Fearless with Cissie Graham Lynch

As I was surrounded by all things Christmas this week (as I’m sure many of us are!), I was reminded of a letter my grandfather, Daddy Bill, wrote to me in February of 1998. In the letter he wished me a Happy Valentine’s Day, and then mentioned that he was going to be speaking at the TED Conference in California, addressing that day’s leaders in technology, design, and entertainment. He was the first religious leader to ever be invited to give a TED Talk.  Technology looks vastly different today than it did in 1998, but the questions my grandfather asked and answered during that conference are still relevant for us as Christ followers. Where does evil come from? Why does suffering exist? Where do we go when we die? We’re still grappling with these as a society today, but no advances in AI, social media, or the latest tech trend will change this essential truth: technology can’t save us, only Jesus can.  So take 25 minutes in the midst of the Christmas craziness to listen and be encouraged—there is nothing new under the sun here, God is still in control, and only He can satisfy that longing for eternity we all carry in our hearts. 

Are we losing the heart of evangelism from behind the pulpit? On this week’s special episode of Fearless, I’m bringing you my talk from the Family Research Council’s Watchmen on the Wall Pastors Briefing recently held in Washington D.C. As I told that group, I’m an evangelist’s kid, not a pastor’s kid, but I’ve seen the Gospel proclaimed my entire life, and believe with all my heart that evangelism must be a priority for pastors and the church as a whole.  Sadly, the church has lost sight of the urgency for evangelism in recent years. Should we make altar calls great again? Yes, we absolutely should. If we continue to only practice lifestyle evangelism, instead of directly asking people to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the church has essentially aborted its main mission. We’ve given up on the power of the cross, our greatest strength.  Even if you’re not a pastor, this is a message I believe applies to any of us who proclaim Jesus as Lord. We’re all called to evangelize, and in this talk I outline exactly how to do so in the simple and effective way my father does and my grandfather did before him. Let’s be faithful to our calling as Christians, and do everything we can to return to the heart of true evangelism. 

Our kids are undoubtedly growing up in a turbulent time. From the war in Israel to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, they’re seeing and hearing about death, chaos, and violence everywhere they turn. It’s tempting as parents to try to shield them, to protect them from the evils of the world, but is that actually biblical?  Today on Fearless we’re talking about the importance of teaching our children to face the world without fear—equipping them to walk in confidence and courage in the times God has placed them. Our kids see what’s going on in the world, even if we do our best to limit screen time or not talk about current events at the dinner table. So instead of shielding them, let’s equip them with Scriptural truth and the God-given courage to combat the lies of the enemy and confront whatever is thrown their way. I hope this episode leaves you with practical takeaways for walking with your kids into the hard stuff—I promise you they can handle it, they were made for such a time as this. 

On this week’s episode of Fearless we’re returning to our “Elephant in the Room” series, this time tackling a topic almost no one talks about: generational sin. I didn’t want to talk about this today either, but after a season where both public and private sins seemed to be everywhere we looked, I felt led to address it here.  We talk about how all sin starts out small, but if we’re not careful to guard our hearts it will inevitably grow into something we maybe didn’t plan, but definitely can no longer control. Sin is also not just a private issue—remember the Coldplay concert couple we all saw cheating on their spouses this summer?—sin affects every area of our lives, including our most important relationships. If left unconfessed and unchecked, sin has the power to be passed down to our kids, our kids’ kids, and all the way down the line. Generational sin is a real thing, and it’s something we as the church need to be addressing.  But even though this topic is on the heavier side, we’re not without hope when it comes to combatting the sin in our lives. We have the power, through Christ living within us, to stop sin in its tracks and prevent it from affecting the generations to come. If you’re needing a healthy dose of conviction today, you’ll find it here, but we’ll also leave you with the encouragement, next steps, and practical tools needed to stop sin from becoming a generational problem before it starts. 

A little over a month since Charlie Kirk’s assassination, believers are living in a chaotic culture still reeling from the fallout. How are we, as the Church, called to respond when everyone around us is looking for answers, and we know truth can only be found in the Gospel? John Stonestreet joins me on today’s episode of Fearless, discussing how we’re called to respond with clarity, courage, and conviction in these moments of upheaval.  John serves as the president of the Colson Center, and recently worked on the documentary Truth Rising—an honest look at how the cultural confusion we’re now experiencing stems from an abandonment of the Christian ideals that shaped the West. Together we talk about the growing hunger for truth among the younger generation, how to lead with clarity in a world that preaches acceptance above all else, and why knowing that God placed us in this specific moment in history should fill us with unshakeable confidence.  The Church is being called to rise up at this inflection point in history. Will we quietly compromise, or boldly stand for the Gospel, no matter what it costs us?  Learn more about the Colson Fellowship program John talked about here: https://www.colsonfellows.org/.  Watch Truth Rising here: https://www.truthrising.com/. 

In the wake of national tragedy, God has ensured the Gospel will continue to go forward—using Charlie Kirk’s assassination as a catalyst for renewal. Earlier this month, my dad—Franklin Graham—challenged those gathered at the annual Samaritan’s Purse Prescription for Renewal Conference to boldly preach the Gospel, just as Charlie did. Today on Fearless we’re bringing you his full talk from the medical missions conference—an encouragement for believers to be bold in standing for the Gospel during these pivotal times.  My dad opened his message by highlighting Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call to salvation for all those gathered at (and the millions watching online) Charlie Kirk’s memorial a few weeks ago. Senator Rubio’s willingness to be so bold in his faith was incredible to watch, and should embolden us to do the same. My dad also shared pieces of his own testimony, plus stories working in the field with Samaritan’s Purse—from our COVID-19 response in New York City to preparing to enter Gaza with lifesaving aid. Through it all, his message is clear: We no longer have a choice when it comes to proclaiming Jesus as Savior—now is the time to fearlessly preach what we believe, to everyone we meet. 

For over 30 years, Ken Isaacs has (literally) run into the fires of war, genocide, and natural disaster around the world. Serving with Samaritan’s Purse alongside my dad, Ken has seen and experienced evil so total, contrasted by miracles that have no explanation outside of the hand of God. Today on Fearless Ken shares the heart behind his new book—Running to the Fire—plus what led him to a life spent serving the Lord and going where God has called, even when there are no roads.  From witnessing genocide in Rwanda to negotiating with warlords in Afghanistan, Ken talks about some of the experiences that have shaped a life spent saying yes to God. But in addition to those unbelievable stories, Ken also shares the childhood experiences that prepared his heart for a life spent on mission, the struggles missionary families often face, and why he’s never afraid to lead with the Gospel, even in the most hostile of environments.  Ken’s life of obedience should inspire each of us to trust God and His timing, whether we’re called to serve across the world or simply across the hallway of our own homes.  Find Ken’s new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Fire-Helping-Jesus-Name/dp/083078845X. 

Two years ago, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists stormed across the Gaza border and committed atrocities that changed Israel—and the world—forever. Families massacred in their homes. Children kidnapped. Over 1,200 innocent lives taken. Today, on the anniversary of October 7th, 2023, I talk with my friend Daniel Cohen: husband, father, journalist, and bold believer living on the ground in Israel as this war rages. Together we discuss life in a nation still grappling with the aftermath of October 7, the spiritual battle behind the headlines, and the hope that keeps Daniel and his family anchored in faith. We also talk candidly about the proposed peace plan led by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu—20 points laid out with the hope of ending this war. But Daniel reminds us: peace requires a willing partner. And Hamas, a terrorist organization whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel, has repeatedly rejected diplomacy. Even as Israel faces war, they continue to provide humanitarian aid—over 2 million tons have been trucked into Gaza. And yet, the world accuses Israel of genocide. We debunk those dangerous lies and shed light on the spiritual war being waged far beyond politics. This isn’t just about borders—it’s about good and evil. Truth and deception. Light and darkness.

With everything that’s happened in our country and world over the last few weeks, many of us have been online more than ever. In light of that reality, we should be taking an inventory of who we’re following, because the voices we’re choosing to consume matter—maybe more than we even realize.  On today’s episode, I want to call us out as believers: who we follow online, the pastors we listen to, and even the music we put on in our cars has an effect on us. Not everyone who shares a Bible verse or even calls themselves a Christian is living a Gospel-centered, godly life. Our culture, and at times the church, can get so caught up in platform and influence, but are the people we’re following actually speaking truth, or simply sharing something to make us feel good?  Let’s measure who we follow not by charisma, but by character—not by the words they share, but by the fruit of their lives. And in our own circles of influence, let’s challenge ourselves to do the same. 

Dr. Frank Turek—best known for evangelizing college students as an apologist and author—joins me on Fearless today. We recorded this episode one week before Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination, and going back to review the interview, I was shocked at how relevant Frank’s message is in light of Charlie’s death. Frank was actually on campus with Charlie the day he was killed, and what we’re talking about—why so many young people are walking away from the faith, how to share the Gospel with your kids—is more vital now than ever.  70% of teenagers raised in the church reject Jesus altogether when they get to college. Frank and I talk about why that is, share our personal experiences as Christians during our college years, and leave parents with practical tools for how to disciple our kids while they’re still under our roofs.  Where scientific evidence used to be the main argument against the truths of the Gospel, morality—or my “truth” versus your “truth”—has become the battle we must now fight as believers. In a culture where everyone wants to believe what’s best for them, how do we defend and share the Good News? After the tragic events of last week, answering this question has taken on a new urgency. Let’s not be silenced, instead let’s move forward in strength—sharing the only truth we know will set the world free.  Find more resources for parents at https://crossexamined.org/. 

This week, our nation grieves. We grieve because a fearless voice for truth, for freedom, for faith—Charlie Kirk—was taken from us. Today I wanted to share a bit about the Charlie I knew. A young man who, for the last 10-plus years, has been unashamedly preaching the Gospel to this nation, and the world. Charlie will be remembered for his courage in faith, but will we be remembered for that same kind of courage? Charlie’s death is a tragic wakeup call for us as believers. Today we need to stop being afraid. Stop being silenced. Stop compromising. Instead we as the church need to take a stand. No more sitting on the sidelines, no more playing it safe. This is our moment to decide: will we be silent Christians, or fearless Christians? I pray we would all choose the latter. In light of the darkness of this week, and the darkness of this day—September 11th—I want to leave you with the remarks my grandfather shared from the Washington National Cathedral 24 years ago in the wake of the evil attacks we remember today. These words remind us that the losses of 9/11, and the loss of Charlie, are not in vain. Good will one day triumph over evil, and faith will win out over fear. 

Fearless is back this week, and I’m so fortunate to be joined once again by author—and one of my biggest parenting mentors—Julie Carr, to talk about how to be an intentional parent in today’s distracted world. Julie is the mother of eight kids, ranging in age from 18 to 35, so she’s pretty much seen it all when it comes to raising and launching the next generation.  I didn’t hold back in my questions for Julie—talking about the often messy areas of technology, gentle parenting, and stewardship versus ownership of our kids. As a mom whose oldest is now 12, I also asked Julie about navigating that transition from little kid to pre-teen, and shared some of my own stories of days when I’ve gotten it wrong, while at the same time leaning into the grace God gives each of us as parents to ask for forgiveness and regroup.  This episode is me letting you in on just one of the many parenting conversations I’ve had with Julie over the years. It’s not polished, it’s not a step-by-step guide, but it’s real, and I hope some of the issues we’ve navigated as moms—both the highs and the lows—can help you feel like we’re in this together as we do our best to equip our kids to stand firm in a constantly shifting world.  Learn more about Julie and the amazing work she does on her website: https://julielylescarr.com/. 

I’m back with my second talk from the BGEA European Congress on Evangelism stage—this time sharing my interview with Oxford University apologist, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing. From smuggling Bibles into Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as a student to boldly contradicting those who preach “love is love,” Amy knows firsthand what it takes to live with courageous obedience in a world that has grown increasingly contrary to the Gospel.  After sharing some of her story, Amy and I dive into the challenges we as believers are called to face everyday—from postmodernism and militant atheism to the rise of identity politics. But even though the obstacles are real, Amy also offers hope: a new hunger for the truth of Scripture is emerging, especially among Gen Z.  Amy invites us to see Jesus not as an ideology to be debated, but as a Savior who validates our longing for justice and meets us in our pain. This conversation should inspire us to stand in strength, speak the truth in love, and to prepare those coming up behind us to do the same. 

When Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Maria Räsänen tweeted a verse from Romans back in 2019, she had no idea that it would ignite a firestorm not only in her home country, but around the world. For today’s episode of Fearless, I’m bringing you into the room for this year’s BGEA European Congress on Evangelism, where I had the chance to talk with Päivi onstage all about her courageous stand for biblical truth in the face of ongoing cultural and legal pressure to take back her words.  During our time together, Päivi walks me through how growing up next to a prison in eastern Finland shaped her early understanding of sin, grace, and redemption—and how those convictions would later sustain her through hours of police interrogation and years of public scrutiny. Despite enduring multiple trials—including one currently awaiting a verdict in Finland’s Supreme Court—Päivi has refused to recant. She talks about the surreal experience of being questioned by police and prosecutors about Scripture, the pressure to deny her faith, and the global impact of her story. Through it all, Päivi has stood firm, refusing to apologize for God’s Word.  Päivi’s testimony is a call to courage for believers everywhere: to speak truth in love, to resist self-censorship, and to trust that God’s purposes are greater than any opposition. I pray this episode would be a wakeup call for believers everywhere, that our freedom to speak biblical truth is under attack, even in the West. Now is the time to hold to our Christ-given convictions and refuse to back down. 

During my recent trip to Germany in conjunction with the BGEA European Congress on Evangelism, I had the immense privilege of traveling to Wittenberg, Germany and walking with one of my favorite pastors—Skip Heitzig—through the very same square where Martin Luther famously nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the church door. As we walked, we reflected on how what was intended as a discussion-starter by a monk frustrated with the problems he was seeing in the Catholic Church ultimately became a revolution that would change Christianity as we know it today.  Together, Skip and I discussed why the Reformation Luther started over 500 years ago should still matter to the Church today, and how we as the Church can uphold what Luther so boldly gave his life for.  Luther pointed the Church back to the free gift of grace—emphasizing the Bible, not the Church, as the ultimate authority for believers. In a time when churches all over the world seem to be leaning more towards performance versus scriptural truth, Luther’s message is more relevant than ever before. Church, it’s time to fearlessly stand for our faith just as Luther did all those centuries ago. 

What if you could be arrested for your prayers? Sadly, that’s no longer just a theoretical question. In countries across Europe, citizens are being prosecuted for their silent prayers, and this could all too easily become our reality in the U.S. if we refuse to stand boldly against censorship.  Today on Fearless, Alliance Defending Freedom’s Kristen Waggoner joins me to discuss these increasing attacks against religious liberty and free speech, what Europe’s crackdown on “thought crimes” could mean for us here in America, and what we as Christians can—and should—do to protect our God-given rights.  But despite the political and cultural tide seeming to turn against believers sharing our faith, Kristen also shares some encouraging news—including court cases that have upheld our right to free speech, and how censorship is being exposed more and more for what it is. We hope this conversation will serve as the wake-up call many of us need—challenging us as Christians not just to uphold free speech because that’s our right as individuals created in God’s image, but also because it’s one of the primary ways to move the Gospel forward.  You can learn more about Alliance Defending Freedom on their website: https://adflegal.org/. 

On this latest episode of Fearless, we’re taking a break from the heavy headlines and bringing you a raw, real, and often hilarious conversation between me and my husband, Corey Lynch! Corey just turned 40, so I wanted to sit down and ask him a few questions about embracing this “midlife” stage, his thoughts about retirement, and where his priorities and goals are as he heads into a new season.  Together we talk about some of the major transitions in our lives and careers—including our family’s recent move from Florida to North Carolina and Corey’s ongoing work in Alaska building churches in remote villages. We also hit on how the world defines success and identity, why retirement might be more cultural milestone than biblical principle, and how obedience to God can reframe everything. Corey also breaks down what he’s learned from working with volunteers and native communities in Alaska, and how seeing other cultures live by God’s provision—not deadlines—has reshaped his worldview. And yes—going back to the title of this episode—we share a lot of laughs and funny stories, including our family’s hatred for Corey’s Prius and how he once tried to surprise me with a new dog by leaving a trail of dirt through our entire house!

For this week’s episode of Fearless, I sat down with Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council (FRC), to unpack what it means to live with moral courage in today’s culture of confusion and compromise. Tony draws from his decades of experience in public service, ministry, and policy advocacy to talk about how to stand for truth—even when it costs you. Together we explore the alarming lack of moral courage among today's leaders and the pressing need for Christians to fear God more than man. Tony highlights FRC's ongoing efforts to equip pastors and believers through resources like the Stand Firm app and the Center for Biblical Worldview. He also addresses misconceptions about the separation of church and state, outlines the importance of the Free Speech Fairness Act, and assesses the Trump administration’s policies supporting religious freedom and life. As we take a deeper look at the spiritual battles often found behind political struggles, we emphasize that true hope lies in a national spiritual awakening, not political reform alone. If you’ve ever wondered how to speak truth in love, stand firm in a hostile world, or what it really means to be fearless—I hope this conversation will compel you to be the salt and light our world needs in your sphere of influence.  Learn more about the Family Research Council on their website: https://www.frc.org/#gsc.tab=0. 

What if your everyday life—your table, your car ride, your office—was the front line of a rescue mission? In this powerful episode of Fearless, Cissie Graham Lynch challenges listeners to reframe their understanding of legacy, not as something we leave behind, but as something we live out—a mission to bring hope, light, and salvation to a dark and broken world. Inspired by the real-life story of a Thai soccer team trapped in a flooded cave, Cissie reflects on the heroic rescue that unfolded—where deep cave divers from around the world risked everything to bring 12 boys and their coach back to the surface. That image of headlamps piercing darkness becomes a profound metaphor for the Christian life: believers are not passive bystanders, but active participants in God’s mission to seek and save the lost. Drawing from personal memories of her grandfather, Billy Graham, and the legacy of rescue he embodied, Cissie unpacks the biblical truth behind what it means to “make heaven crowded.” She shares how even the most ordinary people—like her mother, quietly discipling around the kitchen table—can play an extraordinary role in eternity. Throughout the episode, Cissie references key Scriptures, including: John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Proverbs 24:11-12 – “Rescue those being taken away to death...” Luke 16 – The parable of Lazarus and the rich man, a sobering reminder of heaven and hell as real destinations. Revelation 14:13 – “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord... for their deeds follow them.” She also shares a powerful quote from Billy Graham: “Someday you will read that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will have just changed my address.” Whether you're on a stage, in a classroom, or simply driving your kids to school, this episode will remind you: your mission field is wherever God has placed you—and your job is to make heaven crowded.

In this compelling episode of Fearless, Cissie Graham Lynch sits down with Erin Hawley—Supreme Court attorney, Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, professor, mom of three, and wife to U.S. Senator Josh Hawley—for a raw conversation about what life looks like in a post-Roe America. Erin pulls back the curtain on the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson case that overturned Roe v. Wade and shares never-before-heard moments from behind the scenes—including what it was like juggling legal strategy meetings while calming her infant daughter in a stroller. With honesty and conviction, she details the personal toll and deep spiritual weight of being on the front lines of one of the most pivotal cultural battles of our time. Together, Cissie and Erin explore the ongoing fight for life in states like Colorado, where abortion pill reversal is being criminalized—even as chemical abortions send 1 in 25 women to the emergency room. Erin also addresses the recent Supreme Court case on mifepristone, the dangers of a politicized FDA, and how abortion’s framing in America is being rewritten by powerful narratives designed to silence truth and harm women. But this episode isn't just legal analysis—it’s a heartfelt reminder of our calling to remain faithful in the face of fear. Drawing from Matthew 3:17, Erin reflects on the moment of Jesus' baptism—when the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”—and what it means to raise children with the deep assurance that they are loved by God not for what they do, but for who they are. Whether you're a parent, a pastor, or someone wrestling with today’s cultural chaos, this episode will challenge and encourage you to step boldly into your calling, knowing that God is sovereign—even in the courtroom. 🔗 Learn more and get involved at ADFlegal.org