Conversing

Mark Noll discusses his newest book, which explores the reciprocal relationship between notable historical events in the United States and the interpretation of scripture during the 19th and 20th centuries. Mark Noll is an American church historian, retired professor, and author of numerous books, including his most recent, America's Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794-1911.

Gary Haugen discusses the origins and organizational focus of International Justice Mission and reflects on the intersection between Christian faith and global justice.  Gary Haugen is a human rights attorney, author, and the founder of International Justice Mission.

Hunter Farrell examines the impact of capitalism and colonization on congregational mission efforts and invites us to practice radical mutuality as we redefine the meaning of mission. Hunter Farrell serves as the director of the World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and is the author of Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility, and Co-Development.

Charlie Dates reflects on how the Black preaching tradition has shaped him into the preacher he is today, as well as how to practice faithful discernment about one’s pastoral calling. Charlie Dates is senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago.

Caleb Maskell shares about his personal faith journey and traces the history of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements in the 20th century. Caleb Maskell is the associate national director of theology and education for Vineyard USA.

Bethany McKinney Fox talks about how our understanding of disability shapes our understanding of healing, of community, and of how we do church. Bethany McKinney Fox is founding pastor of Beloved Everybody Church and the author of Disability and the Way of Jesus.

Otis Moss III speaks about how his family legacy and other legacies of faith have shaped his theology and ministry, and about the critical questions facing the church today. Otis Moss III is the senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois.

Francis Collins discusses his experience at the intersections of faith, science, politics, government, and public health—talking also about the COVID-19 pandemic and other areas of research. Francis Collins is a geneticist, author, and former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Shane Claiborne reflects on what it looks like to follow Jesus in the United States today—discussing policies and issues of gun violence, racial justice, and the death penalty. Shane Claiborne is a cofounder of Red Letter Christians and the author of multiple best-selling books, including The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical.

Jim Wallis shares about his journey of following Jesus and discusses the sin of voter suppression, racism as idolatry, and the ways our theology should recalibrate our sociology. Jim Wallis is the inaugural chair and founding director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. He is an author, teacher, and speaker, and is the founder of Sojourners.

Kathy Khang reflects on Asian American experiences of silencing, on what it means to be heard and belong, and on anti-Asian racism during the pandemic. Kathy Khang is a writer and speaker and is the author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up.

Todd Shy discusses the encounter between teachers and students, cultivating a classroom community and culture, and the power of passion in teaching. Todd Shy is the Head of Upper Division at Avenues: the World School and is author of Teaching Life: Life Lessons for Aspiring (and Inspiring) Teachers.

Anthea Butler discusses the history of US Evangelicalism, looking particularly at the ways oppressive and racist structures have taken hold within and through it. Anthea Butler is Geraldine R. Segal Professor in American Social Thought, chair of the department of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America.

Steve Norman talks about the importance of a preacher’s formation and the way their life and character can speak more loudly than the sermons they preach. Steve Norman is a pastor, speaker, and the author of The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.

Kara Powell and Brad Griffin discuss what it looks like to engage empathetically with today’s teenagers as they grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. Kara Powell is executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and Brad Griffin is its senior director of content. They are the co-authors of 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager: Making the Most of Your Conversations and Connections.

Michaela O’Donnell explores our ideas of calling and vocation in our work and beyond—reflecting on discipleship, community, and the centrality of Christ. Michaela O’Donnell is executive director of Fuller’s De Pree Center, owner of Long Winter Media, and author of Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World.

Curt Thompson, through lenses of neuroscience and spiritual formation, explores how we engage with our longings, create redemptive beauty, and imagine new futures. Curt Thompson is a psychiatrist, the founder of The Center for Being Known, and the author of The Soul of Shame and Anatomy of the Soul.

Lorne Buchman discusses how the creative process can become a way of knowing—through improvisation, discovery, and engagement in a space of uncertainty. Lorne Buchman is the president of ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Larry Coulter shares about how churches and local organizations can come together to lovingly serve their cities, and how this essential collaborative work can be forged across differences. Larry Coulter is pastor of Lakeway Church in Lakeway, Texas.

Kat Armas speaks about the profound wisdom and lived theologies of the women who have come before us—in our families, in history, and in the Bible. Kat Armas is the host of The Protagonistas podcast and is the author of Abuelita Faith.