(00:00-39:09): We were joined by representatives Anitra Parmele and Paul Jacobs from Food For The Poor. They are helping to raise money to provide emergency food relief for children in Latin America and the Caribbean who are facing hunger and starvation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-time gift of $185 provides six months of food for 5 hungry children - that’s about 50 cents a day. To make a gift today, go to www.1160hope.com and click on the red EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF banner at the top of the page. OR call 855-901-4673.

(39:09-1:18:46): For the second hour of the program, we were joined by Todd Chapman. He continues to discuss how COVID-19 has hit all of the countries FFTP serves hard with cases of infection increasing daily. Entire informal economies (street vendors) and the day-labor jobs that keep families eating from one day to the next are completely shut down.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:00): HEADLINES: 'Famines of biblical proportions' feared in 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic, UN food agency warns. Churches Step In Where Politicians Will Not. Why do we need acts of charity to rescue Americans from crushing medical bills? Gen Z Is Most Likely to Say Faith Has Been ‘Important’ During the Pandemic.

(08:00-28:24): We were joined by pastor and author, Scott Sauls. ​Scott serves as senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the author of numerous books including his most recent “A Gentle Answer”. He, Brian, and Ian discussed his recent post “Navigating the Emotional Impact of Covid” and the importance of mental and spiritual health during this difficult time. They also discuss balancing grace and truth, church growth, and more. 

(28:24-37:48): Charles Stone writes “How the Apostle Paul Thought About Church Growth” in Outreach Magazine. 

(37:48-46:21): Michael T. Cooper writes “The Dark Side of Hierarchical Leadership” on Ephesiology. Brian and Ian apply recent incidences with Carl Lentz and others in relation to this premise. 

(46:21-55:47): Ephrat Livni writes “How to Read Less News But Be More Informed, According to a Futurist” in Get Pocket. Be a little picky but stay open to new sources, and know when to shut down.

(55:47-1:05:00): Kurt Bubna writes “The Dark Side – Social Media Addiction” in Church Leaders. You might have a social media addiction problem if...

(1:05:00-1:13:37): As we continue in this season of Advent, Brian and Ian discuss “Advent Is Supposed to Be Radical” by Amy Buckley in Relevant.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:00): HEADLINES: 'Famines of biblical proportions' feared in 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic, UN food agency warns. Churches Step In Where Politicians Will Not. Why do we need acts of charity to rescue Americans from crushing medical bills?Gen Z Is Most Likely to Say Faith Has Been ‘Important’ During the Pandemic.

(08:00-28:24): We were joined by pastor and author, Scott Sauls. ​Scott serves as senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the author of numerous books including his most recent “A Gentle Answer”. He, Brian, and Ian discussed his recent post “Navigating the Emotional Impact of Covid” and the importance of mental and spiritual health during this difficult time. They also discuss balancing grace and truth, church growth, and more. 

(28:24-37:48): Charles Stone writes “How the Apostle Paul Thought About Church Growth” in Outreach Magazine. 

(37:48-46:21): Michael T. Cooper writes “The Dark Side of Hierarchical Leadership” on Ephesiology. Brian and Ian apply recent incidences with Carl Lentz and others in relation to this premise. 

(46:21-55:47): Ephrat Livni writes “How to Read Less News But Be More Informed, According to a Futurist” in Get Pocket. Be a little picky but stay open to new sources, and know when to shut down.

(55:47-1:05:00): Kurt Bubna writes “The Dark Side – Social Media Addiction” in Church Leaders. You might have a social media addiction problem if...

(1:05:00-1:13:37): As we continue in this season of Advent, Brian and Ian discuss “Advent Is Supposed to Be Radical” by Amy Buckley in Relevant.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:44): Supreme Court Blocks New York’s Worship Service Restrictions. It’s the first time during the pandemic the high court has sided with churches and synagogues challenging the new rules on religious liberty grounds.

(09:44-19:19): Wes Granberg-Michaelson writes “In A Year Of Waiting And Hoping, Advent Reminds Us That Patience Can Be Healthy” in Religion News Service. Advent comes with this countervailing message: Expect God to show up in unexpected places, like a subway car, a Zoom call, or a stable.

(19:19-28:26): We were joined by the City Director for Resource Global, Joi Freeman. We discussed her role with the organization, her experience as a cohort participant, and how her faith has shaped her career. To find out more, visit www.resourceglobal.org/events.

(28:26-37:51): Taylor Lorenz writes “Zillow Surfing Is the Escape We All Need Right Now” in The New York Times. 

(37:51-47:04): Idrees Kahloon writes “Covid-19 has widened the gap between rich and poor in America” in The Economist. PLUS, “F grades spike by 83% due to school closures in response to COVID-19”.

(47:04-56:10): Sad news out of Vegas: “Tony Hsieh, retired Zappos CEO, dies at 46”. Hsieh recently retired from Zappos after 20 years leading the company.”

(56:10-1:05:26): Friend of the show, Joe Carter “How to Expose the Idols in Your Life” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:05:26-1:14:42): What does God think about Rock ‘n’ Roll music? Brian and Ian discuss this clip of Dr Christian Berdahl as he explains why God is not a Rock n’ Roll God.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:44): Supreme Court Blocks New York’s Worship Service Restrictions. It’s the first time during the pandemic the high court has sided with churches and synagogues challenging the new rules on religious liberty grounds.

(09:44-19:19): Wes Granberg-Michaelson writes “In A Year Of Waiting And Hoping, Advent Reminds Us That Patience Can Be Healthy” in Religion News Service. Advent comes with this countervailing message: Expect God to show up in unexpected places, like a subway car, a Zoom call, or a stable.

(19:19-28:26): We were joined by the City Director for Resource Global, Joi Freeman. We discussed her role with the organization, her experience as a cohort participant, and how her faith has shaped her career. To find out more, visit www.resourceglobal.org/events.

(28:26-37:51): Taylor Lorenz writes “Zillow Surfing Is the Escape We All Need Right Now” in The New York Times. 

(37:51-47:04): Idrees Kahloon writes “Covid-19 has widened the gap between rich and poor in America” in The Economist. PLUS, “F grades spike by 83% due to school closures in response to COVID-19”.

(47:04-56:10): Sad news out of Vegas: “Tony Hsieh, retired Zappos CEO, dies at 46”. Hsieh recently retired from Zappos after 20 years leading the company.”

(56:10-1:05:26): Friend of the show, Joe Carter “How to Expose the Idols in Your Life” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:05:26-1:14:42): What does God think about Rock ‘n’ Roll music? Brian and Ian discuss this clip of Dr Christian Berdahl as he explains why God is not a Rock n’ Roll God.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-07:54): Brian Zahnd writes “Put Not Your Trust in Princes…or Presidents” on his personal website. If a politician wants to align their politics with the politics of God, then the political agenda set forth in Psalm 146 is what they will prioritize. And all the Hebrew prophets (including Jesus) said, “Amen!”

(07:54-25:22): We are joined by writer and pastor, Derek Vreeland. He is the discipleship pastor at Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph,Missouri, where he leads small groups and discipleship ministries and serves on the pastoral leadership team along with Brian and Peri Zahnd. 

He wrote a book called “By The Way”. In this book, Derek reframes everything we’ve been told about Christianity and what it means to follow Jesus. Discipleship isn’t an add-on.

(25:22-34:57): Skillet frontman John Cooper posted on Facebook: “Make Pastors Uncool Again. Pastors shouldn’t be rock stars. Yeah I said it. A rock star promotes himself, builds his brand, and entertains people…”

(34:57-44:08): David French writes in The French Press “How We Heal: The remnant alone can't repair our land”. 

(44:08-53:36): What is the difference between loneliness and solitude? Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Zaria Gorvett in BBC “How solitude and isolation can affect your social skills”. PLUS, Beth Skwarecki writes “Tweak Your Work-From-Home Life for Better Health” in Life Hacker.

(53:36-1:02:47) Mike Frost writes “Being a family is an art … and the dinner table is the place it finds expression”. Brian and Ian discuss the culture of family dinner and how it has changed over the years. 

(1:02:47-1:12:18): It is World Gratitude Day! The boys close the show with some thankfulness and how they express it. They refer to “10 Ways to Celebrate World Gratitude Day” in Happy Science Mom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-07:54): Brian Zahnd writes “Put Not Your Trust in Princes…or Presidents” on his personal website. If a politician wants to align their politics with the politics of God, then the political agenda set forth in Psalm 146 is what they will prioritize. And all the Hebrew prophets (including Jesus) said, “Amen!”

(07:54-25:22): We are joined by writer and pastor, Derek Vreeland. He is the discipleship pastor at Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph,Missouri, where he leads small groups and discipleship ministries and serves on the pastoral leadership team along with Brian and Peri Zahnd. 

He wrote a book called “By The Way”. In this book, Derek reframes everything we’ve been told about Christianity and what it means to follow Jesus. Discipleship isn’t an add-on.

(25:22-34:57): Skillet frontman John Cooper posted on Facebook: “Make Pastors Uncool Again. Pastors shouldn’t be rock stars. Yeah I said it. A rock star promotes himself, builds his brand, and entertains people…”

(34:57-44:08): David French writes in The French Press “How We Heal: The remnant alone can't repair our land”. 

(44:08-53:36): What is the difference between loneliness and solitude? Brian and Ian discuss this piece by Zaria Gorvett in BBC “How solitude and isolation can affect your social skills”. PLUS, Beth Skwarecki writes “Tweak Your Work-From-Home Life for Better Health” in Life Hacker.

(53:36-1:02:47) Mike Frost writes “Being a family is an art … and the dinner table is the place it finds expression”. Brian and Ian discuss the culture of family dinner and how it has changed over the years. 

(1:02:47-1:12:18): It is World Gratitude Day! The boys close the show with some thankfulness and how they express it. They refer to “10 Ways to Celebrate World Gratitude Day” in Happy Science Mom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:42): Headlines: Small Christian Colleges Set Attendance Record Despite Pandemic. From Obscure To Sold Out: The Story Of Four Seasons Total Landscaping In Just 4 Days. Bethel Church pastor who prophesied Trump win posts apology video, then takes it down. Another COVID-19 Vaccine Is Showing Some Very Promising Early Potential . 

(09:42-38:25): We were joined by attorney, political commentator, and senior at The Dispatch, David French. A fellow at the National Review Institute and a staff writer for National Review from 2015 to 2019. He joined us to comment on his recent column “The Cultural Consequences of Very, Very Republican Christianity”. 

He, along with Brian and Ian discuss political division and polarization, the potential for hope in the future for peace and understanding between US citizens, and more. 

(38:25-46:41): A Twitter for conservatives? Parler surges amid election misinformation crackdown. Its embrace by prominent conservatives and a sudden influx hint at a once informal online dynamic that has recently become more official: the blue internet and the red internet.

(46:41-1:05:19): We were joined by author and ministry leader, Eugene Cho. He is a pastor, speaker, author, visionary and humanitarian. A son of Korean immigrants and a natural entrepreneur, Cho spends much of his time circling the globe speaking about the intersection of faith, justice, and leadership. He is also the pastor of Quest Church –an urban, multi-cultural and multi-generational church in Seattle, Washington. 

We discussed his book “Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk” in which Eugene reminds us, we find our hope not in a politician or nation, but in the person of Jesus Christ. And from that foundation, we can walk with integrity, vote with conviction, listen to the hurting—and always remember that God is still on His throne.

(1:05:19-1:15:13): Brian and Ian take time to discuss this excerpt from JD Greear’s book “What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?” called “Be the “Them””. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:42): Headlines: Small Christian Colleges Set Attendance Record Despite Pandemic. From Obscure To Sold Out: The Story Of Four Seasons Total Landscaping In Just 4 Days. Bethel Church pastor who prophesied Trump win posts apology video, then takes it down. Another COVID-19 Vaccine Is Showing Some Very Promising Early Potential . 

(09:42-38:25): We were joined by attorney, political commentator, and senior at The Dispatch, David French. A fellow at the National Review Institute and a staff writer for National Review from 2015 to 2019. He joined us to comment on his recent column “The Cultural Consequences of Very, Very Republican Christianity”. 

He, along with Brian and Ian discuss political division and polarization, the potential for hope in the future for peace and understanding between US citizens, and more. 

(38:25-46:41): A Twitter for conservatives? Parler surges amid election misinformation crackdown. Its embrace by prominent conservatives and a sudden influx hint at a once informal online dynamic that has recently become more official: the blue internet and the red internet.

(46:41-1:05:19): We were joined by author and ministry leader, Eugene Cho. He is a pastor, speaker, author, visionary and humanitarian. A son of Korean immigrants and a natural entrepreneur, Cho spends much of his time circling the globe speaking about the intersection of faith, justice, and leadership. He is also the pastor of Quest Church –an urban, multi-cultural and multi-generational church in Seattle, Washington. 

We discussed his book “Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk” in which Eugene reminds us, we find our hope not in a politician or nation, but in the person of Jesus Christ. And from that foundation, we can walk with integrity, vote with conviction, listen to the hurting—and always remember that God is still on His throne.

(1:05:19-1:15:13): Brian and Ian take time to discuss this excerpt from JD Greear’s book “What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?” called “Be the “Them””. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:20): Trump administration officially authorizes Biden transition. The administration has been slow-walking the transition process as the president vows to fight the results. PLUS,  Donald Trump doesn't need to concede.

(09:20-17:43): Jamie Ducharme writes “Why You're Regressing to Your Teenage Self During the COVID-19 Outbreak” in Time. 

(17;43-27:12): Teena Dare writes “I’m So Busy. How Can I Rest?” in The Gospel Coalition. When God was forming his people after the exodus, one of the most important things he emphasized was Sabbath.

(27:12-36:47): Vaneetha Rendall Risner writes “When My Life Fell Apart, I Needed a Bible That Wouldn’t” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(36:47-45:55): Tyler Huckabee writes “Inside TikTok’s Wild COVID-19 Vaccine as Christian Persecution Meme”. BRian and Ian discuss this bizarre trend.

(45:55-1:05:42): We spoke with by Author and U.S. Director of Church Mobilization and Advocacy for World Relief and as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, Matt Soerens. He wrote an article in Christianity Today called “The US Will Re-Open to Refugees. Is the U.S. Church Ready?” that touches on Biden’s plan to raise the refugee ceiling. Is the church and nation ready? 

(1:05:42-1:14:40): As we go into the Thanksgiving season of this strange and difficult year, we take time to reflect on what we are thankful for, as well as reminisce on fun Thanksgiving memories.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.