Jason Oakes has been in ministry for over 20 years. This site offers a range of services and products, along with opportunities to explore Jesus, whether you’re a seeker, new to the faith, or seeking to dive deep.
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Ever had your doorbell ring—and suddenly your theology degree went missing?
You’re not alone.
Sharing Jesus with the Cults is your calm, confident, gospel-centered guide for those doorstep or coffee-shop conversations that leave even seasoned Christians tongue-tied, defensive, or replaying the moment later thinking, “I should’ve said that!”
You know the moments:
“I’m a Christian too.”
“Have you prayed about the Book of Mormon?”
“What is grace, anyway?”
“Why should I trust the Bible?”
“The Trinity doesn’t make sense.”
“Our church just offers something better.”
This isn’t a book about winning arguments—it’s about winning people. You’ll learn how to turn these tricky encounters into meaningful, gospel-centered conversations that open hearts, expose false assumptions, and point others to the truth of Jesus Christ.
What This Book Does (and Why It Works)
Forget the trivia and theological tongue-twisters. Sharing Jesus with the Cults equips you to respond thoughtfully, biblically, and compassionately—right where real conversations happen.
Section 1: What Is a Cult?
What makes a group a cult? What makes a group truly Christian?
You’ll discover:
The common traits of cults and their leaders
How mind control and Scripture twisting actually work
The surprising connections between modern cults, ancient heresies, and American religious history
Section 2: Overview of the Cults
Get clear, accessible overviews of the beliefs, history, and vocabulary of today’s most prominent American cults, including:
Mormonism
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Scientology
Christian Science
International Church of Christ
Seventh-day Adventists
Twelve Tribes
New Apostolic Reformation
United Pentecostal Church International
Great Commission Churches
No jargon. No rabbit trails. Just what you need to understand what they believe—and why.
Section 3: Tactics for Gospel Conversations
This is where theology meets real life.
You’ll learn practical, relational strategies for navigating six of the most common conversations Christians face:
“I’m a Christian too—don’t you think I am?”
“Have you read or prayed about our Scripture?”
Grace: salvation vs. works vs. rewards
Claims of apostasy, restoration, or Bible corruption
Confusion about the Trinity
Claims of superior authority, revelation, prophets, or a ‘truer’ Christianity
Each conversation becomes an opportunity—not a minefield—to share the gospel with clarity and compassion.
What Others Are Saying
Sharing Jesus with the Cults doesn’t just prepare you for the next knock at the door—it prepares you to speak truth in love, with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
Have you ever sat in a Bible study, followed along with a sermon, or shared a verse with a friend, only to realize your Bibles don’t match?
One version says "prisoner," another says "captive." One says "bowels," while others say "heart" or "affection." For many Christians, these differences lead to a nagging question: Which one is right? Can I actually trust what I’m reading?
In "Why Does My Bible Say…?", author Jason Oakes takes you deep into the short but powerful letter of Philemon to bridge the gap between complex Greek scholarship and the Bible in your lap. This isn’t a dry academic commentary; it is a practical, verse-by-verse roadmap designed to help you understand why translation committees make the choices they do.
Inside this volume, you will find:
A Side-by-Side Comparison: See eight major English translations (KJV, Douay-Rheims, NASB, NIV, NKJV, NLT, ESV, and NET) compared verse-by-verse.
The "Literal" Baseline: Every verse begins with a highly literal, word-for-word translation from the original Greek to serve as your "anchor" text.
Translation Secrets Unlocked: Learn the difference between "Formal Equivalence" (word-for-word) and "Dynamic Equivalence" (thought-for-thought) and see them in action.
Textual & Grammar Insights: Understand how minor differences in ancient manuscripts or Greek verb tenses can change the "flavor" of a verse.
Readability Metrics: Discover which versions are easiest to read and which ones preserve the complex structure of the original language.
Practical Q&A: Every section concludes with common questions a reader might ask, making this the perfect companion for pastors, small group leaders, and curious students of the Word.
Stop wondering if something was "lost in translation." Whether you are a seasoned teacher looking for deeper insights or a new believer trying to navigate the different versions on the shelf, this commentary provides the clarity you need to study with confidence.
Equip yourself with the tools to understand the "why" behind the words. Grab your copy of the Translational Commentary on Philemon today and start seeing your Bible in a whole new light.
Discover our services
We are available to be your guest speaker and offer three different options:
1) Pulpit Supply for Sunday mornings - We require the normal amount in your budget for pulpit supply, and ask you to allow us to set up a book table with resources and a donation jar.
2) Workshops - We currently offer three workshops. We ask for travel reimbursement, a book table with resources, and a donation jar. Any additional donations from the congregation are appreciated but not required.
Workshop 1 - What is a cult and how do you share the gospel with them?
Workshop 2 - Who are the relationships God has put in your life, and how are you hardwired to share the gospel with them?
Workshop 3 - Why are English translations of the Bible so different? How do I choose the option that’s right for me and study it myself?
3) Conference speaker - Hire us for your Christian conference event. We request the payment amount designated in your budget and the ability to set up a book table with a donation jar.
Wedding Officiant Services
Your wedding day should reflect who you are, what you value, and the promises you are making—not a generic script pulled from a folder.
I offer customized wedding ceremonies shaped around your story, your relationship, and your hopes for marriage. My role is to serve you with care, clarity, and reverence, whether your ceremony is explicitly faith-centered, interfaith, or non-religious in tone.
As a Christian pastor, I approach marriage as a sacred covenant marked by love, commitment, and faithfulness. At the same time, I work closely with each couple to ensure the ceremony reflects their wishes and convictions. Every service is thoughtfully prepared, personally written, and delivered with warmth and professionalism.
What I offer:
Fully customized wedding ceremonies
Guidance and support with writing personal vows
Optional premarital counseling sessions bundled with officiating
Flexibility for faith-forward, interfaith, or non-religious ceremonies
I am available to officiate weddings anywhere in the United States, with travel reimbursed in addition to service fees. Virtual officiating options are also available when legally permissible.
If you’re looking for an officiant who will honor your story while treating your ceremony with sincerity and care, I would be glad to serve you.
Funeral & Memorial Services
In moments of loss, families need more than words—they need presence, compassion, and someone who will listen well.
I provide funeral and memorial services shaped by the wishes, beliefs, and needs of those I serve. Each service is prepared with sensitivity and respect, honoring the life lived and the people who grieve.
As a pastor, I believe deeply in the hope of the gospel. When welcomed, I am honored to offer words of faith, comfort, and eternal perspective. When that is not desired, I remain fully committed to leading a service that is dignified, meaningful, and pastoral in spirit.
My approach includes:
Careful listening to family members and loved ones
Personalized messages that honor the life and legacy of the deceased
Flexibility in tone, content, and structure
A calm, compassionate presence during a difficult season
Whether a traditional funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life, I aim to serve families with grace and steadiness when they need it most.
Premarital Counseling
Healthy marriages are built intentionally, not accidentally.
I offer pastoral premarital counseling designed to help couples have honest conversations, deepen understanding, and build a strong foundation for marriage. These sessions are relational, structured, and guided by Christian wisdom, without relying on a rigid curriculum or clinical framework.
While I typically recommend four sessions, the process is flexible and shaped by what the couple would like to explore—communication, expectations, conflict, faith, family background, or any other area that feels important.
What to expect:
Pastoral (not clinical) counseling
A structured but flexible approach
Space for open, respectful conversation
Sessions available in person or virtually
Premarital counseling is available as a standalone service or bundled with wedding officiating.
Pricing Structure:
1. Attachment Style / Relationship Coaching
Individual Sessions
$50 per 60-minute session
Good entry point for new clients
Package Options (recommended)
4 sessions: $175 (slight discount)
8 sessions: $325 (best value)
2. Couples Coaching
Single Session
$100 per 60-minute session
Packages
6 sessions: $550
10 sessions: $1000
3. Pre-Marital Counseling
Flat Package
$400 - 4 sessions
$500 - 6 sessions
Assessment (attachment styles, communication, etc.)
Practical tools + exercises
Optional ceremony planning integration
4. Officiant Services
Basic Ceremony
$400
(Includes consultation, rehearsal + ceremony)
Standard Package
$700
(Includes rehearsal, ceremony + 4 pre-marital counseling sessions)
Premium Package
$800
(Includes 6 pre-marital counseling sessions, rehearsal + ceremony)
Next Steps
If you would like to inquire about availability, discuss your needs, or ask questions about any of these services, I invite you to reach out. I would be glad to schedule a consultation and see how I might serve you during this meaningful season of life.
Attachment Style & Relationship Coaching
Healthy relationships don’t happen by accident—they’re built through understanding, intentionality, and growth. As an Attachment Style & Relationship Coach, I help individuals and couples identify the deeper patterns shaping how they connect, communicate, and respond to one another.
Many of the struggles we face in relationships aren’t just about the present moment—they’re rooted in attachment patterns formed over time. Whether you find yourself pulling away, feeling anxious, struggling to communicate your needs, or repeating the same cycles, there is a path forward.
Through personalized coaching, I help you:
Understand your attachment style and how it impacts your relationships
Break unhealthy relational patterns and cycles
Improve communication and emotional connection
Build trust, security, and confidence in your relationships
Develop practical tools for navigating conflict and deepening intimacy
My approach is both practical and compassionate, equipping you with clear steps you can apply in everyday life—not just theory, but real transformation.
For Individuals, Couples, or Pre-Marital Counseling
Whether you’re an individual seeking to become more secure in your attachment style, dating, engaged, or newly married, investing in yourself and your relationship early is one of the most valuable decisions you can make. Pre-marital counseling provides a strong foundation by helping you and your partner align expectations, strengthen communication, and address potential challenges before they become problems.
We’ll work through key areas such as communication styles, conflict resolution, emotional needs, values, and long-term vision—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Wedding Officiant Services
In addition to coaching, I also serve as a wedding officiant. It’s an honor to walk with couples not only in preparation for marriage, but also in the meaningful moment where that commitment is made. I work with you to create a ceremony that reflects your values, your story, and the significance of your covenant.
Who This Is For:
Individuals seeking healthier, more secure relationships
Couples wanting to strengthen or restore their connection
Engaged couples preparing for marriage
Those who feel stuck in repeating relational patterns and want lasting change
If you’re ready to grow, heal, and build stronger relationships, I’d be honored to walk alongside you in the process.
Pricing Structure:
1. Attachment Style / Relationship Coaching
Individual Sessions
$50 per 60-minute session
Good entry point for new clients
Package Options (recommended)
4 sessions: $175 (slight discount)
8 sessions: $325 (best value)
2. Couples Coaching
Single Session
$100 per 60-minute session
Packages
6 sessions: $550
10 sessions: $1000
3. Pre-Marital Counseling
Flat Package
$400 - 4 sessions
$500 - 6 sessions
Assessment (attachment styles, communication, etc.)
Practical tools + exercises
Optional ceremony planning integration
4. Wedding Officiant Services
Basic Ceremony
$400
(Includes consultation, rehearsal + ceremony)
Standard Package
$700
(Includes rehearsal, ceremony + 4 pre-marital counseling sessions)
Premium Package
$800
(Includes 6 pre-marital counseling sessions, rehearsal + ceremony)
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