The continuing decline of institutional trust represents a seismic shift in our culture and society today. Some of that distrust is warranted. In season one, we looked at the credibility crisis facing the church on several fronts. We’ve considered the rot that’s in the church—rot that needs to be removed. But some of our institutional distrust comes from an overly idealistic expectation of what institutions can provide, and from the acids seeping into all areas of our culture, slowly dissolving the structures of the past.

On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he asks the question: how do we rebuild in the aftermath of so much institutional turmoil and destruction?

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In the first season of Reconstructing Faith, we looked at the credibility crisis facing the church today in a number of areas. In season two, we’re looking at specific challenges to rebuilding the church’s witness today. We’ll be talking about the decline of church attendance, the disappearance of institutional trust, the crisis of masculinity, the pervasiveness of pornography, new gender ideologies, spiritual burnout, even AI. As always, we will lean on insights from church history and the church around the world as we work toward a healthier body of Christ. Season two episodes will begin dropping soon. If you haven’t already, subscribe now to receive notifications once season two begins.

As you look at the church today, you may ache for the church. But maybe you ache because you love…. You love the church and know she can be better than this. And you love Jesus and know He deserves a Bride whose beauty showcases His. We’ve experienced a season of humiliation and pain, in which the Lord has seen fit to expose our sins and failures. But tragedies and disasters have a way of clearing the mind of clutter and focusing the heart.

As we bring this season of Reconstructing Faith to a close, Trevin Wax talks with Tim Keller, Ajith Fernando, and Jen Wilkin–several servants of the church with insight into how we might see renewal in the days ahead. These are constructive voices who want to see the church strengthened and built up. So, together, let’s clear the debris and focus on what’s central. Let’s prepare for the adventure of reconstruction and repair.

Episode 12: Season Finale: It’s Time to Rebuild Discussion Guide

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In this series, we’ve been addressing the church’s credibility crisis, reflecting on the challenges of today while learning from church history and the church around the world. In this special episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he addresses some of the questions that you have sent in.

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We’ve seen that there’s rot in the house of the Lord. Some of the rooms are dilapidated. In need of reconstruction and repair. It’s good to remind ourselves that the ultimate goal of addressing these challenges is not so we can reconstruct a healthier house, a more enduring edifice, for ourselves only. It’s so we can beckon others toward the light, toward wholeness, toward the salvation found only in Christ.

On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he considers the legacy of C.S. Lewis (including a tour of Lewis’ home in Oxford) and how the task of rebuilding the witness of the church is intertwined with the task of apologetics and evangelism.

Episode 10: The Credible Apologist Discussion Guide

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So far, in this podcast, we’ve looked at various ways the church’s credibility has been harmed by a lack of consistency between our beliefs and our behaviors. These are the big issues that make headlines, that draw attention, that spark conversation. But what if there’s a problem so prevalent, so pervasive, so all-encompassing that we have a hard time even seeing it? What if a church filled with Christians quietly devoted to the American Dream is the silent scandal of the church?

On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he explores how the church can adopt disciplines that mold and shape hearts that chase a bigger dream – the dream of God’s kingdom, announced by Jesus Himself.

Episode 9: The Silent Scandal Discussion Guide

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The stain of sexual abuse is one of the biggest reasons the church faces a crisis of credibility today. There’s mold in the house of the Lord. And with righteous anger and determination, we’ve got to say: this rot must be removed. On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he challenges the church to respond in ways that bring healing and restoration, out of a place of deep contrition and repentance.

Episode 8: The Stain Discussion Guide

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If you’re active and involved in your church, you’ve probably noticed that things have gotten more tense regarding politics in recent years, and unless your church is monolithic in its political views, you’ve probably seen some division and debate. You want to apply your faith to your political involvement, yet you also want to avoid getting coopted by partisan alliances.

On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he offers suggestions as to how better think through the relationship of Christians to political life.

Episode 7: Can Anything Good Come From D.C.? Discussion Guide

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In the past decade, many Christians have wrestled afresh with questions about racial injustice, racial disparities, racial prejudice and discrimination, and what racial reconciliation can and should look like in the church. There’s no avoiding this challenge. And if we truly believe God gets glory when we reflect the beautiful diversity of His kingdom, we can’t opt out. Are we up for the task of letting theology, not politics, drive the discussion among Christians regarding race? Can we avoid the pitfalls of secular ideologies and religious denialism as we take this path?

On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he examines the road to racial equality and racial unity within the church.

Episode 6: Reckoning with Race Discussion Guide

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We can’t talk about renewing the church in our generation if we don’t put the question of abusive leadership on the table. But discussing leadership raises an even bigger question, one of authority, and how it is to be exercised. There’s no easy task in front of us. The problem is multifaceted. Shepherds who, for one reason or another, abuse their authority, lording their power and domineering the sheep. And shepherds who respond by failing to lead, abandoning the proper sphere of influence they’ve been given. What will it take for future church leaders to look like Jesus and reject the sinful scrambling for power? And what will it take for pastors to stand firm, to not abandon the sphere of influence they’ve been given, but to lead with boldness and courage, reflecting the wise rule of the Creator who called them to ministry?

On this episode of Reconstructing Faith, join Trevin Wax as he questions how to rebuild the culture of leadership in the church to showcase healthy examples of authority and power.

Episode 5: The Authority Question Discussion Guide

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Have a question you want to ask Trevin? Send it to [email protected].