Christianity Without Compromise: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars

Jake Doberenz, host of Christianity Without Compromise, explains how every element of church life—from stage lighting to service structure—communicates theology, often more powerfully than sermons do. Drawing on insights from communication studies and the work of Christian philosopher James K.A. Smith, Jake challenges listeners to audit their own church environments for the messages they unintentionally send. 

Key takeaways from this episode:
Everything is liturgy: Every repeated action or structure in a church service—from seating arrangement to event schedules—communicates a theological message.
Unintentional formation is still formation: Many churches unknowingly promote values like individualism, hierarchy, or exclusion through design and routine.
Audit your church with fresh eyes: To align your church with Christlike values, ask what your space and practices teach about God, people, and the mission of the church.

Important Links:
Episode with David Ruybalid on toxic church leadership
Scott McKnight and Lara Barringer's book “A Church Called Tov”
Episode with Kate Boyd on the family-centered church
Episode with Spencer Shaw on cultivating church culture

About the Host:Jake Doberenz is the founder of the podcast production company Theophany Media and host of Christianity Without Compromise. He holds degrees in Bible and communication studies and is passionate about challenging cultural idols with faithful Christian thinking.


Get full access to Smashing Idols: Stories & Reflections on Following Jesus at jakedoberenz.substack.com/subscribe

What is Christianity Without Compromise: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars?

Christianity Without Compromise is a podcast for Christians weary of shallow faith and culture war religion. Hosted by Jake Doberenz, the show calls believers back to a Jesus-centered Christianity rooted in Scripture, the Spirit, and the witness of the early Church. Each episode takes on a modern idol—whether Christian nationalism, the prosperity gospel, purity culture, toxic church leadership, or the obsession with sin and Hell—and points listeners toward a truer way of following Jesus. Along the way, we wrestle with questions about politics, deconstruction, violence, greed, and the real demands of discipleship.

This is a space for Christians asking hard questions, disentangling from cultural idols, and seeking a faith that is uncompromised in truth, love, and holiness.

Subscribe for authentic conversations that move beyond the culture wars and toward Christ alone.

jakedoberenz.substack.com