The Pastor’s Studio with Paul Basden

Should Christians even care about climate change? Some say environmentalism is political. Others say it’s biblical. In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden asks: What if caring for the planet isn’t about partisanship—but about partnership with God? Join us as we discuss: Biblical foundations for environmental responsibility (Genesis 1–4) How the industrial...

What does Easter truly mean beyond the empty tomb? In this heartfelt bonus episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with his longtime friend and co-founder of Preston Trail Community Church, Pastor Jim Johnson, for an intimate conversation about faith, doubt, healing, and the presence of the resurrected Jesus.   Together, they reflect on: The miracle that...

In this powerful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden shifts the conversation from policy to people—inviting listeners to see immigrants not as a problem to solve, but as people to love. Through Scripture and story, Paul reminds us that our faith calls us to something deeper than politics: it calls us to radical hospitality.   Join us as we explore:   How Script...

In this powerful follow-up episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden is joined by Pastor Alison Leamon of Preston Trail Community Church for a candid and inspiring conversation about feminism, faith, and what it means to honor God’s call—regardless of gender. Alison shares her personal journey as a woman in ministry, from questioning her place in leadership to boldly...

Feminism is one of the most controversial words in modern culture—and in the church. But what if the conversation didn’t have to divide us? In this insightful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the history, theology, and emotion behind feminism, offering a more biblical and unifying lens on gender, value, and leadership. Join us as we explore: God’s o...

Patriarchy has shaped societies and religious traditions for centuries, but is it God’s design? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden unpacks the roots of patriarchy, its impact on the church, and what Scripture truly says about men and women leading together.   Join us as we explore: The biblical foundation for gender equality (Genesis...

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, we take a deep dive into the charismatic movement—what it is, what it teaches, and how it has shaped modern Christianity. From spiritual gifts and miracles to healing and speaking in tongues, we explore the biblical foundations of charismatic belief and discuss how different churches respond to these practices. Join us as we unpack key...

Religious fundamentalism is often associated with rigid beliefs, sharp boundaries, and a no-compromise attitude—but is that what Jesus called us to? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden explores the roots of Christian fundamentalism, why it resonates with so many believers, and where it can fall short of Jesus' example of love and grace. Key Takeaways: ✅ The...

The word evangelical is everywhere—but does it still mean good news? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden dives into the history, theology, and controversy surrounding the term. What once stood for a movement centered on Jesus and the Gospel has, in many circles, become synonymous with political agendas. Can we reclaim its true meaning? The true meaning of "ev...

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden welcomes marriage experts Warren and Sonya Jacobs to explore sex and intimacy from a biblical perspective. Drawing from their own marriage journey, they discuss the impact of purity culture, the importance of vulnerability, and the role of sexual intimacy in a thriving marriage.   Key Takeaways: How purity culture shap...

Sex is one of the most talked-about topics in our culture—but how does it align with God’s design? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores what the Bible says about sex, why culture often distorts its purpose, and how Christians can engage in meaningful conversations about this sensitive subject.   Join Paul as he unpacks: What culture says about s...

In this deeply important episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden explores the sanctity of life and how Christians can advocate for the unborn while showing love and compassion to mothers facing difficult decisions. Through biblical truths, thoughtful discussion, and a special guest interview, this episode challenges believers to embrace a pro-life stance that looks...

In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden addresses the sensitive and critical topic of race. Through biblical insights, historical context, and a heart for unity, Paul challenges listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about race with compassion, humility, and a commitment to seeing others as God does. Join Paul as he explores: The o...

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the complexities of the church—its purpose, its struggles, and its enduring hope as God’s chosen instrument in the world. Despite its flaws and divisions, the church remains central to God’s plan for redemption and unity. Join Paul as he examines: Why the church is more than a building or a denomination The i...

In this compelling episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden explores the heart of the Bible and its profound role in the life of a believer. Moving beyond doctrines, commandments, and devotions, Paul reveals how Scripture tells the greatest love story ever written—God’s self-revelation and plan to redeem humanity.   Join us as Paul unpacks: Three common ways Christia...

In this special bonus episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden takes us on a journey through one of the most beloved Christmas carols, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Written by the prolific hymnwriter Charles Wesley, this timeless carol is not just a beautiful song—it’s rich with deep theology and biblical truths. Join Paul as he unpacks the carol verse by verse, ex...

#11 In this insightful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden unpacks the concept of belief—what it is, how it shapes our lives, and why it often becomes a source of contention. Drawing from personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical guidance, Paul explores how Christians can hold their beliefs with conviction while respecting the freedom of others. Join us a...

#10 In this festive episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden delves into three hot-button topics surrounding Christmas in today’s world. From nativity scenes and “Happy Holidays” greetings to the controversy over “Xmas,” Paul offers thoughtful perspectives on how Christians can celebrate Jesus’ birth with grace and confidence in a pluralistic society. Join us as Paul...

#9 In this heartfelt episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden explores the challenges of family dynamics during the holidays, especially when relational gaps are widened by political and cultural divides. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, Paul shares the story of a family torn by tension and offers practical, biblical wisdom for navigating these difficult...

#8 In this powerful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden tackles a challenging topic that many believers ponder: what is the true nature of the Devil, and how should Christians view him? Far from a caricature with horns and a pitchfork, the Devil represents a real and complex adversary. Paul explores two contrasting views on Satan: one that instills fear and anot...

#7 In this timely episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden addresses a question many believers wrestle with: where would Jesus fit on today’s political spectrum? Raised in a world that often labels Christ as either liberal or conservative, Christians find themselves divided and challenged by these simplistic views. Join us as Paul dives deep into the teachings of Jes...

#6 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he tackles the controversial topic of celebrity pastors. Explore the dangers of idolizing religious leaders and discover the biblical model for pastoral ministry. Understanding the true role of pastors as shepherds Biblical examples of good and bad shepherds The dangers of fame and fortune...

#5 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he continues the discussion on Creation and Evolution. Building on last week's foundation, Paul explores how Christians can thoughtfully engage with evolutionary theory while maintaining strong biblical faith. Understanding God-guided vs. atheistic evolution How God works both directly and...

#4 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he tackles the complex relationship between biblical Creation and modern science. This first installment of a two-part series explores the foundational aspects of the Creation doctrine and how Christians can approach this often controversial topic with grace and wisdom. Understanding the pu...

#3 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he dives into the complex world of politics through a Christian lens. Explore how faith intersects with political engagement and discover a balanced approach to civic participation.  Biblical views on government and authority Jesus' teachings on earthly and heavenly kingdoms Balancing polit...