Podcast appearances and mentions of Adelle M Banks

Adelle M. Banks, projects editor and national reporter for Religion News Service, and Adam Nicholas Phillips, chief strategy officer and chief of staff at Interfaith America, discuss the evolving role of religious constituencies in U.S. politics, as well as the intersection of religion with key political and social issues in the lead up to the 2024 election.  

Adelle M. Banks, projects editor and national reporter for Religion News Service, and Adam Nicholas Phillips, chief strategy officer and chief of staff at Interfaith America, discuss the evolving role of religious constituencies in U.S. politics, as well as the intersection of religion with key political and social issues in the lead up to the 2024 election.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon, and RCP White House correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss the suggestion by Democratic strategist Mark Penn that ABC News conduct an external review of the network's conduct of this week's presidential debate. They also look forward to the vice presidential debate scheduled for October 1st and they talk about the potential impact of a government shutdown on competitive House races and the risk of escalation in Ukraine War if the US and Britain loosen restrictions to allow deeper strikes within Russian territory. Next, Carl Cannon talks with Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service reporter, about media coverage of religious issues and the relationship between evangelicals and Donald Trump. Then finally, RCP contributor Charlie Stone talks with former CNN journalist Andrea Koppel about her career choices and life lessons learned in the shadow of a famous father.

On today's program, another Chi Alpha leader is out at the Assemblies of God college campus ministry. He was director over the regions where convicted sex offender Daniel Savala had access to students. We'll have details. Joel Osteen is brought to tears during a Sunday service as he announces that his Houston church has paid off a 100-million dollar loan. Also, churches face fines for sheltering the homeless during brutal winter weather. More on that later in the program. We begin today with news that author and pastor Mike Breen has resigned from his role as ‘lead communicator' at APEX Church in Ohio. FINAL THOUGHTS:  MinistryWatch President Warren Smith will be in California, Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas over the next month, and if you live in those states, he'd like to meet you. Keep an eye on your inbox for invitations to lunches he will be holding in cities there. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Bob Smietana, Zach Rivas, Brittany Smith, Steve Rabey, Daniel Ritchie, Adelle M. Banks, Christina Darnell, and Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, Doug Wilson—the pastor who leads what some call a Reformed religious empire in Moscow, Idaho—has hired a law firm to protect himself and his organizations from defamation. We'll have details. Also, Bishop T.D. Jakes has recently been the subject of scandalous rumors—but that hasn't stopped him from preaching at the annual Maryland revival meetings where he's been a guest speaker for more than 30 years. We'll take a deeper look. And, the president of Cru…formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ…is stepping down after just four years in the office. We begin today with news that the faith-based television network T-C-T Ministries is suing four of its board members for abusing their board positions for their own financial benefits. FINAL THOUGHTS:  Last week I promised to give a final accounting for our year-end fundraising. We had a year-end fundraising goal of about $117 thousand, in the months of November and December.  I'm pleased to report today that we met that goal. We now have a final tally, and it is just over $149,000. To those of you who gave to MinistryWatch, let me say thank you. I'm grateful to God, and to you who read, listen to, and financially support our work. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Steve Rabey, Brittany Smith, Adelle M. Banks, Fiona André, Rod Pitzer and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

Belief in the spirit world is central to the Christian faith, but Catholicism takes communion with supernatural realities to a whole new level. Catholics pray not only to God but also to Mary and the saints. Catholics even talk to their dead, say prayers for them, and ask them, in turn, for intercession. The lives of the saints are filled with stories about miraculous healings, levitation, bilocation, visions of the afterlife, and mystical conversations with Jesus, the angels, and the saints.  But does this mean that Catholics believe in ghosts? Does the Catholic Church have a teaching on whether or not the dead can walk this earth, appear to people, and haunt places that were important to them? When Catholics pray to saints or talk to their beloved dead, how is this different from trying to make contact with the spirits of those who have departed this life?  The guest on this episode of Glad You Asked will help answer these questions. Matthew J. Cressler is a scholar of religion, race, and culture. He is the author of Authentically Black and Truly Catholic: The Rise of Black Catholicism in the Great Migrations (NYU Press) as well as numerous scholarly articles. Cressler has written for U.S. Catholic and many other publications, including America, The Atlantic, National Catholic Reporter, Religion News Service, The Revealer, and Slate. Together with Adelle M. Banks, he co-reported the Religion News Service series “Beyond the Most Segregated Hour,” which won a Wilbur Award from the Religion Communicators Council. You can read some of Cressler's writings, and learn more about this topic, in the links below. “Paranormal activity: Do Catholics believe in ghosts?” by Tim Townsend. https://uscatholic.org/articles/201310/paranormal-activity-do-catholics-believe-in-ghosts/ “Ghosts of Christians past: The church's long history of hauntings” by Tim Townsend. https://uscatholic.org/articles/201310/ghosts-of-christians-past-the-churchs-long-history-of-spooks-and-hauntings/ “You can't have a Catholic imagination without horror,” by Matthew J. Cressler. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202210/you-cant-have-a-catholic-imagination-without-horror/ “Exorcists, Abusers, and When Catholic History is Horror,” by Matthew J. Cressler. https://therevealer.org/exorcists-abusers-and-when-catholic-history-is-horror/ “How the god you worship influences the ghosts you see,” by Joel Abrams. https://theconversation.com/how-the-god-you-worship-influences-the-ghosts-you-see-84163 Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries. https://www.claretiansusa.org/

On today's program, a former president of a Southern Baptist state convention is being investigated for sex crimes. Also on today's program, Biblica. The organization formerly known as the International Bible Society has seen a remarkable comeback, and we'll take a closer look. We also examine a ministry in Arkansas that is helping kids who age out of the foster care system. It's a huge problem in this country, and they may have a solution. We begin today with news that Jerry Falwell Jr. has sued Liberty University…again. FINAL THOUGHTS Just a reminder that MinistryWatch is a donor supported organization, and if you make a gift during the month of August, you'll receive a digital subscription to WORLD Magazine. A digital subscription to WORLD would cost you more than $50 if you went to their website, but you get decide how much you want to give, though of course we hope you'll be generous. Just go to MinistryWatch and hit the DONATE button at the top of the page. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Daniel Ritchie, Paul Clolery, Adelle M. Banks, Jessica Eturralde, Rafa Oliveira, Steve Rabey, Bob Smietana, Jack Jenkins, Christina Darnell, and Rod Pitzer. A special thanks to The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, popular radio host and personal finance guru Dave Ramsey is being sued for $150 million over some of his advice that allegedly turned out badly for those who followed it. Also, one of the largest Christian broadcasters in the nation, Daystar Television Network, lost $25-million in the cryptocurrency market. Now they're suing to get it back.  We'll have details. Finally, we remember the remarkable life and career of Pat Robertson. We begin today with Rick Warren's media campaign to have Saddleback Church reinstated in the Southern Baptist Convention. FINAL THOUGHTS: I want to mention that this is our 25th anniversary. Rusty and Carol Leonard founded MinistryWatch in June of 1998. We'll be featuring an interview with Rusty and Carol next week, and I hope you'll listen to it when we post it, probably on Tuesday. I think you'll be blessed by these two extraordinary people and the story they tell of the early days of MinistryWatch. Also, a reminder: I'll be doing lunches for readers and donors in Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles, in June, in part to celebrate the 25th anniversary of MinistryWatch. So keep an eye on your in-box for invitations to those events. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Eric Obernauer, Anne Stych, Kim Roberts, Adelle M. Banks, Bob Smietana, Amy Julia Becker, Jessica Eturralde, and Rod Pitzer. Special thanks to The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, the Florida Baptist State Convention has been defrauded of more than $700-thousand. We'll explain how the fraud worked, and how you can keep your church or ministry from becoming a victim. Former Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz is back in the news, and is soon coming to a television near you. And we look at a group of Christian ministries in Nebraska who are withdrawing from the local community foundation over the foundation's requirements to affirm LGBTQ rights. We begin today with a pair of stories related to Rick Warren and California's influential Saddleback Church. Final Thoughts: I want all of my friends in Orlando to know that I'll be there on Monday for the annual meeting of the National Religious Broadcasters, and I'll be holding a lunch for readers and donors on May 22 at Carrabba's Italian Grille near the Orlando airport.  If you live in the Orlando area, you should have received an invitation already.  And we already have about a dozen people signed up for this event.  It's absolutely free, but you do need to sign up to attend. I'll be doing similar lunches in Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles, in June, in part to celebrate the 25th anniversary of MinistryWatch. So keep an eye on your in-box for invitations to those events. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Bob Smietana, Emily McFarlan Miller, Adelle M. Banks, Yonat Shimron, Kim Roberts, Jessica Eturralde, Rod Pitzer, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. Special thanks to The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, Virginia megachurch pastor John Blanchard had sexual solicitation charges against him dropped, but protesters are showing up at his church and even the town's police chief thinks the case was mishandled.  We'll have details.  Also on today's program, Open Doors releases its annual Watch List, which tracks persecution of Christians around the world.  This year's conclusions are bleak.  We'll explain why. We begin today with a lawsuit involving Bryan College that has been dragging on for more than five years.  In Closing:  I mention fairly constantly here at MinistryWatch the importance of the Form 990.  We use them every day here at MinsitryWatch, and we encourage donors to look at them before they give to a ministry.  In the past we've done a webinar entitled “How To Find and Read A Form 990.”  This webinar has proven so popular that we've repeated it three or four times over the past two years.  And we're going to do it again.  It will take place on Feb. 1 at 4 pm ET.  Just check the daily MinistryWatch email for a link to the registration page.  It's absolutely free, but you do need to register to get all the links and details. Don't forget to rate and leave a comment on your podcast app. Not only do these comments help us know what you're thinking so we can make improvements, but the more ratings and comments we have, your ratings help other people find us.  That's a huge help to us, and it helps us expand our reach. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Jessica Eturralde, Anne Stych, Kim Roberts, Cheryl Mann Bacon, Emily McFarlan Miller, Dale Chamberlain, Adelle M. Banks, Jonathan Howe, Christina Darnell, and Rod Pitzer. A special thanks to The Christian Chronicle and ChurchLeaders.com for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, Seattle Pacific University is struggling with issues of human sexuality.  A three judge panel in Colorado ruled against a Christian school's ability to hire and fire teachers based on belief.  And the United Methodist Church has settled a dispute with one of the largest churches in its denomination.  The church gets to leave and keep its building, but it will pay millions to the denomination.  We begin today with news from the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting, which took place this week in Anaheim, California. A reminder:  our fiscal year ends on June 30, at the end of this month.  I'm not embarrassed to admit that we've been running so hard covering the news – and there's been lots of it this month – that we have not done all we could on the fundraising front, and we're running a bit behind.  Our goal for June is $20,000, and so far we've raised less than $5,000.  Now, I should add that it's kind of normal that we get most of our funds in the last half of every month, so I'm not officially freaking out yet, but it would be great if you could take some of the drama out of next week and the following week by giving now if you already know you want to help us by the end of the month. So if you would like to help us get back on track and finish the year strong, just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page.  And if you give during the month of June, we'll send you a copy of a book I wrote with Christian journalism legend Marvin Olasky called “Prodigal Press:  Confronting The Anti-Christian Bias of the American News Media.” The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Rod Pitzer, Shannon Cuthrell, Peter Smith, Holly Meyer, Yonat Shimron, Steve Rabey, Kim Roberts, Adelle M. Banks, Bob Smietana, and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, Seattle Pacific University is struggling with issues of human sexuality.  A three judge panel in Colorado ruled against a Christian school's ability to hire and fire teachers based on belief.  And the United Methodist Church has settled a dispute with one of the largest churches in its denomination.  The church gets to leave and keep its building, but it will pay millions to the denomination.  We begin today with news from the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting, which took place this week in Anaheim, California. A reminder:  our fiscal year ends on June 30, at the end of this month.  I'm not embarrassed to admit that we've been running so hard covering the news – and there's been lots of it this month – that we have not done all we could on the fundraising front, and we're running a bit behind.  Our goal for June is $20,000, and so far we've raised less than $5,000.  Now, I should add that it's kind of normal that we get most of our funds in the last half of every month, so I'm not officially freaking out yet, but it would be great if you could take some of the drama out of next week and the following week by giving now if you already know you want to help us by the end of the month. So if you would like to help us get back on track and finish the year strong, just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page.  And if you give during the month of June, we'll send you a copy of a book I wrote with Christian journalism legend Marvin Olasky called “Prodigal Press:  Confronting The Anti-Christian Bias of the American News Media.” The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Rod Pitzer, Shannon Cuthrell, Peter Smith, Holly Meyer, Yonat Shimron, Steve Rabey, Kim Roberts, Adelle M. Banks, Bob Smietana, and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

A judge has decided that a lawsuit filed by donors to Ravi Zacharias International Ministries can continue.  It the donors succeed in getting their money back, could set a landmark precedent.  We'll also look at the story of a sexual abuse victim confronting his alleged accuser – during the Sunday service.  A video of the event has gone viral.  We begin today with the biggest religion story of the week, and one that will likely be among the biggest of the year.  That story is the release, by the Southern Baptist Convention, of a nearly 300-page report on sexual abuse in the denomination.  We'll look at this story from multiple angles today. Our fiscal year ends on June 30, a little more than a month from now.  So if you would like to help us get back on track and finish the year strong, just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page.  And now, you can now give via text. If this is your preferred way of giving, just text @ministrywatch to 52014.  Again, that's @ministrywatch to 52014. If you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@ministrywatch.com.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Also, a reminder that you can help the program by leaving us a rating on your podcast app.  The more ratings we get, the easier it is for others to find us.  It's a quick, easy, and free way you can support MinistryWatch. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Donald Kramer, Kim Roberts, Adelle M. Banks, Yonat Shimron, Bob Smietana, Rod Pitzer and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

A judge has decided that a lawsuit filed by donors to Ravi Zacharias International Ministries can continue.  It the donors succeed in getting their money back, could set a landmark precedent.  We'll also look at the story of a sexual abuse victim confronting his alleged accuser – during the Sunday service.  A video of the event has gone viral.  We begin today with the biggest religion story of the week, and one that will likely be among the biggest of the year.  That story is the release, by the Southern Baptist Convention, of a nearly 300-page report on sexual abuse in the denomination.  We'll look at this story from multiple angles today. Our fiscal year ends on June 30, a little more than a month from now.  So if you would like to help us get back on track and finish the year strong, just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page.  And now, you can now give via text. If this is your preferred way of giving, just text @ministrywatch to 52014.  Again, that's @ministrywatch to 52014. If you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@155.138.219.249.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Also, a reminder that you can help the program by leaving us a rating on your podcast app.  The more ratings we get, the easier it is for others to find us.  It's a quick, easy, and free way you can support MinistryWatch. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Donald Kramer, Kim Roberts, Adelle M. Banks, Yonat Shimron, Bob Smietana, Rod Pitzer and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, more news regarding the Hillsong controversies, which just keep growing.  Virginia's Governor Glenn Youngkin signs a bill into law that protects donor privacy.  We begin today with another Southern Baptist leader throwing his hat in the ring to be president of that denomination. I hope you will forgive us a bit of shameless self-promotion, but I wanted you to know that I was on the syndicated radio program Issues, Etc. this week to discuss the Hillsong scandal.  You can listen here: https://issuesetc.org/2022/04/13/1034-continuing-scandals-at-hillsong-global-megachurch-warren-smith-4-13-22/ Also, my former employer the Colson Center for Christian Worldview asked me to discuss what it means to have a “Godly Response To Evangelical Sex Abuse Scandals.”  I had a great conversation with my friend and former colleague Shane Morris.  Here's a link to that program: https://upstreamcc.libsyn.com/a-godly-response-to-christian-scandals-warren-cole-smith And a quick reminder. There's a new way to give to MinistryWatch.  You can now give via text.  I've got to admit that this is not my preferred way of giving, but I'm kind of old school.  If this is your preferred way of giving, just text @ministrywatch to 52014.  Again, that's @ministrywatch to 52014.  I tried it myself, and it was pretty easy. So if I can do it, anyone can. Also, if you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@155.138.219.249.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Lastly, a reminder that you can help the program by leaving us a rating on your podcast app.  The  more ratings we get, the easier it is for others to find us.  It's a quick, easy, and free way you can support MinistryWatch. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Roxanne Stone, Bob Smietana, Shannon Cuthrell, Adelle M. Banks, Kim Roberts, and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

Hillsong On today's program, more news regarding the Hillsong controversies, which just keep growing.  Virginia's Governor Glenn Youngkin signs a bill into law that protects donor privacy.  We begin today with another Southern Baptist leader throwing his hat in the ring to be president of that denomination. I hope you will forgive us a bit of shameless self-promotion, but I wanted you to know that I was on the syndicated radio program Issues, Etc. this week to discuss the Hillsong scandal.  You can listen here: https://issuesetc.org/2022/04/13/1034-continuing-scandals-at-hillsong-global-megachurch-warren-smith-4-13-22/ Also, my former employer the Colson Center for Christian Worldview asked me to discuss what it means to have a “Godly Response To Evangelical Sex Abuse Scandals.”  I had a great conversation with my friend and former colleague Shane Morris.  Here's a link to that program: https://upstreamcc.libsyn.com/a-godly-response-to-christian-scandals-warren-cole-smith And a quick reminder. There's a new way to give to MinistryWatch.  You can now give via text.  I've got to admit that this is not my preferred way of giving, but I'm kind of old school.  If this is your preferred way of giving, just text @ministrywatch to 52014.  Again, that's @ministrywatch to 52014.  I tried it myself, and it was pretty easy. So if I can do it, anyone can. Also, if you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@ministrywatch.com.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Lastly, a reminder that you can help the program by leaving us a rating on your podcast app.  The  more ratings we get, the easier it is for others to find us.  It's a quick, easy, and free way you can support MinistryWatch. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Roxanne Stone, Bob Smietana, Shannon Cuthrell, Adelle M. Banks, Kim Roberts, and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, we talk about Ukraine.  The Russian invasion has dominated the news, and motivated Christians to give.  We offer some advice about how to give responsibly and helpfully.  Also, MinistryWatch unveils a couple of new tools to help donors with their giving efforts.  I'll have details.  We begin today with a look at the multi-million dollar homes of televangelists. Get the “75 Red Flags” booklet here. If you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@155.138.219.249.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. You can help the program by leaving us a rating on your podcast app.  The more ratings we get, the easier it is for others to find us.  It's a quick, easy, and free way you can support MinistryWatch. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Ben Warwick We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Yonat Shimron, Bob Smietana, Adelle M. Banks, Barry Bowen, Pete Evans, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. Special thanks to Trinity Foundation and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, we talk about Ukraine.  The Russian invasion has dominated the news, and motivated Christians to give.  We offer some advice about how to give responsibly and helpfully.  Also, MinistryWatch unveils a couple of new tools to help donors with their giving efforts.  I'll have details.  We begin today with a look at the multi-million dollar homes of televangelists. Get the “75 Red Flags” booklet here. If you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@ministrywatch.com.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. You can help the program by leaving us a rating on your podcast app.  The more ratings we get, the easier it is for others to find us.  It's a quick, easy, and free way you can support MinistryWatch. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Ben Warwick We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Yonat Shimron, Bob Smietana, Adelle M. Banks, Barry Bowen, Pete Evans, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. Special thanks to Trinity Foundation and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, a Tennessee adoption agency is sued in a case that could impact religious liberty for millions of Americans. And the ARC, or Association of Related Churches, is in the news again, and – once again – not for good reasons. We begin today with news of one of the biggest financial frauds we've ever seen here at MinistryWatch. Staccato Powell, the former president of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church's board of bishops, has been federally charged with fraud and conspiracy connected to allegations of his mishandling the properties of congregations in California and fraudulently gaining millions of dollars for personal use. So, if you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us. Our email is info@155.138.219.249. That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Also, a reminder that Monday is the LAST DAY you can make a gift to MinistryWatch and receive as our thank-you gift a copy of Wade Mullen's really excellent book called “Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse and Freeing Yourself From Its Power.” We did a webinar with Wade this week, and he did a great job fielding my questions and questions from the 150 people who signed up for it. All that to say: I really recommend this book. To get a copy just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Ben Warwick We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Adelle M. Banks, Liza Vandenboom Ashley, Kim Roberts, and Christina Darnell. Special thanks to Religion UnPlugged for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, a Tennessee adoption agency is sued in a case that could impact religious liberty for millions of Americans. And the ARC, or Association of Related Churches, is in the news again, and – once again – not for good reasons. We begin today with news of one of the biggest financial frauds we've ever seen here at MinistryWatch. Staccato Powell, the former president of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church's board of bishops, has been federally charged with fraud and conspiracy connected to allegations of his mishandling the properties of congregations in California and fraudulently gaining millions of dollars for personal use. So, if you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us. Our email is info@ministrywatch.com. That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Also, a reminder that Monday is the LAST DAY you can make a gift to MinistryWatch and receive as our thank-you gift a copy of Wade Mullen's really excellent book called “Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse and Freeing Yourself From Its Power.” We did a webinar with Wade this week, and he did a great job fielding my questions and questions from the 150 people who signed up for it. All that to say: I really recommend this book. To get a copy just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Ben Warwick We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Adelle M. Banks, Liza Vandenboom Ashley, Kim Roberts, and Christina Darnell. Special thanks to Religion UnPlugged for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, an update in our ongoing coverage of the Bible translation industry.  We check in on a new way of translating the Bible that could disrupt the industry.  Also, you may have heard the expression “It ain't the crime, it's the coverup.”  Pastors and ministry leaders are learning that the hard way.  We'll explain.  We begin today with new developments in the sex abuse case plaguing the Anglican Church in North America. A couple of quick reminders.  I mentioned last week that Christina's “Ministries Making A Difference” column is made up of information that we mostly get from our readers and listeners.  They send us news tips, press releases, emails, and links, and Christina chases down the details.  And that's how we get a lot of our other stories as well. So, if you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@155.138.219.249.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Also, a reminder that next week, on Tuesday, I'll be holding a free on-line webinar with Wade Mullen, the author of a really excellent book called “Something's Not Right:  Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse and Freeing Yourself From Its Power.  There's a sign-up link at the top of my daily emails. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Ben Warwick We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Erica Ramirez, Adelle M. Banks, Jay Reeves, Kevin Mcgill, Kathryn Post, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, an update in our ongoing coverage of the Bible translation industry.  We check in on a new way of translating the Bible that could disrupt the industry.  Also, you may have heard the expression “It ain't the crime, it's the coverup.”  Pastors and ministry leaders are learning that the hard way.  We'll explain.  We begin today with new developments in the sex abuse case plaguing the Anglican Church in North America. A couple of quick reminders.  I mentioned last week that Christina's “Ministries Making A Difference” column is made up of information that we mostly get from our readers and listeners.  They send us news tips, press releases, emails, and links, and Christina chases down the details.  And that's how we get a lot of our other stories as well. So, if you have a story you'd like us to cover, or a ministry that you think needs a closer look, please email us.  Our email is info@ministrywatch.com.  That will come directly to my desk, and we'll take it from there. Also, a reminder that next week, on Tuesday, I'll be holding a free on-line webinar with Wade Mullen, the author of a really excellent book called “Something's Not Right:  Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse and Freeing Yourself From Its Power.  There's a sign-up link at the top of my daily emails. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Ben Warwick We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Erica Ramirez, Adelle M. Banks, Jay Reeves, Kevin Mcgill, Kathryn Post, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, United Methodists are cutting their ties with the Boy Scouts, and Christian ministries are responding to disasters on the Gulf Coast, in Tennessee, and in Afghanistan.  We'll have updates.  We begin today with a victory for religious liberty by John MacArthur's church in California.  The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Steve Rabey, Emily McFarlan Miller, Bobby Ross Jr., Adelle M. Banks, Alejandra Molina, Bob Smietana, and Christina Darnell.   Also, thanks to Religion UnPlugged for contributing material for this week's program. Until next time, may God bless you

On today's program, United Methodists are cutting their ties with the Boy Scouts, and Christian ministries are responding to disasters on the Gulf Coast, in Tennessee, and in Afghanistan.  We'll have updates.  We begin today with a victory for religious liberty by John MacArthur's church in California.  The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Steve Rabey, Emily McFarlan Miller, Bobby Ross Jr., Adelle M. Banks, Alejandra Molina, Bob Smietana, and Christina Darnell.   Also, thanks to Religion UnPlugged for contributing material for this week's program. Until next time, may God bless you

On today's program, we explore the practice of Christian colleges granting honorary degrees, one of the largest churches in the African Methodist Episcopal denomination is facing a financial scandal, and the building of new churches is at historic low levels.  We begin today with news from Orlando, Florida.  The Holy Land Experience, a Christian-based theme park in Orlando, Florida, has been purchased by a Seventh-day Adventist health care company. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Rod Pitzer, Adelle M. Banks, Steve Rabey, Bob Smietana, Shannon Cuthrell, Renée Roden, and Anne Stych. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, we explore the practice of Christian colleges granting honorary degrees, one of the largest churches in the African Methodist Episcopal denomination is facing a financial scandal, and the building of new churches is at historic low levels.  We begin today with news from Orlando, Florida.  The Holy Land Experience, a Christian-based theme park in Orlando, Florida, has been purchased by a Seventh-day Adventist health care company. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Rod Pitzer, Adelle M. Banks, Steve Rabey, Bob Smietana, Shannon Cuthrell, Renée Roden, and Anne Stych. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, Russell Moore leaves the Southern Baptist Convention over the churches handling of sexual abuse and race issues.  And more accusations about Carl Lentz motivate hard questions about the culture at Hillsong.  We also have our list of the lowest rated ministries in the MinistryWatch database.  We'll discuss that list later in the program.  We begin with news of a billion-dollar restriction at the Trinity Broadcasting Network. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Rod Pitzer, Adelle M. Banks, Roxanne Stone, Anne Stych, Bruce Schreiner, and Barry Bowen.  Thank you to Trinity Foundation for contributing material to this week's program. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, Russell Moore leaves the Southern Baptist Convention over the churches handling of sexual abuse and race issues.  And more accusations about Carl Lentz motivate hard questions about the culture at Hillsong.  We also have our list of the lowest rated ministries in the MinistryWatch database.  We'll discuss that list later in the program.  We begin with news of a billion-dollar restriction at the Trinity Broadcasting Network. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Rod Pitzer, Adelle M. Banks, Roxanne Stone, Anne Stych, Bruce Schreiner, and Barry Bowen.  Thank you to Trinity Foundation for contributing material to this week's program. Until next time, may God bless you.

Tony Minear offers both religious and spiritual insights concerning these timely issues:Link for 1 Big Story: Muslim women are using Sharia to push for gender equality by Mark Fathi MassoudLinks for 2 Headlines: Explained: How religion fuels the Israel-Palestine conflict by Deccan Herald Web Desk The Supreme Court will hear a major abortion case. by Adam Liptak Links for 3 Quotes: Biden White House officials hold first meeting with atheist, secular groups by Adelle M. Banks Mixing human + animal DNA and the future of gene editing by Big Think Swearing of religious oaths is hypocritical as Ireland becomes more secular by Brian Whiteside

(00:00-10:05): Brian was joined by guest co-host, Aubrey Sampson! Brian and Aubrey commented on Bianca Betancourt's Harper's BAZAAR article, “Meghan Markle Says Palace Played an"Active Role" in"Perpetuating Falsehoods" About Her and Prince Harry.” They also reacted to Adelle M. Banks' Religion News Service article, “After sermon criticizing wives' weight, pastor resigns as moderator of General Baptist meeting.” (10:05-27:46): Benjamin Vrbicek, Lead Teaching Pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church, Managing Editor for Gospel-Centered Discipleship, and Author of Don't Just Send a Resume: How to Find the Right Job in a Local Church, joined Brian and Aubrey to chat about his book, Blogging for God's Glory in a Clickbait World and his recent Gospel Coalition article, “When My Church Was Washed with Butter.”   Learn more about Benjamin and his books at his blog, benjaminvrbicek.com (27:46-37:21): Brian and Aubrey discussed her informal polls about Brian's Starbucks Dilemma and participation trophies.   (37:21-47:20): Brian and Aubrey reacted to Julia Ainsley's NBC News article, “Extremists discussed plans to 'remove Democratic lawmakers': FBI-Homeland Security bulletin.” (47:20-56:29): Brian and Aubrey commented on Samuel Perry's tweet about whether people “think God appoints the President.” They also shared their thoughts on Michael Gryboski's Christian Post article, “Shane Claiborne urges churches to remove US flag from altars or add flags of other 195 countries.” (56:29-1:06:55): Dr. Lamar Hardwick, lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church and Author of Epic Church and I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor, joined Brian and Aubrey to chat about his new book, Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion.  Learn more about Lamar and his book at his website, autismpastor.com (1:06:55-1:16:41): Brian and Aubrey discussed Tim Challies' article at challies.com, “From Tabernacle to Stormtrooper Dance.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:08): Brian reacted to Rebecca Shabad, Kristen Welker and Shannon Pettypiece's NBC News article, “Biden says U.S. will have enough coronavirus vaccine doses for every adult by end of May.” He also commented on Geoff Herbert's syracuse.com article, “Near-perfect Tom Cruise deepfakes raise concerns about technology, security.” (09:08-18:37): Brian shared his thoughts on Michael Frost's blog post, “The Alphabet of Grace: W is for Weirdos.” (18:37-27:50): Brian discussed Benjamin Vrbicek's Gospel Coalition article, “When My Church Was Washed with Butter.”      (27:50-37:17): Brian reacted to Karl Vaters' churchleaders.com article, “How An Unspoken Justin Bieber Joke Taught Me To Treat Everyone As An Image-Bearer.” (37:17-46:38): Brian shared his thoughts on Trevin Wax's Gospel Coalition blog post, “Don't Be Too Hasty in Your Take on the Post-Pandemic Church.” He also reacted to Adelle M. Banks' Religion News Service article, “After sermon criticizing wives' weight, pastor resigns as moderator of General Baptist meeting.” (46:38-1:03:47): Dr. Roger E. Olson, Professor of Theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University and Author of The Essentials of Christian Thought: Seeing Reality through the Biblical Story, joined Brian to chat about his book and his blog post at patheos.com, “American Evangelical Christianity: A Failed Movement?” Learn more about Roger at his blog, patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson (1:03:47-1:12:04): Brian commented on Jeannie Law's Christian Post article, “Tom Hanks' son Chet says being ‘touched by God' led him to convert from atheism.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's program, a new development with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Christian Finance Guru Dave Ramsey is throwing a big staff Christmas party that is drawing national attention, and in this age of celebrity flame-outs, we highlight the lives of two men who served God and their neighbors quietly and faithfully for decades.  We begin today with an investigation of possible abuses of the Payroll Protection Program. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Steve Rabey, Adelle M. Banks, Warren Smith, Christina Darnell, Emily Miller, Bob Smietana, Alejandra Molina, and Roxanne Stone. Thanks to our friends at The NonProfit Times and Religion Unplugged for contributing material to this week's program. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, a new development with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Christian Finance Guru Dave Ramsey is throwing a big staff Christmas party that is drawing national attention, and in this age of celebrity flame-outs, we highlight the lives of two men who served God and their neighbors quietly and faithfully for decades.  We begin today with an investigation of possible abuses of the Payroll Protection Program. The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today’s program include Anne Stych, Steve Rabey, Adelle M. Banks, Warren Smith, Christina Darnell, Emily Miller, Bob Smietana, Alejandra Molina, and Roxanne Stone. Thanks to our friends at The NonProfit Times and Religion Unplugged for contributing material to this week’s program. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, an update on the controversy regarding Carl Lentz and Hillsong Church.  We also examine how the COVID crisis has impacted Christmas outreaches, including Living Nativity Scenes and Singing Christmas trees.  We'll talk about how churches are adjusting.  And we have the latest in our Generous Living series.  The story of a man who died in 2015 whose legacy of generosity is still being felt today. If you want to dig deep into any of the stories we've discussed, go to MinistryWatch.com. Each week, MinistryWatch brings you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective.  Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today's program include Anne Stych, Steve Rabey, Adelle M. Banks, Christina Darnell, Emily McFarlan Miller, Bob Smietana, Alejandra Molina, and Roxanne Stone.  Thanks to our friends at The NonProfit Times for contributing material to this week's program. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, an update on the controversy regarding Carl Lentz and Hillsong Church.  We also examine how the COVID crisis has impacted Christmas outreaches, including Living Nativity Scenes and Singing Christmas trees.  We’ll talk about how churches are adjusting.  And we have the latest in our Generous Living series.  The story of a man who died in 2015 whose legacy of generosity is still being felt today. If you want to dig deep into any of the stories we’ve discussed, go to MinistryWatch.com. Each week, MinistryWatch brings you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective.  Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Steve Gandy. We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, and Casey Sudduth.  Writers who contributed to today’s program include Anne Stych, Steve Rabey, Adelle M. Banks, Christina Darnell, Emily McFarlan Miller, Bob Smietana, Alejandra Molina, and Roxanne Stone.  Thanks to our friends at The NonProfit Times for contributing material to this week’s program. Until next time, may God bless you.