Michael Easley inContext

Handling Anxiety in a Dangerous World with Kerby Anderson

Summary: In this episode, Michael Easley and Kerby Anderson reflect on cultural shifts, global instability, and the role of the local church. Anderson highlights the pervasive anxiety among Americans and links it to a culture steeped in uncertainty and spiritual confusion. He emphasizes the importance of Christians understanding their unique callings—whether in politics, medicine, business, or parenting—as a faithful response to today's challenges. Easley and Anderson lament the decline of theological depth in churches and the overcorrection toward relational, program-heavy models.  However, young people are hungry for meaning, structure, and authentic faith. They point to growing interest in liturgy, Reformed theology, and apologetics ministries as signs of revival. Both men underscore the value of low time preference—faithful, long-term ministry—even when cultural progress seems slow. Their message is clear: in a dark world, Christians must stay rooted in truth, reach their immediate circles, and trust God’s sovereign plan across generations. Takeaways: Global instability—especially from Russia, China, and Iran—continues to raise valid concerns for national security and Christian engagement. Widespread anxiety is rooted in real threats, cultural confusion, and a growing disconnect from biblical truth. Christians should focus on their God-given callings—whether in politics, business, or family—to impact the culture. The decline of theology in favor of shallow “community” leaves churches spiritually weak and ineffective. Young people are increasingly drawn to structure, doctrine, and meaningful tradition within the Church. True cultural change begins with long-term faithfulness, not quick solutions—our role is to trust God and stay rooted in truth. Links Mentioned: Probe Ministries Point of View Radio Kerby Anderson on AI use Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Raising Gender Confident Kids with Dr. Jeff Myers

In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley welcomes back Dr. Jeff Myers—president of Summit Ministries and author of the new book Raising Gender-Confident Kids. They begin with a candid conversation about Israel’s unique geopolitical role, the apocalyptic ideology driving Iran, and the rising anti-Israel sentiment among young Americans. Dr. Myers explains how misinformation, poor education, and Marxist ideology have shaped a generation that views Israel and America as colonial oppressors. The conversation then shifts to the troubling rise in gender confusion among children and young adults. Drawing from his book, Dr. Myers exposes the well-funded, ideologically driven agenda behind radical gender ideology, the manipulation of language, and the alarming influence of social media. He highlights how biblical truth, parental presence, and real conversations can bring clarity and hope. Takeaways Israel’s conflict is deeply tied to Iran’s apocalyptic ideology, not just geopolitics. Social media is the accelerant fueling unprecedented gender confusion among young people. The manipulation of language is intentional—designed to reshape worldviews and suppress dissent. Nearly 40% of American young adults now identify as LGBTQ, including 30% within the church. Public schools are actively indoctrinating children with gender ideology, often without parental knowledge. Biblical truth and parental love are essential to raising secure, gender-confident kids. LINKS MENTIONED: Get a FREE copy of Raising Gender Confident Kids by Dr. Jeff Myers Summit Ministries Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Scrolling Ourselves to Death Part 2 with Brett McCracken

Summary: In this thought-provoking follow-up conversation, Dr. Michael Easley welcomes back Brett McCracken, senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and co-editor of Scrolling Ourselves to Death. Together, they explore the cognitive and spiritual costs of living in a hyper-digital world—highlighting a recent MIT study showing a 47% drop in neural connectivity among heavy AI users. Brett echoes these concerns, drawing parallels between the atrophy of our cognitive muscles and the slow erosion of deep thinking and spiritual formation.  The two unpack the historical role of technology, likening today’s AI revolution to the disruptive power of the printing press, urging Christians to approach emerging tools with discernment, not blind adoption. They delve into the "information-action ratio," a term coined by Neil Postman, explaining how modern digital overload floods us with global crises we cannot act on—fostering anxiety and detachment from our local communities. Brett emphasizes the need to reconnect to embodied, local ministry and to resist the curated echo chambers of social media. For both pastors and congregants, the call is clear: return to real relationships, physical Bibles, and rooted discipleship. This episode is a timely challenge to think deeply, live locally, and be formed more by truth than by trends. Takeaways: MIT found a 47% drop in neural connectivity in AI users—proving our brains are thinking less. Technology is not neutral; it forms us and often distorts how we read, think, and relate. The "information-action ratio" explains why we’re more anxious than ever—we're informed but powerless to act. Christians must focus on embodied, local ministry rather than digital distractions and global noise. The church should reclaim sacred spaces—encouraging physical Bibles and device-free worship. Social media forms us into echo chambers, but the church should form us into Christlikeness through challenge and community. Links Mentioned: Scrolling Ourselves to Death by Brett McCracken The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken Uncomfortable by Brett McCracken Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Ministry, Mentorship, and Following God’s Call with Dr. S Jonathan Murphy

Summary: In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley interviews Dr. S Jonathan Murphy—professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and new lead pastor at Stonebriar Community Church—about his remarkable upbringing and ministry journey. Dr. Murphy shares how he grew up immersed in a culturally Spanish world while rooted in a Northern Irish evangelical home. His early faith was shaped by the tight-knit church his father pastored and the missionary stories he heard as a child. By age seven, Jonathan had come to a personal faith in Christ, a decision that would shape his life’s calling. After studying in Scotland, Dr. Murphy was unexpectedly led to Dallas Theological Seminary, where mentors like Dr. Howard Hendricks and Dr. Dwight Pentecost guided him toward pastoral ministry and eventually into academic training. He served faithfully as a local pastor in Northern Ireland before God called him back to Dallas to teach and eventually join the team at Stonebriar. Takeaways: Dr. S Jonathan Murphy grew up in a missionary household in Spain, learning faith through everyday family and church life. He transitioned from pastoring in Belfast to teaching and leading at Dallas Seminary, following God’s unexpected direction. Chuck Swindoll personally mentored Dr. Murphy, preparing him over years to step into leadership at Stonebriar Community Church. Dr. Murphy believes discipleship should flow naturally from genuine community—not be limited to structured programs. Fidelity in ministry matters more than church size or reputation—quiet, steady faithfulness is the real success. The church should function as a spiritual family where people truly belong, support one another, and grow together. Links Mentioned: Authentic Influencer by Dr. S Jonathan Murphy  Dr. Murphy's website Pre-order The Story of God And Us by Dr. S Jonathan Murphy  Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Legacy, Giftedness, and Purpose with Bev Hendricks Godby and Bill Hendricks

Summary: In this conversation, Michael Easley speaks with Bill Hendricks and Bev Hendricks Godby about their father, Howard Hendricks, and his profound legacy in Christian leadership. They discuss the importance of recognizing and nurturing giftedness in individuals, the challenges of navigating retirement while maintaining purpose, and the nuances of parenting gifted children. The conversation emphasizes the significance of humility, the impact of family dynamics, and the ongoing journey of discovering one's purpose in life. Takeaways: Retirement isn’t the end, it’s a chance to repurpose your life for what truly matters. Giftedness isn’t taught, it’s what you were born to do. The path to purpose begins by paying attention to what naturally motivates you. Great leaders lead with humility. It’s not optional, it’s essential. Every child reveals their giftedness through how they act, play, and respond. Discovering purpose isn’t a one-time event, it’s a lifelong journey. Links Mentioned: The Hendricks Center So How Do I Parent This Child by Bev Hendricks Godby and Bill Hendricks Bev’s books Bill’s books The Giftedness Center Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.