Kainos Project

In many ways, the modern day evangelical church runs as a business. We manage buildings, payrolls, marketing budgets, and a host of other things that require business savvy. The modern day evangelical church is also fundamentally a spiritual community, centered on the mission of Christ and (hopefully) sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Are these two things at odds? In this episode, we dive into some of the ways in which the church in America operates like a business, for better or for worse. We also explore why it is that church has come to be done this way, and how this way of operating may be impacting our faith. We discuss the ways in which a business mindset may be helpful in advancing the mission of the gospel through marketing efforts or leadership training. We also discuss some ways in which a business mentality has been hurtful or even abusive, as in the case of nondisclosure agreements. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Earlier this month, "Sound of Freedom" hit theaters to the praise of many evangelicals. The film depicts the real-life events surrounding Tim Ballard, a former federal agent who quit his job to lead operations to free children from child sex trafficking rings in South America. Ballard is portrayed by none other than Jim Caviezel, who is famous for playing the role of Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ." It would seem that a movie about the fight to end human trafficking—featuring the face of Jesus, no less—would be uncontroversial, but "Sound of Freedom" has been anything but. Critics have accused the movie of misrepresenting human trafficking and how to fight it, and some have even suggested that the movie promotes QAnon conspiracy theories. In response, some supporters of the film have suggested that those critical of "Sound of Freedom" are deep state Democrats who are involved in a sex trafficking ring of their own. (Notably, the existence of a sex trafficking ring among liberal elites is one of the more prominent QAnon conspiracy theories.) In this episode of the podcast, we try to make sense of the mess. Are the critiques leveled against "Sound of Freedom" politically motivated, completely fair, or somewhere in between? We also talk about the importance of anti-trafficking work and how Christians can support the effort. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In recent years, conversations around social justice and "wokeness" have dominated the public discourse, both inside and outside the church. For many evangelicals, opposition to social justice has even emerged as a theological distinctive used to identify who is "one of us." However, a close observer of the history of American evangelicalism will note that this division over justice is not new. In fact, when it comes to the question of social justice, evangelicals have debated with, and divided from, each other for at least a hundred years. On this episode, we dive into the more than a century long history that has led to the current "war on woke" within evangelicalism today. We also discuss how we can engage issues of justice in a manner that keeps us from falling prey to the same mistakes—and, in some cases, outright sins—of those who came before us. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In generations past, it was assumed that pastors had attended seminary before being ordained to lead their church. Today, that isn't necessarily the case, as an emphasis on formal theological training has given way to an emphasis on charisma or leadership ability. This week on the podcast, we discuss: is this trend a good thing, a bad thing, or just a thing? Is it absolutely necessary for a pastor to be seminary trained in order to be considered qualified and well-equipped for local church ministry? You may have guessed that two people who hold Master of Divinity degrees would recommend that other people attend seminary. And you would be right! Nevertheless, in our conversation, we discuss why we must be careful not to gate-keep where Jesus never told us to put gates up. While we explore all the ways that seminary can be a valuable experience for church leaders of various stripes, we also discuss what matters most in qualifying a pastor for ministry, which is something that seminary can't actually teach them. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In recent years, the existence of infinite parallel universes has become a popular narrative feature, appearing in several films and television shows. While these stories are full of fantasy about limitless possibilities and alternate realities, to many scientists, the existence of the multiverse is a real possibility. For some, such as Stephen Hawking, its existence can even be used to explain away the intelligent design of our universe. Not every scientist feels that way though. In this episode, we dive (lightly) into some of the scientific discussions surrounding theories of the multiverse, as well as what they mean for how we understand God, ourselves, and our place in the cosmos. We also discuss why it is that so many people find multiversal stories so captivating and compelling. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As the culture war is fought in the political arena, in the media, and online, any number of issues arise in the conversation that are important to devout Christians. From human sexuality to racial justice and other issues, Christians have something to say about how their personal convictions intersect with the public conversation. There are legitimate debates to be had and arguments to be made. But then there's the silly stuff. Sometimes, what counts as a controversy is almost laughable. Some "controversies" use buzzwords that relate to issues that are important to us, but the actual debate is completely lacking in substance. It merely exist to drive clicks, views, and engagements—much of them fueled by blind outrage. This week on the podcast, we discuss how to navigate this mess. Is it better to unplug and disengage completely? Or are there steps we can take to engage in a way that is not only healthier, but godlier? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Over the past number of months, we have had the opportunity to be a part of something exciting and new. We are a part of team of people who are going to be planting a new church. It's a big commitment, and it's not one that every person—or every Christian—understands. Why would anyone want to plant a church? Don't we already have enough churches? In this episode, we share both our personal and theological reasons for moving our family to a different city to help plant a church. We also offer our best arguments for why every Christian should be invested in church planting, whether you are joining a team yourself or supporting others who are. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From investigative podcasts to docu-series on major streaming platforms, you may have recently noticed a considerable uptick in Christian "Rise and Fall" content—programs that put a spotlight on the scandals and failures of evangelical leaders and institutions. Many have lauded these series and the truth they expose. Others, however, have given them a derogatory moniker: failure porn. Whether it is Mars Hill, Hillsong, Jerry Falwell Jr., or the Duggar family, these types of series give viewers and listeners real insights into the toxic cultures and institutions that have too long been feeding grounds for abuse. At the same time, they are also meant to offer entertainment value. This tension has led many to feel squeamish about their recent rise in popularity. Is that a fair, though? How cynical should we be here? Are these series a type of public accountability, failure porn, or a little of both? How should Christians interact with these types of content, if at all, in a way that is healthy, empathetic, and helpful? In this episode, we discuss all these questions and more. READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Throughout the church's existence, there have been times when it was on the right side of history. Other times, it has been on the wrong side of history. And in other cases, it was on both sides, simultaneously. This was certainly the case in America when it came to the institution of chattel slavery. Prior to and all throughout the American Civil War, devout Christians stood on either side of the abolition movement. They were all reading the same Bible, but somehow they were coming to drastically different conclusions when it came to the American system of slavery. In this episode, we explore the history of the abolitionist movement through a theological lens. What biblical arguments were preachers and theologians making for (and against) abolition at the time? And why did it take America's bloodiest war to settle the question once and for all? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A couple of weeks ago, pastor, author, and apologist Timothy Keller passed away. As one of the most influential Christian thinkers of his generation, Keller's works and writings will likely be read and discussed by evangelicals for years to come. In the weeks since his passing, the internet has been flooded with tributes to Keller, who was known for his winsome approach to cultural engagement and evangelism. And, in somewhat poor form, social media has also been party to heated discussion about the legacy of his winsome way of life and ministry, with some arguing that Keller's approach was better fit for a cultural landscape that no longer exists. In this episode, we remember Timothy Keller's contribution to the world of evangelicalism, as well as our own formation, and discuss the legacy of his approach. Is winsomeness still the way to engage culture, or is Keller's death somewhat symbolic of the end of an era? READ FULL SHOW NOTES HERE Visit kainosproject.com to find other resources to help you tackle ancient truths in everyday settings, and be sure to subscribe to our email list to get all of our fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.Subscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on Spotify Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.