Shelley Milligan is the Managing Director of the Carver Institute, an organization geared towards empowering Christian faculty and students (particularly at secular universities) to serve and connect university, church, and society. She previously served as Associate Provost at Washington University in St. Louis and as the Assistant Head of School at Westminster Christian Academy. Shelley shares her own career journey, where at times she was stepping outside her realm of qualification, and at other times she seemed to move backward in the "success" hierarchy.  Shelley helps us explore how ambition, qualification, and competence function in God's upside-down kingdom where it is often the foolish, weak, and powerless who are called to positions of authority and responsibility.   

Some reflection questions:  Have you had the experience of God calling you outside your comfort or qualification zone? What was that like?   What do you think of Shelley's point that with privilege comes both opportunities and responsibilities?

In this second segment of our two-part interview with former American Senator Jim Talent, Senator Talent and Dr. Doriani talk more broadly about the American political system, the role of citizens in a democracy, and what Christians ought to expect from their elected representatives. He encourages believers to remember that Jesus didn't come to reform people or systems but to make new people and new systems, and that to put too much hope in politics is to put "new wine in old wineskins", and yet we all bear divine authority and responsibility which we must exercise thoughtfully and humbly.

Some questions for further reflections on this episode:

In this episode, Dan and former Senator Jim Talent discuss the timely questions: what are the responsibilities of a politician to the people they govern? What role does faith play in a Christian politician's work? How should we adapt to the changing political landscape we find ourselves in? Senator Talent navigates these big questions with wisdom, honesty, and grace. He says that in politics, as in all things, the Lord cares both for the ends and the means. 

Some questions for further reflection:

The gospel is the anti-success message” - Dr. Joseph “Skip” Ryan. On our podcast we often get to hear stories of people who have had a lot of success in their work. While Dr. Ryan has had many successes in his work as a pastor and a professor, he has also experienced some significant set backs. Skip’s career was majorly detoured when he became addicted to narcotics, but in his failure he discovered a renewed love for the grace of God. If you find yourself struggling with perfectionism, shame, or the burdens of leadership in your work, this will be well worth a listen.

Dan sits down with Phil Ryken - president of one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, author of over 50 books, and formerly a long-time pastor. They dive into some of the questions Christians frequently ask about their work: how do I know whether or not I'm called to this particular career? How do I know when it's time to leave? And is full-time ministry the best/only way to serve? Additionally, they explore the world of academia.

Dan sits down with seven-time Emmy award-winning sportscaster Joe Buck and talks family, legacy, charity, the perils of social media, and of course — sports. If you enjoyed this podcast, check out our Facebook page: Center for Faith and Work, STL to join in the conversation.

How does the idea of a legacy from parents or grandparents impact the way you view your work? What do you think of Joe's critique of social media? Do you ever talk on social media in a way you would not in person? Are there things we can do to use social media more ethically?

Dan speaks with world-renowned surgeon and pioneering medical researcher, Dr. Bruce Haughey. During his career, Dr. Haughey has made enormous strides in the field of Otolaryngology (that is, surgery on the head and neck)—finessing techniques and procedures that have saved numerous lives and improved the quality of life for countless more. He shares his perspective on God's good design—both his design for the human body and his design in gifting and calling Dr. Haughey himself in a particular way. If you enjoyed this podcast, check out our Facebook page at the Center for Faith and Work, STL to join in the discussion!

What is your highest and rarest (or most strategic) gift? Do you feel a responsibility to use your gifts, as Dr. Haughey does, for the good of your neighbor? or for humanity? How does your faith affect the way you approach your work? What special insights does it give you? (Think of Bruce talking about the color coding of certain nerves.)