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; and
• What 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.

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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 YouTube
• For further study, see Romans 13 and 1 Samuel
• Books written by Mark Noll
• “Evangelical: What’s in a Name?”, by Mark Noll in Evangelicals magazine
• What Is An Evangelical?, NAE webpage

Today’s Conversation is brought to you by NAE Chaplaincy.

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 YouTube
• For 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 Story
• At 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 Carswell

Today’s Conversation is brought to you by NAE Chaplaincy.

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 YouTube
• Rest and Resisting the Pace of Pharoah, NAE podcast with Sheila Wise Rowe
• Justice, Rest and Rhythms of Flourishing, NAE podcast with Mike Kelsey
• International 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.