Faith & Clarity - Biblical Perspectives and Biblical Wisdom on News & Cultural Issues

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, part of our America 250 series exploring faith's role in shaping the American story, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Knox Thames, a human rights lawyer, former State Department special advisor under both Presidents Obama and Trump, and now executive director of the Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University, for a wide-ranging conversation on religious liberty and freedom of conscience. Knox draws on Acts 5 and America's founding legacy, including John Leland's influence on the First Amendment, to frame why religious freedom is both a biblical value and a cornerstone of democratic life. He explains why the global persecution of billions of believers demands the church's attention, and why Christians in particular should champion religious freedom for everyone, not just their own.Knox outlines four types of persecution found around the world: authoritarian repression, extremist mob violence, democratic majoritarianism, and terrorism, and proposes a practical framework for response built on consistency, coalitions, call-outs, and consequences. The conversation also touches on moving advocacy stories from his years of frontline work, his own unexpected path into this calling, and the graphic novel Blood and Water, which tells the story of Pakistani martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how prayer, church engagement, and thoughtful policy can together advance freedom of conscience across the globe.Topics(0:00) Introduction(2:38) America's religious liberty roots(5:34) Why persecution matters(8:13) Good Samaritan framework(11:02) Launching the Everett Center(16:43) Confessional states today(20:26) Pandemic of persecution(27:56) Knox's personal calling(36:10) Four faces of persecution(41:18) Shahbaz Bhatti story(49:33) Gen Z and calling(54:09) ConclusionResourcesEverett Center for Global Religious FreedomGlobal Religious Freedom GatheringEnding Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom Blood & Water: The Life and Martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Knox ThamesKnox Thames is an international human rights lawyer and advocate who served under both the Obama and Trump administrations as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South/Central Asia. Since leaving the State Department, he has continued his mission through powerful storytelling—authoring the book Ending Persecution and producing the poignant graphic novel Blood & Water, which chronicles the life of Pakistani martyr Shahbaz Bhatti.He currently serves as the inaugural Executive Director of the Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison and Conner Jones for a roundtable conversation on three of the biggest headlines shaping culture and faith today.The conversation covers the shifting narrative around artificial intelligence—from widespread fear to growing inevitability and profit-driven momentum—including potential public offerings, government investment proposals, and calls for regulation from within the industry. Ryan walks through Pope Leo's sweeping new encyclical framing AI as a choice between a Tower of Babel path of human self-exaltation and a Nehemiah path of humble, God-blessed partnership, alongside important questions about AI and personhood. The discussion also takes up renewed public interest in UFOs, exploring the "disclosure" movement, Pentagon releases, whistleblower claims, and reports of briefings given to Christian pastors, and what it might mean for Christian faith if the existence of other beings were ever confirmed.The roundtable rounds out with encouraging Gallup findings suggesting some moral views in America may be trending less permissive, along with a lighthearted Fourth of July Q&A.Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:35) AI headlines and market rush(9:50) Lessons from social media(13:35) Pope Leo on AI(18:15) AI personhood and Christian response(23:04) Disclosure movement explained(25:56) Pentagon releases and pastor briefings(28:34) Faith and aliens(29:39) God's sovereign universe(31:52) Angels demons debate(38:45) Discernment and Scripture(43:36) America's moral shift(48:54) Calling out sin(52:38) Founding documents quiz(55:59) ConclusionResourcesThe new Babel: Reclaiming the image of God in a world of AIPope Leo's AI encyclicalIdols of the ValleyWhy are Americans turning against AI? AI engine decides which religion is most rationalUFO files: Pentagon Pentagon program, UFO, Harry Reid Good Faith PodcastTrump in China, summer movies & Hantavirus scare | Ep. 69 What Graham Platner's primary victory means for our culture Was Fidelity Month created to counter Pride Month? Moral acceptability falls for several behaviors Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University.He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Managing Editor at Denison Forum and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Mike Williams of Dallas Baptist University to explore how Christian faith has shaped America's story as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Mike shares his excitement about a renewed public interest in history while also raising concerns about false and distorted narratives that threaten to undermine our understanding of the past. He explains how colonists gradually developed a shared American identity and how he approaches teaching history through the lens of periods, themes, and people. Together, they examine how the Great Awakenings deepened religious diversity and forged a common colonial experience, and how the Constitution held a fragile new nation together in remarkable ways. The conversation takes an honest look at slavery as the central cause of the Civil War, the complex roles Christians played on both sides, and the ongoing pursuit of a "more perfect union" — including the deep polarization facing Americans today. They also reflect on immigration, diversity, and the enduring significance of religious freedom, tracing its roots through figures like Roger Williams and John Leland as one of America's most meaningful contributions to the world.Topics(0:00) Introduction(5:18) Why we say America(9:29) Teaching US history frameworks(14:23) Christian worldview in history(29:20) Constitution and unity(34:46) Compromise and constitution(36:34) Civil War and faith(54:33) Religious freedom legacy(59:03) ConclusionResourcesAmerica 250Dallas Baptist UniversityAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. Mike WilliamsDr. Mike Williams is known by many of his students as "Dr. Mike," has recently retired as Senior Professor of History at Dallas Baptist University where he taught full-time since 1995. Upon his retirement on August 29, Dr. Williams was named Emeritus Professor for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at DBU. For fifteen years, 1996-2011, he served as Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at DBU. The DBU faculty has twice named Dr. Williams “Outstanding Professor of the Year” and Piper Award Nominee in both 1999-2000 and 2012-2013.  The DBU Student Government Association also named him “Professor of the Year” for the 1995-1996 academic year. The Baptist History and Heritage Society named Dr. Williams its W. O. Carver Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2013. He is a two-time recipient of The Baptist History & Heritage Society’s Carolyn Blevins Meritorious Service Award (2006, 2018), the first person ever to receive the award twice. Also in 2013, The Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce selected Williams as its Higher Education “Educator of the Year.” He has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited a total of seven books and is currently working on authoring two additional books. He also contributed a number of chapters to books, as well as encyclopedia articles and articles and book reviews for scholarly publication. Additionally, as a former pastor, he frequently serves as an interim pastor and supply preacher in Baptist churches. His wife, Robbie, is a C. P.A., and they have three sons, Michael who is married to Shelby, Josh who is married to Allison, and Carey who is married to Morgan. They currently have four grandchildren, Jackson, Luke, Addie, and Palmer. They live in Aledo, Texas.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Ryan Denison and Dr. Jim Denison for a wide-ranging conversation about the hard questions of faith and how Christians can engage a skeptical culture with confidence and grace. Jim opens up about the spiritual questions that have shaped his life—from his father's WWII trauma and early doubts in the church pew to the transformative influence of C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity. Together, they unpack the difference between proof and evidence, making the case that faith is less like a math equation and more like a relationship, assessed by the weight of what we know to be true. The conversation explores why belief in God is so often questioned in prosperous cultures, how to distinguish deism from theism, and four compelling tests for the Bible's trustworthiness: manuscripts, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and archaeology. They also take on some of the bigger cultural challenges to faith such as Jesus' claims to deity, the logic of the atonement, and whether dinosaurs or extraterrestrial life pose any real threat to Christian belief before turning to the question suffering raises that reason alone cannot fully answer, and why God's presence with us in pain matters more than any explanation.Topics(0:00) Introduction(2:02) Jim Denison's early doubts(4:48) Church culture and C.S. Lewis(7:40) War trauma and faith(19:34) Does God exist today(28:48) Is the Bible trustworthy(31:54) Four tests for Scripture(35:14) Faith as relationship(37:00) Jesus claims divinity(49:37) Dinosaurs and aliens(53:53) Why God allows suffering(59:16) God with us in pain(1:04:47) Cancer and "help my unbelief"(1:06:45) ConclusionResourcesCamp mystic director breaks down in tears during trialWrestling with God bookAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University.He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Kevin Palau of the Luis Palau Association to explore what everyday evangelism can look like in your own neighborhood. Kevin shares how praying by name for his neighbors in unchurched Portland opened unexpected doors—leading to gatherings, shared meals, acts of service, and genuine spiritual conversations. Together, they unpack the BLESS practices (Begin with prayer, Listen with care, Eat together, Serve with love, Share your story), rooted in the BLESS app from Bless Every Home, which the Palau Association recently acquired to expand its reach. The conversation also touches on the importance of hospitality, how believers earn the right to be heard, and why evangelism is less about strategy and more about joining the work the Holy Spirit is already doing. Kevin also offers a broader look at the Palau Association's ministry—from city gospel movements and festivals to online evangelism in an age of emerging AI—encouraging listeners that sharing faith faithfully begins right outside their front door.Topics(0:00) Introduction(0:59) Meet Kevin Palau(3:13) Why Portland shapes evangelism(4:54) Mark's Palau Crusade memory(9:14) How the BLESS method works(18:40) Diversity in your neighborhood(27:53) Meals and mission(29:09) Hospitality in practice(42:53) Evangelism reframed(44:30) Holy Spirit conversations(48:47) Digital outreach and AI(53:59) Palau Ministry today(58:05) ConclusionResourcesPalau WebsiteThe Bless AppAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Kevin PalauKevin Palau is the President and CEO of the Luis Palau Association. Since taking the reins in the late 90s, Kevin has helped transform the landscape of modern evangelism. He’s the visionary behind City Gospel Movements, a global initiative that has united tens of thousands of churches to serve their local communities through long-term, sustainable partnerships. Kevin is also a pioneer in the digital space, advising on some of the largest online Gospel campaigns in history, and is the author of Unlikely, a book detailing the power of radical collaboration.Beyond his global work, he leads TogetherPDX in his home state of Oregon and serves on the boards of Alpha USA, Christians Against Poverty, Transforming the Bay with Christ.Kevin lives in Beaverton, Oregon, with his wife, Michelle. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

As part of the ongoing America 250 series, this episode of Faith & Clarity features Dr. Mark Turman joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a conversation about America's 250th anniversary, God's providence, and what biblical and American history reveal about the nation's relationship with God. Jim walks through the nature of biblical covenants—conditional, parity, and unconditional—and explains why Scripture does not point to a special national covenant with America as it did with Israel, while affirming that God's covenant relationship is ultimately personal. Ryan explores why people and institutions so often find it easier to unite around shared opposition than shared purpose, tracing that dynamic through U.S. history and calling Christians to lead instead with the unifying power of gospel love.Together, they reflect on spiritual awakenings as sources of national unity, the significance of King Charles's visit as a sign of reconciliation and a deeper longing for transcendence, and the Declaration's language of "self-evident" rights and the government's role in protecting them. The conversation also takes up the challenges of pluralism and religious liberty, the erosion of shared civic virtue in a postmodern age, and the tension between national sin and the idea of progress, closing with a call for believers to submit daily to Jesus as the King who not only reigns, but truly rules.Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:57) History as a warning(3:40) Biblical covenants explained(6:00) Does God covenant America?(12:55) Colonies united by enemy(21:38) King Charles and reconciliation(31:36) Do Christians have rights?(32:36) Do rights come from God?(34:19) Government under higher law(38:41) Religious liberty legacy(46:26) Civic virtue and post-truth(53:06) National sin and decline(1:02:13) Daily surrender to Christ(1:05:04) ConclusionResourcesKing Charles III tells Congress his faith is a “firm anchor”How the SPLC charges reveal a dangerous dependence on hateAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University.He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

As part of the ongoing America 250 series, this episode of Faith & Clarity features Dr. Mark Turman joined by Dr. Ryan Denison for a conversation about spiritual awakening—what it means personally, within the church, and across an entire culture. Drawing from Acts 2 and the recurring pattern of rebellion and return throughout the Old Testament, they reflect on the Holy Spirit’s sovereign role in revival and why true awakening cannot be manufactured through formulas or emotional moments alone. Together, they discuss the importance of repentance, discipleship, and genuine transformation, while cautioning against responses driven primarily by peer pressure or temporary enthusiasm.The conversation also explores the historical impact of the First Great Awakening, inspired in part by the film A Great Awakening and Ryan’s earlier discussion on Reconstructed Faith. Mark and Ryan highlight the influence of George Whitefield’s preaching, Benjamin Franklin’s friendship with Whitefield, and how a shared spiritual revival helped shape unity among the colonies and contributed to the ideas surrounding the American Revolution as America approaches its 250th anniversary. They also consider the mixed influence of modern media, the dangers of transactional faith, and close the episode with a lighthearted patriotic quiz.Topics(0:00) Introduction(3:16) Defining awakening(7:47) Biblical foundations(24:39) Great Awakening lessons(32:55) Awakening and revolution(35:34) Revival unites colonies(40:19) Reformation to Great Awakening(43:43) Back to the Bible(47:50) Transactional faith warning(52:54) Whitefield and Franklin friendship(57:54) Patriotic quiz finale(1:02:33) ConclusionResourcesA Great Awakening Can It Happen Again? Lessons from the First Great Awakening with Ryan Denison, PhD & Jim Denison, PhD“A Great Awakening” and the future of AmericaAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University.He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Chris Elkins and Christie Erwin, founder of Project Zero, for a powerful conversation about foster care, adoption, and the role of the church.Christie shares how her years of fostering shaped a calling to serve vulnerable children and advocate for those still waiting for families. Together, they explore common misconceptions about foster care, the realities children face, and how churches can partner with the system through practical support and compassionate involvement.The conversation also highlights the impact of Project Zero’s work, from storytelling to community engagement, and offers a hopeful vision for how believers can help ensure every child has a place to belong.Topics(0:00) Introduction (3:14) Project Zero origins(9:13) Fostering lessons and adoption(18:11) System challenges and church role(23:20) Scope of the need(25:06) Reunification versus adoption(31:52) Hope building and community support(33:26) Awkwardness of adoption(37:33) Churches can step up(53:11) How to get involved(55:03) ConclusionResourcesProject Zero Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Chris ElkinsChris Elkins narrates The Daily Article podcast that brings Dr. Jim Denison’s and Dr. Ryan Denison’s biblical insight on current events to a daily listening audience. In addition to his work in broadcasting and production, Chris serves as special assistant to Jim Denison and contributes articles to denisonforum.orgAbout Christie ErwinChristie Erwin is the founder and Executive Director of Project Zero, an organization dedicated to finding forever families for waiting foster children. Her deep passion for children in foster care stems from her personal experience; she and her husband, Jeff, fostered over fifty children during twenty years, and their family includes six children, two of whom are adopted. Christie is the author of the book The Middle Mom and has been recognized as a 2009 “Angel in Adoption” award winner and represented Arkansas as the American Mother of the Year in 2016.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Jurie Kriel of Shoreline Church and the global initiative NXT Move to explore how the church can reach emerging generations in a rapidly changing world.They discuss the growing challenges of declining trust, loneliness, and cultural change, and why collaboration among churches and leaders is more important—and more difficult—than ever. Drawing from his book Hitting the Ball You Cannot See,  Jurie highlights the “relevance deficit” many churches face and the need to adapt as technology, including AI, reshapes how people live, connect, and understand identity.The conversation also emphasizes the importance of relational, incarnational ministry, the balance of large gatherings and deeper community, and a hopeful vision for the church’s role in a changing culture grounded in God’s sovereignty.Topics(0:00) Introduction (2:20) Reality check on faith(3:35) Three forces shaping culture(6:08) Hope in God’s plan(10:14) Unity over competition(12:15) Why collaboration is hard(18:50) The relevance deficit(25:27) AI, identity, and digitization(32:49) Humanity redefined by AI(36:23) Identity received in Christ(46:37) Truth moves at trust(55:55) Hope for the future church(59:21) Closing ResourcesAbout Jurie Kriel NXT MoveLausanne MovementWorld Evangelical AllianceAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Jurie Kriel Jurie Kriel leads the NXT Move global community from Austin, Texas, where he also serves on the Executive Leadership team at Shoreline Church.The mission of NXT Move is to gather Christian leaders to address the negative trajectory of Christianity in the next generation, recognizing duplication and siloed thinking as major obstacles to fulfilling the Great Commission.In Texas, Jurie has served as one of the teaching pastors at Hill Country Bible Church and has planted a church in the urban core of Austin. In South Africa, he oversaw and planted multiple campuses with Doxa Deo and co-founded the Timothy Ministry Training Seminary, which continues to train leaders actively involved in ministry worldwide.He has preached and facilitated strategic change as a leadership consultant in 42 U.S. states and 49 countries across every inhabited continent.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.Blurb: In this week’s Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman explores the growing challenges of reaching the next generation—from rising loneliness to the impact of AI—and what it will take for the church to respond with clarity and purpose. It’s a hopeful, practical conversation about staying faithful, building trust, and rediscovering the church’s role in a changing world.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Katie Frugé and Dr. Ryan Denison for a timely roundtable conversation on mental health, cultural trends, and the search for hope.They explore emerging challenges, from new forms of synthetic drug use to the growing reliance on AI chatbots for mental health support, highlighting both the risks and the deeper spiritual questions behind them. The conversation also addresses the limits of technology when it comes to caring for the soul and the increasing sense of hopelessness many are experiencing today.Together, they offer a hopeful path forward, sharing practical ways to cultivate lasting hope through worship, community, healthy rhythms, and a renewed focus on God’s presence in everyday life.Topics(0:00) Introduction(0:46) Meet the roundtable(1:43) Paper drug threat(6:38) Fear and gospel response(14:45) Supply versus demand(17:45) Chatbots and mental health(22:14) Benefits and dangers of AI(27:11) Human soul care matters(31:07) AI and deeper healing(35:22) Self-regulation lessons(42:48) Defining hope simply(46:51) Five practices for hope(49:57) Applying hope personally(56:47) Closing ResourcesCrisis HotlineWhen a letter becomes lethal Evaluation of large language models on mental health: from knowledge test to illness diagnosisLarge Language Models as Mental Health Resources: Patterns of Use in the United StatesExploring the Dangers of AI in Mental Health CareHow LLM Counselors Violate Ethical Standards in Mental Health PracticeFar more Americans say they’d like to live in the past than in the futureDick Van Dyke and scientists tell us how to live longerAmericans Predict Challenging 2026 Across 13 DimensionsThis has never happened before on “American Idol”Why Some Men Struggle to Keep Up With FriendshipsAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. Katie FrugéKatie Frugé, M.Div, Ph.D., serves over 5,000 Texas Baptist churches as the Director of the Christian Life Commission for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. In this role, she equips pastors and ministry leaders to navigate complex cultural, moral, and political issues with biblical faithfulness and pastoral wisdom.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Bishop Mark Beckwith of Braver Angels to explore how Christians can engage a deeply divided culture with conviction, courage, and Christlike love.They discuss the rise of polarization and declining trust in America, and why rebuilding relationships is essential for a healthier public witness. The conversation highlights practical ways believers can pursue unity without compromising truth, grounded in the Imago Dei, love of neighbor and enemy, and a commitment to faithful presence in everyday life.Bishop Beckwith also shares how initiatives like Braver Angels are helping people listen better, engage across differences, and model what it means to live as citizens of heaven in a divided world.Topics(0:00) Introduction(2:29) Meet Bishop Beckwith(6:40) How Braver Angels began(11:32) Braver Faith in churches(17:17) Politics versus faith(25:31) Faith and citizenship(28:34) Religion as democracy support(30:55) Imago Dei in practice(33:16) Love as a command(36:17) Surviving family politics(40:41) Bridgebuilding without compromise(44:51) Handling anger and ego(47:20) ConclusionResourcesBraver AngelsDenison Forum: Our political future and an interview that moved me deeplyPew Research: Public trust in government Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Bishop Mark BeckwithOrdained in the Episcopal Church in 1979, Mark Beckwith served parishes in Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts.  Elected Bishop of Newark (NJ), he served in that capacity for twelve years until his retirement in 2018.    In the wake of gang violence in Newark, he helped found the Newark Interfaith Coalition for Hope and Peace.  With a local Rabbi and Imam from that coalition, he appeared several times on Morning Joe, and did two PBS interview shows hosted by Jon Meacham.  The three of them co-hosted A Matter of Faith, a NJ Public TV show that focused on local issues.  He currently serves as the Bishop Liaison for Bishops United Against Gun Violence, a network of 100 bishops he co-founded after the Newtown, Ct. killings in 2012.  He is the co-founder of Faith Leaders for Ending Gun Violence, a national ecumenical group of diverse religious leaders.  He has been co-chair of Braver Faith, a department of Braver Angels, a national movement that seeks to depolarize America.  He is the author of Seeing the Unseen:  Beyond Prejudices, Paradigms and Party Lines (Morehouse Publishing, 2022).  He posts weekly on his website, markbeckwith.net.  He hosts a podcast, Reconciliation Roundtable, which involves conversations with religious and civic leaders.  He offers spiritual direction and coaching for clergy.  A graduate of Amherst College and Yale Divinity School, he lives in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.His passion is to invite people to look beyond and beneath their political and theological positions, which in today’s climate of polarization can be overly confining; and find hope and blessing – and a way forward.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by pastors Sam Holm and Justin Hornsby to discuss why corporate worship matters and why many Christians struggle to make church a priority.They explore what worship truly is—centering our attention and affection on God—and why gathering weekly offers essential reminders of the gospel that shape our faith and fuel our mission. The conversation also addresses common challenges like consumer-driven expectations, performance-focused services, and how both leaders and congregants play a role in creating Christ-centered worship.Sam and Justin offer practical insight into the elements of meaningful worship, from confession and prayer to communion and congregational singing, inviting listeners to rediscover the purpose and power of gathering together as the church.Topics0:00) Introduction(3:00) Why church attendance drops(5:22) From consumer to contributor(10:25) Defining corporate worship(20:02) Worship leader influences(23:27) Preparing hearts for Sunday(25:55) Questions before worship(28:42) Confession in worship(30:31) Tell the gospel again(35:18) Stewardship on stage(41:02) Forgotten worship tools(43:38) Fresh vs. familiar songs(50:50) Funniest service moments(56:02) ConclusionResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Sam HolmSam Holm grew up at a therapeutic wilderness camp with five brothers in East Texas. He served at Pine Cove Camps for 11 years before God called him to the local Church. He has been the pastor at First McKinney since 2017. He is married to Rebecca and the father of two girls. Sam desires to make authentic disciples of Jesus. About Justin HornsbyJustin Hornsby has been a Worship Pastor since he was 19 and currently serves at First Baptist Church in McKinney, TX. He leads worship, oversees various ministry teams, and is part of the preaching team alongside his wife, Hollye. A father of 3, Justin's desire is to point people to the greatness of God through Jesus, often saying, "Music is great, but Jesus is greater."About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more, visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Joel Penton, founder of LifeWise Academy, to explore a growing movement bringing Bible education to public school students during the school day through a unique, Supreme Court–recognized model.Together, they discuss how these programs are launching in communities across the country, how they navigate funding and school partnerships, and the impact they’re having on students’ lives. The conversation also addresses important questions around religious freedom and what it looks like for churches and families to help the next generation engage Scripture in today’s culture.Topics(0:00) Introduction (5:50) Scaling LifeWise nationwide(9:09) How communities start(15:52) Religious freedom for all(18:26) Curriculum and teachers(22:22) Finding movement builders(26:04) Public schools value proposition(30:04) Gospel-centered curriculum(37:00) Starting small and scaling(40:12) Faith calling and wrap upResourcesLifeWise AcademyAllstate Wuerffel TrophyDanny WuerffelAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Joel PentonJoel Penton is the founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, a program that brings Bible education to public school students during the school day. Before his 15-year career in ministry leadership, Joel was a defensive tackle at Ohio State University, where he received the prestigious Danny Wuerffel Trophy, often called the “Humanitarian Heisman.” He is also an author and public speaker. Joel lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, Bethany, and their six children.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Botrus Mansour of the World Evangelical Alliance to explore why Christian unity matters and how it strengthens the church’s witness around the world.Together, they discuss how churches are partnering across 163 nations to support evangelism, discipleship, and global advocacy, while also addressing real challenges facing believers in regions of conflict. The conversation highlights both the complexity of global ministry and the growing spiritual hunger seen in many parts of the world today.Topics(0:00) Introduction(4:39) Why unity matters(7:50) World Evangelical Alliance global reach(9:53) Advocacy and UN work(21:41) Botrus’ journey to Secretary General(26:21) New season challenges(31:35) Why evangelical matters(33:59) Planting a church in Nazareth(37:36) War and prayer fatigue(40:00) Global revival reports(43:25) ConclusionResourcesWorld Evangelical AllianceLausanne MovementNazareth Baptist SchoolAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Botrus MansourBotrus Mansour, based in Nazareth, Israel, is a lawyer, an ordained elder, and the General Director of Nazareth Baptist School. He has held significant leadership positions across the evangelical world, including serving as the Chairman of The Convention of Evangelical Churches in Israel and Co-Chairman of the Lausanne Initiative for Reconciliation Israel-Palestine. He is also a published author, with books including When Your Neighbor is the Savior and Looking from the Precipice.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Gerald Griffin and Dr. Hormoz Shariat, founder of Iran Alive Ministries, to discuss the Iran–Israel–U.S. conflict and what’s happening spiritually inside Iran.Dr. Shariat shares how life in Iran has changed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and describes the growing persecution Christians face today. Yet amid the hardship, he points to a surprising spiritual awakening as many Iranians are turning to Jesus through underground churches, dreams, and personal encounters with Christ.The episode closes with ways believers can pray for the people of Iran and support the growing church there.Topics(0:00) Introduction(3:13) Iran before the revolution(10:20) Persecution and revival(15:50) War and regime change(23:13) Views on America and Israel(28:42) Iranians seek spirituality(31:38) Outlook after regime change(32:42) Where Christianity is growing(38:19) How to pray for Iran(43:30) Call to join the movement(49:08) Closing prayer Resources2Cultivate Iran Alive MinistriesText “Iran” to 85789Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Gerald GriffinGerald Griffin is the founder and leader of 2Cultivate, a ministry dedicated to strengthening pastors through free coaching, mentoring, and counseling. With 30 years of experience pastoring Preston Ridge Church in Frisco, Texas, Gerald also serves as a trainer for the North American Mission Board, equipping church planters for the work ahead.About Dr. Hormoz ShariatDr. Hormoz Shariat is the founder and president of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), a Christian ministry that uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to reach Iranians with the gospel. He is an Iranian Muslim convert who has a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Southern California and a BA in Bible and Theology from Jessup University.Dr. Shariat has been featured in Christianity Today, Charisma, and other publications. He has also been a guest on various radio and TV stations, such as the 700 Club, TBN, Daystar and the Inspiration Channel. IAM is a growing ministry that is making a significant impact in Iran. Dr. Shariat is a passionate leader who is committed to sharing the gospel with the people of Iran.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes Jay Greer and Chad Farmer of Mustard Seed Network to discuss what it looks like to share the gospel in Japan, where less than 1 percent of the population is Christian.They explore Japan’s complex history with Christianity, the cultural blend of Buddhism, Shinto, and secularism, and the deep skepticism toward organized religion shaped by persecution and modern tragedies. Jay and Chad also reflect on the challenges of ministry in one of the world’s most urban and aging societies, and what believers everywhere can learn about faithful presence, church-centered mission, and praying for God to move in spiritually resistant places.Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:19) Japan culture and gospel need(4:26) Population and urban life(10:00) Aging society and family vision(16:07) Church planting challenges(18:10) Christian history in Japan(24:17) Religion mix and gospel conversations(28:26) Cults and public outreach(32:29) Religion seen as dangerous(37:32) Harmony with the Creator(40:58) Mustard Seed Network origins(48:18) Abiding through evangelism hardship(51:47) Prayer needs and Tokyo School of Theology(56:00) ConclusionResourcesMustard Seed NetworkMustard Seed Christian Church Tokyo Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeDonate: SupportDF.org About Jay GreerJay Greer and his wife Caitlin moved to Japan in 2008 with the hope of making disciples of Jesus and establishing churches in major cities. He is the pastor of Mustard Seed Christian Church Tokyo which was planted in 2020 and he has worked with church plants in Osaka (2011) and Nagoya (2009) as well. He serves in leadership with Mustard Seed Network. He studied biblical literature at Ozark Christian College and theology at Gateway Seminary. He has also worked with City to City Asia Pacific as a coach and serves in leadership with the Church Planting Institute of Japan. Jay and Caitlin have four kids and a goofy, tiny dog in west Tokyo. About Chad FarmerChad Farmer serves with Mustard Seed Network, a church-planting network focused on urban Japan. After more than a decade living and ministering in Japan, Chad helps oversee operations, missionary deployment, and long-term strategy while also serving in the life of a local church in Tokyo. His work centers on planting gospel-centered churches, training leaders, and helping the local church take responsibility for reaching the unreached. Chad is passionate about seeing the gospel take root in places where fewer than one percent of people identify as Christian, and about reminding churches that missions is not a side project but a central part of God’s purpose for his people.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Stephanie Thurling, Josh Miller, and Dr. Ryan Denison for a timely roundtable on authority, wisdom, and raising kids in a noisy culture shaped by influencers, AI, and declining trust in institutions.Together, they explore a four-phase parenting framework—caregiver, cop, coach, and consultant—and reflect on how authority is being redefined by authenticity and relatability. The conversation offers practical insight on helping kids discern character and spiritual fruit through a biblical lens, while keeping ultimate trust anchored in God. They also discuss the growing role of AI in teens’ lives, the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and how families can process polarizing news with prayer, humility, and intentional media habits.Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:35) Parenting phases framework(7:39) Authority crisis and Gen Z(13:03) Influencers and trust online(20:38) Information vs. wisdom in the AI age(28:34) Kids using AI for schoolwork(33:22) Wisdom beyond information(37:09) Immigration news and kids(44:39) Emotions, facts, and Scripture(48:13) Media diet and guarding hearts(54:20) Prayer and parenting wrap upResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeJH Ranch: 4 Phases of ParentingTeens, Social Media and AI Chatbots 2025The Christian Parenting PodcastAbout Stephanie Thurling Steph Thurling is the host of The Christian Parenting Podcast, and a mom of three amazing kids! Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is the co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.About Josh Miller Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience, from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with filmmaker and Kingdom Story Company co-founder Andrew Erwin (I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution) to talk about storytelling, faith, and the power of film to share God’s truth. Andrew reflects on how the Erwin brothers found their voice through underdog stories, the unexpected success of I Can Only Imagine, and how faith-based films have grown in both craft and impact.They also discuss I Can Only Imagine 2 and the deeper themes it explores—gratitude, grief, and trusting God when “happily ever after” feels uncertain. The conversation closes with a practical encouragement for believers to see films as opportunities to invite others into meaningful conversations about faith with courage and hope.Topics(0:00) Introduction(3:34) From “Woodlawn” to “I Can Only Imagine:” the breakthrough story(8:44) Andrew’s origin story(14:04) Global impact: Film as a modern “Romans Road”(16:02) No more “cheesy” faith films(21:13) Why make “I Can Only Imagine 2” (27:51) How faith films has changed (33:21) Wrap-up ResourcesTrailer: I Can Only Imagine 2Website: I Can Only Imagine 2Ask Us Anything: [email protected] to a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeSupportDF.org About Andrew ErwinAndrew Erwin is a director, producer and co-founder of Kingdom Story Company, the premier destination for films of faith that ignite a rush of hope. Andrew has directed and co-directed feature films like I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, I STILL BELIEVE, AMERICAN UNDERDOG, and I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 (2026), among others, and is one of just five directors (along with Steven Spielberg and Rob Reiner) to receive three A+ Cinema Scores.In partnership with Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company’s films have consistently opened in the top ten at the box office, earning the coveted A+ CinemaScore® rating six times. Prioritizing faith, inspiration, and positive impact in storytelling, notable Kingdom Story Company films include the 2023 hit JESUS REVOLUTION, ORDINARY ANGELS, UNSUNG HERO, WHITE BIRD, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER and SARAH’S OIL.Andrew also hosts “The Storytellers Podcast,” which explores the transformative power of storytelling through the lens of faith, and features conversations with artists, directors, actors, and other creative thought leaders. Guests have included Mel Gibson, Dennis Quaid, Roma Downey, Candace Cameron Bure, Jonathan Roumie, DeVon Franklin, and more.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by economist and longtime professor Dave Arnott for a thoughtful conversation about how Christian faith intersects with economic realities. Drawing on decades of experience teaching economics and management, Dave helps frame complex economic ideas in accessible ways, inviting listeners to think more clearly and faithfully about money, markets, and social responsibility.Together, they explore foundational economic principles, the strengths and limits of systems like capitalism and socialism, and the role the church can play in addressing real human needs. The conversation also touches on timely issues such as inflation, government policy, tariffs, and the lasting economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all viewed through a Christian lens that values both truth and compassion.This episode invites listeners to move beyond sound bites and fear-driven narratives, offering clarity, wisdom, and a faith-informed perspective on how economic decisions shape lives, communities, and our shared future.Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:13) Meet Dave Arnott, the Christian Economist(5:48) A Christian worldview on economics(11:53) Freedom in economics(18:25) Capitalism vs. socialism from a biblical perspective(32:21) The role of government in the economy(37:10) Presidential influence on the economy(45:34) Understanding inflation(51:59) Housing market challenges(55:41) Future economic concerns and hopesResourcesThe Christian EconomistAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dave Arnott Dave Arnott is Dean of the Turning Point USA Prep Year program in Ft. Worth, TX. He recently retired after serving 31 years as a professor of Management and Economics at Dallas Baptist University. He has authored five books on the topics of Leadership, Management and Economics. His Ph.D. is from the University of Texas at Arlington.As The Christian Economist he has delivered 200 podcasts, exploring the intersection of Christianity and Economics. They are available on the Dave Arnott YouTube channel. His latest book is Biblical Economic Policy.He is an accomplished keynote speaker who has visited 60 countries and led business study visits to many of those countries. He has led more than 200 days of management seminars. The Professor and Ginger live on a small farm near Dallas where they enjoy go-kart races around the pasture with their seven grandchildren. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison and Bobby Dagnel for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of sports and faith. Together, they explore why sports hold such a powerful sway in our culture and how competition can reflect deeper themes of beauty, courage, sacrifice, and struggle that point beyond the game itself.The conversation touches on the rapidly changing landscape of modern athletics, including NIL contracts, the player transfer portal, and the growing concerns around sports gambling. Ryan and Bobby also reflect on the unique spiritual opportunities found in sports, how teams, locker rooms, and competition can become places of influence, character formation, and faithful witness. This wide-ranging and engaging discussion invites fans, athletes, and believers alike to consider how faith can shape the way we play, watch, and engage with the world of sports, and how God can be at work even in the arena.Topics(0:00) Introduction to Faith and Clarity(1:28) Meet the guests: Dr. Ryan Denison and Bobby Dagnel(2:41) Sports as a universal language(7:03) Bobby Dagnel’s journey as a sports chaplain(14:11) The global passion for sports(18:08) Theology of play and Sabbath(22:49) Sports metaphors in the Bible(29:11) The evolution of college sports(32:12) The impact of NIL on college athletes(35:31) The growing problem of sports gambling(41:57) Understanding the transfer portal(51:11) The role of faith in sports(56:14) Conclusion and final thoughtsResourcesNational Collegiate Athletic AssociationAsk Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Bobby DagnelFor over four decades, Bobby Dagnel has dedicated his life to serving the local church. Utilizing the biblical insight and practical wisdom that guided his three pastorates, Bobby's retirement now focuses on the encouragement and motivational enrichment of student-athletes, coaches, and leaders. Bobby and his wife, Patti, have been married for 42 years and are the proud parents of a daughter and a son, and the prouder grandparents of two grandkids.About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with longtime Christian media voices Dawn Rae May and Steve Hiller to talk about faith, resilience, and what it looks like to trust God when life takes an unexpected turn. Dawn and Steve share their journeys into Christian radio, the challenges of live morning shows, and the sudden job loss that forced them into a season of deep uncertainty and dependence on God.Along the way, they reflect on grief, family, financial stress, and the spiritual practices that sustained them—journaling, stillness, prayer, and leaning into community. Dawn and Steve also discuss the transition from daily radio to launching their podcast, Dawn and Steve Plus, and why conversations around spiritual and mental health matter now more than ever. This honest and hope-filled conversation reminds listeners of the vital role of the local church and the enduring promise that God is at work, even when the path forward feels unclear.Topics(0:00): Introduction (1:40): Dawn Rae and Steve’s journey into Christian media(6:07): Challenges of morning radio(12:00): Life changes and termination(15:05): Processing grief and loss(22:50): Trusting and waiting on God(30:20): Processing job loss together(35:41): The importance of community(45:03): Media as a supplement to church(50:11): Final thoughts and encouragementResourcesDawn and Steve PlusWalking in His Commands Lent devotional Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dawn Rae MayDawn has worked in Christian radio for over two decades, in three states. She loves talking about the Lord, his Word and how life intersects with both. Dawn and her husband Ben, have three grown children and live just outside of Nashville, TN. About Steve HillerSteve is Director of Products for Open the Bible. He also serves as the co-host and producer of Open the Bible's radio program. You can also hear Steve as the co-host of Treasured Truth with Pastor James Ford Jr. and Encounter the Truth with Jonathan Griffiths. Steve and his wife, Suzy, have three children, and live in Nashville, TN.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful conversation about following Jesus faithfully in a confusing cultural moment. Together, they explore how Christians can seek wisdom, clarity, and hope when the questions feel complex and the headlines feel overwhelming.The discussion touches on faith and leadership, the role of personal character, and how a biblical worldview shapes our engagement with culture and global issues. Mark and Jim also share writers and spiritual voices that have shaped their own journeys, offering meaningful recommendations for continued growth.Ryan joins the conversation to respond to listener questions on everyday discipleship, including spiritual practices, relational boundaries, assurance of salvation, and what it means to live as a practicing Christian. The episode concludes with reflections on Gen Z and how believers can engage culture and politics with conviction, humility, and faith rather than fear.Topics(0:00): Welcome to Faith & Clarity(2:29): Biblical expectations from government(7:31): Foreign policy and Christian perspective(13:34): Spiritual heroes: Henri Nouwen and C.S. Lewis(25:20): Discussing yoga in Christian context(30:31): Relational boundaries and forgiveness(37:39): Defining a practicing Christian(43:12): Judgment and rewards in heaven(46:34): Can a person lose their salvation?(51:15): Expository sermons and pastors in politics(58:37): Gen Z and the future of the churchResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] Z Archives CS Lewis FoundationHenri Nouwen Society New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church AttendanceAbout Dr. Jim Denison Dr. Jim Denison is a Cultural Theologian and the Founder of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues through The Daily Article at DenisonForum.org. He is the author of over thirty books, including The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians Are Labeled Intolerant, Irrelevant, Oppressive, and Dangerous—and How We Can Turn the Tide; Respectfully, I Disagree: How to Be a Civil Person in an Uncivil Time; and the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series.He has taught the philosophy of religion and apologetics at several seminaries. Dr. Denison serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health, where he addresses issues such as genetic medicine and reproductive science. He is also a senior fellow with CEO Forum, the International Alliance of Christian Education, and Dallas Baptist University’s Institute for Global Engagement.He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Denison is the Theologian in Residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.Prior to launching Denison Forum in 2009, he pastored churches in Texas and Georgia. Jim and his wife, Janet, have two married sons and four grandchildren.About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Faith Womack, founder of Bible Nerd Ministries, for a thoughtful conversation about how we approach Scripture and why it matters. Faith shares how her own experiences with the misuse of the Bible shaped her desire to help others engage God’s word with humility, care, and genuine curiosity.Together, they explore what it looks like to move beyond treating the Bible as a task to be completed and instead encounter it as a living story that forms our faith. Faith offers practical insight into reading Scripture wisely, paying attention to the Bible’s larger story, choosing helpful translations, and balancing personal study with learning in community, inviting listeners to rediscover the joy and depth of knowing God through his word.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:56) Introducing Faith Womack and Bible Nerd Ministries(05:21) Common mistakes in Bible study(08:10) The importance of hermeneutics(11:32) Should every Christian be a Bible nerd?(17:24) Misuse of Scripture and personal testimony(27:03) Understanding Bible translations(30:55) The role of paraphrased translations(31:28) Using multiple translations for deeper understanding(33:48) The importance of studying the Bible in groups(35:57) The necessity of church in Christian life(39:11) Understanding the story arc of the Bible(43:34) Digital tools for Bible study(46:09) Maintaining humility in Bible study(49:52) Encouragement for new Bible readers(54:12) Favorite Bible books and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Walking in His Commands: A Lenten Journey with JesusThe Focus NewsletterWhy are there so many different Bible translations? And which Bible should I read? • Denison ForumWhat are the best tools for studying Scripture? • Denison ForumHow can I study the Bible? • Denison ForumBible Nerd Ministries on YouTubeBible Nerd Ministries on InstagramBible Nerd Ministries on TikTokBible Nerd Ministries WebsiteAbout Faith WomackFaith Womack is the founder of Bible Nerd Ministries and a content creator who aims to inspire Christians to get back into the Word of God. Her courses, including “Bible Study Bootcamp” and “Theology Bootcamp,” have reached thousands, and her Bible study content has reached over 10 million people on TikTok and YouTube. Faith aims to empower Christians not only to understand the Bible but also to enjoy it. Her debut book, No More Boring Bible Study: Why Taking Scripture Seriously Is Easier and More Exciting Than You Think, was released from Zondervan in November 2025.Faith has a B.A. in biblical and theological studies from Covenant College and a M.A.T.S. from Erskine Seminary. When she’s not filming or teaching, Faith spends her time with her family going on hikes, crafting and drinking way too much coffee.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison, Jen Abohosh, and Alex Kondratev to open season five of Faith and Clarity with a thoughtful roundtable centered on what it means to remain fully human in an age of cultural confusion. Together, they reflect on Scripture, fear, hope, and the often-overlooked spiritual discipline of waiting on God, especially when the world feels loud, divided, and uncertain.The conversation moves across timely and challenging terrain, including the influence of media narratives, the growing role of AI, and the weight of political polarization. Rather than reacting to headlines, the group models a slower, more faithful posture, one rooted in wisdom, humility, and trust in God’s presence and purposes.The episode also introduces a new segment, Since You Asked, where the hosts share personal reflections, hopes, and intentions for the year ahead. It’s a meaningful and grounding start to 2026, offering listeners space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover faith, hope, and clarity beyond the noise.Topics(00:00): Welcome to season five of Faith and Clarity(00:38): Roundtable discussion: Reclaiming our humanity(01:58): Exploring cultural reflections and media(03:05): The magic of walking with grief(04:25): Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and representation(06:39): Gavin Newsom on bridging political divides(09:01): Finding humanity in our interactions(15:49): Faith, community, and belonging in 2026(19:08): Scripture, fear, and hope for the new year(30:47): Waiting on God: Unanswered prayers and hope(43:28): The complexity of our modern world(58:55): Resolutions for 2026Resources​​The 'magic' of walking with griefTaylor Swift - The End of an Era - Disney+The Contradictions of Gavin Newsom2025 YouVersion Verse of the YearYouVersion Announces 2025 Verse of the Year as Bible Engagement Reaches New Heights GloballyTom Friedman Says We’re in a New Epoch. David Brooks Has Questions.'Architects of AI' named Time Magazine's Person of the YearDenison Forum Artificial Intelligence ArchivesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?The Focus newsletterAbout Alex KondratevAlex Kondratev serves as the Chief Content Officer at Denison Ministries. With experience in creating and aggregating media from hundreds of Christian ministries, she leads the Denison Ministries brands in getting relevant and transformative content to the world.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum, where he contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at BH Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.About Jen Abohosh Jennifer Abohosh serves as the Chief Development Officer at Denison Ministries, leading the Development division with strategic oversight of fundraising, donor cultivation, and major gift initiatives. She advances the organization’s mission through vision-driven generosity strategies and collaborative leadership across all ministry brands.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with bestselling author and apologist Lee Strobel for a thoughtful conversation about miracles and why they still matter, especially during the Christmas season. Lee reflects on his own journey from atheism to faith, sharing how evidence, honest questions, and personal transformation reshaped the way he understood God and the world.Together, they explore what miracles are, how to think about them with intellectual integrity, and why stories of God’s work, both dramatic and quiet, can open meaningful conversations about faith today. Drawing from his latest work and the upcoming film The Case for Miracles, Lee offers practical encouragement for engaging skeptics with humility, courage, and hope.The episode closes with a pastoral and prayerful note, inviting listeners to take small, faithful risks in sharing what they believe and to live as visible reminders of God’s presence this Christmas season.Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:59): Introducing Lee Strobel(03:44): Lee Strobel's journey to faith(07:09): Encouragement for sharing faith(09:21): Engaging in spiritual conversations(13:26): Positive trends in faith among youth(22:14): The power of cinema in evangelism(26:29): Miracles in the movie: Real stories and reactions(29:12): The role of miracles in faith(35:05): Personal struggles with miracles and suffering(43:25): New book: Seeing the Supernatural(44:58): Final thoughts and prayerResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Support Denison Forum 2025The Case for Miracles MovieTHE CASE FOR MIRACLES - OFFICIAL TEASERThe Case for Miracles: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for the SupernaturalLee StrobelFacebook: The Case For MiraclesInstagram: The Case for Miracles The Case For Miracles (@caseformiracles) / Posts / XThe Case For Miracles (@caseformiracles) | TikTokA review of Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Miracles” - Denison ForumAbout Lee StrobelLee Strobel, former award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. He earned a journalism degree at the University of Missouri and was awarded a Ford Foundation fellowship to study at Yale Law School, where he received a Master of Studies in Law degree.Strobel was a journalist for fourteen years at the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, winning Illinois’ top honors for investigative reporting (which he shared with a team he led) and public service journalism from United Press International. He also taught First Amendment Law at Roosevelt University.A former atheist, Strobel served as a teaching pastor at three of America’s largest churches. He and his wife, Leslie, have been married for more than fifty years and live in Texas. Their daughter, Alison, and son, Kyle, are also authors.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with author and cultural commentator Sara Billups to talk about anxiety and how it shows up in our bodies, our churches, and our culture, and how we can respond with faith and wisdom. Sara shares from her own life: caring for aging parents, navigating personal and family health concerns, and learning to live well amid persistent worry.They explore how anxiety shapes our daily lives, influences our relationships, and even colors the way we engage with the world around us. Drawing on her new book, Nervous Systems, Sara offers thoughtful reflections on how to navigate fear and uncertainty with a sense of calm and groundedness, helping listeners consider practical and spiritual ways to live faithfully even in anxious times.Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:42): Introducing Sara Billups(03:29): Sara's personal journey(09:24): Understanding anxiety and fear(18:33): Spiritual practices and anxiety(22:07): Caring for aging parents(27:48): Wellness culture and embodiment(30:44): Discipleship and anxiety in the church(31:49): Non-anxious presence and leadership(35:35): Normalizing doubt and embracing suffering(37:56): Anxiety and the role of women in the church(40:05): Scrupulosity and moral OCD(43:36): Cultural anxiety and identity(48:05): Spiritual practices for overcoming anxiety(52:31): Ignatian spiritual exercises and indifference(59:09): Conclusion and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Support Denison Forum 2025Sara BillupsSara Billups | SubstackNervous Systems: Spiritual Practices to Calm Anxiety in Your Body, the Church, and PoliticsOrphaned Believers: How a Generation of Christian Exiles Can Find the Way HomeThat’s The Spirit - PodcastSara Billups (@sara.billups) • Instagram photos and videosAbout Sara BillupsSara Billups is a Seattle-based writer and cultural commentator whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Christianity Today, Aspen Ideas, and others. Sara writes Bitter Scroll, a monthly Substack letter and co-hosts the podcast That’s the Spirit. She earned a Doctor of Ministry in the Sacred Art of Writing at the Peterson Center for the Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary.Sara works to help wavering Christians remain steadfast through cultural storms and continues to hope for the flourishing of the Church amid deep political and cultural division in America.Her first book, Orphaned Believers, follows the journey of a generation raised in the 80s and 90s of evangelicalism reckoning with the tradition that raised them and searching for a new way to participate in the story of God. Her second book, Nervous Systems, is now available from Baker Books.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman gathers with Josh Miller and Conner Jones for a heartfelt roundtable on some of the cultural and spiritual tensions many of us feel this time of year. Together, they reflect on the quiet ache of holiday loneliness, the pressure that often shadows our celebrations, and why intentional, grace-filled connection matters more than ever.The conversation also widens to consider the ethical questions surrounding cloning—what it means for human dignity, and how Christians can respond with both conviction and compassion. And in a hopeful turn, they look at the surprising spiritual momentum among younger generations, from increased Bible engagement to renewed interest in the church among Millennials and Gen Z.It’s a gentle, honest, and encouraging dialogue—one that offers clarity for the holidays, wisdom for navigating complex issues, and a reminder that God is at work in places we might not expect.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:18): Favorite Christmas memories and traditions(04:12): Discussing holiday loneliness(06:25): The impact of loneliness on health(15:14): Practical steps to combat loneliness(20:32): Cloning and genetic engineering(28:01): Genetic testing and ethical dilemmas(31:55): The sanctity of life and genetic manipulation(36:23): The future of gene editing(37:49): Spiritual reflections on genetic engineering(38:50): Cultural shifts in holiday celebrations(44:02): Rising church attendance among younger generations(54:19): Encouraging faith and community engagementResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Year-End GivingWhy are so many young people struggling to find hope—and how can we help?Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?If you’re suffering from the “friendship recession,” you’re not alone“My closest friend is a fish”: Responding to the loneliness and anxiety of our dayWhy is loneliness as dangerous as smoking?How the church can solve "touch-starvation": An excerpt from "Digital Church in a Lonely World" by Benjamin WindleTom Brady Cloned His Dog. Here's How Much it Cost — and How to Do It YourselfGenetically Engineered Babies Are Banned. Tech Titans Are Trying to Make One Anyway. - WSJA ‘generational reversal’ is underway: Gen Z and millennials are now the most church-going groups, study findsA ‘generational reversal’ is underway: Gen Z and millennials are now the most church-going groups, study findsWhat true revival looks likeSomething Is Stirring in Christian America, and It’s Making Me Nervous - The New York TimesAbout Josh MillerJosh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience—from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman discusses the dynamics of intergenerational discussions with Mark Jones, Micah Tomasella, and Conner Jones, focusing on topics such as politics and faith. They share insights on meaningfully engaging younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are characterized by their spiritual curiosity and unique perspectives shaped by technology and social media. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over political debates, encouraging listeners to approach family gatherings with openness, prayerfulness, and a focus on understanding rather than confrontation.Topics(03:05): Understanding generational differences(06:00): The role of technology in shaping generations(08:52): Engaging college students in spiritual conversations(11:47): The importance of evangelism on college campuses(15:08): Navigating political discussions at family gatherings(17:58): Trends in spiritual curiosity among Gen Z(20:54): The impact of social media on beliefs(23:59): Preparing for Thanksgiving conversations(27:01): The need for evangelism in Christian colleges(30:04): Addressing skepticism and cynicism in young adults(32:58): Advice for college students at family gatherings(36:04): Choosing relationships over politics(38:57): Navigating complex conversations with family(42:03): The role of faith in political discussions(45:05): Finding hope amidst cultural challenges(48:0):5 Final thoughts on generational engagementResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)Preparing for your first voteElection 2024: Discern politics differentlyFirst15 Guided PrayersPeace in Politics PodcastPeace in Politics E-Book“What does the Bible say about politics?”The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics - Redeeming BabelMy Faith VotesAbout Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.About Mark JonesMark Jones is the State Director for Texas Baptist Student Ministry (BSM). He has served with BSM for 27 years, including 21 years in Tyler, working with Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler. Mark grew up in San Antonio and came to Christ through a campus-based high school ministry (Youth for Christ / Campus Life). He attended Baylor University (BA in English & Religion) and sensed a call to full-time ministry. Mark continued his education at both Southwestern Seminary (M.Div) and Samford University / Beeson Divinity School (D.Min). It was at Baylor that he met his wife, Becky. They enjoy time with their children and grandchildren, all Baylor sports, and finding great pizza places in Dallas.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Tim Altman, President and CEO of TheHopeLine, for a heartfelt and timely conversation about the growing need for hope among today’s young people—especially during the holiday season.Tim shares how TheHopeLine, a 24/7 online ministry, is meeting students and young adults right where they are—offering free, compassionate support through live chat to those struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and crisis. He and Mark talk about the realities facing this generation, from the isolating effects of social media to the rise in mental health challenges that leave many searching for purpose and belonging.Drawing from TheHopeLine’s LEAP model—Listen, Encourage, Advise, and Plan/Pray—Tim explains how hope coaches are trained to provide both practical guidance and spiritual care in real time. He also offers insight into how parents can best love and support their teens, and what families can do to bring light into what can be a difficult season for many.Together, Mark and Tim reflect on the deep spiritual hunger behind the headlines and the remarkable ways God is working through everyday conversations of care and faith. It’s a reminder that hope is not abstract—it’s alive, active, and available in Christ, even in our darkest moments.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:17): Introducing Tim Altman and TheHopeLine(03:12): Defining hope and its importance(04:11): The rising tide of anxiety among youth(06:24): The impact of social media on isolation(09:52): TheHopeLine's mission and history(14:40): Transition to internet-based support(19:07): The LEAP approach to counseling(22:52): Parental support and love(25:30): Hope coaches and internships(29:13): Future goals and vision(34:34): Funding and donor support(38:23): Holiday advice for families(41:17): ConclusionResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?TheHopeLineFacebook: TheHopeLineTheHopeLine (@thehopeline) • Instagram photos and videosTheHopeLine (@thehopeline) / Posts / XTikTok: TheHopeLine.com Tim Altman on LinkedInWhat does the Bible say about suicide? • Denison ForumHaving suicidal thoughts? Call or text 988Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?To stop suicide every 40 seconds: Jacob Coyne with StayHere.liveHow to help prevent suicide and aiding survivors: A conversation with John Mark CatonHow to navigate suicide, self-harm, depression, and emotions with preteens and teens: A conversation with Jeff and Terra MattsonHow can Christians navigate anxiety and negative thoughts?How can understanding the mind-body-spirit connection improve mental health struggles?About Tim AltmanIn 1986, after 7 years in local Christian radio and video production in Denver, Colorado, Tim joined the Dawson McAllister Association (DMA). In January 1991, he helped launch and produce Dawson McAllister Live!, a syndicated call-in talk radio program for students 21 and younger. Later that same year, The HopeLine was launched as a back-end to the radio show. It began as a part-time toll-free phone connection for young people needing to connect with a caring adult volunteer. In 1994, the show was awarded Talk Show of the Year by the National Christian Broadcasters. In 1996, Tim became the Senior Vice President of Programming.In 2000, he left to work with academia as a media consultant and producer in the development of interactive web-based curriculum, but returned to DMA in 2006 as CEO. This corresponded with a new Top 40 version of Dawson’s call-in show that became syndicated nationwide through then Clear Channel, now iHeart Radio.This large radio platform led to major growth for TheHopeline, eventually taking on a life of its own. With Dawson’s blessing, the ministry officially changed its name to TheHopeLine in 2019. Tim has a BBS in Pastoral Theology from Colorado Christian University. He has been married to Janice for 52 years, and they have the kids and grandkids to prove it.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Louis Blom, president of Judea Harvest, for an inspiring conversation about how God is moving across the continent of Africa.Dr. Blom shares his remarkable journey of faith—from growing up under apartheid in South Africa to leading a movement that has planted thousands of churches and trained countless pastors and evangelists. Through creative ministry tools, such as tent churches and solar-powered audio Bibles, Judea Harvest is helping to bring the gospel to some of the most remote and unreached communities in the world.Together, Mark and Louis reflect on the spiritual landscape of Africa, where persecution and poverty often meet profound revival and resilience. They explore how digital innovation, local leadership, and global collaboration are shaping the future of evangelism—and what the Western church can learn from Africa’s deep faith and dependence on God.It’s a conversation that reminds us that the Great Commission is still unfolding today, and that God’s Spirit is powerfully at work in every corner of the world.Topics(0:00): Welcome to the Faith & Clarity podcast(01:04): Introducing Dr. Louis Blom and Judea Harvest(03:03): Dr. Blom's journey to faith(06:49): Experiencing apartheid in South Africa(14:47): The Great Commission and global evangelism(21:55): Understanding Africa's spiritual landscape(24:58): Persecution and conflict in Nigeria and Mozambique(26:37): Economic and religious motivations behind conflicts(29:20): Spiritual landscape and revival in Africa(33:10): Judea Harvest's church planting strategies(36:21): Innovative tools for ministry in West Africa(41:32): Future plans and how to support Judea HarvestResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Judea HarvestYouTube: Judea Harvest2024 Judea Harvest Annual ReportIs Nigeria committing genocide against Christians? - Denison ForumTariffs on trial, Nigerian Christian persecution, Dick Cheney, Mamdani and Dems win big & NFL trades | Ep. 44 - Culture Brief PodcastNigeria is becoming a “mass grave” for Christians - Denison ForumAbout Dr. Louis BlomDr. Louis Blom, a visionary South African minister and global evangelist, has devoted over three decades to igniting a continent-wide revival through church planting, pastoral training, and holistic community development. As President and Co-Founder of Judea Harvest, an international Christian nonprofit, Blom has spearheaded the establishment of more than 35,000 churches across 40 African nations since 1999, transforming remote villages into beacons of faith and hope. His passion for the “Great Commission” has mobilized thousands of believers, earning him recognition as a key figure in modern missions.Born and raised in South Africa, Blom’s early path blended technical precision with spiritual calling. He completed engineering studies in Industrial Electronics and Instrumentation, attaining National Technical Qualification, before a profound sense of divine purpose redirected his trajectory. In 1991, he graduated from Auckland Park Theological Seminary, equipping him for pastoral ministry. Blom’s initial decade in service was spent pastoring two congregations in Kempton Park under the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa, where he honed his skills in local church leadership and community outreach. In April 1999, Blom co-founded Judea Harvest alongside Pastor Hansie Henning, responding to Africa’s urgent spiritual needs. What began as a modest initiative has burgeoned into a multifaceted movement, emphasizing rapid church multiplication through “John’s Journey” evangelism—a simple, replicable model inspired by the Apostle John’s relational witness. Blom’s academic pursuits amplified this work: he earned an Honours Degree in 2001 and a Master’s in 2004 from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), exploring African cultural contexts and gospel integration. His 2009 Doctorate (DLitt et Phil) in Missiology focused on tailored evangelism strategies for the continent, directly informing Judea Harvest’s scalable approaches. Over the years, he has preached and trained leaders in more than 30 nations, fostering partnerships that extend beyond Africa to Europe and North America.Recognizing evangelism’s interconnectedness with social justice, Blom launched Judea Hope in 2006, addressing HIV/AIDS, poverty, corruption, and education gaps. This arm supports 1,300 child care centres—often makeshift tents in churches—providing meals, schooling, and care for vulnerable orphans, breaking cycles of despair in war-torn and impoverished regions. In 2013, he established Judea Training to equip over a million untrained African pastors, offering practical theology and leadership development to sustain church growth. Blom’s influence extends to authorship; his 2020 eBook, Sharing Jesus: Evangelism – John’s Journey Style, distills decades of fieldwork into accessible tools for disciple-making.On a personal note, Blom’s steadfast partnership with his wife, Thea, whom he married in 1987, has been the bedrock of his ministry. For 38 years, they have served as a tandem team, raising their son, Leonardo, while navigating the demands of full-time mission work. Recently, the family relocated from South Africa to the Tyler, Texas area, enhancing ties with U.S. partners and expanding Judea Harvest’s North American footprint. Blom’s life embodies joyful obedience: “We find fulfilment in living out God’s plan as a family,” he reflects.Today, at the helm of Judea Harvest—a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) with international reach—Blom continues to champion a harvest-focused gospel. His legacy? Not mere numbers, but transformed lives: pastors empowered, children nourished, and villages awakened to Christ’s love. In an era of global disconnection, Dr. Blom reminds us that true fruitfulness blooms from hearing God’s voice and discerning His hand in every endeavour. As Africa stands on the cusp of revival, Blom’s unyielding pursuit inspires a new generation to “go and proclaim.”About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce, for a rich conversation about God’s heart for religious freedom and the hope that drives advocacy around the world.Wissam shares his story of faith and calling, shaped by his years in Lebanon and his work at the United Nations in Geneva with the World Evangelical Alliance, where he championed the cause of 600 million evangelical Christians. From training national alliances in religious freedom to equipping leaders across the Middle East in human rights and humanitarian law, Wissam has seen firsthand both the suffering and the steadfast courage of those who follow Christ under pressure.Together, Mark and Wissam explore how defending freedom of belief is part of God’s greater mission in the world, the biblical vision that grounds that work, and the practical ways churches and individuals can respond. It’s a conversation that invites us to see advocacy not as politics, but as a reflection of God’s love for every person made in his image.Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:37): Reflecting on American history and religious freedom(02:40): Introducing Wissam al-Saliby (04:50): Wissam's faith journey and career path(09:52): The mission of 21Wilberforce(13:27): Biblical inspiration and real-world challenges(21:12): Stories of persecution and advocacy(27:19): Theological foundations of religious freedom(28:30): Challenges and complexities in religious persecution(32:54): Global advocacy and local empowerment(38:19): Hotspots and lesser-known areas of persecution(44:58): Call to action for churches and believers(47:52): Conclusion and ways to get involvedResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?21WilberforceWhy Supporting Religious Freedom is Part of God's Global Mission - 21WilberforceWorld Evangelical AllianceThe Voice of the MartyrsOpen DoorsFirst Liberty InstituteWhy is religious freedom necessary? “Liberty for All” offers answers - Denison ForumWhat does the Bible say about religious liberty? - Denison ForumKen Starr's "Religious Liberty in Crisis" is an indispensable guide to defending religious freedom - Denison ForumGlobal persecution of Christians continues to rise - Denison ForumWhen I'm attacked for being a Christian, how should I respond? - Denison ForumAre Christians the most persecuted faith on earth? - Denison Forum"Free to believe" is for everyone: A conversation with Randel Everett of the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative - Denison ForumAbout Wissam al-SalibyPrior to his appointment as President of 21Wilberforce, Wissam al-Saliby was the Advocacy Officer and then the Director of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland for the World Evangelical Alliance, a network of 140 national alliances representing 600 million evangelical Christians. Under his leadership, the Geneva Office has engaged the United Nations in direct advocacy in approximately 20 country situations each year. Al-Saliby has also pioneered new efforts to help national alliances strengthen their religious freedom training and empower them as religious freedom leaders.Before his work engaging with the United Nations, al-Saliby served as the Development and Partner Relations Manager at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS). In his role as Manager of Development and Partnership Relations at ABTS, al-Saliby was a member of the leadership team that set the vision of the seminary and helped shape its ministry. In addition to nurturing and cultivating existing relationships, he identified and built new relationships with churches, foundations, and individuals in the United States, Europe, and the Arab World.Al-Saliby previously co-founded and managed the Summer School on Law and Armed Conflict in Lebanon. He has also served as the National Coordinator and Lead Trainer for Geneva Call in Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and traveled across the Middle East region for seven years training numerous multi-faith religious leaders, civil society groups, armed groups, and political parties in strengthening human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict.Al-Saliby graduated from Lebanese University with a bachelor’s degree in law and then earned from the Université Paul Cézanne, France a master’s degree in international law with a specialization in Protection and Human Security.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Mark Turman sits down with author Chris Morris for an honest and deeply hopeful conversation about mental health and faith. Chris shares his personal story of walking through mental illness—and how God met him in the midst of despair after a suicide attempt. Together, they unpack common misconceptions Christians often have about mental health, the value of therapy and medication, and practical ways to quiet anxious thoughts. They also reflect on the gift of humor, community, and long-term relationships rooted in grace and truth. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and a reminder that God’s presence meets us even in the darkest places.Topics(01:27): Introducing Chris Morris(04:58): Understanding mental health myths(06:56): Holistic approach to mental health(10:22): The role of medication(17:16): Chris Morris' faith journey(23:08): Taking every thought captive(30:40): Self-reflection and preparation(31:42): The role of humor in mental health(34:53): Mental health and sin: Untangling the connection(35:58): Understanding anxiety in biblical context(44:08): Finding the right counselor(50:27): Supporting long-term mental health struggles(55:23): Encouragement for those strugglingResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Chris Morris SpeaksChris Morris (@chrismorriswrites) • Instagram photos and videosChris Morris WritesResilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych WardTrekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family’s Roadmap to Stronger Mental HealthBy Faith: Strength and Hope for Life’s ChallengesPerfectly Abnormal: Uncovering the Image of God in Chronic IllnessWhispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Health Illness in the ChurchAbout Chris MorrisIn 2020, Chris Morris experienced a life-changing encounter with God that transformed his struggle with mental health. After a suicide attempt, Chris heard God’s radical message: “I still love you,” which gave him the strength to rebuild his life. Today, Chris is a passionate author, speaker, and ministry leader, helping others navigate mental health challenges through faith and therapeutic tools. He leads a mental health ministry at his church, which launched with 70 attendees on its first night— reflecting the deep need for safe spaces to discuss mental health and spirituality. Chris has authored three books on the intersection of faith and mental health, sharing his personal journey and spiritual insights. As a graduate of Northern Seminary, Chris is able to process deep theological concerns with creativity and faith. A sought-after speaker, he regularly presents at national conferences, including the Disability and the Church conference. With humor and authenticity, Chris makes tough conversations easier, encouraging others on their own paths to healing and hope. One thing Chris has learned along the way? It’s important to laugh at yourself. He’s a six-foot-seven guy who’s terrified of heights (ridiculous, right?), so he doesn't take himself too seriously. Life’s tough enough as it is, and bringing humor and authenticity to hard conversations always makes them a little bit easier to navigate.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Mark Turman sits down with Skyler Flowers, Program Director for The Carson Center for Theological Renewal, to talk about what it really means to practice cultural apologetics. Skyler, who also serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church and is pursuing his PhD in Systematic Theology, shares how faith and culture intersect in the everyday questions people are asking about identity, technology, politics, and more.Together, they reflect on voices like Augustine, C.S. Lewis, and Tim Keller, exploring how story, imagination, and truth work together to help people see the beauty and reasonableness of Christianity in our modern world. It’s a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about helping others understand—not just what Christians believe—but why those beliefs make sense and bring life in a shifting culture.Topics(01:44): Introducing Skyler Flowers(03:04): Skyler's journey of faith(06:58): The Gospel After Christendom(12:56): Defining cultural apologetics(19:44): Tim Keller's influence and legacy(26:03): Paul's approach in Athens(30:37): The role of the Holy Spirit(33:13): Good, true, and beautiful(37:34): Historical anchoring of cultural apologetics(43:52): The power of storytelling(46:19): Current cultural shifts and opportunities(50:51): Conclusion and resourcesResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?The Keller Center for Cultural ApologeticsThe Gospel CoalitionThe Gospel After Christendom: An Introduction to Cultural ApologeticsThe rise of a post-truth culture - Denison ForumApologetics for Gen Z: A conversation with Dark Room’s Mary Jo SharpWhy are some atheists becoming Christians? - Denison ForumAbout Skyler R. FlowersSkyler Flowers (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is the Program Director for The Carson Center for Theological Renewal and cohort director for all TGC cohorts. He serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church in Oxford, Mississippi, and is working toward his PhD in systematic theology at the University of Aberdeen. Skyler served as an editor for The Gospel After Christendom. He is married to Brianna, and they have two kids.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella from the Culture Brief podcast, as well as Dr. Ryan Denison, for a thoughtful roundtable on some of today’s most pressing cultural issues.Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we encounter Scripture—including the rise of an AI Bible—and what it means for people of faith seeking truth in a digital world. They also wrestle with the complex topic of assisted suicide, comparing global approaches while reflecting on the biblical call to uphold life and compassion in suffering.From there, the conversation turns to questions of leadership and governance, like whether congressional term limits could help restore trust in American politics, and the ongoing tension between protecting free speech and practicing biblical wisdom in public life.It’s an honest, wide-ranging dialogue that helps listeners think clearly, live faithfully, and engage today’s culture with both courage and grace.Topics(01:29): Introducing the AI Bible(04:22): Debating the impact of AI Bible(13:43): Assisted suicide: A complex issue(17:57): Personal reflections on assisted suicide(30:37): The role of term limits in politics(33:15): Arguments for term limits(37:23): Challenges in implementing term limits(39:33): Local politics and term limits(44:39): Free speech in America(50:01): Biblical perspective on speech(59:03): Conclusion and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Biblical Insight to Tough Questions, Volume 8The AI Bible: ‘We Call It Edutainment’ - Christianity TodayFantasy or faith? One company's AI-generated Bible content stirs controversyThe AI Bible - YouTubeThe AI Bible (@theaibibleofficial) • Instagram photos and videosCanadian writer Robert Munsch approved for assisted dyingEuthanasia is now the fifth leading cause of death in Canada - Denison ForumFirst Amendment | The Foundation for Individual Rights and ExpressionAbout Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman sits down with world-renowned scientist Dr. James Tour for a conversation that bridges faith and science in remarkable ways. Dr. Tour shares his story of coming to faith in Jesus—how a secular Jewish student became a passionate follower of Christ—and what that journey has taught him about truth, reason, and grace.Together, they talk about the mysteries of life’s origin, the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and how Christian hospitality can open hearts to the gospel. Dr. Tour also reflects on his pioneering work in nanotechnology at Rice University and offers wisdom for students and parents seeking to hold onto faith in the world of higher education.It’s a thoughtful, hope-filled dialogue about what it means to follow Jesus with both mind and heart.Topics(01:28): Introducing Dr. James Tour(09:40): Daily devotion and Scripture engagement(10:51): Faith on college campuses(13:21): The power of Christian hospitality(15:10): Dr. Tour's scientific work and achievements(16:20): The wonders of photosynthesis(19:29): Exciting scientific discoveries(22:55): Medical innovations with nano machines(25:25): Exploring the origin of life(28:16): Challenges in evolutionary theory(29:52): The role of AI in scientific research(33:03): Impact of AI on education and employment(39:38): Choosing the right university for Christian students(46:12): Dr. Tour's online resources(47:50): Closing remarks and prayerResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?https://jesusandscience.orgPersonal Website: https://jmtour.com Dr. James Tour - YouTubeDr James Tour- FacebookDr James Tour (@drjamestour) • Instagram photos and videosDr James Tour (@DrJamesTour) / XDr James Tour : DiscordApple PodcastsSpotifyDr. Tour's weekly email newsletterAbout Dr. James TourProfessor James Tour is the T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Computer Science, and Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Professor Tour has over 800 research publications, over 140 granted patents, and over 100 pending patents. His h-index is 178, with total citations over 150,000. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research group works in materials science, energy, medicine, electronics, and single-molecule nanomachines. He founded 17 companies based on his academic research, three of which are now public companies. In addition to this, he has an active social media presence, @drjamestour, spanning YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Rumble, Facebook, and X. In 2024, on YouTube alone, there were 24 million views of his content for over 2 million viewed hours, which spans topics on science, faith, and the origin of life. For 10 years, Professor Tour led weekly Bible studies in the living units of maximum-security prisons. He has been teaching a weekly Bible study to college students for the past 26 years, and he and his wife, Shireen, have served about 75 meals to students per week in their home for that entire time. They also distribute dozens of weekly meals to local cancer patients residing in church facilities and elderly shut-ins in Houston.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of the Faith & Clarity podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Adrien Lewis, founder of CarePortal. This platform connects people and resources to meet the real-time needs of children and families in crisis. Adrien shares how a single mission trip shifted his path from business to a life of serving vulnerable kids and how that moment of clarity sparked what would become CarePortal.Since its launch in 2015, CarePortal has been addressing a hidden foster care crisis in the US, where millions of children are referred to child protection agencies each year. By leveraging technology, CarePortal enables local communities to respond quickly, connecting caseworkers, churches, individuals, and businesses to meet urgent needs in real-time. Adrien explains how the platform empowers people to share responsibility for care, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for transformational connection.You’ll also hear about the role of the church in this mission—how helping children and families unites communities, provides common ground in a divided world, and gives believers a tangible way to follow God’s call to love their neighbors. Adrien walks through how CarePortal works, how it’s funded, and the impact it’s had on communities nationwide.If you’ve ever wondered how faith and innovation can come together to change lives, this conversation will inspire you.Topics(01:11): Introducing CarePortal and Adrien Lewis(03:06): Adrien's faith journey(07:21): The pivotal mission trip(12:00): Understanding foster care(14:53): Adrien's personal foster care experience(18:43): Community and foster care(25:36): Understanding the impact of poverty on children(27:38): Introducing CarePortal: A technological solution(28:04): How CarePortal works: Connecting needs with helpers(30:52): The role of the church and community in CarePortal(43:24): CarePortal's growth and vision for the future(47:05): How to get involved with CarePortalResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Facebook: Adrien Lewis CarePortal Website: CarePortal CarePortal Facebook: CarePortal | Kansas City MO CarePortal Instagram: CarePortal (@careportal) • Instagram photos and videos CarePortal X: CarePortal (@_careportal) / X CarePortal YouTube: CarePortal - YouTube CarePortal app connects charities to families in need | Fox News VideoAdoption and foster care isn’t a have to—it’s a get to - Christian ParentingOur ordinary family’s extraordinary foster care journey - Christian ParentingWhat Every Christian Parent Needs to Know About Foster CareFoster Care & Adoption: "Lies, Truths, and Horror Stories" - Christian ParentingAbout Adrien LewisAdrien Lewis began his career as a business development professional, spending a decade working in healthcare, technology, and education. In 2007, a mission trip to Haiti with his wife, Cynthia, transformed his perspective and deepened his calling. Over the next three years, he volunteered with The Global Orphan Project, where he witnessed firsthand the power of connection in caring for vulnerable children.In 2010, Adrien felt a clear call from God to leave the business world and fully dedicate himself to advocating for orphaned and abandoned children. This journey led him to become a foster and adoptive parent and, ultimately, to develop CarePortal—a Care-Sharing technology that mobilizes communities to take action for children and families in crisis, creating meaningful connections that change lives.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Ryan Denison sit down to tackle some of the big questions on our listeners’ minds. Together, they explore how to seek God’s will in life’s major decisions, why “manifesting” has become popular among teenagers and how it differs from a biblical worldview, and what it means to deconstruct faith. They also talk through topics like the age of accountability, the reality of hell, polyamorous relationships, and how God’s unconditional love relates to his conditional blessings. This conversation offers honest, biblical insight and practical wisdom to help you live out your faith with clarity and confidence.Topics(01:32): Discerning God's will for major life decisions(06:57): The concept of manifesting vs. biblical teachings(13:16): Deconstructing and reconstructing faith(17:52): Understanding the age of accountability(27:13): Understanding the nature of hell(29:39): The urgency of sharing the gospel(34:29): The importance of choices and faith(36:43): Defining God's agape love(40:22): God's conditional blessings and unconditional love(42:07): Biblical perspective on polyamorous relationships(46:44): Advocating for equal rights as Christians(51:22): ConclusionResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?The lost art of civility • Denison Forum"Couple to Throuple" normalizes polyamory: Responding with secular evidence for biblical moralityMassachusetts city legalizes polyamory: J. I. Packer and the privilege of standing for biblical truthPolyamorous “weddings” and the claim that affairs can “strengthen a marriage”'I have a fiancé, a girlfriend and two boyfriends'What is God's design for sex and relationships?Ariana Grande, "manifesting," and the path to a transformational ThanksgivingWhat is the New Thought movement?Dining with pandas: Reframing isolation as an opportunity to manifest the life of JesusIs hell real? How could a loving God send anyone there? • Denison ForumDid Jesus go to hell? • Denison ForumAsk Jim: Jesus in hell, salvation after death, and “God made me this way”Pastor responds to columnist on reality of hellAn Unconditional Love | First15What does the Bible say about love? • Denison ForumAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and coauthored Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes health coach and mental health advocate Erin Kerry for an honest conversation about the labels we carry and how to live beyond them. One in four Americans struggles with a diagnosable mental illness every year, and for many, those diagnoses come wrapped in stigma, shame, and judgment. Erin knows this firsthand. By age eighteen, she had been labeled with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Today, she’s living symptom-free and helping others find the same freedom.Drawing from her new book, Live Beyond Your Label: A Holistic Approach to Breaking Old Patterns and Rediscovering a Healthier You in Mind, Body, and Spirit, Erin shares how faith, functional nutrition, and self-advocacy work together to bring healing and wholeness. She introduces her LIVE process: addressing stress, uncovering root issues, nourishing the body, exercising the body and brain, and living in wholeness, offering a roadmap to integrated health.If you’ve ever felt defined by a diagnosis or trapped by a label, this conversation will encourage you to see yourself as God does, discover practical ways to care for your whole self, and take your next step toward freedom and hope.Topics(00:30): Addressing the mental health crisis(01:39): Meet Erin Kerry: Health coach and advocate(02:57): Erin's personal journey with mental health(07:44): Understanding functional medicine(19:47): The importance of labels and identity(26:19): Biblical perspectives on labels(32:22): Advocating for yourself beyond labels(38:09): The impact of trauma and adverse experiences(43:00): Faith and mental health: A holistic approach(53:55): The role of nutrition in mental and physical health(59:52): Final thoughts and takeawaysResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Denison Forum | North Texas Giving DayLive Beyond Your Label: A Holistic Approach to Breaking Old Patterns and Rediscovering a Healthier You in Mind, Body, and SpiritErin's WebsiteSparking Wholeness PodcastErin’s InstagramErin’s FacebookCheck out Erin’s free Bible app devotional, Reset Your Stress Response with ScriptureAlso available on the Life Bible appWhat is Christian self-care? A conversation with Erin KerryHow can a Christian deal with anxiety?How to practice biblical self-careWhy the church doesn’t want to talk about traumaThe truth about triggers: What the church needs to know about traumaShould I take meds for my depression? A Christian approach to the mental illness epidemicAre you SAD? How to fight against the winter bluesDoes the Bible say being anxious is bad?About Erin KerryErin Kerry is a health coach and mental health advocate. She encourages people to live beyond their labels, sparking hope and wholeness each week through her podcast, Sparking Wholeness. Erin knows how suffering from a chronic illness can infiltrate every area of life. By the age of 18, she was given the labels PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Today, she is living symptom-free. She empowers people to be their own health advocates so they don’t have to be limited by a label or diagnosis. She and her husband, Richard, live in Tyler, Texas, with their three kids: Isabel, Roman, and Rhett.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this special edition episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison to discuss the somber implications of recent violent events, including the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. Together they wrestle with hard questions—where is Jesus when tragedy strikes, and how should Christians respond in times of grief and fear? They talk about the rise of violence, the role of media, and the ways our culture is losing its ability to grieve well. Dr. Denison shares how Scripture anchors us in the reality of spiritual warfare while pointing us to the hope we have in Christ. Mark and Jim close with Isaiah 61, urging believers to step forward with compassion, truth, and prayer, living as light-bearers in the midst of deep darkness.Topics(00:00): Introduction and somber reflections on 9/11(00:56): Discussing recent acts of violence(02:19): The role of media and technology in the perception of violence(04:10): Grieving with the heart of Christ(06:05): Secularization and its impact on grief(08:30): Remembering Charlie Kirk(14:01): The importance of speaking the truth in love(19:00): Speculating on the motives behind the assassination(24:59): The age of violence and darkness(27:21): Spiritual awakening and Satan's response(30:21): Balancing sovereignty and free will(35:02): Living in light of eternity(39:04): Praying and serving in times of crisis(43:46): Closing reflections and prayerResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Charlie Kirk fatally shot at speaking event in Utah“If not forgotten, they are not gone”About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Micah Tomasella sit down with Daron Babcock, Executive Director of Bonton Farms in Dallas. Daron shares his remarkable journey from brokenness to purpose, and how God led him to help rebuild a community long overlooked.Bonton Farms is more than an urban farm; it’s a place where lives are restored, jobs are created, and hope takes root. Daron explains the seven barriers that often hold people back and how this ministry is addressing them in practical, faith-filled ways.You’ll hear stories of redemption and resilience, and discover how God’s work in one neighborhood can point the way for communities everywhere.Topics(01:38): Introducing Bonton Farms and Daron Babcock(02:56): Daron's journey: From tragedy to transformation(08:30): A new beginning in Bonton(10:06): Challenges and barriers in Bonton(14:10): The birth of Bonton Farms(17:32): Bonton Farms' mission and impact(26:16): Stories of transformation(30:55): The value of work at Bonton Farms(33:26): Creating opportunities for flourishing(35:15): Darius' journey and miracles(44:04): Rules and realities of living in Bonton(51:15): The four factors influencing life trajectories(54:04): Final thoughts and prayersResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Denison Forum | North Texas Giving DayBonton FarmsD Magazine Feature on Bonton FarmsDallas TX - Bonton FarmsBonton Farms (@bontonfarms) · Dallas, TXHarvesting Hope: Bonton Farms in South Dallas opens a new Wellness CenterFounder of South Dallas farm working to get Bonton Bill passed to help formerly incarcerated peopleAbout Daron BabcockDisrupter. Social Justice Advocate. Sower of Seeds. Moved by his personal beliefs, Daron Babcock couldn’t sit idly by as he witnessed his brothers and sisters in South Dallas be ravaged by institutional inequities. In 2012, he left a successful corporate career and moved from his home in North Dallas to serve inner-city residents of Bonton with his wife, Theda. Known for crime, violence, and extreme poverty, Bonton needed an intervention at the macrolevel – something Daron knew was not only necessary, but possible. Daron is referred to as a “social entrepreneur,” having started multiple successful social ventures; Bonton Honey Company, The Market at Bonton Farms, a Coffee House, a Farmers Market, and CityBuild Housing. Of all his ventures, the most notable, though, is Bonton Farms, one of the largest urban farms in the United States nestled in a once-forgotten neighborhood in South Dallas. Daron is not only the Founder and CEO, but he is also the perpetual visionary and re-inventor of what’s possible. Bonton Farms is so much more than a farm, it is the catalyst that is helping to level the playing field; creating systemic change necessary so the residents of Bonton and others from marginalized neighborhoods all over the country can achieve the “American Dream” that was promised 200 years ago. “Our goal is not to simply grow food because we’re in a food desert, but to address WHY Bonton is a food desert. We’re not here to fix broken people, but to be the hands and feet to fix broken systems.”About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Senior Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Ryan Denison are joined by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center, to talk about the new documentary Truth Rising. More than a film, Truth Rising is a call to courage in a time when faith, identity, and morality are being redefined. Through stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact, the documentary points us back to the unchanging truth of Christ. Listen in as Mark and Ryan explore why this cultural moment matters, how you can access the film and study guide, and what it looks like to stand with clarity and conviction today.Topics(02:27): John Stonestreet's faith journey(05:19): The Colson Center's mission(09:53): Truth Rising documentary overview(12:02): The cultural moment and Christian response(14:48): Os Guinness and his influence(18:32): Existential crisis and revival(22:47): Stories of courage and truth(24:37): Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s journey(27:12): Chloe Cole and the power of truth(28:51): Jack Phillips: A stand for truth(36:22): The role of comedians and musicians in culture(40:28): Accessing the documentary and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Website: Truth RisingYouTube: Truth RisingTruth Rising: The Study​​Truth Rising Film (@truthrisingfilm) • Instagram photos and videosColson CenterA Practical Guide to Culture Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it MattersAbout John StonestreetJohn Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after speaker and author on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics.  John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He has co-authored five books including A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things.  Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations (Anglican Church of North America). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.  In addition to hosting the Truth Rising documentary, he also serves as the instructor for the small-group curriculum to be released after the film.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

This episode of the Faith & Clarity Podcast features Thomas West and Trevin Wax in a conversation about an ancient but timely tool for discipleship—the catechism. Their new resource, The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the Word, is designed to help Christians push back against the secular and individualistic stories of our age with the truth of God’s word.The discussion explores how catechisms can guide both new and mature believers, shape family life and community, and build a deep and resilient Christian identity. Listeners will also hear practical ways to bring this practice into daily discipleship and spiritual formation.At its heart, this is a conversation about grounding faith, strengthening hearts, and learning to live with confidence in God’s story—more by faith, and less by fear.Topics(00:23): Understanding the catechism(01:39): Meet the guests: Thomas West and Trevin Wax(04:05): Cultural narratives and their impact(08:12): Defining individualism and secularism(13:04): The role and history of catechisms(19:25): Creating The Gospel Way Catechism(22:21): Addressing identity in today's world(27:54): Practical Christianity in Ephesians(30:34): The power of catechisms(38:32): Evangelical and liturgical tools(43:05): Guarding against mere knowledge(48:07): Confronting secular narratives(51:02): Conclusion and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?The Gospel Way CatechismThe Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the WordTrevin Wax Social MediaBlogX: @trevinwaxInstagram: @trevinwaxFacebook: @trevinwaxThomas West Social MediaSubstack: @westswordshttps://x.com/tweetingthomas_Instagram: @thomaswest Facebook: @thomasandrewwestAbout Trevin WaxTrevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has lectured on Christianity and culture at Oxford University. His new book is The Gospel Way Catechism. About Thomas WestThomas West is the pastor of Nashville First Baptist Church and the founder and former pastor of Redeemer Queen’s Park in London, England. A two-time graduate of Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Thomas’s ministry and research are driven by exploring the intersection of theology, culture, and mission in Western culture. His new book is The Gospel Way Catechism.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of the Faith & Clarity Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with former Ohio Governor John Kasich to talk about his new book, Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire, Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future. Together, they explore how local churches and faith communities can be catalysts for hope, healing, and renewal in our world.Governor Kasich reflects on lessons from his years in public service, shares personal stories that shaped his journey, and explains why seeing every person as made in the image of God is essential for lasting change. The conversation also highlights practical ways faith can shape everyday life and inspire us to build stronger neighborhoods and more compassionate communities.Topics(00:37): Introducing Governor John Kasich(04:27): The inspiration behind Heaven Help Us(05:39): The role of faith communities in society(10:05): Challenges and opportunities for faith communities(16:24): Encouraging stories from Heaven Help Us(17:53): Embracing compassion and community(21:39): Forgiveness in the face of tragedy(24:48): Starting community initiatives(26:48): Political polarization and redistricting(32:24): Religious liberty and political leadership(34:16): Conclusion and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire, Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the FutureZondervan: Heaven Help UsJohn Kasich (@johnkasich) • Instagram photos and videosJohn Kasich: FacebookJohn Kasich (@JohnKasich) / XThe Kasich CompanyAbout Governor John KasichJohn Kasich is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leave the world around them just a little bit better than they found it. Kasich served as the 69th governor of Ohio and ran for President during the 2016 GOP primary. His message focused on unifying Americans rather than dividing them, championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities, a strong national defense, and the importance of our international alliances. Today, he runs the Kasich Company and serves as a political analyst for NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers: Courage Is Contagious; Stand for Something; Every Other Monday; Two Paths; and It’s Up to Us. His most recent book, Heaven Help Us, is now available. He is married to Karen Kasich and is the proud father of adult twin daughters.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, talks with Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor at Baylor University, about the Global Flourishing Study—a landmark research project following more than 200,000 people around the world. Together they explore how faith, relationships, and community shape human well-being, why this research matters, and what it can teach us about living lives of true flourishing. Dr. Johnson also shares his own story and the vision behind this ambitious project.This conversation highlights the vital connection between faith and research and offers a hopeful look at what it means to thrive as people created in God’s image.Topics(01:36): Introducing Dr. Byron Johnson(06:58): The role of religion in society(11:13): Challenges and opportunities in higher education(18:08): The Global Flourishing Study(30:39): Exploring the concept of the abundant life(33:32): Challenges in survey participation(35:03): Retrospective questions and early findings(36:14): The impact of early relationships on adult flourishing(38:16): Current status and future of the Global Flourishing Study(45:52): Global and local implications of the study(47:40): Faith and flourishing: Universal findings(53:39): The role of participation in faith communities(55:19): Conclusion and future directionsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Global Flourishing StudyGlobal Flourishing Study – Wave IReligion's Relationship to Happiness, Civic Engagement and Health | Pew Research CenterFaith & Human Flourishing with Byron JohnsonCan religion make you happy? Scientists may soon find out.Baylor Institute for Studies of ReligionThe Human Flourishing ProgramCenter for Faith and the Common Good | Pepperdine UniversityCenter for Open ScienceReligious Freedom InstituteAbout Dr. Byron JohnsonDr. Byron Johnson is Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and is the founding director of the Institute for Studies of Religion and the Institute for Global Human Flourishing. Johnson is a faculty affiliate of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and is co-executive director of the Center for Faith and the Common Good as well as Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. He is a senior scientist at the Gallup Organization, and in 2016, co-founded of the Religious Freedom Institute, based in Washington, DC. Johnson is a former member of the Coordinating Council for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Presidential Appointment). He has been the principal investigator on grants from private foundations as well as the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and the United States Institute for Peace, totaling more than $100 million. He is the author of more than 300 journal articles, monographs, and books. He is recognized as a leading authority on the scientific study of religion, the efficacy of faith-based organizations, and criminal justice. Recent publications have examined the impact of faith-based programs on offender treatment, drug addiction, recidivism reduction and prisoner reentry. These topics are the focus of his book More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could (2011).Johnson’s work examines the ways in which religion impacts key behaviors like volunteerism, generosity, and purpose. These topics are covered in four books, The Angola Prison Seminary (2016), which evaluates the influence of a Bible College and inmate-led congregations on prisoners serving life sentences; The Quest for Purpose: The Collegiate Search for a Meaningful Life (2017), which examines the link between religion and finding purpose and meaning, and the subsequent link to academic integrity; The Restorative Prison: Essays on Inmate Peer Ministry and Prosocial Corrections (2021), which looks at the empirical evidence in support of the link between religion and the emerging subfield of positive criminology; and Objective Religion Volume 1,2, 3 (2023, 2024, 2025), which examine factors related to the importance and resilience of religion. His forthcoming book The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Rethinking Evidence, Practice, and Polity (2025), examines evidence for the important role of religion and faith-based organizations in addressing social problems including drug/alcohol addiction, crime and delinquency, homelessness, offender rehabilitation, prison reform, and prisoner reentry. A Compendium of Global Flourishing Study Translations (2025), provides details on the elaborate process of translating the questionnaire from the Global Flourishing Study into 37 different languages. His forthcoming book The Death of Religion?: Nones, Others, and the Global Renaissance of Faith (2026), provides an empirical as well as historical argument countering the claim that religion in the United States and around the world is in decline.He is the project co-director (with Tyler J. VanderWeele) of the Global Flourishing Study (GFS) a five-year longitudinal data collection and research collaboration between researchers at Baylor University and Harvard University, in partnership with Gallup and the Center for Open Science (COS), and with the support of a consortium of funders. This initiative includes data collection for approximately 200,000 participants from 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries. As part of this project, COS is making the data from the study an open access resource so researchers, journalists, policymakers, and educators worldwide can access detailed information about what makes for a flourishing life.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman talks with Dr. Ryan Denison and Steph Thurling of Christian Parenting about one of the most important decisions parents face: choosing the right schooling path for their children. They explore public, private, online, and homeschooling options, especially in light of the post-COVID education landscape. Drawing from personal experiences and Steph’s recent parenting podcast series, they offer biblical wisdom and practical guidance to help families make decisions rooted in faith rather than fear. Whether you’re weighing options for the first time or rethinking your current choice, this conversation will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a Christ-centered perspective.Topics(00:25): Discussing school options for Christian parents(02:10): Personal stories and experiences with school choices(11:10): Biblical principles in education choices(16:16): Exploring the Christian Parenting podcast series(21:21): Choosing the right school district(27:41): Challenges and changes in public schools(32:23): Concerns and misconceptions about public schools(34:41): Transitioning from public to private schools(36:23): Homeschooling during COVID-19(38:48): Challenges and realities of homeschooling(46:06): Online schooling as an emerging option(47:43): Building community in different school settings(52:17): Avoiding judgment in school choices(56:10): Resources and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Christian Parenting Education Series PlaylistSchool Simplified Digital GuideA Great Cloud of Witnesses: Prayer Journal Christian Parenting PodcastShould I send my kid to private school? - Christian ParentingWhy I chose to put my kids in public school - Christian ParentingWhy should I homeschool? - Christian Parenting Schooling options: Preferences rather than requirements- Christian ParentingHow the body of Christ can help local school districtsAbout Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Steph ThurlingSteph Thurling is the Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of The Christian Parenting Podcast. She has a master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is the co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement. Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a book.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In the debut episode of the newly rebranded Faith & Clarity Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Josh Miller, Conner Jones, and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful roundtable conversation. Together, they tackle timely issues including climate change, the mandated display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, and the growing presence of AI companions, examining each through a biblical lens.Throughout the discussion, the team emphasizes how Christians can respond to cultural challenges with both conviction and compassion. The episode concludes with practical insight on how to engage in meaningful conversations with loved ones, especially when navigating moral or ethical disagreements, while staying rooted in truth and guided by love.Topics(00:13): Introducing the Faith & Clarity Podcast (00:47): Round table discussion Topics(02:49): Climate change: A nuanced perspective(15:14): The Ten Commandments in schools debate(30:04): Understanding different perspectives on religious displays(32:40): Reflecting on the impact of religious policies(35:05): Exploring the concept of AI companions(37:07): Discussing the ethical implications of AI(47:00): Navigating relationships with LGBTQ+ individuals(55:15): Concluding thoughts and reflectionsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?A Cold, Hard Truth About Climate - The DispatchTexas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governorTexas Republicans are trying to force public schools to display the Ten Commandments Republicans passed the bill on the Sabbath… breaking the 4th CommandmentTalarico on Joe Rogan clip#2352 - James Talarico - The Joe Rogan ExperienceReplikaAI friendships claim to cure loneliness. Some are ending in suicide.Should I attend a same-sex wedding?What does the Bible say about homosexuality? • Denison ForumAbout Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.About Josh Miller Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience—from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas, with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this "Ask Us Anything" episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful roundtable conversation. Together, they explore the purpose of affliction in the Christian life, what it truly means that David was “a man after God’s own heart,” and whether pastors should endorse political candidates. The conversation also touches on how Christians can love those living in sinful lifestyles, how to reconcile the violence of the Old Testament with a God of love, and whether miracles are still relevant today.As the podcast prepares to relaunch under a new name—Faith and Clarity with Dr. Mark Turman—this episode offers a preview of what’s to come: biblical wisdom, honest dialogue, and clarity for navigating the complexities of our culture through the lens of faith.Topics(02:35): Discussing affliction and suffering(10:46): Understanding David as a man after God's own heart(15:37): Navigating political endorsements as Christian leaders(23:17): Balancing love and truth in relationships with LGBTQ individuals(28:52): Addressing Old Testament questions(30:21): Understanding God's wrath and love(31:34): Cultural context of biblical commands(37:21): Normalizing sin in modern culture(43:50): Miracles and the Holy Spirit today(49:51): Biblical perspective on divorce and remarriage(57:12): Upcoming changes and new resourcesResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim DenisonReconciling the “Gods” of the Old and New Testaments: Part 1Reconciling the “Gods” of the Old and New Testaments: Part 2What does the Bible say about homosexuality? • Denison ForumWhat Are My Spiritual Gifts?Power for Spirit-filled living in today’s worldWhat does the Bible say about divorce?The impact of divorce on future generationsChip and Joanna Gaines’ new show features a gay coupleEpstein backlash, Christianity is growing, Chip and Joanna Gaines controversy & Scottie Scheffler's introspection | Ep. 28What should pastors say about the election?Avoiding the idol of politics with a biblical approachThe intersection of faith, politics, and a culture of lifeAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and coauthored Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Ryan Denison, Conner Jones, and Micah Tomasella for a thoughtful roundtable conversation exploring the intersection of faith, sports, and culture. Together, they discuss the spiritual implications of sports gambling, the complexities of compensating college athletes, and what it means to follow Christ in the world of competitive athletics.They also reflect on the example of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose quiet faith continues to speak louder than his success. Finally, the group offers biblical wisdom for families navigating youth sports and the challenge of keeping Christ at the center.Whether you're deeply invested in the sports world or simply curious about its cultural impact, this conversation offers helpful, faith-first perspectives on one of the most influential forces in American life today.Topics(00:24): Meet the hosts(02:17): Culture Brief podcast insights(05:33): The slowest sports day of the year(08:18): The ESPYs and sports media(11:22): Personal sports fandom(17:20): Scottie Scheffler's perspective on golf and life(23:32): Biblical perspectives on sports(27:57): The evolution of college sports compensation(33:34): Exploitation of families in NIL deals(35:34): Spiritual reflections on NIL inequities(41:12): The rise of sports gambling(46:10): The impact of gambling on athletes and fans(55:45): Balancing faith and sports in family life(01:05:07): Final thoughts and reflectionsResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Sports betting culture negatively impacts mental health; NCAA works to support student-athletesScottie Scheffler before winning The Open: “This is not a fulfilling life”Why March Madness can be both a joy and a dangerWhat watching sports says about our soulsWhat Travis Hunter’s Heisman win says about our cultureMLB’s Faith and Family events can expand our view of evangelismMarch Madness tips off today: How the NCAA tournament became a cultural phenomenonBabe Ruth, the curse of the Bambino, and seeking truth over perceptionAbout Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Senior Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Is the world a meaningless churning of random intersecting events or a beautiful place of genius that reveals the reality of God as the ultimate Genius? Dr. Jonathan Witt joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss this central question of his book, A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of NatureWhen we encounter, discover, or help to create things in our world that express the unmistakable qualities of depth, harmony, clarity, and elegance, how do we explain them? What are they pointing us to? From great literature to music, to mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics, the majestic fingerprints of an all-powerful, good and majestic creator are all around us—if we have the eyes, ears, and heart to receive them. It just may be that breathtaking beauty and order will lead us to the greatest discovery of all.Topics(01:57): Guest introduction: Dr. Jonathan Witt(04:52): Dr. Witt's journey of faith and intellectual exploration(08:05): Critique of Evolutionary Theory(10:13): The intersection of science, art, and faith(15:44): The influence of Christianity on modern science(21:10): The philosophy of Scientism vs. True Science(24:57): Exploring the book: A Meaningful World(33:27): The Periodic Table and the search for order(37:52): The genius in nature and art(45:30): Mathematics: The language of genius(52:06): Theological reflections on suffering and genius(57:31): Conclusion and further resourcesResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] the prologue to A Meaningful World.A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature, Dr. Jonathan WittThe Discovery Institute Center for Science & CultureYour Designed Body, Steve Laufmann and Howard GlicksmanThe Wonder of Water, Michael DentonHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim DenisonStand. Engage. Transform. summer campaign.About Dr. Jonathan WittJonathan Witt, PhD, is Executive Editor of Discovery Institute Press and a senior fellow and senior project manager with Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. His latest book is Heretic: One Scientist’s Journey from Darwin to Design (DI Press, 2018) written with Finnish bioengineer Matti Leisola. Witt also authored Intelligent Design Uncensored (IVP, 2010) with William Dembski, and A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature (IVP, 2006) with Benjamin Wiker.He is also the author of The Hobbit Party: The Vision of Freedom That Tolkien Got, and the West Forgot (Ignatius, 2014), written with Jay Richards.Witt is also the lead writer and associate producer for Poverty, Inc., winner of the $100,000 Templeton Freedom Award and recipient of over 50 international film festival honors.He also scripted three other documentaries that aired widely on PBS and were translated into multiple languages for airing in countries around the globe: The Privileged Planet (written with Lad Allen), The Birth of Freedom, and The Call of the Entrepreneur.Additionally, he scripted two Acton Media DVD curricula carried by Zondervan, including Effective Stewardship, and he served as the lead writer for The PovertyCure DVD Series and the PovertyCure initiative, which includes a content-rich website, more than a million Facebook followers, and a network of 400+ poverty-fighting organizations from around the world.Witt also has provided editing or deep editing work for several successful books, including three New York Times bestsellers.Before returning to work full time again with Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, Witt served as the managing editor for the news and commentary site The Stream, and as a research fellow for the Acton Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Witt’s academic essays have appeared in various periodicals and he has been interviewed by numerous regional and national radio programs. He is a regular annual speaker for Discovery Institute’s summer seminar on science and culture and has spoken at universities on a range of topics connected to political and economic freedom, cultural renewal, and the arts.Witt previously served as a tenured professor of literature and writing at Lubbock Christian University. He has a Ph.D., with honors, in English and Literary Theory from the University of Kansas.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this special episode of The Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman respond to the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas, and the surrounding area. Offering both pastoral wisdom and biblical insight, they wrestle with the hard questions that arise in moments of suffering: Why does God allow disasters like this? How can we respond with faith, compassion, and hope?Whether you’re grieving personally or looking for ways to support others, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and encouragement rooted in God’s word. Join us as we reflect, pray, and consider how to be the presence of Christ in the midst of crisis.Topics(03:00): Personal reflections and theological questions(03:55): Stories of heroism and personal loss(09:35): The challenge of compassion fatigue(11:20): Spiritual guidance and coping mechanisms(17:52): The mystery of sharing in Christ's sufferings(22:02): Biblical stories for comfort and understanding(29:23): Reconciling tragedy and heroic salvation(31:46): The mystery of God's will(35:51): Faith amidst suffering(44:49): Loving God and others in times of grief(49:50): Concluding thoughts and encouragementResourcesAsk Us Anything: [email protected] has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Stand. Engage. Transform. summer campaign.Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim DenisonTexas Flood Hero, Camp Mystic Director Makes Ultimate Sacrifice: 'Just Who He Was'Camp Mystic director dies trying to save kids during floodWhy does God allow innocent suffering? • Denison ForumMaking Sense of SufferingAn honest approach to the mystery of suffering • Denison ForumWhy a good God must allow even innocent suffering to existWhat does the Bible say about suffering? • Denison ForumWhen you’re disappointed by GodHow to talk to your kids about the flooding at Camp MysticAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.