The Wednesday Conversation

How should Christians think about Israel? Questions about the nation of Israel and its place in the world have resurfaced following the October 2023 attack by Hamas and Israel’s response. These events have precipitated a rise in anti-Semitism and prompted pointed conversations around Zionism. How should Christians relate to the modern state of Israel? In this episode, Bob responds to a listener request for some perspective on that question. He defines Zionism, addresses four common critiques, and offers three compelling reasons for Christian Zionism. Chapters: (0:00) How Should Christians Think about Israel? (1:18) What is Zionism and Why is it in the News? (7:00) Answering Four Critiques (27:22) Christian and Zionist? (33:32) Closing Thoughts Articles & Resources: https://firstthings.com/the-patriarch-and-the-palestinians/

In Chris’s final episode, we reflect on his journey over the past 11+ years. In this episode, we say goodbye to Pastor Chris Hemmelman as he prepares to move from Bellevue, Nebraska to Woodstock, Georgia. We reflect on his journey from church planting resident to lead pastor at First City Church — and what he’s learned along the way. Chris shares what he’s learned about church planting, leadership development, risk-taking, and the slow, relational work of faithful ministry. The conversation closes with reflections on gratitude, presence, and trusting God in seasons of transition. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Chris’s Farewell Episode (2:00) Discernment, Risk, and Residency (7:45) Lessons in Leadership Development (10:30) What Would You Tell Yourself 10 Years Ago? (15:20) Favorite Podcast Moments (22:40) Transition, Presence, and Prayers for What’s Next

How do we make sense of the differences within the four Gospels? Readers of the Bible can't help but notice that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John sometimes tell the same stories differently. Was there one angel at the tomb (Matthew), or two (Luke)? Did Jesus cleanse the Temple at the beginning of his ministry (John), or near the end (Matthew)? In this episode, we explore how to make sense of this variety within the Gospel accounts. We discuss apparent contradictions, the literary conventions of first-century biographies, and how to read the Gospels with wise confidence in the reliability of Scripture. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: The Problem of Harmonization (4:27) Not Video Camera Footage (10:50) Place Names and Geography (14:25) Order, Grouping, and Theological Structure (21:09) Letting Matthew Be Matthew

Why does American life feel so fractured, and what can Christians do about it? American society feels increasingly polarized, anxious, and divided — and many people sense that the problem is deeper than politics. In this episode, we explore the idea that what’s really fraying is solidarity. Drawing on James Davison Hunter’s Democracy and Solidarity and a recent article by Jake Meador, we examine three competing visions for renewing American solidarity. We argue that neither free-market individualism nor ethnic nationalism offers a meaningful solution, and we discuss how Christianity provides a framework for a distinctive and robust solidarity. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: The Future of The Wednesday Conversation (7:45) Liberal Individualism and the Loss of Solidarity (14:55) Nationalism as a False Solution (22:34) A Christian Vision of Dependence (30:35) What Solidarity Looks Like in Everyday Life (34:00) Stitching the Fabric Back Together Locally

Do evangelicals really lack cultural elites — and if so, does it matter? An essay in First Things argues that evangelicals have failed to cultivate elites in America’s most influential institutions, leaving them underrepresented in culture-shaping domains like media, academia, and politics. In this episode, we examine author Aaron Renn’s claims, question his definition of “elite,” and explore where the argument resonates — and where it falls apart. We discuss populism within evangelicalism, the absence of a robust theology of vocation, the tension evangelicals feel toward ambition and power, and reflect on how the gospel reframes ambition, faithfulness, and cultural impact. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Evangelical Elites? (8:07) Why Evangelicals Struggle with Power (19:08) Ambition, Leadership, and Discernment (26:26) The Need for Flagship Churches (32:29) The Gospel’s Reframing of Success

Are white millennial men becoming a “lost generation”? A widely shared essay in Compact magazine contends that white millennial men have borne an overlooked cost of the DEI era — facing stalled careers, closed doors, and deep vocational disillusionment. In this episode, we examine the article’s claims and reflect on why this story has resonated so strongly. We discuss meritocracy, generational resentment, the spiritual danger of letting vocational injustice define our identity, and how the gospel speaks to disappointment and unfair systems. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: The Lost Generation (4:40) A Listener’s Story (12:05) Journalism, Academia, and Hollywood: The Evidence (20:00) Meritocracy, Resentment, and Generational Fallout (22:45) What the Gospel Offers in an Unfair World

Why is question-asking vital to spiritual growth and formation? Asking questions is an important part of forming good relationships. Yet sometimes we fail to ask questions or ask the wrong kind of questions in an effort to avoid conflict or out of fear. In this episode from 2016, we discuss the art of asking good questions — how it shows love and curiosity, why it’s essential to our spiritual formation, and how we can be attuned to the Holy Spirit as we do it.

What were some of the highlights of 2025? On the last day of 2025, we spend some time reflecting on the past year. In this episode, we talk about impactful books we read, memorable moments in ministry, insights from Scripture, and longings we have for ourselves and our churches. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Chippers? (4:58) Books We Read in 2025 (10:57) Key Ministry Moments (17:03) Engaging with Scripture (20:42) People & Places (25:05) Longings

How should a pastor process a calling to leave a church and transition to a new ministry setting? Pastoral transitions can be difficult for churches and leaders to navigate. Sometimes pastors move on for the wrong reasons. But sometimes, the Spirit of God is on the move. How can we discern the difference? In this episode, Chris opens up about a forthcoming transition in his own ministry. We discuss the importance of relational trust, self-awareness and discernment, inviting community into the process, and the practical realities of leading through change. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Christmastime = Snack Time (1:02) Chris is Departing Omaha (4:49) Moving from Good to Good (14:54) The Stages of Reckoning with a Pastoral Shift (19:33) Questions Pastors Should Be Asking (29:31) Questions Churches Should Be Asking

How should Christians approach contraception and family planning? Unless a Christian couple has taken the time to investigate contraceptive and family planning options, it can be hard to know what exists, what is safe, and what is ethical. In part two of this two-part episode, we continue our conversation about how to honor God in our approach to family planning. We discuss the risks of hormonal birth control and respond to some additional listener questions about when to start having kids — and also whether it's OK to be done. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Resetting the Discussion (1:45) Fertility Awareness vs. Hormonal Birth Control (8:13) When Are You Ready to Have Kids? (17:30) Is It OK to Be Done Having Kids? (22:38) Christian Freedom in Family Planning

How should Christians approach contraception and family planning? Unless a Christian couple has taken the time to investigate contraceptive and family planning options, it can be hard to know what exists, what is safe, and what is ethical. In part one of this two-part episode, we address a listener's question about how to honor God in our approach to family planning. We discuss the predominant cultural narratives about contraception, how a Christian view is different, and why the fertility awareness method offers a unique wisdom in this area. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Listener Justin Has a Question (3:16) The Cultural Starting Point for Contraception (9:03) Strengths & Weaknesses of Protestant Thought (13:33) Reflecting on Our Assumptions about Birth Control (21:44) Jenn Newman Joins Us to Talk About Fertility Awareness

How can we resist the gamification of our economy — and help others do the same? The advent of digital technology has incentivized ease and encouraged isolation. Young people, especially young men, have become socially risk-averse — spending more time alone and cultivating negative habits on their devices. In this episode, we engage a Derek Thompson Substack article that explores the connection between online betting and social isolation. We discuss the fight for young men's souls, the need for embodied discipleship, and how the church can be a counter-cultural champion of relationships and community. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Keep it Up, Young Christian Men (3:07) We’ve Forgotten How to Feel Lonely (7:05) The Loss of the Pro-Social Script (16:19) Why Embodied Discipleship Matters (21:13) Disempowering the Digitization of Our Lives (27:33) Concluding Reflections

How can we submit to and enjoy the slow process of sanctification? It’s not uncommon for Christians to feel discouraged by their progress (or lack thereof) in sanctification. But what if our vision of maturity focused less on the destination and more on slow growth over time? In this episode, we use the Sermon on the Mount to consider Christian discipleship and maturity. We discuss Jesus's image of discipleship as a path or road, how to handle discouragement along the way, and the joy of not taking ourselves too seriously. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Follow-Up on AR-15's (5:49) Reframing Sanctification as a Journey (15:25) The Journey is Slow (20:57) We Will Reach the Destination (27:33) How to Enjoy the Process

How can we advocate for a people-first economy? Artificial intelligence is disrupting our vocational and social worlds — and as it starts to dominate industries, more people are trying to discern its proper limits and boundaries. Intuitively, we are hesitant about the increasing growth of AI. But why? Is it because we sense that people should do our work? In this episode, Bob weaves together two articles to discuss the contrast between building an AI-first culture and a people-first culture. Along the way, we consider the importance of a Christian anthropology, the growing questions about AI's economic impact, and how Christians can be champions of others in their lives and workspaces. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: What Do We Do about AI? (5:39) We’re Heading Toward an AI-First World (11:04) Choose the Person over the Non-Person (15:46) A Principle for Engaging AI (21:57) The ROI on AI (27:49) A People-First Approach Articles & Resources: https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-financial-page/the-ai-profits-drought-and-the-lessons-of-history https://mereorthodoxy.com/wendell-berrys-unanswered-question

The Vatican clarified its stance on the virgin Mary—where do Protestants agree & disagree? Last week, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith released a document clarifying Roman Catholic teaching about Mary the mother of Jesus. Mariology has been a point of contention in Protestant/Catholic relations, but the Mater Populi Fidelis document reveals some promising reforms. It also fails to go far enough. In this episode, Bob commends three specific areas of reform, points out three areas of ongoing disagreement, and encourages Protestant/Catholic debate and conversation. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: The Release of Mater Populi Fidelis (4:34) Three Encouraging Reforms to Marian Devotion (13:04) Where We Think the Vatican Still Missed (24:23) What Protestants Can Glean Articles & Resources: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/11/04/251104a.html