The Good Citizen Podcast

As of September 2025, the U.S. gross national debt stands at almost $37.5 trillion with a growth of over $2 trillion in the past year and an average growth of roughly $5.7 billion per day. And earlier this year, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating to Aa1 (down from Aaa), citing concerns over the rising debt and ambitious fiscal proposals. With these developments in mind, what can and should be done to secure America’s financial future? In this interview, Indiana’s State Comptroller (a statewide elected office equivalent to a Chief Financial Officer) Elise Nieshalla explains Indiana’s path from a nearly $800 million deficit to a AAA credit rating and one of the lowest debt levels in the country, what other states and the country can learn from Indiana’s example, and her efforts as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers. Elise M. Nieshalla is the Indiana State Comptroller, fulfilling the duties of the Constitutional Office of State Auditor. Prior to becoming the State Comptroller, Nieshalla served as President of the Boone County Council and President of the Indiana County Councils Association. In addition, Comptroller Nieshalla was the Chairwoman of the Association of Indiana Counties 2023 Legislative Committee and was honored to be named 2018 Indiana County Councilor of the Year. As a hard-working entrepreneur and economic development professional, Comptroller Nieshalla has worked over 20 years in real estate overseeing property acquisitions and business management for a portfolio of investments. From managing and appropriating funds within her local county budget to compiling the State of Indiana’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Comptroller Nieshalla has a proven record of trusted fiscal stewardship of hard-earned tax-payer funds. She is also a strong proponent for the essential combination of transparency and fiscal responsibility to undergird our birthright of freedom. Comptroller Nieshalla earned a bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University and a master’s degree from Indiana University where she also taught as an adjunct faculty member in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She resides with her husband, Chris, in Zionsville where they have raised their four children. She also serves as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers. Key Takeaways: Her call into public life and what inspires her to serve the Hoosier state in elected office. Indiana’s example of eliminating debt, working back to a position of strength, and maintaining its AAA credit rating and low debt levels. Why the national debt matters and must be addressed now. Comptroller Nieshalla’s efforts as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers, including a letter to President Trump and Congress signed by 37 state financial officers concerning the national debt. How concerned citizens should advocate for financial stewardship at the state and national level. The post #392 The National Debt Crisis and How to Respond with Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

What happens when a teacher’s faith collides with a school’s pronoun policy? I recently had the opportunity to join Craig DeRoche on The SoConCon Report to discuss the case of John Kluge. In 2018, Kluge resigned from Brownsburg Community School in Indiana after his religious exemption to a pronoun policy was revoked. His case is now headed to a jury, and the outcome could set a powerful precedent for religious liberty in classrooms nationwide. In this episode, we unpack why this case matters for teachers, parents, and people of faith, and what it means for the future of religious freedom in America’s schools, including: ·     Religious freedom at stake: Kluge’s fight against a school pronoun policy could shape how schools across the country handle faith-based accommodations. ·     Legal insights: Why the court’s rejection of the school’s “emotional distress” claim is a key turning point. ·     National implications: The outcome of this case may set a precedent for teachers, public employees, and people of faith navigating similar cultural battles.The post #391 The Latest in the Pronoun Wars with Craig DeRoche first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In his recent book, Os Guinness explains why the West is facing a “civilizational moment” or a critical inflection point due to our civilization’s loss of connection to its founding principles and inspiration. And he points out that history records only three roads from here: renewal due to rediscovery of founding principles, replacement of those founding ideals, or decline and fall. How did we end up here? And which way will we go? In this interview with author and social critical Os Guinness, we walk through the challenges and opportunities of our “civilizational moment” and explore ways that we can individually and collectively work toward renewal. Os Guinness is an author and social critic. Great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer, he was born in China in World War Two where his parents were medical missionaries. A witness to the climax of the Chinese revolution in 1949, he was expelled with many other foreigners in 1951 and returned to Europe where he was educated in England. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford. Os has written or edited more than thirty books, including The Call, Time for Truth, Unspeakable, A Free People’s Suicide, The Global Public Square, Last Call for Liberty, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity.  Key Takeaways: Link to Our Civilizational Moment. What made America great in the first place. The greatest challenges to the American republic now. His thoughts on the early signs of spiritual renewal in the West. His thoughts on America’s global role in this century. What church leaders and other committed Christians can do to renew our cities and country. The post #390 Our Civilizational Moment: The Waning of the West and the War of the Worlds with Os Guinness first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In his last, powerful sermon in the book of Acts, Paul retells his encounter on the road to Damascus (with a key detail not mentioned in previous accounts of his conversion in Acts 9 and 22), connects the Old Testament prophets to the gospel of Christ, and turns from prisoner to prosecutor as he questions Herod Agrippa II about his belief in Jesus. As one commentator put it, the “king of the Jews…hear[d] about the King of the Jews.” There is much to learn here about personal evangelism, boldness, belonging, and God’s providence as Paul takes the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. Outline: A 4th Defense Paul’s Best Story The Great Call Key Takeaways: The odd story of Agrippa II and Bernice. A comparison of the 3 accounts (in Acts) of Paul’s conversion and why they are different. An exploration of Paul’s evangelism methods. His remarkable exchange with Agrippa II and Festus, and the conclusion of his ministry in Caesarea. The post #389 Acts 26 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Over more than a decade, Greg Baker and his team at the Church Ambassador Network in Iowa have built personal relationships with governing officials, ministered to them, and partnered with them for the common good. These efforts have led to a remarkable partnership with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and HHS Secretary Kelly Garcia, including county and statewide tours to build collaboration between churches and state leaders and the launch of statewide ministries. And Greg and his team are now replicating these efforts in more than twenty states. Here’s an update on these efforts and practical advice and encouragement to build partnerships between these two God-ordained institutions (church and government) in your sphere of influence. Key Takeaways: The latest update on the efforts of the Church Ambassador Network in Iowa and especially the Breaking Bondage tour. The unique relationship with HHS Director Kelly Garcia and the importance of favor over influence. How CAN developed its focus on foster care and key strategies for inspiring the church to engage this issue. The remarkable work of the The Daniel Impact around the country. How Greg maintains his energy and creativity in ministry. The post #388 How to Build and Maintain Strategic Church-State Partnerships with Greg Baker first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

What’s next in the stand for life? In 2022, the Dobbs case overturned Roe v. Wade and sent the issue of abortion back to the states. Now, more than twenty states have abortion bans; but a surprising number of pro-abortion ballot measures have succeeded–even in state such as Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada. And this exposed more than just political opinion as exit polling showed that 1 in 3 self-identified weekly church-going Catholics and Evangelicals voted to enshrine abortion in the Ohio constitution. Now, the issue of the abortion pill is taking center stage as the pill accounts for most abortions; and religious leaders are pushing pro-abortion arguments in the media and in churches. With these developments in mind, how should Christians respond? In his recent book Life After Roe, David Closson explains next steps in the stand for life; and, in this interview, we discuss the book and what Christians should focus on in the coming years. Key Takeaways: Key Biblical passages to review in discussions about life. The importance of church leaders and discipleship in the local church. Recent developments in the stand for life. Where Christians should focus their effort now. Preview of his dissertation on an important topic. Links: David Closson Bio David’s Book: Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today David’s Previous Podcast Appearance The post #387 Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today with David Closson first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Success in the public square is often measured in years or even decades and can be temporary without continued vigilance and effort. This is why persistence is a critical quality for those engaged in public life, and Paul Smith is an encouraging example of this dedication. In this interview, I talk with Paul Smith, the founder of Citizen Impact, about his efforts in supporting Christian education, a more than ten year efforts to protect religious freedom in Georgia, and a remarkable story about 9/11.  Key Takeaways: How God called Paul into public square ministry. A remarkable story about praying outside the White House during 9/11. The path to passing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Georgia. How he supports Christian education. The post #386 The Importance of Persistence in Public Life with Paul Smith first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In Acts 25, Paul once again stands trial for his life before a Roman governor. Accused of sedition against Rome and blasphemy against the temple, Paul uses this trial to assert his innocence, witness to the Resurrection, and appeal directly to Caesar so that the gospel will go to Rome. How does Paul deal with pauses or waiting in ministry, and how does he confidently stand and witness to the Resurrection each time he is tried for his life? And how does the hatred of the Council and the corruption or reluctance of the Roman governors play directly into God’s plan of redemption? All of that and more in this remarkable chapter. Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own. Outline: The Kingdom Comma Paul’s Appeal The Power Couple The post #385 Acts 25 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

The Internal Revenue Service included a critical clarification in a court filing last week concerning pastors and politics. In sum, the IRS stated that a pastor or church speaking about political issues and even candidates to its members does not violate the tax code or jeopardize the church’s tax-exempt status. In this episode, I review what this does and does not mean for churches, as well as some practical considerations for churches following this clarification. Also, I review several key Supreme Court cases and include some thoughts on the legal and cultural trends they represent. Key Cases: Link to court filing concerning pastors and politics: Review of Catholic Charities Bureau V. Wisconsin Labor Review of Medina v. Planned Parenthood Review of United States v. Skrmetti Review of Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services Review of Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond Review of Mahmoud v. Taylor Review of FSC v. Paxton Review of Trump v. CASA, Inc. Key Takeaways: Deference to states and the democratic process. The importance of standing up for truth amidst cultural pressure and uncertainty. The importance of and opportunity for legal innovation. The post #384 Pastors and Politics; Review of Key 2025 SCOTUS Decisions first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

What are the most effective methods for cultivating a Biblical worldview amidst the constant influence of media, culture, and technology? What lessons about spiritual renewal can we learn from the life and times of Jonathan Edwards? What challenges do Christian students face in secular higher education, and how should we practically live out our faith in the public life? In this interview with pastor and theologian Josh Moody, we cover these topics and more with a practical emphasis on disciple-making in a quickly changing culture and practical application of God’s Word to all of life. Josh Moody (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is the senior pastor of College Church. He is the president and founder of God Centered Life Ministries, which proclaims God’s Word worldwide through daily broadcasts on Moody Radio, One Place, podcasts, and live streaming on godcenteredlife.org. He is a theologian shaped by his research in understanding the challenges of the secularization of the Enlightenment to Christian faith and the answers that influential pastor Jonathan Edwards brought, culminating in a doctorate in historical theology from Cambridge University. He did a research fellowship at Yale Divinity School and was a Fellow at the Jonathan Edwards College of Yale University.The post #383 How to Live a God-Centered Life in the Public Square with Dr. Josh Moody first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.