Michael Clary: Plain Speech Podcast

Practical Lessons for Pastors Who are Beginning to Discern the Times

Michael Clary — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 08:30:00 GMT

This is a video essay from this article originally published at Sola Ecclesia

In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, Michael Clary discusses cultural engagement in modern times from a pastoral perspective.

Over the past decade, pastors have faced unprecedented moral and emotional challenges in their ministry environments. This episode discusses the 'three worlds of evangelicalism' as proposed by Aaron Renn, detailing how American society's perception of Christianity has shifted from positive, to neutral, to negative. The script provides a detailed analysis of the challenges pastors face today and suggests two approaches: appeasement or engagement, emphasizing the importance of courage and biblical fidelity in a hostile cultural climate. It also offers practical advice for pastors on how to effectively lead their congregations in these turbulent times.

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Modern Ministry Challenges

00:24 The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism

01:02 The Shift to a Negative World

01:45 Pastoral Realities in the Negative World

02:55 The Influence of Social Media on Christian Thought

03:51 Recognizing Cultural Shifts in Congregations

05:20 The Dilemma of Addressing Controversial Issues

09:01 Strategies for Faithful Pastoral Leadership

15:36 Counting the Cost of Engagement

20:10 Conclusion: Encouragement for Faithful Shepherds

Thoughts on the Credobaptist to Paedobaptist Pipeline

Michael Clary — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Understanding the Shift from Baptist to Presbyterian Traditions

In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, Michael Clary explores the factors behind Baptists transitioning to Presbyterian churches. Drawing from a piece he wrote on his Substack, Clary discusses the theological and cultural influences that guide these shifts, emphasizing the role of family discipleship in this movement.

He theorizes that embattled Baptist families are seeking environments more focused on catechizing children and preserving Christian values amidst growing societal hostility. Clary also critiques the potential pitfalls for Baptist churches that may neglect child-focused discipleship in favor of broader evangelism efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:33 Reading and Discussing the Substack Piece

01:10 Theological Sophistication and Personal Experience

02:24 Cultural and Theological Observations

04:25 Pipeline from Credo Baptist to Peadobaptist churches

07:15 Family Discipleship vs. Evangelism

13:53 Potential Shifts Towards Catholicism

15:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://dmichaelclary.substack.com/p/thoughts-on-the-baptist-to-presbyterian

Jason Storms - How the Prolife Movement Lost its Way

Michael Clary — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 14:23:44 GMT

In this episode of Plain Speech Podcast, host Michael Clary and Jason Storms of Operation Save America delve into the current state of anti-abortion activism in America. Jason shares his personal story of coming to faith in Christ and how his rise to lead Operation Save America. Michael and Jason also discuss the impact of the Dobbs decision, the usage of different terms such as “pro life,” “abolitionist,” “immediatist,” and “incrementalist”, and the challenges of passing legislation like the Equal Protection Bill. They also explore the balance between ideological purity and practical action within the broader anti-abortion movement.

00:00 Introduction to the Plain Speech Podcast

00:29 Jason Storms' Journey to Faith and Anti-Abortion Ministry

01:01 The Impact of Abortion on Personal Life

01:29 Operation Save America and Pro-Life Movement

03:00 Cultural and Personal Reflections on Masculinity

07:43 The Role of Men in the Abortion Debate

09:17 Reflections on the Dobbs Decision

15:44 Political Dynamics and the Pro-Life Movement

34:47 The Abolitionist Movement and Pro-Life Strategies

38:16 Unrest in the Abolitionist Movement

39:14 Pro-Life vs. Abolitionist: Defining the Terms

40:02 Social Media Conflicts and Misunderstandings

42:10 The Split Within the Abolitionist Movement

42:25 The Rise of AHA and Its Impact

43:27 Pro-Life and Abolitionist: Can They Coexist?

45:22 The Problem with Incremental Legislation

50:01 Chemical Abortions and Legal Loopholes

52:10 Balancing Ideology and Practicality

55:00 The Trump Debate: Pragmatism vs. Principle

01:01:33 Righteous Increments vs. Compromise

01:07:54 Unity in the Fight Against Abortion

01:12:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

https://www.operationsaveamerica.org/

Clerical Transgenderism

Michael Clary — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Clerical Transgenderism: Women in Ministry and Feminism's Impact on the Church

Originally published at the Center for Baptist Leadership

This episode is a reading of my recent piece for the Center for Baptist Leadership, where I explore the recent controversy in women's Olympic boxing and what it reveals about egalitarianism and transgenderism. I also discuss how feminist ideologies have infiltrated the church, particularly in the area of women preaching. Highlighting the differences between masculine and feminine preaching styles, I argue for the importance of strong, masculine leadership in the church and the spiritual dangers of diluting these roles. Discover why biblical preaching is seen as a form of spiritual warfare and why it should be reserved for men.

00:00 Introduction to the Olympic Boxing Controversy

02:12 The Feminist Movement and Its Impact on Womanhood

02:38 Clerical Transgenderism: Women Preaching in the Church

03:04 Egalitarianism and Its Influence on Church Roles

04:18 Feminine-Coded Preaching and Its Consequences

07:31 The Call for Masculine Preaching

08:32 Conclusion: Upholding Biblical Preaching and Roles

Will Spencer - How I Left the Occult for Christianity

Michael Clary — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:12:00 GMT

In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, host Michael Clary interviews Will Spencer, a Christian convert with a background in new age and occult practices. They discuss Will's experiences with demonic spirits, ayahuasca ceremonies, and his eventual conversion to Christianity. The interview explores the seductive practices of these spirits, the impact of modern society's disenchantment, and the dangers of syncretizing Christianity with other religions. The conversation also touches on a controversial prayer at the Republican National Convention and the rising influence of psychedelic substances among public figures. Michael and Will emphasize the importance of discernment and preparedness for the increasing spiritual deception in today's world.

00:00 Introduction to Demonic Spirits

00:45 Welcome to the Plain Speech Podcast

02:29 Interview with Will Spencer Begins

02:43 Addressing Controversy and Podcast Rebranding

06:20 Will Spencer's Pre-Christian Beliefs

08:37 Encounter with Jesus at Burning Man

11:49 Ayahuasca and Spiritual Experiences

13:10 Reconciling Spiritual Experiences with Christianity

14:34 The Nature of Demonic Deception

24:40 The Mundane vs. The Supernatural

34:58 Rising Spiritual Interest Amid Declining Christianity

35:03 Testimonies of Spiritual Encounters

35:12 A Mother's Desperation and Spiritual Concerns

35:46 Preparing for Future Spiritual Challenges

36:06 Controversial Prayer at the Republican National Convention

36:27 Analyzing Harmeet Dhillon's Prayer

37:25 Theological Implications of Dhillon's Prayer

41:32 Russell Brand's Public Conversion

41:58 Influence of Progressive Spiritual Ideas

46:12 Syncretism in Modern Christianity

49:44 The Challenge of Discernment in Faith

52:11 Theological Assertions and Political Actions

01:02:07 The Rise of Psychedelics and Spiritualism

01:03:54 Final Thoughts and Future Conversations

Links for Will Spencer

https://renofmen.com/

https://x.com/RenOfMen

https://www.youtube.com/@renofmen

Jamie Bambrick - “Why We Need Christian Media We Can Trust”

Michael Clary — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, Michael Clary interviews Jamie Bambrick, best known for his viral YouTube video 'He Saves Us.' They introduce a new project they are both working on, Clear Truth Media, which aims to be a credible evangelical resource, launching on July 1st. The discussion covers Jamie's ministry journey, his bold stances on cultural and theological issues, and the collaborative effort behind Clear Truth Media. They reflect on past experiences with entities like the Gospel Coalition and Christianity Today, emphasizing the dedication and quality of contributors involved with Clear Truth Media.

Links for Clear Truth Media

www.cleartruthmedia.com (launching July 1st)

https://www.youtube.com/@ClearTruthMedia

https://x.com/cleartruthmedia

Follow Jamie Bambrick

https://www.youtube.com/@jamie.bambrick

https://x.com/j_bambrick

https://www.instagram.com/jamie.bambrick/

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

02:10 Meet Jamie Bambrick

03:11 Jamie's Ministry Journey

05:02 Challenges and Shifts in Ministry

07:52 The Role of Social Media in Ministry

28:26 Polarizing Reactions and Local Pushback

33:18 The 'He Saves Us' Video

36:04 Reflecting on the Controversial “He Gets Us” Commercial

37:28 The Inspiration Behind the Remake

37:59 Creating the New Video

39:38 The Impact and Reception

40:03 Critique of Progressive Christianity

44:31 Introduction to Clear Truth Media

48:57 The Vision and Goals of Clear Truth Media

52:32 Contributors and Support

01:09:44 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Rainbow Apocalypse

Michael Clary — Thu, 30 May 2024 08:56:00 GMT

In this video, I discuss the impending LGBTQ Pride Month and its impact on Christians. At the heart of this movement is a religious devotion to a religious cult. Therefore, Christians need to completely reject this sexual religion.

The Toal State is Everywhere (Auron MacIntyre)

Michael Clary — Thu, 23 May 2024 08:30:00 GMT

In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, Michael Clary interviews Auron MacIntyre, author of 'Total State,’ political commentator on YouTube and at the Blaze. They discuss the current political climate, the influence of progressive secular humanism in society, and the importance of conservative Christians understanding and engaging with societal changes. The conversation also covers MacIntyre's book, “Total State,” which is a big Red Pill about the way politics works in modern America. They explore the concept of the cathedral, a decentralized network controlling cultural consensus, and the spiritual aspects behind political ideologies. Additionally, the episode touches on localism as a response to federal overreach and the spiritual forces believed to be at play in shaping societal norms and beliefs.

00:00 Introduction to the Plain Speech Podcast

00:10 Interview Preview: Discussing 'Total State' with RN MacIntyre

00:57 Addressing Pride Month and Christian Response

01:48 Introducing 'God's Good Design': A Book on Biblical Sexuality

04:28 The Interview Begins: Getting to Know RN MacIntyre

04:37 RN MacIntyre's Christian Faith and Background

06:29 Discussing Southern Baptist Life and Upcoming Votes

07:56 Exploring Political Commentary and the Journey to The Blaze

16:53 Understanding the Total State: A Deep Dive

27:03 The Role of Opposition in the Total State

30:30 Navigating Political Power and Ideology

31:04 The Evolution of Public Perception: Bush to Trump

31:39 Exploring the Quest for Power: Ideology vs. Control

32:09 Italian Elite Theory and the Political Formula

36:31 The Cathedral: Manufacturing Cultural Consensus

44:10 Localism as a Response to Global Narratives

51:19 Theological Perspectives on Modern Ideologies

58:49 Engaging with Media and Upcoming Projects

Buy Total State on Amazon

Follow Auron on X: https://x.com/AuronMacintyre

Find all the rest of Auron’s work here

Get Michael’s book, God’s Good Design (Amazon, Canon+)

#AuronMacIntyre #TotalState #Culture #Localism #CathedralTheory #PoliticalRealism #Family #Conservatism #politics

Women's Ordination Leads to LGBTQ+ Affirmation

Michael Clary — Thu, 09 May 2024 16:57:02 GMT

In this episode, Jared Moore, a candidate for president of the Southern Baptist Convention, talks about his call to ministry and his current pastoral role in Crossville, Tennessee. Jared also delves into the challenges and aspirations of the Southern Baptist Convention, exploring themes of ministry methodologies, the impact of cultural trends on church dynamics, and the importance of steadfast adherence to Scriptural truth in the face of cultural rot, such as controversies regarding gender roles in the church, women's ordination, and the sin of affirming homosexuality.

Jared is a candidate for President of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Jared is nominating Michael Clary for First Vice President of the SBC.

Get Jared's book: https://freegracepress.com/products/the-lust-of-the-flesh

Follow Jared on X: x.com@jaredhmoore

00:00 Challenging Traditional Views on Marriage and Sexuality

02:58 Introducing Jared Moore: A Candidate for Southern Baptist Convention President

03:23 Jared Moore's Journey and Ministry Insights

12:36 The Impact of Pop Culture on Rural Communities and Churches20:18 Discussing the Role of Women in Church Leadership

36:47 Exploring the Connection Between Ordaining Women and LGBTQ+ Clergy

43:56 The Role of Technology in Society and Religion

44:44 The Impact of Birth Control on Society's View of Sex and Marriage

45:37 Gender Roles and the Influence of Technology in Warfare

46:43 The Role of Women in Church Leadership and the Pastoral Office

47:42 Transgender Phenomenon and Technology's Role

48:34 The Church's Response to Gender and Sexual Identity Issues

52:43 Debating the Legitimacy of 'Side B' Christianity

57:17 The Danger of Affirming Sinful Desires in the Church

01:11:03 The Power of the Gospel to Change Lives

01:18:18 Final Thoughts on Church Leadership and the Importance of Truth

“Explain what’s at stake in the SBC like I’m 5,” with William Wolfe

Michael Clary — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:38:14 GMT

The Future Path of the Southern Baptist Convention: Leadership, Accountability, and Faithful Stewardship In this episode of the Plain Speech Podcast, we delve into the pivotal issues facing the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Topics include the importance of the Law Amendment, financial transparency, combating wokeness within the church, and the crucial presidential election at the upcoming SBC meeting in Indianapolis. Our guest, William Wolfe, Founder of the Center for Baptist Leadership, discusses the potential for revitalization and reform within the SBC, emphasizing a return to scriptural fidelity, the fight against theological liberalism, and the role that informed and courageous leadership must play in navigating the convention's future. 00:00 - William's personal testimony and the state of the SBC 24:27 - The Law Amendment and Financial Transparency 50:11 - Addressing Wokeness and Theological Drift 56:35 - What's at stake in the SBC Presidential Election The Center for Baptist Leadership (CBL): https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/ Listen to the CRUCIAL first episode on Russell Moore's stormy departure from his post at the ERLC and the SBC: https://centerforbaptistleadership.po... Follow CBL on X: twitter.com/baptistleaders Follow CBL on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Follow William Wolfe on X: twitter.com/william_e_wolfe

How Colleges Make You Pay for What You Don't Get, with Dr. Ben Merkle

Michael Clary — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:10:48 GMT

In this interview, I speak with Dr. Ben Merkle, who is the President of New Saint Andrews college in Moscow, ID. We talk all things related to students and parents picking a school in clown world 2024, including the right and wrong ways to think about sending our kids to college, whether or not college should be the default option, the value of trade school, a selection strategy for Christian parents, and blind spots of choosing schools.

How to Stand Your Ground in the Chaos of Ministry

Michael Clary — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:30:11 GMT

Highlights from this episode include avoiding emotional manipulation, canonizing personal preferences, the "narcissism" boogeyman, and weaponized feelings. Matt will be speaking at the upcoming King’s Domain conference, "Gendered Virtue: Men and Women Who Take Dominion,” April 18-20, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. Other speakers include Joe Rigney, Michael Foster, Toby Sumpter, and Shane Morris. More details at www.genderedvirtue.com. Matt is the founding pastor of Christ the Lord Church in Dayton, OH. https://ctldayton.com/ Follow Matt on X: https://x.com/MattMcBee05 Follow Matt's podcast: The Withywindle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-withywindle/id1685532188

The Joy of Biblical Sexuality

Michael Clary — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:30:00 GMT

Highlights from this episode include our discussion of awkward Christian sex manuals, woke movies, merchants of misery, why woke people are unhappy, bitterness traps, and the apologetics of joy. Michael will be speaking at the upcoming King’s Domain conference, "Gendered Virtue: Men and Women Who Take Dominion,” April 18-20, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. Other speakers include Joe Rigney, Toby Sumpter, Shane Morris, and others. More details at www.genderedvirtue.com. Follow Michael on X: https://twitter.com/thisisfoster Follow Michael's podcast by searching for "This is Foster" on podcast platforms

How the Birth Control Pill Broke Everyone's Brains

Michael Clary — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Shane Morris and I talk have a really interesting conversation about masculinity, femininity, anthropological heresies, and how the on-demand birth control broke everyone's brains. Shane will also be speaking at the upcoming King’s Domain conference, "Gendered Virtue: Men and Women Who Take Dominion,” April 18-20, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. Other speakers include Michael Foster, Toby Sumpter, Joe Rigney, and others. More details at www.genderedvirtue.com Shane is the host of the Colson Center's Upstream Podcast. https://www.colsoncenter.org/upstream/ Follow Shane on X: https://twitter.com/GShaneMorris Follow Shane on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregory.s.morris.9

How Leaders Can Survive Being Emotionally Sabotaged

Michael Clary — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 20:31:34 GMT

In this episode, Dr. Joe Rigney and I have a fascinating conversation about a challenge of modern ministry leadership that is rarely discussed: emotional sabotage. We also talk about people pleasing, social stampedes, competitive victimhood, maternal vampires, and more. Joe will also be speaking at the upcoming King’s Domain conference, "Gendered Virtue: Men and Women Who Take Dominion,” April 18-20, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. Other speakers include Michael Foster, Toby Sumpter, Shane Morris, and others. More details at www.genderedvirtue.com Check out Joe's book, "Leadership and Emotional Sabotage" at https://emotionalsabotage.com/ You can also bulk order 5 or more copies of his book and schedule a Private Q&A with your team & the author. This offer ends March 1st. Joe Rigney is a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. Follow Joe on X: https://twitter.com/joe_rigney

Joyful Fatherhood and Grace Filled Households with Toby Sumpter

Michael Clary — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Pastor Toby Sumpter and I talk about joyful fatherhood, raising sons and daughters, God’s grace for broken families, and more. Toby will be speaking at the upcoming King’s Domain conference, "Gendered Virtue: Men and Women Who Take Dominion,” April 18-20, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. Other speakers include Michael Foster, Joe Rigney, Shane Morris, and others. More details at genderedvirtue.com Toby is the pastor of King’s Cross church in Moscow, Idaho. https://www.kingscrossmoscow.com/ Toby’s books are available from Canon Press. https://canonpress.com/search?q=sumpter Toby’s podcasts can be found at https://flfnetwork.com/ and https://crosspolitic.com/. Toby’s blog is https://tobyjsumpter.com/ Follow Toby on X: https://twitter.com/TJSumpter

The Drift and Decline of Christian Institutions, with Chase Davis

Michael Clary — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Chase Davis and I talk about how the evangelical landscape has changed in the past few years and what we can do to prevent this in the future. We also discuss the perils of pastoral ministry that tempt him to suppress his convictions and turn him into a hireling. Follow Chase on X: https://twitter.com/jchasedavis Also mentioned in this episode: 1. Worldview Youth Academy - https://www.ezrainstitute.com/training-programs/worldview-leadership-academy/ From the website: "Encounter a fresh paradigm for thinking, living and defending the faith with other passionate young people between 14-18 at this exciting program for keen Christian students preparing for vocations and higher education." 2. Upcoming King's Domain Conference, "Gendered Virtue: Men and Women Who Take Dominion." April 18-20, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. Admission is only $120 per person. Speakers are Michael Foster, Joe Rigney, Toby Sumpter, Shane Morris, Matt McBee, and Michael Clary. More details at genderedvirtue.com.

Scorning Our Forefathers

Michael Clary — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:33:36 GMT

My story of repentance about my arrogant attitude towards the “country religion” of my grandfathers.

Why Men Don’t Sing in Church

Michael Clary — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 14:07:35 GMT

Why don’t men sing in church? It’s a simple problem with a simple solution. In this video, I give you 7 ways you can help men sing in church. Full show notes available on my YouTube channel: Youtube.com/@plainspeechpodcast

Fools Reject Stereotypes

Michael Clary — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:27:33 GMT

An audio essay about the usefulness of stereotypes, even sexual stereotypes. We have to use stereotypes all the time to understand and live in the real world. This is adapted from my book, God’s Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality.