Patrick O'Connell, director of New Things, has a mission to spread the Gospel of Christ and unify churches everywhere. With Brian and Ian, he shares the story of conversion and how he came to be a church planter and love of the Lord. They dive into Patrick's hopes for the Church both abroad and locally, to come together further in the work of spreading Christ, the significance of collaboration between various denominations and planting churches in Chicago. 

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(0:00-9:41) As Christians face persecution more and more each day, what can be done to actively combat this problem? How can Christians work to stop persecution while still showing the love of Christ? Brian and Ian take on this topic about having trust in the Lord in dark times and still loving on the world, even when the road becomes difficult. 

(9:41-19:26) Oftentimes people of faith feel and act like if they make any mistakes, they are making Jesus look bad and hurting the church. A culture of grace must overcome this mentality in order to combat the ills of the world. Brian and Ian discuss this topic on why grace needs to be more then just doctrine, it needs to become reality. 

(19:26-29:30) Sometimes pastors need to focus their efforts on one person instead of many. But how does a pastor make that call to refocus on a singular individual. Brian and Ian look into the ins and outs of pastoring this way, the impact it can have on people's lives and the effect it can have on one's family. 

(29:20-38:38) What is the purpose of marriage? Is it happiness, love or something greater? One writer details that a greater purpose is to exemplify Heavenly love. Ian and Brian take a deep dive into this and what can be the greater point and purpose of marriage, reflecting the love of God. 

(38:38-49:33) Pope Francis made a statement condemning gossip, especially from a group of Catholic hairdressers. But it begs the question about drawing a line between sharing news and outright gossip. Brian and Ian discuss the dangers of gossip and the higher bar believers need to set in order to combat this issue. 

(49:33-1:00) As science progresses further, Christians at times seem to pull away and resist it. Yet where this is fear, it should be awe and wonder at God's creation, the universe. Brian and Ian offer their thoughts on advancing science, the wonders of the world and what should be a way to approach it as believers. 

(1:00-1:10) Gen Z is being called "the post-truth" generation. Author Sean McDowell comes on the show to discuss his upcoming book 'So The Next Generation Will Know'. With Brian and Ian, they examine what are factors that are causing Gen Z to leave the Church, and more importantly, how they can be reached and shown the power of Christ. 

(1:10-1:16) Brian and Ian's Weird Stuff They Found On the Internet. 

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(0:00-36:25) Patrick O'Connell, director of New Things, has a mission to spread the Gospel of Christ and unify churches everywhere. With Brian and Ian, he shares the story of conversion and how he came to be a church planter and love of the Lord. They dive into Patrick's hopes for the Church both abroad and locally, to come together further in the work of spreading Christ, the significance of collaboration between various denominations and planting churches in Chicago. 

(36:25-57:04) Avengers: Endgame is breaking records everywhere in a short time. Dallas Jenkins comes on to discuss the film's success and what should Christians take away from the power of story and learning about reaching others with the messages of Jesus through the medium. Later, the conversation shifts to what it means to be a Christian storyteller, dealing with critics and not letting the opinoin's of others affect ones mission in creating media.  

(57:04-1:07) Over the weekend the shooting at Poway Synagogue shocked people everywhere. Joel Sims, an elder at Olive Tree Congregation joins Brian and Ian to provide insight into the reactions from the local Jewish community. He shares his thoughts on the rise of Anti-Semitism in the world and what it is the distinction of being a Messianic Jew in today's society. 

(1:07-1:13) Brian and Ian's Weird Stuff They Found On the Internet

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(0:00-10:06) Addison Russell is making the news with his return to playing shortstop for the Cubs after being benched for domestic violence. Brian and Ian take a look at the details of what lead to his being benched, and the time away from the Majors has done to hopefully allow him to reflect on his actions. 

(10:06-19:38) Parents become more and more invested in their children's futures today, sports take a big front seat for potentials in terms of careers and possible scholarships. Brian and Ian discuss the value and importance of sports in the lives of youth, as well as the impact of athletics in their own lives. 

(19:38-28:47) As the new wave of technology prepares to shake the world, it brings both a lot of good and a lot of bad with it. Brian and Ian walk their way through Russell Moore's recent article on the technology revolution and all the things they have encountered in dealing with technology as users and as parents. 

(28:47-38:33) Rachel Held Evans is still in a medically induced coma, and the amount of support from her fans and from others within evangelical circles has been immense. Brian and Ian delve into some of the other major names in the Christian community who have thrown their support her way, even when they are doing it in a rather grudging manner to save face. 

(38:33-49:04) Silence can be a powerful thing, especially in the face of a overwhelming moment of victory. Jim Nantz felt that silence was the appropriate thing when Tiger Woods won the 2019 Masters. Ian and Brian take the conversation a step further on the power of silence, both within moments of victory and moments of loss. 

(49:04-58:08) Focus on the Family is planning a major event for May 4th in Times Square. It will be a celebration of life, with a 4D ultrasound on site. Paul Batura, VP of communications for Focus on the Family, joins Brian and Ian to talk about the event. They discuss its purpose and what will be the hopeful intended outcome of demonstrating to all the power and sanctity of life. 

(58:08-1:08) Human beings by their very nature are emotional creatures, and can go from sad to happy to angry in an stance. But if people bottle up their emotions, and don't let them out or share them, that can lead to some serious burnout, especially at the workplace. Ian and Brian take a look at some details on what this sort of emotional burnout can cause, and why some people are more likely to keep bottling things up instead of letting them out. 

(1:08-1:14) Brian and Ian's Weird Stuff They Found On the Internet

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(0:00-10:16) A recent report revealed the extent of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts organization. Reactions to the news have ranged all across the board. But how should the church react to such things? Brian and Ian tackle a tough topic of what Christ followers should do when the brokenness of the world becomes bigger, and what Christians can do to generate dialogue about these matters.

(10:16-19:56) There is no such thing as a work life balance anymore. A person’s work life has become a stew of things being mixed. Brian and Ian discuss their own experiences of their work lives as pastors and radio hosts bleeding over into their non-work lives. They take a look at the church working to build community with members, both within and without.

(19:56-29:27) Evangelicals are starting to share their faith less and less in today’s world. Which is counter to The Great Commission and great’s command to make disciples of all nations. Brian and Ian take a look at moments of faith-sharing both at churches they’ve been a part of, and their own lives. They also delve into other things that are less within evangelical circles, including prayer for opportunities to share the Gospel and a lack of willingness to step out of one’s comfort to reach non-believers.

(29:27-38:24) Two children were expelled from a Christian school because her mother is unmarried and the children have different fathers. Was this reaction one that will call out the hypocrisy of Christians who judge others or was it justified? Ian and Brian talk about stories of people not being made welcome within the Church and what can and should be done to reach out to others and show them the love of Jesus.

(38:24-49:29) Learning about God does not always have to include music, in spite of the modern culture that heavily incorporates music and worship with discussions about the Lord. But does music equal worship and vice versa? Paul detailed instructions to the early Church about what is a proper method and manner for giving glory to God. Brian and Ian examine these instructions and what are ways that followers of Jesus become distracted in their worship and how to guard against it.

(49:29-59:41) Christopher Smith penned an article recently covering churches that are taking “deliberate steps to relearn the habit of talking together”. But just how can a church, and its pastor and congregation return to having conversations, both on topics that are difficult and easy to navigate? Ian and Brian offer up that there is a lack of real conversation because too many people don’t make the time to chat or constantly shout one another down. They dive into how the walls can be broken down and restore dialogue within places of worship.

(59:41-1:10) Feel good stories constantly circulate the news, giving people hope and offering a bit of sunshine in gray days. But if a person is presented with that opportunity, will they take that step to reach out to a person and make them feel loved, even when they are at their worst. Brian and Ian look at why stories like this inspire people to action and why Christ followers are called to love on those who need love when they are passed by.

 (1:10-1:16) Brian and Ian’s Weird Stuff They Found On the Internet.

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