The Common Good Podcast

(00:00-09:56): Still in the wake of Kobe Bryant’s death, Shaquille O’Neal and other NBA personalities reflect on the Laker legend’s life. Shaq talks about the value of community and friendship and how he works too much. He cries remembering Kobe Bryant: ‘It definitely changes me’ . (09:56-19:13): What Do Bill Maher, Donald Miller, and John Piper Have in Common? In dif...

(00:00-09:22): Longtime Willow Creek Member Accuses Bill Hybel’s Mentor, Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian, of Clergy Sexual Abuse . Brian and Ian discuss another heartbreaking update out of the already hurting church. The abuse of power is the least Christ-like aspect.  (09:22-19:10): Christa Threlfall writes in The Gospel Coalition “ Personality Tests Don’t Excuse Your Sin ”. I...

(00:00-10:18): Aaron Rogers' family hurt by his anti-Christian comments on God, Bible . Brian and Ian discuss the words of the Packers QB and how he seems to lack a grasp on the fundamentals of Christianity.  (10:18-19:43): Bernie Sanders Tweeted “ Abortion is health care ”. Brian and Ian discuss this terse and polarizing tweet. The responses to the statement vary from scrutiny to...

(00:00-09:36): Brian From is back with Ian after a week off with his family. Brian and Ian catch up on what happened during Brian’s absence. (09:36-28:26): Brian and Ian react to the sudden death of former NBA player Kobe Bryant and his daughter in a helicopter crash in California. (28:26-38:57): Brian and Ian discuss what they preached at their churches over the weekend. (38:57-49:11): Bria...

(00:00-40:05): We are fortunate to be joined by two Community Christian Leaders today, the first being the Creative Arts Director, Eric Bramlett. Eric shares his story on how he was initially brought into the creative arts world, and how it turned into his ministry. He understands the healthy balance of creativity and leading the church, and shares his methods in maintaining that balance.  Er...

(00:00-38:12): We are privileged to be joined by Pastor Ron Heitman from Evangel Assembly of God in Hanover Park . He starts by talking about his history in ministry and how he came to be a church leader. Evangel Church is remarkably diverse, with 55+ nations represented on 2 campuses. He also touches on the stigma of Assemblies of God. How are they viewed? Ron has had substantial experiences with...

(00:00-39:10): We kicked off the show with worship leader and friend of Ian’s Branden Benskin. He leads worship at Community Christian Church - Lemont . He and Ian touch on the importance of worship and how vital it is to understand. Worship is more than just music, it is any expression of ministry to God. He also shares his views on slowing down, taking time to reflect. How do we do that? B...

We are joined this hour by Poplar Creek Church Shepherd, Darrel Malcom . Darrel has been in ministry for over half a century, ranging from pastors to deacons to youth minister. His marriage is no slouch either, 67 years with his wife, Karen. He talks about the ups and downs of marriage, including whole years or several that may be tough. While he has lived a life worth “five lifetimes,&rdquo...

We are joined by Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship church , Joe Thorn . The conversation was certainly a smorgasbord of topics ranging from beards to cigars, and from Calvinism to Satanism. He has an amazing testimony where he was a satanist hearing the Gospel for the first time as a senior in high school. He converted to Christianity after reading Matthew and saw rapid change in his life. He tou...

(00:00-37:01): We are joined this hour by Poplar Creek Church Shepherd, Darrel Malcom . Darrel has been in ministry for over half a century, ranging from pastors to deacons to youth minister. His marriage is no slouch either, 67 years with his wife, Karen. He talks about the ups and downs of marriage, including whole years or several that may be tough. While he has lived a life worth “five l...

We are joined for the rest of the hour by Mark Vargas . Mark is a Judson University Alum as well as a former student body president. He had an amazing encounter with Mark Cuban on Twitter to help advise his federal affairs and that started an interesting relationship between him and the entrepreneur. He also shares his views and passion for prison reform and the ongoing opioid crisis. Mark Vargas...

We are joined this hour by Christ Community Church Streamwood pastor, Cory Shumate. Cory has an extensive life in ministry as he began pastoring in his early 20s. He shares his thoughts on how to lead young adults and singles. He goes into he and his wife’s experience with their son, Elan . He was 4 months old when they discovered he had a significant brain malformation that resulted in a ve...

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, we are joined by Justice Journey Alliance President, Rev. Alvin Bibbs. He shares his passion and drive for racial and social justice and tells us his amazing experience being prayed over by Rev. King as a child. It made such an impact on him and says it drives his ministry to this day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:12): In honor of Martin Luther King Day, we are joined by Justice Journey Alliance President, Rev. Alvin Bibbs. He shares his passion and drive for racial and social justice and tells us his amazing experience being prayed over by Rev. King as a child. It was so impactful for him and says it drives his ministry to this day.  (09:12-36:51): We are joined for the rest of the hour by M...

We are joined by author and writer Michelle Wilkins. She shares her prodigal story of being far from God and how He did miraculous work in her life to return to the faith. She said that when she went away to college, she began to drift away. She was resentful to her parents for not giving her the option to explore atheist ideology. Her journey back to the faith was nothing short of a God-like effo...

(00:00-09:12): Many Churchgoers Don’t Know If Their Pastor Is a Republican or Democrat . Still, three-quarters of evangelicals say they agree with their church leaders on politics. Brian and Ian talk about the line between politics and the church. (09:12-18:03): Most people reach peak for being miserable around age 47, study suggests . Brian and Ian talk about certain seasons of misery and d...

(00:00-09:33): “ The Top 50 Countries Where It’s Hardest to Be a Christian ” writes Jayson Casper in Christianity Today. Martyrdoms drop in Nigeria but soar in Burkina Faso, while China brings 16 million more Christians onto Open Doors’s 2020 World Watch List of Christian persecution. (09:33-18:56): California cyclist hit by truck, nearly killed, befriends driver who hit hi...

(00:00-09:34): “ Pastor Turns Terrorist Hostage Video into Testimony ” writes Jayson Casper in Christianity Today. Another Boko Haram captive in Nigeria is forced to plead for his life, yet is at peace with death because Jesus “is still alive.” (09:34-19:08): Brian Niemietz writes in Daily News “ Mark Hamill quits Facebook, citing patriotism as a reason ”. Brian...

(00:00-09:12): Amid Abuse Scandals, Legal Challenges Test Clergy Reporting Exemptions . Implications for church leaders loom as Montana reverses $35M judgment and other states continue tightening reporting laws. Brian and Ian discuss this tough issue of confidentiality in confessionals. (09:12-18:18): Megxit and the Church: Harry and Meghan Reflect Our Lost Youth . Britain’s royal family isn...

We are joined by an old friend of the show, Dallas Jenkins. He is the creator of “ The Chosen ”, a multi-season series on the life of Christ. It is shown in over 180 countries. How has it grown so substantially? There is an app that allows free streaming of the series available all over the world.  He sticks around and talks about the upcoming awards season. Ricky Gervais’ i...

(00:00-08:56): Bryan Stevenson Wants to Liberate People from the Lie That Their Life Doesn’t Matter . The author of the book behind the new film ‘Just Mercy’ shows the church a way forward. Brian and Ian discuss the condition of our prison system as well as how we can reach them. (08:56-18:28): Philip Yancey writes in Patheos on the stigma of doubt. “ A Time to Doubt &rdquo...

(00:00-09:39): Prince Harry and Meghan Markle mulling Canada move, giving up royal titles . Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are considering a more permanent move to Canada — and have not ruled out “walking away” from their British royal titles, according to a stunning new report Wednesday. (09:39-19:09): Finland’s new PM Sanna Marin called for a four-day working week or SIX-...

We are joined by church planter and director of NewThing, Eric Metcalf. He talks about how many churches he has planted all over the world. So far, they have planted 3,000 churches worldwide. He also discusses multiplication at the micro and macro level in the church.  He touches on how he got started at Community Christian Church and the campus he started in Lincoln Park in Chicago. After pa...

(00:00-09:25): Babylon Bee stings CNN with satirical article: “ There's only room for 'one fake news site' ”. Brian and Ian discuss the idea of ‘fake news’ and how satire may be becoming too close to the truth. David Harsanyi also writes “ Attacks on the Babylon Bee Are Attacks on Free Expression ”.  (09:25-36:24): We are joined by lead pastor of Renew Chur...

We are joined by lead pastor of Renew Church , Greg Armstrong. He talks with us about church planting in the suburbs as well as Renew Movement, a collective of worship leaders, artists and musicians who gather to fuel the local church with a passion for songwriting, unification and reconciliation through the arts. This worship collective also serves as the framework for the annual Renew Worship Co...