The Issues Podcast

Where does the Independent Baptist movement stand today, and what does its future hold?

In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen Russ and Tom Brennan take an honest look at the history, strengths, weaknesses, and changing landscape of Independent Baptists. From the rise of fundamentalism and the influence of prominent preachers to the challenges facing churches today, they discuss what has improved, what has declined, and what must not be lost.

The conversation explores doctrinal convictions, biblical preaching, personal evangelism, generational differences, and the importance of learning from the past without repeating its mistakes.

How can Independent Baptists remain faithful to their convictions while addressing legitimate weaknesses? And most importantly, how can churches move forward with a renewed emphasis on the Gospel and the glory of Christ?

A candid, sometimes humorous, and thought-provoking conversation about the past, present, and future of Independent Baptists.

In this episode, Stephen Russ, Tom Brennan, and Martin Wickens continue their discussion on the biblical importance and practical benefits of belonging to a local church. From pastoral care and spiritual accountability to faithful giving, Christian mentorship, and opportunities for service, the conversation highlights how God designed the church to be far more than a place we attend.

The guys also introduce a lively lightning round, tackling everything from artificial intelligence and apologetics to Christian nationalism, conspiracy theories, and a few lighter subjects.

Join us for a conversation filled with biblical insight, practical encouragement, and plenty of humor as we consider why the local church remains essential to a healthy Christian life.

Why does the local church matter—and can listening to sermons online ever take its place? In this episode, Stephen, Martin, and Tom discuss the biblical foundation and practical value of belonging to a local church. From membership and baptism to fellowship, accountability, and pastoral care, they explore how God uses a congregation to help believers grow, serve, and fulfill the Great Commission.

Along the way, the conversation includes an honest debate about the local and universal church, differing perspectives on livestreaming, and an encouraging story of pastors working together to plant another church in their own community. With humor and practical insight, this episode challenges every believer to consider the importance of faithful participation in the life of a local church.

Stephen, Tom, and Martin are joined by Anthony Collins, an active participant in Indiana Republican politics, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of conservatism in America.

They discuss how Trump has changed the Republican Party’s tone, economic philosophy, immigration policy, and approach to foreign affairs—and whether the coalition he built can survive without him. The conversation also includes the personalities who may shape the party’s future, including J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis, and others.

Can Republicans maintain the populist movement Trump created while recovering a clear identity, consistent principles, and a Christian spirit toward those with whom they disagree?

It’s politics, principle, personality, and plenty of discourse on this episode of The Issues Podcast.

This week on The Issues Podcast, we introduce a brand-new segment: “Baptist Behaving Badly”—a look at some of the issues, controversies, and lessons coming out of the Baptist world.

Then we turn our attention to the main topic: Made for Heaven. Heaven is more than simply the place a Christian goes after death—it is the home God is preparing us for even now. Through the church, His creation, His Word, the songs we sing, the people we love, the trials we endure, and our daily walk with Him, God gradually loosens our grip on this world and teaches us to long for the next.

Join Stephen Russ, Tom Brennan, and Martin Wickens for a thoughtful (and occasionally not-so-serious) conversation about how God prepares His people so that when heaven comes, it feels less like entering a strange place and more like finally going home.

The Lindsay Clancy case has sparked intense debate over mental illness, criminal responsibility, postpartum psychosis, and the meaning of justice.

In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen, Martin, and Tom examine the case and wrestle with the difficult questions surrounding it. How should mental illness affect criminal responsibility? What role should compassion play when a horrific crime has been committed? Can we acknowledge the reality of postpartum mental illness without minimizing the lives of the victims? And what happens when public sympathy begins to influence the way society thinks about justice?

Plus, Tom is back—and the guys explain the new live format of The Issues Podcast.

The recent revelations involving Kenny Baldwin have prompted difficult but necessary conversations within the church. In this episode, Stephen Russ, Tom Brennan, and Martin Shipe examine the biblical qualifications for church leadership, discuss how churches should respond when leaders fall into serious sin, and explore practical safeguards that can help protect the vulnerable and strengthen accountability. They also address the importance of transparency, church governance, and maintaining a biblical perspective during times of crisis.

In this special episode of The Issues Podcast, host Martin Wickens sits down with church planters Marty Montgomery and Josh Levesque during the missions conference at Bedford Bible Church.

Through personal testimonies, practical insights, and honest reflections, Marty and Josh share how God led them into church planting, not through ambition, but through surrender, faithfulness, and obedience. They discuss the unique challenges of their fields, from urban ministry in Dearborn to long-term growth in Springfield, while offering encouragement to pastors, young leaders, and anyone seeking God’s direction for their life and ministry.

Whether you’re a church planter, a ministry leader, or simply burdened for the work of the Gospel, this episode will challenge you to trust God’s leading, avoid the trap of comparison, and remain faithful where He has placed you.

In this episode of the Issues Podcast, Stephen and Martin unpack what true spiritual leadership looks like from 1 Corinthians 4, addressing why it is often misunderstood in today’s churches and why fewer young men seem willing to step into leadership roles. They explore the tension between faithfulness and success, the dangers of personality-driven ministry, and the challenge of developing the next generation of leaders.

With honest discussion about ministry realities, delegation, and the long-term work of discipleship, this conversation encourages believers to pursue leadership that is humble, biblical, and ultimately accountable to Christ.

In this episode, we sit down and walk through Job 31 together, unpacking Job’s final defense and what it reveals about true integrity.

As the conversation develops, we explore how Job invites his entire life to be examined from his thought life and purity, to his treatment of others, his handling of wealth, and even his response to his enemies. Along the way, we highlight the nature of integrity and how it flows from a genuine fear of God, not just outward behavior.

If you’ve ever wondered what real, biblical integrity looks like in everyday life, this conversation will give you a clear and challenging picture.