The Christian Chronicle Podcast

The Christian Chronicle Podcast episodes:

• 06.26.2024

  Episode 70: What does it mean to be "pro-life" two years after Dobbs?

  Send us a Text Message. On the two-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, we explore what is happening now with abortion in the United States, in general, and the Church of...

  
• 06.19.2024

  Episode 69: Tear down this highway! One congregation, two full-time preachers (one Black, one White); Miss Juneteenth USA runner up Madison Swain

  Send us a Text Message. Segment One: Dr. Warren Blakney, North Peoria Church of Christ, Tulsa, Oklahoma The North Peoria Church of Christ recently received a $1.6 million federal grant to study the removal of one mile of Interstate 244 through...

  
• 06.13.2024

  Episode 68: Calling for peace in Gaza, a foreign mission field in Florida, and voices from the future

  Send us a Text Message. Segment One: Calling for peace in Gaza (James Michael Crusoe, Arlington Road Church of Christ, Hopewell Virginia) Inspired by the "message of reconciliation" in Second Corinthians 5:18-20, 13 leaders from Church of Christ congregations in seven...

  
• 06.11.2024

  Episode 67: Erik Tryggestad reports from on the street in Kyiv, Ukraine

  Send us a Text Message. Christian Chronicle CEO (and sometimes globetrotting field reporter) Erik Tryggestad calls in live (at recording time) from the street in suburban Kyiv. He reports on how the continuing war to repel Russia's invasion is testing...

  
• 06.05.2024

  Episode 66: Loving neighbors in "America's jihad capital." AI comes to church. Down Syndrome is their spiritual gift and superpower.

  Send us a Text Message. A few months ago, The Wall Street Journal called Dearborn, Michigan, "America's jihad capital," a characterization that the city's mayor called "inflammatory and untrue." The fact is that Dearborn (population 110,000) is America's only major...

  
• 05.29.2024

  Episode 65: The Hattie Jo Collins Story

  Send us a Text Message. On March 3, 2020, an EF4 tornado struck Cookeville, Tennessee, in the middle of the night, taking the lives of 19 people. Among those who died was four-year old Hattie Jo Collins, the oldest daughter...

  
• 05.15.2024

  Episode 64: Dr. Brad East REALLY doesn't want to talk about Christian nationalism

  Send us a Text Message. Over the last few months (and years), "Christian nationalism" became a buzzword in both Christian and mainstream news media. A few years ago, barely anyone knew the term. Now it may be making its way...

  
• 05.14.2024

  Episode 63: Philip Yancey, author of 'What Went Wrong? Russia's Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine'

  Send us a Text Message. In this episode, The Christian Chronicle's CEO, Erik Tryggestad, interviews popular Christian author Philip Yancey, who recently co-wrote with John A. Bernbaum What Went Wrong? Russia's Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine. Yancey was one...

  
• 05.07.2024

  Episode 62: Christian nationalism, LGBTQ+ students at Christian schools, and deep inside the Vatican

  Send us a Text Message. After some time away from the studio (to finish and graduate from the Master of Religious Education in Missional Leadership program at Rochester Christian University), host BT Irwin returns with an episode chock full of...

  
• 04.16.2024

  Episode 61: Christian attitudes on immigration, earthquake recovery in Turkey, and the national champion Freed-Hardeman men's basketball team

  Send us a Text Message. In this episode: Christian attitudes on immigration in the United States, how the church is helping its neighbors recover from the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, and how the Freed-Hardeman University men's basketball team won the...

  
• 04.09.2024

  Episode 60: All about The Christian Chronicle's all new look

  Send us a Text Message. The Christian Chronicle, Inc. is getting all-new branding and design across all of its media. In this episode, you'll hear from those who had a hand in the makeover as well as two senior journalism...

  
• 04.02.2024

  Episode 59: A Haitian Christian reports on what is happening to Christians and churches in his country. Also: How one ministry is using coffee to bring estranged Christians back together

  Send us a Text Message. Haiti’s government is all but nonexistent and gangs are in near-total control of the country, causing death and destruction, food and medical shortages, and spreading violence. Church of Christ congregations, members, and ministries are suffering...

  
• 03.26.2024

  Episode 58: When Communion gets stale, how might it become fresh again? (Bob Waldron, author, 'Food for the Journey')

  Send us a Text Message. Dr. Bob Waldron, a lifelong minister and missionary for congregations around the world, talks about what he has learned about the Lord’s Supper from his reading, study, and travels. How might we renew and restore...

  
• 03.19.2024

  Episode 57: A preacher loses everything in a wildfire. An old radio ministry is new again. An 11-year old baker competes on Food Network.

  Send us a Text Message. Texas preacher Shawn Davis finds strength in the Lord after he loses everything in a wildfire. Herald of Truth, an old radio ministry, is new again (and partnering with The Christian Chronicle). Elsie Stark, an...

  
• 03.11.2024

  Episode 56: Making peace in Kansas City, a teen grieves her mom and finds her faith, and puppets bring Bible stories to 50 million. Plus a Bible bowl bonus segment (at home with the Tryggestads).

  Send us a Text Message. A Kansas City church runs toward gun violence, an Australian teen lost her mom and found her own faith, a puppet ministry bringing Bible stories to 50 million, and a bonus segment (Bible bowling with...

  
• 03.04.2024

  Episode 55: Excellence in Ministry (Dr. O.J. Shabazz)

  Send us a Text Message. Dr. O.J. Shabazz (Church of Christ in Harlem, New York City), a congregational minister with more than 40 years of experience, talks about the practical wisdom he shares in his book, 'Excellence in Ministry: A...

  
• 02.26.2024

  Episode 54: Minister burnout on the rise, Black history is Christian history, a waiting list for people waiting to hear the Gospel

  Send us a Text Message. Dr. Scott Thumma of Hartford Institute for Religion Research reveals how and why minister burnout is on the rise. Dr. Philena Myers (Woodland Place Church of Christ, Ocala, Florida) explains how Black history is Christian...

  
• 02.20.2024

  Episode 53: Should LGBTQ+ faculty and students (and those who affirm them) have a place and a voice at Abilene Christian University?

  Send us a Text Message.We continue The Christian Chronicle’s in-depth coverage of how a “Holy Sexuality” chapel program at Abilene Christian University motivated alumni to petition the university’s administration to change its policies and position on same-sex relationships.  SEGMENT ONE: The...

  
• 02.13.2024

  Episode 52: Insurance is choking churches, stories from a historic Church of Christ landmark, and how to write fiction for Christian young people

  Send us a Text Message. Christian Chronicle contributor Cheryl Mann Bacon talks more about her recent report on how the cost of insurance is threatening the very existence of some congregations. Ethel Sherrill, a longtime member of the landmark historic...

  
• 02.03.2024

  Episode 51: The rise of the "nones," a gospel revolution in Cuba, and unicorns in Texas

  Send us a Text Message. Dr. Greg Smith of the Pew Research Center talks about the latest data on "nones," Americans who claim no religious affiliation. Today, that make up 28 percent of all Americans, up from 16 percent less...

  
• 01.20.2024

  Episode 50: Almost a million Bibles for Europe, a plea for the "Restoration Plea," and a deacon "Forged in Fire"

  Send us a Text Message. Dirk Smith of Eastern European Mission describes how EEM will send 800,000 Bibles to Europe, including Ukraine and Russia, in 2024. Dr. Jeremie Beller explains why The Christian Chronicle's editorial board believes that the "Restoration...

  
• 01.10.2024

  Episode 49: The Christian Chronicle news team talks about the biggest stories of 2023

  Send us a Text Message. On this one-year anniversary of The Christian Chronicle Podcast, we ask The Christian Chronicle news team to share what they think were the biggest stories they reported in 2023...and which stories they wish got more...

  
• 01.03.2024

  Episode 48: 'The Anxiety Opportunity' and better Christian politics in 2024 (Curtis Chang)

  Send us a Text Message. Author and theologian Curtis Chang talks about his book, 'The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best Self' and 'The After Party,' the new small group curriculum he created with David French...

  
• 12.22.2023

  Episode 47: John Johnson is Santa Claus

  Send us a Text Message. John Johnson put on the red suit for the first time 40 years ago and he's been Santa Claus ever since. But it's not just a side job or role that John plays for a...

  
• 12.22.2023

  Episode 46: "Holy Sexuality" at ACU, art of living hands-free, Waffle House Church of Christ

  Send us a Text Message. SEGMENT ONE: Abilene Christian University is facing organized backlash from LGBTQ-affirming alumni, students, and even some professors for its "Holy Sexuality Week. Christian Chronicle CEO Erik Tryggestad fills in the story and talks about how...

  
• 12.15.2023

  Episode 45: The Gospel According to Pat Boone

  Send us a Text Message. Legendary performer (and Church of Christ favorite son) Pat Boone has a book and a new hit album, but he really wants to talk about what the Bible is telling him these days, what he...

  
• 12.08.2023

  Episode 44: Remembering Landon Saunders (Mike Cope and Candace Nicolds)

  Send us a Text Message. Landon Saunders, a broadcaster and preacher who won millions of fans and friends around the world, went to his rest on November 14, 2023. He was 86 years old. In this episode, you'll listen to...

  
• 12.08.2023

  Episode 43: What good is grad school for congregations and their ministers? PLUS Bible bowl bonus segment. Guests: David Shannon, Dr. Frank Yamada, Amy Bowman

  Send us a Text Message. A few weeks before this episode, The Christian Chronicle reported that Oklahoma Christian University is closing its graduate school of theology due to budget cuts and declining enrollment. This latest news follows the trend of...

  
• 11.15.2023

  Episode 42: Christians in Israel conflict, The Gospel Advocate and The Spiritual Sword, honoring Howard and Jane Norton

  Send us a Text Message. Some segments edited for brevity and clarity Segment One: An Arab Israeli Christian talks about what is happening in Gaza and Israel (Sandro Jadon) Link to Erik Tryggestad’s Christian Chronicle interview with Sandro Jadon in the days...

  
• 11.08.2023

  Episode 41: Fewer Church of Christ kids going to Church of Christ schools, the mission field on Christian college campuses, and how to win Gen Z to Christ

  Send us a Text Message. Some segments edited for brevity and clarity This episode explores what is going on in Christian education and among people between the ages of 13 and 25. Segment One: Dr. Trace Hebert of Lipscomb University talks...

  
• 11.03.2023

  Episode 40: A church cares for victims of a mass school shooting, Al Robertson talks about 'The Blind', and what it's like to visit 13 churches in 10 states

  Send us a Text Message. After the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, the surviving victims needed a place to resume learning...and a place to try to recover. Nearby Brentwood Hills Church of Christ opened its building...

  
• 10.25.2023

  Episode 39: 'Male & Female God Created Them: A Biblical Review of LGBTQ+ Claims' (Dr. Rubel Shelly)

  Send us a Text Message. Few changes in popular culture are causing more discomfort and raising more questions in the church than how the LGBTQ+ lifestyle is going mainstream in North America. It's not just outside the church. Over the...

  
• 10.18.2023

  Episode 38: After Botham: Healing From My Brother's Murder By a Police Officer (Allisa Charles-Findley)

  Send us a Text Message. On September 6, 2018, off-duty Dallas police officer Amber Guyger entered the apartment of Dallas West Church of Christ member and Harding University alumnus Botham Jean. Mistaking his apartment for her own, she came through...

  
• 10.18.2023

  Episode 37: How COVID is still affecting churches, a Christian sniper dies in Ukraine, and refugees helping refugees in Austria, plus BONUS Bible bowling with Jonathan Stormant

  Send us a Text Message. It's been two full years since most congregations tried to "get back to normal" after COVID turned the world outside in in 2020 and 2021. Our first guest, Aaron Hill, headed up a nationwide study...

  
• 10.11.2023

  Episode 36: The inside scoop on Mayfair Church of Christ becoming a campus of Crossings Community Church (and lessons for your congregation)

  Send us a Text Message. Few articles that The Christian Chronicle published over the last year got more comments and more buzz than a report that the Mayfair Church of Christ in Oklahoma City is becoming part of Crossings Community...

  
• 09.27.2023

  Episode 35: New York Times columnist David French talks about Christians and politics

  Send us a Text Message. New York Times columnist David French grew up in the Church of Christ, graduated from Lipscomb University (a school with deep roots and strong ties in the Church of Christ tradition), and shaped his political...

  
• 09.22.2023

  Episode 34: At home with Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, the future of Christian journalism is now, and a congregation and its minister celebrate 50 years together (PLUS a post-credit Bible bowl bon

  Send us a Text Message. When Dan and Mary Huber (NorthWest Church of Christ) found out that thousands of Afghan refugees were coming to their city of San Antonio, Texas, they chose to extend extraordinary hospitality to their new neighbors....

  
• 09.13.2023

  Episode 33: PIVOT: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church Culture (Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer)

  Send us a Text Message. Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer, authors of the popular 2020 book, 'A Church Called Tov,' talk to us about their follow up book, 'PIVOT'. They answer questions about how congregations can tell if toxic traces...

  
• 09.08.2023

  Episode 32: Must ministers be married? Out of prison and into pastoral care. A congregation that grows its own ministers.

  Send us a Text Message. This episode picks up the "Sacred Calling" special series that covers the "minister shortage" among Church of Christ congregations in North America. We ask: Does a tradition that claims to believe in the "priesthood of...

  
• 08.30.2023

  Episode 31: Harding University closing its Memphis campus; loving neighbors in the hardest neighborhood; faith nights at MLB ballparks

  Send us a Text Message. For 65 years, Harding University's School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee, has been a global hub of Bible and ministry education in the Church of Christ tradition, but the school announced that it is closing...

  
• 08.23.2023

  Episode 30: Thirty-seven (37) baptisms on one college football team on one night! The rise of personal spiritual directors. Women in the church need women in the church.

  Send us a Text Message. On August 7, 37 players on the Faulkner University football team gave their lives to Christ in baptism. Hear the story from coaches and a player who were there (in the water). Personal spiritual direction...

  
• 08.17.2023

  Episode 29: The Sound of Freedom, 'Shark Tank' at a Ghanaian Christian college, a bus ride to reconciliation and justice

  Send us a Text Message. 'The Sound of Freedom', a small-budget independent film about an agent who fights child trafficking, is the box office surprise of the summer, nearly beating out Indiana Jones. In this episode, Pam Cope, who fights...

  
• 08.02.2023

  Episode 28: Lee Camp of the No Small Endeavor live stage show, podcast, and (now) national radio show

  Send us a Text Message. In his wildest dreams, Lee Camp could never imagine this! Many years ago, the professor of theology and ethics at Lipscomb University had a crazy idea: A live stage show that mixes entertainment and interviews...

  
• 07.26.2023

  Episode 27: Why do church members skip church? What is it like to leave an instrumental church for an a cappella one? And a baptistery shortage (really)!

  Send us a Text Message. Even regular churchgoers skip Sunday morning worship sometimes. Scott McConnell of Lifeway Research reveals the latest survey on the top reasons folks skip church. Jeff Dye, a lifer in the Christian Church (instrumental), talks about...

  
• 07.19.2023

  Episode 26: From Russia with love (for Ukrainians), how Danny Mills didn't die (when doctors didn't give him much of a chance), and the car crash that ended with two baptisms

  Send us a Text Message. God is alive and working in the world. This episode proves it. First, hear from Julia, a Russian immigrant who is ministering to hundreds of Ukrainian refugees in Houston, Texas. Then listen to Danny Mills...

  
• 07.12.2023

  Episode 25: Is money the cause (or solution) of the minister shortage? We go there.

  Send us a Text Message. If the jobs section of The Christian Chronicle is any proof, more Church of Christ congregations in North America have open ministry positions than there are ministers able, ready, and willing to fill them. What...

  
• 06.28.2023

  Episode 24: Mike Cope on the present and future of preaching

  Send us a Text Message. For almost 40 years, Mike Cope preached in Church of Christ congregations from North Carolina to Arkansas to Texas. Now at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, he directs the annual Bible lectures, leads church relations...

  
• 06.21.2023

  Episode 23: Babies, moms, families, and the Church of Christ community one year after Dobbs (Audrey Jackson, Jerry Callens, Verlon Johnson)

  Send us a Text Message. When the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case on June 24, 2022, it overturned two cases, Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), that established the...

  
• 06.13.2023

  Episode 22: Juneteenth in Texas, a word from an elder in Angola, and ministering to those with chronic pain

  Send us a Text Message. For generations, churches in Texas passed down the tradition of Juneteenth, sometimes called "America's Second Independence Day." In this episode, Karl Berry and Curtis Phillips, elders from Cedar Hill Church of Christ in Cedar Hill,...

  
• 06.08.2023

  Episode 21: Why can't preachers retire? Big money wants to profit from worship. A congregation for those with special needs.

  Send us a Text Message. Jordan Coss (Redwood Church of Christ, Redwood City, California) shares his research on Church of Christ ministers and retirement. What keeps so many Church of Christ ministers from retiring (if they even finish out their...