Faith & Clarity - Biblical Perspectives and Biblical Wisdom on News & Cultural Issues

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful conversation about following Jesus faithfully in a confusing cultural moment. Together, they explore how Christians can seek wisdom, clarity, and hope when the questions feel complex and the headlines feel overwhelming.

The discussion touches on faith and leadership, the role of personal character, and how a biblical worldview shapes our engagement with culture and global issues. Mark and Jim also share writers and spiritual voices that have shaped their own journeys, offering meaningful recommendations for continued growth.

Ryan joins the conversation to respond to listener questions on everyday discipleship, including spiritual practices, relational boundaries, assurance of salvation, and what it means to live as a practicing Christian. The episode concludes with reflections on Gen Z and how believers can engage culture and politics with conviction, humility, and faith rather than fear.

• (0:00): Welcome to Faith & Clarity
• (2:29): Biblical expectations from government
• (7:31): Foreign policy and Christian perspective
• (13:34): Spiritual heroes: Henri Nouwen and C.S. Lewis
• (25:20): Discussing yoga in Christian context
• (30:31): Relational boundaries and forgiveness
• (37:39): Defining a practicing Christian
• (43:12): Judgment and rewards in heaven
• (46:34): Can a person lose their salvation?
• (51:15): Expository sermons and pastors in politics
• (58:37): Gen Z and the future of the church

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• Gen Z Archives 
• CS Lewis Foundation
• Henri Nouwen Society 
• New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance

Dr. Jim Denison is a Cultural Theologian and the Founder of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues through The Daily Article at DenisonForum.org. He is the author of over thirty books, including The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians Are Labeled Intolerant, Irrelevant, Oppressive, and Dangerous—and How We Can Turn the Tide; Respectfully, I Disagree: How to Be a Civil Person in an Uncivil Time; and the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series.

He has taught the philosophy of religion and apologetics at several seminaries. Dr. Denison serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health, where he addresses issues such as genetic medicine and reproductive science. He is also a senior fellow with CEO Forum, the International Alliance of Christian Education, and Dallas Baptist University’s Institute for Global Engagement.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Denison is the Theologian in Residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Prior to launching Denison Forum in 2009, he pastored churches in Texas and Georgia. Jim and his wife, Janet, have two married sons and four grandchildren.

Dr. Ryan is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.

Dr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Faith Womack, founder of Bible Nerd Ministries, for a thoughtful conversation about how we approach Scripture and why it matters. Faith shares how her own experiences with the misuse of the Bible shaped her desire to help others engage God’s word with humility, care, and genuine curiosity.

Together, they explore what it looks like to move beyond treating the Bible as a task to be completed and instead encounter it as a living story that forms our faith. Faith offers practical insight into reading Scripture wisely, paying attention to the Bible’s larger story, choosing helpful translations, and balancing personal study with learning in community, inviting listeners to rediscover the joy and depth of knowing God through his word.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (01:56) Introducing Faith Womack and Bible Nerd Ministries
• (05:21) Common mistakes in Bible study
• (08:10) The importance of hermeneutics
• (11:32) Should every Christian be a Bible nerd?
• (17:24) Misuse of Scripture and personal testimony
• (27:03) Understanding Bible translations
• (30:55) The role of paraphrased translations
• (31:28) Using multiple translations for deeper understanding
• (33:48) The importance of studying the Bible in groups
• (35:57) The necessity of church in Christian life
• (39:11) Understanding the story arc of the Bible
• (43:34) Digital tools for Bible study
• (46:09) Maintaining humility in Bible study
• (49:52) Encouragement for new Bible readers
• (54:12) Favorite Bible books and final thoughts

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Walking in His Commands: A Lenten Journey with Jesus
• The Focus Newsletter
• Why are there so many different Bible translations? And which Bible should I read? • Denison Forum
• What are the best tools for studying Scripture? • Denison Forum
• How can I study the Bible? • Denison Forum
• Bible Nerd Ministries on YouTube
• Bible Nerd Ministries on Instagram
• Bible Nerd Ministries on TikTok
• Bible Nerd Ministries Website

Faith Womack is the founder of Bible Nerd Ministries and a content creator who aims to inspire Christians to get back into the Word of God. Her courses, including “Bible Study Bootcamp” and “Theology Bootcamp,” have reached thousands, and her Bible study content has reached over 10 million people on TikTok and YouTube. 

Faith aims to empower Christians not only to understand the Bible but also to enjoy it. Her debut book, No More Boring Bible Study: Why Taking Scripture Seriously Is Easier and More Exciting Than You Think, was released from Zondervan in November 2025.

Faith has a B.A. in biblical and theological studies from Covenant College and a M.A.T.S. from Erskine Seminary. When she’s not filming or teaching, Faith spends her time with her family going on hikes, crafting and drinking way too much coffee.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison, Jen Abohosh, and Alex Kondratev to open season five of Faith and Clarity with a thoughtful roundtable centered on what it means to remain fully human in an age of cultural confusion. Together, they reflect on Scripture, fear, hope, and the often-overlooked spiritual discipline of waiting on God, especially when the world feels loud, divided, and uncertain.

The conversation moves across timely and challenging terrain, including the influence of media narratives, the growing role of AI, and the weight of political polarization. Rather than reacting to headlines, the group models a slower, more faithful posture, one rooted in wisdom, humility, and trust in God’s presence and purposes.

The episode also introduces a new segment, Since You Asked, where the hosts share personal reflections, hopes, and intentions for the year ahead. It’s a meaningful and grounding start to 2026, offering listeners space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover faith, hope, and clarity beyond the noise.

• (00:00): Welcome to season five of Faith and Clarity
• (00:38): Roundtable discussion: Reclaiming our humanity
• (01:58): Exploring cultural reflections and media
• (03:05): The magic of walking with grief
• (04:25): Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and representation
• (06:39): Gavin Newsom on bridging political divides
• (09:01): Finding humanity in our interactions
• (15:49): Faith, community, and belonging in 2026
• (19:08): Scripture, fear, and hope for the new year
• (30:47): Waiting on God: Unanswered prayers and hope
• (43:28): The complexity of our modern world
• (58:55): Resolutions for 2026

• ​​The 'magic' of walking with grief
• Taylor Swift - The End of an Era - Disney+
• The Contradictions of Gavin Newsom
• 2025 YouVersion Verse of the Year
• YouVersion Announces 2025 Verse of the Year as Bible Engagement Reaches New Heights Globally
• Tom Friedman Says We’re in a New Epoch. David Brooks Has Questions.
• 'Architects of AI' named Time Magazine's Person of the Year
• Denison Forum Artificial Intelligence Archives
• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• The Focus newsletter



Alex Kondratev serves as the Chief Content Officer at Denison Ministries. With experience in creating and aggregating media from hundreds of Christian ministries, she leads the Denison Ministries brands in getting relevant and transformative content to the world.

Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum, where he contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at BH Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. 

He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.

Jennifer Abohosh serves as the Chief Development Officer at Denison Ministries, leading the Development division with strategic oversight of fundraising, donor cultivation, and major gift initiatives. She advances the organization’s mission through vision-driven generosity strategies and collaborative leadership across all ministry brands.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with bestselling author and apologist Lee Strobel for a thoughtful conversation about miracles and why they still matter, especially during the Christmas season. Lee reflects on his own journey from atheism to faith, sharing how evidence, honest questions, and personal transformation reshaped the way he understood God and the world.

Together, they explore what miracles are, how to think about them with intellectual integrity, and why stories of God’s work, both dramatic and quiet, can open meaningful conversations about faith today. Drawing from his latest work and the upcoming film The Case for Miracles, Lee offers practical encouragement for engaging skeptics with humility, courage, and hope.

The episode closes with a pastoral and prayerful note, inviting listeners to take small, faithful risks in sharing what they believe and to live as visible reminders of God’s presence this Christmas season.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (00:59): Introducing Lee Strobel
• (03:44): Lee Strobel's journey to faith
• (07:09): Encouragement for sharing faith
• (09:21): Engaging in spiritual conversations
• (13:26): Positive trends in faith among youth
• (22:14): The power of cinema in evangelism
• (26:29): Miracles in the movie: Real stories and reactions
• (29:12): The role of miracles in faith
• (35:05): Personal struggles with miracles and suffering
• (43:25): New book: Seeing the Supernatural
• (44:58): Final thoughts and prayer

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Support Denison Forum 2025
• The Case for Miracles Movie
• THE CASE FOR MIRACLES - OFFICIAL TEASER
• The Case for Miracles: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for the Supernatural
• Lee Strobel
• Facebook: The Case For Miracles
• Instagram: The Case for Miracles 
• The Case For Miracles (@caseformiracles) / Posts / X
• The Case For Miracles (@caseformiracles) | TikTok
• A review of Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Miracles” - Denison Forum

Lee Strobel, former award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. He earned a journalism degree at the University of Missouri and was awarded a Ford Foundation fellowship to study at Yale Law School, where he received a Master of Studies in Law degree.

Strobel was a journalist for fourteen years at the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, winning Illinois’ top honors for investigative reporting (which he shared with a team he led) and public service journalism from United Press International. He also taught First Amendment Law at Roosevelt University.

A former atheist, Strobel served as a teaching pastor at three of America’s largest churches. He and his wife, Leslie, have been married for more than fifty years and live in Texas. Their daughter, Alison, and son, Kyle, are also authors.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with author and cultural commentator Sara Billups to talk about anxiety and how it shows up in our bodies, our churches, and our culture, and how we can respond with faith and wisdom. Sara shares from her own life: caring for aging parents, navigating personal and family health concerns, and learning to live well amid persistent worry.

They explore how anxiety shapes our daily lives, influences our relationships, and even colors the way we engage with the world around us. Drawing on her new book, Nervous Systems, Sara offers thoughtful reflections on how to navigate fear and uncertainty with a sense of calm and groundedness, helping listeners consider practical and spiritual ways to live faithfully even in anxious times.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (00:42): Introducing Sara Billups
• (03:29): Sara's personal journey
• (09:24): Understanding anxiety and fear
• (18:33): Spiritual practices and anxiety
• (22:07): Caring for aging parents
• (27:48): Wellness culture and embodiment
• (30:44): Discipleship and anxiety in the church
• (31:49): Non-anxious presence and leadership
• (35:35): Normalizing doubt and embracing suffering
• (37:56): Anxiety and the role of women in the church
• (40:05): Scrupulosity and moral OCD
• (43:36): Cultural anxiety and identity
• (48:05): Spiritual practices for overcoming anxiety
• (52:31): Ignatian spiritual exercises and indifference
• (59:09): Conclusion and final thoughts

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Support Denison Forum 2025
• Sara Billups
• Sara Billups | Substack
• Nervous Systems: Spiritual Practices to Calm Anxiety in Your Body, the Church, and Politics
• Orphaned Believers: How a Generation of Christian Exiles Can Find the Way Home
• That’s The Spirit - Podcast
• Sara Billups (@sara.billups) • Instagram photos and videos

Sara Billups is a Seattle-based writer and cultural commentator whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Christianity Today, Aspen Ideas, and others. Sara writes Bitter Scroll, a monthly Substack letter and co-hosts the podcast That’s the Spirit. She earned a Doctor of Ministry in the Sacred Art of Writing at the Peterson Center for the Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary.

Sara works to help wavering Christians remain steadfast through cultural storms and continues to hope for the flourishing of the Church amid deep political and cultural division in America.

Her first book, Orphaned Believers, follows the journey of a generation raised in the 80s and 90s of evangelicalism reckoning with the tradition that raised them and searching for a new way to participate in the story of God. Her second book, Nervous Systems, is now available from Baker Books.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman gathers with Josh Miller and Conner Jones for a heartfelt roundtable on some of the cultural and spiritual tensions many of us feel this time of year. Together, they reflect on the quiet ache of holiday loneliness, the pressure that often shadows our celebrations, and why intentional, grace-filled connection matters more than ever.

The conversation also widens to consider the ethical questions surrounding cloning—what it means for human dignity, and how Christians can respond with both conviction and compassion. And in a hopeful turn, they look at the surprising spiritual momentum among younger generations, from increased Bible engagement to renewed interest in the church among Millennials and Gen Z.

It’s a gentle, honest, and encouraging dialogue—one that offers clarity for the holidays, wisdom for navigating complex issues, and a reminder that God is at work in places we might not expect.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (01:18): Favorite Christmas memories and traditions
• (04:12): Discussing holiday loneliness
• (06:25): The impact of loneliness on health
• (15:14): Practical steps to combat loneliness
• (20:32): Cloning and genetic engineering
• (28:01): Genetic testing and ethical dilemmas
• (31:55): The sanctity of life and genetic manipulation
• (36:23): The future of gene editing
• (37:49): Spiritual reflections on genetic engineering
• (38:50): Cultural shifts in holiday celebrations
• (44:02): Rising church attendance among younger generations
• (54:19): Encouraging faith and community engagement

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Year-End Giving
• Why are so many young people struggling to find hope—and how can we help?
• Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?
• If you’re suffering from the “friendship recession,” you’re not alone
• “My closest friend is a fish”: Responding to the loneliness and anxiety of our day
• Why is loneliness as dangerous as smoking?
• How the church can solve "touch-starvation": An excerpt from "Digital Church in a Lonely World" by Benjamin Windle
• Tom Brady Cloned His Dog. Here's How Much it Cost — and How to Do It Yourself
• Genetically Engineered Babies Are Banned. Tech Titans Are Trying to Make One Anyway. - WSJ
• A ‘generational reversal’ is underway: Gen Z and millennials are now the most church-going groups, study finds
• A ‘generational reversal’ is underway: Gen Z and millennials are now the most church-going groups, study finds
• What true revival looks like
• Something Is Stirring in Christian America, and It’s Making Me Nervous - The New York Times

Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience—from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman discusses the dynamics of intergenerational discussions with Mark Jones, Micah Tomasella, and Conner Jones, focusing on topics such as politics and faith. They share insights on meaningfully engaging younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are characterized by their spiritual curiosity and unique perspectives shaped by technology and social media. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over political debates, encouraging listeners to approach family gatherings with openness, prayerfulness, and a focus on understanding rather than confrontation.

• (03:05): Understanding generational differences
• (06:00): The role of technology in shaping generations
• (08:52): Engaging college students in spiritual conversations
• (11:47): The importance of evangelism on college campuses
• (15:08): Navigating political discussions at family gatherings
• (17:58): Trends in spiritual curiosity among Gen Z
• (20:54): The impact of social media on beliefs
• (23:59): Preparing for Thanksgiving conversations
• (27:01): The need for evangelism in Christian colleges
• (30:04): Addressing skepticism and cynicism in young adults
• (32:58): Advice for college students at family gatherings
• (36:04): Choosing relationships over politics
• (38:57): Navigating complex conversations with family
• (42:03): The role of faith in political discussions
• (45:05): Finding hope amidst cultural challenges
• (48:0):5 Final thoughts on generational engagement

• Episode Transcript (PDF)
• Preparing for your first vote
• Election 2024: Discern politics differently
• First15 Guided Prayers
• Peace in Politics Podcast
• Peace in Politics E-Book
• “What does the Bible say about politics?”
• The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics - Redeeming Babel
• My Faith Votes

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

Mark Jones is the State Director for Texas Baptist Student Ministry (BSM). He has served with BSM for 27 years, including 21 years in Tyler, working with Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler. Mark grew up in San Antonio and came to Christ through a campus-based high school ministry (Youth for Christ / Campus Life). He attended Baylor University (BA in English & Religion) and sensed a call to full-time ministry. Mark continued his education at both Southwestern Seminary (M.Div) and Samford University / Beeson Divinity School (D.Min). It was at Baylor that he met his wife, Becky. They enjoy time with their children and grandchildren, all Baylor sports, and finding great pizza places in Dallas.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Tim Altman, President and CEO of TheHopeLine, for a heartfelt and timely conversation about the growing need for hope among today’s young people—especially during the holiday season.

Tim shares how TheHopeLine, a 24/7 online ministry, is meeting students and young adults right where they are—offering free, compassionate support through live chat to those struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and crisis. He and Mark talk about the realities facing this generation, from the isolating effects of social media to the rise in mental health challenges that leave many searching for purpose and belonging.

Drawing from TheHopeLine’s LEAP model—Listen, Encourage, Advise, and Plan/Pray—Tim explains how hope coaches are trained to provide both practical guidance and spiritual care in real time. He also offers insight into how parents can best love and support their teens, and what families can do to bring light into what can be a difficult season for many.

Together, Mark and Tim reflect on the deep spiritual hunger behind the headlines and the remarkable ways God is working through everyday conversations of care and faith. It’s a reminder that hope is not abstract—it’s alive, active, and available in Christ, even in our darkest moments.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (01:17): Introducing Tim Altman and TheHopeLine
• (03:12): Defining hope and its importance
• (04:11): The rising tide of anxiety among youth
• (06:24): The impact of social media on isolation
• (09:52): TheHopeLine's mission and history
• (14:40): Transition to internet-based support
• (19:07): The LEAP approach to counseling
• (22:52): Parental support and love
• (25:30): Hope coaches and internships
• (29:13): Future goals and vision
• (34:34): Funding and donor support
• (38:23): Holiday advice for families
• (41:17): Conclusion

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• TheHopeLine
• Facebook: TheHopeLine
• TheHopeLine (@thehopeline) • Instagram photos and videos
• TheHopeLine (@thehopeline) / Posts / X
• TikTok: TheHopeLine.com 
• Tim Altman on LinkedIn
• What does the Bible say about suicide? • Denison Forum
• Having suicidal thoughts? Call or text 988
• Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?
• To stop suicide every 40 seconds: Jacob Coyne with StayHere.live
• How to help prevent suicide and aiding survivors: A conversation with John Mark Caton
• How to navigate suicide, self-harm, depression, and emotions with preteens and teens: A conversation with Jeff and Terra Mattson
• How can Christians navigate anxiety and negative thoughts?
• How can understanding the mind-body-spirit connection improve mental health struggles?

In 1986, after 7 years in local Christian radio and video production in Denver, Colorado, Tim joined the Dawson McAllister Association (DMA). In January 1991, he helped launch and produce Dawson McAllister Live!, a syndicated call-in talk radio program for students 21 and younger. Later that same year, The HopeLine was launched as a back-end to the radio show. It began as a part-time toll-free phone connection for young people needing to connect with a caring adult volunteer. In 1994, the show was awarded Talk Show of the Year by the National Christian Broadcasters. In 1996, Tim became the Senior Vice President of Programming.

In 2000, he left to work with academia as a media consultant and producer in the development of interactive web-based curriculum, but returned to DMA in 2006 as CEO. This corresponded with a new Top 40 version of Dawson’s call-in show that became syndicated nationwide through then Clear Channel, now iHeart Radio.

This large radio platform led to major growth for TheHopeline, eventually taking on a life of its own. With Dawson’s blessing, the ministry officially changed its name to TheHopeLine in 2019. Tim has a BBS in Pastoral Theology from Colorado Christian University. He has been married to Janice for 52 years, and they have the kids and grandkids to prove it.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Louis Blom, president of Judea Harvest, for an inspiring conversation about how God is moving across the continent of Africa.

Dr. Blom shares his remarkable journey of faith—from growing up under apartheid in South Africa to leading a movement that has planted thousands of churches and trained countless pastors and evangelists. Through creative ministry tools, such as tent churches and solar-powered audio Bibles, Judea Harvest is helping to bring the gospel to some of the most remote and unreached communities in the world.

Together, Mark and Louis reflect on the spiritual landscape of Africa, where persecution and poverty often meet profound revival and resilience. They explore how digital innovation, local leadership, and global collaboration are shaping the future of evangelism—and what the Western church can learn from Africa’s deep faith and dependence on God.

It’s a conversation that reminds us that the Great Commission is still unfolding today, and that God’s Spirit is powerfully at work in every corner of the world.

• (0:00): Welcome to the Faith & Clarity podcast
• (01:04): Introducing Dr. Louis Blom and Judea Harvest
• (03:03): Dr. Blom's journey to faith
• (06:49): Experiencing apartheid in South Africa
• (14:47): The Great Commission and global evangelism
• (21:55): Understanding Africa's spiritual landscape
• (24:58): Persecution and conflict in Nigeria and Mozambique
• (26:37): Economic and religious motivations behind conflicts
• (29:20): Spiritual landscape and revival in Africa
• (33:10): Judea Harvest's church planting strategies
• (36:21): Innovative tools for ministry in West Africa
• (41:32): Future plans and how to support Judea Harvest

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
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• YouTube: Judea Harvest
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Dr. Louis Blom, a visionary South African minister and global evangelist, has devoted over three decades to igniting a continent-wide revival through church planting, pastoral training, and holistic community development. As President and Co-Founder of Judea Harvest, an international Christian nonprofit, Blom has spearheaded the establishment of more than 35,000 churches across 40 African nations since 1999, transforming remote villages into beacons of faith and hope. His passion for the “Great Commission” has mobilized thousands of believers, earning him recognition as a key figure in modern missions.

Born and raised in South Africa, Blom’s early path blended technical precision with spiritual calling. He completed engineering studies in Industrial Electronics and Instrumentation, attaining National Technical Qualification, before a profound sense of divine purpose redirected his trajectory. In 1991, he graduated from Auckland Park Theological Seminary, equipping him for pastoral ministry. Blom’s initial decade in service was spent pastoring two congregations in Kempton Park under the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa, where he honed his skills in local church leadership and community outreach.

In April 1999, Blom co-founded Judea Harvest alongside Pastor Hansie Henning, responding to Africa’s urgent spiritual needs. What began as a modest initiative has burgeoned into a multifaceted movement, emphasizing rapid church multiplication through “John’s Journey” evangelism—a simple, replicable model inspired by the Apostle John’s relational witness. Blom’s academic pursuits amplified this work: he earned an Honours Degree in 2001 and a Master’s in 2004 from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), exploring African cultural contexts and gospel integration. His 2009 Doctorate (DLitt et Phil) in Missiology focused on tailored evangelism strategies for the continent, directly informing Judea Harvest’s scalable approaches. Over the years, he has preached and trained leaders in more than 30 nations, fostering partnerships that extend beyond Africa to Europe and North America.

Recognizing evangelism’s interconnectedness with social justice, Blom launched Judea Hope in 2006, addressing HIV/AIDS, poverty, corruption, and education gaps. This arm supports 1,300 child care centres—often makeshift tents in churches—providing meals, schooling, and care for vulnerable orphans, breaking cycles of despair in war-torn and impoverished regions. In 2013, he established Judea Training to equip over a million untrained African pastors, offering practical theology and leadership development to sustain church growth. Blom’s influence extends to authorship; his 2020 eBook, Sharing Jesus: Evangelism – John’s Journey Style, distills decades of fieldwork into accessible tools for disciple-making.

On a personal note, Blom’s steadfast partnership with his wife, Thea, whom he married in 1987, has been the bedrock of his ministry. For 38 years, they have served as a tandem team, raising their son, Leonardo, while navigating the demands of full-time mission work. Recently, the family relocated from South Africa to the Tyler, Texas area, enhancing ties with U.S. partners and expanding Judea Harvest’s North American footprint. Blom’s life embodies joyful obedience: “We find fulfilment in living out God’s plan as a family,” he reflects.

Today, at the helm of Judea Harvest—a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) with international reach—Blom continues to champion a harvest-focused gospel. His legacy? Not mere numbers, but transformed lives: pastors empowered, children nourished, and villages awakened to Christ’s love. In an era of global disconnection, Dr. Blom reminds us that true fruitfulness blooms from hearing God’s voice and discerning His hand in every endeavour. As Africa stands on the cusp of revival, Blom’s unyielding pursuit inspires a new generation to “go and proclaim.”

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce, for a rich conversation about God’s heart for religious freedom and the hope that drives advocacy around the world.

Wissam shares his story of faith and calling, shaped by his years in Lebanon and his work at the United Nations in Geneva with the World Evangelical Alliance, where he championed the cause of 600 million evangelical Christians. From training national alliances in religious freedom to equipping leaders across the Middle East in human rights and humanitarian law, Wissam has seen firsthand both the suffering and the steadfast courage of those who follow Christ under pressure.

Together, Mark and Wissam explore how defending freedom of belief is part of God’s greater mission in the world, the biblical vision that grounds that work, and the practical ways churches and individuals can respond. It’s a conversation that invites us to see advocacy not as politics, but as a reflection of God’s love for every person made in his image.

• (00:00): Introduction
• (00:37): Reflecting on American history and religious freedom
• (02:40): Introducing Wissam al-Saliby 
• (04:50): Wissam's faith journey and career path
• (09:52): The mission of 21Wilberforce
• (13:27): Biblical inspiration and real-world challenges
• (21:12): Stories of persecution and advocacy
• (27:19): Theological foundations of religious freedom
• (28:30): Challenges and complexities in religious persecution
• (32:54): Global advocacy and local empowerment
• (38:19): Hotspots and lesser-known areas of persecution
• (44:58): Call to action for churches and believers
• (47:52): Conclusion and ways to get involved

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• 21Wilberforce
• Why Supporting Religious Freedom is Part of God's Global Mission - 21Wilberforce
• World Evangelical Alliance
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• Open Doors
• First Liberty Institute
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Prior to his appointment as President of 21Wilberforce, Wissam al-Saliby was the Advocacy Officer and then the Director of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland for the World Evangelical Alliance, a network of 140 national alliances representing 600 million evangelical Christians. Under his leadership, the Geneva Office has engaged the United Nations in direct advocacy in approximately 20 country situations each year. Al-Saliby has also pioneered new efforts to help national alliances strengthen their religious freedom training and empower them as religious freedom leaders.

Before his work engaging with the United Nations, al-Saliby served as the Development and Partner Relations Manager at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS). In his role as Manager of Development and Partnership Relations at ABTS, al-Saliby was a member of the leadership team that set the vision of the seminary and helped shape its ministry. In addition to nurturing and cultivating existing relationships, he identified and built new relationships with churches, foundations, and individuals in the United States, Europe, and the Arab World.

Al-Saliby previously co-founded and managed the Summer School on Law and Armed Conflict in Lebanon. He has also served as the National Coordinator and Lead Trainer for Geneva Call in Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and traveled across the Middle East region for seven years training numerous multi-faith religious leaders, civil society groups, armed groups, and political parties in strengthening human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Al-Saliby graduated from Lebanese University with a bachelor’s degree in law and then earned from the Université Paul Cézanne, France a master’s degree in international law with a specialization in Protection and Human Security.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.