The Issues Podcast

Proverbs 4:23 says, ”Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Welcome to the “Issues Podcast” (formerly the Dear Church Podcast), where pastors Tom Brennan, Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ get to the heart of the real issues. These pastors hope to stir your heart and challenge your thinking on key issues within the Independent, Fundamental Baptist movement. Are you ready to deal with your issues? We love God, His Word, and His Church. We love our heritage as independent Baptists and cherish the fundamentals of the faith. We rest in our identity in Jesus Christ. We desire, above all else, to glorify God. We are humbled that God has called us to serve the local church. As we watch the shifting sands of countries and cultures erode the foundations of many local fellowships we are troubled and want to help. While we hope that all believers will benefit from this podcast, we have a special burden for pastors and other church leaders. We want to encourage pastors to continue to passionately look to Christ, hold steadfastly to the Word, prioritize their families, humbly lead their churches, graciously reach out to their communities, compassionately engage in debate, and faithfully encourage one another. May God be glorified and His people blessed through this endeavor.

Issue #68 – The Prayers of Acts

The Book of Acts records the birth of the New Testament church—a movement conceived in prayer, fueled by prayer, and sustained by prayer. In this episode, Stephen and Martin dive deeper into its powerful lessons for us today!

09-23
59:35

Issue #67 — Charlie Kirk, GenZ, A Great Awakening?

Charlie Kirk was not only a political figure—he stood as a bold witness for truth and faith in Christ, which makes his death both a political and spiritual martyrdom. In this conversation, we discuss: ➡️ What this reveals about our culture ➡️ How the church should respond in times of hostility ➡️ Why courage and conviction are more vital than ever

09-16
01:00:37

Issue #66 — Young Voices, Lasting Impact: Serving God in Your 20s

🎙️ On this episode of the Issues Podcast, we sit down with two young men in their 20s who are faithfully serving the Lord in ministry. While their years of experience may be fewer, their perspective is fresh, their passion is contagious, and their insights are worth hearing. Join us for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation with Landon Street and Micah Still.

09-09
01:01:18

Issue #65 — Grace-filled Communication on Social Media

As social media grows increasingly toxic, Christians have a unique opportunity to shine as lights through gracious and Spirit-filled communication. In this episode, Martin and Stephen reflect on the future of the podcast while tackling how believers can use their words online to point others to Christ.

09-02
01:06:14

Issue #64 – LIVE: Season Finale + A Big Announcement!

🎙️ It’s the season finale of the Issues podcast! Today, we dive deep into the challenge of responding to current events—not with knee-jerk emotion, but with wisdom that actually helps the people we serve. If you've ever wrestled with when to speak up and how to do it biblically, this episode is for you. Plus, stick around for a big announcement from Tom at the end! We’ve loved every moment of this season—thank you for listening, sharing, and growing with us.

05-19
01:04:15

Issue #63 – ⚡️ Lightning Round ⚡️

Welcome to ⚡️ Lightning Round  — where bold questions meet blistering opinions. In this episode, a provocative topic is thrown on the table, and the crew has just 3 minutes to dive in. Whether it’s theology, ministry, culture, or controversy, expect passionate debate, raw honesty, and a few holy jabs along the way! No filters. No fluff. Just camp-meeting fire and fundamentalist fury. When the buzzer hits, it’s on to the next one!

05-13
50:29

Issue #62 – Interview with Evangelist Alton Beal

In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Evangelist Alton Beal, President of Ambassador Baptist College. With decades of experience in ministry and a unique vantage point as a traveling preacher, Bro. Beal shares his insights on the spiritual health and direction of Independent Baptist churches across the country. Don’t miss this engaging and thoughtful conversation!

05-06
01:05:47

Issue #61 – LIVE Episode, Feedback and Church Unity

Unity is one of the clearest marks of a healthy church. In this episode, we reflect on listener feedback from previous episodes and dive into a conversation about why unity in the local church matters — and how we can actively protect and promote it.

04-29
01:05:52

Issue #60 – What We’re Excited About

🎙️Exciting things are happening! Yes, there are always issues to address—but in this episode, we’re choosing to celebrate. In our 60th episode, join us as we rejoice in the good things God is doing and share some of the victories and encouraging moments that have us excited for the future. Let’s focus on the blessings together!

04-15
46:48

Issue #59 – Unveiled: The Prophetic Dreams of Daniel

In Part 2 of our study of the Book of Daniel, we turn our attention to the remarkable dreams and visions God revealed to him—prophecies that stretched across empires and history. These revelations aren’t just ancient records; they hold vital significance for us today. Join us as we unpack the meaning, the mystery, and the message behind Daniel’s prophetic insight.

04-08
01:00:32

Issue #58 – LIVE: Fellowship, Israel, and Martin's Book

In today’s live episode, we spend our time catching up as friends—talking church life, highlights from Stephen’s Israel trip, and Martin’s 3-year journey writing his new book, Heart & Scroll. Don’t miss this honest and encouraging episode!

03-31
59:54

Issue #57 – Unshakable: The Steadfast Heart of Daniel

Daniel stands as a powerful example of what it means to have an excellent spirit and a heart fully purposed for God. In this episode, we walk through the first six chapters of the Book of Daniel to explore his unwavering devotion while living in the midst of a heathen culture. His life challenges us to remain faithful, no matter the pressure.

03-25
57:41

Issue #56 – From Classroom to Calling: Transitioning into Full-Time Ministry

As Bible college graduations approach, many students find themselves standing at the edge of a new season—where training ends and the work begins. The transition can be exciting, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. In this episode, we’ll discuss key insights to help you step confidently into your new role and avoid common pitfalls as you begin full-time ministry.

03-18
59:19

Issue #55 — Discussion on Sunday School

Today, we explored the value of the traditional Sunday school format and why it still matters in today’s ministry landscape. Join Martin, Stephen, and Tom as they dive into this important conversation—then let them know your thoughts and share your feedback!

03-11
59:01

Issue #54 – Immigration: Law, Compassion & the Church

In this season opener of The Issues Podcast, we dive into the complex and often polarizing issue of immigration. How have past and present policies shaped churches? What is the government’s role versus the church’s responsibility? And how should Christians balance law and compassion? With a biblical perspective on justice and mercy, we explore how believers can engage this issue with both truth and grace.

03-03
01:03:11

Issue #53 – LIVE: Season Finale, Feedback and More!

In today's season finale, we reflect on feedback from previous episodes, explore the topic of age accountability, and engage in a thought-provoking conversation titled "If I Knew Then What I Know Now." Join us as we wrap up this season of episodes. We look forward to returning with more discussions in the future! This episode aired live on December 2, 2024.

12-03
01:17:40

Issue #52 – We are Thankful!

Join us in the spirit of the season as we dive into the heartwarming principle of gratitude! In this episode, we share our cherished Thanksgiving traditions, reflect on what we're most thankful for, explore practical ways to cultivate a thankful heart, and wrap up with a heartfelt message just for you. It's a celebration of gratitude you won't want to miss!

11-26
53:00

Issue #51 – Calvinism

Today, we're diving into a topic that can often spark strong reactions: "Reformed Theology," commonly referred to as Calvinism. While our aim is not to offend, we do want to take a moment to share some fundamental areas where we differ from this particular theological perspective.

11-19
57:23

Issue #50 – The Importance of Church Membership

Church membership has traditionally been a vital way for Christians to identify with and commit to their local congregation. In today’s world, the importance of this commitment has only grown. In this episode of the Issues Podcast, the hosts explore the biblical foundations of church membership and its practical implications for modern-day Christians.

11-12
57:40

Issue #49 – LIVE episode, feedback, raising boys to be men

Join us for our 50th episode, live! In this special segment, we’ll dive into recent ministry highlights, share feedback from past episodes, and tackle an essential topic: raising our boys to become men.

10-28
01:07:37

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