The Faithful Presence Podcast

NEW SERIES: The Church in the Public SquareIn the first episode of Season 4, Michael talks with Pastor David Bailey of Arrabon about the role that the church could and should play in forming disciples that not only welcome diversity but also seek reconciliation. They also discuss their love of bow ties, and offer some insights on how pastors can navigate the current political climate. --Subscribe to our weekly devotional at content.faithful-presence.org Watch the video of the podcast/subscribe on YouTube.Connect with us on: Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn--RESOURCESFor more on David Bailey and Arrabon: arrabon.comWorks cited:Shirley Mullen, Claiming the Courageous Middle (2024)Tim Alberta, The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory (2023)Megan Basham, Shepherds for Sale (2024)An excellent and balanced piece by Dr. Sean Lucas:  The Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church --CREDITSNatalie Burchfiel, Chief of StaffClayton Dryden, Content Production--Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Michael and Dr. Mullen discuss connecting the social implications of the gospel to the salvific, the messiness of pastors trying to navigate social media's impact on ideological development, the impact of the "Big Sort" on mission, and whether people "have" opinions or "are" their opinions, the false humility of individualized truth claims, "changing the world," the importance of curiosity, interrogating our own beliefs first, and other great nuggets.  Work Cited"The Big Sort," Bill Bishop"Pensées," Blaise PascalThe Federalist PapersThanks to David for another great podcast edit! --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Michael and Dr. Bobo plumb the depths of seminary education,  working in both the public and theological worlds, navigating culture, a redemptive view of vocation, and how a divinity degree helps with bioethics conversations. Works CitedThe Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, Os Guinness (2003)--Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Michael talks with scholar, author, and Faithful Presence board member, Dr. Randy Newman, about his most recent book, "Questioning Faith." Together they explore getting to know people, suffering, alcoholism, Christopher Hitchens, the importance of switchbacks, and how many books Dr. Newman has actually written. For NPR's interview with Christopher Hitchens referenced by Dr. Newman, go to: https://www.npr.org/2010/06/05/127495653/christopher-hitchens-unusual-and-radical-life. Dr. Randy Newman's SEVEN books can be located here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001KI1W0S--Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Michael interviews Dr. Justin Bailey on his recent book and the importance of wedding ideological and cultural formation to emotional formation.  Together they discuss aspects of Dutch-culture in NW Iowa and Chicago, the relationship of mental health to ideological discernment, the development of partisan polarization,  power plays and changing the world, and how the five lenses paradigm can equip us for participating well in Christ's mission of making all things new. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Michael hosts "D.B." and "Supe," two Chicago area pastors from vastly different demographic contexts living in the same Congressional District. Together, they explain how their love of the gospel and excellent preaching formed a friendship that pulled both into the work of racial reconciliation in their individual congregations. Finally, they explore the cultural objections to such services, the obstacles to pursuing reconciliation, and why these services matter to the public square. Here is the link to the 1st Congressional District that the entire panel lived in prior to the most recent redistricting. https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd113/cd_based/ST17/CD113_IL01.pdf--Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the podcast, we dig back into the vault (aka Michael's computer) for another gem for the much-heralded "Tommy Tapes" delivered in 1995 during a church planting conference. In the public square, networking is an essential skill for flourishing. It is how relationships are made, opportunities opened, and agendas advanced.  And, while we should never see people as projects, we are called to "proclaim the excellencies of the one who called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light."  Many Christians struggle with moving a networking conversation from initial contact, to a relationship to, hopefully, a conversation about the gospel. In this recording, Dr. Keller discusses the role intentionality can bring the relationship to the gospel. Dr, Keller, even references Christian Embassy (a Washington-based ministry to diplomats) as an example of the role networking plays in evangelism.  How do we use inquiry, questions, a desire for belonging, and defeaters to engage people with the gospel? In other words, allowing them to lead themselves to the conversation. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Michael and Jeremy discuss three recent articles from David Brooks, Peter Leithart, and Anne Snyder which all explore the ramifications of locating our identity in the therapeutic-driven constructions of culture:David Brooks, "Hey America, Grow Up" from the New York Times Peter Leithart, "Man Up!" from First ThingsAnn Snyder, "Words Against Flesh" from Comment MagazineOther works referenced:Flannery O'Connor, address at Georgetown UniversityWilliam Butler Yeats, “The Second Coming”Rod Dreher, "The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation"Gene Edward Veith, "Post-Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture"Rebecca McLaughlin, The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims--Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

The trial of Jesus in Matthew 27 provides some fairly pointed insight and commentary on how we view those serving and leading in government.  In this episode, Michael unpacks how the gospel upends our political values and exposes our political longings. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In Washington, and everywhere else, flourishing and success often comes to those that freely use unrighteous and unjust means to get there and those who remain faithful often feel as though they do not receive what they deserve from God for being faithful. In this episode, Michael speaks to this situation using a number of Psalms. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode Michael outlines and examines the four questions of Faithful Presence which are: 1: What is good that needs encouragement? 2: What is broken that requires restoration? 3: What is missing that awaits creation? 4: What is evil that demands opposition? --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Michael shares a rare recording of Dr. Tim Keller giving a seminar to a small group of church planters circa 1995 (before any of his published works).   While aimed at church planters, this talk is universally helpful in navigating culture in a post-modern and post-Christian world, overcoming defeaters to Christian faith claims, and making the gospel clear to seekers and skeptics. In this talk, Keller covers everything from avant-garde art and Camus to housing projects and the gender debate in a Master Class on reaching the secular man.  --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Michael explores three aspects of insecurity: uncertainty, weakness and unease, and how these realities of our humanity present both challenges and opportunities to trust in Christ. For those serving and leading in Washington, this episode will interact with how embracing our humanity is actually one of the biggest hurdles to living in a posture of faithful presence.Michael also address how embracing his humanity played a large role in the long gap between episodes. Resources:  Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, Pete Scazzaro--Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this season opener of the second season of The Faithful Presence Podcast, Michael shares a recent sermon that he gave on the final chapter on the book of Acts. In this sermon, Michael addresses the fact that 2023 will probably not be much better than 2022, 2020, all the years before that, and what to do if we aren’t “living our best lives now.” Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Michael speaks with the authors of a recent article published at The Washington Institute to reconsider the importance of those living on the margins in Christ's mission of making all things new. In reconsidering and recalibrating James Davidson Hunter's work, "To Change the World," Abe and Greg discuss the central place of "table fellowship" in disciple making, how common grace and particular grace meet in "middle grace," and the role of churches in mitigating polarization. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Feeling exhausted and wondering if you should just leave Washington? Ever gotten burned by someone you thought was a confidant? Having difficulty navigating power differentials? Frustrated by the complications of "unspoken" agendas?In this highly relevant episode Michael talks with two of the the authors of "Resilient Ministry" and "The Politics of Ministry" about how, as Christians, we can not only survive but thrive in one of the most demanding vocations around - serving and leading in government. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

During this AMAZING episode, Michael and Dr. Sherman discuss the role of the righteous in the flourishing of others, how "flourishing" has become a trigger word for some, subjecting the "right" and "left" to God's definitions of flourishing, expanding the expectations of the gospel,  and the current impact of Mexican hip-hop in  making all things new.Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode Michael chats with author and C.S. Lewis scholar, Dr.  Randy Newman about the shortcomings of “lifestyle evangelism,” persuasion in an age of polarization, responding to cultural defeaters, why questions work better than assertions,  the importance of admitting the incomplete answers Christians can offer, and the critical role of cultural apologetics in whole-life discipleship. Books by Dr. Newman: Mere EvangelismQuestioning Evangelism Other links from the episode: Good Faith Short People by the other Randy Newman  Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Michael and guest, Jeremy Knapp, discuss the differences between churches - cultural engagement in Korea and the United States. Jeremy gives a close perspective on recent school shootings in St. Louis, the burden of changing the world, and what Britney Spears and Lady Gaga can teach us about Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Links from the episode:Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn Dedication and Leadership by Douglass Hyde Argerich’s Abbado: Prokofiev - Piano Concerto No. 3Good Friday Meditation by Jinah KnappIntro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, deep dive with us into the importance of emotional discipleship with therapist and pastor, Michael Coggin. Michael covers the usefulness of therapy, dealing with toxic work environments, narcissism and leadership, trauma, and the like. Also, go check out Michael Coggin’s book, Ravenous Wolves: Shepherding the Church in an Age of Narcissism. Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album. --Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid SoundFaithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org. Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe