THINQ Media Podcast

Often Christians complain about being misrepresented by mainstream media, but could that change with intentional efforts? Michael Cromartie, Vice President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, has created opportunities for members of the national media to meet with evangelical leaders in hopes of getting the stories right. Filling a gap between faith, politics, and journalism, Michael promotes mutual understanding around the toughest, and many times misunderstood, issues of our time.

Christians face an unprecedented landscape at the intersection of faith and public life. Over 46% of our neighbors believe religion and people of faith are part of the problem in our communities, not the solution. As a growing list of contentious issues present themselves on the cultural front—such as racism, gender, euthanasia, sexuality, religious freedom and more—the Church finds itself on the margins of the mainstream conversation perplexed about how to engage. Public opinion suggests our views and beliefs are irrelevant and extreme, so how should Christians respond? David Kinnaman will equip you to confidently engage the most difficult conversations in the days ahead with courage, conviction and compassion.

Fashion matters. It influences the imagination and drives the way people uniquely represent themselves. The evolution of the women's swimsuit is one place where there has been a visible shift away from modesty. In the current world of swimwear, small is often beautiful and less is considered more desirable. But designer and actress Jessica Rey asks, "Who says it has to be itsy bitsy?" Rey argues that within the construct of modesty, there is a freedom—that modesty isn't about covering up what's bad, but about revealing dignity.

With a Cinderella story of drug-dealer-turned-Jesus-lover, Lecrae is the only artist to ever debut an album that simultaneously topped the Billboard 200 and Gospel charts. For any musician, such an accomplishment is simply an Anomaly, the very title of the album that got him there. Lecrae inspires us all to see the magic inside a personal story put to poetry and a poem put to song.

The world is facing the worst refugee crisis since WWII. Over 11 million Syrians have been displaced, and while some try to seek safe harbor in Europe, the vast majority will never leave the region. In the face of human depravity and under an enormous threat of violence, some are leading the way. How is the Church responding? What are the ways we can continue to help and ensure Christian love is experienced even in the worst of conditions?

As adopted children of God, how can we reflect that relationship to the world we serve? Action must be taken to provide care for children in the foster system who've never experienced the love of a family to call their own. Adopt Colorado Kids executive, Julie Mavis, shares the results being achieved as communities respond to foster, adopt, and care for kids. She and her husband, Brian, are transforming foster care in Colorado and providing a vision on how every state can offer a turnaround story to children who need it.

What if following your passion leads to worldly success, to weatlh, fame, and power? What does service look like from here? Can you balance the pressures of success while seeking to make disciples? Snowboarder/Olympic Gold medalist Kelly Clark has wrestled with these questions while blazing a trail of calling as an athlete. In this episode, hear how her Christian faith pushes her toward excellence, as well as how she fosters a servant's heart.

The term "secular" is perhaps overused when referring to government, schools, business and western culture in general. But is the secular something "out there?" Or are we all "secular" now? What's changed? And is secularism the last word? In this episode of the Q Podcast, Philosopher and theologian James K.A. Smith gives us context for this shift and how Christians can effectively engage it.

We've been drawing religious lines in the sand for hundreds of years, using varying standards to determine who's "in" and who's "out." How can Christians work for peace within culture if we can't get it right amongst ourselves? Ted Trimpa, gay rights activist, and Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, provide a model for peace-making, as two very different people working together to advance good. They recently worked on anti-human trafficking laws in Colorado, and in this episode, they'll share wisdom on working with people that differ greatly from us.

This week, Preston Sprinkle is back interviewing Gabe Lyons on the vision and mission behind the upcoming Q Conference, April 21-23 in Denver. Did you know that 42% of Americans believe people of faith are part of the problem in our world? Q Denver will prepare you to engage this new reality and a changing culture, we will explore what renewal and faithfulness might look like in society today—for both you and those you love.