In the mid-1950s, Rev. Robert Schuller began preaching in a drive-in movie theater in Southern California. He melded traditions like vestments with a theology of post-war optimism and self-esteem. As his ministry grew, guest preaching in his pulpit became a mark of celebrity achievement. Three decades after his drive-in movie days, Schuller would welcome a y ... Show More
Aug 2021
The Cult of Celebrity Megachurches
One of our favorite topics to date: In this can’t-miss episode, we’re unpacking the wave of trendy evangelical church groups (like Hillsong, Mosaic, and Churchome), which use Silicon Valley-savvy marketing, celebrity endorsements, charismatic pastors, and a slew of doubtlessly cu ... Show More
38m 43s
Nov 2023
#29 Josh Bauder: How to Recover a Reformed Theology of Beauty, Music in the Church as Symptomatic of Christian Culture, Church Architecture as a Conduit to Worship
Dr. Josh Bauder is a Minneapolis-based composer, arranger, typesetter, and professor. His choral music has been performed by church, university, and community choirs across the United States and abroad. Josh holds a B.A. in music and philosophy from the University of St. Thomas, ... Show More
1h 38m
Mar 2024
Classic Reply: Spiritual deconstruction among Millennials with Michael Gungor and Evan Wickham (Replay)
Michael Gungor and his wife Lisa were pioneers in the Christian music scene, building a loyal fan base through Gungor's music and podcasts such as The Liturgists. However, Michael's recent turn towards an increasingly progressive, mystical and deconstructed interpretation of fait ... Show More
1h 12m
May 2023
Destiny: Rev. Jim Willis, American Cults, Cabal, Corruptions and Charismatic Leaders
America has spawned hundreds of cults. Charismatic leaders periodically burst into the news for the most awful of reasons. We are awash with stories of brainwashed members’ struggles to leave. Meet the messianic leaders, see the indoctrination and manipulation, look at their beli ... Show More
1h 8m
Nov 2021
Dr. Dark: Social Justice, Elton John, and the Bible
Send us a textIn this episode, Katie chats with David Dark, a critically acclaimed author and Assistant Professor of Religion and the Arts in the College of Theology at Belmont University. His books include “Life’s Too Short To Pretend You’re Not Religious” “The Sacredness of Que ... Show More
1h 8m
Jun 2024
Hitting the Wall: A Conversation With John Mark Comer, Matt Chandler, and Beau Hughes
What do you do when you hit a wall in your apprenticeship to Jesus? Beau Hughes, lead pastor of The Village Church, Denton, interviews John Mark and Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church, Flower Mound about their journeys of discipleship and formation. Together, John M ... Show More
43m 53s