TACO Talks: For Content Creators with Passion and Purpose

Wondering if you should stop streaming? Unsure if you have the skills and talents necessary? Not growing enough? Scared you might fail? You're not alone! Give this video a watch before you give up!

"Your vision isn’t born from ego or hustle—it’s birthed in the presence of God."In this inspiring chapter from The Art of Digital Influence, Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau and host Scott “Born Again Gamer” Carpenter unpack the journey of receiving and implementing a God-given vision as a Christian content creator. Discover the spiritual process from intimacy with God to the moment your calling becomes reality—and how to tell if your vision is truly from Him or just your own ambition.You’ll learn:The five stages of bringing a God-given vision to lifeHow to discern between man-made goals and divine directionWhy spiritual warfare often intensifies before breakthroughPractical steps to communicate your vision so others rally to itWhether you’re a streamer, writer, artist, or digital missionary, this episode will equip you to lead with purpose, serve with passion, and see God’s vision for your work become reality.🎧 Listen now and share this episode to encourage fellow creators on their journey.

"No offense, but your faith story is like watching paint dry..."In this special throwback episode of TACO Talks, we revisit a classic (and hilarious) episode of Carnivore Theology with Pastor Al Descheneau (XtianNinja), Pastor Chad Graham, and host Steve Bastion. It starts with a skit poking fun at “boring testimonies” — but quickly turns into a deep, biblical conversation about what a testimony actually is.You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might rethink everything you’ve been told about sharing your story. Discover:• Why your testimony is not about impressing people• How to share your story without glorifying sin• The real reason your story — even if it’s “bland like potatoes” — has eternal impactWhether you were saved at 6 or came from a life of chaos, this episode will show you how God is the true author of your story.👉 Subscribe to TACO Talks for more wisdom, laughs, and encouragement from Christian creators on mission.

"You don’t need a statue—because you are one."In this soul-stirring episode of TACO Talks, XtianNinja (Pastor Al Descheneau) and Born Again Gamer explore what it truly means to be made in the image of God—and how that image is renewed through Christ. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:3–4, they unpack how God's promises equip believers to live in holiness, love, truth, and goodness.You'll learn:What it means to partake in the divine natureHow God shapes us from corruption to Christlike characterWhy genuine transformation often looks like surprising compassion, honesty, and humilityThe difference between symbolic faith and actual spiritual union with ChristWhether you're a long-time Christian or a content creator exploring your faith, this episode calls you to reflect deeply: Are you living like God's image is being restored in you?👉 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation live with XtianNinja on Twitch every Monday–Thursday at 12 PM ET.Let’s create content—and lives—that radiate God’s glory. ✨

"Your viewers come for more than just content—they come for you."This audiobook episode explores why your integrity is the real engine of influence in Christian content creation. Through a baseball diamond metaphor, you'll walk through the four stages every digital disciple must round—spiritual growth, skill development, strategic focus, and impactful leadership.🎯 What You’ll Learn:Why character matters more than charismaHow to build trust that lasts beyond trendsThe internal battles every creator must facePractical ways to guard your integrity onlineIf you want your content to reflect Christ—not just chase clicks—this episode offers the clarity and conviction to lead well.👉 Subscribe for more audiobook chapters and real talk for digital missionaries and Christian creatives.

“You played games. Told some stories. But what if the part that changed someone’s life… wasn’t even the point?”In this stirring follow-up to last week’s episode, Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau and Scott “Born Again Gamer” Carpenter dive deeper into what separates Christian creators from everyone else online. Spoiler: it’s not just the Bible quotes.🎯 Inside this episode:Why vulnerability—not virality—makes your content unforgettableThe trap of isolation as you grow, and how Christian creators resist itThe unseen legacy of your streams, blogs, videos, and artReal talk on burnout, ego, and content that actually servesWhether you stream games, post reels, or design graphics, this episode is your reminder that what you create can ripple into eternity—even if no one hits “like.”👉 Subscribe for more soul-shaping insights from the front lines of digital ministry.

"If you're a Christian content creator, your mission isn't just to make stuff—it's to make it matter."In this compelling first part of a two-part series, XtianNinja breaks down what it really means to create on purpose. Whether you're a variety streamer, anime podcaster, or Minecraft builder, you don’t need to be a Bible teacher to serve God's kingdom online. Through honest reflections and relatable examples—from Valorant lobbies to anime breakdowns—you’ll learn how to align your content with God's priorities without becoming someone you're not.✨ Key takeaways:How to reflect God's love and truth in subtle or overt waysThe difference between active and passive Christian contentWhy your unique identity is your ministryHow intentionality transforms both your impact and joy🔔 Subscribe now and come back next week for Part 2—because creating with purpose doesn’t happen by accident.

“Before you build an audience, ask: Who is God calling you to serve?”In this powerful chapter of The Art of Digital Influence, XtianNinja invites Christian creators to stop chasing followers—and start discerning their God-given mission. Read by Scott “Born Again Gamer” Carpenter, this episode dives deep into biblical models of influence and lays out five timeless traits that set apart content creators who truly make an impact.👥 Discover the exact audience God has placed on your heart🎯 Align your passion and gifts with purpose📣 Learn how to build community, not just content🛠️ Explore proven practices to turn vision into realityThis is more than strategy—it’s a Spirit-led roadmap for reaching hearts in the digital mission field.👉 Hit follow to continue the audiobook series and equip your digital calling.🕊️ Join the live conversation Tuesdays on Twitch with XtianNinja

When Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau stepped away from traditional ministry, he didn’t expect God to lead him to Twitch. In this virtual Q&A hosted by Rev. Nathan Kwan and Markham Chinese Alliance Church, he shares how gaming, livestreaming, and online community became the unexpected mission field he was made for.🎧 In this episode:Why online spaces like Twitch matter to GodThe mental health and social struggles churches often overlookWhat digital discipleship really looks like—and why it works👉 If you’ve ever questioned whether online ministry is “real” ministry, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.Follow TACO Talks for more stories of calling, creativity, and Kingdom impact.

"God’s not asking you to go viral—He’s asking you to be faithful."In this episode of TACO Talks, Pastor Al (XtianNinja) unpacks how Christian creators can align their passions with God’s purpose. Discover the joy of creating content that’s more than trendy—it’s transformative.🎯 Stop chasing numbers. Start living your calling.👉 Subscribe and visit Xtian.Ninja to learn more.

“You are the light of the world, but how do you shine in a chaotic digital landscape?” In this gripping episode of TACO Talks, Pastor Al Descheneau (XtianNinja) unpacks Chapter 2 of The Art of Digital Influence, diving into tough challenges Christian content creators face today. From dodging spiritual attacks to scraping by with limited resources and no clear role models, learn how to rise above the noise with purpose and grit. What You’ll Learn:The “crappy content crisis” killing Christian influenceHow biblical judges mirror today’s digital mission fieldTips to tackle hostility, skepticism, and resource strugglesSubscribe to TACO Talks for weekly wisdom on crafting faith-based content that pops. Join XtianNinja’s live streams on Twitch (Monday-Thursday, 12 PM ET) and check out Xtian.ninja to fuel this ministry. Share this episode to spark the next wave of digital missionaries!

“I knew all the right answers. But in that moment—I still spiraled.”What if the hardest parts of your creative life—the burnout, the viral backlash, the silence after a big launch—aren’t just interruptions… but invitations?In this raw and revelatory follow-up to last week’s episode, Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau shares how pivotal moments expose the truth about our hearts, our habits, and relationship with God.🎯 This isn’t just about prayer—it’s about what prayer reveals when everything is on the line.In this episode:What it means to pray from relationship, not routineHow to pause instead of panic when pressure hitsWhy listening in prayer might be the key to your next breakthroughReal-life creator stories of doubt, discouragement, and divine perspective💬 We want to hear from you: What pivotal moment are you facing? Share your story in the comments—or join the live conversation on stream.

What if the biggest threat to your ministry isn't burnout, algorithms, or imposter syndrome—but the quiet drift away from prayer?In Part 1 of this powerful two-episode series, Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau exposes a trap many Christian content creators fall into: doing God’s work... without God. Through raw storytelling, piercing questions, and the parable of the persistent widow, you're invited to reconsider not just how you pray—but when, why, and if you really are.🎧 Inside Part 1:Why your prayer habits might be sabotaging your impactWhat burnout reveals about your faith walkThe spiritual battle that keeps creators from prayingA surprising reframe of what “waiting on God” actually means👉 Stick around for Part 2, where we dive into pivotal moments that can reshape your heart—and your impact.

"If you’ve ever thought, ‘I’m not qualified to be a creator,’ this episode is for you."This special episode of TACO Talks features a full chapter readings from The Art of Digital Influence, a book by Al Descheneau (aka XtianNinja), read by Scott Carpenter (aka The Born Again Gamer). Written to encourage and equip Christian content creators, the book explores how faith and digital influence intersect in powerful ways.Chapter 1, “Who Me? A Creator?”, speaks directly to the fears and doubts that keep many from stepping into their God-given calling. Drawing from the story of Moses, it reminds us that God often works through the least likely people—and that your voice matters more than you think.Subscribe to hear future chapters as they’re released alongside our regular episodes. Share this with someone who could use a little encouragement today.

"Who did God make me to be? Who's He placed in front of me to reach?"In this episode of the Taco Talks podcast, Pastor Al Descheneau—aka XtianNinja—talks directly to Christian creators about how to stay grounded and effective when platforms shift. Using the 2024 TikTok ban debate as a real-world example, he shares biblical insight and smart, practical advice to help you keep your mission strong no matter what the digital world throws your way. Whether you're posting on YouTube, streaming on Twitch, or building your email list, this episode will help you think long-term and lead with purpose.What You’ll Learn:How to approach platform changes with wisdom, faith, and clarityWays to diversify your content and audience without burning outWhy staying honest and honoring authority still matters in today’s creator spaceHow to stay focused on your calling and not just the latest trendsIf you're a Christian content creator looking to build something that lasts, this episode is packed with encouragement and real-world strategies. Even though it was recorded before the TikTok ban was finalized, the ideas are still spot-on for creators navigating change on any platform.Follow Taco Talks for more thoughtful, faith-driven conversations about content creation. Share this episode with another Christian creator, join the discussion live on XtianNinja’s Twitch streams (Monday–Thursday at 12 PM ET), or swing by xtian.ninja to support the work. Let’s build something that lasts—and points to God.

"If you know what your goal is, and your goal is to stick to that and understand that Twitch is finicky, that gaming is finicky... You can't get down on yourself. It's not you—it's just the nature of the job." - MissPositivityIn this episode of TACO Talks, MissPositivity shares her inspiring journey from early streaming struggles to building a vibrant and engaged community on Twitch and YouTube. She offers practical advice on staying authentic while navigating trends, managing the emotional ups and downs of viewer numbers, and embracing the unique voice God has given you.Through a thoughtful conversation with XtianNinja, MissPositivity dives into key topics like: Staying encouraged when numbers drop. Balancing trends with passion in content creation. Standing out as a Christian content creator in a competitive space.👉 Stick around until the end for a quick wrap-up from host BornAgainGamer, where he shares his reflections on keeping faith strong through the highs and lows of content creation—a thoughtful close to this wisdom-packed episode.Key Takeaways: Embracing your unique calling in content creation. Creating engaging evergreen content on YouTube. Balancing ministry and business as a digital creator.🎧 Listen now to gain practical strategies and spiritual encouragement that will elevate your content creation journey!"If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from top Christian content creators! Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement, and connect with us on social media to continue the conversation."🌐 XN's Website: XtianNinja🎮 Watch XtianNinja Live: Twitch Channel🎮 Watch BornAgainGamer Live: Twitch Channel🌮 Join the TACO Community: TACO Network

In this season finale of TACO Talks, I dive into a profound section of J. Oswald Sanders' book, "Spiritual Maturity," focusing on the power of weakness as described in 2 Corinthians 12:9. I share reflections and personal anecdotes on how this message resonates with my journey as a content creator. Discover how God uses our inadequacies to achieve His purposes and the importance of relying on Him rather than our talents. Learn how embracing weakness can transform your content creation and spiritual life. Let's uncover the surprising secret to success in content creation!### Key Takeaways:- Embracing weakness as a strength in content creation- Reflections on "Spiritual Maturity" by J. Oswald Sanders- Personal experiences of relying on God over natural abilities- Moving from self-reliance to God-reliance- Questions to reflect on your own journey and reliance on God### Actionable Steps:- Reflect on your natural abilities and how they align with God's plan- Spend time in prayer, seeking God's guidance in your creative journey- Set aside specific times to connect with God before starting your work- Evaluate areas where you rely too heavily on your own strength- Practice letting go and trusting God with the outcome of your efforts- Share your struggles and successes with a supportive faith community- Regularly remind yourself of God's role in your content creation### Links:- XN's Website: http://xtian.ninja- XN's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja- BornAgainGamer's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/thebornagaingamer

Title: The Irony of AI: Enhancing and Hindering Creativity Description: In this episode of TACO Talks, ChatGPT and Ninja dive into the world of AI in content creation. They discuss the pros and cons of using AI, exploring how it can be both a powerful tool and a potential pitfall. From the misuse of AI in creating low-quality content to the dangers of over-reliance, they cover it all. Ninja shares personal anecdotes and biblical wisdom to provide a balanced perspective. Tune in to learn how to leverage AI responsibly and enhance your creative journey while staying true to your values. Key Takeaways: - The irony of AI discussing AI in content creation - Personal anecdotes about reliance on AI - Issues with AI: misuse, misinformation, and intellectual property concerns - The dangers of over-reliance on AI - Biblical perspectives on using AI - Benefits of AI in content creation - Responsible use of AI for content creators Actionable Steps: - Establish a routine with designated office hours - Declutter your workspace regularly - Limit social media use and turn off push notifications - Schedule time off and take breaks when needed - Delegate tasks and collaborate with others - Connect with a supportive community - Practice self-compassion and celebrate achievements Links: - XN's Website: http://xtian.ninja - XN's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja - BornAgainGamer's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/thebornagaingamer

In this episode, we conclude our series on preventing burnout by exploring the vital practice of self-care for content creators. Learn how spiritual nourishment and practical self-care strategies can help you maintain your mental, physical, and spiritual health while continuing your passion for content creation. Key Takeaways: Spiritual Nourishment: Importance of daily Bible reading, prayer, worship, and meditation. Biblical Rest: Understanding the theological concept of Sabbath rest. Routine and Boundaries: Establishing a consistent routine and setting boundaries. Decluttering: Regularly organizing your workspace for better productivity. Social Media Management: Limiting use and turning off push notifications. Time Off: Prioritizing rest and taking breaks when needed. Delegation and Collaboration: Working with others to lighten your load. Community Connection: Engaging with supportive communities. Self-Compassion: Celebrating achievements and being kind to yourself. Actionable Steps: Establish a routine with designated office hours. Declutter your workspace regularly. Limit social media use and turn off push notifications. Schedule time off and take breaks when needed. Delegate tasks and collaborate with others. Connect with a supportive community. Practice self-compassion and celebrate achievements. Social media scheduling tools Email organization systems Task reminder alarms XN's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://xtian.ninja⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ XN's Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BornAgainGamer's Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/thebornagaingamer

In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the reality check exercise from last week. If you haven't listened to that episode, be sure to catch up first! Today, we'll explore how to create a manageable and realistic weekly schedule by categorizing tasks, prioritizing commitments, and ensuring self-care. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you prevent overcommitment, protect your mental health, and maintain a balanced life. Key Takeaways: Awareness and Reality Check: Understand the importance of writing down commitments to confront actual time requirements. Preventing Overcommitment: Recognize overcommitment to reduce stress and avoid burnout. Prioritization: Learn to prioritize effectively by seeing the full picture. Self-Care and Well-Being: Ensure balance by acknowledging self-care and personal growth needs. Practical Steps to a Healthier Schedule: Create a manageable weekly plan with practical steps. Actionable Steps: List All Commitments: Start by listing all your current commitments. Categorize Tasks: Group similar tasks together for better organization. Prioritize: Determine the priority of each task. Allocate Time Slots: Assign specific time slots based on priority. Be Realistic: Schedule based on actual time requirements. Schedule Downtime: Include time for fun, relaxation, and unplanned events. Review and Adjust: Use the schedule and make necessary adjustments. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to new commitments that don’t align with your priorities. Use Tools and Automation: Streamline tasks with digital tools and automation. Recommended Tools: Social media scheduling tools (Opus Pro, YouTube schedule posts) Email organization systems and unsubscription services Daily alarms for task reminders XN's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://xtian.ninja⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ XN's Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BornAgainGamer's Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/thebornagaingamer