The Alisa Childers Podcast

Today I’m joined by philosopher and veteran apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis to tackle the biggest misconceptions about Christian apologetics—what it is (and isn’t), why it matters for evangelism and discipleship, and how to respond when critics dismiss apologetics as mere talking points. We unpack methods (classical/evidential vs. presuppositional), the role of evidence and story, why humility and...

In today's conversation, Alisa Childers is joined by Anna Kitko—a researcher and clinical expert on spiritual abuse—to unpack the historical, biblical, and psychological roots of deliverance ministry. Together they explore how many of today’s practices trace back not to Scripture, but to ancient pagan rituals, and how that can lead to deep spiritual and emotional harm for sincere Christians seekin...

When journalist and author Megan Basham released her book Shepherds for Sale, the evidence she uncovered should have sparked healthy reform and accountability within evangelical institutions. Instead, she watched the entire “Big Evangelical” infrastructure mobilize—using back-room tactics, social pressure, and selective outrage—to discredit her and convince pastors not to read her work. In this de...

Is deeper political engagement faithfulness—or a fast track to compromise? In this candid conversation, Alisa and Jesse Westwood (Faith Reframed) wrestle with Christian political involvement in the wake of recent events, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the stealthy influence of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). From Jesse’s Anabaptist “two-kingdom” convictions to Alisa’s case for princip...

After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a lot of masks slipped. In this no-fluff conversation, Alisa sits down with John Cooper (Skillet) to unpack why so many Christian leaders waffle, what “third-wayism” really is, and how subtle, academic-sounding concepts like standpoint epistemology are eroding biblical authority and Western civilization itself. They trace the ideas, test them against Script...

Are Christian colleges quietly leading the church into deconstruction? In this hard-hitting episode, Alisa sits down with Dr. Everett Piper, former president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and host of The Rebellion, to unpack how small compromises in the academy become cultural contagions in the church. Piper traces the pipeline from CCCU “deconstruct your faith” freshman rhetoric to campus polic...

In this episode, Alisa Childers welcomes Frank Turek for a wide-ranging conversation about Christian political engagement, 3rd wayism, and the difference between faithful involvement and a political gospel. We reflect on the dangers of Christians retreating into neutrality under the guise of “3rd wayism,” and address the misconception that political engagement is the same as preaching a political...

In this episode, Alisa Childers sits down with Jon Root to examine two opposite but equally dangerous influences in the church today: the “3rd way” approach that seeks to keep Christians silent on politics, and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) with its unbiblical approach to political domination. Together, we explore why Christians must remain both doctrinally grounded and civically engaged—wit...

Many Christian students face pressure to join fraternities and sororities on campus, but is Greek life compatible with the Christian worldview? In this episode,  @TytusJones  joins me to dig into the roots and rituals of Greek organizations, explore their historical ties to Freemasonry, and ask tough questions about whether these practices align with Scripture. You’ll also hear practical advice fo...

In this episode, I share my personal reflections from attending the Charlie Kirk Memorial in person. I talk about the undeniable realities of what took place: the gospel was proclaimed with boldness and clarity to the whole world. There was strong theology in some moments—and some troubling theology in others. I also open up about my ongoing angst regarding worship music and how I experienced the...

What if some of the ways we’ve been reading the Bible are actually twisting its meaning—without us even realizing it? In this episode, we dig into the art and science of hermeneutics—the practice of interpreting Scripture. We’ll wrestle with big questions: Is language truly objective? Why is hermeneutics called both an art and a science? How do we handle the Bible’s many genres—from proverbs to pa...

In this episode, I share my personal reflections on the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. I open up about what God showed me about my own heart, and how we as Christians can cling to the eternal perspective we’re given in Christ. I also talk about the disturbing response from many on the left, and what that reveals about the type of battle we're in. I also address and debunk one of the conspiracy the...

In this episode, I am joined by American Gospel director Brandon Kimber to analyze troubling comments made by Jenn Johnson of Bethel Church. Jenn Johnson has described the Holy Spirit as the “blue genie from Aladdin”—and this wasn’t just a one-time slip. We demonstrate how she has repeated this imagery more than once, while also promoting concerning views on the Bible and truth itself. Claiming th...

In this episode, Alisa sits down with Dr. Brian Huffling to tackle one of the most common objections in today’s cultural conversations: “That’s just your interpretation.” Together, they explore why history and the meaning of words are not endlessly malleable, but knowable realities. If someone insists that truth claims are only “interpretations,” they expect you to understand their own words as me...

How can Christian institutions stay faithful in a shifting cultural landscape? In this episode, Judge Phil Ginn—President of Southern Evangelical Seminary—joins me to talk about the danger of mission drift and how SES works to stay anchored to its biblical foundation. We discuss the importance of clear theological commitments, why SES drafted a position paper on social justice in the wake of the G...

Brady grew up wrestling with same-sex attraction and questions about his sexuality. By the time he finished high school, he had accepted that he was gay. But in college, God began stirring in his heart. After his sophomore year, Brady realized that the LGBTQ life was not giving him the love and fulfillment it promised. Instead, he discovered that God’s love is deeper, stronger, and unlike anything...

In this episode, I share a very personal tribute to my dad, Chuck Girard. From his teenage years as a session singer in Los Angeles, to his encounter with Jesus during the Jesus Revolution, to a lifetime of ministering through music, his story is not only a testament to how one man can impact the world, but also how the faith of a father can shape the lives of his children. But beyond the music an...

Why do Christians who read the same Bible often end up with completely different beliefs? It usually comes down to something most people have never even heard of: prolegomena—how we approach Scripture before we even start reading it. In this episode, Dr. Doug Potter joins me to unpack why our view of the Bible, truth, and language shapes everything we believe. We’ll explore: Why two people can rea...

In the first of several episodes highlighting seminary professors, New Testament scholar Dr. Mel Winstead joins the show to talk about the reliability of the New Testament. We discuss some of the archaeological finds that have supported its truthfulness, as well as its dating. He also shares about pastoring in a small rural community, and what types of big questions students are asking in his New...

Chip and Joanna Gaines made headlines last week when their new show, "Back to the Frontier," prominently featured a same-sex couple with children procured through IVF and surrogacy. The significant backlash from their largely Christian base has caused quite the stir. But this isn't the first time the Gaineses have been tested in the public square. In today's podcast, I go back to 2016 to when they...

Alexa Cramer joins the show to talk about here recent deep dive into the teachings of Richard Rohr. Rohr is a Franciscan Friar whose teachings are tremendously influential in the movements of deconstruction and progressive Christianity. Praised by celebrities such as Bono, Oprah Winfrey, Brene Brown, and Rainn Wilson, as well as progressive Christian voices such as Nadia Bolz Weber, Jen Hatmaker,...

Dr. Kathy Koch a best-selling author and founder of Celebrate Kids, which helps parents inspire their kid’s strengths. In today’s show we discuss the intersection of Original Sin and how it affects our individual personalities, strengths, gifts, and talents. ------------------------------------------------------------------ This video is sponsored by: SPERO NATURAL GOODS  Hand Crafted Candles, Col...

Dr. Robert Gagnon is the foremost traditional interpreter of the Bible when it comes to issues surrounding biblical marriage, gender, and sexuality. He joins the podcast today to answer claims made by Dr. Dan McLellan, a Bible scholar who approaches the topic from the opposite perspective. In today's episode, we discuss the claim that Jesus never mentioned homosexuality, and that the word "homosex...

Dawn Hill was a recognized "Prophet" and deliverance minister in the New Apostolic Reformation who has since repented of her false prophecies, teachings, and practices. On today's show she talks about her current ministry which includes ministering to women who have been harmed by deliverance ministries. She shares some of the most common stories that include abuse, strained marriages and family r...

Bob DeWaay joins the podcast to talk about his extensive research on the topic of contemplative spirituality. In this episode, we discuss figures like Richard Foster and Ruth Haley Barton, concepts like spiritual direction, lectio divina, and contemplative prayer. We compare these teachings and practices to scripture and see what the Bible says.  ---------------------------------------------------...