Is It Wrong for Christians to Call Out Shepherds?

Should we criticize our fellow Christians? And when, if ever, is it appropriate to call out trusted pastors when they get something wrong? Contending for the faith can sometimes be seen as divisive, so how do you discern when to speak up and when to remain silent?

Megan Basham’s new book, ‘Shepherds for Sale‘ continues to spark controversy and this week, some of the controversy is coming Frank’s way! In this podcast episode, Frank responds to an email from a pastor and loyal listener who took offense to Frank and Megan’s criticism of the late pastor (and one of Frank’s favorite preachers) Tim Keller in a previous podcast episode. During the discussion, Frank will answer questions like:

  • Which issues should Christians publicly call out?
  • Where did Tim Keller go wrong politically, and was it reasonable for Megan to mention him in the book?
  • Did Tim Keller pull a “bait and switch” on Kirsten Powers? And what did her article reveal about her “Christian” worldview?
  • Why is it essential for pastors to discuss controversial cultural issues in church?
  • Is it fair to equate life and death laws with welfare laws?

Listen as Frank uncovers why the seeker-sensitive church model might be doing more harm than good, leaving both Christians and non-Christians confused. He’ll also dive into the real purpose of government and what it reveals about the true extent of human depravity. And next week, get ready for more as he continues the conversation about calling out beloved pastors, shepherds, and other Christians who occasionally stumble and misrepresent the essential teachings of Christ.

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

FRANK’S BLOG POST: He Gets Us, But Do We Get Him?
KIRSTEN POWERS’ ARTICLE: My Complicated Feelings About Tim Keller
MARK TOOLEY’S ARTICLE: Church Transparency?
TIM KELLER’S Series of Political Tweets in April 2022
STEVEN BEGAKIS’ ARTICLE: Tim Keller is Wrong About Abortion

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Why Aren’t Christians Better People? + Politics Q&A

If Christianity is true, why aren’t Christians better people? Why are there so many hypocrites in the church? Why haven’t they been transformed by Christ?

Skeptics often question how transformative Christianity truly is when they see Christians behaving badly. But is this a fair critique of the faith itself? When a musician plays Beethoven poorly, do you blame Beethoven?

This week, Frank is diving into your listener questions! Tune in as he responds to an email from a concerned Christian husband whose wife is currently deconstructing her faith, due in part to Christian hypocrisy and “a lack of transformation among Christians as a whole.” During the episode, Frank will answer questions like:

  • How did C.S. Lewis address the “Christians behave poorly” objection?
  • Why is comparing the behavior of “Christians” to “non-Christians” not a fair assessment?
  • What’s the difference between justification and sanctification and why does it matter?
  • Why do some people appear more ‘sanctified’ than others and what can Michael Jordan teach us about the sanctification process?
  • What does Barna Group research reveal about professing Christians in America?
  • What should we make of “bad” Christians and “good” atheists?

Later in the episode, Frank will address a question about politics and the so-called “separation of church and state.” What 8 key pieces of advice does he have for a woman who wasn’t allowed to set up a voter registration table at her church, how can the Christian church use politics to love our neighbors, and will going political impact your church’s tax exempt status? All of this and more will be covered in this timely edition of ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist!’

For more on “Hypocrites in the church”, see this short video of Frank at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills.

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode: iVoterGuide.com

 

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How Philosophy Helps Theology & Apologetics | with Dr. Richard Howe

Do Christians really need to understand philosophy? Can’t we just read our Bibles and share the Gospel? The answer depends on how successful you want to be at doing both of those things!

This week, our friend, CIA Instructor, and Southern Evangelical Seminary professor, Dr. Richard Howe, sits down with Frank to explore why philosophy is a MUST in our current day and age if we want to be more effective in studying the Bible and reaching a society that no longer believes in truth, absolutes, or objective morality. Listen as Frank and Richard discuss questions like:

  • Why does good theology start with good philosophy?
  • What’s a self-refuting statement and why should Christians learn how to identify them?
  • Does the Bible instruct Christians to avoid philosophy? And if so, which philosophies are to be avoided?
  • What are the components of philosophy and how should we use it to interpret the Bible?
  • Why does science need philosophy? And how has the Church historically used philosophy in evangelism?
  • What’s the difference between ontology and epistemology and why does it matter?
  • What are some of the biggest philosophical mistakes that average people and even famous atheists, like Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins, make today?

This easy-to-follow and light-hearted dialogue will introduce you to the world of philosophy, inspire you to incorporate it into your study of the Scriptures, and embrace it as a tool to help you discern the truth about morality, science, reason, and every other aspect of your life. You’ll also learn the importance of using your mind to glorify God, make disciples in a postmodern society, and remain rooted in the objective truth of Christianity. Get ready to elevate your evangelism with your newfound philosophy superpower!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Travel to Mt. Sinai in Arabia and Egypt with Frank: LivingPassages.com
Learn & Teach Logic and Apologetics with your kids this Fall: OnlineChristianCourses.com
Richard’s Website: RichardGHowe.com
Book: An Introduction to Philosophy
Southern Evangelical Seminary: SES.edu/frank

 

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3 Tips for Dealing with Harsh Comments and Criticism | with Alisa Childers

What can Christian influencers do to prepare for the inevitable avalanche of criticism that comes along with doing ministry online or even speaking out in the public square? Vocalizing your faith in the toxic world of social media comes at an increasingly high cost these days and can lead to depression and anxiety if you’re not careful. So how do you handle internet trolls and keyboard warriors without becoming toxic yourself or ultimately killing your witness for the Gospel?

This week, our friend and Christian apologist, Alisa Childers, joins Frank for another special CIA edition of the podcast to discuss how to deal with criticism effectively and appropriately. No stranger to harsh critiques herself, Alisa will share her unique insights based on past experiences of online attacks and how she learned to navigate the digital battlefield while protecting her faith and sanity in the process. During their conversation, Frank and Alisa will answer questions like:

  • Why is it important to identify ad hominem attacks and is it a privilege to be persecuted?
  • How should your faith impact the type of content that you produce?
  • How do you make your content a lifeboat for people?
  • Should all Christians aspire to have a HUGE online platform?
  • How does Alisa deal with toxic, tenacious followers?
  • Why should Christians have a good theology of suffering?

If you’re making any type of lasting impact in the culture, then you also have an audience of detractors and antagonizers who hate what you’re doing, and that’s ok! Tune in as Frank and Alisa explore how Jesus dealt with the critics of His day and also discuss how to set proper boundaries when it comes to online engagement, maintaining a healthy faith walk, and prioritizing your family. To learn more about boldly living out your faith in a hostile culture and to see Frank, Alisa, and Natasha Crain live in person, be sure to check out the Unshaken conference!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Travel to Mt. Sinai in Arabia and Egypt with Frank! LivingPassages.com
Learn & Teach Logic and Apologetics with your kids this Fall! OnlineChristianCourses.com
Alisa’s website: AlisaChilders.com

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5 EASY Biblical Issues the Culture Gets Wrong | with Greg Koukl

Do you ever get the sense that there’s growing confusion among Christians on issues we should all agree on? Young Christians today seem especially vulnerable when it comes to discerning right from wrong according to God’s Word. What’s causing this gap between biblical Christianity and how it’s lived out in the modern world? And what does the Bible REALLY say about the most controversial issues that our culture faces today?

This week, the great Greg Koukl, President of Stand to Reason and bestselling author of ‘Tactics‘ and more recently ‘Street Smarts‘, sits down with Frank during CIA 2024 to explore why so many Christians (both young and old) are struggling to answer EASY questions about the faith, the pro-life position, and sexual morality. During their conversation, Frank and Greg will answer questions like:

  • Why does Christianity fit reality better than any other worldview?
  • Can you be pro-life and pro-capital punishment?
  • How are people attempting to sanitize immorality?
  • Why have gender norms become such a controversial issue and how did Jesus address marriage and sexuality?
  • Why are so many young Christians compromising on sexual ethics and what sexual norms are on the horizon?

Greg leaves absolutely no room for confusion on any of these hot-button topics as he allows the Scriptures to speak loud and clear. So sit back and enjoy this insightful podcast episode where Frank and Greg will encourage you to stand strong in your faith and not fall along the wayside in response to peer pressure from secular culture. Rest assured that faithfulness to Christ still matters!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Greg’s Ministry: Stand to Reason
Greg’s Q&A Podcast: #STRask
BOOK: Tactics
BOOK: Street Smarts

 

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Love Shamed: 5 BIG Lies LGBTQ+ Uses to Silence Christians | with Dr. Bobby Conway

How can Christians effectively share the good news of the Gospel with the LGBTQ+ community? Or should we just mind our own business? This week, Christian apologist and founding lead pastor of Image Church, Dr. Bobby Conway, sits down with Frank at the 2024 CrossExamined Instructor’s Academy to share the DO’s and DONT’s of evangelizing the LGBTQ+ community along with some of the BIG LIES you’ve been fed over the years that often cause Christians to suppress the truth in the name of “tolerance” or prevent them from building friendships with people who identity as gay or transgender.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a world-renowned apologist to have fruitful faith conversations, and in this podcast episode, you’ll learn how to do it in a way that feels non-confrotational and natural! During their conversation, Frank and Bobby will answer questions like:

  • What #1 goal should Christians have in mind when dialoguing with LGBTQ+ people?
  • Why is it problematic to place our identity in sexual preferences?
  • What are the flaws in the “I was born this way” argument?
  • In what way is the LGBTQ+ community “evangelizing” the Church?
  • How is the media driving the tension between Christians and the LGBTQ+ community?

This episode is all about helping YOU learn how to break the ice and just make connections with people who don’t share your beliefs. As Bobby shares some incredible stories from daily interactions during his “Starbucks ministry”, you’ll see that evangelism can be smooth and conversations can stay friendly. And don’t miss out—more exclusive CIA podcast episodes with our favorite Christian apologists are on the way!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.

Travel with Frank to Egypt and Mount Sinai: LivingPassages.com
Bobby’s website: ChristianityStillMakesSense.com
Bobby’s YouTube channel: @ChristianityStillMakesSense
Bobby’s church: IMAGE Church

 

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What To Do When Culture Hates You | with Natasha Crain

Why are Christians facing so much hostility when we speak up on political issues? Simply advocating for life in the womb or opposing far-left agendas like Marxism and “gender-affirming care” often gets us labeled as “Christian Nationalists.” Should we let this backlash silence us, or propel us to become even more outspoken?

This week, our good friend and fellow Christian apologist, Natasha Crain, joins Frank at the annual CIA apologetics workshop to discuss some of the key ideas in her signature book, ‘Faithfully Different‘, as well as give us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, ‘When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square‘, scheduled to be released in March 2025. Natasha will share her insights as to why people make certain decisions and uncover the hypocrisy of claiming that Christians should steer clear of hot-button cultural issues in the public square. During their discussion, Frank and Natasha will answer questions like:

  • Is it appropriate to label all Christians as “Christian Nationalists”?
  • How does the Bible define the concept of the “common good” differently from society?
  • How has CRT impacted the political climate in America and the embrace of Islam?
  • Are atheists more qualified to run the country than Christians?
  • How do you respond when people make statements like “there is no Christian party”?

In this podcast episode, we’re reminded that Christians are called to fulfill both the Great Commission and the cultural commission—even if it means facing scrutiny. Don’t allow today’s cancel culture and religious intolerance to convince you that “staying in your lane” equates to avoiding political topics. Being faithful Christians (and apologists) gives us grounds to make a difference in the culture, so let this special CIA episode encourage you to keep standing for truth!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.

Natasha’s website: NatashaCrain.com
Book: Faithfully Different
Book: When Culture Hates You (available for pre-order)

 

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Is Gentle Parenting Crippling the Next Generation? | with Brett Kunkle

Is the so-called “gentle parenting” movement producing a generation of narcissists? Many Christian parents are ditching the Bible’s model for childrearing and instead opting for modern-day secular parenting techniques. What are some of the issues that are arising from this shift, and what worldview underpins these new secular methods?

If you’re a parent, a grandparent, or even a child, then listen up! For this midweek podcast, our good friend, MAVEN founder, and CIA Instructor, Brett Kunkle, sits down with Frank at the 2024 CrossExamined Instructor’s Academy to discuss this new gentle parenting trend, its flaws, future outcomes, and its devastating impact on today’s youth. What exactly is gentle parenting, and how does it work? Should parents revolve their lives around their kids? What wisdom can we glean from the Bible on parenting, structure, and corporal punishment? And should parents always seek to reason with disobedient children? All these questions and more will be addressed in this special CIA edition of “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist”!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.

BRETT’S MINISTRY: MAVEN

BRETT’S PODCAST: The MAVEN Parent Podcast

ARTICLE: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

 

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LIVE from CIA! – Fallen Pastors, Hypocrisy, and 5 Trinity Fails | with Allen Parr

CIA 2024 is here ladies and gentlemen! And this year we’re kicking off our annual apologetics workshop with a much needed conversation surrounding church leadership, accountability, and the doctrine of the Trinity. In this podcast episode, Frank sits down with our good friend, author, and Christian YouTuber, Allen Parr about what’s going on with pastors in Dallas, and which analogies for the Trinity just don’t work. During their conversation, Frank and Allen will answer questions like:

  • Can fallen pastors be restored? And if so, under what circumstances?
  • What role should elders play in holding pastors accountable?
  • How have pastors often been able to escape church discipline and accountability?
  • Does hypocrisy and poor behavior shown by church leadership prove that Chrisitanity isn’t true?
  • Where can we find the Trinity in the Bible and what analogies (if any) can be used to explain it?

Allen will also share some of the details of his recent conversation with Cindy Clemishire, the woman who was victimized by former Gateway Pastor, Robert Morris, when she was just an adolescent. We’ll tackle some pretty touchy subjects and explore what the Bible says about these unfortunate instances of church scandals. We know you’ll enjoy this exclusive CIA podcast episode, so be on the lookout for more conversations from more great apologists!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.

Allen’s website: AllenParr.com
Allen’s YouTube channel: The B.E.A.T.
VIDEO: Robert Morris Accuser Reveals DISTURBING Childhood Abuse Story (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)
VIDEO: These 5 Common Mistakes DISQUALIFY Preachers from Ministry
VIDEO: 5 TRINITY Analogies That Teach Straight Up HERESY!

 

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Progressive Powerbrokers & Corruption in the American Church | with Megan Basham

Pastoral leadership in America is under attack and Christians need to be aware of what’s going on behind the scenes! That’s why Daily Wire journalist, Megan Basham, returns to talk more about her book ‘Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda‘, which exposes how prominent leaders in our pulpits have adopted policies that are directly opposed to the Christian faith. Megan also exposes the tactics they’re using to push these harmful agendas onto unsuspecting church goers. Issues discussed include:

  • Why are some pastors and Christian leaders demanding Christians support debatable positions, but are squishy on clear biblical teachings?
  • Are Christians obligated to vote a certain way on climate change, vaccines, and immigration?
  • Who are the wolves in the church and is it ok to call them out publicly?
  • Which political issues should be debatable and which ones are the more important matters of the law?
  • Have well-known pastors like Andy Stanley and Rick Warren made compromises on clear biblical teaching about moral issues?
  • What are the ‘Embrace the Journey’ and ‘After Party’ curriculums and why should churches refuse to use them?

All this and more will be discussed as Frank and Megan continue this important conversation on corruption in the American Church.

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

You can also SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE.

Megan’s Book: https://a.co/d/5hvn1DF

Follow Megan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/megbasham

Follow Megan on The Daily Wire: https://www.dailywire.com/author/megan-basham

 

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