Michael Easley inContext podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 591

Contending For The Rising Generation with Sean Dunn
Summary: In this episode, Dr. Easley sits down with Sean Dunn, founder of GroundWire, an innovative ministry reaching young people where they already are—online. With decades of experience in youth ministry, Sean shares how God shifted his focus from platform ministry to personal evangelism that points people to Jesus, not a personality. His mission stems from a prayer he first wrote in his Bible at 14: “Contend for a generation.” Together, Michael and Sean discuss how today’s younger generations—particularly Gen Z—are both deeply anxious and spiritually open, though often disconnected from traditional church structures. Sean unpacks practical ways to engage them with empathy and authenticity, using the simple yet powerful acronym LETS: Listen, Empathize, Transition, Share. He also challenges believers to rethink evangelism through Jesus’ words in Matthew 9: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The conversation calls every listener to see the current culture not as hopeless, but as ripe for harvest—and to pray earnestly for God to send workers into the field. Takeaways: Sean Dunn founded GroundWire to reach young people for Christ through digital evangelism. Today’s youth are spiritually open but disconnected from traditional church methods. The “apathiest” generation believes in God but ignores Him. Authentic care and kindness open doors for gospel conversations. Jesus’ command in Matthew 9 calls believers to pray for and become workers in the harvest. Effective evangelism begins with listening and empathy, not arguments or authority. Links Mentioned Contending For The Rising Generation by Sean Dunn Groundwire Ministries Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.
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Faithful to The Call with Greg Hatteberg
Summary In this episode, Dr. Easley reconnects with longtime friend and fellow Dallas Theological Seminary alumnus Greg Hatteberg to reflect on a lifetime of faithfulness—through ministry, marriage, and the mentorship of godly leaders. Hattenberg shares how his grandfather’s quiet devotion to Scripture laid the foundation for his own walk with Christ, eventually leading him to Moody and then to Dallas Seminary. There, he and Michael sat under professors like Howard Hendricks and J. Dwight Pentecost, whose lives modeled the truth they taught. Their conversation weaves together memories of those formative years with reflections on enduring faith amid hardship—especially Greg’s story of loving and caring for his late wife Lisa through her decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis. Her faith and joy in suffering continue to shape his ministry and outlook today. Together, they explore how theological education has expanded from classroom walls to a global platform, yet the heartbeat remains unchanged: to know Christ and serve Him faithfully. Hatteberg’s message to leaders and believers alike is simple: don’t quit; stay the course; finish well. Takeaways Faith’s roots often begin in quiet family devotion and Scripture study. Lifelong ministry is sustained by endurance and faithfulness, not ease. True theological education shapes both heart and mind for a lifetime. Greg’s marriage to Lisa reflected Christlike perseverance through suffering. The methods of teaching evolve, but God’s Word remains unchanged. Every believer is called to finish their ministry with endurance and hope. This episode is for anyone who longs for a faith that lasts. Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or believer walking through hardship, endurance, integrity, and love for God’s Word are what sustain a lifetime of ministry. Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.
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Spiritual Maturity and Humble Leadership with Pat Lencioni
Summary In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley welcomes best-selling author and leadership coach Patrick Lencioni for a candid conversation about the intersection of faith, humility, and leadership. Patrick shares how spiritual maturity and self-awareness shape the way leaders serve others, especially in ministry and organizational life. He and Michael discuss how pride and insecurity often hide behind titles or success—and how true leadership begins with embracing our dependence on Christ. Patrick reflects on his personal journey of learning to lead through weakness, not image, and explains why the healthiest teams are built on honesty and vulnerability, not performance. Together, they unpack the dangers of ego-driven ministry and the freedom that comes when leaders prioritize humility, obedience, and joy in the Lord over outcomes. This conversation challenges every listener—pastor, leader, or parent—to evaluate what drives their influence. Through laughter, honesty, and deep biblical truth, Patrick and Michael remind us that leadership in the kingdom of God is not about control or recognition—it’s about service and surrender. Takeaways True leadership begins with humility, not authority. Pride and insecurity often disguise themselves as confidence. The healthiest teams are marked by honesty and vulnerability. Spiritual maturity means serving from dependence on Christ, not self. Leaders must resist the temptation to measure worth by results. God calls us to lead through obedience and joy, not image or control. LINKS MENTIONED: The Table Group Pat’s books Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.
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Exploring The Financial Parables of Jesus with Dr. Keith Bodner
Summary In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley sits down with Dr. Keith Bodner—Old Testament scholar, author, and professor—to explore the beauty, depth, and divine design of Scripture. Together, they examine how literary artistry and theological truth intertwine throughout the Old Testament, showing that these ancient texts are far more than historical accounts—they’re masterfully constructed narratives revealing God’s character and redemptive plan. Dr. Bodner unpacks the importance of reading Scripture as both literature and revelation, pointing out how patterns, irony, and structure illuminate meaning. He and Dr. Easley discuss what it means to approach the Bible with reverence, curiosity, and literary attentiveness, and why doing so deepens our understanding of God’s Word. Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are just beginning to appreciate its complexity, this conversation will renew your awe for the divine craftsmanship behind Scripture—and encourage you to see the Old Testament not as a collection of disconnected stories, but as a coherent narrative revealing the wisdom and sovereignty of God. Takeaways The Old Testament isn’t just a collection of ancient stories—it’s a divine masterpiece, crafted to reveal God’s character and His redemptive plan. Every narrative, from Genesis to the prophets, carries intentional design and theological weight, pointing us back to the faithfulness of God. When we recognize the literary patterns, irony, and structure within Scripture, we begin to see the brilliance of God’s authorship behind every word. Studying the Bible with both literary attentiveness and spiritual humility allows us to appreciate its artistry without losing sight of its authority. The coherence and consistency of the Old Testament remind us that Scripture is not man’s invention but God’s revelation—woven together by His sovereign hand. Reading Scripture this way renews our awe for God’s Word and deepens our confidence that every story serves His eternal purpose. LINKS MENTIONED: Exploring The Financial Parables of Jesus by Dr. Keith Bodner Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.
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Dependence on God & Building Deep Friendships with Jeff Kemp
Summary: In this episode, Dr. Michael Easley and former NFL quarterback Jeff Kemp talk about what it means for men to follow Jesus with humility, dependence, and intentionality. Kemp draws from John’s Gospel, where Jesus repeatedly affirms that He only does what His Father tells Him to do. Michael reflects on how staggering it is that the God-man chose to say and do only what pleased His Father. Jeff unpacks this further: if Christ Himself modeled such dependence, then we too must stop striving to impress God and instead learn to receive from Him. The conversation then turns to one of the greatest needs among men today—true friendship. Many men isolate, even while surrounded by people, leaving them lonely, insecure, and vulnerable. Kemp encourages men to take simple but intentional steps: initiate, honor others, pray together, and practice accountability. He shares practical questions for building deeper friendships, emphasizes the power of confession, and reminds us that level-five friendships are rooted in Christ and His Word. At the heart of this conversation is a simple challenge: don’t try to live the Christian life alone. Depend on Christ. Invest in other men. Take the initiative to build friendships that are honest, prayerful, and life-giving. Takeaways Jesus modeled total dependence on the Father, and we are called to do the same. Men often isolate, leaving them vulnerable to loneliness and insecurity. True friendships require initiative—reaching out, honoring, and encouraging others. Confession and prayer with trusted friends bring healing and strength. Practical questions and accountability take friendships beyond the surface. Deep, Christ-centered friendships are essential for spiritual growth and resilience. LINKS MENTIONED: Receive by Jeff Kemp Men Huddle Get Jeff's book LEVEL 5 FRIENDSHIP PLAYBOOK for free Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.
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