Try Jesus
Lead Pastors Isaac and Kari Maddox of Activate Church discuss hot topics and what it looks like to follow Jesus every day. The Try Jesus Podcast invites people to do one thing: try Jesus. Not religion, not rules, not perfection, just Jesus. Psalm 34:8 says "Taste and see that the Lord is good;" and that's the entire meaning behind Try Jesus.
Isaac and Kari have been married for 24 years and have 2 teenage boys, Jude and Trent. They planted Activate Church 12 years ago and their passion is to encounter Jesus and equip people.
Episodes
12 episodes
Are We Getting Women in Ministry Wrong?
In this episode of Try Jesus, we talk honestly about one of the church’s most debated questions: can women lead, preach, pastor, and serve in every level of ministry? We look at Scripture, wrestle with common objections, and explore wh...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 8
•
30:45
Why Christians Are Falling in Love with the Bible Again
In this episode of Try Jesus, Isaac and Kari talk about the growing hunger for God’s Word, why so many people seem to be rediscovering the Bible, and what it looks like to truly fall in love with Scripture again. They also discuss read...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 7
•
26:28
Japan Mission Update and Sexual Purity
In this episode, we share a brief update on our Japan missionaries and the importance of supporting a family stepping out to serve overseas. We reflect on the cross, the call to live beyond comfort, and a candid, biblical conversation about mar...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 6
•
29:08
Friendship, Offense, and Stewarding the People God Gave You
In this episode of Try Jesus, Isaac and Kari talk about real friendship — navigating offense, staying loyal through different seasons, and learning how to communicate with honesty and maturity. They explore why friendships take work, h...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
38:44
"How to Talk to People / Church & Politics” with Isaac and Kari
Honest conversation between husband and wife, Kari and Isaac. In this episode, they talk openly about what it takes to communicate with love, humility, and intention in marriage and in everyday life. This isn’t about having it all figured out, ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
33:29
Soulmates, Screens and Saving Your Relationship.
In this episode of Try Jesus, Isaac and Kari open up about relationships in a modern world full of distractions. From soulmates to conflict resolution to the grip our phones have on our attention, we talk honestly about what helps coup...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
45:18
Devotional Life and the Local Church with Nathan Finochio
In this episode, Pastor Isaac Maddox sits down with author, theologian and founder of TheosU, Nathan Finochio, for an honest and insightful conversation about the heart of the local church, the importance of sound theology and the daily rhythms...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 2
•
50:54
Marriage, Mission and the Art of Laying Down Your Life.
Listen as Pastors Isaac and Kari discuss marriage and the name behind the podcast "Try Jesus".
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
31:19
Navigating different seasons
A look at different seasons in your life and how they make you hungry for Jesus and His presence.
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
30:48
Banning Liebscher Leadership Talk
Founder and Pastor of Jesus Culture, Banning Liebscher, talks about how the gifts that God gives us are to equip the Church. You will be inspired to lead like never before.
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
24:34
Is your marriage healthy?
How do you know if you have a healthy marriage? What is the meaning of a husband and wife and what does the Bible say about it? How can you inspire each other without being nit picky or annoying? What it takes to create a healthy environment fo...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
38:56