Michael Easley inContext

Michael Easley

Michael Easley inContext is designed to help you form a Biblical worldview through sound Biblical exposition and real-life insights.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Influencing The Next Generation in a Digital World with Dr. Josh Packard

    How do we guide the next generation when their world is digital, fast-changing, and often confusing for adults?In this episode, Michael Easley sits down with sociologist Dr. Josh Packard to unpack the surprising truth: you don’t need to master every platform or trend to meaningfully influence teens. You need presence, curiosity, and listening.Together they explore why today’s teens feel digitally confident yet relationally insecure, how this tension shapes their everyday lives, and what caring adults can do to build trust in a world full of noise. If you’re a parent, pastor, mentor, or leader investing in Gen Z or Gen Alpha, this conversation will reshape the way you think about discipleship and connection.What You’ll Learn- Why adults don’t need to “keep up” with technology to guide teens- How the digital confidence vs. relational insecurity gap impacts students- Why listening is often more powerful than teaching- The shift from “truth → trust → time” to “time → trust → truth”- Practical ways to engage the next generation with presence and consistencyChapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation07:31 Understanding Generational Differences13:16 The Role of Trust in Ministry18:53 Sacred Listening and Relational Ministry23:32 Growing Up Online: The Impact of Social Media27:34 Navigating Teen Social Media Spaces31:18 Understanding the Digital Generation35:02 Curiosity Over Expertise in Youth Engagement38:48 Building Trust Through Presence43:00 Cognitive Dissonance in the Digital Age47:57 The Challenge of Information Overload52:15 The Power of Listening and Curiosity Links Mentioned Faithful Futures by Dr. Josh Packard Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

    56 min
  2. 23/12/2025

    Merry Christmas with Michael W. Smith

    Summary: In this special Christmas episode, Michael sits down with the legendary Michael W. Smith for a rich, joyful, and deeply reflective conversation about worship, songwriting, and the heart behind Christmas music. Originally recorded in 2020, their dialogue remains just as relevant and refreshing today. Smith shares how his understanding of worship has matured from music-driven moments to an entire lifestyle shaped by loving God and loving others. The two discuss the origins of some of Smith’s most beloved Christmas songs—like “All Is Well” and “The Promise”—including powerful stories behind their melodies and lyrics. Smith describes the surprising ease of some compositions (“it just fell out of the sky”) and the disciplined humility required to step back when a song isn’t ready. He also recounts influences ranging from Bach and Handel to Andy Williams and classic orchestral Christmas recordings he devoured as a child. Smith opens up about the grind and the beauty of his December touring schedule, the spiritual responsibility of leading worship, and the weight of pride that often shadows artists early in their careers. With honesty and warmth, this episode explores worship as a lifestyle, the craft of songwriting, and the glory of Christ at Christmas. Takeaways: Worship is not music alone but a lifestyle of loving God and others. Growth in worship leadership means decreasing pride, disappearing on stage, and guiding people to meet with God. Smith emphasizes that worship requires purity of heart, not just musical excellence. Links Mentioned Prayer by Tim Keller Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll For more inContext interviews, click here.

    31 min
  3. 16/12/2025

    How Much of the Christmas Story Is Actually in the Bible? | Christmas IQ Quiz

    In this special Christmas episode of inContext, Michael Easley invites you into a thoughtful and engaging Christmas Quiz designed to test what we think we know about the Nativity story. Many of our assumptions come from tradition, art, and cultural imagery — but how much of it actually comes from Scripture? As Michael walks through each question, he highlights key biblical details, corrects common misconceptions, and helps us remember the stunning simplicity of the birth of Christ. This episode isn’t just trivia. It’s a reminder to slow down during a busy season, open the Bible, and return to the true story of the incarnation. Whether you’re listening alone, discussing with your family, or using this quiz in a small group, you’ll gain a clearer view of what the gospel writers recorded — and a renewed sense of wonder at God’s plan in sending His Son. Stay through the final score for a few reflections that will help you read the Christmas story with fresh eyes this year. Resources Mentioned: Download the free Christmas IQ quiz Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:02 – Why We Mix Up the Christmas Story 01:30 – Kids, Storybooks, and Misleading Illustrations 02:20 – Was the Forbidden Fruit an Apple? 03:00 – Christmas Quiz Question #1 03:31 – Christmas Quiz Question #2 03:55 – Christmas Quiz Question #3 04:40 – Christmas Quiz Question #4 05:28 – Christmas Quiz Question #5 06:17 – Christmas Quiz Question #6 07:37 – Christmas Quiz Question #7 08:16 – Christmas Quiz Question #8 08:48 – Christmas Quiz Question #9 09:48 – Christmas Quiz Question #10 10:51 – Christmas Quiz Question #11 11:33 – Christmas Quiz Question #12 13:22 – Christmas Quiz Question #13 13:40 – Christmas Quiz Question #14 15:09 – Christmas Quiz Question #15 16:32 – Christmas Quiz Question #16 17:43 – Glitter, Nativities, and the Herpes of Crafts 18:31 – Where the Christmas Story Appears in Scripture 19:20 – Joseph, Mary, and the Surprise Pregnancy 20:07 – Who Sent Them to Bethlehem? 21:08 – Did the Angels Sing? (The Debate Continues) 22:08 – A Christmas Book Recommendation 23:58 – What Are You Doing for Christmas? 24:40 – Teaching Kids Contentment at Christmas Follow on Instagram and Facebook For more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E click here.

    28 min
  4. 25/11/2025

    Contending For The Rising Generation with Sean Dunn

    Summary: In this episode, Dr. Easley sits down with Sean Dunn, founder of GroundWire, an innovative ministry reaching young people where they already are—online. With decades of experience in youth ministry, Sean shares how God shifted his focus from platform ministry to personal evangelism that points people to Jesus, not a personality. His mission stems from a prayer he first wrote in his Bible at 14: “Contend for a generation.”  Together, Michael and Sean discuss how today’s younger generations—particularly Gen Z—are both deeply anxious and spiritually open, though often disconnected from traditional church structures. Sean unpacks practical ways to engage them with empathy and authenticity, using the simple yet powerful acronym LETS: Listen, Empathize, Transition, Share. He also challenges believers to rethink evangelism through Jesus’ words in Matthew 9: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The conversation calls every listener to see the current culture not as hopeless, but as ripe for harvest—and to pray earnestly for God to send workers into the field. Takeaways: Sean Dunn founded GroundWire to reach young people for Christ through digital evangelism. Today’s youth are spiritually open but disconnected from traditional church methods. The “apathiest” generation believes in God but ignores Him. Authentic care and kindness open doors for gospel conversations. Jesus’ command in Matthew 9 calls believers to pray for and become workers in the harvest. Effective evangelism begins with listening and empathy, not arguments or authority. Links Mentioned Contending For The Rising Generation by Sean Dunn Groundwire Ministries Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

    45 min
  5. 18/11/2025

    Faithful to The Call with Greg Hatteberg

    Summary In this episode, Dr. Easley reconnects with longtime friend and fellow Dallas Theological Seminary alumnus Greg Hatteberg to reflect on a lifetime of faithfulness—through ministry, marriage, and the mentorship of godly leaders. Hattenberg shares how his grandfather’s quiet devotion to Scripture laid the foundation for his own walk with Christ, eventually leading him to Moody and then to Dallas Seminary. There, he and Michael sat under professors like Howard Hendricks and J. Dwight Pentecost, whose lives modeled the truth they taught.  Their conversation weaves together memories of those formative years with reflections on enduring faith amid hardship—especially Greg’s story of loving and caring for his late wife Lisa through her decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis. Her faith and joy in suffering continue to shape his ministry and outlook today. Together, they explore how theological education has expanded from classroom walls to a global platform, yet the heartbeat remains unchanged: to know Christ and serve Him faithfully. Hatteberg’s message to leaders and believers alike is simple: don’t quit; stay the course; finish well. Takeaways Faith’s roots often begin in quiet family devotion and Scripture study. Lifelong ministry is sustained by endurance and faithfulness, not ease. True theological education shapes both heart and mind for a lifetime. Greg’s marriage to Lisa reflected Christlike perseverance through suffering. The methods of teaching evolve, but God’s Word remains unchanged. Every believer is called to finish their ministry with endurance and hope. This episode is for anyone who longs for a faith that lasts. Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or believer walking through hardship, endurance, integrity, and love for God’s Word are what sustain a lifetime of ministry. Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

    37 min

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Michael Easley inContext is designed to help you form a Biblical worldview through sound Biblical exposition and real-life insights.

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