Advertise on podcast: The Christian Board Gamers Podcast

In this episode, Ray and Joe hit the table with Kings of Israel and dig into a much heavier conversation: the reality and weight of sin.  Sin rarely stays contained. It reaches into our lives, our relationships, and places we never expected it to touch. Its consequences remind us that we don’t simply need to try harder or clean ourselves up—we desperately need Jesus.  Join Ray and Joe as they talk about the far-reaching effects of sin, the grace of God, and why the Gospel is such incredibly good news for people who could never rescue themselves.

Joe and Ray are running on fumes, but that doesn’t stop this episode from going surprisingly deep. After catching up on Strong Tower Gamers, listener emails, ministry moments, chickens, cats, and life around the game table, they break down Hickory Dickory and use its clock-driven gameplay to launch into a conversation about time. What does it look like to steward your time well, prioritize what actually matters, be present with people, resist the pull of comfort, and create space for God, family, community, and ministry? From hospitality and relationships to discipline, calendars, and the myth of perfect “work-life balance,” Joe and Ray explore how intentionally taking time can shape the way we live, serve, and love the people around us.

Joe and Ray roll into Rolling in Wonderland, breaking down the game’s dice-driven action selection, area control, asymmetrical abilities, and clever resource decisions while connecting its central choices to a bigger conversation about Christian discernment. As the game unfolds, they talk about knowing when saying yes means saying no to something else, seeking God through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, wise counsel, and Christian community, making decisions when multiple paths can honor God, and resisting the fear and anxiety that can come from social media and conspiracy-driven content. Along the way, they also share updates on the Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat, the new Wisconsin location at Camp Timber-lee, and why Rolling in Wonderland has quickly become a game they’re eager to get back to the table. Links: Email Address: [email protected] CBG FB Group: facebook.com/groups/christianboardgamers LTN Outreach: www.lovethynerd.com/outreach

Ray and Joe are back to talk Gen Con, Ray’s cameo in a new movie, and, of course, board games! This episode, they hit the table to teach and play Torchlit from Allplay.  But carrying a torch is about more than lighting the way in a game. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be torchbearers—lights in the midst of darkness. Join Ray and Joe as they dig into what it looks like to follow Jesus faithfully, shine His light wherever we are, and hear some incredible stories of how God is moving in the board game space.

Joe and Ray are back for a brand-new season of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast—and for the first time, they’re recording together in person! They catch up on a packed summer filled with Origins Game Fair, youth camps, a new job, family adventures, and preparations for Gen Con before diving into two creature-filled board games: Wondrous Creatures and Dinogenics. Along the way, they discuss worker placement, card synergies, dinosaur disasters, the dangers of forgetting your goats, and what makes a game worth returning to. It’s a relaxed, laughter-filled season premiere focused on Jesus, community, board games, and the joy of finally sharing the same table.

In the longest episode to date, Ray & Joe chat about the game It's a Wonderful World before diving into a passionate and thoughtful conversation on eschatology. Joe shares his personal journey through different end-times perspectives, what God has been teaching him along the way, and the importance of approaching these conversations with humility, grace, and genuine curiosity. Together, they discuss the reality that too many theological conversations become driven by assumptions, labels, pride, or division rather than honest dialogue and understanding. This episode is a reminder that even when we disagree, we are still called to engage one another as brothers and sisters in Christ with love, patience, and respect.

Ray and Joe are back together for a classic Christian Board Gamers Podcast conversation full of life updates, board game stories, technical difficulties, and a meaningful dive into how God refines His people. The episode starts with Ray sharing about his role in the upcoming film Just One More, Joe recapping FPC Con, Game Changer, Love Thy Nerd, Christian Board Gamers’ four-year celebration, and some recent BGA plays. Then the conversation turns toward Everdell Silver Frost, the fire-and-snow mechanic, and how it reflects the refining work of God in seasons of difficulty. Joe also shares behind-the-scenes updates on his developing game Reborn, including its shift into a cooperative deck-building experience centered on spiritual growth, sanctification, Scripture, and the armor of God.

Joe and Ray welcome Rusty Lumpkin of Three Nail Games to the Christian Board Gamers Podcast for a conversation about faith, testimony, game design, and the importance of meaningful time together. Rusty shares his personal walk with Christ, how God used different seasons of life to shape him, and how Three Nail Games was born out of prayer and a desire to glorify God through tabletop gaming. The episode also explores family, ministry, board game publishing, and the deeper connections games can create around the table. Rusty’s Links:  Website- www.threenailgames.com  Instagram - @threenailgames  Facebook- @threenailgames  Our Links:  Email Address: [email protected]  CBG FB Group: facebook.com/groups/christianboardgamers  LTN Outreach: www.lovethynerd.com/outreach  Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat Link: camplivingwaters.org/game-changer  Sponsor Links:  Fearless Nonprofit: fearlessnonprofit.org  Camp Living Waters: camplivingwaters.org

In this episode of The Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Joe and Ray sit down with April Mitchell—inventor, game designer, and founder of 4A’s Creations—for a conversation that goes far beyond games. April shares her faith journey, how God has shaped her creativity, and the way her relationship with Christ influences every part of her design process. From discovering her calling to navigating the challenges of bringing ideas to life, she offers honest insight into what it looks like to create with purpose. This episode is a meaningful reminder that creativity is not just a skill, but something God can use to impact others and build lasting connections. Website - www.4Ascreations.com  Instagram - @aprilmitchell_meant2invent  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-mitchell-7132295b  YouTube - @aprilmitchellmeanttoinvent  Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/christian-board-gamers/

Joe and Ray join Daniel and John from the Around the Board podcast for a fun and funny top 10 list of games we’d play with the Apostle Paul. With plenty of laughs, some questionable picks, and a few vetoes along the way, this crossover episode is one you won’t want to miss. Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/christian-board-gamers/

In this episode of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Joe and Ray talk about Fliptoons and Coffee Rush and the spiritual tension between living by design and living by demand. As Fliptoons rewards synergy and clearing out what does not belong, and Coffee Rush pushes players to manage a flood of constant orders, the conversation turns toward a bigger question: are we intentionally building the life God has called us to, or are we just keeping up with what everyone else expects? Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/christian-board-gamers/

Joe recaps his Love Thy Nerd mission trip to Tantrum Con in North Carolina and the impact of ministry at the gaming table. We also share thoughts on Toy Battle, Tag Team, and Lodge, which we played on Board Game Arena. Our main conversation centers on this question: Online gaming is great—but how do we make sure it doesn’t replace real-life community? Let’s talk about why board games are powerful both on and off the screen.

In this episode of the Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Ray and Joe discuss the importance of having a clear vision for your family and stewarding your time with intention. They talk through how preferences and subtle drift can shape decisions without us realizing it—and how purpose and clarity help you lead well. Plus, they share recent plays, including Explorers of Navoria and Echoes of Time. Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/christian-board-gamers/

Welcome to our Christmas Bonus Episode—your cozy cup of holiday cheer! In this special seasonal chat, we share the Christmas movies we’ve been watching lately, swap reactions, and enjoy the simple joy of storytelling this time of year brings. We also surprise our listeners with a holiday giveaway, because Christmas isn’t Christmas without a little unexpected delight. Then we hop over to the tabletop and talk through two festive games we played: Deck the Halls and Boop the Halls—what we enjoyed, why they’re charming, and how they added to our holiday gaming lineup. To wrap it all up, we share our holiday plans and what we’re looking forward to as the season unfolds. It’s light, fun, festive, and full of heart. Merry Christmas, and thanks for celebrating with us!  Links:  New Email Address: [email protected]  CBG FB Group: facebook.com/groups/christianboardgamers  Book Link: https://a.co/d/9Z7PXbc  Game Changer Board Gaming Retreat Link: camplivingwaters.org/game-changer CBG Connect (New App): www.cbgconnect.app  Sponsor Links:  Fearless Nonprofit: fearlessnonprofit.org  Camp Living Waters: camplivingwaters.org

Ray & Joe explore How to Save a World, a crisis-driven cooperative board game where players must work together to stop an asteroid from destroying Earth. As they unpack the tension and decision-making built into the game, they draw a meaningful connection to Scripture—reminding us that while tabletop games offer many rescue plans, our true hope is found in Jesus, the Savior of the world. They also reflect on an uplifting weekend at Meeple-A-Thon and share details on Joe’s upcoming trip to PAX Unplugged with Love Thy Nerd as they continue serving and loving nerd culture. Hosted by: Joe & Ray Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/christian-board-gamers/ CBG LinksCBG FB Group: facebook.com/groups/christianboardgamersGame Changer Board Gaming Retreat Link: camplivingwaters.org/game-changer Sponsor LinksFearless Nonprofit: fearlessnonprofit.orgCamp Living Waters: camplivingwaters.org