Engaging Truth

How does a Christian university balance sharing God’s truth found in Jesus while teaching and developing a diverse student body that comes from all walks of life in this “woke culture” in which we live? Host Rev. Jeff Doria interviews Dr. Kristi Kirk, Provost and Executive Vice President for Concordia University Texas (CTX), on the great faculty, mission, and opportunities that exist at CTX and the balance they walk being a Christian school while following the laws of the land.

Rev. Frank Hart was moved to faith in Jesus Christ via the glory of the night sky and the reading of Psalm 19. His faith life was initially expressed in contemporary music as he wrote, performed, recorded, and produced creative modern music. From being a touring artist, Rev. Hart transitioned to full-time ministry. This interview offers the listener a sample of Rev. Hart’s faith journey - a journey that continues to be creatively expressed in music, but also in sermons, writing projects, and video productions. Anyone interested in evangelism, Christian conversion, the miracle of saving faith, the creative process, and the pastoral ministry in the modern world will enjoy spending some time learning from Pastor Hart.

Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel hosts

Listen as host Bill Prewitt welcomes Pastor Dave Welch, the founder and CEO of the U.S. Pastor Council, as he describes his organization's AMERICA plan to help pastors energize their congregations to carry the Gospel beyond the church doors and take an active Christian role in civic affairs.

Liberia is a country on the coast of western Africa. Following two civil wars that were nearly back-to-back, (1989-97 & 1998-2003) the nation was severely broken. How do missionary organizations bring hope and restore civilization to a war-torn people? Linda Kurtz, with HopeAndCare.org, describes the restoration process that began with the need for one orphanage and then a second, a school and then a second facility, a working farm to teach agriculture methods, a health clinic, patient health education, and working with local pastors to have a radio program broadcast in eight dialects. Further education and outreach are planned with a second radio station to reach remote citizens. Listen as Linda updates our listeners with what the good news of Jesus Christ is accomplishing in a short period of time. Pastor John Cain hosts.

The divine hope of Jesus shines brightly in many prisons…southern Illinois prisons house many inmates from the tough streets of Chicago. Into these prisons, there are a number of southern Illinois pastors who also work part-time as prison chaplains to the inmates. The Rev. Dr. Jeff Nehrt has spent much of his career dividing his time between people on the outside and inmates on the inside of prison. No matter where you live, many of us have a family member or friend who is incarcerated. One of the official “hats” Jeff wears is “Prison and Jail Coordinator” for the Southern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Listen in as he shares some stories, resources and encouragement. Pastor John Cain hosts.

Pastors undertake specialized education, equipping them to serve in churches. Some people find themselves going back to school after having a previous career. Not everyone is called by God to change careers, but some, from nearly all walks of life, have been led to discover a second career in professional church work. So, an attorney later went to a seminary and is now the Rev. Richard Colquitt, a Teaching Elder with the Presbyterian Church in America. Richard talks about how he knew God wanted him to follow this path of service with his life. Rev. John Cain hosts.

Dive back to Part 2 and listen to the story of Rev. George Spicer, who met Rev. David Schultz as a youth and formed a mentorship that inspired his Gospel radio work. Rising from entry-level to leading a radio network, Spicer felt called to ministry in his late 30s. Supported by his family and church, he became ordained and served in St. Louis, South Carolina, and Phoenix, growing his congregation significantly. In this interview, Spicer discusses his journey, outreach ministry, and the impact of COVID-19 on his church. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel, discover how God has moved in Spicer's life.

Rev. George Spicer first met Rev. David Schultz during a youth outreach visit in Arizona, forming a mentorship that inspired Spicer to share the Gospel through radio. Rising from an entry-level position to leading a network of stations, Spicer eventually felt called by God to study for the ministry. With support from his spouse and church, he completed seminary and was ordained.

In this interview, Spicer reflects on his journey, serving pastorates in St. Louis, South Carolina, and Phoenix. He shares insights on supporting outreach, providing engaging adult catechesis, and assimilating new members. Notably, in Phoenix, his congregation grew from 15 to over 300 members. Spicer also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the church. Join Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel as he explores how God has moved in Spicer's life.

In a most unlikely place, a Bible college sprang up---training maximum security prisoners to be pastors. In that unlikely place, Angola Prison in Louisiana, the Rev. Paul Will became the first Southern Baptist to be ordained in prison, and founded the first officially chartered Southern Baptist Conference congregation in that prison. Pardoned by the past governor of Louisiana, Pastor Paul Will now speaks to free-world congregations throughout the southeastern United States, works with prisoners, the homeless and other marginalized people groups, and hosts his own podcast through PaulWillMinistries.org.

Join us as Rev. John Cain hosts.

Rev. Chuck Ridley joins host Jonathan Schultz to discuss his call to transition from engineering to a life of ministry sharing the good news of Jesus' love for us. They talk of the Holy Spirit's leading, big moments calling for big change, onsite and remote seminary training, and God's heart for his children and his gentle guiding.