The Faithful Presence Podcast

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 para

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 ex

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 s

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

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 SoundFor more information on Faithful Presence, connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

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 SoundFor more

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 SoundFor more information on Faithful Presence, connect with us at faithful-prese

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

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 presenc

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