The Faithful Presence Podcast

Michael and Dr. Bobo plumb the depths of seminary education,  working in both the public and theological worlds, navigating culture, a redemptive view of vocation, and how a divinity degree helps with bioethics conversations. 

Works Cited
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, Os Guinness (2003)

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Michael talks with scholar, author, and Faithful Presence board member, Dr. Randy Newman, about his most recent book, "Questioning Faith." Together they explore getting to know people, suffering, alcoholism, Christopher Hitchens, the importance of switchbacks, and how many books Dr. Newman has actually written. 

For NPR's interview with Christopher Hitchens referenced by Dr. Newman, go to: https://www.npr.or...

Michael interviews Dr. Justin Bailey on his recent book and the importance of wedding ideological and cultural formation to emotional formation.  Together they discuss aspects of Dutch-culture in NW Iowa and Chicago, the relationship of mental health to ideological discernment, the development of partisan polarization,  power plays and changing the world, and how the five lenses paradigm can equip us for participating well in Chris...

In this episode, Michael hosts "D.B." and "Supe," two Chicago area pastors from vastly different demographic contexts living in the same Congressional District. Together, they explain how their love of the gospel and excellent preaching formed a friendship that pulled both into the work of racial reconciliation in their individual congregations. Finally, they explore the cultural objections to such services, the...

In this episode of the podcast, we dig back into the vault (aka Michael's computer) for another gem for the much-heralded "Tommy Tapes" delivered in 1995 during a church planting conference. 

In the public square, networking is an essential skill for flourishing. It is how relationships are made, opportunities opened, and agendas advanced.  And, while we should never see people as projects, we are called to ...

Michael and Jeremy discuss three recent articles from David Brooks, Peter Leithart, and Anne Snyder which all explore the ramifications of locating our identity in the therapeutic-driven constructions of culture:

David Brooks, "Hey America, Grow Up" from the New York Times 
Peter Leithart, "Man Up!" from First Things
Ann Snyder, "Words Against Flesh" from Comment Magazine

Othe...

In Washington, and everywhere else, flourishing and success often comes to those that freely use unrighteous and unjust means to get there and those who remain faithful often feel as though they do not receive what they deserve from God for being faithful. In this episode, Michael speaks to this situation using a number of Psalms. 

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In this episode, Michael shares a rare recording of Dr. Tim Keller giving a seminar to a small group of church planters circa 1995 (before any of his published works).   While aimed at church planters, this talk is universally helpful in navigating culture in a post-modern and post-Christian world, overcoming defeaters to Christian faith claims, and making the gospel clear to seekers and skeptics. In this talk, Keller covers everyt...

In this episode, Michael explores three aspects of insecurity: uncertainty, weakness and unease, and how these realities of our humanity present both challenges and opportunities to trust in Christ. For those serving and leading in Washington, this episode will interact with how embracing our humanity is actually one of the biggest hurdles to living in a posture of faithful presence.

Michael also address how embracing his ...

In this season opener of the second season of The Faithful Presence Podcast, Michael shares a recent sermon that he gave on the final chapter on the book of Acts.

In this sermon, Michael addresses the fact that 2023 will probably not be much better than 2022, 2020, all the years before that, and what to do if we aren’t “living our best lives now.”

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Soli...

In this episode, Michael speaks with the authors of a recent article published at The Washington Institute to reconsider the importance of those living on the margins in Christ's mission of making all things new. 

In reconsidering and recalibrating James Davidson Hunter's work, "To Change the World," Abe and Greg discuss the central place of "table fellowship" in disciple making, how common gr...

Feeling exhausted and wondering if you should just leave Washington? Ever gotten burned by someone you thought was a confidant? Having difficulty navigating power differentials? Frustrated by the complications of "unspoken" agendas?

In this highly relevant episode Michael talks with two of the the authors of "Resilient Ministry" and "The Politics of Ministry" about how, as Christians, we can n...

During this AMAZING episode, Michael and Dr. Sherman discuss the role of the righteous in the flourishing of others, how "flourishing" has become a trigger word for some, subjecting the "right" and "left" to God's definitions of flourishing, expanding the expectations of the gospel,  and the current impact of Mexican hip-hop in  making all things new.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o&qu...

On this episode Michael chats with author and C.S. Lewis scholar, Dr.  Randy Newman about the shortcomings of “lifestyle evangelism,” persuasion in an age of polarization, responding to cultural defeaters, why questions work better than assertions,  the importance of admitting the incomplete answers Christians can offer, and the critical role of cultural apologetics in whole-life discipleship.

Books by Dr. Newman:
Me...

Michael and guest, Jeremy Knapp, discuss the differences between churches - cultural engagement in Korea and the United States. Jeremy gives a close perspective on recent school shootings in St. Louis, the burden of changing the world, and what Britney Spears and Lady Gaga can teach us about Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.

Links from the episode:

Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn
Dedication an...

In this episode, deep dive with us into the importance of emotional discipleship with therapist and pastor, Michael Coggin. Michael covers the usefulness of therapy, dealing with toxic work environments, narcissism and leadership, trauma, and the like. Also, go check out Michael Coggin’s book, Ravenous Wolves: Shepherding the Church in an Age of Narcissism. 

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Soli...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett from the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. Here, Michael and Dr. Padgett reminisce on their days at Covenant Theological Seminary and engage in a discussion on the need for ideological discipleship in the midst of widespread divisiveness and complex issues. 

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound,  from their 2010 album, What Goes Around...