Episodes
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Issue #85 – What Happened to Independent Baptists?
Where does the Independent Baptist movement stand today, and what does its future hold? In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen Russ and Tom Brennan take an honest look at the history, strengths, weaknesses, and changing landscape of Independent Baptists. From the rise of fundamentalism…
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Issue #84 – The Local Church Matters, Part 2
In this episode, Stephen Russ, Tom Brennan, and Martin Wickens continue their discussion on the biblical importance and practical benefits of belonging to a local church. From pastoral care and spiritual accountability to faithful giving, Christian mentorship, and opportunities for service, the...
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Issue #83 – The Value of Your Local Church
Why does the local church matter—and can listening to sermons online ever take its place? In this episode, Stephen, Martin, and Tom discuss the biblical foundation and practical value of belonging to a local church. From membership and baptism to fellowship, accountability, and pastoral care…
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Issue #82 – What do Republicans do Next?
Stephen, Tom, and Martin are joined by Anthony Collins, an active participant in Indiana Republican politics, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of conservatism in America. They discuss how Trump has changed the Republican Party’s tone, economic philosophy, immigration policy, and...
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Issue #81 – Made for Heaven
This week on The Issues Podcast, we introduce a brand-new segment: “Baptist Behaving Badly”—a look at some of the issues, controversies, and lessons coming out of the Baptist world. Then we turn our attention to the main topic: Made for Heaven. Heaven is more than simply the place a Christian…
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Issue #80 – Justice, Compassion, and the Lindsay Clancy Case
The Lindsay Clancy case has sparked intense debate over mental illness, criminal responsibility, postpartum psychosis, and the meaning of justice. In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen, Martin, and Tom examine the case and wrestle with the difficult questions surrounding it. How should...
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Issue #79 – Abuse in the Church
The recent revelations involving Kenny Baldwin have prompted difficult but necessary conversations within the church. In this episode, Stephen Russ, Tom Brennan, and Martin Shipe examine the biblical qualifications for church leadership, discuss how churches should respond when leaders fall into...
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Issue #78 – The Need Is Now… Church Planting in the United States
In this special episode of The Issues Podcast, host Martin Wickens sits down with church planters Marty Montgomery and Josh Levesque during the missions conference at Bedford Bible Church. Through personal testimonies, practical insights, and honest reflections, Marty and Josh share how God led...
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Issue #77 – Spiritual Leadership
In this episode of the Issues Podcast, Stephen and Martin unpack what true spiritual leadership looks like from 1 Corinthians 4, addressing why it is often misunderstood in today’s churches and why fewer young men seem willing to step into leadership roles. They explore the tension between...
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Issue #76 – Integrity That Can Be Examined from Job 31
In this episode, we sit down and walk through Job 31 together, unpacking Job’s final defense and what it reveals about true integrity. As the conversation develops, we explore how Job invites his entire life to be examined from his thought life and purity, to his treatment of others, his handling...
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Issue #75 – The Church, Civil Order, and the Gospel
In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen Russ and Martin Wickens respond to the disturbing church invasion in Minnesota and explore what it means to protect religious liberty, uphold lawful protest, and remain faithful to Christ in a hostile culture. They discuss church security, the role…
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Issue #74 – The King James Conversation Everyone Avoids
Few topics ignite more passion—and confusion—than the Bible translation debate. In this candid episode, Stephen Russ, Martin Wickens, and Joe Shakour sit down for the conversation many have been asking for but few have been willing to have. From the opening prayer, it’s clear this isn’t a fight…
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Issue #73 – Dispensationalism: A Biblical Defense
🎙️ Issues Podcast — “Dispensationalism: A Biblical Defense” In this timely and engaging episode, Stephen Russ sits down with Martin Wickens and Joe Shakour to discuss one of the most debated theological subjects today: Dispensationalism—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters more than…
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Issue #72 – Truth, Texts, and Transformation: A Conversation with Pastor Joe Shakour
In this thought-provoking conversation, Pastor Stephen Russ and Martin Wickens sit down with Pastor Joe Shakour, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina. They discuss the Shakour’s remarkable journey from a Catholic-Charismatic background to his engagement with deep...
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Issue #71 – Revival, Part 2
What is true revival? In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Pastor Stephen Russ and Pastor Martin Wickens continue the conversation on revival—what it is, what it isn’t, and how believers can steward the stirring we’re seeing in our nation today. From the Welsh Revival to the Haystack Prayer...
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Issue #70 – The Bane of Busyness
Busyness doesn’t equal godliness. In this episode, Martin and Stephen tackle the subtle but dangerous trap of equating a packed schedule with spiritual growth. They discuss practical ways to evaluate your schedule, set healthy boundaries, and keep your priorities aligned with what truly matters.
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Issue #69 – Is this Revival?
The word “revival” is being talked about everywhere—but what does it really mean? In today’s episode, we dig into the heart of the matter: What is true revival? Is it happening right now? And what role, if any, do we play in ushering it in?Join us for a thoughtful and timely conversation you…
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Issue #68 – The Prayers of Acts
The Book of Acts records the birth of the New Testament church—a movement conceived in prayer, fueled by prayer, and sustained by prayer. In this episode, Stephen and Martin dive deeper into its powerful lessons for us today!
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Issue #67 — Charlie Kirk, GenZ, A Great Awakening?
Charlie Kirk was not only a political figure—he stood as a bold witness for truth and faith in Christ, which makes his death both a political and spiritual martyrdom. In this conversation, we discuss: ➡️ What this reveals about our culture ➡️ How the church should respond in times of hostility ➡️...
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Issue #66 — Young Voices, Lasting Impact: Serving God in Your 20s
🎙️ On this episode of the Issues Podcast, we sit down with two young men in their 20s who are faithfully serving the Lord in ministry. While their years of experience may be fewer, their perspective is fresh, their passion is contagious, and their insights are worth hearing. Join us for a...
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Issue #65 — Grace-filled Communication on Social Media
As social media grows increasingly toxic, Christians have a unique opportunity to shine as lights through gracious and Spirit-filled communication. In this episode, Martin and Stephen reflect on the future of the podcast while tackling how believers can use their words online to point others to...
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Issue #64 – LIVE: Season Finale + A Big Announcement!
🎙️ It’s the season finale of the Issues podcast! Today, we dive deep into the challenge of responding to current events—not with knee-jerk emotion, but with wisdom that actually helps the people we serve. If you’ve ever wrestled with when to speak up and how to do it biblically, this episode is...
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Issue #63 – ⚡️ Lightning Round ⚡️
Welcome to ⚡️ Lightning Round — where bold questions meet blistering opinions. In this episode, a provocative topic is thrown on the table, and the crew has just 3 minutes to dive in. Whether it’s theology, ministry, culture, or controversy, expect passionate debate, raw honesty, and a few holy...
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Issue #62 – Interview with Evangelist Alton Beal
In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Evangelist Alton Beal, President of Ambassador Baptist College. With decades of experience in ministry and a unique vantage point as a traveling preacher, Bro. Beal shares his insights on the spiritual health and direction of Independent Baptist churches...
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Issue #61 – LIVE Episode, Feedback and Church Unity
Unity is one of the clearest marks of a healthy church. In this episode, we reflect on listener feedback from previous episodes and dive into a conversation about why unity in the local church matters — and how we can actively protect and promote it.
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Issue #60 – What We’re Excited About
🎙️Exciting things are happening! Yes, there are always issues to address—but in this episode, we’re choosing to celebrate. In our 60th episode, join us as we rejoice in the good things God is doing and share some of the victories and encouraging moments that have us excited for the future. Let’s...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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HOSTED BY
Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Issues Podcast have?
The Issues Podcast currently has 26 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Issues Podcast about?
The Issues Podcast is a podcast covering topics in religion.
How often does The Issues Podcast release new episodes?
The Issues Podcast has 26 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Issues Podcast?
You can listen to The Issues Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Issues Podcast?
The Issues Podcast is created and hosted by Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ.
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