The Wednesday Conversation

Coram Deo Church, Omaha, NE
  • 4.8 (152)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A weekly conversation about how the gospel of Jesus Christ connects to the questions and issues of everyday life. Hosted by the leaders of Coram Deo Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 560: Chris Says Goodbye

    In Chris’s final episode, we reflect on his journey over the past 11+ years. In this episode, we say goodbye to Pastor Chris Hemmelman as he prepares to move from Bellevue, Nebraska to Woodstock, Georgia. We reflect on his journey from church planting resident to lead pastor at First City Church — and what he’s learned along the way. Chris shares what he’s learned about church planting, leadership development, risk-taking, and the slow, relational work of faithful ministry. The conversation closes with reflections on gratitude, presence, and trusting God in seasons of transition. Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Chris’s Farewell Episode(2:00) Discernment, Risk, and Residency(7:45) Lessons in Leadership Development(10:30) What Would You Tell Yourself 10 Years Ago?(15:20) Favorite Podcast Moments(22:40) Transition, Presence, and Prayers for What’s Next

    30 min

  2. FEB 4

    Episode 559: Harmonizing the Gospels

    How do we make sense of the differences within the four Gospels? Readers of the Bible can't help but notice that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John sometimes tell the same stories differently. Was there one angel at the tomb (Matthew), or two (Luke)? Did Jesus cleanse the Temple at the beginning of his ministry (John), or near the end (Matthew)? In this episode, we explore how to make sense of this variety within the Gospel accounts. We discuss apparent contradictions, the literary conventions of first-century biographies, and how to read the Gospels with wise confidence in the reliability of Scripture. Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: The Problem of Harmonization(4:27) Not Video Camera Footage(10:50) Place Names and Geography(14:25) Order, Grouping, and Theological Structure(21:09) Letting Matthew Be Matthew

    29 min

  3. JAN 28

    Episode 558: American Solidarity

    Why does American life feel so fractured, and what can Christians do about it? American society feels increasingly polarized, anxious, and divided — and many people sense that the problem is deeper than politics. In this episode, we explore the idea that what’s really fraying is solidarity. Drawing on James Davison Hunter’s Democracy and Solidarity and a recent article by Jake Meador, we examine three competing visions for renewing American solidarity. We argue that neither free-market individualism nor ethnic nationalism offers a meaningful solution, and we discuss how Christianity provides a framework for a distinctive and robust solidarity. Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: The Future of The Wednesday Conversation(7:45) Liberal Individualism and the Loss of Solidarity(14:55) Nationalism as a False Solution(22:34) A Christian Vision of Dependence(30:35) What Solidarity Looks Like in Everyday Life(34:00) Stitching the Fabric Back Together Locally

    35 min

  4. JAN 21

    Episode 557: Evangelicals’ Elite Problem

    Do evangelicals really lack cultural elites — and if so, does it matter? An essay in First Things argues that evangelicals have failed to cultivate elites in America’s most influential institutions, leaving them underrepresented in culture-shaping domains like media, academia, and politics. In this episode, we examine author Aaron Renn’s claims, question his definition of “elite,” and explore where the argument resonates — and where it falls apart. We discuss populism within evangelicalism, the absence of a robust theology of vocation, the tension evangelicals feel toward ambition and power, and reflect on how the gospel reframes ambition, faithfulness, and cultural impact. Chapters: (0:00) Introductions: Evangelical Elites? (8:07) Why Evangelicals Struggle with Power (19:08) Ambition, Leadership, and Discernment (26:26) The Need for Flagship Churches (32:29) The Gospel’s Reframing of Success

    35 min

  5. JAN 14

    Episode 556: The Lost Generation

    Are white millennial men becoming a “lost generation”? A widely shared essay in Compact magazine contends that white millennial men have borne an overlooked cost of the DEI era — facing stalled careers, closed doors, and deep vocational disillusionment. In this episode, we examine the article’s claims and reflect on why this story has resonated so strongly. We discuss meritocracy, generational resentment, the spiritual danger of letting vocational injustice define our identity, and how the gospel speaks to disappointment and unfair systems. Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: The Lost Generation(4:40) A Listener’s Story(12:05) Journalism, Academia, and Hollywood: The Evidence(20:00) Meritocracy, Resentment, and Generational Fallout(22:45) What the Gospel Offers in an Unfair World

    32 min

  6. JAN 7

    Episode 555: From the Archives | The Art of Asking Good Questions

    Why is question-asking vital to spiritual growth and formation? Asking questions is an important part of forming good relationships. Yet sometimes we fail to ask questions or ask the wrong kind of questions in an effort to avoid conflict or out of fear. In this episode from 2016, we discuss the art of asking good questions — how it shows love and curiosity, why it’s essential to our spiritual formation, and how we can be attuned to the Holy Spirit as we do it.

    25 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    Episode 554: 2025 in Review

    What were some of the highlights of 2025? On the last day of 2025, we spend some time reflecting on the past year. In this episode, we talk about impactful books we read, memorable moments in ministry, insights from Scripture, and longings we have for ourselves and our churches. Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Chippers?(4:58) Books We Read in 2025(10:57) Key Ministry Moments(17:03) Engaging with Scripture(20:42) People & Places(25:05) Longings

    33 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Episode 553: Pastoral Transitions

    How should a pastor process a calling to leave a church and transition to a new ministry setting? Pastoral transitions can be difficult for churches and leaders to navigate. Sometimes pastors move on for the wrong reasons. But sometimes, the Spirit of God is on the move. How can we discern the difference? In this episode, Chris opens up about a forthcoming transition in his own ministry. We discuss the importance of relational trust, self-awareness and discernment, inviting community into the process, and the practical realities of leading through change. Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Christmastime = Snack Time(1:02) Chris is Departing Omaha(4:49) Moving from Good to Good(14:54) The Stages of Reckoning with a Pastoral Shift(19:33) Questions Pastors Should Be Asking(29:31) Questions Churches Should Be Asking

    34 min
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4.8
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About

A weekly conversation about how the gospel of Jesus Christ connects to the questions and issues of everyday life. Hosted by the leaders of Coram Deo Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

Information

  • Creator
    Coram Deo Church, Omaha, NE
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    297
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    The Wednesday Conversation

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