Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians

Confronting Poverty: What the Bible Really Says About the Poor

#29 Is poverty a result of personal failure—or a symptom of a broken system? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the deeply human and deeply biblical dimensions of poverty, challenging us to think beyond politics and toward compassion.
Join us as we explore:Global and national poverty statistics that demand attentionWhy God’s Word speaks so directly—and urgently—about the poor (Jeremiah 5:28, Isaiah 58:6-7, James 2:1-6)What Jesus meant when he said he came to bring “Good News to the poor” (Luke 4:18)How followers of Christ can move from helplessness to practical, grace-filled action
Is poverty just a fact of life—or is it something God calls us to fight against? Tune in for a challenging, hopeful conversation that reframes how we see the least of these.
Listen now and join the conversation.
 
 

Faith & Facts: Can Science and Christianity Coexist?

#28 Is science the enemy of faith—or a reflection of God’s creativity? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the often-tension-filled relationship between science and Christianity, offering a refreshing take that honors both Scripture and scientific discovery.
Join us as we explore:What science really is—and why Christians should careHow Psalm 111:2 and Proverbs 25:2 encourage curiosity and discoveryWhy humility is essential in studying the universe God made (Romans 11:34, 36)How believers can approach science not with fear, but with worship
Whether you’ve questioned how science fits with your faith or want to engage these conversations with more wisdom, this episode is a must-listen.
Listen now and discover how curiosity and reverence can go hand-in-hand in God’s world.

Caring for Creation: What the Bible Says About the Environment

#27 Should Christians even care about climate change? Some say environmentalism is political. Others say it’s biblical. In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden asks: What if caring for the planet isn’t about partisanship—but about partnership with God?
Join us as we discuss: Biblical foundations for environmental responsibility (Genesis 1–4)How the industrial revolution changed our relationship with natureWhat it means to co-rule creation with GodWhy caring for the planet is an act of love for future generations
Whether you’re skeptical about the climate debate or all-in on going green, this episode offers a gracious, gospel-centered approach to one of today’s most pressing (and polarizing) issues.
Listen now and join the conversation!

Experiencing the Risen Christ: A Bonus Easter Conversation with Pastor Jim Johnson

#26 What does Easter truly mean beyond the empty tomb? In this heartfelt bonus episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with his longtime friend and co-founder of Preston Trail Community Church, Pastor Jim Johnson, for an intimate conversation about faith, doubt, healing, and the presence of the resurrected Jesus.
 
Together, they reflect on: The miracle that shaped Jim’s childhood and family legacyHow personal sorrow deepened his understanding of Jesus’ love (Isaiah 53:3)Wrestling with fragile faith and finding hope in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15, Romans 8)What it means to experience—not just believe in—the risen Christ (Luke 24:13-35)
 
As Jim prepares to preach the Easter message this year, he invites listeners to encounter the Spirit of Jesus in a fresh way. Whether you’re full of faith or carrying doubt, this episode offers an invitation to draw close to the living Savior.
 
🎧 Listen now and join us as we move from knowing about Easter… to experiencing the One it’s all about.

Seeing Immigrants Through God’s Eyes: A Biblical Call to Compassion and Justice

#25 In this powerful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden shifts the conversation from policy to people—inviting listeners to see immigrants not as a problem to solve, but as people to love. Through Scripture and story, Paul reminds us that our faith calls us to something deeper than politics: it calls us to radical hospitality.
 
Join us as we explore:  How Scripture calls us to love and welcome immigrants: (Exodus 23:9, Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:17-19)Jesus’ teaching on caring for “the least of these”: (Matthew 25:40, 45)
How Christian hospitality can transform how we see and serve strangers: (Hebrews 13:2)The difference between immigration policies and immigrant people—and why that distinction matters
What does it look like to love “the foreigner among us” in a politically divided world? Can we be people of conviction and compassion?Watch Eunice's Immigrant Story Here

The Future Is Together: A Biblical Conversation on Feminism, Calling, and Co-Leadership with Guest Pastor Alison Leamon

#24 In this powerful follow-up episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden is joined by Pastor Alison Leamon of Preston Trail Community Church for a candid and inspiring conversation about feminism, faith, and what it means to honor God’s call—regardless of gender.
Alison shares her personal journey as a woman in ministry, from questioning her place in leadership to boldly stepping into her God-given teaching gift. Together, Paul and Alison explore the difference between secular feminism and biblical equality, inviting listeners to embrace a vision of co-leadership that reflects the heart of God.
Join us as we explore: How calling and courage intersect in a woman’s leadership journey (Acts 2:17-18)Biblical models of women leading in the early Church (Romans 16:1-7)Why “complementarity without hierarchy” honors God’s design (Genesis 1:27)How men and women can champion one another in ministry and calling
Is the Church ready to embrace the full gifts of women? Can feminism and faith coexist under the banner of Christ? Tune in to hear how God is writing a better story—one where men and women lead side-by-side for His glory.
Listen now and join the conversation!

Redefining Feminism: A Biblical Case for Equality, Leadership, and the Full Image of God

#23 Feminism is one of the most controversial words in modern culture—and in the church. But what if the conversation didn’t have to divide us? In this insightful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the history, theology, and emotion behind feminism, offering a more biblical and unifying lens on gender, value, and leadership.
Join us as we explore:God’s original design for men and women as co-rulers of creation (Genesis 1:27–28)The meaning of “helper” and its powerful Old Testament context (Genesis 2:18)Jesus’ radical inclusion of women in His ministry (Luke 10:38–39)Paul’s recognition of female leaders in the early church (Romans 16:1–7)The Spirit’s empowering of both men and women to lead (Acts 2:17–18)
 
Is there a version of feminism that reflects God’s heart? Can Christians embrace gender equality without abandoning biblical truth? Tune in as we seek wisdom, honor God’s design, and celebrate the full image of God in both women and men.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

Breaking Down Patriarchy: A Biblical Look at Gender, Leadership, and Equality

#22 Patriarchy has shaped societies and religious traditions for centuries, but is it God’s design? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden unpacks the roots of patriarchy, its impact on the church, and what Scripture truly says about men and women leading together.
 
Join us as we explore:The biblical foundation for gender equality (Genesis 1:27, 1 Corinthians 11:11-12)How Jesus challenged cultural norms by elevating women (Luke 10:38-39)
Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts and leadership beyond gender (Galatians 3:28)Why shared leadership between men and women reflects God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:10)
 
Does patriarchy belong in the church today? Or is God calling us to a better way? Tune in as we wrestle with these tough questions and challenge traditional assumptions with biblical truth.

Charismatic Christianity Pt. 2 Featuring Pastor John McKinzie

#21 In this thought-provoking follow-up episode, host Paul Basden sits down with Pastor John McKinzie of Hope Fellowship to continue the conversation on Charismatic Christianity. Pastor John shares his personal journey—growing up in the Assemblies of God, his theological shifts over the years, and how those changes influenced his leadership and church planting.
Together, Paul and John explore key questions about the Charismatic movement, including:
What it means to be a Spirit-filled church
How theology and church culture evolve over time
Misconceptions and excesses in the Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions
The role of spiritual gifts like tongues, healing, and prophecy in today’s church
The pursuit of unity in the broader body of Christ
Whether you come from a Charismatic background, have questions about spiritual gifts, or simply want to understand different perspectives within the church, this episode offers a balanced, insightful discussion. Tune in to hear how Pastor John’s experience shaped his faith and how we can foster greater unity among believers.
🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation!
📌 For more about Hope Fellowship, visit: Hope Fellowship Website

Charismatic Christianity: Signs, Wonders, and the Power of the Holy Spirit

#20 In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, we take a deep dive into the charismatic movement—what it is, what it teaches, and how it has shaped modern Christianity. From spiritual gifts and miracles to healing and speaking in tongues, we explore the biblical foundations of charismatic belief and discuss how different churches respond to these practices.
Join us as we unpack key questions:
What does it mean to be charismatic?Are miracles, healings, and tongues for today’s church? (1 Corinthians 12:9-10)How does Pentecost shape our understanding of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:17-18)What does the Bible say about faith, healing, and God's will? (Matthew 9:35, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 6:23)What are the different church perspectives on charismatic gifts?
Whether you’ve experienced charismatic worship firsthand or you’re just curious about the movement, this conversation will provide biblical insight, historical context, and practical wisdom on how to engage with different expressions of faith in love and unity.
Want to keep the conversation going?
To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynnmckayc@gmail.com