Hard questions, faithfully explored. Hosted by Rebecca McLaughlin.
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Rebecca McLaughlin Podcasts
The Pastorate Podcast hosts thoughtful conversations with guests who are passionate about the Canadian church. Here to serve Canadian pastors, we dive into topics that speak to the heart, soul, and vision of the pastorate, all the while sharing stories from guests who minister in diverse church contexts.
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Everyday Conversations is a podcast by The Gospel Coalition Australia. Thoughtful Christians gather with friends and chat about issues of life and faith.
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There are no ordinary things. We can meet God in the most surprising places…if we only know how to look. Go Upstream, discover a world charged with the grandeur of God—and learn to live in that bigger world.
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This is The Good Book Company Podcast, a show where we have lively conversations with authors about church, culture and the Christian life. The Good Book Company produces biblical, relevant and accessible resources for the church.
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Modern life makes it far too easy to drift into loneliness, but deep friendships are essential for a thriving life. The Made for People Podcast explores the spiritual discipline of friendship and why it’s the one habit that changes everything. Hosted by bestselling author Justin Whitmel Earley with his friends Matt and Steve, this limited-series podcast features conversations with experts and real-life stories on building meaningful, lasting relationships. Subscribe now and rediscover the fr ...
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Get out of your own way with creative mindset tools. Create more success, more clarity, more fulfillment.
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Lissa Wray Beal on Why Pastors Need the Old Testament, Faithfully Preaching Trauma Texts, and the Role of Seminary in a Changing Church
55:03
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55:03The Old Testament can feel daunting to preach, but it’s an essential part of the story we’re called to tell. Many pastors avoid preaching texts of violence, trauma, and grief but what if these difficult texts are exactly what our churches need to hear? In this conversation, Old Testament scholar and Anglican priest Dr. Lissa Wray Beal offers a thou…
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Matthew Price on Learning to Love the Suburbs, Leading Post-Burnout, and Church Revitalization
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52:22
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52:22In this episode, we welcome Matthew Price, Lead Pastor of North Langley Community Church, for a deeply personal conversation about pastoral ministry. Matthew opens up about his unexpected journey into preaching, the powerful influence of mentors like Darrell Johnson, and how a vision from God reshaped his love for suburban ministry. Matthew and Jas…
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Pradeepan Jeeva on Planting in a Post-Christian City, Pastoring Through Suffering, and Measuring Christian Discipleship
57:50
57:50
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57:50In today’s episode, Jason sits down with pastor and church planter Pradeepan Jeeva for a vulnerable conversation on calling, suffering, and leading a church where everyone can find their place. Pradeepan and his wife Amritha co-lead Kalos Church in Bellevue, Washington, a vibrant, multicultural community born out of a literal dream and built one ba…
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From Crystals to Christianity: Finding Jesus After Trying Everything Else with Justine
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43:30
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43:30What happens when you’ve tried everything—and nothing works? In this episode, Justine shares how she searched for meaning through alcohol, relationships, yoga, crystals, and tarot—only to find herself more lost than ever. But a YouTube video, a prayer in Madrid, and a series of quiet nudges led her to confront the truth she could no longer ignore: …
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Rebecca McLaughlin on the Timeless Wisdom of Christian Sexual Ethics, a Gospel-Shaped Vision of Singleness, and the Offence of the Gospel in a Post-Christian World
40:31
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40:31In a time when Christian sexual ethics are increasingly seen not just as outdated but as morally offensive, how can pastors lead with both clarity and compassion? In this conversation, author and apologist Rebecca McLaughlin engages with questions around Christian sexual ethics and makes a case for why the Christian story is ultimately good news fo…
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Good News at Rock Bottom with Ray Ortlund
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43:41
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43:41What if rock bottom isn’t the end of the story, but the place where grace runs deepest? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ray Ortlund about the kind of suffering that strips us bare—and the kind of Savior who meets us there. We dig into betrayal, isolation, and the painful honesty of self-examination. Ray shares wisdom from his new book, Good News a…
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Will Education Undermine Your Faith? with Andrei Comlosan-Pop
43:55
43:55
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43:55What does it look like to follow Jesus at Harvard? In this episode, I talk with senior Andrei Comlosan-Pop about coming to faith in high school, navigating life as a Christian at a secular university, and how literature, economics, and community all play a part in shaping a thoughtful, lived-out faith. Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin…
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R. Paul Stevens on Why Every Christian is in Full-Time Ministry, Embracing Whole-Life Discipleship, and Empowering the Whole Church for Kingdom Work
41:34
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41:34In this episode, Jason sits down with long-time pastor, professor, and marketplace theologian R. Paul Stevens to explore the sacredness of daily work. Paul’s ministry journey spans decades, from student ministry in Halifax to pastoring in Vancouver, teaching at Regent College, and even a mid-career stint as a carpenter. Paul unpacks the heartbeat b…
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What Does It Mean to Live Free? with Elizabeth Woodson
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32:02
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32:02I’m joined by my friend Elizabeth Woodson—Bible teacher, author, and all-around theological powerhouse—to talk about Paul’s letter to the Galatians. We dig into what it really means to be free in Christ, why Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle matters so deeply, and how he surprisingly elevated the role of women in his ministry. Elizab…
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Why Are We Drawn to Charismatic Leaders? with Molly Worthen
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45:46
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45:46Historian Molly Worthen joins Rebecca to unpack her journey from agnosticism to faith, the pull of charismatic leaders, and why Jesus—not political saviors—is the only one truly worth following. From Trump-era evangelicalism to the Spirit-led church, this episode asks: What kind of power really saves? Buy Molly's Book: Spellbound: How Charisma Shap…
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Dustin Funk on the Importance of Camp Ministry, Local Church Renewal, and Annual Rhythms of Rest
42:50
42:50
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42:50In this episode, Jason sits down with Dustin Funk, Lead Pastor of Oasis Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Dustin shares his journey from encountering God at summer camp as a teenager, to stepping into leadership at a small Italian-speaking church, to guiding that same church through a remarkable season of cultural transition and growth. Dustin reflects…
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The Quiet Comeback of Church in the UK with Glen Scrivener and Rob Barward-Symmons
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52:02
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52:02Rebecca is joined by Glen Scrivener and Dr. Rob Barward-Symmons to explore a surprising rise in church attendance in the UK—especially among Gen Z and young men. Drawing on new YouGov data, they discuss the impact of immigration, cultural shifts, and the quiet but steady relevance of Christian community in a secular age. Check out the Report: The Q…
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Is belief in God just a quirk of the human brain—or is it something deeper? In this episode, I’m joined by theologian Gray Sutanto to explore the insights of cognitive science and what they tell us about our built-in sense of the divine. Drawing from his new book Ascends of the Divine, we discuss the limits of human knowledge, the power of revelati…
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Preston Pouteaux on Pastoring with a Tender Heart, the Sacred Work of Neighbouring, and the Power of Presence in Pastoral Ministry
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46:17
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46:17In today’s conversation Preston Pouteaux shares what it means to be a tenderhearted pastor in a fast-paced world. Speaking from Chestermere, Alberta, Preston invites us into a vision of pastoring that’s slow, rooted, and profoundly local. From RCMP ride-alongs to keeping bees and loving neighbours, Preston offers a poetic yet practical vision of wh…
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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Strange to talk about the deep longings that pull at every human heart—connection, deliverance, destiny—and how they point us to Christ. Drawing from his book "Making Faith Magnetic", Dan helps us think through how to engage our culture with both truth and tenderness. We also explore the vital role of the chur…
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What's Wrong with Sex Robots? with Jeremy Meeks
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42:38
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42:38What happens when our deepest longings collide with our latest technologies? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jeremy Meeks—bioethicist, theologian, and expert on all things strange and complicated at the intersection of sex, robots, and Christian ethics. Drawing on the thought of Augustine, we wrestle with questions of human freedom, love, and th…
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Steve Cuss on His Year as a Chaplain, The Gap Between What We Preach and What We Experience, and Leading Without Carrying the Anxiety of Others
58:37
58:37
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58:37What does it look like to stay tender and human as a pastor, even while holding the weight of others’ pain? In this rich and deeply practical conversation, Steve Cuss shares wisdom from decades of ministry—including his years as a hospital chaplain, a lead pastor, and now, a trusted voice equipping leaders around the world in managing leadership an…
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Can a Scientist Believe in Easter? with Russell Cowburn
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36:04Russell Cowburn, a professor of experimental physics at Cambridge University, joins Rebecca to explore the intricate relationship between science and faith. They explore the concept of God within the scope of scientific discovery, the historical figures who have harmonized faith with scientific contributions, and engage with the question of Jesus' …
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[Bonus] Geography & Moving for Friendship
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11:40Before we release the final episode of the Made for People Podcast, we’re pressing pause for something a little different. Over the past few weeks, so many of you have reached out with thoughtful reflections, personal stories, and honest questions. So instead of rushing to the finish, we’re giving you the chance to shape how this series ends. We’re…
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Should Women Preach? with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener
1:10:23
1:10:23
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1:10:23Rebecca hosts a discussion with Dani Treweek and Ellie Wiener, exploring whether women should preach in church. Both Dani and Ellie share their insights and differing perspectives, rooted in a deep respect for Scripture. The conversation goes into key biblical passages, including 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11, providing nuanced interpretations. …
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Canadian Pastors Joe Jung, Ben Carbone, and Jaz Ghag Share Their Stories
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42:33In this special episode of The Pastorate Podcast, we’re doing something a little different. Rather than one long-form conversation, you'll hear stories from three Canadian lead pastors. Representing the suburbs of BC, the heart of Quebec, and a small coastal town on the Pacific Ocean, these pastors—Joe Jung, Ben Carbone, and Jaz Ghag—open up about …
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Why Your Marriage Needs Friendships (with my wife Lauren Earley!)
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43:32
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43:32What if the story of your marriage is also the story of your friendships? In this episode of the Made for People podcast, I sit down with my absolute favorite guest yet (obviously)—my wife, Lauren Earley—to talk about how friendship has shaped our marriage through the years. From our early days with no kids, to the chaos of raising four little boys…
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Join Rebecca and Jen Wilkin in a rich exploration of the Book of Revelation, unraveling its powerful imagery and links to the entire biblical narrative. Discover the symbolism of the Lamb, the recurring motif of weddings, and the age-old struggle against the dragon. They discuss the profound promises and warnings Revelation offers, its portrayal of…
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Parenting for Deep Relationships in a Digital World with Joey Odom
54:37
54:37
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54:37What if the most important thing your kids need from you isn’t a perfect home—but a model of deep, committed friendship? In this episode of the Made for People podcast, I sit down with Joey Odom, co-founder of Aro (now rebranded as ReclaimWell), to talk about the powerful connection between technology, friendship, and parenting. We explore how our …
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Join Rebecca and Ana Ávila as they talk about the interplay between productivity, faith, and motherhood. Ana, a senior writer for the Spanish version of the Gospel Coalition, shares insights from her book, "Make the Most of Your Time: A Guide to Honoring God with Your Time." They discuss the balance of work, parenting, and spiritual habits, highlig…
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Reward Sibanda on How Culture Shapes Ministry, The Role of the Megachurch Today, and Fasting as a Means to Soul Rest
49:22
49:22
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49:22In this episode, Jason sits down with Reward Sibanda, a pastor, speaker, and writer, a leading voice on fasting and a Pastor at Saddleback Church. Reward is known for his contagious joy, his deep love for the church, and his ability to bridge cultural gaps in ministry. In this conversation, Jason and Reward explore: How different cultural perspecti…
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Why Friendship Heals Our Brains with Curt Thompson MD
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52:49
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52:49What if we can’t truly understand ourselves until we tell our stories? In this episode of the Made for People podcast, I sit down with Christian psychologist and author Curt Thompson to explore how friendship, vulnerability, and storytelling shape our mental and spiritual well-being. We discuss what a mentally healthy mind looks like, why we have a…
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What is the Ordo Amoris? with Mark McDowell
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42:34Join Rebecca and Dr. Mark McDowell as they explore the concept of "Ordo Amoris" and its implications for Christian ethics and political discussions. The conversation explores the theological insights of Augustine and their modern relevance, especially concerning love for one's neighbor and immigrant care. Unpacking biblical parables and teachings, …
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Friendship as Evangelism with Rebecca McLaughlin
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53:22
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53:22What if friendship plays a bigger role in our lives—and in our faith—than we’ve ever realized? In this episode of the Made for People Podcast, I sit down with Rebecca McLaughlin, author of Confronting Christianity and No Greater Love, to explore how friendship is at the heart of evangelism. Drawing from her latest book, Rebecca unpacks how Jesus re…
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How a Football Player Got Lit Up With Love with Derwin Gray
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42:15Derwin Gray, pastor and author, joins Rebecca to explore the transformative power of God's love in a world craving the gospel. They discuss Gray's latest book, "Lit Up with Love: Becoming Good News People in a Gospel Starved World," examining how Jesus' love compels us to love others, transcending racial and social barriers. Buy Derwin's Book: Lit …
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Tyler Staton on the Redemption of Pain, Contextualizing Our Suffering Within the Story of Scripture, and Cultivating a Daily Desire to Experience the Power of the Holy Spirit
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47:24
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47:24In this episode of The Pastorate, Jason sits down with Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of The Familiar Stranger, to explore how God works in seasons of suffering and renewal. Tyler shares candidly on how deep pain has shaped his understanding of faith, ministry, and the presence of God in everyday life. Tyler is known for …
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What if salvation isn’t just about a personal relationship with God—but about friendship with others? What if the New Testament invites us to see friendship as something deeper, even covenantal? In this second episode of the Made for People Podcast, we sit down with New Testament scholar Wes Hill to explore why Jesus framed salvation in terms of fr…
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Rebecca and Rachel Zhang explore the intersection of literature and Christianity on today's episode. Rachel, an assistant professor at Emerson College, discusses her research on 17th-century literature and her experience as a Christian in academia. They analyze the influence of faith on studying literature, the power of fiction, and the importance …
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What if the biggest problems in your life aren’t actually the biggest problems? What if the real issue beneath all the others is that we’re doing life alone? In this first episode of the Made for People Podcast, I sit down with two close friends to talk about the themes of my book, Made for People. We explore why deep, committed friendship—what I c…
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Should I Be True To Myself? with Sam Chan
37:56
37:56
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37:56Rebecca and Sam Chan explore the complexities of living an authentic life through a Christian lens. They discuss cultural narratives about being true to oneself and the contrasting biblical perspective of finding true identity through Jesus. Sam shares from his experiences as a medical doctor to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the pursui…
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Claude Lainey on Ministry in Rural Canada, The Church’s Call to Raise Up the Next Generation of Church Leaders, and How Listening Prayer Inspires Courageous Leadership
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47:52
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47:52Pastoring in rural Canada comes with unique challenges and opportunities—navigating leadership transitions, bilingual ministry, and the call to raise up the next generation of leaders. That’s why we need pastors who commit to remaining faithful over decades, seeking God’s guidance through seasons of change. In this episode we’re joined by Claude La…
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The Art of Disagreeing with Gavin Ortlund
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42:22
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42:22Rebecca and Gavin Ortlund dive into the art of disagreeing while maintaining relationships. They explore biblical insights and discuss the balance between boldness and love in conversations, especially when addressing religious and ideological differences. Whether navigating disagreements with friends or discussing contentious issues, this episode …
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Introducing Made for People Podcast with Justin Whitmel Earley
2:35
2:35
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2:35Modern life makes it far too easy to drift into loneliness, but deep friendships are essential for a thriving life. The Made for People Podcast explores the spiritual discipline of friendship and why it’s the one habit that changes everything. Hosted by bestselling author Justin Whitmel Earley with his friends Matt and Steve, this limited-series po…
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One Woman’s Trans Testimony with Kyla Gillespie
55:23
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55:23Kyla Gillespie joins Rebecca to discuss her journey with gender dysphoria and same-sex attraction. Raised in a Christian home, Kyla shares her struggle with identity, navigating both a passion for hockey and feelings of not fitting traditional gender roles. She recounts her experiences with transition, faith, and alcoholism, ultimately returning to…
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Mark Sayers on Leadership and Suffering: A Theology of Resilience, Cultivating Spiritual Authority Over Charisma, and The Call of the Church in a Changing World
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1:06:43Our world is changing at a rapid pace, and for many, it’s hard to make sense of it all—let alone carry the weight of shifting expectations and uncertainty. That’s why we’re grateful for voices like Mark’s—leaders who cut through the noise with a prophetic edge, distill complex cultural trends, and speak to the Church with a non-anxious presence. To…
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Is the New Testament Historically Reliable? with Mike Kruger
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42:30Rebecca and Dr. Michael J. Kruger discuss the origins and reliability of the New Testament, the textual transmission from early Christianity, the authenticity of gospel accounts, and address common skeptic arguments, including Bart Ehrman's views on manuscript variations. Dr. Kruger highlights the significance of Jesus' character and teachings whil…
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What Are Baptism and The Lord’s Supper About? with Christy Thornton
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47:24Rebecca and Dr. Christy Thornton explore Christian unity and diversity as they tackle key theological topics, including the Lord's Supper and baptism, examining what Christians agree on and where denominational differences lie. Listen into the discussions on important terms like sacraments and ordinances, and discover how these practices shape Chri…
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Megan Fate Marshman on Preaching with Integrity, Practical Prayer Rhythms, and Cultivating Hope in Longing
1:06:00
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1:06:00Preaching with authenticity is no easy task, but for Megan, authenticity is the only gear she knows. The question remains—how do we craft honest sermons and let the message impact our own lives first? Megan is a pastor, speaker, and author joining us from Lakewood, California. She serves as the teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in Il…
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Kickstart Your Quiet Time with Rachel Jones
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36:41Rebecca sits down with Rachel Jones, editor at The Good Book Company and author of The Quiet Time Kickstart: Six Weeks to a Healthy Bible Habit. Drawing inspiration from the Couch to 5K program, Rachel shares how this book was designed to help anyone build a sustainable and meaningful habit of meeting God in His Word. Together, Rebecca and Rachel d…
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The 6th season of Confronting Christianity is set to launch on January 21st! Sign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/Subscribe Follow Confronting Christianity: Instagram | X Produced by The Good Podcast Co.By Rebecca McLaughlin
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Andy Moore on God as the Faithful Redeemer, Pastoring a Century-Old Church, and Building Environments Where Emerging Leaders Can Thrive
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54:44It’s a New Year, and we’re thrilled to welcome you back to The Pastorate. As we step into 2025, we’re continuing our mission of creating meaningful conversations to equip and encourage pastors, starting with an episode we pray will strengthen both your hands and your heart for the work ahead. Our guest today is Andy Moore, Pastor of Coastline Churc…
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Darrell Johnson on His Morning Rhythms, Praying the Psalms, and Reflections on His Personal Health
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52:08As we close out 2024, we’re excited to bring you a special episode to end the year. Last year, we began a tradition of hosting a conversation with Darrell Johnson near the end of each year, and it’s quickly become a meaningful rhythm for this podcast—a chance to sit down and reflect on life and ministry. Darrell has been preaching, teaching, and pa…
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Change Happens Quick And Slow With Rebecca Guay
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28:26Rebecca Guay is that rare combination of kindness and compassion along with an absolute burning focus that has launched her through many transformations in her art career. In this episode, she shares how change happens in both quick and slow ways, offering valuable insights into navigating transitions with intention. Whether you're an artist, entre…
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Season 5 Q&A: Infertility, The Morning After Pill, and Politics
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37:55Rebecca and Justine explore questions submitted by our listeners! They explore challenges of infertility, perspectives on the morning-after pill, and how Christians can thoughtfully engage in politics. The discussion also highlights strategies for evangelism, especially within diverse religious contexts, and how to discern primary doctrinal issues.…
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Pathways Into Self-Discovery With Coach Diamond Drip
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37:07Ever feel like you're living a life out of alignment with your true self? Coach Diamond Drip, a self-proclaimed "spiritual skeptic," shares her incredible journey of self-discovery through Human Design and Gene Keys. From a life-changing ketamine trial to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and motherhood, Diamond reveals how these tools …
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