(00:00-09:51): Lady A, the Blues Singer, Responds to Band’s Lawsuit: ‘They Always Knew What They Were Gonna Do’. The Seattle-based singer told Vulture what she intended to do with the $10 million settlement offer the country band balked at. We spoke with the author of the article, music writer Chris Willman about the story. 

(09:51-19:04): Joan C. Williams writes “The Pandemic Has Exposed the Fallacy of the “Ideal Worker” in HBR. Brian and Ian discussed this. 

(19:04-28:26): Jen Wilkin writes “Want to Love Your Neighbor? Start By Fighting Your Own Sin.” in Christianity Today. When we “make every effort to be holy,” it works toward the common good.

(28:26-37:52): Michael Frost writes “Will the 10 minute homily be the new normal?” Brian and Ian reflect on shortened sermons and how people are responding to them. 

(38:49-48:38): B.G. White writes in Relevant “Why the Early Church Wasn’t Interested in Political Power”. Many American Christians today are worried about having no political influence. Early Christians took that as a given.

(48:38-58:27): Raymond Chang tweeted “In the white evangelical frame, proclaiming Christ into individual issues is often labeled “preaching the gospel,” but proclaiming Christ into systemic issues is labeled “preaching a social gospel.” The inbreaking of God’s Kingdom applies to both the individual & the whole world.”

(58:27-1:07:41): CDC Director Robert Redfield: If Everyone Wore a Mask for Next 6 Weeks We Could Drive Pandemic 'Into the Ground'. Also, Atlanta megachurch suspends in-person worship services for rest of year.

(1:08:44-1:17:52): 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.

(00:00-09:51): We kick the show off with some major headlines over the weekend. The Washington Redskins are officially changing their nickname to remove the derogatory reference to Native Americans. Also, Trump is threatening to imprison those who defame statues in the state of Michigan. 

(09:51-29:50): We are joined by author and pastor, Kyle Tennant. He goes into his background as a Methodist church planter and his story on entering leadership. His book “Unfriend Yourself: Three Days to Detox, Discern, and Decide About Social Media” offers perspective on managing social media. Via Amazon: “Take a three-day social media fast with Unfriend Yourself and learn to examine your use of social media from a Christian perspective. This book will guide you in evaluating your fast by asking challenging questions such as: What happens when I broadcast myself on the Internet? Do I see a difference between my interactions on social media and my interactions face-to-face? Do I rule my media, or do my media rule me?”

(29:50-40:12): What did we preach? For the first time since the lockdown began, Brian did not preach this past Sunday, but Ian did. Also, we are convicted by this Christian Post article “One third of practicing Christians not watching online church services during COVID-19 lockdown: Barna”

(41:09-51:30): David French writes “America Is in the Grips of a Fundamentalist Revival” in his blog. Brian and Ian discuss the revolution of awareness and uprising of certain issues that has gripped the nation. 

(51:30-1:12:23): We are joined by Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Chicago’s near south-side, Calvin Robinson. He discusses pastoring a multicultural church in Chicago trying to maintain a kingdom perspective on all that’s going on in our nation and world. 

(1:13:27-1:23:02): Drizia Bolaños writes on Medium: “The Curious Case of The Shopping Cart Theory”. Will This tell You If You’re a Good Person? Also, COVID-19 is more than a public health challenge: it's a moral test.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:51): We kick the show off with some major headlines over the weekend. The Washington Redskins are officially changing their nickname to remove the derogatory reference to Native Americans. Also, Trump is threatening to imprison those who defame statues in the state of Michigan. 

(09:51-29:50): We are joined by author and pastor, Kyle Tennant. He goes into his background as a Methodist church planter and his story on entering leadership. His book “Unfriend Yourself: Three Days to Detox, Discern, and Decide About Social Media” offers perspective on managing social media. Via Amazon: “Take a three-day social media fast with Unfriend Yourself and learn to examine your use of social media from a Christian perspective. This book will guide you in evaluating your fast by asking challenging questions such as: What happens when I broadcast myself on the Internet? Do I see a difference between my interactions on social media and my interactions face-to-face? Do I rule my media, or do my media rule me?”

(29:50-40:12): What did we preach? For the first time since the lockdown began, Brian did not preach this past Sunday, but Ian did. Also, we are convicted by this Christian Post article “One third of practicing Christians not watching online church services during COVID-19 lockdown: Barna”

(41:09-51:30): David French writes “America Is in the Grips of a Fundamentalist Revival” in his blog. Brian and Ian discuss the revolution of awareness and uprising of certain issues that has gripped the nation. 

(51:30-1:12:23): We are joined by Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Chicago’s near south-side, Calvin Robinson. He discusses pastoring a multicultural church in Chicago trying to maintain a kingdom perspective on all that’s going on in our nation and world. 

(1:13:27-1:23:02): Drizia Bolaños writes on Medium: “The Curious Case of The Shopping Cart Theory”. Will This tell You If You’re a Good Person? Also, COVID-19 is more than a public health challenge: it's a moral test.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:15): The COVID-19 outbreak has dominated the news. Brian and Ian spent a few minutes focusing on the other stories that haven’t gotten much attention because of the virus.

(09:15-17:57): Francis Collins is a world-renowned geneticist and director of the National Institutes of Health, is the 2020 recipient of the Templeton Prize. The award honors individuals who use scientific advancements to answer the deepest questions related to humanity’s existence and purpose. Collins is a scientist who came to faith. Brian and Ian talked about the relationship between faith and science.

(17:57-27:21): Brian and Ian played two new games: “Taylor Swift lyric or Lamentations” and “Tolkien Character or Antidepressant.”

(27:21-39:16): One of Ian’s friends had a unique reaction to the Bulls documentary The Last Dance. Brian and Ian talked about the ethics of cheering for a person when you don’t agree with their morality.

(40:19-49:33):This one hits close to home: “Religious Organizations Receive $7.3 Billion in PPP Loans, Megachurches Amass Millions”. Brian and Ian respond to this situation, and read some responses from our listeners. Julie Roys also covered this with “Willow Creek & Harvest Bible Chapel Receive Millions in COVID Relief Funds”. 

(49:33-1:09:01): We were joined by Ed Stetzer, Dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College, and serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He discusses his three- part series “Patriotism and the Church” and issues his caution to church-goers on how they express their love for country and God. There needs to be a clear divide and boundaries in order to avoid any crossing-over. 

Also, how has the church responded to the COVID crisis and racial injustice? 

(1:10:04-1:20:05): Before we get back to normal, it’s a good idea to take time to grieve and pray

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:15): The COVID-19 outbreak has dominated the news. Brian and Ian spent a few minutes focusing on the other stories that haven’t gotten much attention because of the virus.

(09:15-17:57): Francis Collins is a world-renowned geneticist and director of the National Institutes of Health, is the 2020 recipient of the Templeton Prize. The award honors individuals who use scientific advancements to answer the deepest questions related to humanity’s existence and purpose. Collins is a scientist who came to faith. Brian and Ian talked about the relationship between faith and science.

(17:57-27:21): Brian and Ian played two new games: “Taylor Swift lyric or Lamentations” and “Tolkien Character or Antidepressant.”

(27:21-39:16): One of Ian’s friends had a unique reaction to the Bulls documentary The Last Dance. Brian and Ian talked about the ethics of cheering for a person when you don’t agree with their morality.

(40:19-49:33):This one hits close to home: “Religious Organizations Receive $7.3 Billion in PPP Loans, Megachurches Amass Millions”. Brian and Ian respond to this situation, and read some responses from our listeners. Julie Roys also covered this with “Willow Creek & Harvest Bible Chapel Receive Millions in COVID Relief Funds”. 

(49:33-1:09:01): We were joined by Ed Stetzer, Dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College, and serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He discusses his three- part series “Patriotism and the Church” and issues his caution to church-goers on how they express their love for country and God. There needs to be a clear divide and boundaries in order to avoid any crossing-over. 

Also, how has the church responded to the COVID crisis and racial injustice? 

(1:10:04-1:20:05): Before we get back to normal, it’s a good idea to take time to grieve and pray

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:19): Coronavirus cases in Illinois have been trending downward in recent weeks, but the state recorded a large jump in positive tests Wednesday, recording the single-highest increase in cases in more than a month. Brian and Ian shared their reaction to where we are in the outbreak at this point.

(09:19-27:57): David Ireland is the lead pastor of Christ Church, a multi-site multiracial congregation in New Jersey. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about the discussion over race in the United States and his book One in Christ: Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides

(27:57-36:59): What sort of toll has isolation taken on kids during the COVID-19 outbreak? Brian and Ian talked about the impact social distancing and the lockdown will have on kids when it’s all over.

(36:59-47:33): A number of scholars and artists have signed a letter discussing the potential dangers of “Cancel Culture.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(47:33-57:09): Was Jesus perfect when he was on Earth? Brian and Ian talked about CNN Anchor Don Lemon’s comments about Jesus and the Founding Fathers.

(57:09-1:06:17): The fun might be over for TikTok-ers. The Trump administration is looking at banning the app because of security threats from China.

(1:06:17-1:15:15): Brian and Ian ended the show by sharing some good news from around the country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:19): Coronavirus cases in Illinois have been trending downward in recent weeks, but the state recorded a large jump in positive tests Wednesday, recording the single-highest increase in cases in more than a month. Brian and Ian shared their reaction to where we are in the outbreak at this point.

(09:19-27:57): David Ireland is the lead pastor of Christ Church, a multi-site multiracial congregation in New Jersey. He joined Brian and Ian to talk about the discussion over race in the United States and his book One in Christ: Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides

(27:57-36:59): What sort of toll has isolation taken on kids during the COVID-19 outbreak? Brian and Ian talked about the impact social distancing and the lockdown will have on kids when it’s all over.

(36:59-47:33): A number of scholars and artists have signed a letter discussing the potential dangers of “Cancel Culture.” Brian and Ian shared their reaction.

(47:33-57:09): Was Jesus perfect when he was on Earth? Brian and Ian talked about CNN Anchor Don Lemon’s comments about Jesus and the Founding Fathers.

(57:09-1:06:17): The fun might be over for TikTok-ers. The Trump administration is looking at banning the app because of security threats from China.

(1:06:17-1:15:15): Brian and Ian ended the show by sharing some good news from around the country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:19): On NBC News: “U.S. says foreign students may have to leave if their school goes online-only”. The news comes as some colleges and universities, including Harvard, have announced they will hold online-only courses this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.

(09:19-19:15): We were joined by Director of Athletics Communications at Judson University, Austin Anderson. He shared his take on how the media has both divided us and brought us together. In his blog, “Minds of Meaning”, he regularly dives into how Christians ought to behave and respond to the current political climate. He talks about his research on how Christians have responded to each other on social media. He came to the conclusion that because of all of the extra access we get to information, we are more irritable and susceptible to polarizing and lashing out. 

(19:15-28:49): Ian posted an in-depth analysis on the effects of hyper-polarization and toxicity of it in Americans. We identify too much with political parties, social issues, and more. 

(28:49-39:03): Erin Richards writes “School reopening plans are now part of COVID-19 politics. Teachers fear for their safety” in USA Today. Also, Trump trashes CDC school-reopening guidelines -- then CDC updates them.

(40:00-49:14): This one hits close to home: “Religious Organizations Receive $7.3 Billion in PPP Loans, Megachurches Amass Millions”. Brian and Ian respond to this situation, and read some responses from our listeners. Julie Roys also covered this with “Willow Creek & Harvest Bible Chapel Receive Millions in COVID Relief Funds”. 

(49:14-1:08:43): We were joined by Ed Stetzer, Dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College, and serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He discusses his three- part series “Patriotism and the Church” and issues his caution to church-goers on how they express their love for country and God. There needs to be a clear divide and boundaries in order to avoid any crossing-over. 

Also, how has the church responded to the COVID crisis and racial injustice? 

(1:09:46-1:19:19): Jeff Christopherson writes “Can We Now Agree that It’s Time to Become a Different Kind of Church?” in Christianity Today. How are the times changing? Here are four cultural realities which require a different kind of response from the church.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:19): On NBC News: “U.S. says foreign students may have to leave if their school goes online-only”. The news comes as some colleges and universities, including Harvard, have announced they will hold online-only courses this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.

(09:19-19:15): We were joined by Director of Athletics Communications at Judson University, Austin Anderson. He shared his take on how the media has both divided us and brought us together. In his blog, “Minds of Meaning”, he regularly dives into how Christians ought to behave and respond to the current political climate. He talks about his research on how Christians have responded to each other on social media. He came to the conclusion that because of all of the extra access we get to information, we are more irritable and susceptible to polarizing and lashing out. 

(19:15-28:49): Ian posted an in-depth analysis on the effects of hyper-polarization and toxicity of it in Americans. We identify too much with political parties, social issues, and more. 

(28:49-39:03): Erin Richards writes “School reopening plans are now part of COVID-19 politics. Teachers fear for their safety” in USA Today. Also, Trump trashes CDC school-reopening guidelines -- then CDC updates them.

(40:00-49:14): This one hits close to home: “Religious Organizations Receive $7.3 Billion in PPP Loans, Megachurches Amass Millions”. Brian and Ian respond to this situation, and read some responses from our listeners. Julie Roys also covered this with “Willow Creek & Harvest Bible Chapel Receive Millions in COVID Relief Funds”. 

(49:14-1:08:43): We were joined by Ed Stetzer, Dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College, and serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He discusses his three- part series “Patriotism and the Church” and issues his caution to church-goers on how they express their love for country and God. There needs to be a clear divide and boundaries in order to avoid any crossing-over. 

Also, how has the church responded to the COVID crisis and racial injustice? 

(1:09:46-1:19:19): Jeff Christopherson writes “Can We Now Agree that It’s Time to Become a Different Kind of Church?” in Christianity Today. How are the times changing? Here are four cultural realities which require a different kind of response from the church.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:09): As the Coronavirus continues to spread in certain areas, experts are concerned that the US is still only “knee-deep” in the crisis. Brian and Ian discuss the severity of the disease and what we can continue to do to prevent its spread. 

(09:09-29:31): We are joined by author, speaker, consultant and ordained pastor, Skye Jethani. He discusses his book “What if Jesus Was Serious?” and the mission behind it. He takes a look at some of Jesus’ most demanding teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and pushes us to ask whether we’re really hearing what Christ is saying. The visual component of the book makes it memorable and enjoyable to read, and Skye’s incisive reflections make it worthwhile for any Christian.

He also serves as the co-host of the popular Phil Vischer Podcast called the Holy Post. a weekly show that blends astute cultural and theological insights with comical conversation.

(29:31-37:28): Milton Quintanilla writes “'You Don't Need Help from Above, It's within Us,' CNN Host Chris Cuomo Asserts” on Christian Headlines. Brian and Ian discuss his words as well as our reliance on God during crisis. 

(38:24-47:49): Heidi Stevens writes “Column: What one mother’s grief can teach us about responding to Chicago’s heartbreaking violence” in the Chicago Tribune. Brian and Ian discuss this heartbreaking story and the reality of violence in Chicago. 

(47:49-56:53): We are joined by Joanne Bratta. She has been the Executive Director for 8 years with Hopeful Beginnings, a nonprofit organization. Joanne is a registered nurse with a bachelor's and master's degree plus a high school teacher and a counselor. She has not only worked in hospitals, clinics, schools but has devoted her professional career to care for pregnant and parenting women. 

(56:53-1:06:17): Ed Stetzer writes “The Generations Present in Your Church, Part 5: Gen Z” in Christianity Today. There are many contributing factors that give Gen Z the unsettledness they have about our world.

(1:07:20-1:15:57): Christian singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan posted an extensive message on his Twitter page explaining that he needs to take a break from social media because of the toxic nature of the feed.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.