Faithful Presence Podcast

Dr. Amy Black on Civil Religion

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:20:32 GMT

Dr. Amy Black, Professor of Political Science at Wheaton and co-author Civil Religion and the Renewal of American Politics (Cambridge Press, 2026), joins Michael to discuss the definition of civil religion, and navigating religious pluralism in American democracy. Their conversation explores the challenge of shared values in politics and the role of religion in shaping political culture. It delves into the influence of religious traditions, party platforms, and the role of pastors in equipping people for politics. Additionally, it discusses the Bible's role in navigating the public square, emphasizing the eternal principles it offers for living in a representative democracy.

Video of this podcast is available on our website: www-faithful-presence.org

Takeaways

The Role of Civil Religion in Unifying a Diverse Population Shared values in politics
The role of religion in shaping political culture

Chapters

00:00 Transitioning to College
01:20 Challenges of Absent Parent
04:35 Media Reporting and Its Impact
08:42 Doctrine of Spirituality of the Church
15:36 Christians in Political Science
19:37 The APSA Congressional Fellowship Program
21:04 Working in Congress and Changing Perceptions
26:01 Wheaton College and Civil Religion
36:25 Defining Civil Religion and Shared Values
38:19 Navigating Religious Pluralism in American Democracy
51:16 The Challenge of Shared Values
52:05 Religious Traditions in American Politics
57:37 The Influence of Party Platforms
01:11:15 The Role of Pastors in Equipping People for Politics
01:14:25 The Bible's Role in Navigating the Public Square

Church Workshop: Discipleship for the Public Square

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:14:05 GMT

In June 2026, Rev. Michael Langer hosted a workshop during the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Denver Colorado. Through a combination of Q&A, presentation, and discussion, Michael discussed the difficulties facing pastors due to demographic sorting, media bias, social media algorithms, brain chemistry, and truncated discipleship.

Numerous works are sited and more information is available at faithful-presence.org

Deep Dive: Ideological Discipleship with Dr. Timothy Padgett

Rev. Michael Langer — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett from the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. Here, Michael and Dr. Padgett reminisce on their days at Covenant Theological Seminary and engage in a discussion on the need for ideological discipleship in the midst of widespread divisiveness and complex issues.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

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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.

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[Remastered] Podcast: Jamie Dangers on "Pro-Life Advocacy in a Post-Dobbs World"

Rev. Michael Langer — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 10:44:51 GMT

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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Deep Dive: Cultural Discipleship Featuring Jeremy Knapp

Rev. Michael Langer — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 01:00:00 GMT

Michael and guest, Jeremy Knapp, discuss the differences between churches - cultural engagement in Korea and the United States. Jeremy gives a close perspective on recent school shootings in St. Louis, the burden of changing the world, and what Britney Spears and Lady Gaga can teach us about Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.

Links from the episode:

Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn
Dedication and Leadership by Douglass Hyde
Argerich’s Abbado: Prokofiev - Piano Concerto No. 3
Good Friday Meditation by Jinah Knapp

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast: Dr. Dean Weaver on "The Reorganization, Realignment, and Recommitment of the Church"

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:11:40 GMT

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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"Changing People & Places" with Dr. Abe Cho and Dr. Greg Perry

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael speaks with the authors of a recent article published at The Washington Institute to reconsider the importance of those living on the margins in Christ's mission of making all things new.

In reconsidering and recalibrating James Davidson Hunter's work, "To Change the World," Abe and Greg discuss the central place of "table fellowship" in disciple making, how common grace and particular grace meet in "middle grace," and the role of churches in mitigating polarization.

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Dr. Justin Bailey and "Interpreting Your World: Five Lenses for Engaging Theology and Culture"

Rev. Michael Langer — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:00 GMT

Michael interviews Dr. Justin Bailey on his recent book and the importance of wedding ideological and cultural formation to emotional formation. Together they discuss aspects of Dutch-culture in NW Iowa and Chicago, the relationship of mental health to ideological discernment, the development of partisan polarization, power plays and changing the world, and how the five lenses paradigm can equip us for participating well in Christ's mission of making all things new.

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The Unpacking: Whole-Life Discipleship, Part 3

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Join Michael as he delves into the importance of cultural and missional discipleship. In this episode, he discusses the complexities of the church's relationship with culture and how cultural and missional discipleship can help to form a more biblical posture towards our non-christian neighbors.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

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

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:31:40 GMT

"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!

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Podcast: Rev. Dr. Peter Lillback, President of WTS on "What the Apostle Peter Can Teach Us About Serving and Leading"

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:16:51 GMT

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

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"The Ministry of Politics" with Dr. Bob Burns and Dr. Donald Guthrie

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Feeling exhausted and wondering if you should just leave Washington? Ever gotten burned by someone you thought was a confidant? Having difficulty navigating power differentials? Frustrated by the complications of "unspoken" agendas?

In this highly relevant episode Michael talks with two of the the authors of "Resilient Ministry" and "The Politics of Ministry" about how, as Christians, we can not only survive but thrive in one of the most demanding vocations around - serving and leading in government.

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The Unpacking: Whole-Life Discipleship, Part 1

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 21:00:00 GMT

After a "long strange trip" Michael returns to host this podcast on the first three facets of whole-life discipleship: spiritual, emotional and relational.

Along the way, we learn one of Michael's favorite movies is "High Fidelity" and that he flunked out of college after attempting to major in binge drinking. He also shares his story of coming to faith at the age of 17 and how, shortly after arriving in Washington four years ago, his multiple childhood traumas led him seek medical help which saved his life.

Michael also discusses how Scripture makes it clear that humanity has a long history of emotional and relational brokenness, and the role this, and uneven power differentials play in Washington as we seek to participate in Christ's mission of making all things new.

Books quoted:
Kenda Creasy Dean, "Almost Christian"
Douglas Hyde, "Dedication and Leadership"
Chuck DeGroat, "Wholeheartedness"
Robert Nisbet, "The Quest for Community"

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast: Steve Taylor on Faith, Music, and Saying What Others Won't

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:50:09 GMT

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The Faithful Presence Reboot & Intro

Rev. Michael Langer — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:00:00 GMT

In this reboot episode, Michael discusses what led to the creation of Faithful Presence and takes everyone on a shallow dive into the mission and vision of the ministry. He also shares a "great" joke about lawyers, explains why yelling "Repent" isn't usually the best approach to folks getting off the Red Line at Union Station, how to talk to philosophers, why lobbyists matter to flourishing, and introduces the seven facets of Whole Life Discipleship. Remarkably, he even leaves content for future episodes.

New Episodes drop every Monday morning!

Make sure to check out more hot selections from our bumper music because Iowa City has produced some excellent music!

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast: Dr. Anthony Bradley on "Holistic Discipleship"

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

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Deep Dive: Emotional Discipleship with Dr. Dan Sartor

Rev. Michael Langer — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael meets up with Dr. Dan Sartor to talk about emotional discipleship. Join the both of them as they discuss the necessity of emotional health for flourishing in a high intensity work environment like that of Washington DC.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast: Patrick Novecosky on "John Paul II's Lasting Influence on...Everything"

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:20:10 GMT

Works Cited

“100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World”Laborem Exercens” (1981)“Centesimus Annus,” (1991) “Evangelium Vitae” (1995)

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MASTER CLASS (1995 "Bootleg"): Tim Keller on "Evangelism through Networking"

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the podcast, we dig back into the vault (aka Michael's computer) for another gem for the much-heralded "Tommy Tapes" delivered in 1995 during a church planting conference.

In the public square, networking is an essential skill for flourishing. It is how relationships are made, opportunities opened, and agendas advanced. And, while we should never see people as projects, we are called to "proclaim the excellencies of the one who called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light."

Many Christians struggle with moving a networking conversation from initial contact, to a relationship to, hopefully, a conversation about the gospel. In this recording, Dr. Keller discusses the role intentionality can bring the relationship to the gospel. Dr, Keller, even references Christian Embassy (a Washington-based ministry to diplomats) as an example of the role networking plays in evangelism.

How do we use inquiry, questions, a desire for belonging, and defeaters to engage people with the gospel? In other words, allowing them to lead themselves to the conversation.

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Getting What You Deserve

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

In Washington, and everywhere else, flourishing and success often comes to those that freely use unrighteous and unjust means to get there and those who remain faithful often feel as though they do not receive what they deserve from God for being faithful. In this episode, Michael speaks to this situation using a number of Psalms.

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"Claiming the Courageous Middle," with Dr. Shirley Mullen

Rev. Michael Langer — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Michael and Dr. Mullen discuss connecting the social implications of the gospel to the salvific, the messiness of pastors trying to navigate social media's impact on ideological development, the impact of the "Big Sort" on mission, and whether people "have" opinions or "are" their opinions, the false humility of individualized truth claims, "changing the world," the importance of curiosity, interrogating our own beliefs first, and other great nuggets.

Work Cited
"The Big Sort," Bill Bishop
"Pensées," Blaise Pascal
The Federalist Papers

Thanks to David for another great podcast edit!

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Deep Dive: Relational Discipleship with Tracy Matthews and Erin Slone

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael gets together with Tracy Matthews and Erin Slone from Attune to Grow to discuss relational discipleship. Together they speak to the importance of a safe workplace environment, how relational discipleship plays into that, and what this has to do with Faithful Presence.

Check out Attune to Grow at their web sight here.

See Amy Edmonson's Ted Talk, Building a Psychologically Safe Workplace, here.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast: Dr. Bill Peel, President of 24Seven Faith on "Connecting Faith & Work to the Public Square"

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 20:19:47 GMT

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

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Deep Dive: Spiritual Discipleship with Rev. Patrick Allen

Rev. Michael Langer — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 03:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael is joined by his first guest, Rev. Patrick Allen! Together, they discuss the necessity of spiritual discipleship within the church. They lament the ways in which spiritual discipleship has been neglected in the past and look forward to ways in which the church can better equip younger generations.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast: "A.I., the Imago Dei, Mad Max, and the Public Square" with William Monroe, Ph.D.

Rev. Michael Langer — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:42 GMT

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

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Humanity, Insecurity, Trust, and Everything

Rev. Michael Langer — Tue, 09 May 2023 17:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael explores three aspects of insecurity: uncertainty, weakness and unease, and how these realities of our humanity present both challenges and opportunities to trust in Christ. For those serving and leading in Washington, this episode will interact with how embracing our humanity is actually one of the biggest hurdles to living in a posture of faithful presence.

Michael also address how embracing his humanity played a large role in the long gap between episodes.

Resources: Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, Pete Scazzaro

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Cultural Roundtable with Jeremy Knapp

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 21:00:00 GMT

Michael and Jeremy discuss three recent articles from David Brooks, Peter Leithart, and Anne Snyder which all explore the ramifications of locating our identity in the therapeutic-driven constructions of culture:

David Brooks, "Hey America, Grow Up" from the New York Times
Peter Leithart, "Man Up!" from First Things
Ann Snyder, "Words Against Flesh" from Comment Magazine

Other works referenced:
Flannery O'Connor, address at Georgetown University
William Butler Yeats, “The Second Coming”
Rod Dreher, "The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation"
Gene Edward Veith, "Post-Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture"
Rebecca McLaughlin, The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims

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BONUS Episode: Faith In The Public Square with Dr. Vince Bacote

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 16:00:00 GMT

In this bonus episode, Michael is joined by Dr. Vince Bacote as they discuss faith in the public square. Here, they cover hot topics like the recent Dobbs decision and CRT. They also speak to evangelicalism and the complexities of how it has been seen and expressed in American society.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

The Diversity of The Church as Blessing and Sanctification with David Bailey

Rev. Michael Langer — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 15:00:00 GMT

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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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

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

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Deep Dive: Emotional Discipleship with Michael Coggin

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode, deep dive with us into the importance of emotional discipleship with therapist and pastor, Michael Coggin. Michael covers the usefulness of therapy, dealing with toxic work environments, narcissism and leadership, trauma, and the like. Also, go check out Michael Coggin’s book, Ravenous Wolves: Shepherding the Church in an Age of Narcissism.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

"The Politics of the Gospel"

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The trial of Jesus in Matthew 27 provides some fairly pointed insight and commentary on how we view those serving and leading in government. In this episode, Michael unpacks how the gospel upends our political values and exposes our political longings.

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Deep Dive: Vocational Discipleship with Rev. Dr. Charlie Self

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael hosts Rev. Dr. Charlie Self and they participate in a conversation on vocational discipleship. Together, they wrestle with issues surrounding compartmentalizing work life and spiritual lives and moving towards bridging that gap.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

The Unpacking: Whole-Life Discipleship, Part 2

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 19:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael examines the relevance of vocational and ideological discipleship in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and consequently, the relevance it has to our own day-to-day lives. He speaks to how all our work matters, no matter how meaningless it may feel, and also to how Christian values transcend political parties and affiliations.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Episode #2: The Washington SPIN

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 17:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael takes us on a deep dive into the reasons why Washington D.C matters to what God is doing in the world and how Faithful Presence is working to care for those working in this great city. Along the way he discusses lessons learned from 15 years in sales, whether America is God's new favorite nation, why we aren't suppose to wear buffalo hats, and recaps Marvel's: "Infinity War" & "End Game." Michael also introduces us to a new job title, "think-tank thinkers."

Bibliography
Alvin Plantinga, "Not The Way It's Supposed To Be"
Rod Draher, "The Benedict Option"
David Van Drunnen, "The Two Kingdoms"
Tim Keller, "Center Church"
Amy Sherman, "Kingdom Calling"
Miroslav Volf, "Soft Difference" (article)
James K.A. Smith, "Awaiting The King"
Greg Forster, "For the Joy Of The World"

New Episodes drop every Monday morning!

Make sure to check out more hot selections from our bumper music because Iowa City has produced some excellent music!

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Engaging Our Culture (and Bioethics) with Dr. Luke Bobo

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Michael and Dr. Bobo plumb the depths of seminary education, working in both the public and theological worlds, navigating culture, a redemptive view of vocation, and how a divinity degree helps with bioethics conversations.

Works Cited
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, Os Guinness (2003)

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

BONUS Episode: Dealing with Depression

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 20:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael delivers a sermon from the Psalms. He speaks to the reality of depression and anxiety amongst followers of Christ and the Church’s broad silence on those issues as well as the pressure to act like everything is fine when it is not.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

How Church-based Racial Reconciliation Services Bless the Public Square

Rev. Michael Langer — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael hosts "D.B." and "Supe," two Chicago area pastors from vastly different demographic contexts living in the same Congressional District. Together, they explain how their love of the gospel and excellent preaching formed a friendship that pulled both into the work of racial reconciliation in their individual congregations. Finally, they explore the cultural objections to such services, the obstacles to pursuing reconciliation, and why these services matter to the public square.

Here is the link to the 1st Congressional District that the entire panel lived in prior to the most recent redistricting.

https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd113/cd_based/ST17/CD113_IL01.pdf

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BONUS: 1 Peter 2:9-12, A Sermon on Faithful Presence

Rev. Michael Langer — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 14:00:00 GMT

In this special bonus episode, Michael delivers a sermon to Heritage Presbyterian Church on 1 Peter. Listen in on an unpacking of what the Faithful Presence ministry is about how 1 Peter calls us to live faithfully present lives.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Deep Dive: Apologetics & Evangelism with Dr Randy Newman

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 03:00:00 GMT

On this episode Michael chats with author and C.S. Lewis scholar, Dr. Randy Newman about the shortcomings of “lifestyle evangelism,” persuasion in an age of polarization, responding to cultural defeaters, why questions work better than assertions, the importance of admitting the incomplete answers Christians can offer, and the critical role of cultural apologetics in whole-life discipleship.

Books by Dr. Newman:
Mere Evangelism
Questioning Evangelism

Other links from the episode:
Good Faith
Short People by the other Randy Newman

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe

Mission and the Four Questions of Faithful Presence

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 02:00:00 GMT

In this episode Michael outlines and examines the four questions of Faithful Presence which are:
1: What is good that needs encouragement?
2: What is broken that requires restoration?
3: What is missing that awaits creation?
4: What is evil that demands opposition?

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Podcast: Dr. Stephen Presley on "Discipleship and the Early Church"

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:00:00 GMT

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"Agents of Flourishing" with Dr. Amy Sherman

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:00:00 GMT

During this AMAZING episode, Michael and Dr. Sherman discuss the role of the righteous in the flourishing of others, how "flourishing" has become a trigger word for some, subjecting the "right" and "left" to God's definitions of flourishing, expanding the expectations of the gospel, and the current impact of Mexican hip-hop in making all things new.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

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BONUS Episode: Power Differentials, Faithful Presence, and Living Differently

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:00:00 GMT

In this bonus episode, Michael delivers a sermon to Heritage Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, Virginia. In this sermon, Michael is preaching from 1 Peter 2: 13-17 and he focuses in on what it means for Christian’s to submit to human institutions.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

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MASTER CLASS (1995 "Bootleg"): Tim Keller on Reaching the Secular Man

Rev. Michael Langer — Tue, 23 May 2023 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Michael shares a rare recording of Dr. Tim Keller giving a seminar to a small group of church planters circa 1995 (before any of his published works). While aimed at church planters, this talk is universally helpful in navigating culture in a post-modern and post-Christian world, overcoming defeaters to Christian faith claims, and making the gospel clear to seekers and skeptics. In this talk, Keller covers everything from avant-garde art and Camus to housing projects and the gender debate in a Master Class on reaching the secular man.

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Podcast: Dr. John Bowman on "Intellectual Discipleship"

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:00:55 GMT

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Faithful Presence, Power Differentials, and the Public Square

Rev. Michael Langer — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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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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.

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"Questioning Faith," with Dr. Randy Newman

Rev. Michael Langer — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 18:00:00 GMT

Michael talks with scholar, author, and Faithful Presence board member, Dr. Randy Newman, about his most recent book, "Questioning Faith." Together they explore getting to know people, suffering, alcoholism, Christopher Hitchens, the importance of switchbacks, and how many books Dr. Newman has actually written.

For NPR's interview with Christopher Hitchens referenced by Dr. Newman, go to: https://www.npr.org/2010/06/05/127495653/christopher-hitchens-unusual-and-radical-life.

Dr. Randy Newman's SEVEN books can be located here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001KI1W0S

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Finding Hope In Hopelessness

Rev. Michael Langer — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

In this season opener of the second season of The Faithful Presence Podcast, Michael shares a recent sermon that he gave on the final chapter on the book of Acts.

In this sermon, Michael addresses the fact that 2023 will probably not be much better than 2022, 2020, all the years before that, and what to do if we aren’t “living our best lives now.”

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

Get full access to Faithful Presence at faithfulpresence.substack.com/subscribe