Today's Conversation

The foundation of thriving communities is strong families. That idea resonates with many of us, but the data also demonstrates it. Join Dr. Brad Wilcox and NAE President Walter Kim as they confront common yet false narratives about marriage in society today.This conversation covers why marriage not only benefits those who have committed to forging strong marriages but also society as a whole. You’ll also hear Brad and Walter discuss:The anti-family messaging that afflicts our culture today;Why segments of society that forgo marriage face higher risk of deaths of despair;Research-based encouragement for young people, in particular, to get married; andFactors that go into forging a healthy and long-lasting marriage.Show notes can be found here: NAE.org/wilcoxpodcast/

Join us for a special episode of Today’s Conversation podcast with Bryan Stevenson and Bishop Derek Grier. Hosted by NAE President Walter Kim, the leaders discuss the promise of greatness that’s available to a society unburdened by hate, violence and discrimination.They talk about why we must reckon with the past in order to experience racial healing and reconciliation, and why the aspiration for a society that’s rooted in love, peace and joy is essential to the work of racial justice.You’ll also hear about a recent trip, hosted by National Unity Weekend and the National Association of Evangelicals, with 100 Christian leaders to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. Bryan shares his vision for the museum as a place of truth-telling where narratives are recovered and where people can grapple with dreadful elements of America’s history and at the same time be inspired by the perseverance of those who suffered.They also discuss:How fear and power are barriers to racial reconciliation;Why there can be no reco

What does it look like when the Church follows God into unknown territory? Hear Noemi Chavez, a pastor and the co-founder of Brave Global, share what happened when her church committed to serving and empowering at-risk girls, particularly in foster care and on probation.Hosted by NAE President Walter Kim, this conversation discusses leading and inspiring social change (despite feelings of inadequacy) and developing the next generation of leaders.You'll also hear Noemi share:-Why bravery is essential for healing and for meaningful witness;-How a faithful Christian presence opens doors for gospel transformation;-What it looks like to release control and empower young leaders; and-Why we must have a heart posture focused more on walking with Jesus than on outcomes.Get show notes here: NAE.org/chavezpodcast/

What role do emotions have in our discipleship to Jesus? Dr. Anita Phillips, trauma therapist, minister and life coach, uses Jesus’ parable of the sower in Matthew 13 to show how emotions are the soil in the ground which allows the word of God, or the seed, to take root in our lives and transform us.This conversation, hosted by NAE President Walter Kim, discusses the importance of emotional health and how our emotions are not something we should fear, but instead something we should embrace.You’ll also hear Dr. Anita discuss: How embracing our emotions is integral to our spiritual growth;Recent discoveries in neurobiology that echo what we know in Scripture;How Christians can lead in spaces of emotional well-being; andThe impact her book, “The Garden Within” has had in both faith-based and secular spheres.View show notes here: NAE.org/phillipspodcast

In John 10, Jesus explains that he has come to offer abundant life. Roland Warren, president and CEO of Care Net, joins Today's Conversation podcast to share how Jesus' vision for abundance impacts and transforms pro-life ministry. He also argues that Christian discipleship is at the center of this issue.Hosted by NAE President Walter Kim, this conversation provides insight into what pro-life ministry looks like in a post-Roe context, how the sanctity of marriage and family upholds God's vision for those inside and outside the womb, and what we can do to support family structures.You'll also hear: +What critiques of the pro-life movement need to be addressed;+How the story of Jesus' birth reflects God's design for family;+What initiatives support strong family structures; and+How holistic discipleship empowers people to think differently about abortion.View show notes here: NAE.org/rolandpodcast

What is Christian nationalism? And, how is it different than patriotism? Join Walter Kim and Dr. Paul Miller as they discuss the roots of Christian nationalism in America and what it looks like for evangelicals to be politically engaged in a Christ-honoring way.In Today’s Conversation podcast, NAE President Walter Kim and Dr. Paul Miller, Georgetown University professor and former veteran and White House staffer, discuss how evangelicals can be principled when it comes to politics by working for the common good of all people.You’ll also hear Paul and Walter discuss: The virtue of patriotism and how it’s tied to gratitude;The difference between Christian principles and Christian power;The elements of a healthy Christian political witness; andA word of hope and concern for the 2024 election.View show notes here: NAE.org/millerpodcast/

In Today’s Conversation hosted by NAE President Walter Kim, Ed Stetzer and Walter discuss: How moments of cultural upheaval have also been times of spiritual revival; Why the workplace is key to God’s global mission today; What posture Christians in the West should have when engaging Christians around the world; and How American evangelicals can connect with the 2024 Lausanne gathering in Seoul.

In Today’s Conversation hosted by NAE President Walter Kim, Lanre describes how the life and ministry of Christ offers a foundation for humanitarian work and helps sustain energy and vision in the most difficult places.Walter and Lanre also discuss:What considerations aid organizations make when going into conflict zones;How humanitarian groups practically collaborate in moments of crisis;What particular challenges arise when providing aid in places with political strife; andHow Christians can be praying for people affected by crises around the world.

In Today’s Conversation hosted by NAE President Walter Kim, Ryan Burge, assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, shares his research on the rise and fall of institutions in America. Together they also explore what leaders can do to usher in institutional renewal, particularly through faithful Christian presence and serving the least of these.Walter & Ryan also discuss:When institutional mistrust and cynicism began to take root;How humility, transparency and communication combat cynical attitudes;What guidance the Bible offers in this moment; andHow churches and other institutions can labor toward renewal.

In this episode of Today’s Conversation, D.A. Horton, theologian, professor, pastor, author and hip hop artist, discusses the topics of culture making and ethnic conciliation — the idea that Jesus’ finished work has not only reconciled us to God but also from all ethnicities into one family.Host Walter Kim, NAE President, and Damon also discuss: Balancing individual rights and a collectivist perspective as the Church;Embodying ethnic conciliation through rhythms of evangelicalism and discipleship;How to affirm truths found in culture without compromising the message of Christ; andHow local churches take, reflect and examine their own culture. 

How do people change? And, why is change so elusive? These were the questions that compelled Ted Harro to consider the work of Renovaré, a Christian nonprofit that helps people become more like Jesus.After a 30 year career in business consulting, Ted now leads Renovaré as its president. In Today’s Conversation, he talks with Walter Kim, NAE president, about spiritual formation and how to be people who are truly transformed by God. They discuss what it means to develop the mindset of Christ.Ted also shares:How to cultivate an authentic approach to spiritual disciplines without falling into legalism;Why creating more space for “depth” in churches is an antidote to society’s frenetic pace;What role community plays in spiritual disciplines and formation; andWhat lessons he’s learning through life and leadership.

Deconstruction is not simply a buzzword, but a reality that many Christians — especially young people and people of color — experience. Some deconstruct due to the dissonance they see between faith and how faith is lived out. For others, it is misunderstandings of theology or poor public witness. In Today’s Conversation, Lisa Fields, founder of Jude 3 Project, shares how her own faith was challenged and how she is committed to helping Christians — particularly in the Black community — know what they believe and why.

In Today’s Conversation, Felicia Wu Song, a cultural sociologist of media and digital technologies, talks with NAE President Walter Kim to answer this question and discuss technological impacts on the human experience.They also review:The potential of technology to isolate us from genuine human connection;How digital connectivity is not just a challenge for younger generations;How our digital habits are discipling us away from the kingdom of God; andThe importance of setting boundaries when it comes to technology.

In Today’s Conversation with NAE President Walter Kim, Heather Rice-Minus, incoming president and CEO of Prison Fellowship, shares stories of transformed lives inside and outside prison walls, and discusses the importance of efforts to redeem broken systems.In this episode, you\'ll discover:The inspiring origins of Prison Fellowship, founded by Chuck Colson back in 1976.The pressing challenges faced by the criminal justice system in our present day.The profound ways in which God can utilize institutions to bring about renewal and restoration.Heather\'s unwavering hope for those whose lives have been impacted by incarceration.Tune in as we engage in a captivating conversation that sheds light on the power of redemption and the pursuit of justice. Don\'t miss this insightful and thought-provoking episode

Welcome to a very special episode of Today's Conversation. In collaboration with The Mission Matters podcast, we bring you an engaging discussion featuring esteemed guest Michael Oh, the global executive director and CEO of the Lausanne Movement. Joining him as co-hosts are NAE President Walter Kim, Ted Esler, president of MissioNexus, and Matthew Ellison, president of sixteen:fifteen.In this episode, our distinguished guests delve into the dynamic work of God across the globe, with a particular focus on the transformative power of the global missions movement. Prepare to be captivated as they explore:The distinction between global missions and the globalization of missions, unraveling the nuances of their impact.The profound interplay between the demonstration and proclamation of the gospel, revealing the intricate relationship between both aspects.A captivating preview of the highly anticipated Lausanne Congress in Seoul, showcasing its unique and groundbreaking elements.An inspiring conversation about the

We were made to flourish and to help others flourish. In Today’s Conversation podcast, Dr. Curt Thompson, psychiatrist and author, talks about interpersonal neurobiology — how we were created as embodied and relational beings — and what implications it has for how we experience the gospel.NAE President Walter Kim and Curt Thompson go back to the very beginning and discuss how we see this embodied and relational reality, as well as the effects of trauma and shame, in the first four chapters of Genesis. They also explore:How Western thinking has influenced our understanding of spirituality;Why being receptive to love is more difficult than loving others;How we can create spaces for others to experience beauty and goodness; andWhat practices or outlooks can help us care for our soul.

How do you grow a church? Sheep make sheep, says Pastor James Meeks. A life in Christ is transformational at its core, and a transformed life can’t help but be a shining light so that others can see their good deeds and glorify the Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).In Today’s Conversation podcast with NAE President Walter Kim, Pastor Meeks describes how that truth played out in Salem Baptist Church of Chicago’s exponential growth. He reflects on his decades of pastoral ministry proclaiming and demonstrating the good news, including very creative community initiatives.They also discuss:How the Word of God is foundational to transformed lives;How every Christian can be equipped for ministry outside the church’s four walls;What it looks like to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders; andHow to deal with the burdens of ministry.

Join us for this enlightening conversation as we unlock the transformative potential of the gospel\'s social dimensions. NAE President Walter Kim and Pastor Derwin Gray guide us through an engaging exploration of faith, justice, and the path to a more inclusive and reconciled future. Don\'t miss this episode of Today\'s Conversation, available now on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode, NAE President Walter Kim engages in a compelling discussion with Mark Elliott, founder of the East-West Church and Ministry Report. Together, they shed light on the impact of the Russian invasion on religion and the state of churches and ministries in the region. Gain valuable insights as we explore:The current landscape for evangelicals in both Ukraine and Russia, unveiling the challenges and opportunities they face.The pivotal role religion played during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, offering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play.The most pressing needs confronting churches in Ukraine, highlighting the areas requiring immediate attention and support.A glimpse into the responses of churches in neighboring countries like Poland and beyond, revealing the collective efforts to aid and assist in this critical situation.

Embracing Faith and Identity: A Conversation with Mariah Humphries on Today\'s Conversation PodcastDive into a captivating dialogue on the intersection of faith and Native American identity in this episode of Today\'s Conversation. Join us as Mariah Humphries, a proud citizen of the Mvskoke Nation, shares her personal journey of faith and the harmonious integration of her Christianity with her Native American heritage. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as we explore the vibrant world of Native Christianity.In this enlightening conversation with NAE President Walter Kim, you\'ll gain profound insights into:The evolving narratives surrounding Native Americans and the shifting perceptions of their relationship with Christianity.The pivotal role of acknowledging the past, fostering trust, and opening doors for the gospel to flourish in Native communities.Effective language and approaches that facilitate the communication of the good news to indigenous people.The unique perspective of Native Americans on