The Common Good Podcast

In spite of all the negativity towards Evangelicals and the rise of none-churchgoers, there is no significant decline in numbers of current Evangelicals. The guys examine these numbers and also what it means to be a Christian in the modern world. Outgoing American Enterprise Institute President Arthur Books recently penned a book called 'Love Your Enemies'. Brian and Ian take a look at what it mea...

Various black churches have been the targets of arson in acts of 'domestic terrorism'. Brian and Ian examine the situation through the lens of how should the church itself respond to these acts against fellow believers. Chris Davis has just tied the record for consecutive hitless PA's. The guys dig into this story not only from the sports angle, but also from putting unnecessary expectations on ot...

One of the core human needs is deep connections and community. We all strive to build bonds, have a oneness with other people. Brian and Ian examine that need not only as people but as pastors and how they can build bonds for Christ. Robert Dickie III, CEO of Bonvera is a man who has over the years held a number of positions for a number of organizations. He joins the show to discuss the benefits...

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are sharing about the 'Sunday Service' they hold at their home. Brian and Ian unpack what constitutes a religious service. With all the resources rich kids have access to for academic advantages, what cost does it come at? The guys discuss the unfair expectations all parents put on their children to do well and succeed in life. Scientists say that the brain erases uni...

Should pastors be spending money on $4,000 sneakers? How are things 25 years after the genocide in Rwanda? What will things be like in a post-Willow Creek church community? Brian and Ian dig down into these tough topics today. Later, a discussion on whether or no pastors should speak out on social issues. Dr. Fuz Rana, vice president of Research and Apologetics at Reasons to Believe discusses the...

Bill Gate offers 4 simple things that make him happier at 63. Brian and Ian discuss the Bible's true purpose to making people happier and when moral boundaries become incubators. Karl Vaters, teaching pastor at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church digs down into 4 questions to consider before commenting on topics. Later, a look at how simple additions to a daily routine makes people less stress...

Tourists are abandoned on a snake infested island during a snorkeling trip and Heinz is developing a strange new brand of sauce. Brian and Ian discuss the latest accusations being leveled against Joe Biden and a new move of God in modern times. Plus a look at why the elite love endurance sports. Later, how the upper crust limit their kids screen-time. A dig down into the connection between Liberty...

Gregg Surratt, founding pastor of Sea Coast Church in South Carolina, discusses the recent outpouring of miracles and people coming to Christ at the church. Joshua Havens of the band The Afters shares about an upcoming show in Chicago this Friday. And Cindi Boston, Vice President of Heartbeat International shares how people giving offers hope for women who have considered abortion.  See omnys...

What happens when people reacted to Twitters decision to keep the film 'Unplanned' of the website? Brian and Ian unpack the power of social media and the new movie. And should a man who murdered his wife and kids be believed when he says he found Christ in jail? Later, a dig down into religious freedom and more fallout from the college admissions scandal.  See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

Lina Abujamra, founder of Living With Power Ministries shares about her most recent trip to Lebanon working with Syrian refugees and ways that the church in America can get involved. Former NFL quarterback and founder of Facing the Blitz men's group Jeff Kemp digs into his latest Bible study and how pastors can become more Godly. Later, Reverend Justice Carmon shares his faith journey and the work...

Jeff Sandstrom, a pastor at Calvary Church of Naperville, goes on air with Ian to discuss his growth as a pastor, how to reach today's youth and his story of going from being a house church pastor to a megachurch pastor. Later, New Creation Church founder and head pastor Ricky Brown gives insight into the hurdles of planting and heading a new church, as well as the urgency of planting new churches...

Chris Lash, Director of University Ministries at Judson University joined Ian in studio to share about his work at the college and living out his life for Christ. They also discussed a lecture on connecting with college students and how one finds joy in the Lord through lament and can use it to grow as a Christian. Later, Park Community Church Teaching Pastor Steve Coble dives into his vision for...

Another day, and another spiritually uplifting and powerful show.  Ian dialogues with youth pastors Bobby Clinkert, Aaron Koehler and Jason Ishmael about their work in youth ministry, and primarily with how they as pastors tackle the topics of youth suicide and depression. Later, Michael Alvarez digs into the nuances of building structure in ministry and local churches, relational ministry an...

Today, Ian dives into some conversations both serious and uplifting. Hannah Gronowski returns to talk more about her work with Generation Distinct, how they've grown yet maintain the same scrappy spirit and how generations can come together in unity. Later, Dr. Warren Anderson shares his thoughts on the ministry of Mister Rogers, the dearth of creativity in worship music and how to adjust one's se...

With Brian gone on vacation, it's time for a week of guest hosts. Dr. Rachel Shannon joins Ian for the first hour to discuss a variety of topics, from connecting with others to developing trust, to using neuroscience to reverse depression. Later, Reverend Jim Hollendoner shares his thoughts on holistic ministry, putting down devices and helping others through rough times to Lent.  See omnystu...

Friday is here, which means that it's the end of another show week. Brian and Ian sit down with Hannah Gronowski about her work as the head of Generation Distinct and working with young people to live a life that matters. Samantha Fisher joins over the phone to share about giving back to one's community. Later, Dr. John Thorington from Focus on the Family highlights the troubling spike in porn usa...

Stunning news that LifeWay is closing all 170 of its bookstores. Scot McKnight chats with Brian and Ian about the upcoming series about Jesus on The History Channel. Plus, a discussion about politicians embracing radical ideas, and whether or not its right or wrong to take from other pastors sermons.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the voting age be lowered to 16? Brian and Ian dig down into the pros and cons. Dru Johnson shares from his book 'Human Rites' and discusses the concept of rituals, whether it is gathering around the breakfast table for a meal, or praying to God. Later, a look at the earliest examples of philanthropy within the church. Plus, a conversation with Pastor Steven Barr about his work as pastor fo...

How can we show empathy and sympathy for people who aren't Christian whose lives are ripped apart by tragedy? Brian and Ian dig into the New Zealand shooting from last Friday from a new perspective. Seacoast Church is experiencing a spiritual revival as many are touched by God's healing hand. Plus, answering the question of how can churches engage the faithful and examining 4 questions before comm...

In the wake of the tragedy in New Zealand, Brian and Ian take time to discuss what happened and how we as Christians can show our support to those hurting. Local Muslim community leader Dr. Sabeel Ahmed joins them in studio to dig down into the response of Muslims to the shooting. Later, Shane Claiborne and Michael Martin discuss their book 'Beating Guns' and what should be the Christian response...

What can one person do to help children who go hungry every day? Dave Phillips from Children's Hunger Fund comes on to share. And how should kids be taught to tell the truth? Later, a story of a church sending a young girl to American Idol, why women need to stop being called 'girls', and a new law about being fined for leaving teens at home.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

What can be done to make sure pastors don't have too much power? Brian and Ian examine this question against current examples in the news. Louis Dooley joins in-studio to talk about his life and how he came to Christ while in prison. Later, Drew Dyck shares from a blog post entitled "Confessions of Bad Faster", and looking into the value of boring testimony.  See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

Today, its right out of the gate with the college admissions scandal hitting the news. And taking a look at so called 'soft skills' and how they actually contribute to getting ahead in life. Later, Brian and Ian discuss the "cursing pastor" who had a twerking contest at his church recently and C.S. Lewis's thoughts on eternal life.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Churches across the country are experiencing little to no growth. Brian and Ian tackle this topic, along with parallels between the Fyre Festival and faith, Justin Bieber's feeling of disconnect with people. Later, a professor stating that disabled children should be euthanized and the rise of the 'sober curious' movement in Chicago.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show, discussing the topic of whether or not it is wrong for the president and other figures to sign Bibles? Then a look at the new film 'Captain Marvel', and an interview with director Robert Krantz about his new movie 'Faith, Hope and Love'. Later, updates about Harvest Bible Chapel, Kevin Harney sharing from his book 'No is a Beautiful Word' and discovering how gratitude makes the...