The Good Citizen Podcast

Here’s why and how churches should step up during the government shutdown. Yesterday, the administration announced that SNAP benefits will be partially funded as the government shutdown continues (though there is some speculation the shutdown could end as early as tomorrow after the election). Many churches have stepped up efforts to supply food pantries and connect with their communities during this uncertainty. As with any ministry and opportunity, it is important to ask: are these efforts simply meeting an immediate need (which is certainly important short-term) or are they part of a broader, effective community hub strategy that leads to evangelistic conversations and life transformation? In this conversation with Merlin Gonzales from Faith, Hope, and Love, Merlin shares his story and explains how to effectively serve our neighbors’ spiritual and physical needs.The post #400 How to Turn a Food Pantry into a Community Hub with Merlin Gonzales [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

In Acts 28, Paul survives a snake bite, meets believers already in Rome, and marches into the imperial city in chains–but on mission. Here, the narrative of the book of Acts closes with Paul preaching the kingdom of God boldly in the center of Roman power and authority. What happened to his trial? Where did he go after his release? How did his journey end? In this sermon, I conclude our verse-by-verse study of this remarkable book, do my best to trace Paul’s “4th Missionary Journey,” and share the book’s anything-but-anticlimactic ending and encouragement to all believers. Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own. Hospitable Barbarians The Hope of Israel Chained Guards The 4th Missionary Journey Key Takeaways: The importance of Christian hospitality. How the work of the Holy Spirit outpaced Paul. The population and power of Rome when Paul entered the city. How the kingdom of God subverted Roman authority and eventually transformed the empire. A recounting of Paul’s final journey and death by execution. The anything-but-anticlimactic ending of the book of Acts. The post #399 Acts 28 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Dr. Wayne Grudem, a prominent theologian and author, explores the intersection of faith and politics. He discusses the motivation behind his book, Politics According to the Bible, emphasizing the need for a biblical perspective on government. Grudem reflects on his unique experiences, such as a White House visit, and stresses the importance of Christian engagement in local politics. He also highlights the impact of Christian influence on the judicial system and warns against passivity, urging believers to preach the whole counsel of God in all aspects of life.

Photo: Members of the Hoosier Leadership Series, an effort of Indiana Family Institute, praying in front of the US Capitol after hearing about Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025. A little over a month has passed since Charlie Kirk’s public assassination at Utah Valley University, and much has transpired since. Thousands of prayer vigils and memorials have been held, TPUSA has reported over 121,000 requests to start new campus chapters, many churches are reporting a surge in church attendance (especially among young men), and many members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha are speaking up about their faith and political beliefs. I have interacted with a number of church leaders around the country in the last month and prayed over and thought through Kirk’s life and legacy, his memorial service, and other developments since in an attempt to understand and steward the moment. Here are a few reflections: A tale of two movements. Spiritual renewal or conservative resurgence? Or both? Courage, persuasion, and influence as the way forward. The post #397 Reflections on the Aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s Assassination first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

Given the continuing debate on religion’s impact in American public life and especially discussions about Christian nationalism, it is important to review America’s unique approach to church/state relations and its principled commitment to religious liberty. In this interview, Dr. John Wilsey sets out the history of religious freedom as Biblical principle and conservative idea and the harmony between the “spirit of freedom” and the “spirit of religion” observed by Alexis De Tocqueville in his travels in early America. Then, he he chronicles key thinkers and movements in modern conservatism and explains the Biblical motivations behind religious liberty as rooted in the gospel and created order. Curious about the intersection of church and state or the proper application of faith in public life? Interested in the history of Christian citizenship and the conservative movement? This episode is for you. John D. Wilsey is professor of church history and chair of the Department of Church History and Historical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a research fellow with the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy. His publications include American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reassessing the History of an Idea, God’s Cold Warrior: The Life and Faith of John Foster Dulles, and Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer. Key Takeaways: The pivot into apathy by many Christian citizens. “[Anglo-American civilization] is the product … of two perfectly distinct elements that elsewhere are often at odds. But in America, these two have been successfully blended, in a way, and marvelously combined. I mean the spirit of religion and the spirit of liberty.” -De Tocqueville. A working definition and history of conservatism and the impact of Biblical principles on the movement. A review of the Biblical case for religious liberty. The post #396 Religious Liberty: A Conservative Primer with Dr. John Wilsey first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

According to US and UN statistics, an estimated 27.6 million people are victims of human trafficking at any given time. And a majority of human trafficking victims in the United States are US nationals–meaning they are groomed, coerced, and trafficked on US soil. Because this an international and national issue and trafficking is often difficult to identify and stop, many churches and individual Christians are unsure exactly how to engage in the fight against human trafficking. Rescue America identified this need and provides practical ways for churches and even individual Christians to get involved. Here is the remarkable story of the ministry, how it fights back against human trafficking, and how you and church can make a difference. In 2014, armed with a dream and her years of business-world experience, Allison Madrigal and a team of volunteers launched a 24/7 rescue hotline dedicated specifically to victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. This ministry model proved so effective that it eventually expanded nationwide and currently facilitates safe exits for survivors and sets them safely on a path of healing and restoration. Key takeaways: The heartbreaking stats about human trafficking and how this impacts victims in the United States. The remarkable story of Rescue America. Rescue America’s model of rescue, revive, and empower. How churches and individual Christians can assist the work of the ministry. The post #395 How Your Church Can Help Fight Human Trafficking with Allison Madrigal first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

After experiencing several trials for his life, the Apostle Paul now heads west on an all-expense-paid trip courtesy of the Roman empire. But this journey, like so many others taken by Paul, will not be without peril and ministry opportunity. In a chapter that evidences remarkable historical detail about Roman-era ship-building and maritime travels, Paul turns from captive to captain as he faces an endless storm and almost certain death, stands strong in the midst of crisis, and witnesses to the God he serves. In a time of change and loss, there is no small comfort here in Acts 27. Outline: An Imperial Cruise The Storm The Shipwreck Key Takeaways and Questions: Where is your Rome? The remarkable detail of Roman-era ships and sailing practices. A review of the centurions in the New Testament. How the Apostle Paul handled a crisis. Are you Jonah or Paul? The post #394 Acts 27 first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

One of the goals of this podcast is to provide practical examples of Christians living out their calling in public life. Peter Gentala has led a remarkable career in law and public policy that spans litigating cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, working to protect kids and those impacted by sexual abuse and exploitation, and now leading a public policy organization in Arizona–all while raising eight kids alongside his wife Allison. In this episode, we explore Christian calling and navigating job and even season changes, Peter’s work with Alliance Defending Freedom in litigating religious defense cases, his time at Kidhelp and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, and then his most recent role as the President of Center for Arizona Policy. In this discussion, he provides a wealth of insights about leadership, family life, law, and public policy. By far, the best thing about Peter is that he is married to Allison Gentala. Peter and Allison have been married for 27 years. Their greatest love, joy, and pride is their eight children. Peter’s professional lifework focuses on the intersection between law and policy. He has litigated constitutional, public-law, and victim-advocacy cases at every level of the federal court system, including two cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. In the realm of public policy, he has served as professional staff to elected lawmakers and has authored or co-authored countless pieces of proposed and enacted legislation, including state constitutional provisions. For his full bio, click this link. Key Takeaways: His call into the law and public policy. How he balances family and professional life. His work defending religious freedom. How to protect vulnerable kids from exploitation. Thoughts on the current cultural and political climate and what Christians should focus on now. The post #393 How to Discern a Call into the Law, Protect Vulnerable Kids, and Defend Religious Freedom with Peter Gentala first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

As of September 2025, the U.S. gross national debt stands at almost $37.5 trillion with a growth of over $2 trillion in the past year and an average growth of roughly $5.7 billion per day. And earlier this year, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating to Aa1 (down from Aaa), citing concerns over the rising debt and ambitious fiscal proposals. With these developments in mind, what can and should be done to secure America’s financial future? In this interview, Indiana’s State Comptroller (a statewide elected office equivalent to a Chief Financial Officer) Elise Nieshalla explains Indiana’s path from a nearly $800 million deficit to a AAA credit rating and one of the lowest debt levels in the country, what other states and the country can learn from Indiana’s example, and her efforts as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers. Elise M. Nieshalla is the Indiana State Comptroller, fulfilling the duties of the Constitutional Office of State Auditor. Prior to becoming the State Comptroller, Nieshalla served as President of the Boone County Council and President of the Indiana County Councils Association. In addition, Comptroller Nieshalla was the Chairwoman of the Association of Indiana Counties 2023 Legislative Committee and was honored to be named 2018 Indiana County Councilor of the Year. As a hard-working entrepreneur and economic development professional, Comptroller Nieshalla has worked over 20 years in real estate overseeing property acquisitions and business management for a portfolio of investments. From managing and appropriating funds within her local county budget to compiling the State of Indiana’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Comptroller Nieshalla has a proven record of trusted fiscal stewardship of hard-earned tax-payer funds. She is also a strong proponent for the essential combination of transparency and fiscal responsibility to undergird our birthright of freedom. Comptroller Nieshalla earned a bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts University and a master’s degree from Indiana University where she also taught as an adjunct faculty member in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She resides with her husband, Chris, in Zionsville where they have raised their four children. She also serves as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers. Key Takeaways: Her call into public life and what inspires her to serve the Hoosier state in elected office. Indiana’s example of eliminating debt, working back to a position of strength, and maintaining its AAA credit rating and low debt levels. Why the national debt matters and must be addressed now. Comptroller Nieshalla’s efforts as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers, including a letter to President Trump and Congress signed by 37 state financial officers concerning the national debt. How concerned citizens should advocate for financial stewardship at the state and national level. The post #392 The National Debt Crisis and How to Respond with Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

What happens when a teacher’s faith collides with a school’s pronoun policy? I recently had the opportunity to join Craig DeRoche on The SoConCon Report to discuss the case of John Kluge. In 2018, Kluge resigned from Brownsburg Community School in Indiana after his religious exemption to a pronoun policy was revoked. His case is now headed to a jury, and the outcome could set a powerful precedent for religious liberty in classrooms nationwide. In this episode, we unpack why this case matters for teachers, parents, and people of faith, and what it means for the future of religious freedom in America’s schools, including: ·     Religious freedom at stake: Kluge’s fight against a school pronoun policy could shape how schools across the country handle faith-based accommodations. ·     Legal insights: Why the court’s rejection of the school’s “emotional distress” claim is a key turning point. ·     National implications: The outcome of this case may set a precedent for teachers, public employees, and people of faith navigating similar cultural battles.The post #391 The Latest in the Pronoun Wars with Craig DeRoche first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.