The Faith & Work Podcast

SUMMARY In this episode of the Faith & Work Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Abram Bicksler, agroecologist and leader of ECHO, to explore how science, faith, and stewardship intersect in the world of sustainable agriculture. As part of our Voices from the Workplace series, Dr. Bicksler shares how his calling has led him from rural farms to the United Nations, all rooted in a commitment to creation care and serving the poor. Together, we discuss what faithful scientific work looks like, the church’s role in supporting those in the sciences, and why every occupation—including agroecology—can be a gospel-centered vocation. Do you like The Faith & Work Podcast? Be sure to subscribe! Now available on iTunes and Spotify. HIGHLIGHTS On Your Skills "We need every occupation to be a gospel-center occupation and to use your skills, your god-given gifts, the way that god has wired you to bring about the kingdom of God, right here and right now." On the Role of the Church "I’d love to see the church get more worked up about what's right in front of our faces, in terms of how is our pollution, how are the greenhouse gasses which we are polluting in the world, affecting our neighbors in Bangladesh? How are they affecting the ecosystems and the species that we are losing everyday? How are they leading increased droughts and unpredictability of rain that are causing famine and starvation of our global neighbors." Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV) "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."     RESOURCES Download the Episode Transcript Here Join us on July 19, 2025 in Denver at the American Scientific Affiliation public event to hear more from Dr. Bicksler. Open to all! Check out Biologos for more resources to support the integration of faith and the sciences Other Organizations mentioned: World Relief, World Vision 

SUMMARY In this episode of the Faith & Work Podcast, we talk with Tom Hunt, CEO of Pivot Energy, about leading a clean energy company with purpose. Tom shares how his faith shapes his work in climate innovation, community impact, and workplace culture. From solar panels to leadership challenges, this conversation offers hope and insight for anyone seeking to do good work in a complex world. Do you like The Faith & Work Podcast? Be sure to subscribe! Now available on iTunes and Spotify. HIGHLIGHTS On Hope "One of the really cool things about this industry though, is that we get to take hope from the sun rising every morning. You know, like that is the source ultimately of all this energy we produce is the sun. And so, you know, a day like today, it's a beautiful spring day in Colorado, not a cloud in the sky, the sun shining. There's a lot of political headwinds and yet, you know, I wake up and I look out and like, well, okay, this is... You know, cause it's not just that it's producing solar energy in our projects, but it's this beautiful part of the world. And we get to benefit from that in multiple ways. So that's honestly a key source of hope. And I think that's one of the beauties of God's creation is that, you know, day by day we recognize it's not just about us, that what's in our heads is not the biggest thing out there. And there's all these reminders of that from creation." On Motivation "Well, I think it's always been in the mix... [of] seeing the beauty of creation around us and feeling like part of what I can do to live in a faithful way is to live in harmony with creation as best I can and honor and glorify the beauty of the world around us. So I think that's a big motivator for why I work in clean energy." RESOURCES Download the Episode Transcript Here Learn more about Pivot Energy and their work Subcreation: a term popularized by J.R.R. Tolkien, refers to the act of creating or shaping something within a framework of existing reality, rather than creating from nothing, as God is said to do

In this episode of the Faith & Work Podcast, former Vectren CEO Carl Chapman shares how decades in the energy industry shaped his view of leadership, service, and faith. From navigating environmental challenges to investing in community partnerships and employee well-being, Carl offers thoughtful insights on balancing business priorities with a deeper sense of purpose, and reminds us that it's not that complicated to choose to "do the right thing" at any level of your leadership. Do you like The Faith & Work Podcast? Be sure to subscribe! Now available on iTunes and Spotify.   HIGHLIGHTS 4 C's of Success: Colleagues Customers Community  Capital On Community Impact "That's true today. Customers, many of them, have a difficult time paying their utility bill. And that's something that you have to focus on. We can't just ignore that reality. And so what we saw was a couple of things. One was we thought that we would be able to help our communities. And maybe beyond what the typical business even sees, the utility business is heavily impacted by how strong their community is because of the customers there... So we felt strongly that this not only was the right thing to do, but was also the right business issue because we really could go in and help our communities. That meant we might have conservation programs and efficiency programs for our customers."   RESOURCES Download the Episode Transcript Here

Tariffs are back in the headlines—so what should Christians make of them? Economist Dr. Kenneth Barnes joins us to unpack how trade policies, rising prices, and global tensions intersect with our everyday work and Gospel witness. In a world where economic headlines stir fear, we explore how the gospel reframes our perspective and response. This timely conversation will challenge you to think biblically about policy, productivity, and peace. Do you like The Faith & Work Podcast? Be sure to subscribe! Now available on iTunes and Spotify. HIGHLIGHTS  On Economies of Mutuality "That has also uniquely given us the ability to create technology. And that's important because it's technology that ultimately creates wealth. And so what we do with that and how we treat our neighbors... all comes down to our means of exchange. And if our means of exchange is fair, if it's just, if it's genuinely relational and mutual, everybody benefits." On God's Vision for the Economy Ross Chapman: "If you had to summarize God's vision for economics in a sentence or two, what would it be? How could you make that as clear and understandable based on scripture? What would you say that is?" Dr. Kenneth Barnes: "I would say: Just Flourishing." RESOURCES  Download the Episode Transcript Here Books By Dr. Barnes:  NEW - Sabbath as Resilience: Spiritual Refreshment for a Stressed-Out World Redeeming Capitalism Economic Wisdom Project Free Denver Institute Download - Deep Rest: A Study of Sabbath Harvard Study on Flourishing - Explore the 6 Dimensions of Flourishing  QUOTES “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.” - Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations “God doesn’t need your good works, but your neighbor does.” - Martin Luther DICTIONARY OF TERMS Worker par excellence: being an example of excellence; superior; preeminent Egality: a state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced Abberation: a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome "Bretton Woods Agreement":The creation of a fixed currency exchange rate pegged to the gold standard Macheavellian: cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics Prescient: having or showing knowledge of events before they take place Impetus: the force or energy with which a body move  נוּחַ (nuach): The Hebrew word meaning "to rest" or "to be at rest". It can also imply settling down, remaining, or finding repose. 

Kathy Stewart, a longtime retail professional and personal stylist, who shares how God brings beauty and dignity into everyday retail spaces. Kathy reflects on how the sales floor can be a place of ministry—where stories are heard, confidence is restored, and people are seen as image-bearers of God. She also speaks to the redemptive value of beauty, the challenges of fast fashion, and the quiet power of faithfulness in the workplace. This conversation is a rich reminder that wherever people are, ministry can happen—even in the fitting room. Do you like The Faith & Work Podcast? Be sure to subscribe! Now available on iTunes and Spotify.   HIGHLIGHTS On Beauty:  "I just think in general, this whole conversation, and this is kind of my anthem of beauty is marked as vain, fake, complicated. These are the words we have pegged it as, and I just wholeheartedly disagree. That actually isn't what beauty is. We have distorted it into that. And I think there's a different way, right? When we put beauty on display, we actually reflect our creator. And we are made in his image." On Being Too Much: [Jesus said to me], "So you are one human out of nine billion just right now. So everything you got to give, it doesn't even pale in comparison to who I am and what I have to give. So my daughter, you reflect me, you bear my image, and I'm way more. I'm the galaxies. I'm the galaxies above the galaxies above the galaxies. So you can't be too much because you're a piece of me."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript Join us at WWC25 Nov. 7, 2025! Uncharted International

Aly McCroskey, wedding photographer and host of the Oh Happy Day Podcast, shares a powerful perspective of what it means to live out your faith behind the camera. With over a decade in the wedding industry, she shares how beauty, service, and the Holy Spirit collide on event days. From unexpected rainstorms to soul-deep reflections on identity and calling, Aly’s story is equal parts inspiring and practical. This episode is a vibrant reminder that even in high-pressure, creative work, Jesus shows up. HIGHLIGHTS On Obedience:  "How many times have I not been obedient to the Lord when he was nudging me to do something like that? Because I was afraid, afraid of how my client would act, afraid, you know, would happen forget, you know, that something in or seem inappropriate. And so that was such a good reminder to me to pay attention when the Holy Spirit is nudging you to do something. Because not only is that affecting you and your spiritual life, but it had an effect in my client, who was not a particularly religious person and showed her a glimpse that God cares about her and even small things about the weather on her wedding day." On the character of God: "God reveals aspects of his character to people in their various industries. Like people in medicine know different things about God than I might know as a photographer. And it really takes doing our redemptive work in the world, whatever that is, and sharing about it with others to sort of give humanity a full picture of God is really like and the things that he cares about."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript Learn more about Aly & her work Wild Cotton Photography  Wild Cotton Photography Instagram Oh Happy Day Podcast Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24) And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:9)  

What do you do when work isn’t just difficult—it’s downright painful? In this episode of the Faith and Work Podcast, Jeff Hoffmeyer sits down with author Meryl Herr to tackle the raw realities of workplace hurt. From crushing disappointment to full-blown devastation, Meryl unpacks why work wounds us so deeply—and how we can find a way forward. With wisdom from scripture, real-life stories, and her groundbreaking book When Work Hurts, Meryl discusses the realities of enduring hardship, reclaiming purpose, and even healing from the pain we’ve caused others. Whether you're burned out, beaten down, or just searching for meaning in the chaos, this episode is packed with hope, practical guidance, and a call to be a light in the darkness. HIGHLIGHTS On a Work Hurt: "When we are overwhelmed by work hurt or frustration when it's building up, our light starts to diminish, right? We can't be a bright light for Jesus when we are overwhelmed, I mean, even burnt out, which is even a different metaphor to bring in that kind of work stress metaphor, but to think about how having to contend with all of this brokenness in our work that may be causing." On Discipleship: "You know, we have a job to do as Jesus' followers, and that is to bear witness to God's goodness, to the values of the kingdom, wherever we are, whatever we're doing."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript When Work Hurts: Building Resilience When You're Beat Up or Burnt Out Meryl Herr's Website Meryl Herr's Substack KEEP READING & LISTENING Angry At the Office: How Paying Attention to Our Emotions Can Help Us Understand Our Work Hurt Teach Us To Pray Podcast - Beauty & Brokenness Series  Questions and Charcoal  Because the Night  Sing a New Song  

Dr. Hannah Stolze, a supply chain expert and author of Wisdom-Based Business, explores the biblical themes of valor (chayil) and mercy (hesed) in leadership and work. In this episode, host Joanna Meyer shares Hannah’s keynote from Women Work and Calling 2023, highlighting how wisdom in Proverbs and Ruth shapes ethical and impactful business practices. Hannah challenges listeners to consider: What is the war hymn of your work? Tune in for insights on integrating faith, excellence, and compassion in your daily work.  Do you like The Faith & Work Podcast? Be sure to subscribe! Now available on iTunes and Spotify.   HIGHLIGHTS On a Renewed Vision of Work: "What is the war hymn of your work? In small ways or big ways, what is the redemption story when you go out Monday through Friday? Who will encounter the love of God as a result of your work?"  On a Proverbs 31 Woman: "Rather than reading Proverbs 31 as a checklist for women, we should be reading it as Lady Wisdom herself personified in the marketplace—with valor, with might, with fearlessness as she laughs at the future, but with kindness as she reaches out with the profits of her work."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript Save the Date for Women Work and Calling 2025 on November 7th! Check out more at womenworkandcalling.com

SUMMARY Our guest today is James Ruder, former owner of L&R Pallet and current owner of FenceRight, who joins us to share his journey of faith and business transition interviewed by guest podcast hosts Spencer Williams and Jeff Haanen. After years of leading L&R Pallet and implementing transformative hiring practices, James made the difficult decision to sell the company in 2023. In this episode of the Faith & Work Podcast, we explore how selling a business impacts an owner personally, especially when guided by a Kingdom vision. Join us as James reflects on the challenges, emotions, and lessons he’s learned—and how his faith continues to shape his work today.  Do you like The Faith & Work Podcast? Be sure to subscribe! Now available on iTunes and Spotify.   HIGHLIGHTS On Selling Your Business: "It was like someone absolutely died. Here we are trying to make a good business decision the smart thing we’ve talked about, a financial move… it felt like your grandma just died and someone tells you congratulations."  On Kingdom-Minded Work: "How am I going to use this resource that God’s given us to minister to the people who walk past my office door every day? He just showed us how the missions field can come to us, we don’t have to go to the missions field necessarily…" [Every day was an] “opportunity for impact, what are you going to do with the people that come through your doors?” RESOURCES Download the episode transcript Check out more of the L&R Pallet Story here - FAITH & CO: In The People Business  Get your tickets to Business for the Common Good before they run out!

Kevin Colón, Communications and Community Engagement lead for the Town of Superior, played a crucial role during the devastating 2021 Marshall Fire. As flames tore through neighborhoods, he became a steady voice and guide for a community in crisis. Join us as we reflect on the shocking destruction in LA, where wind-whipped fire caused an estimated $2 billion in damage, and explore how to lead through workplace tragedies with faith and resilience. In times of crisis, leaders can be a beacon of hope—and Kevin will share the powerful lessons God taught him during his tenure in Superior.   HIGHLIGHTS On Leading Through Crisis: "...it wasn't so much pastoral presence, but just regular everyday disciple presence that was able to activate the pastoral presence once the disaster hit. So it's just that everyday faithfulness [...] kind of led to that space of being able to be a pastoral presence when the time came for it to be. But it really, you know, again, what I was doing as a person moving into that space is everything that Jesus, you know, kind of taught us to do, you know, to love Him and to love our neighbor. I'm really glad He made it that simple. Obviously very nuanced and very textured, those two big relationships that we're in. [...] And again, it was that kind of presence every day and that kind of movement every day that fueled and activated everything that I did. Some days it was totally in my wheelhouse knowing how to love my neighbor because I knew how to do it. Some days I was completely out of my depths and I had to rely again on God to teach me new ways of loving people, new ways of engaging people." On trust: "You're either building trust or eroding trust. And especially in this climate that we're in, everybody's skeptical, everybody's cynical. And the way we build that in a work setting is all those basic things, right? It's your work ethic and your attitude and how you handle conflict and how you jump in to unexpected assignments when they're not in your job description and how you treat constituents and residents through email and phone and online."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript EquiSage