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

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

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.