Archived: For the Good of the Public

Michael and Phebe return for the second half of Season Two of For the Good of the Public podcast with six conversations from last year’s For the Good of the Public Summit. We start this week with a talk by Romanita Hairston, CEO of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, a 50-year-old organization that partners with non-profit organizations and community leaders around the Pacific Northwest to invest in transformational ideas that enable the region to flourish. Romanita is a respected national leader who not only guides the Murdock Trust, but shapes the entire philanthropic sector’s approach to strengthening democracy. In her talk, she shares her vision for the role philanthropy can play in shaping and supporting civic life, drawing on her experience leading the Trust, her broader philanthropic experience and her faith. She believes philanthropy can lead the way to civic renewal through these highly polarized times within a trifecta society, the civic and social sector, and its relation to faith.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Romanita is someone with real vision for the future of philanthropy." -Michael [02:57]“One of the reasons why we wanted to host this conversation is because we believe philanthropy is an essential and powerful lever in the work towards civic renewal.” -Phebe [03:27]“The best gift we give is love. Transforming enemies into friends, healing the divides, and honoring diversity. Not only can we all be philanthropists, we in fact, all are philanthropists, with every choice we make for our time, our resources, and our money to different degrees.” -Romanita [24:51]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[04:46] About the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust[09:57] Philanthropy in the tri-sector[13:56] Philanthropy's role within the civic and social sector[18:59] Philanthropy in faith[22:38] In summary[25:43] An act of prayer[26:42] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitRomanita HairstonM.J. Murdock Charitable TrustSteven GarberVisions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good by Steven GarberCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifePodcast: For the Good of the PublicMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeNew Updated Feed Here!New Podcast

We want to bring our communities together by combining our podcast feeds! You can continue to stay up to date and follow For the Good of the Public Podcast at our new home HERE or search for "For the Good of the Public" on your favorite podcasting app.For the Good of the Public brings you daily news and weekly conversations at the intersection of faith and civic life. Monday through Thursday, The Morning Five starts your day off with scripture and prayer, as we catch up on the news of the day together. Throughout the year, we air limited series on Fridays to dive deeper into conversations with civic leaders, thinkers, and public servants reimagining public life, for the good of the public.Mentioned in this episode:New Updated Feed Here!New PodcastThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

Michael and Phebe close out the first half of Season Two of For the Good of the Public podcast with a benediction by Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Chief Impact Officer at Christianity Today, Founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries and founding board member for the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Dr. Nicole talks about hope as a metric for success and the key ingredient for having a peaceful life. Hope is part of our Christian life, and she reminds us through the inspiration of Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” why it’s important to have hope in the midst of hopefulness with God’s strength. For the Good of the Public podcast will return with new episodes in September. Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Hope is something that actually makes a difference in our everyday lived realities, and it is something that is cultivated in our communities. It’s cultivated in our churches. It’s cultivated by a faith in the everlasting love and salvation of Jesus Christ. And it’s actually an essential resource for public life.” -Phebe [01:34]“Nicole is very much someone who embodies our mission, our identity as an organization. She is an incredible leader.” -Michael [02:07]“The challenge of our faith isn’t just to have hope in good times. The challenge of our faith is how do we have hope when everything around us looks dismal, horrible, hopeless.” -Nicole [11:06]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[02:54] About Rev. Nicole Massie Martin[03:33] Habakkuk 3:17-19[10:06] Hope in absolute chaos[14:08] It’s our job to see the .1%[18:50] Shaping us for the call[26:16] OutroREFERENCESNicole Massie MartinChristianity TodaySoulfire International MinistriesNailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender by Nicole Massie MartinFor the Good of the Public SummitI Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya AngelouReclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America by Michael WearCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeNew Updated Feed Here!New Podcast

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, we hear from Rachael Denhollander about Christian resources for confronting abuse. Rachel is an attorney, educator and author who was the first person to pursue criminal charges against Larry Nassar, USA gymnastics team’s doctor, in 2016. Her act of activism inspired other women to come forward and has turned her experience into becoming a powerful advocate and consultant about the realities of abuse. Rachael provides a stirring, challenging keynote address on what is required to build a culture that recognizes human dignity and opposes abuse. Content Warning: This episode contains material of a highly sensitive nature including sexual abuse that may be triggering for some individuals.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“Rachael shows us how we can draw from the resources of the Christian faith to gain insights that get closer to the heart of reality than we would otherwise.” -Michael [00:49]“One of the most meaningful aspects of the talk for me was hearing Rachael reflect on the character of God. She talks about how throughout scripture, God is referenced as a refuge and a safe place, and an ever-present help in trouble. And that is exactly what the church should be, and most importantly, the people within the church that are a safe place to come to.” -Phebe [02:27]“What I find so beautiful as a Christian is that as Christians, we are actually uniquely positioned to speak to a culture of abuse, and to bring hope to those who have suffered devastating wounds.” -Rachael [18:32]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[04:01] About Rachael[06:39] A starting point[10:07] Who was the most helpful?[18:51] Just and unjust[23:23] A few framework concepts[27:56] OutroREFERENCESRachael DenhollanderCNN: Read Rachael Denhollander’s full victim impact statement about Larry NassarWhat Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics by Rachael DenhollanderFor the Good of the Public SummitMere Christianity by C. S. LewisCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:New Updated Feed Here!New PodcastThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a panel discussion with pastors as they think about their approach to leading their congregation during this current political moment. Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Chief Impact Officer at Christianity Today and founding board member of CCPL, leads the discussion with Lisa Cummins, Founder of Urban Strategies, Duke Kwon, Lead Pastor at Grace Meridian Hill and co-author of Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair and Chris Butler, Director of Christian Civic Formation at CCPL and a pastor at Ambassador Church (formerly Chicago Embassy Church Network). They consider the role of clergy when it comes to politics and the local congregation. Their deep insights grounded in practical experience help show how Christian resources provide crucial support for a healthier politics that benefits from positive Christian contribution. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“I think there’s an important role that spiritual leaders–pastors in particular–in our calling, we are called to testify to a transcendent reality… So when our eyes are only fixed at ground level, and our conversations are only engaged in a cacophony of discording voices and vitriol and anger and fear and wrath, that deforms the soul, even of the pastor herself or himself.” -Duke [29:23]“I think that there is an opportunity for us to begin this conversation–a healthy conversation, biblically-rooted conversation–about what it means to be politically involved using the Good Word, publicly engaged and loving our neighbors.” -Lisa [45:16]“I’m a preacher’s kid. So I remember when we were growing up, my dad never said the name of the political candidate from the pulpit, because of fear of losing the 501(c)(3). This feels like a different age where preachers are very, very flippant. I mean, they just use anybody’s name as a positive or a negative.” -Nicole [1:02:04]“You have to dig in and do the work to allow the Holy Spirit to give your words that are going to wake people up and not shut them down.” -Chris [1:02:56]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[07:19] Meet the panelists[14:09] Handling political engagement[26:16] The role that fear might play[28:32] How to avoid co-opting to a particular agenda[36:44] The role of the church right now[46:31] A prophetic word[52:56] Love your neighbor and your enemy[55:59] Immigration and how we speak about immigrants[59:56] Addressing political discipleship[1:08:41] OutroREFERENCESThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life by Michael WearChris Butler, Director of Christian Civic Formation at CCPLMinistry Leaders Interest SurveyChristianity TodaySoulfire International MinistriesUrban StrategiesGrace Meridian HillReparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair by Duke L. Kwon and Gregory ThompsonAmbassador Church (formerly Chicago Embassy Church Network)Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement by Chris Butler, Justin Giboney, and Michael WearFor the Good of the Public SummitThe Divided Mind of the Black Church: Theology, Piety, and Public Witness by Raphael G. WarnockCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:New Updated Feed Here!New PodcastThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael shares his in-depth conversation with Jessica Grose, a columnist at the New York Times, about her five-part series on how Americans think about religion today. Jessica dives into some of the trends she discovered through her reporting, and explores what Americans value, or miss, about religious experiences in modern America. Michael and Jessica also talk about Artificial Intelligence, and consider the potential for AI to help, or deepen, loneliness and social disrepair. Jessica’s approach to writing about these issues with a degree of earnest curiosity provides a fresh, essential perspective regarding how we think about religion and modern life. As a bonus: don’t miss Michael’s effusive reflections on Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird. Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“It is just so rare to have someone who is approaching these things with an attempt to look at religion with fresh eyes, and that’s what Jessica’s really able to do in this series. I think it’s what she’s able to convey in this conversation that we have.” -Michael [01:14]“A distinct good that Jessica talks about in her interview is churches being a place where people can find meaning and belonging and enriching friendship.” -Phebe [03:35]“The best part of it has been opening up a space for people to talk about their faith.” -Jessica [14:53]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[06:25] What Lady Bird teaches about religion[10:12] Inspiration behind Jessica’s writing[13:57] Her contribution to the conversation[17:35] The role religion can play[21:48] The “Nones” and spiritual but not religion[26:42] AI and loneliness[29:36] Jessica’s personal story and what’s next[34:48] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitJessica GroseJessica’s columns for the New York TimesWhat Churches Offer That ‘Nones’ Still Long For By Jessica GroseLady BirdGeneration Z and the Future of Faith in AmericaWall Street Journal: More Americans Left Religion During the PandemicLoneliness Is a Problem That A.I. Won’t Solve by Jessica Grose‘Nobody Wants This’ Pits Jewish Women Against ‘Shiksas.’ Nobody Wins. by Jessica GroseCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:New Updated Feed Here!New PodcastCommunity of Young Christians in PoliticsYoung Christians NetworkThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a presentation from Tim Dixon, co-founder of More in Common, a leading international non-profit that seeks to understand the polarizing forces in our civic and cultural life and build strategies and partnerships to find common ground solutions. Tim highlights key findings that were discovered in More in Common’s recent report called Promising Revelations: Undoing the False Impressions of America’s Faithful, that uses data and research to understand how America’s polarization is playing out among Evangelical Christian, Mainline Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Latter-day Saint communities. Interviewing over 6,000 Americans with a specific focus on Christian, Jewish and Muslim Americans, the study reveals myths about faith in America today, but also a more hopeful perspective on what it means to be a person of faith and a clearer view of religion in American public life.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“What I love about More in Common is that they’re committed to data. They’re committed to research. They’re also committed to not making things worse than they appear. They’re committed to not just generating conflict for conflict’s sake. Tim–in this talk–actually sees ways in which maybe we’re overestimating how divided we are, overestimating how intractable some of our differences might be and I thought that was a good way to set the tone for the summit in 2024.” -Michael [00:37]“While Tim acknowledges that this is a distinct crisis facing our churches, that there is so much division in specific faith congregations, it also is the biggest opportunity. And he acknowledges that local churches is actually where change will take place and trust will be built.” -Phebe [02:04]“We’re still a country of faithful people. Yes, there’s a decline. Yes, there’s a change, and yes, I think there’s a lot of evidence of spiritual crisis, but the pews aren’t empty. And this is still a far more religious nation than other Western countries.” -Tim [23:17]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[05:59] Surveying over 6,000 Americans[07:52] The deepest story they found[13:34] Faith in politics[20:02] The perception of decline[23:34] Religion intolerance[26:07] Two other interesting findings[30:49] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitTim Dixon, Co-Founder of More in Common GlobalPromising Revelations: Undoing the False Impressions of America’s FaithfulCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeCCPL Short Survey for Pastors and Ministry LeadersNew Updated Feed Here!New Podcast

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael Wear, Founder and CEO, and Phebe Meyer, Chief of Staff, of Center for Christianity & Public Life (CCPL), reflect on the meaningful and thought-provoking conversations from the second annual For the Good of the Public Summit, starting with Michael’s opening keynote. CCPL provides a hospitable place for speakers—from civic leaders to advocates to journalists and politicians—to reflect on some of the most pressing issues in public life today and what Christianity has to offer for a healthier politics and public life. While these conversations occurred a month prior to the 2024 Presidential Election, they will provide important context for the issues occurring today.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“It’s not only a summit where we cover a lot of deep and heavy topics, but it’s also genuinely fun. People come away from the summit having made new connections and friends and really having felt like they were at an event that has a generous and hospitable spirit to it.” -Phebe [04:18]“In order to truly engage with what’s happening nationally, you need to be attentive to what is happening within your own spirit. You need to be attentive to the kind of person you are becoming in the midst of all of your thinking about structures and systems. You need to think about who you are, who you are becoming and what you are doing.” -Michael [17:07]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[02:08] The work of CCPL[04:46] The approach to the summit[07:02] Being responsive to the moment[09:58] A keynote address for today[19:14] Sometimes a summit is called for[23:38] Christianity still has much to offer America[27:29] Spiritual formation is central to civic renewal[31:07] On the lookout for light[33:06] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitCCPL’s 2024 Annual ReportMartin Luther King Jr.’s Nobel Prize Acceptance SpeechSargent Shriver‘s Address to the National Conference of Catholic CharitiesNew York Times: CHRIST IS DECLARED ALWAYS WITH MAN; He Confronts Conscience All Through Life, Dr. B.E. Mays Says in Riverside SermonCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:New Updated Feed Here!New PodcastThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

The Center for Christianity & Public Life returns with another season of our podcast, For the Good of the Public. Michael Wear, Founder and CEO, and Phebe Meyer, Chief of Staff, review some of the most impactful sessions from CCPL’s 2024 For the Good of the Public summit, which brings together civic leaders, organizations and individuals who care about the public good to learn, dream and work together. In the coming weeks, we invite you to listen to conversations with Rachael Denhollander on preventing abuse, Former Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger about democracy and Murdock Trust CEO Romanita Hairston on how philanthropy can strengthen our democracy along with other topics such as creating a culture of care and the future of religion in America.Connect with Us:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:New Updated Feed Here!New Podcast

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe share a conversation about service and volunteerism, highlighting leaders that show what Christians are doing to build a culture of service in their own communities. Phebe moderates as the panelists–Bryant Wright, President of Send Relief, Josh Dickson, Vice President of Public Policy at United Way Worldwide, and Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley–discuss their work in helping others by restoring human dignity and building trust. Sister Norma is also one of the first two recipients of the CCPL’s Civil Renewal Award, which honors Christians who show exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of their communities and nation. Jonathan Keller received the award on behalf of his father, the late-Rev. Timothy Keller. The talks from the awards ceremony are not included in the podcast, but are available on the website and Youtube channel.Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!“The message of this panel is that this is what Christians are doing in their own communities at very local levels every day. It’s something that each of us can do as we go about our lives, and it’s those kinds of contributions that really make up the fabric of this country and make life livable for so many.” -Michael [02:18]“Each of you have a wealth of experience working with faith groups or individuals who are motivated by faith. What motivates Christians to serve?” -Phebe [07:37]“I think that’s key to what our faith moves us forward to do–to help others–because we’re able to see the need and the struggle, and we want to be able to restore that dignity of the person that is in need of that.” -Sister Norma [11:55]“One thing I would encourage you folks on is don’t give up on the local church, because you’ve got the largest manpower of volunteers in local churches all over the world.” -Bryant [26:03]“It’s important to get offline a little bit and to get into community. I think that too often people are sitting on screens and only on screens, and I think where I have seen the most moving, formative, influential and impactful work happen is person-to-person with people.” -Josh [28:09]TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[03:16] This week’s guests[07:05] Restoring human dignity[17:13] The church is the heartbeat[22:59] Building that trust[24:28] How to build a culture of service[29:11] Current trends and innovations[32:34] OutroREFERENCESFor the Good of the Public SummitNew award honors Tim Keller and Sister Norma Pimentel for civic renewalCatholic Charities of the Rio Grande ValleySend ReliefUnited Way WorldwideBeyond the Offering Plate: Views on VolunteeringCONNECT WITH US:Website: www.ccpubliclife.orgX: @CCPublicLifeFacebook: Center for Christianity & Public LifeInstagram: @ccpubliclifeMentioned in this episode:The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeThe Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public LifeNew Updated Feed Here!New Podcast