Michael Easley inContext

Summary: In this conversation, Michael Easley and Mike Douris discuss the mission of Orphan Outreach, focusing on the importance of caring for orphans and the shift from international adoption to orphan care. They explore the complexities of the orphan crisis, the significance of community support, and the transformative impact of personal visits to orphanages. Douris shares stories that highlight the deep connections formed through these interactions and encourages listeners to get involved in creative ways, emphasizing that ministry is about building relationships and demonstrating God's love. Takeaways: The Church is uniquely called and equipped to care for orphans and widows with compassion and purpose. Strong community support systems are key to keeping families together and children out of welfare institutions. Adoption is one important piece, but not the whole solution to the global orphan crisis. True ministry is rooted in relationships and fueled by a desire to reflect God’s love in action. Traveling to serve orphans doesn’t just help others—it often transforms your own heart and perspective. Creative fundraising and hands-on involvement can have a real, lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Links Mentioned: Orphan Outreach Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Michael Easley and Natasha Crain address the increasing hostility Christians face in today’s culture—not simply for what they believe, but that they believe. They examine the biblical call to suffer for righteousness, the roots of cultural rebellion, and why defining the “common good” must begin with God’s standards, not shifting societal norms. Together, they unpack how social media fuels tribalism and outrage, and they offer practical encouragement for Christians to stay rooted in truth while engaging the world around them. Crain and Easley also confront misconceptions about pro-life advocacy, especially accusations of misogyny, and equip believers to respond with clarity and conviction. The conversation draws a sharp contrast between fleeting cultural happiness and enduring biblical joy, reminding us that true good is defined by God—not by personal preference or public opinion. With wisdom and urgency, they challenge listeners to engage cultural issues thoughtfully, biblically, and with bold grace in every sphere of influence. Takeaways: Suffering for righteousness is a biblical reality—not an exception. The common good must be defined by God's standards, not cultural sentiment. Cultural anger often stems from rebellion against God, not just disagreement. Christians are called to be salt and light—engaging, not retreating. Joy rooted in faith is far greater than the fleeting pursuit of happiness. Everyone has a sphere of influence—faithful presence starts where you are. Links Mentioned: When Culture Hates You by Natasha Crain  Natasha’s Website Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this episode, David Closson joins Michael to discuss his new book Life After Roe and the significant impact of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. He underscores the importance of viewing life issues through a biblical worldview, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception and the vital role the church must play in addressing abortion. Closson shares findings from a recent survey revealing diverse beliefs among churchgoers regarding abortion, highlighting the need for clear teaching and compassionate dialogue within congregations. He provides historical context on the pro-life movement, showing how cultural shifts have shaped the current landscape. Recognizing the challenges churches face in today’s cultural climate, Closson encourages pastors and church leaders to proactively engage their communities in honest and loving conversations about life. He offers practical guidance for pastors to equip their congregations to think biblically about life issues, foster empathy, and uphold truth with grace. Takeaways: Only 44% of regular churchgoers heard a sermon on abortion or life after Roe was overturned. Many younger pastors avoid abortion topics fearing political backlash, despite its biblical importance. Luke 1:39–45 powerfully affirms the sanctity of life through John the Baptist’s reaction in the womb. The historic Christian church consistently opposed abortion for nearly 2,000 years until recent theological shifts. Theologically conservative seminaries are growing, offering hope for sound biblical teaching on life. Pastors should preach expositionally through Scripture to equip churches to engage life issues biblically. Links Mentioned: Family Research Council Life After Roe by David Closson Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Michael Easley and Janet Parshall examine the evolving landscape of journalism, highlighting the shift from traditional reporting to clickbait and its impact on public trust. They delve into the ethical responsibilities of journalists, the role of media in shaping culture, and the importance of accountability and integrity in reporting. Framed through a biblical lens, they discuss the challenges of navigating the information age, stressing the need for critical thinking, cultural engagement, and discernment. The conversation also addresses the urgency of evangelism, the distinction between influencers and true thought leaders, and growing concerns about the church's direction and the rise of soft totalitarianism. They urge listeners to stay rooted in truth, read deeply, and prepare wisely for the road ahead. Takeaways: Journalism has evolved from factual reporting to sensationalism. The 24/7 news cycle prioritizes speed over quality. Trust in media is at an all-time low, with only 31% of Americans expressing confidence. Critical thinking is essential for a biblical worldview. Soft totalitarianism is creeping into society and the church. The urgency to share the gospel is increasing. Links Mentioned: In The Market with Janet Parshall Buyer Beware by Janet Parshall Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this conversation, Dr. John West, author of Stockholm Syndrome Christianity, joins Michael to explore how Christian leaders are increasingly shaped by secular culture, often at the expense of biblical truth. They stress the need for self-examination within the church, especially regarding biblical inerrancy, moral compromise, and doctrinal clarity. Through critiques of figures like Francis Collins, Andy Stanley, and Tim Keller, West highlights the dangers of ambiguity and the manipulation of language in the church. He calls for bold, clear teaching and open debate to safeguard orthodoxy and resist cultural conformity. Takeaways: Engaging culture must not come at the cost of compromising biblical truth. Clarity in teaching is essential for preserving and transmitting Christian doctrine. The church must confront its internal issues—like moral compromise and doctrinal drift—before addressing societal problems. Language manipulation and ambiguity dilute the core message of Christianity. Discernment is critical in navigating cultural influences and maintaining theological integrity. Open, honest debate helps preserve orthodoxy and strengthen believers’ convictions. Links Mentioned: Stockholm Syndrome Christianity by Dr. John West Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

In this conversation, Michael Easley, Tim Harlow, and Mike Glenn open up about one of the ministry's most uncomfortable topics: money. They share the emotional, spiritual, and practical tensions behind capital campaigns and asking congregations to give—again. From exhaustion over repeated “once-in-a-lifetime” asks to the deeper realization that stewardship is a spiritual issue, not a financial one, the pastors don’t shy away from the awkwardness. They address the idol of money that silently enslaves so many and reflect on Jesus’ boldness in confronting it. They share numerous personal stories—from a woman doubling her giving in faith, to anonymous donors experiencing joy, to the freeing power of debt-free living. The pastors agree: the dread of fundraising can cloud the greater truth that generosity is transformative, both for the giver and the church. Stewardship isn't about guilt—it's about discipleship and spiritual maturity. Takeaways: -You’re not giving God 10%—you’re managing 100% of what’s already His. -If you’re uncomfortable talking about money in ministry, you’re likely confronting your own idol. -Generosity is not about guilt—it's about freedom, joy, and trust in God’s provision. -The spiritual battle over money is real—Jesus talked more about that than heaven or hell. -When stewardship is taught consistently, fundraising becomes a celebration, not a burden. -Faithful givers don’t complain—they rejoice in what God is doing through their sacrifice. Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this conversation, Michael Easley, Mike Glenn, and Tim Harlow wrestle with decades of ministry experience and what they might do differently. With decades spent in the pulpit, they confront the foundational truths that were hardest to instill in their congregations: the mandate to make disciples, the assurance of God's love, and the freeing power of grace. They share hard-won insights on how ministry often drifted toward programs, metrics, and church growth models—missing the deeper call of Jesus to invest in a few and send them out. There’s sober confession about wasted time, misaligned priorities, and the pressure to build visible “success” instead of invisible transformation. They offer practical wisdom from years of mentoring, leading small groups, and trying—sometimes unsuccessfully—to shift the culture of the church back to discipleship and spiritual formation. This episode is a reminder that ministry is not about building an empire but shepherding souls—and that the fruit of faithfulness is often seen in quiet places and over time. Takeaways: Ministry regrets remind us that even our failures can be used by God to shape others and sanctify us. Discipleship isn't about perfection—it's about walking faithfully with others toward Christ. Pastors carry scars not just from battles lost, but from lessons learned under God’s mercy. God’s grace often meets us most powerfully in the places we wish we could redo. Longevity in ministry reveals this simple truth: obedience matters more than outcomes. What we once called failure, God often redefines as formation. Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this conversation, Michael interviews Dr. Chris Castaldo, pastor at New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois, about his book Why Do Protestants Convert?. Both men share their personal journeys from Roman Catholicism to Protestant Christianity. They delve into the emotional and theological challenges of converting, especially within deeply rooted Catholic families. The conversation centers around the reasons people convert—psychological, theological, and sociological—and discusses the influential figure John Henry Newman, a 19th-century Anglican-turned-Catholic who emphasized sacramentalism and church tradition over personal interpretation.  Dr. Castaldo reflects on the problematic yet often romanticized notion that individual believers can interpret Scripture without broader historical or theological grounding. Michael and Chris examine how conversion decisions are often influenced by a longing for deeper liturgy, structure, or historical continuity—elements people feel are missing in certain evangelical contexts. They also critique the idea that the Catholic Church alone has interpretive authority over Scripture, arguing instead for the clarity and sufficiency of God’s Word for all believers. With grace and candor, they discuss how to lovingly approach conversations with Catholic friends and family, encouraging a posture of understanding, truth, and patient dialogue. Takeaways: Conversion is emotionally complex. Balancing church authority and personal reading of Scripture is a core tension. The search for spiritual father figures often drives people toward structured traditions. The Christian life, especially amid change, must be anchored in grace. Cultural shifts drive spiritual searching. Rituals like the Lord’s Supper require reverent understanding, not routine. LINKS MENTIONED: Why Do Protestants Convert? By Dr. Chris Castaldo and Brad Littlejohn The Davenant Institute Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this conversation, Michael Easley and Dr. Adam Rasmussen discuss the alarming findings of a recent Barna study on the understanding of the Trinity among Americans, particularly within the Christian community. They explore the implications of these findings, the importance of teaching the doctrine of the Trinity, and the cultural influences that shape contemporary beliefs. The discussion emphasizes the need for a return to biblical literacy and the transformative power of understanding the Trinity in the life of believers. Ultimately, they offer hope for the future by encouraging a deeper engagement with scripture and a commitment to living out biblical principles in everyday life. TAKEAWAYS Only 11% of adults in America believe in the Trinity. 16% of self-identified church-going Christians embrace the Trinity. There is a dearth of teaching on the Trinity in local churches. Cultural influences are shaping the spiritual views of Americans. Many Christians are turning to secular figures for theological guidance. God loves to change culture through the church. The answer to societal ills is a return to God. We must experience God's love to effectively share it with others. ABOUT DR. ADAM RASMUSSEN Dr. Adam Rasmussen is a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center and the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Arizona Christian University. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Northwestern College, where he earned a BA in history. He also holds an MA in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College, as well as a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on leadership and administration from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. His research interests include biblical literacy, educational ministries, and Christian apologetics. LINKS MENTIONED The Cultural Research Center  The Cultural Research Center Email List CRC Findings on rejection of the Trinity Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Summary: In this compelling conversation, Michael Easley and Brett McCracken examine the far-reaching impact of digital technology on spiritual life, mental health, and Christian community. They delve into the addictive nature of social media and gaming, drawing on the insights of Neil Postman and George Orwell to frame today’s digital challenges. The discussion contrasts passive digital consumption with the richness of active, embodied living, emphasizing how an abundance of dopamine-driven experiences can dull the soul and contribute to a growing mental health crisis. They call Christians to navigate technology with wisdom—using it to serve their mission, not sabotage it—and to prioritize real human connection, spiritual growth through discomfort, and intentional community engagement in an increasingly digital world. Takeaways: Dystopian futures may stem from pleasure, not pain. Dopamine hits from technology can desensitize us. Digital gaming can be a form of mental gambling. The unpredictability of social media is addictive. Pain and discomfort can lead to growth. The stakes of digital engagement are high for Christians. LINKS MENTIONED: Scrolling Ourselves to Death by Brett McCracken The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken Uncomfortable by Brett McCracken Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.