This week on Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony is joined by special guest Christian Lembeck for one of the most real, hilarious, and heartfelt episodes yet — the Seattle Episode. From Magic: The Gathering decks and online Discord games… to life on Capitol Hill… to the challenges and beauty of doing ministry in one of the most complex cities in America, Tony and Christian talk about the highs, lows, tensions, joys, and calling of urban ministry. They open up about:What it’s really like raising families in SeattleThe spiritual battle pastors face in the cityWhy God calls people into difficult placesThe growing movement of young, diverse churches in SeattleThe importance of unity in the ChurchHow everyday conversations become moments of ministryThis episode is honest, funny, and deeply encouraging — a reminder that God is working in cities and in people’s lives in powerful ways. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered00:25 – Tony introduces Christian Lembeck00:47 – Last episode recap and great feedback01:05 – The “cool kid” podcast mic setup01:25 – Meet Joshua: our single sound tech01:45 – Josh reveals a fun fact02:15 – The “Hallmark dog guy” moment02:49 – A less serious episode ahead03:00 – Tony’s new hobby: Magic the Gathering03:40 – Christian reacts to Tony’s deck04:19 – Tabletop Simulator & Discord gaming05:25 – Magic otters, mana costs, and chaos06:17 – “You’re a wizard, Harry”06:50 – Harry Potter, spells, and old emails07:14 – Discipleship or just board games?07:30 – The Seattle Episode officially begins08:12 – The reactions people give when they hear “I live in Seattle”08:56 – Seattle’s beauty and brokenness09:55 – Addiction, encampments, and real challenges10:49 – The dignity of every human being11:13 – Shifting into what we love about the city12:00 – Living on Capitol Hill12:19 – Seattle stereotypes & the reality13:02 – Seattle media perception vs. reality13:41 – Walkable community and neighborhood culture14:19 – Restaurant stories and talking to strangers15:13 – The “I’m a pastor” moment16:21 – Conversations about cancer, grief, and prayer17:29 – Meeting neighbors from all walks of life18:04 – Loving the walkability and community18:23 – Tony’s life in Roosevelt19:04 – The joy (and chaos) of city life19:24 – The harder side: hostility toward faith20:06 – Why pastors choose the city anyway20:26 – Loving people where they are21:13 – The realities of danger and mental health crises22:04 – Why choose Seattle?23:08 – Tony’s “why we stay”23:55 – The cost and calling of urban ministry24:01 – Christian’s calling and conviction24:27 – How the early church reached cities25:41 – Why cities matter for the Gospel26:18 – Cities as centers of influence27:20 – Every human is looking for Jesus27:47 – Calling to pray for the city28:09 – Jeremiah 29 and living in exile29:25 – Seeking the peace of the city29:52 – Spiritual strongholds and prayer walks30:11 – Fighting with spiritual weapons, not frustration31:22 – The overlooked challenge of urban church planting32:05 – The new wave of Seattle churches32:26 – Shoutouts to pastors across the city33:07 – Stories of grit and calling in Seattle34:05 – Multiethnic, multigenerational church life35:20 – The historic building on 65th36:03 – A church merger story36:50 – Heroes of the faith in the city37:11 – Encouragement to believers outside Seattle37:57 – The spiritual battle pastors face38:19 – How other churches have supported the mission38:38 – Top restaurant recommendations (the important stuff!)40:36 – The best sandwiches and pasta in Seattle41:22 – Best brunch in the city41:48 – Final thank yous and encouragement42:07 – Honoring long friendships and calling42:54 – World Cup 2026 chaos + Trump jokes43:14 – Closing remarks and reminders44:00 – December 12th special guest announcement44:15 – See you next week!44:28 – The obligatory “win that” moment

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