The Good Citizen Podcast

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for ministries like the Muncie Mission that are strategically transforming their zip codes through Gospel ministry, innovation, and hard work. The mission has been restoring dignity and hope to people in crisis since the Great Depression; and, under the leadership of Frank Baldwin, it has expanded its impact through a partnership with the city of Muncie, Indiana. Incredibly, since 2016, the Mission’s long-term addiction recovery program has experienced a 98% success rate; and it is now assisting with medical needs, counseling, and even transitional and permanent housing. In this episode, Frank tells the story of Muncie Mission’s remarkable efforts and explains how you and your church can strategically impact your zip code. Key Takeaways: The history of Muncie Mission. How the Mission studied addiction and developed remarkably successful programs. The mission’s partnership with local governing officials. The Mission’s comprehensive treatment and ongoing support strategy that remains firmly rooted in transformation through relationship with Christ. The decision to purchase abandoned or blighted properties to create needed transitional housing. A recent housing project in partnership with other community organizations. Lessons for you and your church. The post #353 How to Change Your Zip Code with Frank Baldwin first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In Acts 18, Paul ministers in the Las Vegas of ancient Greece, struggles with and overcomes fear (what, the Apostle Paul experienced fear?), finds ministry partners in Priscilla and Aquila, and launches into his third missionary journey. This chapter shows that every place and every person can be redeemed, that we often fight fear and overwhelm the wrong way, and that we need each other in the work of ministry. Here’s that sermon. 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: What Happens in Corinth A Spiritual Antidepressant A Mysterious Mistrial The Third Journey Key Takeaways: A brief history of ancient Corinth. The ministry of Priscilla and Aquila, and Paul as a tentmaker. The startling fact that Paul was afraid and tired, and how Christ encouraged him. How God, once again, uses Roman officials to further the kingdom of God. The appearance of Apollos, and an example of Christian discipleship we should follow. The post #352 Acts 18 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

What are the key lessons from the 2024 elections, and what’s next for Christian citizens? Here are three key takeaways from last week: A Seismic Win A Serious Setback A Sobering Responsibility Key Takeaways: How the 2024 election exposed false narratives about demography as destiny and the acceptance of transgender ideology. How people of faith voted, and the trend of churches speaking out on moral issues this election season. Serious setbacks on the life issue, the Biblical definition of marriage, and school choice. Some key policy issues to watch for in the new administration. The Christian Post article – Why America needs its pastors right now The post #351 Reflections on the 2024 Election and What’s Next for Christian Citizens first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Today marks the 60th time Americans have gone to the polls to elect a president. The stakes and emotions are high; and, as I discussed at length in the episode last week entitled Jethro’s Voting Guide – 2024 Edition, Christians should engage their role as citizen and vote according to Biblical principles to promote the created order. Why? Because this will lead to flourishing for us and our neighbors. Much is on the line today, and here are four important reminders for Christian citizens as we experience election day and process the results: This election is very important. This election isn’t ultimate (and this eternal perspective can help us process and remain engaged no matter the outcome). This isn’t the last election (and we need to think long-term). So, go vote and pray. The post #350 4 Reminders for Election Day first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

The 2024 Presidential election is just one week away; and here is our “roundup” episode on the election, voting, and Christian citizenship after the election is decided. This includes a review of Biblical principles concerning voting; a brief moral and practical analysis of the various positions I have heard over the last few months (and a reminder to vote your conscience); and an encouragement to be the centered (in Christ), courageous, and compassionate citizen in your sphere of influence before and after the election. Moses’ father-in-law, named Jethro, encouraged Moses to consider four criteria as he selected civic leaders. And his list of qualifications–what I have termed “Jethro’s Voting Guide”–can assist us in the complicated moral exercise of voting for civic officials in the United States. Four qualifications for government officials according to Exodus 18:21: Competence Morality Honesty Financial Integrity Questions we address: Should Christians engage in the two-party system? Do all Christians vote the same way? Can a person be a Christian and vote for the party you oppose? What about voting third party or not voting at all? What is the most pressing moral issue in public life? How should pastors address election season? What about voter guides? What happens if the election is undecided for days or even weeks? Resources mentioned in the episode: Church Resource Toolkit ivoterguide.com https://www.transparencyusa.org/ Link to graph showing political engagement by denomination or network. Link to full blog post. The post #349 Jethro’s Voting Guide – 2024 Edition first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Dr. Albert Mohler produces a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview entitled The Briefing, and I greatly appreciate that podcast and his consistent voice in public life. In this recent interview with Dr. Mohler, we discussed the following key questions (and more) facing Christians this election season: How should Christians analyze the 2024 presidential election, especially given the Republican party’s backpedal on the life issue? Why (and how) should Christians be sober about the implications of this election but also hopeful about the future? How should Christian institutions become and remain resilient in the face of cultural pressure? Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world. In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Mohler hosts two podcasts: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview; and “Thinking in Public,” a series of conversations with the day’s leading thinkers. He also serves as the editor of WORLD Opinions, writing regular commentary on moral, cultural and theological issues. Called “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by The Chicago Tribune, Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent and explicit Christian worldview. Key Takeaways: How to build and maintain resilient ministries. What led him to start The Briefing and to speak into public life. The books or works he recommends if Christians and especially church leaders want to better understand American government. A moral analysis of the 2024 election season and how Christians should engage. Why he is hopeful about the future of the Christian church and the United States. The post #348 A Briefing on Christian Citizenship for the 2024 Election Season with Dr. Albert Mohler first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

The 2024 presidential election is now just three weeks away, and the rhetoric and pressure is ratcheting up. In the midst of this election cycle, how should Christians respond? How can our commitment to truth, our love for one another and our neighbors, and our sense of hope and certainty be a witness to our communities? In this episode, Dan Darling walks through his recent book and recommendations for Christian citizens as they navigate election season. Daniel Darling is an author, pastor and Christian leader. He is the Director of the Land Center and holds a faculty role at Southwestern Baptist Seminary and Texas Baptist College, and he previously served as the Senior Vice President for Communications of the National Religious Broadcasters. He also has served the Southern Baptist Convention as the Vice President of Communications at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Dan is an award–winning writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications. He is a columnist for World magazine and a regular contributor to USA Today. Dan’s work is often featured in Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition and his op-eds have appeared in The Washington Post, CNN, Washington Times, Time, Huffington Post, National Review, First Things, and other leading outlets. Key Takeaways: Link to his book Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved Link to the Land Center for Cultural Engagement How to address conflict in the church and in our communities. The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Why our tone and approach still matter. Thoughts on patriotism and a healthy love of country. How to be a source of hope and strength while engaging in the public square. The post #347 How to be Agents of Grace during Election Season with Dan Darling first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Our sense of identity or who we perceive ourselves to be is at the core of key cultural and political controversies this election season. In this episode, John Stonestreet explains why these issues are first about identity then about morality; introduces the Identity Project, a new resource to assist Christians in answering common questions and objections; and spells out why a Biblical worldview is critical for the American future. Key takeaways: Reflections on Psalm 11:3, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” John sets out three leading interpretations of this passage and what it means for us. A link to the Identity Project, and why Christians should use these resources from thought leaders and other experts. A link to Breakpoint, a commentary on cultural events from a Christian worldview. A link to What Would You Say?, a series of practical videos that equip you to answer common questions and objections. The post #346 The Identity Project and Why Biblical Worldview is Critical for the American Future first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In Acts 17, the early church’s proclamation of Christ as King “…turns the world upside down” as it challenges Caesar’s claim of ultimate allegiance and loyalty. Then, Paul visits Athens; ends up on trial (big surprise); and sets out a masterclass on cultural apologetics, touches on the eternal purposes of God concerning humanity and even nations, and shows the hubris of man’s knowledge and self-worship. And his words echo with profound lessons for our own culture and times. 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: An Upside-Down World Be a Berean A Superior Philosophy Key Takeaways/Lessons: Is your allegiance clear? Be a Berean. Be ready for Mars’ Hill. God is near. Are you turning your world upside down? The post #345 Acts 17 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Artificial Intelligence is quickly changing how we we work, create, lead, and even govern. What does this mean for church leaders and other committed Christians? Where is this technology headed, and what are the challenges and opportunities for the church? In part 1 of this 2-episode discussion with Christopher Teeter (a technology futurist), we walked through current trends and challenges concerning AI. And, in this episode, we discuss opportunities created by this technology (part 2). Key Takeaways: Where this technology is headed and why church leaders and other committed Christians should care about it. A discussion about Bible translation opportunities and an example of a church using AI to live translate its services into numerous languages. How AI can assist in sermon prep and spiritual formation. The future of education, as assisted by tools like Khan Academy. A discussion about digital twinning and using AI to process grief. Are there limits to this? How AI can be used for the purpose of evangelism. How Christians can influence the AI revolution for good by advocating for human dignity, preventing model poisoning, and responding to the crisis of meaning. The post #344 The Church and Artificial Intelligence, Part 2: Opportunities with Christopher Teeter first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.