Renewing Christian Institutions: John Hawthorn on Fearless Leadership in a Changing Culture

What if Christian colleges—and churches—stopped being driven by fear?

In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren sits down (literally, in person) with sociologist and Substack writer John Hawthorne to talk about his new book The Fearless Christian University. Drawing on nearly four decades in Christian higher education, John outlines why so many institutions have slipped into what Andy Crouch calls "zombie mode"—defined more by inertia than imagination. This conversation moves fluidly between Christian universities and local churches, asking critical questions about sustainability, fear-based culture wars, institutional loyalty, and what it looks like to center the real questions of a rising generation.

Together, John and Loren explore:

• Why Christian institutions often default to fear and control

• What it means to be a “zombie institution”—and how to wake up

• How schools and churches can move from protecting tradition to cultivating belonging

• The importance of legitimizing doubt and centering student (or congregant) questions

• Whether it's possible to hold onto theological identity without gatekeeping

• How online church and online education can erode or support community

• Why belonging may need to come before belief

John Hawthorne is a sociologist who spent nearly four decades in Christian higher education. He served as faculty member and academic administrator over the course of his career, spending time in five different Christian universities. He writes a Substack that often deals with issues in Christian higher education and has been regularly interviewed for Christianity Today, Religion News Service, Sojourners, Inside Higher Ed, and the Associated Press. His publications include A First Step into a Much Larger World: The Christian University and Beyond.

 

Mentioned Resources:

📱 Follow https://bsky.app/profile/jwhawthorne.bsky.social

📖 Book: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884565/the-fearless-christian-university/

🌐 John's Substack: https://substack.com/@johnhawthorne

🎧 Jeff Keuss: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-8wu23-1703189

 

 

 

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

 

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Kokoro  Join in for heartfelt journeys that challenges the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world we share.

 

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant