Journalist and author Bonnie Kristian joins Loren Richmond Jr. to discuss her new book, In Defense of Evangelicalism, and whether evangelical Christianity is worth defending amid political polarization, cultural criticism, and institutional failures. Coming from evangelical and mainline perspectives, they explore the difference between repentance and embarrassment, the relationship between Christianity and politics, and whether Christians can remain faithful to their convictions while finding common ground across theological and political divides.

What if some of the behaviors churches celebrate in their leaders are actually signs of deeper wounds? Chuck DeGroat joins Loren Richmond Jr. to discuss his new book, *Who You’re Becoming*, exploring why churches often prioritize giftedness and productivity over character and spiritual formation. They discuss burnout, unhealthy leadership patterns, the importance of non-anxious presence, and how Christians can move beyond performance toward becoming more like Jesus.

Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz join Loren Richmond Jr. to discuss their book Becoming Good News and how identity, neuroscience, and relationships shape Christian discipleship. They explore why spiritual growth isn’t necessarily a ladder, how churches can support people at different stages of faith, and the importance of emotions, forgiveness, and reconciliation in spiritual formation.

Christianity Today senior news editor Emily Belz joins Loren Richmond Jr. to discuss the uncertain future of Christian higher education, including new federal regulations that could threaten financial aid for ministry and religious studies programs. They also explore institutional change, immigration’s impact on local churches, the changing landscape of journalism, and how we recognize forms of value that can’t always be measured economically.

Matthew Townsend joins Martha Tatarnic to explore why churches need truth-tellers, especially when institutions are anxious about decline and their future. Drawing on his experience as editor of the Anglican Journal, they discuss journalism, accountability, institutional power, and how the church can offer stability and faithful presence in an uncertain world.

Rev. Dr. Eric H. F. Law joins Loren Richmond Jr. to explore what actually makes ministry sustainable—and why money may not be the most important resource. They discuss relationships, leadership, community listening, wellness, and how churches can build ministries that last.

Martha Tatarnic turns the tables and interviews Loren Richmond Jr. about his new book, The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive. They explore how churches can reimagine their buildings as community assets, why mission must come before institutional survival, and how faithful use of church property can help neighborhoods flourish.

Derwin Gray joins Loren Richmond Jr. to discuss It’s Time to Heal and how Christians can move beyond woundedness without denying their pain. They explore trauma, identity, church hurt, forgiveness, political polarization, and why Gray remains deeply hopeful about the future of the church.

Andrew Root returns to Future Christian to discuss Baal and the Gods of More and how the church’s pursuit of growth can become a form of idolatry. Loren and Andy explore church growth, capitalism, innovation, identity, money, and why faithful ministry may require escaping the endless demand for “more.”

David Zahl joins Loren Richmond Jr. to discuss The Big Relief and why grace is urgently needed in a worn-out world. They explore the pressure to be “enough,” guilt and forgiveness, parenting and performance, why church still matters, and how the Christian message offers relief from our endless need to justify ourselves.