Ministry Deep Dive Podcast

Travis Michael Fleming and Dr. Christian Smith continue their conversation on Dr. Smith’s latest book, Why Religion Went Obsolete. They discuss how the decline of American traditional religion (i.e. Christianity) is not attributable to a singular cause but rather a confluence of multifaceted cultural, social, and technological transformations that collectively create a “converging perfect storm.” […] Read More

Christian Smith, Pt. 2

Paul D. Miller

In their insightful discussion on Christian nationalism, Travis Michael Fleming and Paul D. Miller explore the complex relationship between faith and politics in America, highlighting Dr. Miller’s latest book, The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism. They critically examine the claim that America is a Christian nation, unpacking its historical and ideological […] Read More

The episode delves into the compelling arguments presented in ‘Scrolling Ourselves to Death,’ where the authors contend that the uncritical acceptance of technology within church culture poses existential threats to genuine discipleship. By drawing parallels to Postman’s seminal work, the discussion emphasizes that the medium through which messages are conveyed inexorably alters the messages themselves. […] Read More

Travis Michael Fleming engages in a thoughtful conversation with Brian J. Miller about his influential book, Sanctifying Suburbia. Together, they explore the complex relationship between evangelical faith and the cultural dynamics of suburban life, emphasizing how the environments we inhabit profoundly shape our beliefs and practices. Miller highlights that suburbs, often seen as mere backdrops, […] Read More

Travis Michael Fleming and Mark Sayers do a cultural apologetic deep dive into one of the structures influencing church today and how we have become a platform society. They discuss Sayers’ book, “Platforms to Pillars,” which examines the evolving nature of leadership in the modern world. They start off their conversation with an eye-opening revelation […] Read More

Travis Michael Fleming and Marcus Warner delve into the intricate dimensions of Rare Leadership, underscoring that true leadership is predicated on emotional maturity and relational health. They contend that the prevailing paradigm of leadership, often characterized by charisma and performance metrics, must be supplanted by a model that prioritizes emotional resilience and relational integrity. Throughout […] Read More

The conversation between Travis Michael Fleming and Dr. Marcus Warner centers around the principles delineated in their book, “Rare Leadership,” which emphasizes the paramount importance of joy and maturity in effective leadership. They elucidate how the absence of joy leads to a toxic atmosphere in organizational settings, particularly within churches, resulting in high staff turnover […] Read More

In the final segment, the discussion shifts towards practical applications of these concepts within church leadership and congregational life. Wilder introduces the RARE leadership framework—remaining relational, acting like oneself, returning to joy, and enduring hardship—as a strategy for leaders to navigate the complexities of ministry. This framework serves as a guide for maintaining authenticity and […] Read More