Dr. Dean Weaver (D.Min.Th.M.), Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, joins Michael to talk about ideological and cultural trends that are driving a period of migration from both sides of the theological perspective. Just as is happening in many denominations, the EPC has recently been receiving churches and individuals from both sides of their theological position, the PCUSA and the PCA, which has, in turn, forced conversations about what binds a denomination together. Along the way, they discuss theology, Larry Norman, the difference between theological differences and orthodoxy, the role of the public square in church preference, and their mutual love of whole-life discipleship.

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"B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger, Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved

In this episode, Jamie Dangers, Director of Federal Affairs at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, joins Michael for an illuminating and important conversation on the complex and critical issue of advocacy for the unborn. Jamie shares insights on the evolution of the pro-life initiative and how the Dobbs decision has refocused their efforts. Along the way, they discuss the place of a pro-life view in the history of the Christian church, and share how each of them came to understand the importance of this issue as well as the necessity of a pastoral, rather than militant, approach.

*** This is a discussion about a divisive and deeply personal issue that always involves real people in real situations. It is also one that can expose past and lingering wounds. Please listen with a soft heart and reach out to your local pastor or us at Faithful Presence if you have pastoral questions. ***

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"B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger, Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved

Michael welcomes Dr. William Peel (Th.M., D.Min.), President of 24Seven Faith, co-founder of the Faith & Work Summit, member of the Advisory Council for the Lausanne Movement Workplace Ministry, and author of Going Public with Your Faith: Becoming a Spiritual Influence at Work, and others.

In this episode, Michael and Dr. Peel discuss the importance of robust vocational formation as a part of whole-life discipleship, the work of the recent Lausanne Conference in Seoul, as well as New Perpectives (on workplace evangelism).

Work Cited

- Mad Max - AI as Therapist - Journal Article ------------------------------------------------------ "B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger, Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved

The Faithful Presence Podcast’s new series, “Thinking Deeply,” is here.

We start off with Rev. Dr. Peter Lillback (Ph.D), President of Westminster Theological Seminar and author of George Washington's Sacred Fire (2006), and Saint Peter's Principles: Leadership for Those Who Already Know Their Incompetence (2019).

In this episode, Michael and Dr. Lillback discuss the state of theological education in North America, what the Apostle Peter can teach us about service and leadership, reformed theology, and the importance of developing a robust and usable public square theology.

Work Cited

- Mad Max - AI as Therapist - Journal Article ------------------------------------------------------ "B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger, Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved

Faithful Presence is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, our president, Rev. Michael Langer, shares a message he delivered in 2022 that focuses on the importance of whole-life discipleship for Christ-centered engagement with the public square. The message delves into social media algorithms' intentional and damaging role in civil discourse and how Peter's message pointed towards a way of life we should consider today - living differently amid power differentials. This message will lay a foundation for the next series of devotionals in the Presence Weekly newsletter.

Thanks for reading Faithful Presence! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

The video version of this podcast is on our YouTube channel:

Works cited:

1. Cold Civil War, Jim Belcher (2022)

2. Divided We Fall, David Brooks (2022)

3. 46% of Americans expect a civil war in five years. * https://news.nd.edu/news/on-the-brink-of-a-new-civil-war-new-national-survey-highlights-fragility-of-american-democracy-stark-partisan-divides/

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"B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved.

Faithful Presence exists to provide whole-life discipleship in the whole of life for the whole of the public square. Join us as we seek renewal in politics and the public square by becoming a Supporting Partner.

Find Us On: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Apple & Spotify

William Monroe (Ph.D), Vice President of Analytic AI, discusses AI's multifaceted opportunities and dangers, including what it can and cannot do. This includes describing some of Analytical AI's work with various government agencies that encourage the good,l repair the broken, and oppose evil. Along the way, they talk about the importance of understanding the image of God, AI as a therapy tool, MadMax, red-lining, free markets, and the public square's role in policy development.

Work Cited

- Mad Max - AI as Therapist - Journal Article ------------------------------------------------------ "B-O-O-G-A-L-O-O" (2010) by the Diplomats of Solid Sound is used by license. Scheduling by Josie Risinger Post-production by Andrew Brinkmann (c) 2025, Faithful Presence, all rights reserved

"Full-Time 2.0: Work and the Meaning of Life" with David Bahnsen

David Bahnsen joins the podcast to discuss his most recent book and everything from the fallacy of the work-life balance movement to why people are policy, properly defining Christian nationalism and post-millennialism, and the connection between growing up a pastor-theologian's kid and managing large sums of other people's money—all through the lens of the gospel!

NEW SERIES: The Church in the Public Square
In the first episode of Season 4, Michael talks with Pastor David Bailey of Arrabon about the role that the church could and should play in forming disciples that not only welcome diversity but also seek reconciliation. They also discuss their love of bow ties, and offer some insights on how pastors can navigate the current political climate.
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Subscribe to our weekly devotional at content.faithful-presence.org
Watch the video of the podcast/subscribe on YouTube.
Connect with us on: Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn

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RESOURCES
For more on David Bailey and Arrabon: arrabon.com

Works cited:
Shirley Mullen, Claiming the Courageous Middle (2024)
Tim Alberta, The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory (2023)
Megan Basham, Shepherds for Sale (2024)
An excellent and balanced piece by Dr. Sean Lucas: The Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church

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CREDITS
Natalie Burchfiel, Chief of Staff
Clayton Dryden, Content Production

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.