The Good Citizen Podcast

Pastor Tate Throndson leads a growing church he planted in Colorado, and he developed strong concerns about a recent Colorado bill challenging parental rights (HB 1312). In addition to preaching on Biblical principles related to identity and human sexuality, he signed up and showed up to testify against HB 1312—along with more than 700 other Coloradans. In this interview, Pastor Throndson explains why and how he engages in public life, how he disciples his congregation in the area of citizenship, his experience at the Colorado State Capitol at the hearing on HB 1312, and why other church leaders and committed Christians should promote Biblical principles in their churches and in the public square. In late March of 2025, legislators in the Colorado House of Representatives made national news by introducing HB 1312—a bill that ominously defined the act of a parent referring to a child according to that child’s biological sex as “coercive control.” This bill also allowed a trial court to withhold parenting time and even make custody determinations based on “deadnaming” (using a child’s birth name) or “misgendering” a child. Some of these startling provisions were removed from the bill before final passage by the Colorado Senate, but the bill still adds “deadnaming” and “misgendering” to Colorado’s nondiscrimination law. And Colorado Governor Polis recently signed the bill into law. Key takeaways/links: HB 1312 as introduced HB 1312 as signed Two members of Castleview Baptist Church talk about their experience at the hearing on a parental rights bill Lawsuit by Colorado parents challenging HB 1312 Lawsuit by clothing company challenging HB 1312 Camp IdRaHaJe Lawsuit The post #379 The Challenge to Parental Rights in Colorado with Pastor Tate Throndson first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

How should disciples of Jesus navigate a society clawing itself apart through politics? Should we disengage? Pick a side? Offer slogans which sound nice but express little? Insist that true Christians vote in such-and-such a way? Pursue tranquility by making contentious topics off-limits for church?  Can we lean into the issues and love well?  Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World suggests that disciples of Jesus navigate a politically divided world . . . by being disciples of Jesus. Jesus models the character and provides the tools we need to live as perceptive and peaceable in volatile times. [from book description] In this interview with the book’s author’s, we discuss key points of public theology and practical application and dig into some of the key questions they ask and answer in the book.  In their book, Whittaker and McCoy invite you to answer 21 questions, including: What is the purpose of government? Do you know the times you’re living in? What hills are worth dying on? How do you pray for your nation? How do you figure out what’s right and wrong as a Christian? What does Christianity teach about the bedroom, womb, deathbed, environment, and battlefield? Resources https://renew.org/product/following-jesus-in-a-politically-divided-world-an-interactive-guide-to-21-questions-on-christianity-and-politics/ https://listenerscommentary.com/ renew.org  The post #378 Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World with John Whittaker and Daniel McCoy first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the future—it’s a present-day reality transforming society and even impacting the church. In this episode, we unpack the rapid development of AI and the opportunities and challenges of the gaming world and what it means for church leaders and other committed Christians today. From evangelism through gaming and sermon prep tools to ethical dilemmas and deepfake risks, the AI revolution presents both remarkable opportunities and serious challenges for ministry. David Beatty is the Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in New Braunfels, Texas. He has also worked at high tech companies and is passionate about creating immersive and engaging experiences that connect people and communities across the world. And he maintains an expertise on the metaverse, gaming, and developing technologies. In this episode, we explore how pastors and other Christian leaders can steward this technology wisely, equipping their congregations to think biblically in a rapidly changing digital age. What are the opportunities and proper safeguards when it comes to gaming? How can churches leverage AI and other developing technologies for kingdom impact? And how can the church both leverage these technologies while remaining the conscience of our society as we face this technological frontier?  Resources: Know Thy Gamer: A Parent’s Guide to Video Games: https://www.amazon.com/Know-Thy-Gamer… Gaming and the Heroic Life: A Quest for Holiness in the Virtual World: https://www.amazon.com/Gaming-Heroic-… 2084 and the AI Revolution, Updated and Expanded Edition: How Artificial Intelligence Informs Our Future: https://www.amazon.com/2084-Revolutio… The post #377 How to Navigate the AI Revolution with David Beatty first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In Acts 23, Paul stares down the Jewish Sanhedrin, reprimands and then apologizes to the High Priest, calls a question that redirects the energy of the Council to internal division while focusing on the resurrection, and earns an all-expense-paid trip to the Mediterranean seashore (Caesarea) due to a plot on his life. In all this, Paul shows his mastery of cultural, religious, and even political realities; his dedication to the gospel of Christ; and his reliance on divine providence to carry him safely from Jerusalem to his ultimate destination: Rome. 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 Great Question The Hungry Forty Unlikely Bodyguards Key Takeaways: Review of the political, cultural, and religious realities and how Paul navigated them. Why we should honor governing officials for their position, even if we disagree with them personally. The consistent theme of Christ’s encouragement to Paul–and us. Why we should trust divine providence in our lives and ministries. The post #376 Acts 23 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Last week, we worked through some generational distinctives and effective methods for equipping members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to share and live out their faith. This week, we focus in on the area of Christian citizenship and hear from a member of Gen Z engaged in public life. In this episode, guest Birjan Crispin shares his remarkable story that began in a Bulgarian orphanage, how he became a follower of Jesus, and how God led him to impact the public square. We also discuss the spiritual condition of Gen Z, how Gen Z thinks about the church and its role in public life, and how ministries can effectively disciple the next generation in the area of Christian citizenship. Birjan Crispin is the Deputy Director of The Good Citizen Project, a Hope College graduate (’20) – B.A. Business & Political Science, a former legislative aide with the Indiana House Republican Caucus, graduate of the Heritage Foundation’s Leadership Fellowship Academy, the Leadership Institute’s Young Leaders Program, and Indiana Family Institute’s Hoosier Leadership Series Class of 2024. He is also a speaker and author.The post #375 Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Christian Citizenship with Birjan Crispin first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

What are the obstacles to and most effective methods for equipping members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha to share and live out their faith? In this episode, we explore some generational distinctives and the challenges and opportunities created by recent changes in culture and technology. Then, we focus on practical ways to teach and model Christianity so that members of these generations develop a resilient, active faith in quickly changing times.The post #374 How to Engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In Acts 22, Paul quieted a mob intent on killing him just minutes before, recounted his conversion and calling, and put his Roman citizenship to work to further his ministry. Paul truly became all things to all men (I Cor. 9:22), and Acts 22 is a masterclass on how to navigate cultural differences and even use legal protections to promote the gospel. 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. Key Takeaways: Paul’s recounting of his conversion and and Christ’s appearance to him in the temple (not recounted in Acts 9). How Paul used his testimony as a defense of the gospel. How God led the Apostle Paul in ministry. God’s method of using us to raise up people and fulfill the Great Commission. The basics of Roman civitas or citizenship and how Paul put that citizenship to work. The post #373 Acts 22 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Religious freedom is a cherished American principle and a key distinctive of ours on the world stage. But, can we concisely and accurately define it? And what Biblical principles support this free exercise of religion? Further, what is the latest in religious liberty cases? In this episode, I walk through the Biblical origin of this principle, the fascinating history of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the current state of religious freedom, and how and why we should champion this principle in our zip code and for the next generation. Key takeaways: Working definition:  the right to believe and live out one’s deeply held convictions without fear of coercion or mistreatment by the government. Pastor John Leland: “…Government should protect every man in thinking and speaking freely, and see that one does not abuse another. The liberty I contend for is more than toleration. The very idea of toleration is despicable; it supposes that some have a pre-eminence above the rest to grant indulgence, whereas all should be equally free, Jews, Turks [Muslims], Pagans and Christians.” Current developments in religious liberty cases. The 2025 Report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. A strategy for all Christians to champion religious freedom for the next generation. The best way to defend religious freedom is to use it. The post #372 Religious Liberty: The Cornerstone of a Free Society first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Christian schools are often on the front lines of cultural and legal developments, and the legal standards that impact these institutions generally impact churches and homeschooling as well. In this episode, I review recent recent legal and cultural developments and explain proactive steps Christian schools can take to build and maintain strong legal protections. Key Legal Issues: Legal Foundation Employment Admissions and Discipline Accreditation and Tax Exemption The Christian School and Immigration Disclaimer: This presentation is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that the presenter is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.The post #371 Legal Challenges in Christian Education first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

2025 promises to be a year of significant social and political change that will impact American faith and culture. The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, led by Dr. George Barna, recently reviewed its vault of data and compiled several key trends that church leaders and other committed Christians should be aware of as they impact their communities in 2025. In this interview, Dr. Adam Rasmussen, a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center, walks through these trends and explores how ministries can effectively navigate them in 2025. Dr. Adam Rasmussen guides students to flourish under the Lordship of Christ in all of life as they make important connections between faith, reason, and culture. In his courses, students learn how to develop their own moral philosophy, so they are inspired to implement significant change in their sphere of influence. They are encouraged to “transform culture with truth”. Adam brings 25 years of experience in Christian education to his role at Arizona Christian University where he joyfully serves as the Associate Professor of Humanities and a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center. Likely Religious Trends: Reshaping God to our Liking The Syncretism Train Keeps Rolling Discipleship Drops off the Radar Organized Christianity Takes a Hit Signs of Backbone Likely Cultural Trends: Rethinking College Education Mental Health Issues Escalate Reinventing the Senior Life Altering the Political Conversation Public Schools Will Suffer Reimagining the Family Reconfiguring the Media Universe Link to the full report.The post #370 Key Trends that Will Impact Faith and Culture in 2025 with Dr. Adam Rasmussen first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.