Exploring the church in dark times with Mike Cosper

In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, host Mark Turman engages in a deep conversation with Mike Cosper, creator of the Mars Hill podcast and author of The Church in Dark Times. They explore Mike's background, his journey in church planting, and the impact of the Mars Hill story on contemporary church dynamics. In this conversation, Mike Cosper and Mark Turman explore the complex interplay between leadership, faith, and politics within the church. 

They discuss the dangers of misplaced priorities, the justification of corrupt leaders, and the need for humility and skepticism in leadership. The metaphor of the shoe and the hammer illustrates how Christians often misapply their faith in political contexts. They also discuss the search for meaning in modern society, emphasizing the importance of rooting individuals in the gospel for lasting purpose. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the current geopolitical situation in Israel, highlighting the challenges and implications of ongoing conflicts.

Topics

• (02:33): Mike Cosper's Background and Journey
• (04:15): Faith and Early Influences
• (06:30): The Mars Hill Podcast: Origins and Impact
• (11:47): Reflections on Ministry and Journalism
• (12:04): The Church in Dark Times: Overview
• (16:11): Understanding Ideology and Its Impact
• (25:31): The Banality of Evil and Church Dynamics
• (34:55): The Iron Logic of Leadership
• (36:19): The Shoe and the Hammer: Misplaced Priorities
• (39:12): God's Providence in Political Turmoil
• (41:35): Skepticism and Sensitivity in Leadership
• (44:44): Loneliness and the Search for Meaning
• (48:31): Rooting in the Gospel: A Lasting Purpose
• (53:32): Authority vs. Power in Leadership
• (59:56): Current Events: Israel and the Ongoing Conflict

Resources

• Episode Transcript (PDF)
• The Church in Dark Times: Understanding and Resisting the Evil That Seduced the Evangelical Movement
• The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill
• The Bulletin Podcast
• Christianity Today

About Mike Cosper

Mike Cosper has been creating music, radio shows, and podcasts for more than 20 years. He produced and hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast and is director of podcasts at Christianity Today. He now cohosts a weekly podcast called The Bulletin. Cosper also leads cohorts for church leaders and is the author of four books, including Recapturing the Wonder. He and his family live in Louisville, Kentucky.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.