All Things New

Bob Thune examines The Atlantic’s claim that America is becoming a post-literate society and considers what the decline of reading means for Christians. He explores the importance of reading, the transmission of wisdom between generations, and why the church should remain committed to the written word and the slow work of discipleship.

Bob Thune joins Dusty White from Oxford, UK to reflect on the history and present state of Christianity in England. From church planting and gospel partnership to the value of theological study, they discuss what American Christians can learn from a post-Christian context and how rest, scholarship, and global fellowship can renew our vision for the church.

On this Faith + Work episode, Bob Thune and Bethany Gilbert are joined by Andy Holz to discuss vocation, entrepreneurship, and the gospel at work. Andy shares his journey from teaching and mowing lawns to grain trading and starting his own company. They explore a theology of work, pursuing excellence, honesty in business, taking responsibility, loving your customers, and seeing ordinary work as a way to love your neighbor and glorify God.

Bob Thune is joined by Tom Sommerville and Merlyn Klaus to tell the story of Sean Barrett, an Omaha man who was serving a 60-year sentence for murdering his wife. After coming to faith in Christ in jail, Sean spent the rest of his life growing in faith and serving as a missionary to other inmates at Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. As they reflect on Sean’s life and sudden death in 2026, Bob, Tom, and Merlyn consider the transforming power of grace, the unseen work of God behind prison walls, and what it means to see wherever God has placed us as a mission field.

Bob Thune is joined by Will Walker to discuss Why Do Protestants Convert? by Brad Littlejohn and Chris Castaldo. Together they explore some of the psychological, theological, and sociological reasons behind the trend of Protestant conversion to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy. They discuss the weaknesses of modern American evangelicalism, the importance of recovering historic Protestantism, and why Christians should do more than get their theology from YouTube.

Bob Thune is joined by Hunter Beaumont and Kevin Cawley for a wide-ranging “Soul Brothers” conversation about some of the biggest shifts happening in the church and culture. They discuss the changing landscape of seminary education, including the decline of mainline seminaries and the rise of online learning and counseling programs. They also touch on "AI Twins," The Gospel Coalition’s decision to draw a line against AI-assisted writing and Bryan Johnson’s ongoing quest to defeat death.

Dusty White rejoins Bob Thune to discuss Dusty’s recent sabbatical and the value of intentional rest and renewal in ministry. They explore the rhythms of rest, recalibration, and reentry, reflecting on what Dusty learned about prayer, dependence on God, family, ministry, and his own patterns of worry. Together, they lay out a vision for the purpose and significance of sabbaticals for pastors.

In this Faith + Work episode of All Things New, Bob Thune and Bethany Gilbert sit down with designer and entrepreneur Ben Lueders, founder of Fruitful Design. Ben shares his vocational journey, from discovering graphic design to starting out in the field to eventually launching and leading his own business. They discuss the challenges of being a Christian in the creative industry, the difference between fine art and communication arts, and the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Bob Thune is joined by Will Walker for another "Bob Reads Books" conversation, this time discussing Everything Is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes' Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness by Bobby Jamieson. Together they explore the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, reflecting on why knowledge, work, pleasure, money, and achievement can never fully satisfy — and how honesty about life's frustrations ultimately points us toward enjoying God's gifts, fearing God, and finding lasting hope in Christ.

The era of the "ten blue links" is over. In May 2026, Google unveiled a massive redesign of their search algorithm that will forever change how we navigate the internet. In this episode, Bob Thune is joined by author, cultural analyst, and Keller Center program director Michael Graham to discuss the change. Bob and Mike discuss why trust and wisdom will be more valuable than knowledge alone, what these changes mean for churches and Christian ministries, and how believers can thoughtfully navigate an AI-driven future while prioritizing embodied relationships and faithful witness.