On this week’s episode of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: A series of high-profile scandals have rocked the evangelical church. Politicisation and Christian nationalism are on the rise. How can the the church recover from abuse and leadership failures in order to meet the rising tide of meaning seekers?

I relive an infamous interview with Mark Driscoll, and hears from Mike Cosper, Karen Swallow Prior, John Dickson, Phil Cooke, Rasool Berry, Esau McCaulley and other leaders seeking to move beyond celebrity, power and politics.

Surprised by God: 3 ways to welcome the returning tide of faith

On the next - and FINAL! - episode of the Season 1: If the 'Sea Of Faith' is coming in again, how can the church lean in to the 'Surprising Rebirth' phenomenon?

In this Season 1 finale, Justin presents three ways to welcome the tide, drawing on lessons from the Jesus Revolution and the imaginative work of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.

I speak to secular and Christian thinkers such as Tom Holland, Douglas Murray and Carol Tomlin about 'Keeping Christianity Weird'. Elizabeth Oldfield, Jo Frost and Glen Scrivener on a church community that counters cancel culture. And Nick Cave, Michael Ward and Holly Ordway explain why imagination, storytelling, mystery and music can help today's seekers find their way to Christ.

This episode won’t be released until 1 October, but you can listen now when you become a Silver or Gold Patreon supporter, or get early access via Tax-deductible giving (USA).

I’m delighted to be speaking at various locations in the USA over this week and the next (or ‘Fall’ as my American friends call it!)

Here are the details. My books will be available to purchase (and be signed) at all events. Come along if you can!

Biblical Worldview Conference
22-24 Sep, Plano, TX

I’m pleased to be returning (along with my 19-year-old son Noah!) to the Biblical Worldview Conference at Prestonwood Church in Dallas, Texas. I’ll be leading main stage and seminar talks on Mon 23 and Tue 24 Sep.

Other speakers include Peter J Williams, Lee Strobel, Sean McDowell, Alan Parr, Allie Beth Stuckey and conference host Jeremiah J Johnston.

Book your place here

All Saints Dallas, TX
Sun 22 Sep, 8, 9:30 & 11am

I’ll be taking part in a Q&A at the three morning services of All Saints Dallas on Sun 22 Sep. Website here.

Stonegate Church, Midlothian, TX
Sun 22 Sep, 6pm

I’ll be speaking on Sunday evening 22 Sep, 6pm for an Equip Night on ‘Removing Barriers to Sharing Your Faith’ with audience Q&A. Website here.

First Baptist Garland, TX
Mon 23 Sep, 6.30pm

I’ll be speaking on ‘The Surprising Rebirth of Belief In God’ with audience Q&A at First Baptist Church Garland on Mon 23 Sep in the evening. Website here.

The Blue Ridge Center, University Of Virginia
Wed 25 Sep, 6.30pm, Charlottesville, VA

I’ll be speaking on the campus of the University of Virginia for the Blue Ridge Centre. As well as talking about ‘The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God’ there will be a deep dive into historian Tom Holland’s thesis in ‘Dominion’ on the way Christianity has shaped the moral instincts of the West. Website here.

Your support helps me to reach more people

I’ve received many encouraging messages about the Surprising Rebirth Podcast in the past month, including this one:

I can only create this podcast with the support of listeners, so if you feel able please do become a supporter!

Here are a few ways you can support:

1. Become a regular Patreon Supporter.

   Silver supporters get early access to new episodes and bonus content. Gold supporters also receive signed copies of my books and monthly catch ups with me.

2. Support via Paypal

   A great way to make a one-off gift - thank you!

3. Tax-deductible giving from the USA

   If you’d like to give in this way, we are partnering with Defenders Media to make this possible. Just follow the link.

Best wishes from me and the Think Faith team!
Justin Brierley.