Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians

#38 The gun control debate is more than political—it's personal, moral, and spiritual. In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, Paul Basden takes us to the epicenter of the controversy: the right to bear arms.

Before diving into interviews and expert opinions next week, this Part 1 episode explores the spiritual tension many Christians feel when trying to balance personal freedom with public safety.

Join us a...

#37 In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, Paul Basden sits down with longtime Preston Trail Creative Pastor Allison Harrell and couples group coordinator D’Anthony Forte to talk about a subject too many know firsthand: church hurt.

Allison opens up about growing up in a high-control religious group she now recognizes as a cult—where authority went unchecked, manipulation was no...

#36 Is justice just a political buzzword hijacked by the culture wars—or is it central to the heart of God? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden dives deep into the biblical roots of justice and challenges us to move beyond partisan stereotypes to embrace God’s call to care for the vulnerable.

Join us as we explore: What the Hebrew prophets (like Isaiah) really said abou...

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Is love for your country a virtue—or can it become a form of idolatry? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the fine line between patriotism and nationalism, and what Scripture teaches about our highest allegiance.

Join us as we explore: The biblical call to seek God’s Kingdom above all else...

#35

Social media connects us more than ever before—so why do so many of us still feel so alone?

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with Ashlynn McKay Lurkens, social media influencer, and podcast producer, for a candid look at the beautiful and broken realities of life online. From influencer culture and identity format...

#34 Social media touches nearly every part of our daily lives—but is it helping us love better, or hurting our ability to connect meaningfully?

In this thought-provoking solo episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the power, pitfalls, and potential of social platforms through a biblical lens. From endless scrolling to the search for valid...

#33 What if your deepest sense of identity doesn’t fit within the traditional framework of the church—but your love for Jesus still burns bright?

In this honest and moving episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with author and speaker Greg Coles for a vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and what it means to live as a sin...

#32 Same-sex attraction is one of the most emotionally charged and spiritually complex conversations in the modern church. What does it mean to hold fast to biblical convictions while extending the radical love of Jesus?

In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden invites listeners into a grace-and-truth-filled conversation about LGBTQ+ identity, specifically same-sex attractio...

#31 Is divorce the unforgivable sin—or can God bring beauty out of brokenness?

In this vulnerable and redemptive episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden tackles the topic of divorce with wisdom, truth, and compassion. Drawing from Scripture and real-life reflections, Paul explores the pain of divorce, the purpose of marriage, and the surprising grace of a God who never g...

How should Christians respond when someone's gender identity doesn’t match their biological sex? Is it loving to affirm? Is it faithful to confront? Is there a better, more Jesus-like way?

In this important episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, Pastor Paul Basden dives into one of today’s most sensitive and controversial topics: the “T” in LGBTQ. From the c...

#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 attention Why God’s Word speaks so directly—and urgently—about...

#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 care How Psalm 111:2 and Proverbs 25:2 en...

#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 r...

#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 re...

#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.

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#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 s...

#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.

Joi...

#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 explor...

#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, Pau...