The New Testament was not written to provide instruction in political philosophy, but to encourage people who did not have the ability to vote, did not have political agency, and were not going to have political agency in the foreseeable future...

NEW SERIES: The Church in the Public SquareIn the first episode of Season 4, Michael talks with Pastor David Bailey of Arrabon about the role that the church could and should play in forming disciples that not only welcome diversity ...

Michael and Dr. Mullen discuss connecting the social implications of the gospel to the salvific, the messiness of pastors trying to navigate social media's impact on ideological development, the impact of the "Big Sort" on mission, and whether ...

Michael and Dr. Bobo plumb the depths of seminary education,  working in both the public and theological worlds, navigating culture, a redemptive view of vocation, and how a divinity degree helps with bioethics conversations. ...

Michael talks with scholar, author, and Faithful Presence board member, Dr. Randy Newman, about his most recent book, "Questioning Faith." Together they explore getting to know people, suffering, alcoholism, Christopher Hitchens, the importance...

Michael interviews Dr. Justin Bailey on his recent book and the importance of wedding ideological and cultural formation to emotional formation.  Together they discuss aspects of Dutch-culture in NW Iowa and Chicago, the relationship of me...

In this episode, Michael hosts "D.B." and "Supe," two Chicago area pastors from vastly different demographic contexts living in the same Congressional District. Together, they explain how their love of the gospel and excellent preaching formed ...

In this episode of the podcast, we dig back into the vault (aka Michael's computer) for another gem for the much-heralded "Tommy Tapes" delivered in 1995 during a church planting conference. In the public square, networking is an e...

Michael and Jeremy discuss three recent articles from David Brooks, Peter Leithart, and Anne Snyder which all explore the ramifications of locating our identity in the therapeutic-driven constructions of culture:David Brooks, "Hey Ameri...

The trial of Jesus in Matthew 27 provides some fairly pointed insight and commentary on how we view those serving and leading in government.  In this episode, Michael unpacks how the gospel upends our political values and exposes ou...

In Washington, and everywhere else, flourishing and success often comes to those that freely use unrighteous and unjust means to get there and those who remain faithful often feel as though they do not receive what they deserve from God for bei...

In this episode Michael outlines and examines the four questions of Faithful Presence which are: 1: What is good that needs encouragement? 2: What is broken that requires restoration? 3: What is missing that awaits cr...

In this episode, Michael shares a rare recording of Dr. Tim Keller giving a seminar to a small group of church planters circa 1995 (before any of his published works).   While aimed at church planters, this talk is universally helpful in n...

In this episode, Michael explores three aspects of insecurity: uncertainty, weakness and unease, and how these realities of our humanity present both challenges and opportunities to trust in Christ. For those serving and leading in Washington, ...

In this season opener of the second season of The Faithful Presence Podcast, Michael shares a recent sermon that he gave on the final chapter on the book of Acts. In this sermon, Michael addresses the fact that 2023 will probably not be...

In this episode, Michael speaks with the authors of a recent article published at The Washington Institute to reconsider the importance of those living on the margins in Christ's mission of making all things new. In reconsidering a...

Feeling exhausted and wondering if you should just leave Washington? Ever gotten burned by someone you thought was a confidant? Having difficulty navigating power differentials? Frustrated by the complications of "unspoken" agendas?In t...

During this AMAZING episode, Michael and Dr. Sherman discuss the role of the righteous in the flourishing of others, how "flourishing" has become a trigger word for some, subjecting the "right" and "left" to God's definitions of flourishing, ex...

On this episode Michael chats with author and C.S. Lewis scholar, Dr.  Randy Newman about the shortcomings of “lifestyle evangelism,” persuasion in an age of polarization, responding to cultural defeaters, why questions work better than as...

Michael and guest, Jeremy Knapp, discuss the differences between churches - cultural engagement in Korea and the United States. Jeremy gives a close perspective on recent school shootings in St. Louis, the burden of changing the world, and what...

In this episode, deep dive with us into the importance of emotional discipleship with therapist and pastor, Michael Coggin. Michael covers the usefulness of therapy, dealing with toxic work environments, narcissism and leadership, trauma, and t...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett from the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. Here, Michael and Dr. Padgett reminisce on their days at Covenant Theological Seminary and engage in a discussion on the need for ideological discip...

In this episode, Michael delivers a sermon from the Psalms. He speaks to the reality of depression and anxiety amongst followers of Christ and the Church’s broad silence on those issues as well as the pressure to act like everything is fine whe...

In this bonus episode, Michael delivers a sermon to Heritage Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Virginia. In this sermon, Michael is preaching from 1 Peter 2: 13-17 and he focuses in on what it means for Christian’s to submit to human institut...

In this episode, Michael hosts Rev. Dr. Charlie Self and they participate in a conversation on vocational discipleship. Together, they wrestle with issues surrounding compartmentalizing work life and spiritual lives and moving towards bridging ...