Equip Podcast

How should Christians think about the ethical limits of artificial intelligence, and where should wisdom, restraint, and responsibility come into play? In Part 2 of this series, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen move from foundations to application, exploring the moral, ethical, and spiritual questions AI raises for individuals, churches, and society. This episode focuses on discernment: how Christians...

How should Christians think about artificial intelligence—and what does faithfulness look like in a rapidly changing technological world? Mark Vance is joined by Emily Jensen to begin a thoughtful, theological conversation about artificial intelligence. Rather than reacting with fear or hype, they explore how Christians can approach AI with wisdom, discernment, and confidence in God’s design for h...

In this bonus episode, Mark steps into a timely and emotionally charged topic surrounding immigration and ICE, not to offer political commentary, but to pastorally apply biblical truth to a complex cultural moment. Episode Highlights 00:39 — Referencing the Minneapolis clashes and ICE-related tensions 00:53 — Equip’s purpose: not political commentary, but pastoral discipleship 02:07 — Why the chur...

What actually makes a church healthy, and how should leaders think about growth without losing faithfulness? In this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark Vance is joined by Ryan Hill, an Elder at Cornerstone and the Executive Director of The Salt Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on church health, growth, leadership, and gospel clarity. Together, they explore the difference between churches t...

What does it look like to be deeply rooted in Christ in a world of cultural chaos? In this Ask Mark Anything episode, Mark Vance responds to honest questions from the Cornerstone Church community about faithfulness in everyday life—especially when culture, technology, and suffering raise complex tensions. From staying consistent in spiritual habits, to navigating social media and marketing with in...

What’s the difference between true revival and revivalism, and how should Christians respond when God seems to be stirring something fresh? Mark reflects on the Salt Company Conference and the broader signs of spiritual hunger he’s seeing among Gen Z. He explains why this moment is deeply encouraging, while also offering a needed distinction between revival and revivalism. Mark draws from Iain Mur...

As a new year approaches, how should Christians think about goals, habits, and productivity—without slipping into hustle culture or empty self-improvement? In this episode, Mark offers a pastoral framework for goal setting that prioritizes faithfulness over frenzy. Rather than chasing vague resolutions or cultural pressure, he encourages listeners to think carefully about how they steward their ti...

How should Christians navigate real-life questions about faith, family, dating, and church differences—especially when Catholic and Protestant worlds overlap? In this Q&A episode, Emily joins Mark to wrap up the “Why Protestantism?” series by moving from theology to wisdom. Mark responds to practical questions that surface after discussing Catholic and Protestant differences, particularly for...

If both Catholics and Protestants believe we’re saved by grace through Jesus Christ, why do they still disagree so sharply about the gospel—and how we actually receive it? In this episode, Mark continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by focusing on how grace is applied to the believer. He explains how Roman Catholicism understands grace as being mediated through the Church’s sacramental system—e...

Advent is here, which means an opportunity to slow down, refocus, and remember who Christmas is really about. In this bonus episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen walk through why Advent matters, how this season forms us, and how families and individuals can use Cornerstone’s Advent Guide to cultivate simple, meaningful rhythms that point to Jesus. They remind us that Advent isn’t about adding press...

Why do Catholics look to the Pope and the Magisterium for ultimate authority, while Protestants look to Scripture alone—and what does that mean for everyday faith?  Mark continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by examining the heart of the authority debate. He explains how Roman Catholicism understands the Pope, apostolic succession, sacred tradition, and the Magisterium, and why Catholics belie...

Why do Protestants and Catholics differ so sharply on authority, Mary, and the nature of the true church—and why does it matter for following Jesus today? In this episode, Mark Vance continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by examining some of the most significant theological differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestant belief. With clarity and charity, Mark explains how Catholic teachin...

Why are some Protestants drawn toward Roman Catholicism—and how should we think about the “one true church”? In this episode, Mark Vance launches a five-part series on the nature of the church, explaining why he remains a Protestant while seeking to speak with both clarity and charity about Catholicism. Mark walks through why historical rootedness feels especially compelling in shaky cultural mome...

What does the Tenth Commandment have to do with Target runs, Amazon carts, and Instagram ads? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore “Do not covet” and talk honestly about living in a world designed to stir desire and fuel discontent. They discuss why coveting runs deeper than wanting stuff — it’s about wanting someone else’s life — and why modern advertising, comparison culture, and curated onli...

Should Christians think differently about what we post, share, and say online? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore the Ninth Commandment, “Do not bear false witness,” and apply it to the age of social media, political outrage, and public discourse. They talk about the temptation to exaggerate, misrepresent, or dehumanize those we disagree with — and why followers of Jesus should be people who...

Should I splurge on Burgie’s coffee? Can I buy the nice toilet paper? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen take a closer look at what the eighth commandment, “Do not steal”, teaches us about generosity, stewardship, and spending. They talk about why the opposite of stealing isn’t just “not stealing,” but intentional generosity. From local purchases to thoughtful spending, this conversation...

Equip Podcast Episode 298: The Ten Commandments — Marriage, Purity, and Pornography Show Notes: What does it look like to pursue purity in a world that’s lost its way? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen unpack the seventh commandment—“You shall not commit adultery.” They talk honestly about marriage, lust, and the reality of pornography, exploring why it’s so destructive and how follower...

What does it mean to value life as God does? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen continue through the Ten Commandments by exploring the sixth commandment: “You shall not murder.” Building on Simeon’s recent sermon , they discuss the sanctity of life from a biblical perspective and reflect on how this command extends far beyond the act of taking life. Together they talk through cultural sh...

What does the Fifth Commandment really mean? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore how honoring our parents not only applies to childhood obedience, but to every season of life. They also expand the conversation to authority more broadly, addressing why our culture often resists authority and how Christians can live faithfully under parents, leaders, and institutions. From honoring aging parents...

What does it mean to keep the Sabbath today? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore the fourth commandment and what it teaches us about God’s design for rest. They talk about how the Sabbath command is fulfilled in Christ yet still calls us to rhythms of renewal, worship, and delight in God. Mark also shares his own weekly patterns of rest and how Sabbath practices shape his life as a pastor, hus...

We’re wrapping up the first month of the Fall Spiritual Workout Plan—so how’s it going? In this bonus episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen pause to answer common questions about the SWP, share how it began, and offer encouragement for staying consistent as we reach the middle stretch of this 18-week journey. They remind us that the plan isn’t about perfection or performance, but about building dai...

What happens when you give Mark Vance an open mic and no idea what’s coming? In this special episode, Emily Jensen puts Mark on the spot with a series of surprise questions—ranging from technology and AI to fasting and current events. This “Ask Mark Anything” episode is lighthearted, thought-provoking, and a unique peek into how Mark processes culture and faith as a pastor. Episode Highlights: 00:...

Taking the Lord's name in vain is about more than just speech. Mark Vance and Emily Jensen unpack the Third Commandment and show how it’s about more than avoiding certain words—it’s about living as representatives of God in the world. Together, they discuss how God’s people carry his name, what it means to bear that name well, and how this commandment speaks directly into everyday life—from t...

Pastor Mark Vance reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and helps us think biblically about how to posture our hearts in a time of political violence. Mark calls Christians to pray, to speak with wisdom, and to embody Christlike character in our public and private conversations. Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

Does watching The Chosen violate the Second Commandment? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen continue their journey through the Ten Commandments by digging into the second commandment. They discuss how this command calls us to worship the true God in the true way, what it means in a culture filled with media and art, and why our hearts are so easily drawn toward substitutes. Along the way...