The Faithful Presence Podcast

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 c

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 SoundFor more information

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,

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 explore the cultural o

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 pr

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 r

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