The World Race

This morning I introduced a very special person that worked with me at Toccoa Falls College and recently graduated from the college with a degree in counseling - Laura Hamilton. Laura has been working this past year to raise money to participate in the World Race, a mission with Adventures in Missions. Laura was on my show to share how this past year has been and what she plans to do for 4 months. To listen, click here or scroll down.

Laura still has a few needs that have to be met before she leaves in January. If you would like to help her out go to her web site and there you will be able to donate to her mission and get connected with her as she works overseas.

The True Night Before Christmas

To learn more about "The True Night Before Christmas" and to order the book visit Cane Creek Publishers

The Mockingbird Parables

One of my all-time favorite movies and books is Harper Lee's classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. I loved reading the novel when I was younger and still do today. The American Film Institute lists Articus Finch as America's #1 hero - and I concur!!

A few months ago a book came across my desk entitled The Mockingbird Parables. It was written by Matt Litton, who says that Lee's book was one that he loved to read over and over again. According to Litton, there are a number of Christian principles that can pulled from the classic book that are relevant even more so today.

I spoke with Matt a few weeks ago about his book and the love we both share with To Kill a Mockingbird. To listen click here or scroll down.

Hollywood Update with Phil Cooke

It's always fun to have Phil Cooke, president of Cooke Pictures, on the Morning Show. We talked about the new Narnia movie plus a few more of the "family friendly" releases. Phil also shared his pick for the best movie of 2010. A great conversation that takes more turns than most conversations - so buckle up! To listen click here or scroll down.

How Should a Christian Respond to Homosexuality?

I believe the number one cultural issue facing the Church today is homosexuality. We as believers have done a poor job at responding to the homosexual community and we are now labeled has intolerant, hateful, and unChristian. How would Christ respond to this segment of our population?

I received a few weeks ago a unique text entitled, the Complete Christian Guide to Understanding Homosexuality, and it was edited by two people who have been affected by homosexuality both personally and in their families. I recognized one name, Joe Dallas, who was the past president of Exodus International. The other name I wasn't familiar with but her last name I did recognize, Heche. Nancy Heche, who works as a counselor out of her church in south Florida, is the mother of actress and Hollywood icon, Anne Heche. You can learn more about Nancy's experience in her book, The Truth Comes Out.

I had the opportunity to talk with Nancy about her life, her work, and the book she and Joe have just published. This is a fascinating conversation that gives some great advice on talking and relating to the gay community. To listen click here or scroll down

Dare to Be a Daniel

I've been saying for a long time now that today's teenagers are the most spiritually attuned group, but just not Christian. They are prime to hear the Gospel but just not from adults - more likely their peers. And that is one reason why the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has developed the Dare to Be a Daniel program.

I had the chance to speak with Chad Miller, director of the Dare to Be a Daniel, about the program and the worldview among today's young people.

Chad Miller talking about his teaching at the Charlotte apologetics conference (here)

Chad Miller explaining why the Church needs to fall in love with the Bible again (here)

Chad Miller talking about the Dare to Be a Daniel program (part 1 and part 2)

Generation Ex-Christian

According to a recent study by Ranier Research, 70% of youth leave church by the time they are 22 years old. Barna Research estimates that 80% of those reared in the church will be "disengaged" by the time they are 29 years old.

Another study from the American Religious Identification Survey released in 2009 showed the percentage of Americans claiming no religion climbed from 8.1% in 1990 to 15% in 2008. The 18-29 years-old group, 22% claimed no religion and 73% were raised in religious homes.

Why are so many young adults leaving the church? Drew Dyck, editorial manager of the leader training team at Christianity Today International, asked the same question and he has published his findings in a new book entitled Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young Adults are Leaving the Faith...and How to Bring Them Back.

I had the chance to talk with Drew about his new book and his insights on today's mass exodus of young adults from the Faith. To listen please click here or scroll down.

Where's the Line to See Jesus

WWJD-What Would Jesus Do?

For years I always thought that the "WWJD" got it's start from yellow wrist bands. However, I've learned that the acronym actually comes from a book published in the late 19th century by American Congregationalist minister, Charles Sheldon, In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do. The book takes place in the town of Raymond and focuses on the Rev. Henry Maxwell who challenges his congregation to not do anything for a full year without first asking, "What would Jesus do?" In His Steps has sold more than 30,000,000 copies and is ranked 39th best-selling book of all time.

Joseph Nasser took the book and reworked for a modern audience and produced it into a wonderful movie featuring John Schneider. I had the chance to talk with Joseph about the movie and what it took to make the classic book for today's audience. To listen click here or scroll down.