We’ve seen over the last year the devastation inflicted on cities by natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. We’ll hear from two voices — a Houston pastor who helped mobilize resources in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, and a founder of a technology company helping people volunteer to meet the needs of their city. Rob and Chris will share their story of responding to local need.
What is possible when we risk in relationship? Krish Kandiah is the author of God is Stranger and the founding director of Home for Good, a charity seeking to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Believing we meet God when we welcome the stranger, Krish shares how an unscripted life helps us experience and trust God more fully.
The way we think about our life's work has the potential to advance good or to become self-referential. If we focus on understanding God's purposes and where we can join His work in the world, the results will be very different from self-focused individualism. Jo Saxton looks at the thin line between calling and narcissism offering Christians a way of viewing calling through the eyes of God.
How can the church be bold, yet beautiful? On the heels of the #metoo movement came #churchtoo — exposing the abuse, harassment, and misogyny taking place in churches, places where people should experience mutual support, leadership, and empowerment. Lisa Bevere shares how the New Testament shows people of different genders working together for the good of all.
We live in a world of broken relationships. From parent to child, employee to boss, neighbor to co-worker and husband to wife, we long for harmony but often it escapes us. New York Times bestselling author Lysa Terkeurst, wonders if the relationship disappointments we experience are opportunities for something more. Could God be at work in the unmet expectations, the misunderstood words and the long distances that creep in between life long friends?
Theologian Stanley Hauerwas says that "the heart of the gospel is that you don't know Jesus without the witness of the Church." As church membership declines, will this witness be dampened? Writer and hip-hop artist, Sho Baraka, explores the history of the Christian faith, why its growth has slowed in western societies, and how the Church can reclaim our role as witnesses of Christ.
As a special episode release, Sho Baraka and Gabe Lyons discuss the vision and mission behind the upcoming Q Conference, April 11-13 in Nashville. Listen in on a challenging conversation that sets up many of the important conversations we should be having as we thoughtfully navigate our changing culture. Q 2018 will prepare you to explore what renewal and faithfulness might look like in society.
Research suggests that pornography is a "new narcotic" with equally powerful effects on the brain as addictive drugs. In a globalized world, how can we overcome the temptations and tragedies of technology? Jefferson Bethke believes the answer lies within the problem. The voice of the viral YouTube video "Why I Love Jesus but Hate Religion," Jeff uses the internet as a positive means of confession and expression. His challenging talk will address a serious issue in today's society. One-third of p...
A journalist for The New York Times and author of The Road to Character, David Brooks is an expert in communicating the role of character in our society and how it brings about positive change. In a culture that worships the celebrity yet is decreasing in any religious commitment (32% of millennials claim no religious affiliation according to Barna), Brooks provides relevant commentary on how virtue is a key entry point to larger spiritual conversations that ultimately contribute to society’s fl...
Contrary to popular understanding, Islam's populations and influence reaches far beyond the Middle East. Muslims make up a majority of the population in 49 countries around the world, and is the fastest growing religion according to the Pew Research Center. As Islam integrates into Western Societies, is peace and pluralism really possible? Listen in as Paul Marshall suggests a way forward that addresses this very question and Shadi Hamid, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on Islamis...
Renown artist, Dana Tanamachi, is a self-defined, "Texas-bred, Seattle-based graphic designer who enjoys living a quiet life and working with her hands." In this interview, Dana shares her story and insights into what compels her to create, with a focus on the creative process of her most recent commissioned work in partnership with Crossway, designing an illuminated Bible for the modern eye. See more about the Illuminated Bible, Art Lettering Edition from Dana Tanamachi at illuminatedbible.org...
Listen in as Jordan Raynor provides a framework for how to embrace entrepreneurship and creativity as a means of glorifying God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
By many metrics, incarceration rates are growing in America with valid concerns about a "cradle-to-prison" pipeline in certain regions. With thirty-one states currently supporting the death penalty backed by a moral, "an eye for an eye," position, how should Christians engage? Author and activist, Shane Claiborne, believes the Church must be pro-life no matter who is under threat. As an advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, he explains how prison reform is the natural outflow of every...
In our culture, he who tells the best story wins. Creating great narratives that produce epiphanies involves a particular talent that applies far beyond film and changes the way you write books, marketing copy, funding proposals, research reports, sermons, and so much more. Bobette Buster has built and sustained a long, respected career in the film industry by being the best at finding and developing epiphanies in some of the greatest movies we've all enjoyed.
The majority eat only one meal together as a family during regular work week due to conflicting schedules, and many are waking up to the harm our bodies experience from fast, manufactured food. Danielle Walker, New York Times bestselling author of the Against All Grain series of recipe books, gives perspective on how food brings people together to connect, build relationships, and nourish our bodies and spirits.
Growing up with parents who were gay, Caleb Kaltenbach was part of the gay rights movement from an early age. But when he became a Christian, his parents were furious, having seen so much hatred aimed at them from the Christian community. Caleb - who eventually became a pastor - shares his story of how he journeyed through this disagreement with his parents and gained empathy for those who think differently.
VOMO is powering today's movement of volunteers to change the world. Listen in as Rob Peabody, CEO of VOMO, and Gabe Lyons discuss the importance of volunteering in community and ways you, and your networks can better engage your city for good. VOMO makes volunteering easy and effortless. Join the movement for good at https://www.vomo.org Powering today’s movement of volunteers to change the world. VOMO is powering a global volunteer movement by providing people and organizations with the techno...
America was a divided nation since her founding. How can we understand the differences and appreciate their origins? Bestselling author, Colin Woodard suggests that America is an amalgamation of 11 different regions. While many still wonder what led to a Trump election, Colin saw the writing on the wall through his research and understanding of how America works. Hear his unique perspective on overcoming our differences by understanding where we come from and where we’re going.
What are the rights all women should possess and live out? Noel Yeatts of World Help shares the state of women across the world today and the opportunity that can come from focusing on the true global issues facing women. What are you doing with your freedom of choice?
We live in an age of innovation, and a debate is raging about whether technology is improving our lives or making them worse. But Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine, says we’re not asking the right questions. He believes we need to find out what technology is really after. Can technology be a force for the greater good, and if so, how do we thoughtfully engage new inventions? Kevin will attempt to construct a radically fresh answer to one of culture’s nagging questions.
When have you felt moments of freedom in your life? Most of us glimpse this freedom less and less as we pursue other endeavors: achievement, career, family, or success. Author Rebekah Lyons reminds us that God has created us — at the core of who we are — to be someone unique and beautiful, and free. Through sharing her own story and search for freedom, Rebekah will encourage us to uncover who we already are: free in Christ and deeply loved.
Our lives are increasingly complex and so is our modern world. As a result, Christians often struggle to connect what they believe with what they do day by day. Paul Williams and Terry Timm share their vision for how ReFrame provides a Biblical foundation for how God is renewing all of creation. How does our story and day to day life fit into God's story? Learn how Christians can better connect faith with all of life.
Forty-six percent of Americans believe religion is part of the problem in our society. Yet faith is the motivation for many of the critical social services and programs that benefit the most vulnerable populations. Congregations, faith-based businesses, and charities lift people up in times of need in ways that few other institutions or government programs can. In this conversation, you will see the important role faith-based organizations play in renewing civil society.
Listen in as Gabe Lyons shares a conversation with Jason Pamer, filmmaker, producer and writer of the upcoming film, The Heart of Man , releasing in theaters for a one-night only special event on September 14. The Heart of Man is a story inviting the sons and daughters of God to leave behind our broken, moralistic and religious way of thinking and relating to God and to others. Once we begin to know who God is (and as a result who we are), we have something to invite the world into. Freedom from...
A study by The Design Council found that companies who emphasize design in their business dealings perform 200 percent better on the Stock Exchange than those who don't. Design isn't just about graphics and colors; it's in the aesthetics of a space. Danae Dougherty speaks from her background in designing spaces that create environments for real connection. She reflects on why beauty and design matter, and why it is so important to use design to foster relationships.
Much of what's happening in the American justice system remains overlooked. America boasts the highest rate of incarceration in the world, but even more alarming are the system’s endemic injustices. Minority communities are far more afflicted by the justice system, a reality that affects the psyches of the children who grow up in them. Additionally, our system treats you much better if you’re rich and guilty than if you are poor and innocent. Bryan Stevenson believes these realities are fundamen...
Jackie Hill-Perry knows that a life well lived speaks volumes in a world of contradiction. As individualism becomes common and pursuing your deepest feelings and desires is perceived as heroic, denying one's self is revolutionary. Her story of denying sexual desires to pursue true flourishing gives witness to a better way. A spoken word artist, Jackie will help us think through how self-denial can be what it was always meant to be inside our churches.
Over half of children think their parents check their phone too often, with a quarter of parents agreeing they want to look at their devices less. Yet it's difficult to pry ourselves away from technology, so social media is in large part making us less social. Andy Crouch reflects on these issues in his forthcoming book, The Techwise Family , and will help us think through utilizing tech in a way that contributes to relationships instead of taking away from them.
Drought. Food shortages. Conflict. These are deadly forces that children throughout East Africa are facing. Areas in South Sudan and Somalia are on the brink of catastrophe. Kenya and Ethiopia face severe drought. Tens of thousands of children could starve to death because of food and water shortages. But this crisis isn't hitting the news as it should. 25.5 million people, our brothers and sisters, are at risk of starvation. This hunger crisis is likely to be the most devastating since we were ...
The very last words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew are summed up in The Great Commission, a call for the Church to make disciples. Yet the Church has approached this process in different ways throughout history. How are today’s Christians carrying out the Great Commission, and what are the unique challenges to disciple-making in the 21st Century? Ed Stetzer presents new research on this topic as he paints a portrait of the future of discipleship.
