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In this episode, Brad Edwards, John Houmes, and our guest Michael Sacasas explore the complex issues surrounding the outsourcing of virtue in the age of social media. We delve into the challenges of moderating content on online platforms and the blurred boundaries of free speech. Drawing parallels to historical and bureaucratic settings, we discuss the difficulties of governing large communities....

There are few voices on leadership with as consistent of a track record in anticipating needed shifts in our approach to leadership as Dr. Tod Bolsinger. As the author of multiple books (including one we've referenced heavily - "Canoeing the Mountains") and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Seminary, he brings a rare combination of academic depth and practical breadth to "rethi...

On this episode, join Brad Edwards, John Houmes, and guest Steve Cuss who shares about his personal journey of understanding anxiety from a systems perspective. He discusses how recognizing his own anxiety patterns and the false beliefs that fueled them helped him lead with less reactivity. Steve also touches on how admitting mistakes publicly freed him to be human with his community and built tru...

What does J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter function as an “Intuitional Religion?" How might "fandom" be scratching our itch for community, ritual, meaning, or purpose? Is “hustle culture” our striving to achieve The Good Life (TM), or a symptom of having given up hope of ever receiving it? In this wide ranging conversation with Tara Isabella Burton, we explore the slow boil shift of American religious i...

In January of 1969, 22-year-old Dan Houmes was drafted into the U.S. Army, even though he had plans to avoid it. By the summer of that year, Dan was deployed to Vietnam and assigned to the First Cav. He would spend his one year tour of duty riding in helicopters with the men of Company B, nicknamed "Pigiron", to find and fight an enemy hidden in the jungle.  LFTJ is a podcast series about Dan's st...

David Cassidy shares his journey from a Lutheran upbringing to a charismatic ministry, discussing his experiences in various congregations and countries. He reflects on the impact of recent political elections on pastoral care, noting the exhaustion and realignment within churches. Cassidy emphasizes the importance of gratitude from a Christian perspective, highlighting how it can reshape our appr...

In this conversation, Trevin Wax, John Houmes, and Brad Edwards discuss the shifting landscape of culture and politics in the United States, particularly in light of recent elections. They explore themes such as the rise of 'virtuous victimhood' as a new moral authority, the competition between class and identity politics, and the motivations behind voting behavior. The discussion also touches on...

John Houmes and Brad Edwards explore the concept of voting from a Christian perspective, discussing the implications of political engagement, the nature of voting as a civic duty, and the importance of understanding the complexities surrounding issues like immigration. They emphasize the need for thoughtful deliberation and a process-oriented approach to voting, rather than a binary mindset. The d...

Elizabeth Neumann discusses her experiences in the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on the challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the modern information environment. She highlights the historical context of foreign influence on domestic affairs, the rise of domestic radicalization, and the psychological factors that drive individuals towards violence. Neumann emphasizes the im...

John Houmes and Pastor Scottie Smith explore the concept of 'gospel sanity' amidst the current political chaos. They discuss the importance of understanding the gospel narrative, the role of prayer, and how to maintain hope and faith in turbulent times. Scottie emphasizes the need for believers to reflect on their hearts and the narratives they live by, while also encouraging prayer for leaders, e...

In this conversation, Dr. Richard Mouw discusses the relationship between Christians and their country. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between country, state, and church. Drawing from biblical examples, such as the people of Israel in Babylon and the early Christians in the Roman Empire, Dr. Mouw highlights the call for Christians to seek the welfare and shalom of th...

John and Brad reflect on Season 3, discussing formation, flourishing, and the impact of technology on relationships. They address victimhood culture, resolving relational issues, and the role of friendship. They also explore the church’s role in a liminal age and announce a mini-season on politics and Brad's upcoming book. Pre-Order Brad's book here Was this episode helpful or encouraging in some...

Elizabeth Oldfield argues that sin is an existential reality, not just a social construct, and that recognizing our own sin is key to living fully. She suggests that sin stems from resisting our relational nature and turning inward. Oldfield shares how intentional community has deepened her discipleship and belonging. Together with Brad Edwards and John Houmes, she discusses the role of sacrifice...

John Houmes, Brad Edwards, and Helen Lewis, host of the podcast Helen Lewis Has Left The Chat, discuss the impact of messaging apps on communication and relationships, highlighting the loss of genuine connection, the challenges of social norms, and the tension between frictionless communication and meaningful interaction. They explore the effects of social media, the pressure to constantly engage,...

This is part two of the conversation on power with Abraham Cho and David Fitch. The conversation explores power, institutions, and the church's role. It distinguishes between coercive, worldly overpower and godly, persuasive underpower, discussing the church's need to address power and cultural conditioning. The guests question power's legitimacy and the role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in redefi...

The conversation explores power, institutions, and the church's role. It distinguishes between coercive, worldly overpower and godly, persuasive underpower, discussing the church's need to address power and cultural conditioning. The guests question power's legitimacy and the role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in redefining it, touching on power in the Old Testament and its interpretation. The disc...

The conversation explores the significance of 'enjoying Jesus' in spiritual life, addressing the struggle of experiencing and expressing affection towards Jesus. It examines the balance between duty and delight in faith, the impact of the digital world on spiritual engagement, and historical figures' influence on spiritual discipline. The discussion also highlights challenges and opportunities in...

The conversation explores the church as people versus a building, highlighting homogeneous unity's impact on church planting and cross-cultural outreach. It emphasizes diversity, the role of church buildings in community, and economic exchanges fostering relationships. It reflects on challenges without a church building and the need for sustainable solutions. The discussion underscores physical sp...

John Houmes interviews Lisa Fields on how emotions, pain, and empathy shape beliefs. Lisa explains that beliefs are influenced by experiences, not just reason. Pain reveals true beliefs and reshapes identities. She emphasizes God's transformative power and the importance of empathy and listening over forcing beliefs. Lisa also discusses fear in racial conversations and the need for self-awareness...

John Houmes and Glenn Harrison have a thought-provoking discussion about the influence of storytelling on our moral compass and how stories shape our beliefs. They talk about how we are formed by the sexual revolution and God's vision for human flourishing in regards to sexuality. Was this episode helpful or encouraging in some way? Great! Then you won't want to miss what's next so SUBSCRIBE now a...

Nancy Pearcey discusses the concept of scripts and their role in masculine formation. She highlights the existence of competing scripts and the need to critically evaluate them. Pearcey shares sociological studies that show men have an inherent understanding of what it means to be a good man, emphasizing the importance of tapping into this knowledge. She presents positive data on Christian men, de...

The conversation with Michael Graham, co-author of the book 'The Great DeChurching,' explores the effects of the book on Christian culture and churches. The book challenges prevailing narratives about why people have left the church and highlights the pragmatic reasons behind dechurching. The conversation emphasizes the importance of relational risk and the need for alignment between individual Ch...

Many people see deconstruction as the end of faith. But what if it's a normal part of the life of faith? Is it possible for deconstruction to be a pivotal part of spiritual formation? Brad and John discuss faith deconstruction with Ian Harber, author of the forthcoming book Walking Through Deconstruction: How To Be A Companion In A Crisis of Faith. Was this episode helpful or encouraging in some w...

Brad and John discuss with Andy Crouch the importance of institutions and the decline of institutionalism in society. Crouch highlights the denial of power in Christian circles and the rise of social media as a counterfeit institution. The influence of social media on honor and shame dynamics is explored, as well as the loss of forgiveness and humility in society. The conversation explores the lan...

Today, we continue the conversation started in our last episode (LINK) on how generational differences affect spiritual formation. This time, Brad and John are joined by Michael Phillips, the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at The Table Church in Lafayette, Colorado. Michael explains how each generation has roots in individualism and self-reliance and issues an “old” call for this “old” problem: a r...