Claim OwnershipEquip Podcast
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© 2026 Cornerstone Church of Ames
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Produced by Cornerstone Church of Ames, The Equip Podcast is designed to provide insight, resources and Biblical wisdom to help us live faithful and fruitful lives together.
320 Episodes
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Mark and Emily begin a new series exploring what the Bible teaches about men and women. At a time when questions about gender, identity, and roles dominate cultural conversations, they return to the opening pages of scripture to establish a biblical foundation. Episode Highlights: 00:27 — Introducing a new series: Men & Women 00:46 — Why conversations about gender keep resurfacing in both culture and the church 01:27 — Gender as part of God’s created order, not merely a social construct...
In this episode, Mark recaps his recent lecture at Iowa State University, reflecting on the growing problem of political tribalism in America and calling Christians to a distinctly different posture: rooted in conviction, civility, and faithful presence. Episode Highlights 00:00 — Introduction and context: Recapping the Iowa State University lecture 01:52 — A flyover of the talk: Anxiety, anger, and political tribalism 02:06 — The central appeal: Learning how to disagree without dehumanizin...
Lent isn’t about giving something up, but about cultivating something deeper. In this episode, Mark casts vision for the Lenten season and explains why fasting is a historic and biblical rhythm for followers of Jesus. From churning up the soil of the heart to aligning ourselves with the ancient church, Mark walks through both the theology behind Lent and the plan Cornerstone will follow together. Episode Highlights 00:27 — Introducing Lent and the vision for this season 01:14 — Jesus...
What does faithfulness look like as artificial intelligence becomes a normal part of everyday life? In Part 3 of this series, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen focus on practical wisdom—how Christians can use AI responsibly without outsourcing discernment, formation, or trust to technology. This conversation centers on limits: why AI should remain a tool rather than a guide, how dependence subtly shapes our spiritual habits, and why Christian maturity requires presence, patience, and embodied wisdo...
How should Christians think about the ethical limits of artificial intelligence, and where should wisdom, restraint, and responsibility come into play? In Part 2 of this series, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen move from foundations to application, exploring the moral, ethical, and spiritual questions AI raises for individuals, churches, and society. This episode focuses on discernment: how Christians can engage emerging technology without fear, cynicism, or blind optimism. Mark and Emily discuss ...
How should Christians think about artificial intelligence—and what does faithfulness look like in a rapidly changing technological world? Mark Vance is joined by Emily Jensen to begin a thoughtful, theological conversation about artificial intelligence. Rather than reacting with fear or hype, they explore how Christians can approach AI with wisdom, discernment, and confidence in God’s design for humanity. Mark and Emily discuss why AI raises deeper questions about personhood, creativity, work...
In this bonus episode, Mark steps into a timely and emotionally charged topic surrounding immigration and ICE, not to offer political commentary, but to pastorally apply biblical truth to a complex cultural moment. Episode Highlights 00:39 — Referencing the Minneapolis clashes and ICE-related tensions 00:53 — Equip’s purpose: not political commentary, but pastoral discipleship 02:07 — Why the church must speak truth when culture fills the silence 03:10 — Applying biblical truth to emotiona...
What actually makes a church healthy, and how should leaders think about growth without losing faithfulness? In this episode of the Equip Podcast, Mark Vance is joined by Ryan Hill, an Elder at Cornerstone and the Executive Director of The Salt Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on church health, growth, leadership, and gospel clarity. Together, they explore the difference between churches that simply get bigger and churches that grow in healthy, sustainable ways. Mark and Ryan talk thr...
What does it look like to be deeply rooted in Christ in a world of cultural chaos? In this Ask Mark Anything episode, Mark Vance responds to honest questions from the Cornerstone Church community about faithfulness in everyday life—especially when culture, technology, and suffering raise complex tensions. From staying consistent in spiritual habits, to navigating social media and marketing with integrity, to honoring God in our vocations, Mark offers biblical wisdom that is both grounded and ...
What’s the difference between true revival and revivalism, and how should Christians respond when God seems to be stirring something fresh? Mark reflects on the Salt Company Conference and the broader signs of spiritual hunger he’s seeing among Gen Z. He explains why this moment is deeply encouraging, while also offering a needed distinction between revival and revivalism. Mark draws from Iain Murray’s Revival and Revivalism and echoes a helpful framework often attributed to Tim Keller: in tr...
As a new year approaches, how should Christians think about goals, habits, and productivity—without slipping into hustle culture or empty self-improvement? In this episode, Mark offers a pastoral framework for goal setting that prioritizes faithfulness over frenzy. Rather than chasing vague resolutions or cultural pressure, he encourages listeners to think carefully about how they steward their time, energy, and attention as followers of Jesus. Drawing on biblical wisdom and pastoral experien...
How should Christians navigate real-life questions about faith, family, dating, and church differences—especially when Catholic and Protestant worlds overlap? In this Q&A episode, Emily joins Mark to wrap up the “Why Protestantism?” series by moving from theology to wisdom. Mark responds to practical questions that surface after discussing Catholic and Protestant differences, particularly for those who grew up Catholic, have Catholic family members, or are navigating close relationships a...
If both Catholics and Protestants believe we’re saved by grace through Jesus Christ, why do they still disagree so sharply about the gospel—and how we actually receive it? In this episode, Mark continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by focusing on how grace is applied to the believer. He explains how Roman Catholicism understands grace as being mediated through the Church’s sacramental system—especially baptism and the Eucharist—and why the sacraments are seen as the ordinary channels thro...
Advent is here, which means an opportunity to slow down, refocus, and remember who Christmas is really about. In this bonus episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen walk through why Advent matters, how this season forms us, and how families and individuals can use Cornerstone’s Advent Guide to cultivate simple, meaningful rhythms that point to Jesus. They remind us that Advent isn’t about adding pressure or performing traditions, but about creating space to behold Christ: his first coming in humi...
Why do Catholics look to the Pope and the Magisterium for ultimate authority, while Protestants look to Scripture alone—and what does that mean for everyday faith? Mark continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by examining the heart of the authority debate. He explains how Roman Catholicism understands the Pope, apostolic succession, sacred tradition, and the Magisterium, and why Catholics believe these provide an infallible guide for the Church. Mark then contrasts this with the Prote...
Why do Protestants and Catholics differ so sharply on authority, Mary, and the nature of the true church—and why does it matter for following Jesus today? In this episode, Mark Vance continues the “Why Protestantism?” series by examining some of the most significant theological differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestant belief. With clarity and charity, Mark explains how Catholic teachings on Mary, the papacy, and church authority developed—and why he believes they obscure the clari...
Why are some Protestants drawn toward Roman Catholicism—and how should we think about the “one true church”? In this episode, Mark Vance launches a five-part series on the nature of the church, explaining why he remains a Protestant while seeking to speak with both clarity and charity about Catholicism. Mark walks through why historical rootedness feels especially compelling in shaky cultural moments, how true Christianity exists within the Roman Catholic Church, and yet why he believes certa...
What does the Tenth Commandment have to do with Target runs, Amazon carts, and Instagram ads? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore “Do not covet” and talk honestly about living in a world designed to stir desire and fuel discontent. They discuss why coveting runs deeper than wanting stuff — it’s about wanting someone else’s life — and why modern advertising, comparison culture, and curated online lifestyles make contentment both harder and more essential. With practical ideas like 24-hour ...
Should Christians think differently about what we post, share, and say online? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore the Ninth Commandment, “Do not bear false witness,” and apply it to the age of social media, political outrage, and public discourse. They talk about the temptation to exaggerate, misrepresent, or dehumanize those we disagree with — and why followers of Jesus should be people who speak truth, pursue peace, and resist the pull of conspiracy, sarcasm, and slander. From politica...
Should I splurge on Burgie’s coffee? Can I buy the nice toilet paper? In this episode, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen take a closer look at what the eighth commandment, “Do not steal”, teaches us about generosity, stewardship, and spending. They talk about why the opposite of stealing isn’t just “not stealing,” but intentional generosity. From local purchases to thoughtful spending, this conversation dives into how everyday financial decisions can reflect love for God and neighbor. Episode Highl...
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There is no neutrality. It is foolish to think education is something that can be carried out devoid of worldview. Yes you should be grounding your kids in God's word so they are not fooled by unbiblical teaching, but why would you not also remove the unbiblical teaching?