The Common Good Podcast

(00:00-09:00): “ Jimmy Carter tells church service he is 'absolutely and completely at ease' with death ”. Brian touches on the career and humanitarian work of the former President and how God’s not done with him. How Carter is handling life is how we should, as Paul writes in Philippians “The live is Christ, and to die is gain”.  (09:00-17:49): MY PILLOW READ. K...

(00:00-09:24): Pope Francis Wants You to Set Up a Nativity Scene to Fight Banal Consumer Christmas. He said the scene “is a genuine way of communicating the gospel, in a world that sometimes seems to be afraid of remembering what Christmas really is and eliminates Christian symbols, only to retain those drawn from a banal, commercial imagination.” (09:24-18:41): “ Want to Get Int...

We are joined by Saul Ebema from the Saul Ebema Foundation. He has been a pastor in South Sudan, Johannesburg South Africa, and here in the states. He tells us about his remarkable and heartbreaking experiences as a child in Sudan, including how he was kidnapped and forced to fight as a child soldier, and experiences. Via Saul Ebema: I currently work as a hospice chaplain in Bolingbrook and also a...

(00:00-09:49): ‘Don’t mess with me’ — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rips reporter who asks if she hates Trump . Pelosi appears to be leaving the presser, when she stops to respond to this question. Brian and Ian react to what she said and the manner of which the question was asked, as well as how Pelosi expresses her resentment for hatred. (09:49-34:44): We are joined by Saul...

Dave and Debbie Sanders join us in-studio. Dave is a professor at Judson University, and actually taught Ian. Dave talks about how he and his wife shape each other through serving in ministry and teaching. They lead a ministry called Shepherd’s Tavern that aims to open their home to students in ministry to have a space to rest. Ian also talks about how Dave and Debbie shaped his life as a gr...

We are joined by Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and the host of “ Daily Hope ” on AM1160. He discusses his humble beginnings in ministry and church leadership and how God used him as a “Trophy of Grace” to build his church. He briefly discusses his record-setting book “ Purpose Driven Life ” and talks about the immense effort he put in for months to com...

(00:00-09:43): “ Jesus Came to Proclaim Good News to the Poor. But Now They’re Leaving Church ” writes Ryan Burge in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian talk about how the article exposes this startling statistic. How do we change the way we reach and keep those Jesus called us to serve?  (09:43-38:18): Dave and Debbie Sanders join us in-studio. Dave is a professor at Judson U...

(00:00-09:34): “ Will Worship for Likes ” writes Jennifer Swann in Marie Daire. To build their celeb-approved megachurch, Churchome, pastors Judah and Chelsea Smith preach community, love, acceptance, and inclusion. Is their Instagrammable message truly re-framing Christianity or simply helping their church rake in millions? Brian and Ian discuss this. (09:34-36:56): We are joined by R...

Brian From and Ian Simkins hosted a have a very special edition of the show. Paul Jacobs and Todd Chatman from Food For The Poor Inc. joined Brian and Ian in studio to talk about their mission to provide food for a year and water for life to the impoverished children of Haiti. Please consider donating to Food For The Poor --> www.foodforthepoor.com/wyll See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Brian From hosted a have a very special edition of the show. Paul Jacobs and Todd Chatman from Food For The Poor Inc. joined Brian in studio to talk about their mission to provide food for a year and water for life to the impoverished children of Haiti. Please consider donating to Food For The Poor --> www.foodforthepoor.com/wyll See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:05) Friday was Black Friday, and now it’s Cyber Monday. Brian and Ian talked about how to find contentment during a time of year that involves so much consumerism. (10:05-18:59) Theologian Wayne Grudem has changed his mind about whether or not divorce is acceptable in cases of abuse . Brian and Ian reacted to Grudem’s change on that issue, as well as the larger topic changing...

(00:00-09:25): Billionaire says his wealth can’t replace Jesus , reiterates every human is broken. Brian and Ian touch on the love of money and how people ought to be content with God alone and not money.  (09:25-18:14): We are joined by ministry leader and author Nancy Beach. She shares her extensive history in the Church and work in the arts ministry at Willow Creek. She became a teac...

(00:00-09:12): We are joined by Aaron Andries and Jeremy Yap from Graveyards to Gardens . They talk about their music and how they came together to create a unique sound.  (09:12-18:23): Aaron and Jeremy talk about what it’s like being minorities in the worship music industry and how much of a role diversity plays in their music and influence on people.  (18:23-27:40): Aaron and Je...

(00:00-10:05): “ Fake Or Real? How To Self-Check The News And Get The Facts ” writes Wynne Davis in NPR. Brian and Ian discuss the polarization of news sources and validity of their content. Regardless of our political preference, we generally all want the truth.  (11:09-21:12): Brian and Ian discuss “ Sciencey Reasons You Should Listen to New Music ”. They talk about...

(00:00-09:03): Simon Sinek has an interesting perception for confronting people . Brian and Ian listen to his clip and reflect on this as church leaders. How do we graciously (or not-so graciously) deal with issues within the congregation?  (09:03-36:10): We are joined by author and pastor Al Smith. He has an amazing church planting story teaming with God’s timing and grace from benevol...

(00:00-09:11): A study shows that 3 in 10 Americans do not have a positive outlook on Evangelicals. Brian and Ian read several articles that cover and discuss this. Brian says that the reason of ‘politics’ is not surprising, however, the number surprises and concerns him.  (10:15-37:28): We are joined in-studio by Daniel Yang from the Send Institute based out of Wheaton. They are...

(00:00-09:50): John Perkins: On race and the church, authentic friendship, considering heaven . Brian and Ian touch on this Religion News Source by Adelle Banks. Perkins is an advocate for racial equality, eradicating poverty, and a worker for inclusivity in Evangelical churches. (09:50-19:28): “ Knowing God’s Love is Impossible, ” Derek Rishmawy writes in Christianity Today. Ian...

(00:00-09:06): Brian and Ian are not particularly interested in politics. However, they can’t help but notice the stark differences in the coverage of the impeachment trials. They take time to discuss whether or not networks and reporters are delivering impartial facts, as opposed to editorializing.  (09:06-18:16): Sarah Carter tweeted out “Dear Bill Hybels, Thank you for the gift...

(00:00-09:54): Chicago suburb seeks to block church’s winter homeless shelter . Brian and Ian read this piece and think that the town’s mentality towards the homeless population is oppressive. They appear to be doing everything in their power to drive out the homeless, rather than helping them. (09:54-19:24): Justin Poythress writes in The Gospel Coalition “ How Jesus Transforms...

(00:00-09:34): 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek gets choked up after a contestant writes 'We love you, Alex' as his response in Final Jeopardy. The long-time game show host was clearly moved by this contestants expression of gratitude. The contestant lost $1,995 to write this.  (09:34-19:01): Where Does Evangelism Fit on Sunday Morning? Writes Michael Keller in The Gospel Coalition. How are churc...

(00:00-09:23): After Schumer Praised the Retiring Rep. King, Some Democrats Jeered . Brian and Ian touch on an aspect of this story that isn’t necessarily political. Schumer had wonderful things to say about King, Ilhan Ohmar did not. (09:23-18:19): We are joined by Focus on the Family President Jim Daly. He touches on the importance of his stance on abortion and the advocacy FOF has for the...

(00:00-09:26):  Tithing Over Text Is Now a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry . Kate Shellnut writes a feature piece on companies who profit off of online and mobile giving to churches who use their app. Brian and Ian respond and discuss the ways their congregation gives.  (09:26-18:36): Jameela Jamil was on with Trevor Noah talking about ‘cancel culture’ . Brian and Ian hear a bi...

(00:00-08:46): Chicago has seen four records in weather in one week . Brian and Ian gripe about the unseasonably cold temps and excessive snow. In order to avoid complaining too much, they turn their attention to a Chicago food staple returning to the city.  (08:46-17:54): Guy Shares His 6 Rules for a Successful Marriage and People Love It . Brian and Ian read this intuitive list of tips and...

(00:00-10:14): “ Keith Getty says modern worship songs are so 'dangerous' they're 'de-Christianizing' Christians ” Leah MarieAnn Klett reports in Christian Today. Brian and Ian talk about potential watered down lyrics of today’s worship songs, and talk about the statements from Getty. (10:14-28:39): President of Trinity Christian College, Kurt Dykstra joins us in-studio to discus...

(00:00-09:28): “ Report: Netflix Has Pulled John Crist’s Comedy Special (For Now) Following Accusations of Sexual Misconduct ” reported in Relevant Magazine. Brian and Ian discuss power abuse and touch on a humorous article out of Flim Flam News talking about Christians mourning the loss of their only funny comedian.  (09:28-18:56): David Santistevan writes “ 9 Best Pr...