Podcast appearances and mentions of colson center

Christina Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what's up first? Warren Ministry Brands, the leading provider of church management software and online giving solutions, has opened a new corporate headquarters in a suburb of Atlanta. Christina Warren, it's not like you to be taken in by a corporate press release. What caught your attention about this move? Warren A statement announcing the opening said the company has “upwards of 700 employees across the United States and Ireland, including 54 in the Atlanta area.” Ministry Brands says it has more than 90,000 churches and non-profit organization customers and facilitates more than $6.45 billion in charitable giving annually. That's a huge business, focused just on churches and ministries. I've asked the president for an interview, and – to their credit – they're going to give me one. So stay tuned for more information about this organization. Christina If you cover religion, like we do here at MinistryWatch, one of the big events of the year is coming up, and that's the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting in Orlando. Warren Stay tuned to MinistryWatch for our coverage of the event. The annual meeting is often an opportunity for other meetings to happen, and one that caught my attention was one hosted by the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP). Stand Up: Standing for Vulnerable Adults Against Abuse and Exploitation” is a ticketed luncheon on Tuesday, June 9, during the annual meeting. The event is sponsored by the SBC Executive Committee's Abuse Prevention & Response Department, led by Jeff Dalrymple. Christina The luncheon will convene ministry leaders, disability advocates, and abuse-prevention experts to address a crisis the Church can no longer afford to overlook. Warren To learn more about this important topic, check out this article by Dalrymple, whose daughter has autism. It highlights important issues all churches – not just those in the SBC – need to face. Christina We normally don't report about ourselves, but our MinistryWatch database has hit a milestone. Warren We'll soon be looking for another name for the MinistryWatch 1000 database, because just passed the 1500 mark, representing $55 billion in annual revenue. We hope to have 2000 ministries in the database by the end of the year. If you don't use “The Database,” as we call it, check it out here. Christina We have a story that is adjacent to our database. Warren MinistryWatch rates a ministry's efficiency and transparency, but rating a ministry's effectiveness has been an elusive measure for us and for others. We can measure how much a ministry spends on fundraising, but how can you really measure whether a discipleship ministry causes people to grow spiritually? Or whether an evangelism ministry who claims people made “decisions” for Christ are following up, and that those people are still following Christ a year or a decade later? Coming up with ways to measure ministry effectiveness is sort of the “Holy Grail” for people in my business. Christina I'm guessing that's why you were fascinated by news from World Vision that they were making the attempt to create such a measurement. Warren They are calling it the “Hope and Love Measure,” and they claim it is the first “validated tool to quantify how children experience God's love.” I must confess that I remain apprehensive, but fascinated. You can read more about that new tool here. And stay tuned: I'm interviewing World Vision President Edgar Sandoval later this week, and we'll take a deeper dive into this tool in a future episode of the MinistryWatch podcast. Christina Among the bigger news stories of the week was Pope Leo's new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas last week. Warren He made the announcement surrounded by AI experts, including Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah. My friends at AXIS, who I often turn to for succinct translations of cultural events through a biblical lens, said, “The pope spoke of the need to ‘disarm' artificial intelligence so it might become a tool to promote the common good. He insisted that, although the Church won't always have ‘technical answers,' it does bring the wisdom that ‘every person is unique and irreplaceable, a free and intelligent subject with a conscience, capable of seeking God, serving one another, caring for our common home.' His call was for AI to be developed in such a way that these human realities are served, instead of being displaced. And yes, at one point, he did quote Gandalf.” For the full (42,000-word) text, click here. Christina Warren, we need to wrap things up here. Any final thoughts before we go? Warren I was in Knoxville last week attending an event hosted by my former colleagues and good friends at The Colson Center for Christian Worldview. I was able to connect with MinistryWatch readers and listeners. I'll be in Denver and Colorado Springs in next week. Let me know if you would like to join me for lunch. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. Christina That brings to a close this EXTRA episode of the podcast. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

We are in a civilizational moment—and how we respond will determine the future of next generations. Why is it important for Christians to step into the culture and stand up for Truth through quiet acts of courage? Hear the stories of several people who have made choices with great implications. Don't miss an inspiring and encouraging conversation with John Stonestreet of the Colson Center when you join us for the next Equipped with Chris Brooks. Featured resource:Documentary: Truth Rising June thank you gift:72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be by Tim and Mark Shoemaker Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here.

A month of fidelity, not pride. ___________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone.

Christina  Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what's up first? Warren I subscribe to Kate Bowler's Substack and read this week that she had spoken at Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City. When she wrote that this United Methodist congregation had 25,000 members, I was a bit incredulous. Christina United Methodist churches do not usually grow that large, especially these days. Warren So, I did some fact-checking, and she is right, though most online sources also say that weekly attendance at the church is closer to 6,000. Still, that is big. The church is centrist in theology and has so far managed to stay in the United Methodist Church without suffering a meltdown in attendance, though its growth has flattened in recent years. I am going to keep my eye on the church. It will be an interesting bellwether for the future of the UMC. Christina Moving on, there's a leadership transition coming up at a significant Christian organization. Warren After nearly six years of service, Kevin Van Horne has stepped down as Executive Director of International Fellowship of Evangelical Students/ USA. His last day was Friday, May 15, 2026. According to a statement from the organization, “Kevin led IFES/USA through a season of significant change, helping to serve our global fellowship and partners well. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and for the ways God has worked through him.” Dave Shepherd (Director of Finance) has been appointed to serve as Interim Executive Director. IFES was a MinistryWatch Shining Light Award winner in 2023 and has maintained excellent ratings from us since then. Christina Warren, I know you are always interested in demographics and statistics. But something special caught your attention this week. Warren That's right, and before I say what that was, let me as some rhetorical questions. What is the most significant problem facing America and the world? Nuclear winter? Global warming? Artificial intelligence? I would submit for your consideration the coming depopulation of the earth. For at least 30 years, most reputable demographers have been saying that the world population growth is slowing and will likely top out soon. By the year 2100 the world will be in the midst of a significant population decline. Christina And one thing that caught your attention is just how much this population decline will impact all areas of life on earth. Warren That's right. This decline will have enormous implications for every aspect of life. Cities built for millions of people will disappear, leaving a rotting infrastructure. Economic growth will be impossible. We are already seeing towns in the Midwest and West disappear. That trend will accelerate. Christina I've got to admit, Warren, that that sounds a bit melodramatic. Warren I think it's fair to be skeptical, but population demographics is one area of social science that has pretty sound prediction models. Birth rates have fallen to record lows, and they don't change that much from year to year. So it's actually pretty easy to predict what the population will be in the future. And the numbers don't look good. But if these predictions seem a bit melodramatic to you, I suggest reading a new article from The Atlantic, The Great Depopulation. A world with a shrinking and aging population will offer great opportunities for ministry, but for almost every country on the planet, it will be a culturally wrenching reality. Christina On May 17, an event called ReDedicate 250 brought speakers to the National Mall in Washington. The speakers included Eric Metaxas, Mark Driscoll, Sean Feucht, and Greg Locke – all men we've written about here at MinistsryWatch. Warren That's right. They are a part of what some are now calling the Dissident Christian Right. Christina What does that mean? Warren They are not quite Christian Nationalist, but not mainstream evangelical, either. Most assessments have judged the event as kind of a bust. A few thousand people attended, but DCR pundits had predicted many more. For example, The Christian Post reported that Robert Jeffress predicted the gathering “could be the nation's largest religious gathering in more than 50 years.” It is not clear what the attendance figures for this event forbode for the DCR movement, but the weak attendance was a surprise to me and to many who have been following the movement. Christina And there was a notable passing last week. Warren My friend Bob Woodson died last week at the age of 89. If you do not know about Bob's life and the legacy he leaves behind, I recommend reading John Stonestreet's excellent tribute. It was an honor for me to be a part of the Colson Center team that presented Bob with a Wilberforce Award in 2018. He was sui generis. One of one. I will miss him personally, and our country will miss his leadership. I helped arrange a trip for him to The King's College in 2010 to do a live interview with Marvin Olasky. That interview is worth a listen, and you can find it here. Christina Warren, you've mentioned before, that you are a fan of Carey Nieuwhof's leadership podcast. This week he dropped one of his most personal episodes ever. Warren He recounts how, about 20 years ago, he experienced a period of profound burnout. It is part of a two-part series on how to avoid burning out. I strongly recommend it. You can find the first episode here. Christina Warren, we need to wrap things up here. Any final thoughts before we go? Warren I'll be in Knoxville this week attending an event hosted by my former colleagues and good friends at The Colson Center for Christian Worldview. If you'd like to have lunch with me on Friday, let me hear from you. I'll be doing similar lunches in Denver and Colorado Springs in June. Let me know if you would like to join us. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. Christina That brings to a close this EXTRA episode of the podcast. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm Christina Darnell, along with Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

How do we raise godly young ladies in our culture? Is the biblical worldview big enough to handle the tough questions our kids are asking? Are there things we can do as parents that will help our kids stay grounded in the Truth into adulthood? Join us for this special podcast interview with Sarah Stonestreet of the Colson Center as we discuss these questions together.  Links mentioned in podcast: Colson Fellows: https://www.colsonfellows.org/ Strong Woman Podcast by Sarah Stonestreet: https://colsoncenter.org/strong-women

Why the Church's greatest need is formation.  __________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone.

Neil Shenvi, a Christian apologist, shares how Christians can faithfully engage an increasingly post-Christian culture with both truth and compassion. Drawing from Scripture and his own experience as a former non-Christian graduate student at University of California, Berkeley, Shenvi explains how believers can build meaningful relationships, lovingly point people to Christ, and avoid falling into self-righteousness or fear. The conversation explores the rise of critical theory and “wokeness,” tracing their roots to Marxist ideas about oppression and power, and discussing how concepts like equity, inclusion, and lived experience have been redefined in modern culture. Shenvi and Daly also address difficult cultural topics including gender ideology, preferred pronouns, racial narratives, and truth versus “poetic truth,” with grace and truth, standing on biblical truth while demonstrating Christlike love, especially toward family members, coworkers, and others who may strongly disagree with their beliefs. Get a copy of Neil's book, Post Woke: Asserting a Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality, for a gift of any amount. Dr. Shelby Steele addresses racial division in America, examining the civil rights movement of the 1960s and comparing it to the campaign for social justice today. He reminds us of the importance of strong marriages and families as the solution to many societal ills. The world is shifting. Truth is under attack. Truth Rising, a new documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center, reveals the crisis shaking faith, identity, and morality. But we can make a difference when we stand in God’s truth. Join the movement—watch now! Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God. SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, joins host Dr. Mike Chupp and regular co-host Dr. Brick Lantz for a conversation about what it means to be a Christian healthcare professional in an increasingly challenging cultural moment. John, a recent recipient of CMDA’s President’s Heritage Award, speaks candidly about the pressures facing believers in medicine today, to stay silent, to conform, and to compartmentalize their faith. The conversation also includes a closer look at Truth Rising, a documentary and study from the Colson Center and Focus on the Family designed to equip Christians to stay grounded in God's truth, and choose courage over fear.

The return of "What About?" Wednesdays! Text us your questions for apologist and pastor Robby Lashua!Each year, the Northwest Christian School Board enjoys a session with the entire Northwest Christian secondary Bible team.  The open-ended conversation includes highs and lows, strengths and weaknesses, and a focus on whether or not the program is truly impacting students and helping them to develop a Biblical worldview.Following the January 2026 version of the conversation, we recognized that we wanted to take it further and, in the spirit of transparency and authenticity, open it up for all to hear and participate.  As a result, over the next several weeks and months, Kingdom Culture Conversations is going to take the time to walk through these conversations with each of the school's secondary Bible teachers.Today, we continue this journey with Alana Heater, Northwest Christian's freshman Bible teacher.  A Northwest Christian alumni herself, Alana is on the leading edge of the high school's theology program and serves as the intermediary between our middle and high school programs.  Teaching Old Testament, especially in sum, can be challenging but she makes the experience both memorable and meaningful in designing opportunities for students to engage the text.  Alana is also the director of Northwest Christian's Academic Affiliate partnership with the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.  In her two roles, and with this threefold perspective, her contributions to this ongoing conversation are beyond insightful.So, from this unique perspective, what does she have to say?  What is working?  What isn't? "Kingdom Culture Conversations" is a podcast created by Northwest Christian School in Phoenix, Arizona.For more information on Northwest Christian School, visit:  https://www.ncsaz.org/To reach out to Geoff Brown, please email gbrown@ncsaz.org or you can reach him by cell phone:  (623)225-5573.

 What makes a strong Christian woman today? Sarah Stonestreet, The Colson Center for Christian Worldview, explains how women and girls can showcase true strength through God's design, not cultural definitions.  Learn to develop eyes to see the world around you and to love as Christ loves within your unique gifts. 

According to Carl Trueman, transgression and desecration are at the heart of our current cultural crisis. __________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone.

Culture is getting ideas of singleness and marriage exactly backwards. __________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone.

This episode of AACS Today features Billy Hutchinson, Director of Colson Educators at the Colson Center. Hutchinson addresses the vital distinction between simply teaching Bible stories and cultivating a comprehensive biblical worldview that informs every aspect of a student's life. He argues that while many schools operate with a biblical framework, a true biblical worldview requires teachers to act as “worldview communicators” who replicate their own character and faith in their students.The discussion introduces a framework where the campus becomes a manifestation of culture, shaped specifically by what is stated, tolerated, and celebrated. By emphasizing “relational capital” and a leadership style that balances justice and mercy, Hutchinson illustrates how schools can foster genuine human flourishing. He also highlights free professional development resources available through Colson Educators, including worldview formation courses and the “Planning Period” newsletter, designed to help busy teachers integrate faith into subjects like math and science. This episode serves as a practical guide for leaders striving to ensure their school environment is a living embodiment of the biblical worldview.For more information about Colson Educators, visit this link.To signup for the Planning Period newsletter, click here.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Hope Rising,” with conversations about how we find hope in every aspect of life. Today, we focused on the hope, joy, and peace that come from trusting in God, based on Romans 15:13. J. Warner Wallace joined us to share how applying cold-case detective skills to the Gospels reveals compelling evidence for Christianity and a hope that is grounded in truth. Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, bestselling author, and national speaker. He is also a Christian apologist, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, and adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Learn more at Cold-Case Christianity. We then had Jill Savage join us to share how unrealistic expectations and misplaced hope contributed to deep disappointment in her marriage, and how holding on to hope in Christ led to healing and restoration. Jill Savage is an author, blogger, international speaker, and leads the ministry Hearts at Home. She also hosts the “No More Perfect” podcast and wrote “No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together.” We also had some fun with “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Jill Savage [ 29:12 ]J. Warner Wallace [ 45:49 ]Ally's Joke [ 1:04:12 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Hope Rising,” with conversations about how we find hope in every aspect of life. Today, we focused on the hope, joy, and peace that come from trusting in God, based on Romans 15:13. J. Warner Wallace joined us to share how applying cold-case detective skills to the Gospels reveals compelling evidence for Christianity and a hope that is grounded in truth. Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, bestselling author, and national speaker. He is also a Christian apologist, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, and adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Learn more at Cold-Case Christianity. We then had Jill Savage join us to share how unrealistic expectations and misplaced hope contributed to deep disappointment in her marriage, and how holding on to hope in Christ led to healing and restoration. Jill Savage is an author, blogger, international speaker, and leads the ministry Hearts at Home. She also hosts the “No More Perfect” podcast and wrote “No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together.” We also had some fun with “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Jill Savage [ 29:12 ]J. Warner Wallace [ 45:49 ]Ally's Joke [ 1:04:12 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Hope Rising,” with conversations about how we find hope in every aspect of life. Today, we focused on the hope, joy, and peace that come from trusting in God, based on Romans 15:13. J. Warner Wallace joined us to share how applying cold-case detective skills to the Gospels reveals compelling evidence for Christianity and a hope that is grounded in truth. Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, bestselling author, and national speaker. He is also a Christian apologist, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, and adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Learn more at Cold-Case Christianity. We then had Jill Savage join us to share how unrealistic expectations and misplaced hope contributed to deep disappointment in her marriage, and how holding on to hope in Christ led to healing and restoration. Jill Savage is an author, blogger, international speaker, and leads the ministry Hearts at Home. She also hosts the “No More Perfect” podcast and wrote “No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together.” We also had some fun with “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Jill Savage [ 29:12 ]J. Warner Wallace [ 45:49 ]Ally's Joke [ 1:04:12 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Hope Rising,” with conversations about how we find hope in every aspect of life. Today, we focused on the hope, joy, and peace that come from trusting in God, based on Romans 15:13. J. Warner Wallace joined us to share how applying cold-case detective skills to the Gospels reveals compelling evidence for Christianity and a hope that is grounded in truth. Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, bestselling author, and national speaker. He is also a Christian apologist, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, and adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Learn more at Cold-Case Christianity. We then had Jill Savage join us to share how unrealistic expectations and misplaced hope contributed to deep disappointment in her marriage, and how holding on to hope in Christ led to healing and restoration. Jill Savage is an author, blogger, international speaker, and leads the ministry Hearts at Home. She also hosts the “No More Perfect” podcast and wrote “No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together.” We also had some fun with “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Jill Savage [ 29:12 ]J. Warner Wallace [ 45:49 ]Ally's Joke [ 1:04:12 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Hope Rising,” with conversations about how we find hope in every aspect of life. Today, we focused on the hope, joy, and peace that come from trusting in God, based on Romans 15:13. J. Warner Wallace joined us to share how applying cold-case detective skills to the Gospels reveals compelling evidence for Christianity and a hope that is grounded in truth. Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, bestselling author, and national speaker. He is also a Christian apologist, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, and adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Learn more at Cold-Case Christianity. We then had Jill Savage join us to share how unrealistic expectations and misplaced hope contributed to deep disappointment in her marriage, and how holding on to hope in Christ led to healing and restoration. Jill Savage is an author, blogger, international speaker, and leads the ministry Hearts at Home. She also hosts the “No More Perfect” podcast and wrote “No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together.” We also had some fun with “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Jill Savage [ 29:12 ]J. Warner Wallace [ 45:49 ]Ally's Joke [ 1:04:12 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Hope Rising,” with conversations about how we find hope in every aspect of life. Today, we focused on the hope, joy, and peace that come from trusting in God, based on Romans 15:13. J. Warner Wallace joined us to share how applying cold-case detective skills to the Gospels reveals compelling evidence for Christianity and a hope that is grounded in truth. Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, bestselling author, and national speaker. He is also a Christian apologist, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, and adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Learn more at Cold-Case Christianity. We then had Jill Savage join us to share how unrealistic expectations and misplaced hope contributed to deep disappointment in her marriage, and how holding on to hope in Christ led to healing and restoration. Jill Savage is an author, blogger, international speaker, and leads the ministry Hearts at Home. She also hosts the “No More Perfect” podcast and wrote “No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together.” We also had some fun with “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Jill Savage [ 29:12 ]J. Warner Wallace [ 45:49 ]Ally's Joke [ 1:04:12 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme, “Hope Rising,” with conversations about how we find hope in every aspect of life. Today, we focused on the hope, joy, and peace that come from trusting in God, based on Romans 15:13. J. Warner Wallace joined us to share how applying cold-case detective skills to the Gospels reveals compelling evidence for Christianity and a hope that is grounded in truth. Wallace is a Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, bestselling author, and national speaker. He is also a Christian apologist, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center, and adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Learn more at Cold-Case Christianity. We then had Jill Savage join us to share how unrealistic expectations and misplaced hope contributed to deep disappointment in her marriage, and how holding on to hope in Christ led to healing and restoration. Jill Savage is an author, blogger, international speaker, and leads the ministry Hearts at Home. She also hosts the “No More Perfect” podcast and wrote “No More Perfect Marriages: Experience the Freedom of Being Real Together.” We also had some fun with “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Jill Savage [ 29:12 ]J. Warner Wallace [ 45:49 ]Ally's Joke [ 1:04:12 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carl Trueman joins John Stonestreet in discussing Carl's new book, The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity. __________ Receive Carl Trueman's new book when you gift any amount to The Colson Center at colsoncenter.org/restore.

Welcome Back, Church Plantings… GUEST Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra … senior writer and faith-&-work editor for The Gospel Coalition … also coauthor of “Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age” and editor of “Social Sanity in an Insta World” Truth Rising, Speaking topic at the Friends of the Family Banquet … GUEST John Stonestreet … author and speaker, and President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and host of BreakPoint, a nationally syndicated Christian worldview radio program founded by Chuck Colson … his work focuses on faith, culture, theology, worldview, education, and apologetics and has co-authored books such as "A Practical Guide to Culture"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The risen Christ did not leverage anyone else's death for his cause. He offered his own.  __________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone.

Christina Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast.  In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.”  So, Warren, what's up first? Warren Military chaplains will no longer indicate their rank on their uniforms, according to a new order from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegspeth. People I've talked with tell me they generally think that's a good thing. Enlisted personnel might be intimidated to talk with chaplains about deeply personal issues if they know that chaplain is a senior officer. Progressive groups opposing the move include Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Christina Up next, a new study by Pew found that nearly 98 percent of U.S. adults live within range of at least one religious radio station. Warren And that about 25 percent of all AM/FM stations are dedicated to religious programming.  The U.S. has about 4,000 religious stations and about half of American adults spend at least some time each week listening to religious audio content, including radio, podcasts, and streaming, and – this is one of the most interesting findings – about 39 percent of listeners are non-Christians. Christina I guess it's a good thing that non-Christians are listening to Christian programming. Warren It is good, but there is also another side to that coin. A lot of Christian radio stations have started programing for that non-Christian audience. You'll hear branding like “Safe for the Entire Family” rather than distinctly Christian branding and programming. Some people think this trend has watered down Christian radio. Christian writer David Murrow says “Safe for the Entire Family” has made Christian radio boring and risk-free. He advocates for edgier music on music stations, and more teaching and talk.  Christina While we're on the subject of media, a new movie out now is getting a lot of buzz from Christian commentators – and it's not a Christian movie. Warren I haven't seen the new Ryan Gosling movie Project Hail Mary, but people I respect are giving it great reviews.  Aaron Renn says, “In an era of male loneliness and confusing messages about manhood, Project Hail Mary models problem-solving, purpose, and fatherly strength without apology.” Brett McCracken, writing for The Gospel Coalition, says it offers the “good, clean fun moviegoers have missed.” McCracken concludes, “Project Hail Mary doesn't preach the gospel. But it makes virtue look good. It makes selflessness, sacrifice, and duty attractive. If the movie is a huge hit—and I expect it will be—perhaps Hollywood will take the hint. We're not in postmodernism anymore. Goodness, truth, and beauty are attributes we want in art again. Really, they're what we've always wanted.” Christina Is the movie a hit? Warren It is. The movie opened at number 1 in the U.S. and held that position through its second week. So far, worldwide box office is around $300 million. That's a huge hit by any reasonable standard. Christina Warren, you read an article this week that caught your attention. Warren I commend to you an article by my friends John Stonestreet and Tim Padgett of The Colson Center. I'll link to it in the show notes. They share the hard truth that neither political party has a right to the pro-life label these days. Of the Democrats they say, abortion is not merely a plank in the progressive party's platform. It is the chief commitment of the worldview that dominates America. It is, for many, a sacrament to recognize, enshrine, and honor autonomy. Abortion is not merely a legal right of a decadent society. It is a rite of worship, specifically a way to worship the idols of self, state, and sex.”  Christina But they don't let the Republicans off the hook, either.  Warren They write, “The GOP was once a prolife party, but now openly endorses chemical abortion and unregulated IVF, the two most common ways to kill preborn children in America.” They conclude, “There is no such thing as a Christian not called, to some degree, to oppose abortion and defend preborn lives. We need not attend every march or express every outrage. We must, however, protect every vulnerable life, support every vulnerable mother and father, and advance the Christian understanding of human dignity every chance we are given.” Christina Our final story today is about the ministry rating systems. An organization called Charity Watch wrote an article that found fault with Charity Navigator's rating system. Warren Charity Watch found fault with the 4-Star rating that Charity Navigator gave to OUR Rescue, formerly Operation Underground Railroad. I won't get into the weeds of their analysis here except to say that Charity Watch is right. OUR Rescue should not have a 4-Star rating.  Christina That's why MinistryWatch gives OUR Rescue a 1-Star rating, our lowest score for financial efficiency.  Warren That's right. I've written about the pros and cons of rating systems, and explained why – despite the cons – we think rating ministries is important. But how you do it matters. I'll have a link to an article explaining our rating system in today's show notes. Christina Any final notes before we go? Warren I have some travel coming up in the next couple of months, and I would love to see you. I will be in Los Angeles in April. I'll be speaking at the annual convention of the Evangelical Press Association in Nashville in June. I'll also be in Dallas and Knoxville in May. I will be speaking at Summit Ministries in Manitou Springs in June, so I'll be doing reader lunches in Denver and Colorado Springs during that trip. Let me know if you would like to join us. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. Christina The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm Christina Darnell, along with Warren Smith. You've been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.  Until next time, may God bless you.

The First Amendment doesn't allow enabling speech on one ideological viewpoint while restricting speech on another.  __________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone.

Continuing our Theme this month, looking at how the Church ministers to (or doesn't minister to) the entire body of Christ.We have on the panel today representatives from Together We Care, SOAR and KeyMinistry/Disability and the Church.Do you know the difference in Diversity- Inclusion & Belonging? The importance of community!About our panelistsJilliam Palmiotto/Together We CareJillian Palmiotto is the Founder and Executive Director of Together We Care, a Georgia-based nonprofit that equips and empowers families impacted by disabilities through strategic planning, advocacy, and practical support. With over a decade of experience in special needs ministry, Jillian also serves as the Special Needs Inclusion Coordinator at West Ridge Church and as the Executive Director of the Together Conference. Her passion for building inclusive communities is fueled by her personal journey as a special education teacher and disability ministry leader. Jillian brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and real-world expertise to every conversation—helping families, churches, and organizations navigate complex systems with hope and clarity. Doc Hunsley/SOARStephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, Kansas. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) serves over 1500 individuals with special needs through regular respite events and the nation's largest Disability Day Camp. Doc is currently assisting over 725 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Conference held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a USAF veteran and a retired disabled pediatrician while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark, and Sarah. The Hunsley's middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark's five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism. Dr. Steve Grcevich/Disability & the Church/Key MinistryDr. Steve Grcevich is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with 40 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, and professor who serves as President and Founder of Key Ministry. He plays a lead role in Key Ministry's work to support churches in evangelism and outreach to the mental health community. He is the author of Mental Health and the Church (Zondervan), the first comprehensive model to guide churches in their mental health outreach and inclusion efforts. In his role with Key Ministry, he has been invited to speak or create resources for the American Association of Christian Counselors, the Christian Medical Dental Society, the Colson Center, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and the National Association of Evangelicals. He currently serves on Focus on the Family's Physician Resource Council and is a widely requested speaker at national ministry conferences.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, to discuss the Truth Rising Project—a collaboration between the Colson Center and Focus on the Family. John explains how Truth Rising emerged from a growing realization: many of the cultural “hypotheticals” Christians debated decades ago have become lived realities. The project frames our moment as what Oz Guinness calls a civilizational moment—a tipping point where cultures become “clipped off” from the roots that once animated them, often leading to decline, upheaval, or (rarely) renewal. A key theme in the conversation is the difference between faithfulness and effectiveness. James presses the question: What happens when faithfulness doesn’t seem to “work”? John responds by grounding Christian hope not in saving Western civilization, but in the resurrection of Jesus Christ—and echoes Chuck Colson’s memorable line: “Despair is a sin.” Not because outcomes are guaranteed to improve, but because Christ is risen and his kingdom is the true story of the world. The discussion then turns to cultural destabilization, dehumanization, and what it looks like to live “against the grain of reality.” John and James reflect on the way ideas produce real-world consequences—how societies can treat moral realities like “speed limits” (negotiable) when they function more like “gravity” (inescapable). Finally, John highlights stories featured in Truth Rising—especially Jack Phillips and Chloe Cole—as examples of courage and costly faithfulness in public life. The episode closes with a practical invitation: Truth Rising is free, designed to equip Christians and churches to live with hope, clarity, and conviction in this moment. Key topics bullets Why Colson Center + Focus on the Family launched Truth Rising Oz Guinness and the idea of a “civilizational moment” Faithfulness vs. effectiveness—and why hope is rooted in resurrection “Despair is a sin” (Chuck Colson) and the logic of Christian hope Dehumanization, identity confusion, and cultural decline Truth vs. “renegotiated reality”: gravity vs. speed limits Jack Phillips, Chloe Cole, and the cost of courageous obedience How to access the free documentary and 8-part study You can find out more about the Truth Rising project at https://www.truthrising.com. Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Adding text to Scripture because it's "progressive" might score secular points, but it doesn't make it truer.  __________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone.

In this episode, Greg and Nathan are joined by Billy Hutchinson, Director of Colson Educators for Christian Worldview, to explore the deeper crisis facing modern education, the erosion of truth itself. As students are increasingly given conflicting answers to life's biggest questions, confusion and despair often follow. Billy helps unpack why worldview formation is essential for lifelong learners, and why this cultural moment represents both a serious challenge and a powerful opportunity for Christians. Together they discuss the difference between secular hope and the firm hope found in the historical resurrection of Christ, and how truth provides stability in a chaotic culture. Through stories of courageous faith from Truth Rising, including individuals who chose conviction over compromise, they show how courage grows from deeply rooted truth. The conversation also highlights practical tools and resources from the Colson Center that equip parents, teachers, and everyday believers to become lifelong learners—and agents of restoration in today's world.

Author and business consultant Aaron Renn helps Christians understand the adversarial culture we live in and develop and practice strategies to be effective witnesses and culture influencers for Christ. He examines the decline of the culture since the 1960s and suggests different personal and corporate strategies in the church to effectively impact the culture for Christ – through establishing a positive identity and excellence in our lives. The world is shifting. Truth is under attack. Truth Rising, a new documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center, reveals the crisis shaking faith, identity, and morality. But we can make a difference when we stand in God’s truth. Join the movement—watch now! Focus on the Family’s The Daily Citizen provides a faith-based perspective to counter the mainstream media’s anti-Christian bias. The publication exists to provide timely, relevant analysis of current events and cultural trends all from a biblical worldview. SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

Jailing dissidents is a standard operating procedure for Communist dictatorships, but Lai is no standard dissident. _________ Partner with thousands of others in supporting The Colson Center by visiting colsoncenter.org/cornerstone

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with J. Warner Wallace, who discussed the reliability and truth of Jesus. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, national speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and is an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. He has also authored several books, including “Cold-Case Christianity.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with J. Warner Wallace, who discussed the reliability and truth of Jesus. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, national speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and is an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary. He has also authored several books, including “Cold-Case Christianity.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is legalizing "sex work" no big deal for society?  __________ Want to be a part of equipping Christians? Make a gift to the Colson Center today by visiting colsoncenter.org/february.

In a world full of confusion, where truth feels optional and identity seems up for grabs, how can young Christians stand firm and live out a faith that actually makes sense of reality? For decades, Summit Ministries has been helping students do just that—training them to think biblically, defend truth, and engage culture with courage and grace. Today, we're joined by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center and long-time Summit faculty member, to talk about how Summit shapes the next generation of Christian leaders, what challenges students are facing today, and how Jesus still changes everything. John is a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. He is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture, founded by the late Chuck Colson. He is also the voice of The Point, a daily one-minute feature on worldview, apologetics, and cultural issues. He also helped create the documentary, Truth Rising, and has been a member of our Summit team for some time now.  Please send us your feedback and questions to: podcast@summit.org.

The Pugsters welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett, Theologian in Residence and Glenn’s colleague at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, for a conversation on constructive ecumenism. Working across denominational and theological lines raises a range of questions: how do you do it without compromising things you believe are true? Can evangelical and Reformed Christians work with Catholics? How about Mormons? What is the difference between ecumenism and co-belligerency? As usual, the guys have a wide-ranging conversation about these and other (mostly) related topics. Links mentioned on the show: What Would You Say: Are Mormons Christians: https://breakpoint.org/are-mormons-christians/ What Would you Say: What is Christian Nationalism?: https://breakpoint.org/what-is-christian-nationalism-exactly/ You can find Dr. Padgett’s work at https://breakpoint.org/ To learn more about the Colson Center, visit https://colsoncenter.org/ Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/ Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

The Pugsters welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett, Theologian in Residence and Glenn's colleague at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, for a conversation on constructive ecumenism. Working across denominational and theological lines raises a range of questions: how do you do it without compromising things you believe are true? Can evangelical and Reformed Christians work with Catholics? How about Mormons? What is the difference between ecumenism and co-belligerency? As usual, the guys have a wide-ranging conversation about these and other (mostly) related topics. Links mentioned on the show: What Would You Say: Are Mormons Christians: https://breakpoint.org/are-mormons-christians/What Would you Say: What is Christian Nationalism?: https://breakpoint.org/what-is-christian-nationalism-exactly/You can find Dr. Padgett's work at https://breakpoint.org/To learn more about the Colson Center, visit https://colsoncenter.org/Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Ian Rowe is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he focuses on education and upward mobility, family formation, and adoption. He'll share how Christians can impact the culture for Christ on racial issues and find common sense solutions in education for the sake of American children. He'll also share part of his Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for all children to overcome the victimhood narrative and discover their pathway to power. Get a copy of Agency by Ian Rowe for a gift of any amount. Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God. The world is shifting. Truth is under attack. Truth Rising, a new documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center, reveals the crisis shaking faith, identity, and morality. But we can make a difference when we stand in God’s truth. Join the movement—watch now! Listen to Thriving Student, a podcast series from Focus on the Family, designed to help parents give their children what they’ll need to thrive during this school year. SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

The Pugsters welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett, Theologian in Residence and Glenn’s colleague at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, for a conversation on constructive ecumenism. Working across denominational and theological lines raises a range of questions: how do you do it without compromising things you believe are true? Can evangelical and Reformed Christians work with Catholics? How about Mormons? What is the difference between ecumenism and co-belligerency? As usual, the guys have a wide-ranging conversation about these and other (mostly) related topics. Links mentioned on the show: What Would You Say: Are Mormons Christians: https://breakpoint.org/are-mormons-christians/ What Would you Say: What is Christian Nationalism?: https://breakpoint.org/what-is-christian-nationalism-exactly/ You can find Dr. Padgett’s work at https://breakpoint.org/ To learn more about the Colson Center, visit https://colsoncenter.org/ Support the Theology Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Learn more about First Pres. Battle Ground: https://www.solochristo.org/ Connect with WileyCraft Productions: https://wileycraftproductions.com/

Christians are people of hope, made for such a time as this, and providentially placed in this moment of God's unfolding story. __________ Want to be a part of equipping Christians? Make a gift to the Colson Center today by visiting colsoncenter.org/february.

In this episode of Facing the Dark, Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy Koch unpack why Celebrate Kids has joined the "Greater Than Campaign," a broad coalition led by organizations like Them Before Us, Focus on the Family, and the Colson Center, all centered on one conviction: children's needs come before adult desires. Rather than framing the conversation as political or reactionary, Wayne and Dr. Kathy explain why this issue is fundamentally about children's wellbeing, identity, and long-term flourishing. Drawing from Scripture, research, and lived experience, they clarify that supporting children does not require hostility toward others, but it does require moral clarity and courage. The episode addresses one of the hardest tensions parents and Christians face today: how to affirm the dignity of every person while still advocating for what Scripture and evidence consistently show is best for kids, being raised, whenever possible, by a committed mother and father. Dr. Kathy emphasizes that this is not about attacking anyone's identity, but about being for children in a culture that increasingly asks them to absorb adult choices and consequences. Wayne and Dr. Kathy also speak honestly about the cost of silence. When Christians withdraw from difficult conversations, children are left without advocates. Drawing on Jesus' words in Matthew 19, the episode reframes this moment as one in which believers are called not to win arguments, but to steward the vulnerable, placing kids where Jesus placed them: at the center. This conversation offers parents the language, confidence, and steadiness to navigate these discussions with neighbors, friends, and even their own children. It reminds listeners that hard teachings are still loving teachings, and that standing for kids, even when misunderstood, is one of the clearest ways to reflect Christ in a confusing world. Listeners are encouraged to explore the Greater Than campaign through the show notes and prayerfully consider how they might support efforts that put children first.

February is National Girls & Women in Sports Month. Jennifer Sey was an elite U.S. gymnast in the mid-1980s, later becoming a prominent corporate leader at Levi's and the founder of her own apparel brand, XX-XY. She shares how these experiences shaped her commitment to support and protect girl's and women's sports, as she and Jim discuss the impact of trans-ideology on having fair competition. They explore the intense pressures and physical demands of gymnastics, highlighting the culture of abuse and the toll it took on Jennifer’s mental and physical health, which ultimately contributed to her decision to leave the sport just before the Olympic trials. Jennifer emphasizes resilience, the importance of self-advocacy, and the challenges of navigating a changing cultural landscape while maintaining integrity and supporting female athletes. The world is shifting. Truth is under attack. Truth Rising, a new documentary from Focus on the Family and the Colson Center, reveals the crisis shaking faith, identity, and morality. But we can make a difference when we stand in God’s truth. Join the movement—watch now! Here are some key resources – from Focus on the Family and the Daily Citizen – to help parents understand sexual identity confusion; explain to children God’s good design for male and female – and how this is distorted by transgender dogma; and raise children who embrace their God-given masculinity or femininity. 19-year-old Chloe Cole shares about the devastating effects of gender transitioning on children, her personal regrets of transitioning as a young teen, and the peace found by trusting in God's perfect design. Focus on the Family's staff of licensed, professional counselors can help you bring healing and restoration to your family with Christian perspectives you can trust. Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God. SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE! Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

Take heart, this civilizational moment has some warriors.  __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december

Not all activities can be measured in the utilitarian way that fans of AI claim. __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december

Life issues on the docket this year.  __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december

What has come of the "Kirk Effect"? __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december

Why the classic Christmas movie should play on repeat in homes this holiday.  __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december

The Gospel story, recited by astronauts, that captivated the world.  __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december

Go ahead and put up that tree.  __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december

Humming along to the truth of Scripture.  __________ Give to The Colson Center by December 31st for double the impact at colsoncenter.org/december