I grew up in the Evangelical church. I went to Wheaton College and minored in Biblical Studies. But I left the faith for a decade because of how I saw my own family and church members use the faith to abuse others. Right around COVID, I prayed that God would reveal a version of the church and Scripture that I could believe in. Within a week, I found WOLC and Pastor Zahnd online. I felt like a drowning person who finally saw land. I’ve read every book he’s written and I listen to every sermon he preaches. Since then, I went to seminary and graduated last year - something I never dreamed I would want to do. This church and Pastor Zahnd are truly filled with the Holy Spirit, and are a prophetic voice in America today. I am so grateful God led me to them!

Word of Life Church has gotten me through the COVID-19 pandemic and some difficult times in my recent past. It is evident to me that these sermons are inspired by the Holy Spirit and reflect the unconditional love of God. Thank you so much!

More people & podcasts are talking these days about the things Jesus taught (in the 4 gospels), but there are a few of his teachings that almost never get serious coverage. Several references (EXCLUDING the “rich young ruler”) are made in Luke about selling all of one’s possessions & giving to the poor and then this teaching is shown to be taken seriously by the time we get to the book of Acts (end of chapters 2 & 4). Another powerful & often neglected paradigm-changing (IF taken at face value) teaching of Jesus is found in Mt. 6:24; Lk. 16:13-14). This has been called the “Two Masters teaching”, one being God/Love and the other/opposite one being money. What would Christianity look like, both inside its confines and to the world at large, if these teachings were given much more serious consideration and application? Take a leap of faith and dive deep into these teachings! ✌🏼

A voice in the wilderness. Right up there with Dallas Willard.

I listen to this weekly podcast without fail. It is in my top three listens.

BZ has been through the various iterations of Christianity the past few decades and comes out on the other side with hard won wisdom. The only sermon podcast I listen to every week. This is ancient wisdom but it sounds fresh as it rings in contrast to the din of American evangelicalism.

I came just to check out Brian Zahnd and what he teaches like as I’m starting to read one of his books. While his preaching style was not my favorite to start with, now I can’t stop listening. His heart for Jesus comes through and it is beautiful to listen to. I was unfamiliar with him until 2 weeks ago, but I love this podcast and his messages.

Do yourself a favor and listen

after discovering BZ via twitter some 5ish years ago...it has become evident in my life that he is etched into my Mount Rushmore of spiritual influences. over the past few years, I have come to grips with the ugliness of my own triumphalistic, American, Pop, Christian piety. With the help of voices like BZ, I’ve moved on from dualistic, loud, combative, riot Christianity...and I’m daily pursuing the long obedience in the same direction of non-dualistic, contemplative, quiet Christianity...love being the ultimate goal. Thank you BZ, and WOLC. The trajectory of my life has literally been changed because of your faithful witness to the love of God revealed in Jesus.

I discovered pastor Brian at a turning point in my faith. My evangelical upbringing had given me a solid foundational knowledge of scripture, but the lens with which I had been reading scripture left me searching for something more. Pastor Brian introduced me to the beautiful array of ecumenical lenses that make up the stained glass of the cathedral of Christianity. The world from this vantage point is much more beautiful. He is short on cheap or simple answers, but so was Christ. In my old paradigm, my mind was at odds with my heart, fearful of testing the limits of my tidy understanding of God and of Scripture. Pastor Brian demonstrates that even a brilliant mind can find fulfillment in the deep truths of God. I no longer fear that humbly seeking truth could lead anywhere but to Jesus. In this freedom I can see that Christ now fills all things everywhere with himself. Brian’s teachings may sound foreign to the American evangelical at first—I was very skeptical. I have since found that his teachings are orthodox and he espouses only the highest view of Christ. For curious evangelicals, I recommend starting in about 2010 and joining him on the journey as I did.

This is an incredible podcast. These messages from Brian Zahnd will challenge you and stretch your faith. As a small town pastor of a tiny church in the Bible Belt, these messages have been a lifeline for me.

While Brian is an incredibly gifted orator, he is incredibly mislead regarding a few theologies, namely the atonement. Jesus died in our place for our sins (Isaiah 53, 1 John 2:2, John 1:29, Romans 3:25, John 10:11, Romans 5:10, 1 Peter 2:24, Leviticus 17:11, Matthew 26:28, 2 Corinthians 5:21, etc.). Hebrews 9:22 “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The Father is not cruel by placing his wrath on Jesus. The Trinity is one and make decisions together. Revelation 13:8 speaks to this when it calls Jesus “the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” I hope Brian sees the error of his ways and turns back to the Lord.

Brian Zhand is one of the great pastoral and theological minds out there today. He encourages and challenges my own thinking and approach to faith.

One of my favorite sermon podcasts, and i do listen to a lot of them! Super good presentations of excellent theology and sound teaching. Love the way Brian Zahnd masterfully presents the true Jesus-shaped gospel. Thanks, and keep up the great work!

Brian Zahnd's podcast has reshaped my view of everything and taken away so much hate, anger and fear. His book rocked my world and I've been on a path for peace ever since. I'm just gobbling up every podcast posted from my home in Oklahoma and would totally make a road trip to Missouri just to hear him preach.

Brian Zahnd's sermons are as rich and prophetic as his books. Wonderful sermons that challenge you with the gospel.

I've been going to word of life church since I was a mear child in middle school, and I live every minute if it, I'm glad I kept my faith in the lord, as he has done so many wonderful thongs in my life, he is the greatest

I've been listening to Brian for about 2 years now and truly believe that these teachings have shaped me more into the image of christ and broadened my understanding while also taking the pressure off of my desire to be an expert about Jesus. Now I just follow Jesus and see the changes He makes in me day by day. Think these would bless anyone.

Gods counter culture--excellent!

Very inspirational!! Very practical!! He teaches to your intellect as well as your spirit. Really tries to bring you to another level. Anointed teacher and preacher.

I came across the Word of Life Church podcast by doing a search for faith based podcasts and I praise God that I did. Pastor Zahnd’s messages are biblical accurate, spirit stirring, and utterly empowering. This ministry has been a blessing in my life. I pray that others take advantage of this Kingdom asset available on the internet.

John 4:23-24 "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." From all that I have seen and heard of the Zahnd family, they are leading the way in fulfilling what God wants His chosen ones to do. They truly exemplify John 4:23-24..... Keep pressing forward.

Not bad... a bit of theatrics, though