Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, summarizes the work of the Church in this way: “There is a need. We want to meet it.” She brings her persistent lens of hopefulness to this discussion, sharing how we can leverage the resonant language of faith to dismantle oppressive systems and bring about transformative change.

Tony Mason, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League, joins Chris for a candid conversation about our shared humanity, the rifts that threaten to divide us, and the power of building coalitions of servant leaders to address our neighbors’ needs.  “All of this comes down to us taking ownership, leaning on our faith, and working toward solutions.”

Innovation. Education. Conservation. Attorneys Anne Nobles and David Johnson have invested their lives in the City of Indianapolis since their days as a young married couple. Their careers have taken them into different but complementary worlds while drawing on their shared faith, interests, and convictions. The common thread through their extensive list of leadership roles has been their desire to be good citizens and use their voices to convene, protect, restore, and innovate.    

Join us for this treasure trove of stories from a prolific life. Jim Morris, current Vice Chairman of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, has served in local, national, and global leadership roles, his path crossing with some of the most well-known world-changers of the 20th and 21st centuries. In this episode, he shares what he has learned, and what he hopes to pass down, from these profound friendships.

Compassion is the substance of Dr. Anita Joshi’s leadership. Her calling to a life of care and compassion led her to practicing pediatric medicine and serving her community through nonprofits and public office. Listen in as she and Chris discuss the imago dei, what it means to be a servant to the public, and the tribalism that holds us back from good conversations and good ideas.

Tikkun olam—repairing of the world. Rev. Chris Henry and Rabbi Brett Krichiver are friends and colleagues, leading congregations just over one mile apart. In this episode, they discuss the place where faith and works are woven together, generosity that moves us toward justice, and the restorative power of Sabbath. “Care for the soul leads us to care for society.”

A special Holy Week episode with Rev. Chris Henry

Joy in learning begins with joy in relationship. In this episode, Chris and The Oaks Academy CEO Andrew Hart discuss transformational learning in the context of relationships—both interpersonal relationships and relationship with ideas and knowledge—and the intentionality behind forming diverse learning communities, practicing habits, and fostering joy.

From pastor’s kid to national leader, Dr. Karissa Niehoff shares her stories of faith and her wisdom stemming from decades of leadership in scholastic athletics and activities. She and Chris discuss the shift from a formative to a performative approach within institutions like athletics, the impact this trend has on kids and entire communities, and what we can do to encourage joy, wellness, civility, and belonging, no matter our age.

In this episode of Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry, Wheeler Mission President and CEO Perry Hines shares his story of becoming the self-described “most unlikely leader” for a faith-based social services organization and addresses several myths about emergency shelter services and the people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis and beyond.