(00:00-09:58): Headlines: OKC jailers face cruelty charge; playing 'Baby Shark' on loop is 'inhuman,' prosecutor says, Greg Laurie Tests Positive for COVID-19, California Governor tweets “Don't forget to keep your mask on in between bites”, Biden defines $400,000 a year as ‘wealthy’: Here’s what that buys in a big city, PLUS, Pro-Biden Christian to Pro-Trumpers: Are we really all that different?

(09:58-28:51): We are joined by Geoff Holsclaw. He is a pastor in West Michigan and teaches at Northern Seminary. He has recently written Does God Really Like Me? and is the co-founder of Grassroots Theology, which is growing a messy faith for everyday people.

What does it mean and look like to pray for the President; even if you don’t agree with him or even like him? Geoff covers this predicament, and references moments in the Bible where praying for leaders were met with apprehension. How do we love our enemies?

(28:51-38:17): Chris Colin and Rob Baedeker “How to Turn Small Talk Into Smart Conversation.” in Pocket. We touch on tips from a comedian and a journalist on the art of going from small talk to big ideas.

(38:17-48:29): David Brooks writes “America Is Having a Moral Convulsion” in the Atlantic. Levels of trust in this country—in our institutions, in our politics, and in one another—are in precipitous decline. And when social trust collapses, nations fail. Can we get it back before it’s too late?

(48:29-57:54): Not a good trend… Brian and Ian cover “The Number of Americans Who Think Political Violence Is Justified Is Skyrocketing” in Relevant. 

(57:54-1:07:16): Carey Nieuwhof writes “The Top 10 Things Pharisees Say Today” 

(1:07:16-1:16:59): Ray A. Smith writes “The Science Behind WFH Dressing for Zoom” in the Wall Street Journal. What you wear while working actually matters; Researchers studying ‘enclothed cognition’ say your clothing choices at home can affect productivity and performance

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:47): In the headlines: Trump leaves the hospital to pay a visit to patriots outside of Walter Reed Hospital. Will contracting COVID-19 change Trump? PLUS, There is no getting 'back to normal,' experts say. The sooner we accept that, the better.

(09:47-28:08): We were joined by senior news editor at Christianity Today, Kate Shellnut. She gives us the latest on the presidential election coming up, and how the demographics of voters has altered since the last election. She discusses how “This Election, Evangelical Supporters Have More Faith in Trump” and much more. 

She also touches on the response from people on Trump contracting COVID-19. While there were some people who were abrasive and vulgar, there were Christian leaders, and even critics of him, calling for prayer for the President. 

(28:08-36:58): Ed Yong writes, “America Is Trapped in a Pandemic Spiral” As the U.S. heads toward the winter, the country is going round in circles, making the same conceptual errors that have plagued it since spring.”

(36:58-46:52): Latest from the Vatican and James Martin “Pope Francis closes the door on the death penalty in ‘Fratelli Tutti’”. Brian and Ian discuss this to kick off the second hour about this. 

(46:52-56:22): Marisa Franco in Psyche writes “How to make friends as an adult”. Friendships give us so much. Be bold, take the initiative, and you’ll be surprised how many people are pleased to connect.

(56:22-1:05:45): Charlie Peacock writes “Why We Get Up in the Morning Shouldn’t Differ from Sunday to Monday” in Christianity Today. Steven Garber envisions lives marked by greater coherence between our deepest commitments and our everyday cares.

(1:05:45-1:15:17): Oliver Burkeman writes “The Eight Secrets To A (Fairly) Fulfilled Life”. After more than a decade of writing life-changing advice, I know when to move on. Here’s what else I learned.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:47): In the headlines: Trump leaves the hospital to pay a visit to patriots outside of Walter Reed Hospital. Will contracting COVID-19 change Trump? PLUS, There is no getting 'back to normal,' experts say. The sooner we accept that, the better.

(09:47-28:08): We were joined by senior news editor at Christianity Today, Kate Shellnut. She gives us the latest on the presidential election coming up, and how the demographics of voters has altered since the last election. She discusses how “This Election, Evangelical Supporters Have More Faith in Trump” and much more. 

She also touches on the response from people on Trump contracting COVID-19. While there were some people who were abrasive and vulgar, there were Christian leaders, and even critics of him, calling for prayer for the President. 

(28:08-36:58): Ed Yong writes, “America Is Trapped in a Pandemic Spiral” As the U.S. heads toward the winter, the country is going round in circles, making the same conceptual errors that have plagued it since spring.”

(36:58-46:52): Latest from the Vatican and James Martin “Pope Francis closes the door on the death penalty in ‘Fratelli Tutti’”. Brian and Ian discuss this to kick off the second hour about this. 

(46:52-56:22): Marisa Franco in Psyche writes “How to make friends as an adult”. Friendships give us so much. Be bold, take the initiative, and you’ll be surprised how many people are pleased to connect.

(56:22-1:05:45): Charlie Peacock writes “Why We Get Up in the Morning Shouldn’t Differ from Sunday to Monday” in Christianity Today. Steven Garber envisions lives marked by greater coherence between our deepest commitments and our everyday cares.

(1:05:45-1:15:17): Oliver Burkeman writes “The Eight Secrets To A (Fairly) Fulfilled Life”. After more than a decade of writing life-changing advice, I know when to move on. Here’s what else I learned.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:32): JUST IN: President Trump and First Lady test positive for COVID-19. Brian and Ian touch on this and more to start the show off. We take a listen to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows’s statement on the situation.

(09:32-27:36): We were joined by Val Fisk. Val is Associate Minister for Students at University Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

She touches on how the Millennial generation tends to be lonelier than other generations. They live with their parents longer, move around like nomads, and she provides insight on why that is. She is a part of this generation and has moved 10 times in 10 years. How can the church come alongside Millenials to help with their transient lifestyle?

(27:36-36:59): Jojo Agot writes “Why Cancel Culture Is Not Enough” in Church Leaders.  

(36:59-47:28): Dr. Jim Denison writes “What does the Bible say about politics?” in his blog, the Denison Forum. Brian and Ian discuss the politics of the Gospel

(47:28-56:04): Rhitu Chatterjee writes “Juggling Financial Stress And Caregiving, Parents Are 'Very Not OK' In The Pandemic” in NPR. 

(56:04-1:05:55): Tony Evans writes “You Can’t Cherish Worldly Success and Know Jesus” in Relevant. You can tell a lot about a person when they are at their lowest point. Whether it’s a health crisis, financial disaster or relational issues, what matters most usually rises to the surface when life boils over.

(1:05:55-1:15:30): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian discuss some good news from the Good News Network. This website is an optimist’s mecca for positivity and uplifting stories.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:32): JUST IN: President Trump and First Lady test positive for COVID-19. Brian and Ian touch on this and more to start the show off. We take a listen to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows’s statement on the situation.

(09:32-27:36): We were joined by Val Fisk. Val is Associate Minister for Students at University Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

She touches on how the Millennial generation tends to be lonelier than other generations. They live with their parents longer, move around like nomads, and she provides insight on why that is. She is a part of this generation and has moved 10 times in 10 years. How can the church come alongside Millenials to help with their transient lifestyle?

(27:36-36:59): Jojo Agot writes “Why Cancel Culture Is Not Enough” in Church Leaders.  

(36:59-47:28): Dr. Jim Denison writes “What does the Bible say about politics?” in his blog, the Denison Forum. Brian and Ian discuss the politics of the Gospel

(47:28-56:04): Rhitu Chatterjee writes “Juggling Financial Stress And Caregiving, Parents Are 'Very Not OK' In The Pandemic” in NPR. 

(56:04-1:05:55): Tony Evans writes “You Can’t Cherish Worldly Success and Know Jesus” in Relevant. You can tell a lot about a person when they are at their lowest point. Whether it’s a health crisis, financial disaster or relational issues, what matters most usually rises to the surface when life boils over.

(1:05:55-1:15:30): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian discuss some good news from the Good News Network. This website is an optimist’s mecca for positivity and uplifting stories.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:04): Some headlines to get us started today: Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Lose Baby After Pregnancy Complications, Virtual Christkindlmarket, COVID cases in the NFL are postponing games. 

(09:04-25:55): We were joined by author and pastor Kendall Laughlin Kendall is involved in the leadership of All Peoples Church, part of the Antioch International Movement of Churches. He lives in San Diego, CA with his family and is the author of one book, "The Identity Journey."

(25:55-35:19): Andy Crouch writes “Why Ethical Work is Not Enough”. Brian and Ian touch on this. Once you start looking at the world redemptively rather than just ethically, you realize how far we’ve fallen. But you also set a new standard for the flourishing we are meant to pursue — a world in which, even when we are vulnerable, we don’t have to beware.

(35:19-45:14): Jeremy David Engels writes “Why 'namaste' has become the perfect pandemic greeting” in Religion News Service. Hands over the heart in prayer pose. A little bow of the head. A gesture of respect. An acknowledgment of our shared humanity. And no touching.

(45:14-54:34): Shane Claiborne writes “The Strange Theology That Rejects Masks But Embraces Guns” in Sojourners. 

(54:34-1:03:16): In the news: Boston University professor is urged to resign for calling Amy Coney Barrett a 'white colonizer' who is using her two adopted Haitian children as 'props'”. 

(1:03:16-1:12:26): In Church Leaders, Mark Altrogge writes “10 Ways to Overcome Spiritual Weariness”.  Following Jesus yields immeasurable joy, but we can also grow weary from day to day. Weary in parenting, weary in serving, weary in trials and affliction. When we’re weary we can find fresh strength, joy and motivation in Christ.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:04): Some headlines to get us started today: Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Lose Baby After Pregnancy Complications, Virtual Christkindlmarket, COVID cases in the NFL are postponing games. 

(09:04-25:55): We were joined by author and pastor Kendall Laughlin Kendall is involved in the leadership of All Peoples Church, part of the Antioch International Movement of Churches. He lives in San Diego, CA with his family and is the author of one book, "The Identity Journey."

(25:55-35:19): Andy Crouch writes “Why Ethical Work is Not Enough”. Brian and Ian touch on this. Once you start looking at the world redemptively rather than just ethically, you realize how far we’ve fallen. But you also set a new standard for the flourishing we are meant to pursue — a world in which, even when we are vulnerable, we don’t have to beware.

(35:19-45:14): Jeremy David Engels writes “Why 'namaste' has become the perfect pandemic greeting” in Religion News Service. Hands over the heart in prayer pose. A little bow of the head. A gesture of respect. An acknowledgment of our shared humanity. And no touching.

(45:14-54:34): Shane Claiborne writes “The Strange Theology That Rejects Masks But Embraces Guns” in Sojourners. 

(54:34-1:03:16): In the news: Boston University professor is urged to resign for calling Amy Coney Barrett a 'white colonizer' who is using her two adopted Haitian children as 'props'”. 

(1:03:16-1:12:26): In Church Leaders, Mark Altrogge writes “10 Ways to Overcome Spiritual Weariness”.  Following Jesus yields immeasurable joy, but we can also grow weary from day to day. Weary in parenting, weary in serving, weary in trials and affliction. When we’re weary we can find fresh strength, joy and motivation in Christ.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:06): The first presidential “debate” was on last night, and boy did we have something to say about it. We listen to some highlights of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. 

(10:06-28:42): We were joined by author of “Reckless Grace” Bill Vanderbush. Bill Vanderbush has been a Pastor for over 25 years. Bill grew up on the mission field, traveling all over the world and seeing thousands impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bill and his wife, Traci, currently travel, speaking in conferences and churches around the world.

(28:42-36:35): Sandy Villarreal writes “Raising the Coronavirus Generation” in SoJourners. How will our ongoing traumas affect the way our kids see the world, God, and faith?

(36:35-45:47): This is kind of cool: Atheist group files brief supporting Christian student's right to evangelize on campus. Brian and Ian discuss freedom of speech and how it goes both ways ideologically. 

(45:47-55:14): With the election looming, it is important to approach the ballot with a good posture. Brian and Ian discuss “What is the Christian Posture for the Upcoming Election?” from Relevant. 

(55:14-1:04:37): In TechCrunch: Dustin Moskovitz discusses Asana’s first trading day. 'Ultimately it's just one step in a much longer journey towards fulfilling our mission'. PLUS, Former Facebook manager: “We took a page from Big Tobacco’s playbook”.

(1:04:37-1:14:27): We will end on a hopeful note (we need it). Rich Villodas writes “Leading From a Life Deeply Formed by Christ” in Outreach Magazine.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-10:06): The first presidential “debate” was on last night, and boy did we have something to say about it. We listen to some highlights of Joe Biden and Donald Trump. 

(10:06-28:42): We were joined by author of “Reckless Grace” Bill Vanderbush. Bill Vanderbush has been a Pastor for over 25 years. Bill grew up on the mission field, traveling all over the world and seeing thousands impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bill and his wife, Traci, currently travel, speaking in conferences and churches around the world.

(28:42-36:35): Sandy Villarreal writes “Raising the Coronavirus Generation” in SoJourners. How will our ongoing traumas affect the way our kids see the world, God, and faith?

(36:35-45:47): This is kind of cool: Atheist group files brief supporting Christian student's right to evangelize on campus. Brian and Ian discuss freedom of speech and how it goes both ways ideologically. 

(45:47-55:14): With the election looming, it is important to approach the ballot with a good posture. Brian and Ian discuss “What is the Christian Posture for the Upcoming Election?” from Relevant. 

(55:14-1:04:37): In TechCrunch: Dustin Moskovitz discusses Asana’s first trading day. 'Ultimately it's just one step in a much longer journey towards fulfilling our mission'. PLUS, Former Facebook manager: “We took a page from Big Tobacco’s playbook”.

(1:04:37-1:14:27): We will end on a hopeful note (we need it). Rich Villodas writes “Leading From a Life Deeply Formed by Christ” in Outreach Magazine.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-9:36): A new survey says the Presidential Debates won’t change the race. Brian and Ian discussed what that means for the election and the state of politics.

(09:36-28:22): Chris Castaldo is the Lead Pastor of New Covenant Church, Naperville. He joined Brian and Ian to share the challenges his church community has faced thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak and also his thoughts on the “reversion” of former Christianity Today editor Mark Galli to Catholicism.

(28:22-37:36): Will people return to church or is livestreaming here to stay? Brian and Ian talked about what church will look like once COVID has left our lives.

(37:36-47:02): Is it important to report on bad news about church leaders even after they’ve passed away? Brian and Ian took a look at that issue after allegations surfaced against Ravi Zacharias

(47:02-57:05): How do parents ruin their children? Brain and Ian tackled the potential pitfalls of raising small human beings in the church.

(57:05-1:06:10): Is it tougher to be a Good Samaritan in a year that has been dominated by both COVID and a Presidential Election?

(1:06:10-1:16:17): How do you face the future when everything seems so hopeless? Brain and Ian shared their reaction to a piece by Arthur Brooks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.