WRGN ❮❮Rewind

We live in an age increasingly cynical about leadership—some of it for good reason, much of it simply the mood of our times. Still, Christ appoints leaders in his church—not as a burden, but as a gift to his people. “He gave . . . the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12). It was great to have David Mathis on Wake Up Right during Pastor Appreciation Month to talk about his new book on the nature, calling, and work of church leadership, Workers for Your Joy: The Call of Christ on Christian Leaders. This accessible guide aims to serve current and aspiring pastors and elders, as well as church members who want to know the expectations for their leaders and how to pray for them. From the words of Christ to Peter and Paul and Hebrews, the New Testament casts a vision for church leaders that is good news to churches and leaders alike: joyful workers for the joy of their people.

David Mathis serves as senior teacher and executive editor at desiringGod.org, a pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and an adjunct professor at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis. He and his wife, Megan, have four children. He is the author of several books, including Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: October 24, 2022

We loved having Jenn Burkholder and Laura Sarnak on Wake Up Right with us last week to talk about Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse. Listen to Jenn and Laura's stories, be encouraged by the impact of shoeboxes with GOOD NEWS and GREAT JOY being sent around the world, and then get involved by sending shoeboxes! National Collection Week is coming up November 14-21!

DID YOU KNOW? You can even build a shoebox online! Learn more at samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: October 28, 2022

How is technology shaping your walk with Christ and how can Christians think wisely about our use of social media, the rise of misinformation and conspiracy theories, and the growing polarization in our increasingly digital society? That was the topic of our "Tech Tuesday" conversation with Jason Thacker on Wake Up Right. He explores these questions and more in his new book, Following Jesus in a Digital Age. You will not only be challenged on how technology is shaping your walk with Christ, but you will also be equipped with biblical wisdom to navigate the most difficult aspects of our digital culture—including the rise of misinformation, conspiracy theories, social media, digital privacy, and polarization. God calls his people to step into the challenges of the digital age from a place of hope and discernment, grounded in His Word. How will you follow Him in the digital age?

Jason Thacker serves as chair of research in technology ethics and director of the research institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is the author of several books including Following Jesus in the Digital Age and The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. He serves as the editor of The Digital Public Square: Christian Ethics in a Technological Society and co-editor of the Essentials in Christian Ethics series with B&H Academic. His work has been featured at Slate, Politico, The Week, USA Today, Christianity Today, World Magazine, The Gospel Coalition, and Desiring God. Learn more about Jason and his new book at jasonthacker.com.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: October 11, 2022

It was great to welcome Keith Getty, live from his tour bus, to Wake Up Right to tell us about Keith & Kristyn Getty's Christ Our Hope in Life And Death tour, making a stop in Dallas, PA on Sunday, October 30! Hear Keith's vision for their ministry at the beginning of his song-writing career many years ago, as well as his heart for some of their recent releases, impacting the next generation, building up the church, and more. 

Don't miss Keith and Kristyn Getty in NEPA! Learn more and get tickets for the October 30 night of worship as well as a special VIP event with Keith at wrgn.com/events/keith-kristyn-getty-christ-our-hope-in-life-and-death.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: October 10, 2022

Christina Kuc-Masker of Pathways Pregnancy Help Center in Kingston, PA joined us in the studio for a great conversation about the value and impact of Pathways in our community, especially as the church seeks to step up in even bigger ways to create a culture of life here in Pennsylvania. Pathways works to assess options, explore possibilities, and offer hope. Pathways is a resource from a woman's first questions about pregnancy options and parenting, and supports her through her pregnancy and beyond with training, resources, education, and more. Pathways life-affirming staff provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and counseling. Pathways now provides free ultrasounds as a medical clinic, having been working towards this since 2019. Beyond pregnancy, Pathways also provides an education through over 200 classes available for both moms and dads for two years following birth where each class earns points towards diapers, wipes, and more, which helps individuals or couples break cycles of generational challenges.

Pathways is hosting a fundraising banquet in Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, October 13 with special speaker Wendy Burpee, executive director of the Genesis Pregnancy Center. She has an incredible story of her own experiences as a post-abortive woman and survivor of domestic violence. Learn more and register at Pathways' supporter site.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: September 19, 2022

Bethann Miller recently joined us on Wake Up Right to share about her newly released book, The Invitation: Keys to Strengthening Your Marriage. Bethann is the co-founder and CEO of Safe Place, a ministry that provides support, training, care, and guidance to folks serving in Christ-centered ministry throughout the world. She is also a licensed chaplain and board-certified pastoral counselor. Safe Place also hosts marriage intensives with couples to unpack where they've been, where they are presently, and where they want to go.

The Invitation is a handbook that sets the stage for couples to engage in deeper relational connection. It has short discussion questions and a guided prayer at the conclusion of each chapter to foster deeper connection. Learn more at safeplaceministry.org/theinvitation. 

Bethann and her husband Tom will hold The Invitation: A Two-Day Marriage Seminar on Friday, October 28 from 6:30-9:30 pm and Saturday, October 29 from 9 am-4 pm at Restored Church. For more information, visit restoredchurch.org/marriage.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: September 22, 2022

Kurt Weaver, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Pennsylvania Family Institute, joined us on Wake Up Right to talk to us about our calling as Christians following the overturning of Roe v. Wade this past summer. The Pennsylvania Family Institute encourages responsible citizenship and involvement in civic affairs to promote respect for life, family, marriage and religious liberty, and their goal is for Pennsylvania to be a place where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. Kurt shared some of the ways in which the church can help create a culture of life here in Pennsylvania, and invited us to join one of their upcoming Life After Roe events around the state in order to learn and participate, including one right here in NEPA.

The Pennsylvania Family Institute is holding eight Life After Roe events around the state, and their Scranton/Wilkes-Barre regional event will be held at Fellowship Church in Dallas, PA on Sunday, October 16. There is a lot of work ahead for us as we endeavor to protect life in Pennsylvania. The event will include conversations on foster care and adoption, pregnancy care centers, mentoring young moms and dads, advocating for good pro-life legislation, and how the church community can play a bigger role in creating a culture of life. Click here to register, learn more, or find other Life After Roe events in PA. *The event is free but registration is required.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: September 23, 2022

Actor Eric Close joined us on Wake Up Right to tell us about the new movie, The Mulligan! Featuring Eric Close and Pat Boone, Tim enjoyed watching this family-friendly movie about grace and second chances. Based on the popular book by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong, The Mulligan is an inspiring reminder that second chances are only one shot away.

The Mulligan is based on the beloved book by former PGA touring pro Wally Armstrong and bestselling author and business executive Ken Blanchard. This inspiring story about relationships, forgiveness, and priorities is a shot of grace. Golf's gracious do-over, a mulligan, is the beginning of Paul McAllister’s second chance. Guided by the wisdom and advice of the Old Pro, Paul learns about priorities, self-confidence, and playing a good game both on and off the course. The Mulligan is a parable of second chances. Learn more at themulliganmovie.com. For other great family-friendly movies, visit WRGN's Good News Library!

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: September 1, 2022

We had the privilege of talking to Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family, as we launch into the back to school season. We talked about the key role husbands and dads can play in supporting our wives and households during this season, how to lead our families through fostering emotional connection, admitting our weaknesses through authentic leadership, creating a family culture of growth, and more! With practical, simple, doable advice for both moms and dads, Danny shares great input for our families. We know you'll enjoy this conversation with Danny!

Danny and his team have even more great ideas at focusonparenting.com.

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: August 29, 2022

As an author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, Joni Eareckson Tada has inspired people around the world with her story of faith in the midst of suffering. This August, Joni published a wonderful new book, Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls. In this beautiful collection of hymns and devotions she acts as a “song leader,” guiding readers through their own painful seasons with heartfelt praises to God. Songs of Suffering includes 25 hymns with accompanying devotions and photography designed to spark hope in hardship. Opening with a special message from hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, this book is a source of comfort for anyone who needs biblical encouragement, prompting readers to seek refuge in the Lord and rejoice in his goodness. It was a joy to have Joni join us on WRGN, where, like Joni, we seek to use music to encourage you and build you up, whatever season you find yourself in.

Joni Eareckson Tada joins us each morning on Wake Up Right with her 1-minute radio feature, A Moment with Joni. Learn more about Joni Eareckson Tada's ministry, Joni and Friends, here. Learn more about Songs of Suffering here. 

Original air date on WRGN's Wake Up Right: August 5, 2022.