In this episode of the Faithful Presence Podcast, Reverend Michael Langer and Dr. Charlie Self discuss the integration of faith and work, emphasizing the importance of whole life discipleship. They explore Charlie's extensive background in ministry and academia, the significance of the local church, and the need to bridge the gap between Sunday worship and Monday work. The conversation explores the significance of intellectual formation in theology and its application in various social contexts. It emphasizes the importance of humility, diversity, and the role of organizations like the Acton Institute in fostering meaningful dialogue among different Christian traditions. The conversation explores the influence of Marxist ideology on modern evangelical practices and the rise of the New Apostolic Reformation. It emphasizes the necessity of discipleship and holistic formation in the church to counteract radicalization and promote a faithful engagement in the public square.

Takeaways

• Importance of whole life discipleship
• Integration of faith and work Intellectual formation is essential
• Diversity enriches theological discussions Marxism's impact on evangelicalism
• Importance of discipleship in faith

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Faithful Presence Podcast
• 04:28 Charlie Self's Journey in Ministry
• 07:29 The Intersection of Academia and Pastoral Work
• 10:19 Understanding Paul's Teachings
• 14:43 The Sunday to Monday Disconnect
• 16:58 The Role of the Local Church
• 19:15 The Importance of Vocational Formation
• 22:16 Faithful Presence in Healthcare
• 25:37 The Value of Every Role in Society
• 27:43 The Importance of Humility in Theology
• 28:59 Navigating Ideological Formation
• 31:52 Intellectual Formation and Its Roots
• 32:21 Engagement with Acton Institute
• 34:34 The Role of Ecumenical Spirit
• 36:00 Understanding Acton's Mission
• 38:20 Diversity in Christian Engagement
• 40:41 Art and Intellectual Culture in Worship
• 41:58 The Intersection of Virtue and Free Markets
• 43:51 Faithful Presence in Social Issues
• 46:33 Access to Capital and Markets
• 48:08 Moral Implications of Economic Practices
• 50:31 The Complexity of Ideologies
• 52:15 Dialogue in the Public Square
• 53:46 Eschatology and Public Square Praxis
• 01:00:07 Understanding the New Apostolic Reformation
• 01:06:47 Engagement in the Public Square
• 01:11:34 Discipleship Dynamics and Formation
• 01:18:52 Revival and Transformation in Society

The conversation between Reverend Michael Langer and Dr. Greg Forster explores the intersection of faith, public engagement, and the role of theology in addressing contemporary societal issues. They discuss the importance of whole-life discipleship, the Karam Fellowship's mission, and the need for a robust public theology that connects doctrine with practical application in the world. The conversation explores the intersection of faith, culture, and politics, emphasizing the importance of discipleship and the church's role in society. It discusses the historical context of Augustine's teachings and their relevance to contemporary issues within the church and culture.

Takeaways

• Faith and work integration
• Importance of public theology Importance of discipleship
• Relevance of Augustine's teachings

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Faithful Presence Podcast
• 00:55 Meet Dr. Greg Forster
• 03:07 The Role of Theology in Society
• 09:50 Karam Fellowship and Its Mission
• 15:00 Public Theology and Its Importance
• 21:50 Engaging with Contemporary Issues
• 30:09 Books and Their Impact on Theology
• 40:08 Conclusion and Future Directions
• 40:31 Revival and Discipleship
• 41:56 Faithful Presence and Cultural Engagement
• 45:02 Christianity and Cultural Power
• 51:06 Augustine's Political Theology
• 56:57 Eusebian vs. Donatist Perspectives
• 01:01:01 Practical Applications for Christians
• 01:11:46 Navigating Faith in Public Life

Dr. Amy Black, Professor of Political Science at Wheaton and co-author Civil Religion and the Renewal of American Politics (Cambridge Press, 2026), joins Michael to discuss the definition of civil religion, and navigating religious pluralism in American democracy. Their conversation explores the challenge of shared values in politics and the role of religion in shaping political culture. It delves into the influence of religious traditions, party platforms, and the role of pastors in equipping people for politics. Additionally, it discusses the Bible's role in navigating the public square, emphasizing the eternal principles it offers for living in a representative democracy.

Video of this podcast is available on our website: www-faithful-presence.org

Takeaways

• The Role of Civil Religion in Unifying a Diverse Population Shared values in politics
• The role of religion in shaping political culture

Chapters

• 00:00 Transitioning to College
• 01:20 Challenges of Absent Parent
• 04:35 Media Reporting and Its Impact
• 08:42 Doctrine of Spirituality of the Church
• 15:36 Christians in Political Science
• 19:37 The APSA Congressional Fellowship Program
• 21:04 Working in Congress and Changing Perceptions
• 26:01 Wheaton College and Civil Religion
• 36:25 Defining Civil Religion and Shared Values
• 38:19 Navigating Religious Pluralism in American Democracy
• 51:16 The Challenge of Shared Values
• 52:05 Religious Traditions in American Politics
• 57:37 The Influence of Party Platforms
• 01:11:15 The Role of Pastors in Equipping People for Politics
• 01:14:25 The Bible's Role in Navigating the Public Square

In June 2026, Rev. Michael Langer hosted a workshop during the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Denver Colorado. Through a combination of Q&A, presentation, and discussion, Michael discussed the difficulties facing pastors due to demographic sorting, media bias, social media algorithms, brain chemistry, and truncated discipleship.

Numerous works are sited and more information is available at faithful-presence.org

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Timothy Padgett from the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. Here, Michael and Dr. Padgett reminisce on their days at Covenant Theological Seminary and engage in a discussion on the need for ideological discipleship in the midst of widespread divisiveness and complex issues.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

In this episode, Michael examines the relevance of vocational and ideological discipleship in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and consequently, the relevance it has to our own day-to-day lives. He speaks to how all our work matters, no matter how meaningless it may feel, and also to how Christian values transcend political parties and affiliations.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

Michael and Dr. Bobo plumb the depths of seminary education, working in both the public and theological worlds, navigating culture, a redemptive view of vocation, and how a divinity degree helps with bioethics conversations.

Works Cited
The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, Os Guinness (2003)

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Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.

In this episode, Michael delivers a sermon from the Psalms. He speaks to the reality of depression and anxiety amongst followers of Christ and the Church’s broad silence on those issues as well as the pressure to act like everything is fine when it is not.

Intro music: "B-o-o-g-o-l-o-o" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound, from their 2010 album, What Goes Around Comes Around.
Exit music: "Plenty Nasty" by the Diplomats of Solid Sound featuring the Diplomettes, from their 2008 self-titled album.

--
Bumper music: The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Faithful Presence is dedicated to Whole Life Discipleship, in the Whole of Life, for the Whole of the Public Square. Connect with us at faithful-presence.org.