I will build my church”? In this episode, Doug and Pastor Curt ask a bold question: What exactly is a church, anyway?
They explore how American Christianity has drifted toward branding, entertainment, and consumer satisfaction—often at the cost of clarity, tradition, and faithfulness. What are the biblical marks of a true church? Is comfort the same thing as faithfulness? What does Scripture actually say about what a church is—and isn’t?
This episode is both convicting and hopeful. If you’ve ever wrestled with why church sometimes feels more like a product than the Body of Christ, this conversation is for you.
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The Forgotten Power of Confession and Absolution

What if confessing your sins out loud—yes, out loud—wasn’t just tradition, but a doorway to deeper peace and assurance?
In this episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover talk about the ancient practice of confession and absolution: where it comes from, why it matters, and why it’s more than a “Catholic thing.” With stories from Pastor Curt’s ministry—including a powerful deathbed moment—this episode invites us to rediscover one of the most comforting gifts God gives through the church: the spoken, concrete proclamation of forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
They also unpack common objections: Why do we need another human to hear our confession? Doesn’t God already know? Isn’t this just symbolic? And isn’t this dangerous—like giving too much power to flawed people?
No fluff here. Just deeply biblical and pastoral conversation about a sacramental reality that too many Christians have forgotten.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really be forgiven… this episode is for you.
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Online church: Is it really church?

When we say “church,” what do we actually mean? And why does it matter that you physically show up on Sundays—not just stream a sermon or join a midweek Bible study?
In this episode, Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover dive deep into what’s really happening in church during the Divine Service—and why the Lord’s Supper is not just a symbol, but the actual delivery of God’s gifts to you. From the early church in Acts to the reformers at Marburg, we explore how modern American Christianity has misunderstood what’s at the center of worship.
We talk about how exhausting performance-driven churches can be, the difference between sensing God’s presence and receiving it where He has promised to be, and how the Lord’s Supper brings comfort, life, and the very presence of Christ.
Key verse:
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” — John 6:35 (ESV)
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You Can Stop Overthinking Prayer!

Doug Hannah and Pastor Curt Hoover talk honestly about one of the most common struggles in the Christian life: prayer. What if you’re bad at it? What if you don’t feel anything? Is God still listening when you don’t have the words?
This episode dismantles the performance-based pressure we often place on prayer and offers a grace-filled reminder: God is not grading your eloquence. You already have access to Him. You’re invited to speak, to listen, and even to sit in silence knowing the Spirit prays for you.
Scripture referenced:
Romans 8:26–27
Psalm 34:17–18
Matthew 6:9–13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
 
Word of the Week: Access
 
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