Ben Lippen Podcast

Love that only lives in feelings fades fast. Love that takes action changes homes, classrooms, churches, and neighborhoods. In this Advent conversation, we sit down with Cliff Evans, high school Bible teacher and pastor, to map a clear, practical path from affection to action and from good intentions to habits that actually serve people. We start with four anchors of biblical love: sacrificial, unconditional, committed, and active....

Joy that survives sorrow is not a mood; it’s the steady life of Christ in us. We open our Advent series episode on Joy by tracing where joy comes from, why it holds when happiness fails, and how ordinary people can practice rejoicing without faking smiles or denying pain. Our guest, Joey Caldwell, a high school Bible teacher at Ben Lippen, shares a vulnerable story of years-long infertility, heartbreaking loss, adoption, and a slow...

Peace isn’t the same as quiet. Together with high school Bible teacher Nathan Aylestock, we unpack why Scripture’s vision of shalom is more than a calm moment; it’s restored relationship with God that reshapes our inner world and our everyday conflicts. From Genesis 3:15 to Isaiah 9:6 and John 14:27, we trace the promise of a Prince of Peace who bridges the gap sin created and offers a wholeness the world can’t replicate or revoke....

In this episode, we sat down with Dale Angstadt, longtime Ben Lippen teacher, husband, and honest disciple of the Word, to trace the true meaning of biblical hope. Mr. Angstadt names hope as a chosen trust in God’s character, not a thin optimism, and walks us through the tangible ways God meets us in the waiting: Abraham’s dust and stars, Mary’s sign in Elizabeth, and the cross anchored in history. These are the handholds that keep...

A mountain of trust, a school reborn, and a community knit together by generosity—this conversation with Kelly Davis, Ben Lippen’s development director, uncovers how giving has guided the school from its Asheville roots to a thriving, multi-campus community in Columbia. We revisit the origin story, from summer conferences to a boarding school, the heartbreak of the 1980 fire, and the decision that set a new course. Through it all, ...

Parenting gets harder when life does too—divorce, grief, tech overload, and the daily strain can leave even steady homes frayed. We sat down with Dr. Seth Scott to unpack a different path: lead with grace, lean on community, and parent the whole child—body, mind, relationships, and spirit. Rather than trying to be the sole fixer, we focus on building a circle of care and setting clear, shared expectations that calm chaos and help k...

What if the thing making parenting feel impossible isn’t you, but the way our world flips risk and connection on their heads? We sit down with Dr. Seth Scott—counselor educator, assistant dean, and dad—to unpack why raising kids in today’s culture can feel like sprinting uphill with a phone in each hand. From earlier individuation and eroding community to the tug-of-war over when to give a child a phone, we trace how isolation snea...

What happens when God redirects your carefully laid plans? Dr. Bill Jones knows this redirection intimately. Once determined to serve as an overseas church planter among unreached people groups, a pivotal conversation with three seminary graduates forever changed his trajectory, leading him to Columbia International University and an unexpected leadership path.

Dr. Jones shares how a simple yet profound analogy—comparing t...

Ever wondered how faith holds up when life throws its worst at you? Joe Polek's story might just give you the answer you're seeking.

When Joe and his family relocated to Columbia in 2012 for a Christian radio position, they couldn't have anticipated the journey ahead. What began as a simple school choice for their daughters evolved into a profound testimony of God's provision through impossible circumst...

What happens when a lifetime of theological wisdom gets transmitted from one generation to the next? Mark Ross and Emily Woodard's podcast "I Ask My Dad" offers a compelling answer—and a model for families seeking deeper spiritual connections.

The father-daughter duo never intended to create a podcast. As Emily explains, friends had long suggested that her father's biblical teaching should be recorded, ...

What happens when your identity is shaken to its foundation? Taylor Nelson, Director of Fine Arts at Ben Lippen School, takes us on an intimate journey through the defining moments that shaped his understanding of art, faith, and purpose.

As Taylor shares stories from his six years at Ben Lippen and his previous teaching experience in Charlotte, we discover a man driven by more than just artistic excellence. His personal n...

Unlocking the mystery of dyslexia and revealing the transformative power of specialized instruction, this episode takes listeners deep into the world of neurodiversity through the lens of Ben Lippen School's innovative program, The Ridge. 

Mrs. Sarah Beth Helsley and Mrs. Sara Smithson, experts in Orton-Gillingham methodology, break down the complex realities of dyslexia with clarity and compassion. They offer a power...

Dr. Ben Mathew returns to conclude our five-part series on racial reconciliation with a powerful synthesis of biblical teaching and practical wisdom. Rather than diving into political talking points, we ground our conversation in scripture's grand narrative—from creation to revelation—exploring how God's design for a diverse human family unfolds.

The journey begins with the Imago Dei, establishing our primary ide...

Unlock the profound connection between biblical identity and racial reality in our latest episode with Dr. Ben Mathew from Columbia International University. Join us as we explore how prioritizing our faith can help us transcend biases and foster unity within the Ben Lippin School community. Dr. Mathew guides us through the complexities of maintaining our identity in Christ while embracing our diverse backgrounds. Discover how this...

Discover how the cross shapes our understanding of race and reconciliation with Dr. Ben Mathew on the Ben Lippen Podcast. Join us as we explore the profound themes of creation, fall, cross, redemption, and glory, focusing on the central role of the cross in God's grand narrative. Dr. Mathew offers fresh insights from Revelation 5, illuminating the powerful image of a multi-ethnic community united through Jesus' sacrifice....

Dr. Ben Mathew from Columbia International University joins us to explore the intricate relationship between the gospel and racial discussions, guided by a reflective heart posture. Discover how good theology serves as a vital foundation for addressing race through a biblical perspective, using the rich framework of creation, fall, cross, redemption, and glory. While racial reconciliation might not be the Bible's central theme...

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Ben Mathew, a respected figure in counseling and theology, as we navigate the complex intersection of The Gospel and race at Ben Lippen School. Discover how Dr. Mathew’s multicultural upbringing shapes his unique approach to these sensitive discussions, emphasizing the critical role of heart posture and personal reflection. Learn how grounding our conversations in biblical truth, spe...

Discover how to navigate the complexities of modern parenting as we wrap up our enlightening series with Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes. Chris joins us to equip parents with the tools needed to create tech-savvy homes in a digital world that’s evolving at lightning speed. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of the potential dangers lurking in popular social media platform...

Can social media be a spiritual stumbling block for children? Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes joins us to tackle this thought-provoking question, offering a perspective through a biblical lens. We explore the potential spiritual and emotional challenges posed by social media, urging Christian parents to be vigilant about the dark influences that may accompany digital engagement. Reflecting on Philippians 4:8, we inspire paren...