New Year, New Habits: A Pastor's Perspective on Resolutions

In this episode of What Your Pastor Really Thinks, we tackle the age-old tradition of New Year's resolutions. Are they biblical? How do habits and goals intersect? And what can ancient Babylon teach us about self-improvement? Join Pastors Drew Tarwater (Forefront Church), Matt Wolfe (Arise Church), and Ryan McBride (Catalyst Church) as they dive into the origins of resolutions, the power of habits, and how to glorify God through intentional growth.
From tips on breaking bad habits to creating rhythms for spiritual and personal development, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice for starting the year right. Got questions or topics you'd like us to explore? Email Rob@Sympler.com
Don’t miss this engaging discussion—and stay tuned for future topics, including aliens! Subscribe now!

Pastor Matt Wolf is the Lead Pastor of Arise Church in Denver, Colorado, where he is passionate about helping people encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and live on mission for God’s Kingdom. With a heart for the city and a vision for a thriving, Christ-centered community, Pastor Matt has been instrumental in leading Arise Church to be a beacon of hope and love in the Denver area.
With extensive pastoral experience, Matt emphasizes dynamic biblical teaching, intentional discipleship, and a commitment to outreach. He is deeply focused on equipping believers to live out their faith in their daily lives and empowering the church to be a force for good in the local community. Under his leadership, Arise Church has cultivated a culture of authentic relationships and spiritual growth.
A graduate of Denver Seminary, Matt brings theological depth and practical wisdom to his ministry. His passion for the gospel is evident in his preaching, leadership, and mentorship of other leaders.
Outside of ministry, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children, exploring Denver’s vibrant culture, and enjoying outdoor adventures. On this podcast, Pastor Matt shares his insights on ministry leadership, fostering church growth, and building meaningful connections in a diverse urban setting.

Pastor Drew Tarwater serves as the Lead Pastor of Forefront Church in Harvey Park, Denver, Colorado. Known for his passion for making the gospel accessible to everyone, Pastor Drew brings over a decade of ministry experience to the Denver community. With a heart for discipleship and church growth, he emphasizes biblical teaching, relational connection, and a commitment to serving the neighborhood.
Pastor Drew’s ministry journey began with a calling to equip believers to grow in their faith and engage with their communities. A graduate of Midwestern Seminary, he blends deep theological insight with a practical, down-to-earth approach to ministry. Drew’s leadership at Forefront Church has been marked by his vision to see people transformed by the love of Christ and actively live out their faith in everyday life.
Outside the pulpit, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and children, exploring Denver’s vibrant outdoors, and cheering for local sports teams. He’s an advocate for pastoral collaboration and believes that churches working together can bring about lasting spiritual impact in the city.
On this podcast, Pastor Drew shares his insights on building Christ-centered communities, navigating ministry challenges, and inspiring fellow pastors in their calling.
Pastor Ryan McBride Pastor Ryan McBride is the Lead Pastor of Catalyst Church in Cañon City, Colorado, where he is dedicated to creating a vibrant, Christ-centered community. Known for his engaging teaching style and heart for discipleship, Pastor Ryan is passionate about helping people encounter God, grow in their faith, and discover their unique purpose in God’s Kingdom.
With years of pastoral experience, Ryan combines a deep love for scripture with a practical approach to ministry. He is committed to equipping believers to live out their faith authentically and serve their neighbors with compassion and love. His leadership at Catalyst Church has been marked by a focus on relational connection, fostering spiritual growth, and reaching the community with the hope of the gospel.
A graduate of Grand Canyon University, Ryan has a solid theological foundation and a vision for building a thriving church that impacts both the local community and the world.
When he’s not serving at Catalyst Church, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Colorado’s natural beauty, and connecting with others over a good cup of coffee. On this podcast, Pastor Ryan brings his unique perspective on ministry, collaboration, and leading with integrity in today’s culture.