Cultivating virtue – David Brooks
Aug 04, 2018
Show notes
A journalist for The New York Times and author of The Road to Character, David Brooks is an expert in communicating the role of character in our society and how it brings about positive change. In a culture that worships the celebrity yet is decreasing in any religious commitment (32% of millennials claim no religious affiliation according to Barna), Brooks provides relevant commentary on how virtue is a key entry point to larger spiritual conversations that ultimately contribute to society’s flourishing.
Leading together – Henry and Alex Seely
Jul 28, 2018
Show notes
How can partners mutually thrive? It can be hard for husbands and wives to work together in a way that is respectful and beneficial. As married co-pastors working together, Alex and Henry Seely model what it looks like to submit to one another in a relationship that shares a similar calling. Whether you work with your spouse or not, their stories and real-life experiences provide encouragement for couples who feel compelled to journey together in advancing good.
Also, in many ways, the 21st century is a revolutionary age of opportunity for women. Along with owning 30% of American businesses, women currently make up 57% of college graduates and 63% of master's degree holders. But we can only look up to those whose stories we know. If we only pass the torch to the already successful, we have failed to share the vision. What does it look like to inspire the next generation of women? Nicole Baker Fulgham discusses the importance of sharing these stories with young girls whose vision is limited by economic context.
An unlikely friendship – Tiffany Whittier and Michael Kent
Jul 21, 2018
Show notes
How do relationships transform people?
When probation officer Tiffany Whittier was assigned to self-avowed white supremacist Michael Kent, an unlikely friendship developed, eventually leading Michael away from a life of racism. Tiffany and Michael will talk about building relationships in unexpected places and finding safe spaces to grow while standing firm in our convictions.
Also, we often ask how to alleviate poverty. PovertyCure director and host Michael Miller challenges us to re-imagine a solution to poverty. He explains that the real questions don't revolve around alleviating poverty but around creating prosperity for families and communities.
Post-truth trends – David Kinnaman
Jul 14, 2018
Show notes
How is distrust eroding the sacred? In what Barna calls “an erosion of the sacred,” Americans find it harder to trust authorities for guidance, including God. But in a society plagued by skepticism, “fake news,” and distrust, where can people turn for comfort and direction? David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, details these trends, offers hope in the midst of uncertainty, and explains how Christians can provide a hopeful presence for a culture that is floundering.
Plus, while the world might offer only a vision for pursuing happiness at all costs, Christians can offer a better story. Christians can recognize the truth of people's pain, sit with it and imagine renewal through it. Founder of Q, Gabe Lyons challenges Christians to be part of shaping the cultural imagination.
From shame to purity – Mo Isom and Jefferson Bethke
Jul 07, 2018
Show notes
Sex. In a world overwhelmingly obsessed with it, why is the church so silent about it? While our secular culture twists, perverts, cheapens, and idolizes sex, there are gaping holes in the church’s guidance of young people. The result is generations of sexually illiterate people drowning in the repercussions of overwhelming sin struggles. With raw vulnerability and a bold spirit, Mo Isom shares her own sexual testimony, opening up the conversation about misguided rule-following, virginity, temptation, porn, promiscuity, false sex-pectations, sex in marriage, and more and calling readers back to God’s original design for sex–a way to worship and glorify him.
Plus, research suggests that pornography is a "new narcotic" with equally powerful effects on the brain as addictive drugs. In a globalized world, how can we overcome the temptations and tragedies of technology? Jefferson Bethke believes the answer lies within the problem. The voice of the viral YouTube video "Why I Love Jesus but Hate Religion," Jeff uses the internet as a positive means of confession and expression. His challenging talk will address a serious issue in today's society.
Building bridges – LaTasha Morrison
Jun 30, 2018
Show notes
How Do We Overcome Our Prejudice?
In society, racism is more prevalent than ever, engendering doubts, fears, suspicions, and even hostility about the “other.” LaTasha Morrison leads an organization dedicated to building bridges that span racial, experiential, and socio-economic divides. Her stories provide a framework through which we can engage others in a way that leads to reconciliation, peace, and mutual benefit to one another.
From the broken Place – Bianca Olthoff
Jun 23, 2018
Show notes
Does God form us in all circumstances?
Many of us who have experienced painful challenges know that God can find us in any place and any moment of our lives. Bianca Olthoff knows the depth of this truth firsthand. Working and worshiping with incarcerated women, Bianca speaks about creating church in prison and witnessing the power of God to forgive and bring new life.
Also, more than 7 million Americans—1 in 31 adults—have been or are currently incarcerated. That’s the highest incarceration rate in the world. More often than not, those who are set free become repeat offenders within years or even months. Christians must begin discussing how we can help complete the restorative justice process by welcoming and training these individuals for vibrant post-prison lives. Catherine Hoke shares with Gabe and Bryan Stevenson how she believes we can love those whose offenses might make them appear difficult to love.
Understanding our cultural moment – Greg Thompson
Jun 16, 2018
Show notes
Understanding our current cultural climate may feel like an impossible quest. Yet as Christians, we are called to be the ones who understand the times and know how to lead and offer hope. How can we make sense of the confusion and think soundly about the chaos? Greg Thompson, with a Ph.D in Theology, Ethics and Culture and as director of Thriving Cities, helps us find clarity and perspective so we are equipped to help others make sense of our unique cultural moment.
Mapping environmental injustices – Rusty Pritchard
Jun 09, 2018
Show notes
Many in our communities suffer from the rising air- and water-borne toxin levels in our local environments. From Asthma to Autism, one of the most hotly contested debates in the medical world today is, “How much does our polluted environment contribute to our diseases and sicknesses?” Gabe Lyons talks with Mitch Hescox of The Evangelical Environmental Network and Lyndsay Moseley of The American Lung Association's Healthy Air Campaign.
Also, maps show how the poor disproportionately live in some of the worst environmental places. Resource economist and Tearfund advisor Rusty Pritchard helps us focus our understanding of place and space toward an awareness of the geography in which we live. He helps us understand how past decisions have created unjust environments for under-resourced people groups, and our opportunity to change this reality.
What responsibilities do we have to ensure safe, healthy environments?
Patient pluralism – David Coleman
Jun 02, 2018
Show notes
How do we navigate ideological diversity?
Existing in an ideologically-diverse culture can be challenging, and often leads to individuals retreating behind their battle lines. David Coleman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The College Board, believes that institutional diversity, civil disagreement, and patience with others whose beliefs differ from yours creates the best learning environments.
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