Michael Easley inContext

Are People Really Good at Heart? With Darren Tyler

In this episode of Michael Easley in Context, Michael sits down with his pastor and longtime friend Darren Tyler, lead pastor of Conduit Church in Franklin, Tennessee, to address a growing cultural shift: many people—including professing Christians—no longer believe that sin is real, universal, or serious. Using recent Barna research as a starting point, Michael and Darren explore how ideas like “people are basically good,” “follow your heart,” and therapeutic explanations for sin have reshaped how we talk about responsibility, repentance, and grace. They discuss why minimizing sin weakens evangelism, erodes discipleship, and ultimately obscures the beauty of the gospel. This conversation doesn’t minimize real pain, trauma, or injustice. Instead, it offers a biblical framework for owning our present reality, understanding the deceitfulness of the human heart, and running toward joyful obedience in Christ. From pastoral ministry and generational shifts to cultural algorithms and everyday gospel conversations, this episode provides clarity for navigating faith in a confused age. If you’ve wondered how to talk about sin without shame—or why the gospel feels less compelling in today’s culture—this episode is for you. 🔑 What You’ll Learn -Why many Americans—and Christians—no longer believe sin is universal or serious -How cultural narratives about the heart reshape responsibility and repentance -The connection between diminished views of sin and weakened evangelism -Why following your heart often leads away from biblical truth -How pastors can address sin without shame while still preaching clearly -Practical ways to talk about sin and grace in everyday conversations -Why the gospel is more than an example—it’s a substitution -How discipleship suffers when churches stop teaching core doctrine Chapters 00:00 – Why the conversation about sin matters right now 02:45 – Darren Tyler’s journey from the music industry to pastoral ministry 06:10 – Barna’s findings: Are people really “basically good”? 09:30 – How culture redefines sin as trauma or preference 13:45 – The danger of “follow your heart” theology 17:30 – Sin, abuse, and responsibility: drawing biblical distinctions 21:40 – Why minimizing sin undermines evangelism 26:00 – The missing piece in modern discipleship 31:10 – Talking about sin without shame 35:45 – Algorithms, the heart, and modern temptation 40:20 – Why Jesus had to pay the price for sin 45:15 – Sin against God and the meaning of forgiveness 50:30 – Romans 7, Romans 8, and hope for believers 54:20 – Why the gospel is more needed than ever 58:30 – Final encouragement for pastors and everyday Christians Links Mentioned: Conduit Church Follow on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelinContext https://www.instagram.com/dreasley/ For more information on Dr. Michael Easley and Ask Dr. E Visit: https://www.michaelincontext.com

Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design with Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Christian parents today face an overwhelming challenge: how do you talk to your kids about sex with clarity, confidence, and a truly biblical foundation—without fear, confusion, or shame? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael sits down with Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to discuss her new book Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design. Together, they unpack how to begin age-appropriate conversations about sexuality as early as age four, why parents should replace “the talk” with ongoing discipleship, and how to address difficult topics like pornography, masturbation, and cultural confusion around identity. If you want practical language and a biblical roadmap for guiding your kids in a hyper-sexualized world, this conversation will equip you with the tools you need. 🔍 KEY TOPICS -Why conversations about sex must start earlier than you think -How to teach God’s good design for marriage and sexuality -Talking to young kids about body parts, privacy, and boundaries -How to be the “first voice” your kids trust -Preparing kids for cultural confusion about sex and identity -Biblical guidance for addressing porn, masturbation, and shame -How single adults can speak into parenting conversations with wisdom Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversations on Sexuality 02:55 Understanding God's Design for Marriage 06:11 The Importance of Early Conversations 08:49 Navigating Body Awareness and Shame 11:58 Addressing Indelicate Topics with Children 15:11 The Impact of Technology on Sexual Education 17:58 Discussing Pornography with Kids 21:03 Responding to Children's Questions 23:48 Understanding Gender Dysphoria and Identity 27:03 Overcoming Parental Shame in Discussions 29:50 Resources for Parents 32:56 Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents Links Mentioned: Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design by Elizabeth Urbanowicz Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Influencing The Next Generation in a Digital World with Dr. Josh Packard

How do we guide the next generation when their world is digital, fast-changing, and often confusing for adults?In this episode, Michael Easley sits down with sociologist Dr. Josh Packard to unpack the surprising truth: you don’t need to master every platform or trend to meaningfully influence teens. You need presence, curiosity, and listening.Together they explore why today’s teens feel digitally confident yet relationally insecure, how this tension shapes their everyday lives, and what caring adults can do to build trust in a world full of noise. If you’re a parent, pastor, mentor, or leader investing in Gen Z or Gen Alpha, this conversation will reshape the way you think about discipleship and connection.What You’ll Learn- Why adults don’t need to “keep up” with technology to guide teens- How the digital confidence vs. relational insecurity gap impacts students- Why listening is often more powerful than teaching- The shift from “truth → trust → time” to “time → trust → truth”- Practical ways to engage the next generation with presence and consistencyChapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation07:31 Understanding Generational Differences13:16 The Role of Trust in Ministry18:53 Sacred Listening and Relational Ministry23:32 Growing Up Online: The Impact of Social Media27:34 Navigating Teen Social Media Spaces31:18 Understanding the Digital Generation35:02 Curiosity Over Expertise in Youth Engagement38:48 Building Trust Through Presence43:00 Cognitive Dissonance in the Digital Age47:57 The Challenge of Information Overload52:15 The Power of Listening and Curiosity Links Mentioned Faithful Futures by Dr. Josh Packard Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

New Year's Resolutions: Spiritual Growth (Re-release)

Should Christians make New Year's resolutions? In this special (re-release) episode of inContext, Michael discusses New Year's resolutions for Christians. Links Mentioned: ⁠Download Michael's Personal Development goals template⁠ To read the show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

Merry Christmas with Michael W. Smith

Summary: In this special Christmas episode, Michael sits down with the legendary Michael W. Smith for a rich, joyful, and deeply reflective conversation about worship, songwriting, and the heart behind Christmas music. Originally recorded in 2020, their dialogue remains just as relevant and refreshing today. Smith shares how his understanding of worship has matured from music-driven moments to an entire lifestyle shaped by loving God and loving others. The two discuss the origins of some of Smith’s most beloved Christmas songs—like “All Is Well” and “The Promise”—including powerful stories behind their melodies and lyrics. Smith describes the surprising ease of some compositions (“it just fell out of the sky”) and the disciplined humility required to step back when a song isn’t ready. He also recounts influences ranging from Bach and Handel to Andy Williams and classic orchestral Christmas recordings he devoured as a child. Smith opens up about the grind and the beauty of his December touring schedule, the spiritual responsibility of leading worship, and the weight of pride that often shadows artists early in their careers. With honesty and warmth, this episode explores worship as a lifestyle, the craft of songwriting, and the glory of Christ at Christmas. Takeaways: Worship is not music alone but a lifestyle of loving God and others. Growth in worship leadership means decreasing pride, disappearing on stage, and guiding people to meet with God. Smith emphasizes that worship requires purity of heart, not just musical excellence. Links Mentioned Prayer by Tim Keller Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll For more inContext interviews, click here.