We are joined by Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and the host of “Daily Hope” on AM1160. He discusses his humble beginnings in ministry and church leadership and how God used him as a “Trophy of Grace” to build his church. He briefly discusses his record-setting book “Purpose Driven Life” and talks about the immense effort he put in for months to complete it. He calls the text “anointed” and credits the content entirely to God. He ends with a somber, but encouraging word to those suffering from mental illness. He talks about his son and how even though he was gripped by an unrelenting “claw” in his brain, he still touched so many lives and led many to Christ. 

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Dave and Debbie Sanders join us in-studio. Dave is a professor at Judson University, and actually taught Ian. Dave talks about how he and his wife shape each other through serving in ministry and teaching. They lead a ministry called Shepherd’s Tavern that aims to open their home to students in ministry to have a space to rest. Ian also talks about how Dave and Debbie shaped his life as a growing Christian leader. They touch on intergenerational ministry and how they aim to bridge gaps between all believers and eliminate labeling based on generation. 

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(00:00-09:43): “Jesus Came to Proclaim Good News to the Poor. But Now They’re Leaving Church” writes Ryan Burge in Christianity Today. Brian and Ian talk about how the article exposes this startling statistic. How do we change the way we reach and keep those Jesus called us to serve? 

(09:43-38:18): Dave and Debbie Sanders join us in-studio. Dave is a professor at Judson University, and actually taught Ian. Dave talks about how he and his wife shape each other through serving in ministry and teaching. They lead a ministry called Shepherd’s Tavern that aims to open their home to students in ministry to have a space to rest. Ian also talks about how Dave and Debbie shaped his life as a growing Christian leader. They touch on intergenerational ministry and how they aim to bridge gaps between all believers and eliminate labeling based on generation. 

(39:22-1:09:29): We are joined by Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and the host of “Daily Hope” on AM1160. He discusses his humble beginnings in ministry and church leadership and how God used him as a “Trophy of Grace” to build his church. He briefly discusses his record-setting book “Purpose Driven Life” and talks about the immense effort he put in for months to complete it. He calls the text “anointed” and credits the content entirely to God. He ends with a somber, but encouraging word to those suffering from mental illness. He talks about his son and how even though he was gripped by an unrelenting “claw” in his brain, he still touched so many lives and led many to Christ. 

(1:09:29-1:18:56): We are joined via phone by Todd Smith, lead vocalist in Selah. We talk about his worship ministry and how Selah’s music has touched millions. Their new album “Firm Foundation” was released on November 1st, and they kick off their Christmas Tour friday December 6th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tinley Park.

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(00:00-09:34): “Will Worship for Likes” writes Jennifer Swann in Marie Daire. To build their celeb-approved megachurch, Churchome, pastors Judah and Chelsea Smith preach community, love, acceptance, and inclusion. Is their Instagrammable message truly re-framing Christianity or simply helping their church rake in millions? Brian and Ian discuss this.

(09:34-36:56): We are joined by Rev. Alvin Bibbs who shares his amazing stories from childhood, his work as a chaplain, and his work with the Justice Journey Alliance. He shares his experiences living in segregated areas in Chicago as a child, and how the mission of JJA aims to eliminate prejudice and segregation. He discusses the “Just-Us Conversations” events that create a venue where different people from different backgrounds come together to discuss things that “break the heart of God”. He hopes to build bridges between people to create equality and common space. 

(37:59-48:30): “Parents Need Villages, Not Just Public Policies” writes Gracy Olmstead in Christianity Today. American families are floundering for support. The church is a great place to start. Brian and Ian talk about the need for community in motherhood, especially stemming from the church. 

(48:30-1:09:08): We are joined by Nathan Baker-Lutz, who helped start and grow a unique ministry called Beer and Hymns. Information can be found at www.beerandhymnschicago.com He talks about the origin of the gathering, and his experience with people from different denominational backgrounds. He also touches on some push back from people who might be perplexed by the “beer” aspect. Nathan also emphasizes that this is an opening for multi-generational and multi-denominational bridges to be built. Nathan is also a videographer for the Washington Nationals. He shares his experience working for the World Series champs. 

(1:09:08-1:16:23): Brian and Ian’s “Weird Stuff We Found on the Internet”: When a cat scratches you, use a band-aid you panzie. Also, crime pays. Florida is going to need a bigger boat, while polar bear benefits at Omaha Zoo are substantial. Meanwhile, McDonald’s retirement plan does not exist.

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Brian From and Ian Simkins hosted a have a very special edition of the show. Paul Jacobs and Todd Chatman from Food For The Poor Inc. joined Brian and Ian in studio to talk about their mission to provide food for a year and water for life to the impoverished children of Haiti. Please consider donating to Food For The Poor --> www.foodforthepoor.com/wyll

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