Conversations with Christians Engaged

What ideas gave birth to the United States—and where did America’s Founders believe our rights ultimately come from?

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, the first in our six-part Our Founding Documents series, Ben Quine explores the Declaration of Independence and the principles at the heart of America’s founding.

From the Creator as the source of our unalienable rights to the purpose and proper role of government, Ben examines the ideas expressed in the Declaration and their relationship to biblical truth. He also considers John Quincy Adams’ observation that the principles of America’s founding were intertwined with the principles of Christianity.

Understanding our founding documents is about more than knowing our history. It helps us understand the freedoms we’ve inherited, the proper role of government, and our responsibility to faithfully steward those freedoms today.

In this episode:

• The purpose of the Declaration of Independence
• Why our Founders recognized rights as coming from our Creator
• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
• The proper role and authority of government
• Christianity and the principles of America’s founding
• Why understanding our founding documents still matters today

Learn more about Christians Engaged: christiansengaged.org

Local government may not get the attention Washington does—but the decisions made closest to home can have an enormous impact on our families and communities.

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, part of our Local Government Lessons series, Ben Quine sits down with Tarrant County Commissioner Matt Krause to explore why local government matters, why Christians are needed in the public square, and how believers can make a meaningful difference right where they live.

Drawing from his experience in the Texas Legislature, constitutional law, and now county government, Matt shares why he chose to serve locally, what county commissioners actually do, and why biblical principles and God-given rights matter in government. He also takes us behind the effort to place a Ten Commandments monument outside the historic Tarrant County Courthouse and discusses religious liberty, the proper relationship between church and state, and the importance of restoring America’s foundational principles.

Whether you’re ready to volunteer on a campaign, meet your local elected officials, attend a government meeting, or simply begin praying for your leaders by name, this conversation will encourage you to take your next step and become salt and light in your community.

In this episode:

• Why local government has such a significant impact on everyday life
• What county commissioners actually do
• Why Christians are needed at every level of government
• The story behind Tarrant County’s Ten Commandments monument
• God-given rights, religious liberty, and church and state
• How to build relationships with your local elected officials
• Practical ways to get involved in local elections and campaigns
• Why your voice can have an outsized impact close to home

God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things—but taking that first step of faith can be intimidating.

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, part of our Local Government Lessons series, Ben Quine sits down with Victoria Cernadas, a Texas board-certified paralegal, ministry leader, and community advocate, to discuss how God led her from prayer to public engagement. Through a powerful personal testimony, Victoria shares how faithful obedience, persistent prayer, and a willingness to trust God opened doors she never expected.

Together, they explore why local government matters, the importance of praying for community leaders, and how every Christian can faithfully respond when God places a burden on their heart to serve.

Whether God is calling you to start a prayer group, serve your community, or consider public office, this conversation will encourage you to take your first step in faith.

In this episode:

• How God prepares ordinary people for extraordinary assignments
• Why prayer is the foundation of faithful civic engagement
• The importance of local government and community leadership
• Overcoming fear and taking the first step of obedience
• Encouraging Christians to boldly live out their faith in public
• Trusting God's direction one step at a time

State government affects your family every day—but many Christians don't realize just how much influence state legislators have over the issues that matter most.

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, part of our Local Government Lessons series, Ben Quine sits down with Indiana State Representative Joanna King to discuss how state government works, why biblical leadership matters, and how Christians can faithfully serve their communities through public office.

Representative King shares her journey from business owner and school board member to the Indiana House of Representatives, offering practical insight into the responsibilities of state legislators, the importance of principled leadership, and the impact state governments have on education, public safety, parental rights, the sanctity of life, and protecting children.

Whether you've considered running for office or simply want to better understand how state government affects your everyday life, this conversation will encourage and equip you to engage with wisdom and purpose.

In this episode:

• Why state government impacts your daily life
• What a state legislator actually does
• How Joanna King was called into public service
• Why biblical worldview matters in policymaking
• Protecting children, strengthening families, and defending life
• How Christians can influence the next generation of leaders

Local government affects our daily lives more than many people realize—but how well do we really understand it?

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, part of our Local Government Lessons series, Ben Quine sits down with Smith County Commissioner John Moore to pull back the curtain on local government and explore why Christians should pay attention to the decisions being made in their own communities.

Drawing from nearly four decades of experience in journalism, public service, and local government, John shares how God called him into public office, what county commissioners actually do, why local elections matter, and practical ways every Christian can become more informed and engaged in their community.

Whether you've ever wondered what happens at a city council meeting, commissioners court, or school board meeting—or you're considering serving in your own community—this conversation will help you better understand the important role local government plays in everyday life.

In this episode:

• Why local government impacts your daily life
• What a county commissioner actually does
• How God called John Moore into public service
• Why Christians should engage in local government
• Practical ways to connect with your local leaders
• How prayer, service, and faithful leadership can strengthen your community

Local government affects our daily lives more than many people realize—but how well do we really understand it?

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, part of our Local Government Lessons series, Ben Quine sits down with Smith County Commissioner John Moore to pull back the curtain on local government and explore why Christians should pay attention to the decisions being made in their own communities.

Drawing from nearly four decades of experience in journalism, public service, and local government, John shares how God called him into public office, what county commissioners actually do, why local elections matter, and practical ways every Christian can become more informed and engaged in their community.

Whether you've ever wondered what happens at a city council meeting, commissioners court, or school board meeting—or you're considering serving in your own community—this conversation will help you better understand the important role local government plays in everyday life.

In this episode:

• Why local government impacts your daily life
• What a county commissioner actually does
• How God called John Moore into public service
• Why Christians should engage in local government
• Practical ways to connect with your local leaders
• How prayer, service, and faithful leadership can strengthen your community

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, learn, communicate—and even how we think about truth, human dignity, and religious freedom. But how should Christians respond?

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, part of our Impacting the Culture series, Ben Quine sits down with Dr. Daniel Trippie, Director of Faith Engagement for the Biblical Foundations Initiative at America First Policy Institute, to explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence through a biblical worldview. Together, they discuss why being made in the image of God matters in the age of AI, the potential impact of AI on religious freedom, the importance of wise public policy, and how Christians can faithfully engage one of the defining technologies of our time.

Whether you're curious about AI, concerned about its influence, or simply looking for a biblical framework to navigate emerging technologies, this conversation will equip you to approach today's technology with wisdom rooted in God's Word.

In this episode:

• What artificial intelligence is—and what it isn't
• Why the image of God matters in the age of AI
• AI's impact on religious freedom and human dignity
• The importance of thoughtful safeguards and public policy
• Practical ways Christians can engage AI with wisdom and discernment
• Why our ultimate hope is found in Christ—not technology

Learn more about America First Policy Institute: americafirstpolicy.com

Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, learn, communicate, and search for truth. But how should Christians respond?

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, part of our Impacting the Culture series, Ben Quine sits down with author and speaker Misty Phillip to discuss AI through a biblical lens.

Together, they explore why AI is not neutral, how believers can practice discernment, why families need guardrails, and how Christians can use technology wisely without losing sight of God's Word.

In this episode:

• How Christians should think about AI
• Why artificial intelligence is not neutral
• The importance of biblical discernment
• Protecting children and families in the digital age
• Using technology with wisdom instead of fear

Learn more about Misty Phillip and The Trojan Horse of the Digital Age: mistyphillip.com

Watch more episodes: christiansengaged.org/podcasts

What does it mean to remember those in prison—and why should Christians care?

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, Ben Quine sits down with Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, to discuss the biblical call to justice, mercy, and restoring lives through the hope of the gospel.

Heather shares how Prison Fellowship is serving incarcerated men and women, supporting correctional staff and families, equipping churches, and advocating for meaningful second chances through biblical justice.

In this episode:

• Why Hebrews 13:3 still matters today
• The impact of Prison Fellowship Academy
• How Angel Tree strengthens families
• The role of Christians in justice reform
• Practical ways to serve those impacted by incarceration

Whether you've considered prison ministry before or not, this conversation offers a compelling reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

Learn more:
PrisonFellowship.org

Connect with Christians Engaged:
ChristiansEngaged.org
Take the Pledge
CE Academy

What does it take to restore a culture in crisis?

In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, Ben Quine sits down with author, speaker, and Family Policy Alliance Foundation board member Tim Goeglein to discuss his new book, What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and Family.

Tim shares a hopeful vision for America’s future while addressing marriage, family, the crisis facing young men, religious faith, civic responsibility, and the need to recover our nation’s history.

In this episode:

• Why faith, family, and freedom matter for cultural renewal
• The challenges facing marriage and family formation in America
• Why the church must lead in restoration
• How believers can help impact the culture with hope and conviction

At Christians Engaged, we believe faithful believers can make a lasting impact through prayer, voting, and civic engagement.

Resources:
ChristiansEngaged.org
Take the Pledge
CE Academy