Faithful Presence Podcast

Rev. Michael Langer
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Government
  • Semiweekly

Lively and in-depth conversations with authors, thought leaders, and friends on how each of the seven facets of whole-life discipleship (spiritual, emotional, relational, vocational, ideological, cultural, and evangelical formation) play an essential role in faithful presence.

  1. 22h ago

    5 Year Anniversary Interview with Don Meeks

    Faithful Presence at Five: A Conversation with Michael Langer In this special anniversary episode, Don Meeks interviews Michael Langer about the first five years of Faithful Presence: how the ministry began, what it has learned serving people in Washington, and where it’s headed next. Michael shares the vision behind Faithful Presence, from its approach to whole-life discipleship (spiritual, emotional, relational, vocational, intellectual, cultural, and evangelical) to its conviction that Christian mission in a city built on power should look like service, not conquest. He also reflects on what five years of ministry in a politically charged environment have taught him about reconciliation, listening across differences, and staying rooted in Scripture. For anyone in government, the public square, or anyone who has been part of the Faithful Presence story.Takeaways Importance of whole life discipleshipEngagement in the public square Holistic discipleship is essentialService over conquest in ministry Faithful presence over conflictReconciliation through understanding Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faithful Presence06:07 The Origin Story of Faithful Presence17:45 Understanding Faithful Presence23:04 Whole Life Discipleship Explained26:59 The Essence of Holistic Discipleship30:02 Navigating Emotional and Relational Dynamics32:52 The Four Questions for Discipleship37:25 Ministering in the Political Landscape of D.C.46:51 Finding Traction in Ministry59:44 Service vs. Conquest in Christian Mission01:01:45 Loving Our Enemies01:03:07 The Danger of Division01:06:03 Reconciliation in Ministry01:12:10 Navigating Public Discourse01:14:52 The Rhythm of Faithful Presence01:21:54 Vision for the Future

    5 Year Anniversary Interview with Don Meeks

  2. Oct 23

    Dr. Anthony Bradley On the Importance of Fatherhood

    In this episode of the Faithful Presence Podcast, Reverend Michael Langer interviews Dr. Anthony Bradley, discussing the importance of fatherhood, the role of fraternities and sororities in shaping young men's character, and the societal implications of fatherlessness. The conversation emphasizes the need for moral formation in youth and the impact of fathers on their children's development and societal behavior. The conversation explores the critical role of fathers in child development and faith persistence, emphasizing the need for churches to support parent-child relationships. It critiques current youth ministry models and advocates for a return to biblical principles in parenting and community engagement. Takeaways Fatherhood is crucial for youth developmentFraternities can foster positive character Fathers are crucial for faith persistenceChurches must support parent-child bonds Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Five Years of Faithful Presence05:02 Dr. Anthony Bradley's Journey and Insights09:51 The Role of Fraternities in Character Formation20:05 The Importance of Fathers in Family Dynamics30:06 Addressing Fatherlessness and Its Consequences35:00 Navigating Masculinity in Modern Culture38:30 The Role of Fathers in Faith Persistence45:15 Roughhousing and Its Benefits54:07 Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences01:02:18 Community and Church Engagement01:10:14 Public Policy and Fatherhood

  3. Oct 13

    Dr. Charlie Self On Significance of Intellectual Formation in Theology

    In this episode of the Faithful Presence Podcast, Reverend Michael Langer and Dr. Charlie Self discuss the integration of faith and work, emphasizing the importance of whole life discipleship. They explore Charlie's extensive background in ministry and academia, the significance of the local church, and the need to bridge the gap between Sunday worship and Monday work. The conversation explores the significance of intellectual formation in theology and its application in various social contexts. It emphasizes the importance of humility, diversity, and the role of organizations like the Acton Institute in fostering meaningful dialogue among different Christian traditions. The conversation explores the influence of Marxist ideology on modern evangelical practices and the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation. It emphasizes the necessity of discipleship and holistic formation in the church to counteract radicalization and promote a faithful engagement in the public square. Takeaways Importance of whole life discipleshipIntegration of faith and work Intellectual formation is essentialDiversity enriches theological discussions Marxism's impact on evangelicalismImportance of discipleship in faith Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faithful Presence Podcast04:28 Charlie Self's Journey in Ministry07:29 The Intersection of Academia and Pastoral Work10:19 Understanding Paul's Teachings14:43 The Sunday to Monday Disconnect16:58 The Role of the Local Church19:15 The Importance of Vocational Formation22:16 Faithful Presence in Healthcare25:37 The Value of Every Role in Society27:43 The Importance of Humility in Theology28:59 Navigating Ideological Formation31:52 Intellectual Formation and Its Roots32:21 Engagement with Acton Institute34:34 The Role of Ecumenical Spirit36:00 Understanding Acton's Mission38:20 Diversity in Christian Engagement40:41 Art and Intellectual Culture in Worship41:58 The Intersection of Virtue and Free Markets43:51 Faithful Presence in Social Issues46:33 Access to Capital and Markets48:08 Moral Implications of Economic Practices50:31 The Complexity of Ideologies52:15 Dialogue in the Public Square53:46 Eschatology and Public Square Praxis01:00:07 Understanding the New Apostolic Reformation01:06:47 Engagement in the Public Square01:11:34 Discipleship Dynamics and Formation01:18:52 Revival and Transformation in Society

  4. Oct 11

    Greg Forester On The Challenge of Public Theology Today

    The conversation between Reverend Michael Langer and Dr. Greg Forster explores the intersection of faith, public engagement, and the role of theology in addressing contemporary societal issues. They discuss the importance of whole-life discipleship, the Karam Fellowship's mission, and the need for a robust public theology that connects doctrine with practical application in the world. The conversation explores the intersection of faith, culture, and politics, emphasizing the importance of discipleship and the church's role in society. It discusses the historical context of Augustine's teachings and their relevance to contemporary issues within the church and culture. Takeaways Faith and work integrationImportance of public theology Importance of discipleshipRelevance of Augustine's teachings Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faithful Presence Podcast00:55 Meet Dr. Greg Forster03:07 The Role of Theology in Society09:50 Karam Fellowship and Its Mission15:00 Public Theology and Its Importance21:50 Engaging with Contemporary Issues30:09 Books and Their Impact on Theology40:08 Conclusion and Future Directions40:31 Revival and Discipleship41:56 Faithful Presence and Cultural Engagement45:02 Christianity and Cultural Power51:06 Augustine's Political Theology56:57 Eusebian vs. Donatist Perspectives01:01:01 Practical Applications for Christians01:11:46 Navigating Faith in Public Life

  5. Sep 4

    Dr. Amy Black on Civil Religion

    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 politicsThe role of religion in shaping political culture Chapters 00:00 Transitioning to College01:20 Challenges of Absent Parent04:35 Media Reporting and Its Impact08:42 Doctrine of Spirituality of the Church15:36 Christians in Political Science19:37 The APSA Congressional Fellowship Program21:04 Working in Congress and Changing Perceptions26:01 Wheaton College and Civil Religion36:25 Defining Civil Religion and Shared Values38:19 Navigating Religious Pluralism in American Democracy51:16 The Challenge of Shared Values52:05 Religious Traditions in American Politics57:37 The Influence of Party Platforms01:11:15 The Role of Pastors in Equipping People for Politics01:14:25 The Bible's Role in Navigating the Public Square

  6. Sep 4 ·  Bonus

    Church Workshop: Discipleship for the Public Square

    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

  7. Aug 7

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

    "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

  8. 09/25/2025

    Podcast: Dr. Anthony Bradley on "Holistic Discipleship"

    ----------------------------- "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

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Lively and in-depth conversations with authors, thought leaders, and friends on how each of the seven facets of whole-life discipleship (spiritual, emotional, relational, vocational, ideological, cultural, and evangelical formation) play an essential role in faithful presence.

Information

  • Creator
    Rev. Michael Langer
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rev. Michael Langer
  • Show Website
    Faithful Presence Podcast

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