The Alisa Childers Podcast

Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids and bestselling author, shares her insights on nurturing children's strengths and understanding their unique personalities. She explores how our gifts can be used for good or evil, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual talents. The conversation touches on the impact of original sin on identity, the significance of engaging with different learning styles, and the dual effect of technology on creativity. Kathy highlights the value of instilling biblical truths in children's lives amidst societal challenges.

Dr. Robert Gagnon, a leading theologian specializing in biblical studies, takes a deep dive into Jesus' teachings on homosexuality. He challenges the claim that Jesus was silent on the subject, emphasizing the traditional interpretation of biblical marriage and sexuality. Gagnon discusses the historical context of the term 'homosexual' in English Bibles and critiques contemporary views. He argues for a male-female binary in sexual ethics, highlighting the importance of adhering to biblical principles amidst societal changes.

Dawn Hill, a former prophet from the New Apostolic Reformation, now heads the Lovesick Scribe ministry, assisting women in breaking free from misleading teachings. In their conversation, she dives into her transformative journey from false prophecy to clarity, sharing insights on the spiritual risks of deliverance ministry and the importance of grounding practices in Scripture. Dawn also emphasizes the need for biblical discernment, especially for nurturing children, and offers support resources for those questioning their faith within the NAR, fostering a sense of community in the healing process.

Bob DeWaay, a former deliverance minister, brings his in-depth research on contemplative spirituality to the discussion. He examines figures like Richard Foster and discusses practices like spiritual direction and contemplative prayer in light of scripture. DeWaay highlights the potential dangers of misinterpreting spiritual practices and emphasizes the importance of discernment in teachings. He challenges the validity of deliverance ministry, advocating instead for a focused relationship with God and traditional prayer over supernatural claims.

Dave Stovall, a worship pastor and former member of Audio Adrenaline, shares his fascinating journey from rock bands to worship leadership. He discusses the challenges of modern worship music, highlighting the tension between personal emotion and theological depth. Stovall emphasizes the importance of worship lyrics that honor God rather than simply evoke feelings. He also reflects on the evolving Christian music industry and the impact of digital distribution on worship experiences, encouraging a return to authentic and meaningful worship.

Historian Adam Claasen, a New Zealand expert in 20th-century history, dives into the fascinating world of Gnostic gospels. He explores the reasons why only Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John made it into the Bible, shedding light on the historical contexts that differentiate canonical texts from Gnostic alternatives. Claasen critiques popular misconceptions, like those propagated by 'The Da Vinci Code', emphasizing the importance of eyewitness accounts and historical reliability in understanding Jesus. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey through early Christian history!

Darren Tyler, pastor of Conduit Church in Franklin, Tennessee, is known for his impactful global missions work. In this engaging conversation, he discusses the challenges of humanitarian efforts in South Sudan and the risks of prioritizing social aid over gospel teachings. He shares his faith journey and the importance of community connections in spiritual growth. The discussion also delves into bridging faiths in Israel, the need for a strong biblical foundation in today's culture, and the complexities faced by pastors navigating contemporary issues.

In this discussion, Dr. Doug Geivett and Dr. Richard Howe, both respected seminaries professors and theologians, tackle the complexities of deliverance ministry and spiritual warfare. They dive into biblical principles, debunk misconceptions about demonic influence, and stress the importance of aligning practices with Scripture. The duo emphasizes the necessity of personal transformation and obedience to Christ in overcoming spiritual battles. They also offer insights on instilling a biblical worldview in children to combat misleading messages in today’s world.

Kirk Cameron, famed for his role as Mike Seaver on 'Growing Pains,' discusses his transformation to Christianity in Hollywood. He shares insights on being a light in a challenging industry and the need for Christians to engage with culture. The conversation spans from the impact of faith in filmmaking, particularly in projects like 'Fireproof,' to the importance of instilling strong values in children's programming. Cameron emphasizes the role of parents in educating the next generation, advocating for a revival of foundational beliefs amidst cultural change.

Dr. John G. West, a political science expert and former professor, sheds light on the drift of Christian leaders toward secular ideologies. He argues that many are identifying more with secular elites than their own faith communities. Discussing his book, he warns of the erosion of biblical authority and values in institutions like Seattle Pacific University. Dr. West calls Christians to uphold core beliefs against societal pressures, urging a return to biblical principles in education and public life.