
Mere Christians
How does the gospel influence the work of Mere Christians—those of us who aren’t pastors or religious professionals, but who work as entrepreneurs, baristas, and accountants? That’s the question this podcast explores every week as Jordan Raynor interviews guests across the widest variety of vocations.
Latest episodes

Feb 5, 2025 • 38min
Mark Batterson (Author of A Million Little Miracles)
Mark Batterson, a New York Times bestselling author and Lead Pastor at National Community Church, dives into the synergy between faith and work. He discusses the concept of a "personal Mount Rushmore" to inspire creativity. Mark emphasizes the joy and playfulness in the workplace, highlighting how a sense of wonder can deepen our spiritual connection. He shares stories of George Washington Carver and the importance of memorials of grace, encouraging listeners to recognize the divine calling in their everyday tasks.

6 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 38min
Dr. Denise Daniels (Author of Religion in a Changing Workplace)
Denise Daniels, a professor of entrepreneurship at Wheaton College and co-author of 'Religion in a Changing Workplace', dives into the intricate dance of faith in the workplace. She reveals surprising research indicating non-Christian colleagues are eager to discuss faith but dislike being treated as projects. Daniels also challenges the notion of 'Christian businesses' and emphasizes the need for authentic conversations about faith, particularly among a younger, more disengaged generation. Her insights encourage fostering inclusivity through faith-based initiatives.

Jan 22, 2025 • 39min
Peter Greer (Co-author of Lead With Prayer)
How to “leave the phone off the hook” to commune with God while you work, how to move from duty to delight in prayer, why I plan on showing up to meetings 5 minutes early from now on.Links Mentioned:Peter GreerPeter Greer on XPeter Greer on InstagramPeter Greer on LinkedInPeter Greer on FacebookHope InternationalLead with Prayer: The Spiritual Habits of World-Changing LeadersLead with PrayerLead with Prayer ToolsRyan Skoog on LinkedInCameron Doolittle on LinkedInJill Heisey on LinkedInTimothy Keller BooksThe Practice of the Presence of GodJordan RaynorJordan Raynor Books

Jan 15, 2025 • 38min
Shannon Doss (Social Worker)
How to ensure you aren’t stealing from your employer when you work from home, how Shannon’s repentance led to spiritual conversations at work, and why you should consider “following your pain” rather than your passions as you make career decisions.Links Mentioned:Shannon Doss on LinkedInCandice Levert (IT Operations Manager)Josephine ButlerUnoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life BetterThe Truth About Us: The Very Good News about How Very Bad WeMere Christians CommunityJordan Raynor

Jan 8, 2025 • 40min
Dr. Mark Shrime (Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Ships)
How Mark’s 3 appearances on American Ninja Warrior sharpened his skills as a doctor, how the gospel compels him to think differently about “The Checklist Manifesto,” and why he felt he could die happy during a near-death experience.Links Mentioned:Dr. Mark ShrimeDr. Mark Shrime on XDr. Mark Shrime on InstagramDr. Mark Shrime TEDxMercy ShipsAmerican Ninja WarriorSolving for Why: A Surgeon's Journey to Discover the Transformative Power of PurposeEpisode Scott Harrison (Founder of charity: water)When Breath Becomes AirThe Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel)Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect ScienceBeing Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the EndThe Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things RightAtul GawandeMr. RogersC. S. LewisTransitions (40th Anniversary Edition): Making Sense of Life's Changes The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful GroupsJordan Raynor

9 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 50min
Graham Cochrane (Author of Rebel)
In this engaging discussion, Graham Cochrane, a bestselling author and TEDx speaker, dives into the conflict between Christian guilt and personal dreams. He shares his transformative '50 Dreams' exercise to help listeners discern God's voice. Graham explores how ambition can align with faith, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and creativity. He also offers insights on inviting the Holy Spirit into work life for impactful decisions. This conversation inspires a fulfilling life driven by divine purpose and personal aspirations.

Dec 25, 2024 • 39min
Daniel Darling (Author of The Characters of Christmas)
How Jesus’s vocation assigns eternal meaning to your “non-spiritual” work, what the shepherds can teach us about how to lead well today, and the #1 book I recommend for overcoming insecurity at work.Links Mentioned:Daniel DarlingDaniel Darling on LinkedInDaniel Darling on InstagramDaniel Darling on XThe Character of ChristmasThe Characters of EasterHidden ChristmasThe Freedom of Self-ForgetfulnessThe Reason for GodEvery Good EndeavorKnowing GodThe Hiding PlaceJordan Raynor

Dec 18, 2024 • 53min
Dr. Kennon Vaughan (Lead Pastor at Harvest Church)
Kennon Vaughan, Lead Pastor at Harvest Church and founder of Downline Ministries, shares his life-altering near-death experience from a plane crash. He discusses how misconceptions about the Great Commission can hinder workplace purpose and advocates for 'doing less' and 'abiding more' to effectively disciple. Kennon emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships and faith during tragedy, and he reflects on integrating spiritual growth into everyday life, all while encouraging intentional family connections and meaningful engagements in faith.

Dec 11, 2024 • 29min
Bob Goff (Author of Catching Whimsy and Love Does)
What it looks like to be “whimsically available” to others at work, how to make the shift from “will it work” to “will it last” in your work, and how God can use working in adventurous places like Disneyland and Kennedy Space Center.Links Mentioned:Bob GoffBob Goff BooksCatching WhimsyDream Big Podcast with Bob Goff & FriendsBob Goff on XBob Goff on InstagramBob Goff on FacebookBob Goff on YouTubeMaria Goff on InstagramCal NewportPeter PanJordan Raynor

Dec 4, 2024 • 41min
Robin John (CEO of Eventide Asset Management)
Robin John, CEO of Eventide Asset Management, is dedicated to aligning investments with biblical values. He shares the six criteria that guide Eventide’s approach to create joy through responsible investing. The conversation delves into the idea of success defined by faithfulness rather than worldly gains. John emphasizes ethical investing for community upliftment and how every occupation can serve as a means to glorify God. Plus, he shares insights on impactful reads that blend faith with work, encouraging a joyful vision of our roles in society.
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