The Alisa Childers Podcast

Join Kristin Schwain, former member of ZOEgirl and current worship leader, and Chrissy Katina, a talented photographer and preschool music teacher, as they reunite after 25 years. They share personal life updates, reflect on their time in the Christian music industry, and discuss the pressure of maintaining faith amid deconstruction trends. Kristin opens up about her son Callum’s high-risk pregnancy and the choice she made to keep him. Chrissy shares her struggles with health and voice loss, while all three emphasize the importance of faith in their lives.

Join Abby Halberstadt, author and mother of 10, as she dives into the realities of motherhood beyond social media’s highlights. She passionately discusses her book, 'You Bet Your Stretch Marks,' and redefines stretch marks as beautiful testimonies of love. Abby challenges the culture of victimhood, encouraging mothers to reject negative narratives. She highlights the importance of legacy parenting, practical habits, and the need for gratitude amidst challenges, reminding us that obedience to Christ, even in hard moments, is always rewarding.

Dr. Krista Bontrager, founder of Theology Mom and co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity, discusses her alarming findings about Biola University. She reveals how personal experiences led her to investigate ideological shifts within the institution. Krista shares insights on the clash between Biola's strong doctrinal statements and actual practices, the introduction of DEI initiatives, and troubling student stories of deconstruction. Parents are urged to be informed and proactive in vetting colleges, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in Christian education.

Greg Koukl, a renowned Christian apologist and founder of Stand to Reason, offers insightful guidance for new believers. He emphasizes Christianity as a coherent narrative about reality rather than personal truths. Koukl outlines a five-word framework: God, man, Jesus, cross, and resurrection. He discusses the importance of understanding God’s justice and love, the significance of the resurrection, and practical tips for reading the Bible and finding a supportive church community. This engaging conversation is a perfect resource for anyone starting their faith journey.

The podcast dives into the controversy surrounding Candace Owens' claims about Charlie Kirk's assassination and explores the importance of biblical discernment for Christians. It emphasizes the need for critical thinking over conspiracy theories, highlighting how slander can arise from unverified assertions. Alisa contrasts effective truth-seeking with manipulative rhetoric, urging a focus on Scripture, prayer, and a deeper relationship with Jesus. The conversation warns against gossip and encourages listeners to examine their beliefs in light of the truth.

Dr. Jeff Myers, a Christian leader at Summit Ministries, and Dr. Kathy Koch, a child-development expert, tackle the pressing topic of raising gender-confident kids. They share insights on the rise of gender confusion, the impact of social media, and the importance of teaching children a biblical understanding of gender as a God-given design. Listeners learn about recognizing behavioral red flags, maintaining healthy communications with questioning teens, and practical parenting strategies to empower kids against harmful cultural influences.

Denny Burk, a Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, delves into important discussions about gender and biblical sexuality. He explains the Nashville Statement's intent and its cultural repercussions, highlighting the rise of 'Side B' theology. Denny emphasizes the beauty of gender complementarity rooted in Scripture and warns against modern reinterpretations that dilute biblical authority. He offers hope for parents of children navigating these cultural shifts and champions an identity grounded in Christ.

Join philosopher and seasoned Christian apologist Doug Groothuis as he delves into the art of apologetics. He shares his transformative journey influenced by legends like Francis Schaeffer and C.S. Lewis. Discover the nuances between presuppositionalism and evidentialism, and how each approach aids in addressing faith-related questions. Doug emphasizes the importance of tailoring discussions to individuals' worldviews and stresses that engaging with humility and personal storytelling can effectively resonate with others. For practical tips, Doug encourages believers to be inquisitive and resourceful.

In this engaging discussion, Anna Kitko, a researcher specializing in spiritual abuse and deliverance practices, dives into the troubled history of modern deliverance ministries. She highlights how many of these practices have roots in ancient pagan traditions rather than Scripture. Anna also addresses the concept of iatrogenic harm, where healing attempts can lead to deeper emotional wounds. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of biblically grounded approaches and the need for accountability in spiritual care, encouraging listeners to seek true healing through Christ.

Megan Basham, an investigative journalist and author of "Shepherds for Sale," discusses the backlash she faced from evangelical institutions after revealing their ideological shifts. She highlights six manipulative tactics used to silence critics, including prediscreditation and emotional outrage. Megan also shares her personal battle with stage 3 colon cancer and reflects on the fight for truth in the face of institutional pressure. Her courage and insights encourage listeners to stand firm and engage thoughtfully, despite potential backlash.