Episode 557: Evangelicals’ Elite Problem

Do evangelicals really lack cultural elites — and if so, does it matter?

An essay in First Things argues that evangelicals have failed to cultivate elites in America’s most influential institutions, leaving them underrepresented in culture-shaping domains like media, academia, and politics. In this episode, we examine author Aaron Renn’s claims, question his definition of “elite,” and explore where the argument resonates — and where it falls apart. We discuss populism within evangelicalism, the absence of a robust theology of vocation, the tension evangelicals feel toward ambition and power, and reflect on how the gospel reframes ambition, faithfulness, and cultural impact.

Chapters:
(0:00) Introductions: Evangelical Elites?
(8:07) Why Evangelicals Struggle with Power
(19:08) Ambition, Leadership, and Discernment
(26:26) The Need for Flagship Churches
(32:29) The Gospel’s Reframing of Success