Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry

Learning Who We Are: Education as Formation

Joy in learning begins with joy in relationship. In this episode, Chris and The Oaks Academy CEO Andrew Hart discuss transformational learning in the context of relationships—both interpersonal relationships and relationship with ideas and knowledge—and the intentionality behind forming diverse learning communities, practicing habits, and fostering joy.

The Power of Belonging

From pastor’s kid to national leader, Dr. Karissa Niehoff shares her stories of faith and her wisdom stemming from decades of leadership in scholastic athletics and activities. She and Chris discuss the shift from a formative to a performative approach within institutions like athletics, the impact this trend has on kids and entire communities, and what we can do to encourage joy, wellness, civility, and belonging, no matter our age.

Welcoming the Stranger: A Call to Hope and Healing

In this episode of Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry, Wheeler Mission President and CEO Perry Hines shares his story of becoming the self-described “most unlikely leader” for a faith-based social services organization and addresses several myths about emergency shelter services and the people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis and beyond.

Becoming a Good Community

What defines a good community? How can we develop rich, mutually transformative relationships with our neighbors? This episode delves into these questions as Chris Henry and Amar Patel discuss collective community responsibility, equitable access to excellent education, and sufficiency and sustainability as basic building blocks for a better future.

Faith, Health, and Justice

“The way things are is not the way things have to be.” Rev. Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission and Values Officer of Indiana University Health, joins Chris to discuss holistic health—the integration of mind, body, and spirit—and why equity and community are essential components of true wellness. This episode was recorded in October 2023 and includes references to past events.

Finding Your Why and Changing the World

Local and global leader George Srour brings his characteristic humility, depth, and wit to this conversation about vocation and the power of community. George is the Chief Dreamer at Building Tomorrow, “a community-powered organization that harnesses the potential of local change-makers to connect learners across rural Uganda with transformational education programs.” He discusses gratitude, the interconnectedness of the human family, “befriending grace,” the enduring effects of colonialism, and the impact of giving our time, presence, and skills for the good of our local communities.

Rejoicing in a Weary World

The world is weary. We are desperate for genuine joy. Too often, the things that drag us down seem so much more powerful than what holds us up. And then, Christmas comes. We are told that there is good news at the very center of reality because of a baby born in a borrowed room. In this episode, Chris speaks with his sons (Sam age 10; Ben age 6) about the story of Christ’s birth and what it means for a weary world to rejoice. It is a conversation filled with joy and gratitude and hope for the future. Merry Christmas!

Living Whole Lives: A Judge’s Perspective on Leadership and Hope

Judge Sarah Evans Barker, the first woman in several prominent roles in the state of Indiana—including US Attorney, Federal Judge, and Chief Judge—shares stories from her distinguished career in the law and how the foundation of faith inspires her work. Judge Barker’s persistent sense of hopefulness is evident as she describes the leaders we must seek and be. “We’ve got to find people who understand to their bones that they don’t exist for themselves alone.”

A Deeper Hope: Countering Christian Nationalism

In this Faithful Discourse episode, respected scholar and Professor of Sociology Andrew Whitehead, author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church, joins Chris to discuss the impact of Christian Nationalism and some faithful responses to it. Conversations at the intersection of religious faith and public life—like this one—can be uncomfortable and challenging, which is precisely why they are so important. As Andrew said in the closing moments of this episode, “Onward together.”

Ministry Loves Company: Friendship, Leadership, and the Church

In this episode, Chris sits down with his friend and colleague, Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, pastor of the historic Witherspoon Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, to discuss their common call to public ministry, the necessity of friendship, and the life of congregations.