Good Faith

Dr. Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum, joins host Curtis Chang to reveal the hidden struggles pastors face in their roles. They delve into the emotional toll of declining church attendance and the loneliness many pastors experience, illustrated by Barna Group research. Mark discusses the pivot toward a missionary mindset, promoting community engagement. The duo also reflects on the transformation from traditional ministry to innovative, bivocational paths, highlighting the importance of transparency and ongoing support for spiritual leaders.

National security expert Elizabeth Neumann discusses the rise of extremism within evangelical communities and its implications for democracy. They explore the roots of radicalization, the trend of accepting political violence, and the need to combat extremism within the Christian church.

In this podcast, Washington University professor of law & religion, John Inazu, and host Curtis Chang discuss cultivating empathy and respect in disagreements. They explore legal frameworks and Christian principles to inspire compassionate interactions in a diverse world. Topics include handling conflicts with empathy, navigating disagreements respectfully, and the role of law in resolving conflicts amidst online outrage over COVID policies.

Curtis Chang and David French delve into the multifaceted impact of youth sports culture on both parents and children. They explore how it demands our time, influences our social status, can strain our finances, and even affects our spiritual well-being. Listen as they uncover the hidden costs of turning what used to be play into a semi-professional lifestyle and discuss practical steps we can take to reclaim balance and well-being for our families.   Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!    Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French

Host Curtis Chang engages in a profound and moving conversation with distinguished professor, pastor, and champion of Christian healthcare, John Swinton. Together, they delve into the theology of dementia care, exploring the spiritual dimensions of how God treasures all of His created beings, regardless of their cognitive abilities. Professor Swinton sheds light on the sacred act of caring for those afflicted with dementia and points listeners to the profound truth that God remembers His people, even when their remembrances of this life and His love wane.   Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!    Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French Buy Profesor Swintons Books   Read Professor Swinton’s Essays   

Host Curtis Chang explores the intersection of faith, music, and biblical harmony with acclaimed singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken in a conversation focusing on the craft of scripture-soaked songwriting. While discussing the influences that have shaped Sandra’s art, they unravel the importance of music in our daily lives and worship routines. The pair also share insights from a recent collaboration between the Porter’s Gate and Redeeming Babel that produced a new batch of songs that fosters unity amidst today's political divisions.   Follow our social media accounts to stay abreast of news about “Songs For The After Party” from The Porter’s Gate and Redeeming Babel.   Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French   Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!    See Sandra McCracken on tour: dates here!   Buy Sandra’s Book: Send Out Your Light: The Illuminating Power of Scripture and Song   Music mentioned in the episode:   Psalms (album) by Sandra McCracken   We Will Feast In The House of Zion by Sandra McCracken   Steadfast by Sandra McCracken   Trinity Song by Sandra McCracken   Fool's Gold by Sandra McCracken   Song For Rachel by Sandra McCracken  

We can't get enough of our friend Nancy French! Her debut memoir, “Ghosted: An American Story,” is available now. That's why we decided to revisit host Curtis Chang's journey into the realm of storytelling with Nancy as his guide. By embracing the narratives of our lives and recognizing the divine Author behind our individual stories, the duo urges listeners to explore family histories and origin tales to gain deeper insight into their journeys. Trust us, if you haven't listened to this episode yet, you're missing out on a classic!   Order The After Party Book by Curtis Chang & Nancy French   Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!    Order your copy of Ghosted: An American Story by Nancy French   Free online journaling: https://penzu.com/

Author Nancy French discusses her memoir 'Ghosted: An American Story' with host Curtis Chang, touching on family secrets, transracial adoption, and finding hope in unexpected places. They explore themes of abuse in churches, confronting family legacies, and the challenges of raising a black daughter in America. The conversation also delves into faith journeys, relational healing, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

From Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman to Johann Sebastian Bach, host Curtis Chang engages in a captivating conversation with Good Faith contributor Andy Crouch about the profound significance of music in our everyday existence. Through insightful anecdotes and reflections, they explore how to actively listen to music and let it transcend mere entertainment to become a powerful conduit for meaning, expression, and even spiritual meditation. Join them as they harmonize on the transformative role of music and its timeless resonance in the human experience.   Join us at the “Songs For The After Party” concert in Washington DC on 4/19/24. Buy tickets here! Songs For The After Party: An Evening with the Porter's Gate   Bring The After Party course to your church or small group!    Join the Redeeming Babel Team! https://redeemingbabel.org/we-are-hiring/   MUSIC REFERENCED: Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time V: Praise to the Eternity of Jesus   Johann Sebastian Bach: The St Matthew Passion   Dianne Reeves & The Berlin Philharmonic (feat. Martin Stegner on Viola): “A Foggy Day”   Luke Combs & Tracy Chapman: "Fast Car" at the 2024 Grammys  

Author Kaitlyn Schiess discusses the intersection of faith and politics, analyzing how Christians interpret scripture for civic engagement. Emphasizing the importance of holistic interpretation, she explores the challenges of aligning biblical teachings with contemporary political issues. The conversation delves into personal experiences within church communities, urging a deep-rooted theological understanding for peaceful and just engagement.