J29 Coalition Podcast

What is pluralism, and why does it matter for Christians engaging in politics today? In this episode, Caleb sits down with Amy E. Black and Cherie Harder for a thoughtful conversation about religious liberty, the First Amendment, and the role Christians should play in a diverse democracy. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about pluralism, explain why it is not the same as relativism, and...

Historian John Fea argues that pastors need courage and historical wisdom in a media environment where political narratives and Christian nationalism often shape congregants more deeply than the church does. He encourages pastors to engage history responsibly — with attention to context, complexity, and change over time — rather than using simplified or mythologized stories of America’s founding t...

Andrew Morrell argues that racism, political division, and systemic injustice are expressions of a deeper human problem rooted in sin, power, and fear, and that Christians must ground their identity in Jesus Christ rather than political influence or cultural dominance. He calls churches to practice historical honesty, neighborhood-rooted ministry, and humble partnership across racial and economic...

In this episode, Caleb Campbell talks with Vincent Bacote and Jordan Ballor about how Christians can faithfully engage politics without falling into either political escapism or Christian nationalism. Drawing on the thought of Abraham Kuyper, they explore vocation, public discipleship, neighbor love, and what it means to pursue the common good in a pluralistic society. This is a public episode. If...

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson challenges pastors and leaders to rethink how they engage the Old Testament in a politically polarized world. He explains how biblical law was never meant to be a blueprint for modern legislation but a formational guide to shape a wise and just people. Johnson explores the difference between Western legal systems and the Torah’s narrative and casuistic structure, e...

Chris Martin discusses the inherent flaws in the design of the social internet, emphasizing that it is not a neutral technology but rather a set of tools created by individuals with their own brokenness. He highlights how algorithms and the content we engage with shape our desires and behaviors in fundamentally flawed ways. Check out Chris Martin’s Mending Division Academy course, “When Social Med...

Caleb Campbell and Bonnie Kristian explore the landscape of journalism, discussing the distinction between news and opinion, the ideological perspectives of various media outlets, and the historical context of news consumption. They delve into the shift towards digital media and its implications for how people consume news today. Bonnie offers insights for pastors on encouraging healthy media cons...

Summary Caleb Campbell and Daniel Bennett explore the complexities of misinformation and disinformation, the blurred lines between news and entertainment, and the challenges of navigating trust in media. They discuss the importance of healthy communication, especially in the context of faith and relationships, and offer insights on how to engage in constructive conversations about divisive topics....

Resources: David Koyzis, Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement Paul Miller, The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong With Christian Nationalism Michael Austin, American Christian Nationalism: Neither American Nor Christian Caleb Campbell, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor AVC Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/AmericanValues...

Summary Caleb Campbell and Austin Gravley explore the concept of the perception gap, particularly in the context of social media and its impact on how individuals and groups perceive one another. They discuss the importance of humility in navigating these perceptions, the role of media literacy in discipleship, and practical steps that ministry leaders can take to address these issues within their...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast , Dr. Carmen Joy Imes joins Caleb Campbell for a deep and hopeful conversation about what it means to be the family of God in an age marked by expressive individualism, isolation, and cultural fragmentation. Drawing from her newest book Being God's Family , Imes explores the biblical vision of spiritual siblinghood and how belonging—not just belief—is c...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast , Pastor Michael Thomas shares hard-earned wisdom from twelve years of pastoring Radiant Covenant Church, a deliberately multiethnic, multigenerational congregation in Renton, Washington. Michael discusses the challenges of cultivating real community beyond feel-good diversity optics, especially in a city like Seattle where progressive ideals often mask...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast , Pastor Scott Venable, lead pastor of Northwood Church in Keller, Texas, shares candid insights from leading a multiethnic, politically diverse congregation in the heart of the Bible Belt. He discusses how his church navigates cultural polarization by staying rooted in a kingdom-first identity, resisting both right-wing Christian nationalism and left-l...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, pastors Derrick Puckett and Mike Erre dive deep into the challenges and calling of leading churches through polarization, cultural change, and spiritual formation. Drawing from their diverse contexts—Chicago and Southern California—they unpack how the gospel shapes a unique political and pastoral imagination that defies partisan categories. Derrick sha...

Pastor Caleb Campbell explores the intersection of American politics and religion with political scientists Amy Black, Dan Bennett and Napp Nazworth. The speakers discuss the importance of civic engagement, the role of government as a form of love for neighbor, and the need for Christians to participate in politics while maintaining a posture of humility and service. They emphasize the significanc...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, Pastor Richard Johnson shares his journey from a pastor’s kid to founding pastor of a vibrant, intentionally multiracial congregation in Columbus, Ohio. Rooted in Micah 6:8, Richard’s ministry embraces justice, mercy, and humility—not just in theory, but in the daily discipleship of a diverse church family navigating race, politics, and civic responsib...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, Caleb Campbell sits down with pastor, scholar, jazz pianist, and author Mark Glanville to explore what it means to preach faithfully in a post-Christian, doubt-filled age. Drawing from his new book Preaching in a New Key , Mark unpacks how expository preaching must move beyond outdated models to engage both the head and heart of today’s listeners, who...

In this compelling episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, Pastor David Swanson and Pastor Michael Agapito offer rich and contrasting pastoral perspectives on navigating politics, polarization, and discipleship in deeply different ministry contexts—Chicago’s South Side and rural Southern Illinois. David, leading a multiracial congregation in a historically underrepresented neighborhood, shares how t...

In this timely and honest episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, pastors Vermon Pierre and Darryl Williamson reflect on the tensions of leading gospel-centered churches in an age of political hostility, racial division, and theological drift. Both members of The Gospel Coalition’s Council, Vermon and Darryl share from their experiences pastoring multiethnic churches in Phoenix and Tampa, offering i...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, pastors Benji Bruneel and Ben Marsh unpack what it means to lead churches through political division, cultural formation, and communal discipleship in radically different contexts—Santa Barbara, California and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Together, they explore how service, incarnation, and relational ministry become powerful antidotes to politicized...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, Pastor Brad Edwards joins Caleb Campbell for a wide-ranging conversation on pastoring in a politically volatile and spiritually skeptical environment. Reflecting on his experience planting The Table in Boulder County, Colorado, Edwards explores the deep cultural suspicions toward institutional life—particularly the church—and argues for a renewed theol...

In this J29 Coalition Podcast episode, pastors Jackie Parks and Andy Littleton explore what it means to lead churches through cultural polarization, political tension, and spiritual formation in vastly different Arizona contexts. Jackie, who planted a trauma-informed, justice-driven congregation emerging from a homeless ministry, shares how missional life together can become a prophetic alternativ...

In this episode of the J29 Coalition podcast, host Caleb Campbell is joined by pastors Steve Bezner and Nate Bush for a candid conversation about leading churches in a cultural moment marked by Christian nationalism, political division, and post-pandemic disillusionment. The trio explores the isolation many pastors feel, the courage it takes to speak prophetically, and the hope found in forming au...

Pastors Malcolm Foley and Chris Davis join Caleb Campbell for a rich, energizing conversation on preaching the book of Revelation, confronting fear-mongering, and re-centering the church around the person and power of Jesus. Drawing from their pastoral experiences in multicultural congregations and their books ( The Anti-Greed Gospel and Bright Hope for Tomorrow ), Malcolm and Chris dismantle end-...