Shows
Lively FaithAnglicans, Presbyterians, and the Future of Ministry | The Rev. Chad Tvenstrup | Ep. #30In this episode, we are joined by The Rev. Chad Tvenstrup to explore his journey from Anglicanism to Presbyterianism, discuss the differences between the two traditions, and share our love for Common Prayer. We also discuss the apprenticeship model of ministry and what training future church leaders will look like.Chad Tvenstrup is the Lead Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, Florida. He has a BA in Economics from Connecticut College, an MA in Biblical Studies from Providence College, an MA in Anglican Studies from Trinity School for Ministry in PA and is pursuing a DMin...
2025-09-051h 20Lively FaithWill Pope Leo XIV Take the Catholic Church in a New Direction? | Ep. #29In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s background, his namesake, how he compares to Pope Francis, and the challenges faced by the Catholic Church.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction01:15 – Pope Leo XIV’s background and election10:40 – Differences between Leo and Pope Francis17:35 – Understanding Pope Leo’s namesake22:30 – Pope Leo XIII and the rise of capitalism28:22 – Dueling camps within Catholicism33:30 – TCT Article: Where is Pope Francis?35:45 – The canonization of Francis would be a death knell
2025-07-261h 18Lively FaithWANTED: Men with Chests | Understanding "The Aboliltion of Man" by C. S. Lewis | Ep. #28In this episode, we explain the meaning and importance of “The Abolition of Man” by C. S. Lewis, showing how this book predicted the moral decay of modern society, and what the Church can learn from it today.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction04:47 – Men without chests07:55 – Against deconstruction14:50 – The brilliance of C. S. Lewis18:00 – C. S. Lewis on contraceptives21:50 – Everyone tries to claim C. S. Lewis23:55 – Lewis predicted the birth rate crisis29:15 – The Church needs to...
2025-06-0744 minLively FaithMillennial Perspectives on God, Life, and Money | Josh Fenton | Ep. #27In this episode, our editor Josh Fenton joins to discuss Millennial perspectives on faith in God, masculinity, social media, inflation, starting a family, and much more.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction & Lively Faith Magazine05:40 – Josh’s background08:10 – Reading books14:00 – Materialism vs. Intelligent Design20:50 – Running a YouTube channel24:00 – Managing burnout and motivation31:00 – Sports betting and retail investing39:15 – Young men and masculinity42:40 – Family structure and Natural Law47:50 – Modern over-emphasis of emotions52:15 –...
2025-05-032h 07Lively FaithSubstance vs. Spectacle: Understanding the Transfiguration of Jesus | Ep. #26In this episode, we discuss the supreme importance of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ in the Christian life, the importance of substance over spectacle in liturgy and worship, and the hope to be found in the good, the true, and the beautiful.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction & magazine01:00 – Discussing the Transfiguration of Jesus50:30 – Christianity and the nature of true freedom56:00 – Why young people are becoming High-Church01:10:24 – Why long-form podcasts are so popular01:17:35 – Standing up for what you know is...
2025-02-231h 32Lively FaithCalvin Robinson, Justin Welby, and the Need for Bold Christians | Ep. #25This episode was recorded and released prior to the defrocking of Calvin Robinson after his imprudent and unwise actions.In this episode, we review recent articles from Fr. Calvin Robinson and Rod Dreher, react to Justin Welby’s resignation, and discuss why the Church needs bold Christians now as much as ever.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction & Magazine02:20 – Calvin Robinson article12:00 – Resurgence of traditional Christians online18:00 – What the future Church will look like 23:20 – Rod Dreher article26:10 –...
2025-01-2757 minLively FaithThe Intersection of Faith and Sport | Jim Whiting | Ep. #24In this episode, Jim shares stories from his career in tennis as we explore what Christians can learn from the world of sports.Jim Whiting is a Lay Elder and Congregational President at Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Ashaway, RI, and a Board member of Lively Faith Ministries.Sign up Free for the Lively Faith Magazine: https://thelivelyfaithpodcast.aweb.page/p/2b30fc39-d63e-4305-8ae5-e1295323b5f3// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction4:30 – Becoming childhood friends with John McEnroe7:20 – Getting involved with college sports11:00 – Coaching the nephew o...
2024-12-3153 minLively FaithHow to Handle Political Chaos | Ep. #23In this episode, we offer advice to Christians in the wake of the U.S. Presidential election and consider how we can cultivate faithfulness and perseverance for times of political chaos.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Cultivating faithfulness and perseverance08:40 – The clash of diverging worldviews14:55 – Nothing new under the sun22:30 – Post-election advice to Christians32:09 – Justin Martyr37:45 – John Cosin49:55 - Conclusion// REFERENCES //For the Time Being | Robert Royal// LINKS //
2024-11-0951 minLively FaithShould Christians Support Open Borders? | Ep. #22In this episode, we examine the theological implications of borders in creation, nations, and worship. We also discuss Christian perspectives on the border crisis and illegal immigration, answering the question: Can Christians support open borders?LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction03:00 – Ordered creation10:35 – Boy Scouts of America drop “Boy” from their name20:00 – Ordered liberty and illegal immigration28:50 – Not loving to have open borders39:50 – The fallacy of unlimited hospitality43:55 – Ordered worship46:20 – Open Communion vs. closed Communion...
2024-10-051h 11Lively FaithDeep Connections Between Anglicans and Lutherans | Jim Whiting | Ep. #21In this episode, we discuss the historical connections between Lutheranism and Anglicanism, the mystery of free will, and how Christians can approach denominational differences with charity.Jim Whiting is a Lay Elder and Congregational President at Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Ashaway, RI, and a Board member of Lively Faith Ministries.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Why Lutheranism?08:30 – Difficulties with Reformed theology10:45 – Joining the LCMS16:00 – Feeling connected to historic Church Tradition17:30 – The need for charity betw...
2024-09-0752 minLively FaithHuman Dignity and the Importance of Christian Burial | Ep. #20In this episode, we examine the recent Rhode Island bill legalizing “human composting” as an alternative to cremation or burial (H7212). We discuss the dignity of the human body and how our treatment of the body after death communicates what we believe about human life.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction00:40 – LifeSiteNews article08:20 – Reacting to Rhode Island “body farm” legislation09:30 – Extreme environmentalism as neo-paganism11:30 – What makes humans different from animals13:10 – The unity of body and soul15:10 – The rise o...
2024-07-2042 min
Highlands BunkerE301 - Factory Settings (w/Shané Darby, Jonathan Tate)Wilmington Councilwoman Shané Darby and DSA co-chair Jonathan Tate join Rob in the bunker to talk about the Nathan Field anti-protesting ordinance, the trial of an actual protester, and then some talk about how organizations are handing out endorsements.Show Notes:More on the anti-protester ordinance
2024-07-0556 minLively FaithWhy Cultural Christianity Cannot Save Us | Ep. #19In this episode, we react to famed atheist Richard Dawkins’ recent admiration for ‘cultural Christianity’ and examine it alongside trends of rising secularization in America. We also discuss how Christians can evangelize a highly secularized culture.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction00:27 – Start of Dawkins article04:00 – The rise of the ‘nones’06:40 – Impact of rising secularization12:25 – Dawkins’ logical inconsistencies15:40 – The atheist dilemma18:10 – Trend of secular public figures warming to Christianity21:20 – “Practical” atheism26:20 – How Christians should respond
2024-06-3028 minLively FaithCatholicism, Theology of the Body, and Humanae Vitae | Tobin Dancy | Ep. #18In this episode, we discuss Roman Catholicism vs. Evangelicalism, Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, Pope Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae, the call to sacrifice in the Christian life, objections to Christian sexual morality, and how Christians can build community.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction06:50 – Maturing in the Catholic Faith10:40 – Visiting different denominations15:00 – Different understandings of Communion18:45 – Emphasis on Word vs. Sacrament20:15 – Evangelical sermons vs. Catholic homilies27:34 – The essential parts of Catholic mass
2024-05-251h 42Lively FaithWhat Does the Church Say About IVF? | Ep. #17In this episode, we discuss the moral issues with in vitro fertilization (IVF), differences between Catholic and Protestant Church teachings on IVF, the Alabama Supreme Court ruling on frozen embryos, and why pro-life Christians must stand firm against the use of IVF technology.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Overview of IVF05:00 – Life starts at conception09:00 – The Catholic position on IVF11:30 – Compounding moral problems with IVF15:00 – The rise of “Designer” babies19:20 – Pro-life Christians got lazy?20:30 – The Alabama Supreme Co...
2024-05-0155 minLively FaithThe Crisis of Modern Masculinity | Ep. #16In this episode, we examine the breakdown of masculinity in modern society, the tragic consequences of abandoning Biblical manhood, and how Christians can respond in faith and love.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction02:00 – The crisis of masculinity06:20 – Hyper-masculinity and Andrew Tate10:00 – Problems with masculinity in the Church11:30 – Gen Z struggling with masculinity14:58 – Title IX and the disintegration male roles18:35 – No distinction between boys and girls20:00 – Impacts of fatherlessness22:20 – Fatherlessness is self-perpetuating
2024-03-231h 18Lively FaithDid Pope Francis Approve Same-Sex Blessings? | A Response to Fiducia Supplicans | Ep. #15In this episode, we unpack the bombshell declaration from the Vatican, Fiducia Supplicans. We respond to Pope Francis approving blessings for same sex ‘couples’ and analyze the impact to faithful Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We also offer advice and encouragement for concerned Christians moving forward.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction06:45 – The nature of blessings13:00 – “Blessings” for same-sex “couples”15:40 – Whether or not same-sex “blessings” are liturgical17:50 – Parallels with the Anglican Communion22:20 – Orthodoxy and orthopraxy24:25 – Analyzing the fallout34:25 – Impa...
2024-02-041h 09Lively FaithTurmoil in the Catholic Church, and How to Handle Church Controversy | Ep. #14In this episode, we unpack the Catholic "Synod on Synodality," Pope Francis favoring a more liberal church, and how it all impacts non-Catholics, too. Plus, we discuss how all Christians should handle church controversy, and reasons for future hope.(Note: This episode was recorded prior to the Vatican statement on blessing same-sex couples. That statement will be the topic of a separate episode.)LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction02:00 – What is a synod? What is synodality?11:00 – Pope Francis signaled openness to blessi...
2024-01-201h 01Lively FaithIsrael-Hamas and the Failure of Moral Relativism | Ep. #13In this episode, we discuss the Israel-Hamas war from a Christian perspective, the dangers of moral relativism, and why all worldviews are not created equal. We also examine Russia-Ukraine, open borders, the need for intellectual honesty, and how the Second Coming of Jesus Christ puts everything into perspective.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction03:00 – There is nothing new under the sun06:00 – Resisting the temptation to knee-jerk reactions09:30 – A standard of intellectual honesty13:30 – American ignorance about Islam18:00 – Understanding the Israel-H...
2023-12-231h 10Lively FaithFrank Conversations About Christianity | One Year of Lively Faith | Ep. #12We celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast by looking back at our favorite moments and looking ahead to our vision for the future. The Revs. Stomberg and Galloway discuss generational differences, technological change, and the temptation to value style over substance.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction01:00 – Favorite moments, generational differences05:00 – Keeping up with technological change11:00 – The moral poverty that comes with advanced tech18:15 – The loss of community and face-to-face communication22:00 – Learning about Orthodoxy24:30 – Rhode Island i...
2023-11-251h 20Lively FaithWhy Christians Should Care About Anglicanism | Ep. #11In this episode, we discuss the state of the Anglican Church, the GAFCON Kigali Statement, the start of the Catholic "Synod on Synodality", and divisions in the SBC over women pastors. We also answer the questions: Why should Christians care about these issues, and how can we have peace during religious turmoil?LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction01:48 – What is GAFCON?05:00 – The structure of Anglicanism09:00 – GAFCON Kigali rejects the Archbishop of Canterbury11:00 – Anglicanism in the Majority World14:00 – Why GAFCON r...
2023-10-291h 14Lively FaithLiving with Chronic Illness | Ep. #10We interview the Rev. Mark Galloway about his experience living with Parkinson's and POTS, how Christians should respond to suffering, how to best care for loved ones, and spiritual advice for handling chronic illness.Disclaimer: This episode does not constitute medical advice as we are not medical experts.Check out the bonus version of this episode on YouTube!LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Stiff Man Syndrome06:30 – Mark’s first encounter with Parkinson’s and POTS13:00 – First diagnosis
2023-09-301h 40Lively FaithSpiritual Formation and the Future of Ministry | Ep. #9Get to know the hosts! In this episode, the Rev. Nathan Stomberg and the Rev. Mark Galloway share their personal backgrounds and how they came to faith in Jesus Christ. They also discuss how Christian life and ministry has changed over the last 50 years, and what the future looks like for the next generation of pastors.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Intro02:00 – Growing up in 1960’s Exeter05:00 – Trailer homes and one-room schoolhouses07:00 – The sociology of rural mid-century RI11:00 – Growing up Catholic
2023-08-311h 29Lively FaithLearning About All Things Orthodoxy, Part 2 | Ep. #8In this episode, we continue our conversation with Subdeacon Cory Dupont about Orthodoxy. We dive into the economy of salvation, differences between Eastern and Western Christianity, our love for the ESV translation, why Orthodox Easter falls on a different date than Western Easter, the Asbury revival, and our common hope in the Resurrection. LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – The Economy of Salvation01:30 – The role of St. Augustine in Orthodoxy03:20 – Orthodox objections to St. Augustine05:00 – Bishop N.T. Wright’s perspective06:50 –...
2023-07-011h 23Lively FaithThe Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Ep. #7In this episode, we examine the impact of Artificial Intelligence and discuss how Christians should think through the worldview issues that come with this new technology. We also discuss what it means to be human, how our relationship with technology has changed over time, and we read AI-generated sermons.(Please excuse us as we work through audio issues in this episode.)LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign UpLINK to the Rev. Stomberg’s article on AI: https://holycommunionri.org/2022/12/02/the-ai-question/// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction02:00 – First impres...
2023-06-021h 22Lively FaithLearning About All Things Orthodoxy, Part 1 | Ep. #6In this episode, Subdeacon Cory Dupont talks about all things Orthodoxy and clears up some common misconceptions about Orthodox Christianity. We also learn about beards, architecture, icons, theological differences between East and West, and how different traditions can find unity.(Please excuse our technical difficulties in this episode!)LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction02:00 – What is a Subdeacon?03:40 – What is a tonsure?06:00 – Explaining the different Orthodox Patriarchates08:00 – Bishops, Priests, and Deacons09:40 – Why many Orthodox have beards
2023-04-3050 minLively FaithThe Great Tradition & Remembering Pope Benedict | Ep. #5In this episode, we explore the concept of the Great Tradition of the Church, examine where Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox believers can find common ground, we remember the life and legacy of Pope Benedict XVI, discuss the future of the Catholic Church, reflect on our need for moral courage, and much more.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //00:00 – Introduction01:44 – Defining ‘The Great Tradition’03:37 – Where Orthodoxy fits in06:33 – Bringing Protestantism, Catholicism, & Orthodoxy together08:55 – The difference between “Tradition” and “tradition”11:19 – The four-legged stool of...
2023-03-111h 28Lively FaithChristian Perspectives on the Lottery, Gambling, and Cryptocurrency | Ep. #4In this episode, we examine whether or not Christians can buy cryptocurrency, purchase lottery tickets, or participate in sports betting. We also discuss blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, Sam Bankman-Fried and the FTX scandal, gambling, the Super Bowl, the debt ceiling, affirmative action, the importance of work, and much more. Finally, we answer the question: how are Christians to guard against so many temptations to "easy money?"LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //(00:00) - Introduction(03:00) - Definition of "Blockchain"(07:02) - Definition of "Cryptocurrency"(11:55...
2023-02-041h 24Lively FaithWhy All Christians Should Care About the Catholic Church | Ep. #3In this episode, we discuss Bishop Thomas Tobin's upcoming retirement, and why what happens in the Catholic Church is important for all Christians to understand (not just Catholics). We also review two recent surveys from LifeWay and Pew Research revealing how both Evangelicals and Catholics increasingly deny Christian morality. Plus, what does Mark think about New Year's Resolutions?LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //(00:00) - Introduction(01:40) - Catholic Bishops must submit their retirement when they turn 75(04:01) - Why should we care about Catholic Bishops?
2023-01-141h 31Lively FaithWhy did people love Queen Elizabeth? | Ep. #2Why was Queen Elizabeth II so popular? In this episode, we reflect on the death of Queen Elizabeth, examine her importance in the history of Western Civilization, and consider what Christians can learn from her example. We also look ahead to the Christmas season and share our favorite parts of the holiday.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //(00:00) - Introduction(01:47) - The enormous size of Queen Elizabeth's funeral(04:29) - Prince Philip was Orthodox(06:10) - Monarchy is inherently religious(09:45) - Elizabeth...
2022-12-1754 minLively FaithWhat is Lively Faith? | Ep. #1What do we mean when we talk about 'lively faith'? In this episode, we discuss who we are and what our vision is for the Lively Faith podcast. We examine the differences between our generations (Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial) and the unique challenges of reaching each group of people with the Gospel. We also explore the current challenges facing faithful Christians in a changing America as we look ahead to future topics of conversation.LET'S STAY IN TOUCH! JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: Sign Up// CHAPTERS //(00:00) - Get to know the hosts
2022-11-271h 35Lively FaithIntroducing the Lively Faith PodcastDo you want to better live out your faith in God? Here we discuss tough questions about faithfully living and defending a Christian worldview by leaning on the collective wisdom of the Universal Church throughout the ages.We invite you to listen and discover the glory of a life lived with a lively faith!VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://lively-faith.captivate.fm/
2022-11-2600 minHighlands BunkerE44 - Building Socialist Institutions (w/Nathan J Robinson)Author and Current Affairs editor Nathan J Robinson joins RE Vanella from New Orleans to talk about definitions of socialism, what actual socialist institutions look like, and his experience in building a left-wing media publication in Current Affairs.Show Notes:How to Build Socialist Institutions essayBuy the bookOwnership & Control EssayNathan J Robinson memoirQ&A With a Conservative StudentNathan's debate column
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