Faithful Presence Podcast

In this episode, Michael speaks with the authors of a recent article published at The Washington Institute to reconsider the importance of those living on the margins in Christ's mission of making all things new.  In reconsidering and recalibrating James Davidson Hunter's work, "To Change the World," Abe and Greg discuss the central place of "table fellowship" in disc...

Feeling exhausted and wondering if you should just leave Washington? Ever gotten burned by someone you thought was a confidant? Having difficulty navigating power differentials? Frustrated by the complications of "unspoken" agendas? In this highly relevant episode Michael talks with two of the the authors of "Resilient Ministry" and "The Politics of Ministry" about ho...

During this AMAZING episode, Michael and Dr. Sherman discuss the role of the righteous in the flourishing of others, how "flourishing" has become a trigger word for some, subjecting the "right" and "left" to God's definitions of flourishing, expanding the expectations of the gospel,  and the current impact of Mexican hip-hop in  making all things new. Intro music...

On this episode Michael chats with author and C.S. Lewis scholar, Dr.  Randy Newman about the shortcomings of “lifestyle evangelism,” persuasion in an age of polarization, responding to cultural defeaters, why questions work better than assertions,  the importance of admitting the incomplete answers Christians can offer, and the critical role of cultural apologetics in whole-life discipleship. Boo...

Michael and guest, Jeremy Knapp, discuss the differences between churches - cultural engagement in Korea and the United States. Jeremy gives a close perspective on recent school shootings in St. Louis, the burden of changing the world, and what Britney Spears and Lady Gaga can teach us about Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World . Links from the episode: Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn D...

In this episode, deep dive with us into the importance of emotional discipleship with therapist and pastor, Michael Coggin. Michael covers the usefulness of therapy, dealing with toxic work environments, narcissism and leadership, trauma, and the like. Also, go check out Michael Coggin’s book, Ravenous Wolves: Shepherding the Church in an Age of Narcissism.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o&quo...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett from the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. Here, Michael and Dr. Padgett reminisce on their days at Covenant Theological Seminary and engage in a discussion on the need for ideological discipleship in the midst of widespread divisiveness and complex issues.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their...

In this episode, Michael delivers a sermon from the Psalms. He speaks to the reality of depression and anxiety amongst followers of Christ and the Church’s broad silence on those issues as well as the pressure to act like everything is fine when it is not.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around. Exit music:...

In this bonus episode, Michael delivers a sermon to Heritage Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Virginia. In this sermon, Michael is preaching from 1 Peter 2: 13-17 and he focuses in on what it means for Christian’s to submit to human institutions. Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around. Exit music: "Ple...

In this episode, Michael hosts Rev. Dr. Charlie Self and they participate in a conversation on vocational discipleship. Together, they wrestle with issues surrounding compartmentalizing work life and spiritual lives and moving towards bridging that gap.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around. Exit music: &q...

In this bonus episode, Michael is joined by Dr. Vince Bacote as they discuss faith in the public square. Here, they cover hot topics like the recent Dobbs decision and CRT. They also speak to evangelicalism and the complexities of how it has been seen and expressed in American society.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Ar...

In this episode, Michael meets up with Dr. Dan Sartor to talk about emotional discipleship. Join the both of them as they discuss the necessity of emotional health for flourishing in a high intensity work environment like that of Washington DC.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around. Exit music: "Plent...

In this episode, Michael gets together with Tracy Matthews and Erin Slone from Attune to Grow to discuss relational discipleship. Together they speak to the importance of a safe workplace environment, how relational discipleship plays into that, and what this has to do with Faithful Presence. Check out Attune to Grow at their web sight here . See Amy Edmonson's Ted Talk, Building a Psychologi...

In this special bonus episode, Michael delivers a sermon to Heritage Presbyterian Church on 1 Peter. Listen in on an unpacking of what the Faithful Presence ministry is about how 1 Peter calls us to live faithfully present lives. Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around. Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by...

In this episode, Michael is joined by his first guest, Rev. Patrick Allen! Together, they discuss the necessity of spiritual discipleship within the church. They lament the ways in which spiritual discipleship has been neglected in the past and look forward to ways in which the church can better equip younger generations.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,...

Join Michael as he delves into the importance of cultural and missional discipleship. In this episode, he discusses the complexities of the church's relationship with culture and how cultural and missional discipleship can help to form a more biblical posture towards our non-christian neighbors.  Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound ,  from their 2010 albu...

In this episode, Michael examines the relevance of vocational and ideological discipleship in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and consequently, the relevance it has to our own day-to-day lives. He speaks to how all our work matters, no matter how meaningless it may feel, and also to how Christian values transcend political parties and affiliations. Intro music : "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o&quot...

After a "long strange trip" Michael returns to host this podcast on the first three facets of whole-life discipleship: spiritual, emotional and relational.  Along the way, we learn one of Michael's favorite movies is "High Fidelity" and that he flunked out of college after attempting to major in binge drinking.  He also shares his story of coming to faith at the age of 17...

In this episode, Michael takes us on a deep dive into the reasons why Washington D.C matters to what God is doing in the world and how Faithful Presence is working to care for those working in this great city. Along the way he discusses lessons learned from 15 years in sales, whether America is God's new favorite nation, why we aren't suppose to wear buffalo hats, and recaps Marvel'...

In this reboot episode, Michael discusses what led to the creation of Faithful Presence and takes everyone on a shallow dive into the mission and vision of the ministry. He also shares a "great" joke about lawyers, explains why yelling "Repent" isn't usually the best approach to folks getting off the Red Line at Union Station, how to talk to philosophers, why lobbyists mat...