EPISODE · Jan 22, 2026 · 35 MIN
Leading with Truth and Courage in a Polarized World, with Ed Stetzer
from The Missional Leader · host Rob Hoskins & OneHope
How can Christian leaders stay grounded in biblical truth while leading with courage and conviction in a polarized world?In this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob Hoskins sits down with Dr. Ed Stetzer — president of Talbot School of Theology at Biola, leader of the Lausanne Movement in North America, and one of today’s most trusted missiologists and cultural voices. Together, they unpack what it means to lead fearlessly in an age of outrage: how to speak truth with grace, engage culture without compromise, and model a faith that is both courageous and kind.From Ed’s roots as the son of a New York City construction worker to his decades of global leadership, this candid and humorous conversation offers practical insight for pastors, ministry leaders, and kingdom-minded influencers who want to stand firm for truth while leading while remaining compassionate.Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode Guide - Access a new podcast resource designed to help you reflect and apply the learnings from this episode conversation! Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/ Talbot School of Theology at Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/talbot The Lausanne Movement (North America): https://lausanne.org/ TIMESTAMPS: CHAPTERS:00:00 Christians Avoiding Truth: Fear of Speaking Out03:37 Navigating Controversial Issues as a Christian Leader05:20 Humor, Social Media, and “Whimsical Ed”06:48 Growing Thick Skin: Handling Criticism from All Sides08:58 Figuring Out Truth When Both Sides Disagree10:08 Calling Out Wrong on “Your Own Side”12:00 Broad Evangelicalism: Unity Amidst Difference15:01 Civil Disagreement and Fair Critique in Public Writing18:15 Firm Center, Soft Edges: Vision for Evangelicalism19:42 Criticizing Both Sides: Being an “Umpire,” Not a Team Player22:09 Fivefold Gifts: Ed’s Calling and Passion for Mission24:19 Getting Angry for Justice: Writing from Passion27:57 Persuasion Through Winsomeness—Not Just Outrage29:04 Balancing Humor on Social Media—and When It Backfires31:59 Social Media Vibe Shift: Staying True Amid Toxicity33:35 Living Transparently: Fearless Leadership and Apology
What this episode covers
How can Christian leaders stay grounded in biblical truth while leading with courage and conviction in a polarized world?In this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob Hoskins sits down with Dr. Ed Stetzer — president of Talbot School of Theology at Biola, leader of the Lausanne Movement in North America, and one of today’s most trusted missiologists and cultural voices. Together, they unpack what it means to lead fearlessly in an age of outrage: how to speak truth with grace, engage culture without compromise, and model a faith that is both courageous and kind.From Ed’s roots as the son of a New York City construction worker to his decades of global leadership, this candid and humorous conversation offers practical insight for pastors, ministry leaders, and kingdom-minded influencers who want to stand firm for truth while leading while remaining compassionate.Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode Guide - Access a new podcast resource designed to help you reflect and apply the learnings from this episode conversation! Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/ Talbot School of Theology at Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/talbot The Lausanne Movement (North America): https://lausanne.org/ TIMESTAMPS: CHAPTERS:00:00 Christians Avoiding Truth: Fear of Speaking Out03:37 Navigating Controversial Issues as a Christian Leader05:20 Humor, Social Media, and “Whimsical Ed”06:48 Growing Thick Skin: Handling Criticism from All Sides08:58 Figuring Out Truth When Both Sides Disagree10:08 Calling Out Wrong on “Your Own Side”12:00 Broad Evangelicalism: Unity Amidst Difference15:01 Civil Disagreement and Fair Critique in Public Writing18:15 Firm Center, Soft Edges: Vision for Evangelicalism19:42 Criticizing Both Sides: Being an “Umpire,” Not a Team Player22:09 Fivefold Gifts: Ed’s Calling and Passion for Mission24:19 Getting Angry for Justice: Writing from Passion27:57 Persuasion Through Winsomeness—Not Just Outrage29:04 Balancing Humor on Social Media—and When It Backfires31:59 Social Media Vibe Shift: Staying True Amid Toxicity33:35 Living Transparently: Fearless Leadership and Apology
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Leading with Truth and Courage in a Polarized World, with Ed Stetzer
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