Net Positive with John Crist Reserved Parking (w/ Brian Bates)
Aug 13, 2025
Brian Bates, a comedian known for his unique blend of humor and faith, joins John Crist for a lively chat. They dive into the scrutiny of churches by documentaries, sharing personal church histories and discussing denominational quirks. Brian and John humorously tackle the fairness of reserved parking for pastors' families and the standards expected from church staff. They also explore the dynamics of singles ministries, dating within church settings, and the impact of technology on church privacy. Expect laughter and insight as they navigate these entertaining topics!
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Perfect Venn Diagram Guest
- Brian Bates is introduced as the perfect Venn diagram guest who blends comedy and Christian background.
- John Crist and Brian trade playful status-hierarchy jokes about podcast power dynamics and fame.
Small-Town Church Roots
- Brian Bates describes growing up Church of Christ in Lebanon, Tennessee and how conservative it felt.
- He jokes about local culture, referencing Cracker Barrel and the NASCAR track as hometown landmarks.
Documentaries Revive And Roast Churches
- John Crist reflects on how documentaries often revive interest while simultaneously exposing faults in religious groups.
- He argues documentaries have become a predictable, sensationalized industry targeting churches and megachurch culture.