Equip Podcast

Cornerstone Church of Ames
  • 4.8 (113)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Produced by Cornerstone Church of Ames, The Equip Podcast is designed to provide insight, resources and Biblical wisdom to help us live faithful and fruitful lives together. 

  1. 4D AGO

    Men & Women Part 4: Q&A

    In the final episode of the Men & Women series, Mark and Emily respond to questions submitted by listeners throughout the series. These questions explore how the biblical vision for men and women plays out in everyday life, the church, and broader society. Episode Highlights: 00:29 — Launching the final Q&A episode of the Men & Women series 00:56 — Theological triage: where debates about men and women fit in gospel importance 01:34 — When gender theology becomes a dividing line between churches 03:04 — Can a Christian attend a church with a woman pastor? 03:34 — How gender debates often reveal deeper views about Scripture 05:57 — Historical arguments about women in the early church 07:07 — Understanding the role women played in early Christianity 08:41 — Should biblical distinctions influence leadership outside the church? 09:10 — Authority structures in the home and church 10:44 — Questions about military service and physical standards 13:42 — Interpreting difficult passages like “women saved through childbearing” 17:40 — Questions about modesty and gender distinction in clothing 22:31 — What actually counts as a pastoral role in the church? 23:12 — Can women lead communion or baptize? 27:03 — Final reflections on honoring and encouraging women in the church Resources: • Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    28 min

  2. MAR 19

    Men & Women Part 3: Dangers & Distortions

    In Part 3 of the Men & Women series, Mark and Emily turn to the tensions and misunderstandings that often arise in conversations about gender. After exploring the biblical definitions and distinctions between men and women, this episode addresses the ways those ideas can be distorted both inside and outside the church. Episode Highlights: 00:27 — Entering Part 3 of the Men & Women series: addressing the dangers 00:37 — Why discussions about gender often become controversial 00:58 — A core principle: danger arises whenever we push against God’s created order 01:02 — Starting with the church: how these debates affect Christian communities 01:49 — The “slippery slope” fear that any flexibility leads to abandoning biblical teaching 02:40 — The risk of rigid or reactionary complementarian cultures 03:38 — A serious pastoral concern: when churches fail to protect women in harmful situations 04:36 — Cultural trends like “tradwife” conversations and their influence on Christian discussions 05:49 — How complementarian ideas can sometimes be misused or weaponized 07:26 — A different vision: cultivating a culture of pursuit rather than mere permission 08:18 — Encouraging men and women to actively use their gifts in the life of the church 16:00 — The cultural pressures shaping modern conversations about gender 19:48 — Holding biblical conviction while still loving people who disagree Resources: • Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    23 min

  3. MAR 12

    Men & Women Part 2: Distinct by Design

    In Part 2 of the Men & Women series, Mark and Emily move from definitions to distinctions. After establishing in the previous episode that men and women share equal dignity as image-bearers of God, this conversation explores how scripture describes meaningful differences between male and female. Episode Highlights: 00:27 — Returning to the Men & Women series and recapping the foundation from Part 1 00:43 — Moving from definitions to distinctions between men and women 00:59 — Genesis 1 recap: male and female created by God 01:05 — Genesis 2: the first distinction between man and woman in creation 02:30 — Opening Ephesians 5 to understand how the New Testament addresses gender roles 03:55 — Paul’s teaching about order and relationships within the church 06:20 — Why biblical distinctions are grounded in creation, not merely cultural context 08:40 — Avoiding stereotypes while still acknowledging real differences 11:15 — Women as vital partners in the gospel mission 13:00 — Biological and relational realities that shape how men and women engage the world 17:58 — Ephesians 5 and the vision for marriage and the household 22:45 — Final reminder: Christ is the ultimate authority over men and women alike Resources: • Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    26 min

  4. MAR 5

    Men & Women Part 1: God's Good Design

    Mark and Emily begin a new series exploring what the Bible teaches about men and women. At a time when questions about gender, identity, and roles dominate cultural conversations, they return to the opening pages of scripture to establish a biblical foundation. Episode Highlights: 00:27 — Introducing a new series: Men & Women 00:46 — Why conversations about gender keep resurfacing in both culture and the church 01:27 — Gender as part of God’s created order, not merely a social construct 02:11 — Series roadmap: foundations, distinctions, dangers, and a Q&A episode 03:12 — “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus?” — where many gender conversations begin 03:18 — Starting point: men and women are more alike than we often assume 03:37 — Most commands in Scripture apply to all image-bearers, not just one gender 03:55 — Why Genesis 1 must shape our understanding of gender 05:00 — Equal dignity as image-bearers of God, with distinctions that follow 05:36 — The “pyramid” framework: creature vs. creator, human vs. animal, adult vs. child 07:38 — A biblical summary: masculinity as strength to serve, femininity as beauty that brings life 11:00 — Biological differences and why even secular science recognizes them 13:01 — How biological realities shape how men and women show up in relationships and society 17:00 — Why separating biology from identity pushes against God’s created order 21:40 — Final takeaway: the Bible consistently affirms that men and women are different by design Resources: • Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    23 min

  5. FEB 26

    Iowa State Talk Recap: Political Tribalism and the Importance of Christian Presence

    In this episode, Mark recaps his recent lecture at Iowa State University, reflecting on the growing problem of political tribalism in America and calling Christians to a distinctly different posture: rooted in conviction, civility, and faithful presence. Episode Highlights 00:00 — Introduction and context: Recapping the Iowa State University lecture 01:52 — A flyover of the talk: Anxiety, anger, and political tribalism 02:06 — The central appeal: Learning how to disagree without dehumanizing 02:58 — A disturbing example: Political violence and the celebration of hatred 04:02 — Diagnosing the moment: Living in an “age of anxiety” 04:15 — Mark Sayers and the “gray zone”: Cultural transition and moral confusion 05:15 — The clash between post-Christian culture and the values of the Kingdom of God 13:01 — The university as a training ground for citizenship and civility 13:20 — The absence of viewpoint diversity and the danger of intellectual tribalism 21:00 — The call to Christian faithfulness: Being loyal first to Christ our King Resources: We Need to Disagree: The Importance of Honesty and Debate in an Age of Political Tribalism (Please note: This recording will remain live until March 2, 2026)Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    22 min

  6. FEB 15

    Lent & Fasting

    Lent isn’t about giving something up, but about cultivating something deeper. In this episode, Mark casts vision for the Lenten season and explains why fasting is a historic and biblical rhythm for followers of Jesus. From churning up the soil of the heart to aligning ourselves with the ancient church, Mark walks through both the theology behind Lent and the plan Cornerstone will follow together. Episode Highlights 00:27 — Introducing Lent and the vision for this season 01:14 — Jesus assumes his followers will fast 02:08 — “Break up the fallow ground” (Hosea 10:12) 02:48 — Lent connects us to the ancient church 03:21 — The 40-day rhythm of fasting & feasting 06:26 — Introducing the Lent Bookmark and weekly plan 08:00 — Overview of the seven weekly fasts 08:34 — Weekly communion throughout Lent 13:31 — Scripture memory: Philippians 2 14:51 — Final encouragement: Now is the time to seek the Lord Resources Text 'LENT' to 515-329-3343 to sign up for weekly reminders plus daily Holy Week readings and videos to guide you through this season.Cornerstone Church Lent ResourcesLent Bookmark & Weekly PlanCornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    15 min

  7. FEB 12

    AI Part 3: Using AI Wisely in Daily Life

    What does faithfulness look like as artificial intelligence becomes a normal part of everyday life? In Part 3 of this series, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen focus on practical wisdom—how Christians can use AI responsibly without outsourcing discernment, formation, or trust to technology. This conversation centers on limits: why AI should remain a tool rather than a guide, how dependence subtly shapes our spiritual habits, and why Christian maturity requires presence, patience, and embodied wisdom in an increasingly automated world. Episode Highlights   00:46 — Framing the conversation: living faithfully as Christians amid rapid technological change 01:53 — Everyday AI usage and how quickly dependence can form 03:14 — The danger of outsourcing thinking, discernment, and wisdom 05:02 — Why AI can assist productivity but cannot shape character 07:18 — Formation happens through presence, not efficiency 09:41 — The spiritual cost of convenience we rarely notice 12:06 — Why Christian growth requires friction, struggle, and patience 14:38 — AI as a tool, not a teacher or authority 17:05 — Discernment as a learned habit, not a technological feature 19:44 — How embodied community resists technological isolation 22:31 — The church’s responsibility to form people, not compete with tools 25:06 — Holding a posture of confidence rather than fear 27:26 — Final encouragement: use technology wisely, know its limits, trust Christ Resources Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    28 min

  8. FEB 5

    AI Part 2: Wisdom and Discernment in a Digital Age

    How should Christians think about the ethical limits of artificial intelligence, and where should wisdom, restraint, and responsibility come into play? In Part 2 of this series, Mark Vance and Emily Jensen move from foundations to application, exploring the moral, ethical, and spiritual questions AI raises for individuals, churches, and society. This episode focuses on discernment: how Christians can engage emerging technology without fear, cynicism, or blind optimism. Mark and Emily discuss limits, unintended consequences, and why Christian wisdom must be shaped by Scripture. Episode Highlights 00:00 — Why Christians need more than excitement or fear when talking about AI 01:04 — Recap of Part 1 and why ethics must follow theology 02:28 — The difference between technological capability and moral permission 04:11 — Why “we can” doesn’t mean “we should” 06:02 — Human limits as a gift, not a flaw 07:46 — How AI subtly reshapes our understanding of work, creativity, and value 10:03 — Convenience, automation, and the danger of moral laziness 12:21 — Loving your neighbor in an age of powerful technology 15:04 — Why wisdom requires slowing down rather than keeping up 17:36 — The church’s role in forming people, not just reacting to tools 20:11 — Discernment as a spiritual discipline, not a personality trait 22:48 — Where Christians should draw lines 25:14 — Hope rooted in Christ, not technological progress Resources Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online Ask Mark a Question! Suggest a topic or question for Mark to discuss on a future episode of the Equip Podcast!

    35 min
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4.8
out of 5
113 Ratings

About

Produced by Cornerstone Church of Ames, The Equip Podcast is designed to provide insight, resources and Biblical wisdom to help us live faithful and fruitful lives together. 

Information

  • Creator
    Cornerstone Church of Ames
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    324
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cornerstone Church of Ames
  • Show Website
    Equip Podcast

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