Porn addiction – Audrey Assad and Jefferson Bethke
Mar 10, 2018
Show notes
One-third of people viewing porn are women, but this demographic is largely unaddressed when pornography addictions are discussed. Audrey Assad, a singer/songwriter and worship leader, is seeking to change that by transparently sharing her journey to overcome porn addiction. Audrey gives voice to an issue too often kept quiet, and bears witness to the power of freedom from addiction, even amidst a culture that condones porn and exploitation.
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.
Cultivating Virtue – David Brooks
Mar 03, 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.
Understanding modern Islam – Shadi Hamid and Paul Marshall
Feb 24, 2018
Show notes
Contrary to popular understanding, Islam's populations and influence reaches far beyond the Middle East. Muslims make up a majority of the population in 49 countries around the world, and is the fastest growing religion according to the Pew Research Center. As Islam integrates into Western Societies, is peace and pluralism really possible? Listen in as Paul Marshall suggests a way forward that addresses this very question and Shadi Hamid, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on Islamist movements explains what Christians could learn from Islam.
Sports: competition and calling – Thomas Lake and Kelly Clark
Feb 17, 2018
Show notes
Sports are one of the most notable places in which people are highly, almost violently competitive - and yet sports can be good for us, too. So where do we go wrong? How does healthy competition become something much darker? In this excerpt from his talk at Q Nashville in April 2014, Sports Illustrated writer Thomas Lake talks about his own sports obsession and what it means for all of us.
What if following your passion leads to worldly success, to weatlh, fame, and power? What does service look like from here? Can you balance the pressures of success while seeking to make disciples? Snowboarder/Olympic Gold medalist Kelly Clark has wrestled with these questions while blazing a trail of calling as an athlete. Listen how her Christian faith pushes her toward excellence, as well as how she fosters a servant’s heart.
Engaging the issue of broken sexual identity – Melinda Semlys and Caleb Kaltenbach
Feb 10, 2018
Show notes
Melinda Selmys' story of living with gender dysphoria provides a personal viewpoint from the trenches of this struggle. She advocates for a compassionate, empathetic approach to learning from and loving those in our communities who experience gender identity confusion. Suggesting that those identifying as transgender may have have experienced trauma, she encourages faith communities to provide trans people with the social, emotional, and spiritual support that they need in order to heal.
Growing up with parents who were gay, Caleb Kaltenbach was part of the gay rights movement from an early age. But when he became a Christian, his parents were furious, having seen so much hatred aimed at them from the Christian community. Caleb - who eventually became a pastor - shares his story of how he journeyed through this disagreement with his parents and gained empathy for those who think differently.
The power of a volunteer movement – Rob Peabody
Feb 03, 2018
Show notes
VOMO is powering today's movement of volunteers to change the world. Listen in as Rob Peabody, CEO of VOMO, and Gabe Lyons discuss the importance of volunteering in community and ways you, and your networks can better engage your city for good.
VOMO makes volunteering easy and effortless. Join the movement for good at https://www.vomo.org/q
Singleness – Annie F. Downs
Jan 27, 2018
Show notes
What does it mean to think well about singleness? It's easy for the church to make marriage into an idol, but our single friends have much to offer and are a vital part of the conversation. Listen in as Annie F. Downs shares about her experience and how she's striving for fulfillment in singleness, whatever the outcome.
Creating and flourishing – Dana Tanamachi
Jan 20, 2018
Show notes
Renown artist, Dana Tanamachi, is a self-defined, "Texas-bred, Seattle-based graphic designer who enjoys living a quiet life and working with her hands." In this interview, Dana shares her story and insights into what compels her to create, with a focus on the creative process of her most recent commissioned work in partnership with Crossway, designing an illuminated Bible for the modern eye.
See more about the Illuminated Bible, Art Lettering Edition from Dana Tanamachi at illuminatedbible.org
Called to create – Jordan Raynor
Jan 13, 2018
Show notes
Jordan Raynor provides a framework for how to embrace entrepreneurship and creativity as a means of glorifying God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
6 practices of the Church – Vocation – Greg Thompson
Jan 06, 2018
Show notes
We are all involved in some sort of vocation. No matter where or what it is, we know that God calls us to be faithful in those places. From home to office and beyond, we have the opportunity to practice vocation well in a way that makes the world a better place.
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