Today's Conversation

National Association of Evangelicals
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Today’s Conversation is the podcast of the National Association of Evangelicals. Host Walter Kim, NAE president, talks with leading thinkers, theologians, activists, culture-makers and more, with the goal of helping evangelicals foster thriving communities and navigate complexity with biblical clarity.

  1. JAN 15

    Mark Noll | Christianity and the Making of Early America

    As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, historian Dr. Mark Noll — one of the leading scholars of American Christianity — joins NAE President Walter Kim to examine the religious roots of early America. Their conversation explores a story marked by profound conviction and courage, and by contradiction. The pilgrims and Puritans brought a deep​ desire to honor God, build community and seek liberty. These values shaped our nation’s moral foundation, and they still matter today. Dr. Mark Noll and Walter Kim move beyond simplistic narratives about early America to uncover a richer and more honest account of faith’s influence on American life.  In this conversation, they discuss:   What first drew Dr. Noll to the study of American religious history; Biblical examples that model the importance of telling complex, faithful stories;The connection between the pilgrims, the Puritans, the founding fathers and early understandings of religious liberty; andWhat lessons from America’s founding era can help guide the Church today.  This conversation invites believers to engage America’s past with honesty, humility and hope.  Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you like the podcast? Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family. Resources Full conversation with Dr. Mark Noll on YouTubeFor further study, see Romans 13 and 1 SamuelBooks written by Mark Noll“Evangelical: What’s in a Name?”, by Mark Noll in Evangelicals magazineWhat Is An Evangelical?, NAE webpage Today’s Conversation is brought to you by NAE Chaplaincy.

    48 min

  2. 12/15/2025

    Laura Story | Worship in Seasons of Suffering

    In seasons of disruption, loss or uncertainty, how do Christians hold onto beauty, hope and faith? Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter and worship leader Laura Story joins NAE President Walter Kim for a heartfelt conversation on learning to trust God when life doesn’t go according to plan.  Drawing from her family’s journey with disability, her ministry at Perimeter Church in Atlanta and her years of writing songs that have walked millions through sorrow and joy, Laura reflects on what it means to follow Jesus when the path feels unpredictable. She shares how worship can serve as a soundtrack for real life — not only celebrating God in seasons of victory, but sustaining believers through grief, confusion and change.  In this episode, you’ll discover:  Why stepping out in faith can feel like a “free fall” — and why it isn’t; Practical ways worship leaders and churches can walk alongside people in seasons of grief;How God is both our Savior and our Sustainer; and The surprising ways God’s goodness can shine even in the most painful and confusing chapters of life.Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you like the podcast? Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family. Resources Full conversation with Laura Story on YouTubeFor further study, please see 2 Corinthians 4, Psalm 13, Ruth 1–4, John 9 Laura Story Music “So Long, Normal: Living and Loving the Free Fall of Faith” by Laura Story “When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without” by Laura StoryAt the Heart of Justice, NAE podcast with Gary Haugen A Global Vision for Human Flourishing, NAE podcast with Byron Johnson Behind Christian Music, NAE podcast with David Crowder and Eddie CarswellToday’s Conversation is brought to you by NAE Chaplaincy.

    47 min

  3. 11/15/2025

    Gary Haugen | At the Heart of Justice

    In a world marked by injustice, violence and overwhelming need, how can Christians bring lasting hope — without burning out? Gary Haugen, founder and CEO of International Justice Mission, shares powerful lessons from decades confronting global injustice — on staying spiritually grounded, finding joy amid darkness and cultivating resilience that endures.   In this theologically rich conversation with NAE President Walter Kim, Gary reflects on how a biblical vision of justice — rooted in love and expressed through both personal compassion and systemic reform — has shaped his life and IJM’s mission.  In their conversation, you’ll hear: How a life-changing investigation after the Rwandan genocide led Gary to found International Justice Mission; The role of the Church to call rulers to protect the vulnerable; Practical ways believers can join God’s work of justice both locally and globally; and What gives Gary enduring hope for the future of the Church — and the work of justice. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you like the podcast? Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family. Resources Full conversation with Gary Haugen on YouTubeFor further study, see Micah 6:8, Nehemiah 8:10, Isaiah 1:17, Ecclesiastes 4:1 and Luke 10 Rest and Resisting the Pace of Pharoah, NAE podcast with Sheila Wise RoweJustice, Rest and Rhythms of Flourishing, NAE podcast with Mike KelseyInternational Justice Mission  “Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World,” by Gary Haugen “The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence,” by Gary Haugen“Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian,” by Gary Haugen Show Notes: https://www.nae.org/gary-haugen-ijm-justice-violence-hope-joy/ Today’s Conversation is brought to you by Every Woman’s Bible.

    41 min

  4. 10/15/2025

    Mike Kelsey | Justice, Rest and Rhythms of Flourishing

    How can Christians pursue justice, lead with integrity and stay spiritually grounded in a divided and demanding world? In this honest and theologically rich episode, Pastor Mike Kelsey of McLean Bible Church shares how staying rooted in the character of God helps him navigate polarization, burnout and the challenges of leadership.  For Mike Kelsey, pursuing justice isn’t an optional add-on — it’s an essential expression of discipleship based on God’s character. In this conversation with NAE President Walter Kim, Mike offers an honest reflection on what it’s been like to pastor through the cultural upheaval of recent years, and about the pressure that comes from trying to meet countless expectations. True rest, he says, doesn’t come from striving or disengaging, but from being deeply centered on seeking God’s approval above all else.  You’ll also hear Mike and Walter discuss:  How practicing intentional Sabbath rhythms and setting boundaries with social media creates space for renewal and clarity; The influence of the Black Church tradition on Mike Kelsey’s understanding of justice;  How McLean Bible Church is pursuing gospel-centered justice through foster care, disability ministry and racial equity; and Practical wisdom for navigating justice fatigue, ministry burnout and deep cultural division. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you like the podcast? Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family. Resources Full conversation with Mike Kelsey on YouTubeFor further study, read Isaiah 32, Jeremiah 9, Matthew 11 and 2 Corinthians 5Rest and Resisting the Pace of Pharaoh, NAE Podcast with Sheila Wise RoweMcLean Bible ChurchJill’s House“At McLean Bible, Mike Kelsey Is Reimagining the Multiethnic Church,” by Kate Shellnutt in Christianity Today Today’s Conversation is brought to you by Tyndale’s Go Bible.

    46 min

  5. 09/15/2025

    Carrie Sheffield | Mental Health, Healing and Forgiveness

    Carrie Sheffield, author of “Motorhome Prophecies,” joins Today’s Conversation to share her remarkable journey from a childhood marked by spiritual and psychological abuse to a renewed faith in Jesus Christ. In this honest and powerful episode, Carrie reflects on how forgiveness became central to her healing — and why she believes there is lasting hope for mental health through Christ.  In this episode, Carrie Sheffield recounts her upbringing under the influence of a father who claimed Mormon prophetic authority, enforced fear-based teachings and subjected the family to instability and trauma. After leaving faith behind for over a decade, her pursuit of truth — through science, philosophy and deep soul-searching — ultimately led her to God. Her story is a moving testimony of hope, healing and forgiveness.  In her conversation with NAE President Walter Kim, they discuss:    Understanding how the brain’s ability to change offers hope for overcoming mental health challenges;How Carrie experienced personal healing through prayer and deliverance ministries;A call to action for the Church to actively engage in addressing mental health with truth; andHow forgiveness is not just a theological idea but a lived reality that brings freedom, healing and redemption.  Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you like the podcast? Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family. Resources Full conversation with Carrie Sheffield on YouTubeFor reflection, see Psalm 34:18, Ephesians 4:32 and John 10:10“Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness,” by Carrie Sheffield “Called to Forgive,” by Anthony B. Thompson Harvard Human Flourishing ProgramHealing Church Hurt edition of the NAE magazineExploring Soul Care, NAE podcast with Dr. Curt Thompson

    52 min

  6. 08/15/2025

    Bill and Dana Wichterman | Flourishing Through Financial Stewardship

    Investing in God’s redemptive mission through generosity When we think about Christian financial disciplines, tithing 10 percent often comes to mind. But what if Scripture calls us to look beyond giving a portion of our income and to embrace a new way of seeing — where everything we have, not just our money, belongs to God? Bill and Dana Wichterman join Today’s Conversation to discuss what it means to be stewards of all that God gives us to be used with joy, purpose and creativity. In this episode, Bill and Dana Wichterman, co-authors of “Stewards Not Owners,” join NAE President Walter Kim to explore what it means to practice financial discipleship in a culture shaped by abundance, anxiety and individualism. Dana and Bill offer practical wisdom and explain why financial stewardship is ultimately about joining God’s redemption project. In their conversation, they discuss:   How God leads us from financial anxiety to freedom and joyful generosity;Trusting God’s provision for the good works he’s called us to;The reality that most living in the West can live below their means; andHow sharing your financial life with others cultivates accountability and discipleship.Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you like the podcast? Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family. Show Notes: https://www.nae.org/bill-and-dana-wichterman-flourishing-through-financial-stewardship/ watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6e4dEu8xJE

    45 min

  7. 07/15/2025

    Max Tegmark | AI at the Crossroads: Wisdom, Power and Moral Courage

    What does it mean to keep wisdom ahead of rapidly advancing technology? In this episode of Today’s Conversation, Max Tegmark, professor and AI researcher at MIT and co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, explores the urgent question of how society can ensure artificial intelligence empowers — rather than endangers — human flourishing. In this episode, Max Tegmark joins NAE President Walter Kim to unpack the profound opportunities and alarming risks posed by AI. Drawing on vivid analogies, historical lessons and real-world examples, they examine why the stakes for wisdom, foresight and moral courage have never been higher. In their conversation, they discuss: Why wisdom must stay ahead of technology’s power — and what happens when it doesn’t;How past successes in safety engineering, like airbags and the FDA, offer a roadmap for responsible AI development;The urgent need for faith communities to raise AI as a moral issue, not just a technical one; andHow re-centering the conversation on stewardship and responsibility can shift priorities toward the common good. Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you like the podcast? Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family. Resources “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” by Max Tegmark The Future of Life Institute Redemptive Artificial Intelligence, NAE podcast with Andy Crouch You Are Not a Machine, Spring/Summer 2025 edition of Evangelicals magazine

    44 min

  8. 06/15/2025

    Byron Johnson | A Global Vision for Human Flourishing

    What does it really mean to flourish — not just as individuals, but as communities, cultures and societies? In this episode of Today’s Conversation, Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of social sciences at Baylor University and co–director of the Global Flourishing Study, expands our vision of human flourishing to a global scale. Byron Johnson joins NAE President Walter Kim to unpack surprising and hopeful findings emergingfrom the Global Flourishing Study, a groundbreaking international research project he leads in collaboration with Harvard University and others. Together, they explore how flourishing is being measured across the world and why it matters now more than ever — for people of faith, for the Church and for the future of society.  In their conversation, they explore:  What makes the Global Flourishing Study a truly unprecedented effort;  Why flourishing is about more than just health and wealth — it’s also about purpose, relationships and faith; How the Church plays a vital role in shaping holistic well-being; and How the Bible offers a compelling vision of what it means to thrive.  Resources Full conversation with Byron Johnson on YouTube  For further study, see Ezekiel 47, John 7 and Revelation 22 Global Flourishing Study “More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How it Could Matter More,” by Byron Johnson “The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Evidence, Practice, Policy,” by Byron Johnson (coming in December 2025) Moving Society From “Me” to “We,” NAE podcast with Robert Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett  “Faith That Flourishes,” by Walter Kim in Evangelicals magazine

    40 min
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4.5
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About

Today’s Conversation is the podcast of the National Association of Evangelicals. Host Walter Kim, NAE president, talks with leading thinkers, theologians, activists, culture-makers and more, with the goal of helping evangelicals foster thriving communities and navigate complexity with biblical clarity.

Information

  • Creator
    National Association of Evangelicals
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Today's Conversation
  • Show Website
    Today's Conversation

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