Episodes

  • #59: Learning With Others To Defend The Faith: Joining a Reasonable Faith Chapter

    #59: Learning With Others To Defend The Faith: Joining a Reasonable Faith Chapter
    Aug 1 2025
    Do you want to find and share answers to skeptics' questions about the Christian faith? Would you enjoy being around other thoughtful Christians also interested in answering these questions? Then consider joining or beginning a Reasonable Faith chapter on your campus or in your city. My guest in this episode is Tyson James, Reasonable Faith’s National Chapter Director. We discuss why being a part of a Reasonable Faith chapter on your campus or in your community can make a big difference. In this podcast we discuss: Why it is so important to understand apologetics while in college What a Reasonable Faith chapter on campus is all about How you can be involved in both a Reasonable Faith chapter and another campus ministry How to find a Reasonable Faith chapter on your campus How you can become a Chapter Director to start and lead a Reasonable Faith chapter if there isn’t yet one on your campus (or in your city) How Reasonable Faith helps you launch a chapter How much time is involved in being a Chapter Director What is distinctive about the Reasonable Faith chapter program A few stories of how God has used Reasonable Faith chapters Resources mentioned during our conversation: Reasonable Faith Reasonable Faith Chapters Tyson’s email: chapters@reasonablefaith.org Ratio Christi William Lane Craig Dr. Craig’s Defender’s Class William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics William Lane Craig and J.P. Moreland, eds., The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview William Lane Craig, On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision Greg Koukl, Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions
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    46 mins
  • #58: Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God

    #58: Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode we’re talking about something that might sound like it’s only for pastors or missionaries, but actually applies to all of us: mission. I’m joined by Eric Rafferty and Jon Hietbrink, two of the authors of Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God, and we’re digging into what it means to live with purpose, not just someday, but right now—in your dorm, your classes, your friend group, your part-time job. Whether you're wrestling with faith, seeking more meaning, or just wondering if God is at work around you, this conversation will challenge and encourage you in a down-to-earth way. In this podcast we discuss: Why this book is so important for this moment in higher education What has been lost in how we think about mission, and why it needs to be regained The four-fold pattern of mission that is central in Scripture and unpacked in their book How students can live on mission in the midst of their busy lives Why students are qualified to be “on mission” even when they don’t feel they are Some traps students should avoid as they try to live out their faith “on mission” How to develop missional rhythms while in college that last beyond the college years A first small step to joining what God’s doing on campus Resources mentioned during our conversation: Jon Hietbrink, Eric Rafferty, and Linson Daniel, Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • #57: “Filter-Free” Praying When Things Get Tough

    #57: “Filter-Free” Praying When Things Get Tough
    Jun 1 2025
    Do you ever feel you can’t really be honest with God when you are upset, angry, or grieving? My guest in this episode believes you don’t need to filter your prayers, and has the biblical evidence to back him up. I’m joined by Dr. Keith Campbell, author of Of Heroes and Villains, which explores prayers of lament in the New Testament. Keith received his Ph.D. in New Testament from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Global Scholars. In this podcast we discuss: Why it's okay to wrestle with God when things go wrong, not filtering our prayers The biblical basis for questioning God, wrestling with God, and crying out to God (lament prayer) Why we don’t hear much about this type of prayer, and what we lose as a result How filter-free praying helped him in his walk with Christ while at college Isn’t this childish, just throwing a temper tantrum because we are immature and unable to accept God’s will? Where trust comes in during a filtered or lament prayer The role of others when we are in dark days New Testament examples, including Jesus’s example of praying an unfiltered prayer Does this type of prayer really change anything? Doesn’t this type of prayer contradict commands to “consider it all joy” and assurances that God will ultimately make all right? How college students can help revive the practice of filter-free praying Resources mentioned during our conversation: D. Keith Campbell, Of Heroes and Villains: The Influence of the Psalmic Lament on Synoptic Characterization C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed Dallas Willard, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God “Why Pray?”, Thinking Christianly podcast #10 May Young, Walking With God Through The Valley: Recovering the Purpose of Biblical Lament
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    59 mins
  • #56: A Helpful Model For Making Wise Choices

    #56: A Helpful Model For Making Wise Choices
    May 1 2025
    In this episode, we are discussing how to make wise decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas, both in your personal life and in your studies. My guest is Dr. Scott Rae, a distinguished Christian ethicist and professor at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Scott is widely recognized for his work in bioethics, business ethics, and moral philosophy from a Christian worldview. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from the University of Southern California and has authored or co-authored numerous influential books, including Moral Choices and Beyond Integrity. Rae is also a frequent speaker and consultant on ethical issues facing the church, business, and society. In this podcast we discuss: How Scott first got interested in learning about ethical reasoning, especially related to business ethics and bioethics The four ways people answer the “Says who?” question about right and wrong Finding common ground with others on ethical issues Scott’s very helpful model of ethical decision making applied to three case studies: Navigating your girlfriend’s pregnancy Wrestling with honoring your friend vs. confidentiality at work Dealing with the challenge of plagiarism at school Why “inner peace” is not a good guide to ethical decision making Why we shout at one another so much in our polarized culture today Resources mentioned during our conversation: Scott Rae, Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics Scott Rae, Introducing Christian Ethics: A Short Guide to Making Moral Choices Scott Rae and Kenman Wong, Beyond Integrity: A Judeo-Christian Approach to Business Ethics Scott Rae and Kenman Wong, Business for the Common Good: A Christian Vision for the Marketplace The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity The Theology of Work Project The Denver Institute for Faith and Work
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    47 mins
  • #55: Engaging Postmodernism On Your Campus (Or In Your Church)

    #55: Engaging Postmodernism On Your Campus (Or In Your Church)
    Apr 1 2025
    In this edition we are discussing a very prevalent philosophy on university campuses today (as well as in many churches): Postmodernism. My guest is Dr. Scott Smith, Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. Scott has written quite a few articles and well-received books on this topic and often speaks on postmodernism and its implications in churches, at conferences, and on podcasts like this one. In this podcast we discuss: What postmodernism is, and how it developed out of modernity Why the theory of nominalism (the belief that there is no reality beyond the words we use for things) is the foundation of postmodernism Why Scott is so interested in this issue as a Christian Examples of where students will encounter postmodern thought Concerns about the rise in “expressive individualism” What we can learn from postmodern thought What we must reject in postmodern thought A practical suggestion for how to converse with someone who embraces postmodernism Resources mentioned during our conversation: Scott Smith, Truth and the New Kind of Christian: The Emerging Effects of Postmodernism in the Church Scott Smith, Authentically Emergent: In Search of a Truly Progressive Christianity Scott Smith, Exposing the Roots of Constructivism: Nominalism and the Ontology of Knowledge Carl R. Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution Carl R. Trueman, Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution Douglas Groothuis, Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism Scott Smith’s Website: The Dangers of Nominalism Making Sense of Morality: Problems with Naturalism Podcast discussing Scott’s book Exposing the Roots of Constructivism
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    50 mins
  • #54: Life After College: Navigating The Many Transitions Well

    #54: Life After College: Navigating The Many Transitions Well
    Mar 1 2025
    In this episode, we discuss how to transition well after college. My guest is Jon Steele, host of the After IV podcast, where he interviews guests on this very topic. So I’ve invited him to summarize what he is learning from his guests on this important life transition. In this podcast we discuss: How Jon became interested in helping students transition from college to their careers The important distinction between change and transition from college to after college The three general phases of any transition How to navigate well the inevitable transitions in relationships How the phases of transition play out as you move into your new career The trap of needing to always “live out your passion” and the danger of comparison The balance between valuing work too much or too little Transitioning in our relationship to money: budgeting, saving, giving, credit card use, debt Finding a community to help make wise financial decisions Navigating the inevitable spiritual transition well Finding a good church after college A final word of encouragement to college graduates for the tough times in your transition Resources mentioned during our conversation: Jon’s podcast on life after college: After IV (see below for mor specific suggestions) Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change by William Bridges Meet Up app Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential by Gordon T. Smith Save My Cents website by Shang Saavedra InterVarsity World Changers podcast The Apostles’ Creed The Nicene Creed The Chalcedonian Creed After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and Faith by Erica Young Reitz The Gap Decade: When You’re Technically an Adult but Really Don’t Feel Like It Yet by Katie Schnack Analog Chrisitan: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age by Jay Y. Kim Specific After IV podcasts by topic: Stages of Transition E75: Finding Your Footing in Transition Pt 1 (Apple, Spotify) E76: Finding Your Footing in Transition Pt 2 (Apple, Spotify) Relational Transition E102: Ending Well With My Friends on Campus (Apple, Spotify) E103: Making (and Keeping) Friends After Graduation (Apple, Spotify) Work Transition E112: A Foundation for Vocational Transition (Apple, Spotify) E37: How to be the Post-College G.O.A.T. - Nail the Interview (Apple, Spotify) E38: How to be the Post-College G.O.A.T. - Win Employee of the Month (Apple, Spotify) E142: Understanding Your Financial Narrative (Apple, Spotify) E143: Understanding the Biblical Financial Narrative (Apple, Spotify) E151: What's My Financial Finish Line? (Apple, Spotify) Faith Transition E80: I'm so Tired of Church Hopping - Finding Your Footing in a New Church (Apple, Spotify) E122: A Foundation for Healthy Rhythms of Rest (Apple, Spotify) E126: Finding Rest in Familiar Faith Practices (Apple, Spotify) Other Resources E140: Level Up Your 20s (Revisit) (Apple, Spotify) After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and Faith (IVP) E83: A Companion for Transition - Finding Your Footing in the Gap Decade (Apple, Spotify) E91: Joy Instead of Comparison: Anchored in God’s Goodness with Jay Kim (Apple, Spotify) E92: Self-Control Instead of Reckless Indulgence: Beyond Willpower and Positive Thinking (Apple, Spotify) Follow us on Instagram @afterivpod
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #53: Sorting Through the Mountain of College Recruiting Materials

    #53: Sorting Through the Mountain of College Recruiting Materials
    Feb 1 2025
    Today we are talking about how to manage the deluge of college recruiting materials to help choose the best college or university. My guest today is Dr. Shirley Roels. She has been a career counselor and a marketing professor focusing on nonprofit marketing. She also speaks from her experience as someone who made mistakes when she was selecting a college and did a better job helping her two sons in their selection process. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the International Network for Christian Higher Education. In this podcast we discuss: Her terrible decision-making process when choosing her college Experiences that helped her understand how best to wade through college marketing materials The dangers of not being careful in the college selection process Tips to effectively sort through the many college recruitment materials Types of college recruitment media that are more helpful than others How to view and “position” recruitment media The timing and value of talking with real people in the process The timing and role of making campus visits Some red flags to watch for in recruitment media The problem with only focusing on the costs of a college or university Ways colleges and universities hide the actual costs of their schools The challenges of online media recruitment materials, and how to manage these materials How to make the most of a campus visit The importance of taking classes in person early on (freshman and sophomore years) What if you aren’t sure you made the right college choice after your first semester? How to find Christian support at public universities--Christian study centers A word for first-generation and ethnic-minority college students Resources mentioned during our conversation: David Wunder, “How to Choose a College” on the College Faith podcast Council for Christian Colleges & Universities - CCCU The Council of Independent Colleges Consortium of Christian Study Centers Karl Johnson, “How Christian Study Centers Minister to University Students” on the College Faith podcast Robert L. Peters, Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student’s Guide to Earning a Master’s or Ph.D.
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    40 mins
  • #52: The Benefits and Challenges of a Study Abroad Semester or Year

    #52: The Benefits and Challenges of a Study Abroad Semester or Year
    Jan 2 2025
    My guest on this episode of the College Faith podcast is my colleague Dr. Stephen Garrett, Vice-President of Curriculum at Global Scholars. Steve is uniquely qualified to help us understand the benefits and challenges of students taking a semester or year to study abroad, having taught in Lithuania as a “receiving” professor of study abroad students and being a “sending” parent of a son who studied abroad. In this podcast we discuss: Steve's perspective as a "sending" parent: How Steve and his wife first began considering with his son the possibility of studying abroad The value of studying abroad How much parents should be involved in the process The importance of realizing that every school offers different study-abroad programs Three different models or ways to study abroad Benefits and cautions about third-party study abroad companies Who might studying abroad not be for Other considerations such as the language of the host university and country, the status of the host university, the weather, etc. What he wishes he knew as a parent before sending his son off to study abroad Allaying parent’s fears of security and safety for students studying abroad The importance of registering with the US Embassy in the host country Concerns about connecting and making friends in the host country The value of the inevitable “failures” while studying abroad Steve’s perspective as a “receiving” professor: What helps students have a good study abroad experience The role understanding different cultures plays in a good experience What will ensure the student has a very bad study abroad experience Resources mentioned during our conversation: Your university’s Study Abroad Office (or similar title) US State Department’s website The Red Cross T. S. Eliot, Christianity and Culture: Essays The Culture Company’s Country Comparison Tool Andy Crouch, Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling
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    50 mins