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

Why are so many Christians unwilling to bend on the issue of guns? In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder and other recent instances of gun violence, the debate over gun regulation is raging once again. The right to bear arms is constitutionally protected and deeply ingrained in American culture — but does that mean all guns should be permitted? In this episode, we respond to a listener question about where Christians should stand on gun control. We discuss biblical wisdom and gun regulation, the interplay of the gun debate with societal virtue, and why “rights” don’t always align with human flourishing. Chapters: (0:00) Listener Sophia Has a Question (3:20) Teeing Up the Gun Control Debate (7:40) Why Christians Should Support Reasonable Gun Regulations (12:17) The Case Against Assault Weapons (16:10) Why We Are Still Pro-Gun (20:00) Guns and Virtue Resources: Gun Control and the Right to Bear Arms — Good Faith Debates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOMePdBBLnI

How should the Reformation shape how we worship today? It’s always good to know and understand our heritage when it comes to worship. Why do we structure our worship gatherings the way we do? Why do we sing together as a congregation? Should we take communion every week? In this episode from 2020, we talk about the book ‘Reformation Worship’ and look at what principles and ideas we can take from the Reformation and put into practice in modern day worship.

Technology is threatening our humanity — how do we push back? The digital revolution is forcing the human race toward a civilizational bottleneck, Ross Douthat contends in a recent New York Times article. What survives depends on our deliberate choices. Unless we "fight for a future where human things and human beings survive and flourish," much of what we love will be lost. In this episode, we discuss Douthat's insights about how the virtual replaces the real, why we put up with this digital substitution, and how AI accelerates the process. We close by considering how Christians can help preserve the practices and pursuits that make us truly human. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Bob's Recent Cycling Accident (4:47) The Digital Age as a Civilizational Bottleneck (16:38) How The Virtual Replaces the Real (21:30) Intentional & Purposeful Stewardship (31:37) Preserving the Really Human Things

Bob interviews Trevin Wax about his new book, The Gospel Way Catechism. Trevin Wax is Vice President of Resources and Marketing at the North American Mission Board and a well-known author, speaker, and cultural commentator. He also serves (along with Bob) as a fellow at The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. In this episode, Bob and Trevin talk apologetics. They discuss Trevin’s newest project "The Gospel Way Catechism" and its unique approach to counter-formation. They also explain the role of cultural apologetics in explaining and defending the Christian faith. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: What is Counter-Catechesis? (7:26) How to Decide What to Put In a Catechism (14:56) Who Should Be Using Catechisms? (21:40) Trevin’s Contribution to “The Gospel After Christendom” (25:00) Explaining Cultural Apologetics (30:45) Lesslie Newbigin's Missiology

Bob interviews Trevin Wax about his life, leadership, writing, and formative influences. Trevin Wax is Vice President of Resources and Marketing at the North American Mission Board and a well-known author, speaker, and cultural commentator. He also serves (along with Bob) as a fellow at The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. During Trevin's recent visit to Nebraska for a TGC pastor's quarterly, we invited him to join the podcast to discuss his life and work. In this episode, we hear about Trevin’s upbringing, his writing, his experiences in ministry, and his vision for the next few decades. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Kelsey’s Cookies (Again) (1:28) Trevin’s Family and Church Background (10:18) Developing the Discipline of Writing (21:46) Experiences with and Work with the Keller Center (37:59) What’s Next?

What are catechisms and why do we use them? To those unfamiliar with the term, “catechism” can seem like a strange word. Simply put, catechisms are question-and-answer tools that communicate Christian theology in simple ways. In this episode, we respond to a listener question about the origins of catechisms and creeds. We discuss why the Reformation led to a golden age of catechisms, what makes catechisms important, and how they connect us to historic Christianity and spur us to deeper worship. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Kelsey's Cookies (1:55) Catechizing Catechumens with Catechisms (12:50) Some Important Creeds & Catechisms (18:56) Laying a Foundation for Theology & Discipleship (29:29) Catechisms Tether Us to the Historic Church

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, how do we process our emotions, responses, and reactions? On September 10, 2025, conservative political activist and outspoken Christian Charlie Kirk was murdered during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Some people are feeling shock, anger, fear, grief, and lament; others are celebrating or mocking. How do we make sense of what we’re feeling? How do we respond to what others are saying? And what does this moment portend for American politics and the future of civic debate? In this episode, Bob engages these questions and offers some commentary and perspective. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: First Things First (5:44) Who Was Charlie Kirk ? (12:36) What Does His Assassination Reveal? (27:06) Temptations We Should Resist (39:22) Parting Thoughts Articles & Resources: https://www.digitalliturgies.net/p/accelerants-and-tethers https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/opinion/charlie-kirk-assassination-left-violence.html https://brianmattson.substack.com/p/theythem

If you’ve listened to the radio lately, perhaps you’ve noticed that pop music is sounding a lot like worship music. Some of the year's most popular songs use biblical imagery, emotive builds, and vocal choirs—not unlike what you might hear in church. On this week’s episode, we discuss a recent article that traces this trend. We explore why music producers are mimicking worship music and what it suggests about our cultural moment. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Myrtle & Cypress (3:21) Is "Secular Praise Music" Even a Thing? (13:24) What’s Driving the Change in Pop Music (19:03) What Music Says About Our Collective Longings (30:05) We Can Worship Even When Songs Are Hard to Sing Article: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/article/everyone-is-listening-to-secular-praise-music-yes-even-you-110058855.html

Over the past half-century, evangelical Christians have rediscovered spiritual formation. Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and more recently John Mark Comer have helped re-emphasize spiritual practices and the interior life. But why does so much popular writing and teaching on spiritual formation lean on Catholic sources – mystics and monks and Merton? Is there a distinctly Protestant stream of spiritual formation that we can rediscover? If so, what might it teach us? In this episode, we interact with a new book from Matthew Bingham, A Heart Aflame for God. Bingham asserts that there IS a deep Protestant tradition of spiritual formation, and one of its distinctives is the centrality of Scripture. In this episode, we discuss why we tend to minimize Scripture in spiritual formation, why the Puritans saw Scripture as central to spiritual formation, and how we can practically foreground the Scriptures in our spiritual practices. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Have We Lost the Thread on Spiritual Formation? (4:26) The Primacy of the Word of God (13:23) Some Critiques of a Word-Centric Spiritual Formation (20:43) What the Puritans Have to Say (26:22) Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly

In credobaptist traditions, we baptize new Christians upon their profession of faith in Christ. But what happens when, a few years later, a new experience of God's grace makes me question my prior baptism? How can we separate our subjective experiences of God’s promises from the objective nature of those promises? In this episode, we respond to a listener question and discuss how the Reformation tradition understood baptism, what the animating force of baptism is, and the connections between baptism and discipleship. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Why We Love Our Listeners (2:46) Can/Should I Get Re-Baptized? (5:57) Who’s Speaking in Baptism? (13:31) Differences Among Paedobaptist Traditions (20:22) What "Conversion" Is and Isn't (25:34) Coming Back to the Great Commission

August 2025 marks Coram Deo Church’s 20th birthday. On this episode, we reflect further on God’s grace to Coram Deo over the past two decades. We talk about what we’re grateful for, what years were the most fun, what aspects of Coram Deo turned out differently than we expected, and why the "institutional" aspect of a church is crucial to city renewal. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: David's Reign (2:19) What We're Grateful For (10:42) The Church As Institution (14:16) What We're Surprised By (19:15) What Was the Most Fun (24:38) Listener Take-Aways

August 2025 marks Coram Deo Church’s 20th birthday. On this episode, we reflect on God's grace to Coram Deo over the past two decades. We discuss the circumstances of the church's founding, the ups and downs of starting and leading a church, and what’s changed in the cultural and ministry environment between 2005 and 2025. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Happy Birthday, Coram Deo (2:21) How Coram Deo Got Started (10:06) What Ministry Looked Like in 2005 (18:35) Leading a Growing Church (24:32) Joys and Trials (30:33) Church Planting: Then Vs. Now

If it hasn't happened to you yet... wait for it. Sometime in your mid-30's, life starts to feel mundane. You find yourself asking: How did I get here? Do I like what I do? Do I still want this job? Despite all the cliches, "mid-life crisis" is real. The world urges you to try something new - a new job, a new hobby, maybe even a new spouse. But what if God has a different invitation—one that invites you to interrogate your restlessness? In this episode, we answer a listener question about how to persist at work. We discuss stewardship, settling, friendship, and the wisdom of knowing your portion (Ecclesiastes 9:9). Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: I Guess This is a Mid-Life Crisis Podcast (2:53) Mid-Life as an Invitation to Settledness (12:35) Settling IN vs. Settling FOR (21:00) What Does the Lord Want from Me Next? (25:11) Find People Who Aren’t Impressed with You (31:02) What Is Your Portion?

John MacArthur, longtime pastor of Grace Community Church in California, passed away on July 14, 2025. MacArthur preached in the same pulpit for 56 years. His recorded sermons and syndicated radio and television programs brought the gospel to people all over the world, and his writings impacted many more. On this episode, we discuss MacArthur’s legacy, the impact of his ministry, where we disagree with him, and the gaps his death leaves behind. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Patrick and Renee Got Us a Kringle! (2:25) John MacArthur’s Obituary (8:34) John’s Life and Ministry (19:27) Where We Disagree with MacArthur (and Commend Him) (25:38) Who Are the Next Generation of Stalwart Preachers? Resources & Articles: https://firstthings.com/a-straight-line-to-the-pulpit-the-legacy-of-john-macarthur/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/us/john-macarthur-dead.html

Communion should be a regular practice for all Christians—but there is freedom in how often and in what ways the church practices this historic sacrament. In this 2018 episode, we discuss how and why our churches observe communion the way we do.

In this episode, we hear a Christian doctor’s perspective on non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). He discusses the accuracy of the tests, explains what they are and aren't good for, and unpacks the challenges of practicing medicine as a Christian (especially in this specialty). We also ask our special guest Hannah what advice she would give to couples who are expecting children. Catch up on Part 1 of this conversation if you missed it. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: More Insights from Hannah’s Journey (4:30) Advice for Couples Who Are Expecting (8:16) Bethany’s Experience with NIPT Testing (14:26) A Christian Doctor’s Perspective on Prenatal Testing (21:31) Final Thoughts on a Christian Approach to Prenatal Care Resources & Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/01/upshot/pregnancy-birth-genetic-testing.html https://wng.org/opinions/discrimination-down-to-a-science-1641556177 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgljz4vve2o https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2022/09/06/inaccurate-prenatal-tests-can-harm-expectant-parents-but-stronger-oversight-can-help https://time.com/7264271/ivf-pgta-test-lawsuit/

In recent years, pregnant moms have increasingly been offered NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) early in pregnancy. Silicon Valley startups are racing to cash in on the market for early-stage tests that can help identify genetic abnormalities and disorders. But it turns out that these tests are highly unreliable and often misleading. A New York Times investigation discovered that the five most common microdeletion tests (tests that look for chromosomal abnormalities) are incorrect 85% of the time. In this episode, a special guest (Hannah) shares her own troubling experience with faulty NIPT testing. Her story highlights the personal and ethical implications of this emerging aspect of prenatal medicine. (0:00) Introductions: Might There Be Good BBQ in Omaha? (3:36) A Basic Overview of Pre-Natal Testing (9:27) Hannah Tells Her Story (28:49) Spread The Word: Christian Couples Need to Know the Facts on NIPT Resources & Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/01/upshot/pregnancy-birth-genetic-testing.html https://wng.org/opinions/discrimination-down-to-a-science-1641556177 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgljz4vve2o https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2022/09/06/inaccurate-prenatal-tests-can-harm-expectant-parents-but-stronger-oversight-can-help https://time.com/7264271/ivf-pgta-test-lawsuit/

Summer is in full swing. We usually talk about big, weighty, theological and cultural topics on this podcast; but in the summertime, we take an episode or two to talk about what we're reading at the pool. In this episode, Bethany leads a conversation exploring the things we’re reading, watching, and thinking about this summer. (0:00) Introductions: Summer Pursuits (0:45) What We’re Reading (10:28) Bob’s TGC Update (15:40) What We’re Thinking About (28:36) What We’re Watching (and Listening To)

In the early 2000s, New Atheism was all the rage. Many people left faith behind, convinced they didn't need religion. But it turns out society hasn’t been able to meaningfully replicate the benefits of church. In a recent New York Times article, Lauren Jackson describes how secularism sought to build transcendent community through means like yoga, CrossFit, SoulCycle, meditation and more. Despite these efforts, the data show that there is overwhelming empirical support for the value of being at a house of worship on a regular basis. In this episode, we discuss Jackson's article, and especially her poignant conclusion: "My spiritual longing hasn't been sated by secularism... I want a god." (0:00) Introductions: Camille from Long Island’s Donut Drop (2:00) Why America Is Revisiting Faith (5:05) How Secularism Has Tried (and Failed) to Meet Our Needs (16:57) Longing for “Inconvenient” Community (22:31) Christian Community Provides the Meaning We Long For (28:50) Be More Outgoing About What You Believe Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/style/religion-america.html

Last month, Trinity Classical Academy sent forth its first class of graduating seniors. To mark this milestone, we're republishing an interview that first aired in 2020 on Owen Strachan's now-defunct podcast. At that time, Dr. Strachan was on the faculty at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he invited Bob Thune to MBTS's Spurgeon Library to talk about the founding of Trinity Classical Academy. The founding and building of institutions is critical for gospel renewal, for societal health, and for the preservation and propagation of Christian faith. The story of TCA's success—from a fledgling startup school to a thriving educational institution—should inspire Christians to be dreamers and builders and doers. (0:00) Introductions: Bob Introduces Owen Introducing Bob (4:33) The Origin Story of Trinity Classical Academy (20:30) The Aim of Education: Formation (27:13) How Can You be a Catalyst in Your Context?

Welcome back for part 2 of the AI Debate! Bob Thune and Jacob Tewes continue their friendly debate about the proposition: "Christians can and should use AI tools." This episode considers the downstream effects of AI, the faulty anthropology it assumes, the question of whether Christians should be "early adopters," and whether demonology should factor into the conversation. Catch up on Part 1 if you missed it. (0:00) Introductions: Diving Right Back In (4:41) AI Assumes an Unbiblical Anthropology (8:12) Does AI Open Us Up to the Influence of Spiritual Beings? (20:26) Is Healthy Skepticism Enough? (35:21) What Should Christians Do with AI?

Special guest Jacob Tewes joins the podcast to engage Bob in a friendly debate about AI. The proposition: "Christians can and should use artificial intelligence." Bob argues the negative; Jacob, based on his background as an attorney for multiple AI-related startups, argues the affirmative. We talk education, innovation, Christian freedom, and the question of responsible use. Whether you're optimistic or skeptical about AI, this conversation will deepen your thinking about the ethics, implications, and limits of artificial intelligence. Catch the next episode for part 2 of the debate! (0:00) Introductions: Jacob & Jacob Join The Podcast (2:21) The Proposition (9:58) Jacob: AI is a Tool Christians Should Use Wisely (15:19) Bob: AI is Not a Neutral Tool (19:51) Is Responsible Use of AI Possible? (31:10) AI is a Bad Shortcut

Numerous Silicon Valley startups now offer parents the ability to test and screen embryos, identifying those at increased risk for various health problems. But while the marketing language seems helpful, the dark reality is that these companies promise to destroy human lives before they have time to grow. In this episode, we use an article from the American Enterprise Institute as a catalyst to begin a conversation about consumer eugenics. We explore how companies like Orchid Health weaponize parents’ fears and anxieties, and why Christians need to be ethically proactive and wise in evaluating reproductive technology. (0:00) Introductions: Consumer Eugenics is Becoming a Big Thing (1:39) Why Consumer Eugenics Is Not a Good Thing (15:12) Understanding the Ethics & Language of Consumer Eugenics (18;53) The Need for a Robust Anthropology (24:58) Keeping Our Eyes Wide Open Article: https://www.aei.org/op-eds/silicon-valleys-consumer-eugenics/

The death of Pope Francis and subsequent election of Leo XIV has put the papal office at the forefront of cultural discourse. But how and when did Christians start to revere the bishop of Rome? Where did the Pope's authority and importance originate? And why did the Reformers strongly critique the papacy? In this episode, we discuss the development of the papacy in church history, the internal and external pushback against the Pope, and the importance of developing thoughtful, convictional Protestant sensibilities. (0:00) Introductions: Why We’re Not Papists (3:24) The Rise of the Pope in Church History (11:07) Apologetic Arguments Against the Papacy (24:47) Reading a Letter from Luther (31:36) It's OK to Be a Convictional Protestant

For decades, Christianity has been in decline in the UK. The common wisdom held that secularization was inevitable, and that the US would follow the same pattern. But a brand-new study shows a surprising trend. Over the last 6 years in England and Wales, church attendance has risen 50%. The largest increases are among young people – especially young men. And they're not just showing up to church, they're also reading the Bible and practicing spiritual disciplines. In this episode, we dig into what the Holy Spirit is doing across the pond and what it portends for the future of the church. (0:00) Introductions: Katrina’s Last Snacks (1:48) The Quiet Revival in the UK (6:47) The Kids are Alright (11:57) The Stats Say: Invite Your Friends to Church! (16:54) Investing in the Kingdom of God Study: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Everyone is in need of change. But how do Christians actually participate in the work of change? In this archive episode from 2018, we survey Paul Tripp’s book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands to discuss the simple biblical pattern for helping people change: love, know, speak, do.

A couple weeks ago, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School announced the impending closure of its Chicago-area campus. The demise of TEDS is the latest in a spate of struggles among Christian higher-ed institutions. Why are seminaries and colleges closing their doors? What does it mean for the future of theological education? In this episode, we dig into the history of 20th-century American Christianity to explore the founding of evangelical institutions, the challenges that brought them to this point, the "Southern takeover" of American evangelicalism, and what the future might hold. (0:00) Introductions: Theological Education is Suffering (5:00) What Happened at TEDS (10:36) Some Broader Analysis & Bob's Historical Survey (22:16) The Rise of the SBC (32:29) What this Means for Christian Scholarship (37:07) Opportunities for the Future

Intelligence is everywhere. People used to say that "knowledge is power," but machine learning is changing everything. One author argues that we've moved from the Information Age to the Age of Agency. In this new era, your impact will be measured not by what you know, but by your ability to take action and make things happen. What changes might this new era require in education, discipleship, and spiritual formation? In this episode, we discuss how Christians can apply the wisdom of the Scriptures to this moment and spur one another to renewed agency. (0:00) Introductions: We’re Talking A.I. Again (3:10) The Rise of Agency (10:31) 4 Eras of Human History (16:07) You Can Just Do Things (22:41) Wisdom vs. Knowledge (24:56) Applying Wisdom to the Intelligence Age Article: https://jeffgiesea.substack.com/p/agency-is-the-new-superpower

In our recent conversation about the recent Pew Religious Landscape Study, we missed an interesting data point: the decline of the Roman Catholic church. In this episode, we interact with a WORLD Opinion piece that explores the data and proposes some explanations for the downward trend. We discuss Catholic/Protestant apologetics; why high-profile "celebrity conversions" don't tell the whole story; and why discipling and catechizing our kids is vital to the growth and health of Christianity. (0:00) Introductions (1:19) Something We Missed from the Pew Religious Landscape Study (13:38) What the Decline of Catholicism Means for Culture At Large (16:14) Opportunities for Charitable Conversations Among Protestants and Catholics (24:17) The Importance of Discipling and Catechizing Our Children Article: https://wng.org/opinions/mass-exodus-1743031983 Research Study: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/decline-of-christianity-in-the-us-has-slowed-may-have-leveled-off/

In 2021, Mark Zuckerberg changed his company's name from Facebook to Meta. It signaled his decision to go "all in" on virtual reality and everything it promised. (We talked about it in Episode 366: Meta Church.) But less than four years later, the meta-hype is collapsing, with every major VR company reporting losses and pulling back products. In this episode, we discuss what we can learn from the meteoric rise and decline of virtual reality... and how this tale can make us wiser in our approach to technology. (0:00) Introductions and a Quick Trip into the Archives (2:56) Virtual Reality Gets a Reality Check (8:22) Humans Actually Like Embodied-ness (17:28) Knowing How Technology Shapes Us Article: https://wng.org/articles/a-dose-of-reality-1738632435