Join Denison Forum’s podcast host, Dr. Mark Turman, as he engages with Dr. Steve Bezner, pastor of Houston Northwest Church, in an insightful conversation on how Christians can faithfully navigate modern culture. They discuss the tension between biblical and cultural values, the importance of community and racial reconciliation, and what it means to maintain a distinctly Christian identity. Drawing from his ministry experience and his book Your Jesus Is Too American, Dr. Bezner challenges believers to prioritize kingdom values over the American dream. The conversation also covers practical topics like financial generosity, biblical sexuality, and deepening relationships within the church and beyond. 

• (01:06): Meet Dr. Steve Bezner
• (01:37): The Unique Challenges and Opportunities in Houston
• (05:01): Promoting Unity and Collaboration Among Churches
• (07:17): Building Relationships Across Faith Lines
• (09:39): Responding to Community Needs During Disasters
• (13:45): The Role of Identity in Modern Christianity
• (17:35): The Influence of Technology and Media
• (20:04): American Individualism and Its Impact on Faith
• (22:52): Hospitality and Community Building
• (28:08): Financial Stewardship and Generosity
• (32:58): Biblical Sexuality and Cultural Challenges
• (39:50): Success, Suffering, and the Christian Life
• (46:20): Hope for the American Church
• (47:58): Upcoming Event: Christian Life Commission Advocacy Day
• (50:25): Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Your Jesus Is Too American: Calling the Church to Reclaim Kingdom Values over the American Dream
• Christian Life Commission Advocacy Day 
• Houston Northwest Church
• Steve Bezner’s Website
• Steve Bezner on Instagram
• Steve Bezner on X
• Steve Bezner on Facebook

Steve Bezner has been the Senior Pastor of Houston Northwest Church since January 2013. His passion is to see Houston—and the world—become more like Heaven as people become more like Jesus. 

Steve loves to preach, teach, write, and speak about the Bible in a way that is easy to understand but also challenges people to live the life that God has designed for each of them.

In Houston, Steve works to foster collaboration between local churches, serving on the board of the Houston Church Planting Network (to start new churches locally) and Houston Pastors United We Stand (to foster racial reconciliation). He also works through GlocalNet to build bridges with other faiths in the city, particularly Jews and Muslims.

Steve is passionate about training other pastors. He works with World Hope Ministries International to train pastors in remote global locations, coaches planters and pastors, and teaches seminary occasionally. 

He is married to Joy and has two sons—Ben and Andrew. He holds his B.A. and M.A. from Hardin-Simmons University and his Ph.D. from Baylor University.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

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