What is Good: Christian Life Commission Podcast

In this episode (after a brief introduction with Katie), David speaks to author Sam Black about his new book, “The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong about Pornography and How to Fix It.”  Sam shares about his work as the Director of Recovery Education at CovenantEyes and his years of experience helping those who struggle with addiction to pornography within the church, and his observations from seeing other ministries that do this work well. This book is a helpful resource for our churches, and we hope today’s podcast episode encourages you to pick up a copy, or at least to check out some of the other resources mentioned in our talk. Timestamps: 0:00 - Katie and David talk about the Texas Baptists new Resolution On the Pervasive Harm of Pornography in the Digital Age. 10:12 - Sam Black shares about his work and ministry with CovenantEyes. 16:11 - Sam and David discuss the unique needs that Sam’s book meets, to equip pastors to address this topic well in their churches. 21:46 - Why are pastors reluctant to discuss this topic in a church setting? 28:10 - Why is accountability essential to recovering from addiction to pornography?. 30:50 - What are the characteristics of a healthy accountability group? 40:20 - What other resources does CovenantEyes provide beyond their accountability software? 49:28 - What online accountability groups are available for those seeking help but do not feel they can find it, primarily, within their home church just yet? 55:35 - What is Good? 59:03 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, the whole team is here to discuss the importance of religious liberty, which is one of our four public policy priorities. John Litzler leads us, as we talk about the current state of religious freedoms in America, recent court cases related to this issue, the importance of preserving religious liberty for all for the sake of the gospel, and examples of religious freedom violations abroad. Timestamps: 1:38 - Introduction: What is Religious Liberty/Freedom and where do we get the phrase “Separation of church and state”? 8:21 - Will religious freedoms in America increase or decrease in the next 5-10 years? 17:35 - The CLC weighed in on a religious liberty case in Texas (Perez v. City of San Antonio). 28:16 - Examples of and thoughts on RFRA (Federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act) proposed "carveouts" by both the right and left. 36:36 - How is the quest for political power contrary to religious liberty? 42:35 - How can getting religious liberty right help us against trends of hyperpolarization? 49:50 - International examples of religious freedom violations we heard about from the Global Religious Freedom Gathering at DBU (October 20-21, 2025). 57:32 - What is Good? 1:06:00 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

This episode is a little different — we’re taking you to the border. In October, the CLC hosted a small group of pastors in El Paso for a pilot experience we hope will grow into a series of immersive ministry trips across the state. Our goal was simple: to see, listen, and pray with those serving along the border, and to better understand what God is already doing through ministries like River Ministry, ISAAC, and the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering. TIMESTAMPS: 3:00 - When has a trip you took impacted how you see the world? 11:10 - How the CLC ministry ISAAC serves our churches 15:05 - How is the Hunger Offering helping in El Paso? 25:25 - Hearing from border patrol agents 31:50 - Immigration policy and the local church. 37:12 - Hearing from Exequiel San Miguel, Pastor of Iglesia Bautista El Camino in El Paso 40:15 - Visiting the border and the wall 46:00 - A debrief dinner 49:55 - Thoughts on Day 2, 54:40 - Visit to Juarez, Mexico 1:01:30 - What is Good 1:06:10 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, David and John talk to ex-gambling addict John Allman. Allman shares about the nature of addiction, his testimony of recovery, and the recovery ministry that he is involved in at his church. We also discuss the predatory nature of online sports betting, and the role that advocacy plays reducing its impact in Texas.   Timestamps: 2:50 - How did gambling give you a sense of identity? What are some root causes of addiction? 8:10 - How did you first get involved in sports betting? How did it turn into a downward spiral? 11:52 - How were you able to recover after hitting rock bottom? 15:05 - How has sports betting changed with advances in technology? 20:32 - Whose job is more important, John’s or John’s? 26:02 - John Allman describes the Recovery and Steps ministries at his church.  28:10 - What advice would you give for how to approach someone with a gambling addiction? 31:07 - Do you feel like churches in general overlook the harms of gambling? 34:40 - If gambling is a heart issue, what are your thoughts on the CLC’s efforts to keep sports betting out of Texas? 37:50 - gospelrecoverynetwork.com 38:50 - What is Good? 43:58 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, Irene and David speak with Dr. Jeremy Everett, the founder and executive director of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty. We discuss his book, “I Was Hungry” and talk about what it would take to end hunger in Texas. To learn more Dr. Everett’s work and the Hunger Free Community certificate program at hungerandpoverty.org     TIMESTAMPS: 1:54 - Who is your favorite Lord of the Rings character? 4:55 - An overview of “I Was Hungry” 10:05 - Stories highlighting the importance of a lifestyle of proximity to poverty. 20:42 - Opening our eyes to see hunger differently. 25:10 - The call to action to create a systemic collaborative response. 32:58 - How does one grow to confidently believe that we can have a world without  hunger? 37:50 - What ways can people connect with the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty. 40:43 - What is Good? 46:45 - Outtakes that show how old some of us are. For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

 In this episode of What is Good, Katie and David talk to two co-workers within our Texas Baptists family, Jennifer Howington and Sarah Johnson about the Special Friends Retreat. This retreat is specifically for individuals with special needs and their families. This is something the CLC cares about deeply, and we are excited to help get the word out. TIMESTAMPS: 1:26 - Introduction of our guests 3:54 - What is the Special Friends Retreat? 11:25 - Why are special needs ministries important? 15:26 - Why do families sometimes feel judged by the church for having a relative with a disability? 22:00 - How would you describe the characteristics of churches leading well in special needs ministry? 30:10 - What does ministry to the siblings of special needs kids look like? 34:30 - How do people sign up for the Special Friends Retreat?           Go to txb.org/specialfriends | e-mail jennifer.howington@texasbpatists.org or sarah.johnson@texasbaptists.org 36:08 - Who is eligible to attend this retreat? 38:50 - What is Good? 45:50 - Outtakes: Sneak Peek of our new podcast "What's Your Type?" :) For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, the Texas legislative session has just ended and it's time for a recap. All four CLC directors are back to discuss how things went for the CLC this year at the state capitol. John Litzler leads the discussion, sharing some of the bills that were passed that we supported, that align with our four public priorities: Sanctity of Human Life, Religious Liberty, Human Flourishing, and Fair & Just Financial Practices.   TIMESTAMPS: 1:56 - Intro: John's been busy Fair & Just Financial Practices 6:30 - Success against the expansion of gambling,  8:06 - Success against predatory consumer loans and earned wage access. 18:04 - Bill passed for High School financial literacy course. 20:35 - The Texas Lottery Commission is being abolished. Religious Liberty 21:54 - Push back on bills that seek religious liberty for all, not just for the majority group. 24:24 - Passage of education savings accounts (school vouchers). Other Bills of Note 25:57 - The Cuddle Cots bill (HB 37). 33:38 - Widow's Insurance (SB 1238) 38:00 - Wins within the State Budget, including: 45:05 - Funds towards AC in Texas Prisons. 49:55 - And Funds for summer food stamps for kids in low income families. 55:20 - We're thankful for this role we get to play with Texas Baptists   58:20 - What is Good? 1:03:30 - Outtakes - Summer movies banter For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, our directors discuss all things Texas Baptist Hunger Offering, as this year marks its 30th anniversary. We begin with memoirs of Phil Strickland, and his travels that lead to the creation of the Hunger Offering. Katie shares from her experiences overseeing the offering during the COVID pandemic. Irene shares about current ministries the Hunger Offering supports. Through this discussion we see how this offering fits the CLC purpose to live out Micah 6:8 and help our churches do so as well. TIMESTAMPS: 1:40 - Happy 30th Anniversary, TBHO!! 2:10 - What were you doing in 1995? 4:20 - Have you had experiences overseas with poverty? 14:20 - Readings from Phil Strickland's book, "Do Justice, Love Mercy" 27:00 - Katie shares from her experiences with TBHO during COVID lockdown 44:10 - Irene shares from her experiences with TBHO as curring director of Hunger & Care 59:35 - What is Good? 1:06:30 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, our directors summarize some of the workshops we have presented at the recent conferences Congreso and WMU Pursue. Katie shares about the ethical challenges of AI and the Christian response. Irene speaks on the power of women in ministry connecting with each other for encouragement and collaboration. David looks at Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan Woman as an example for how to love those who identify as LGBTQ+ with grace and truth. TIMESTAMPS: 2:12 - Takeaways from Advocacy Day 6:53 - Updates on John advocating during the Texas Legislative Session 10:20 - The CLC at conferences - workshops and Irene's booth mojo 16:03 - Irene's workshop on Relationships at Congreso 18:42 - David's workshop on Responding to LGBTQ+ with Grace and Gruth at Congreso 25:25 - Katie's workshop on AI and Kingdom Growth and Discipleship at WMU Pursue 34:34 - Irene's workshop (in Spanish) on Involving Women in Ministry at WMU Pursue 40:16 - The CLC would love for you to invite us to give our workshops! (See link below) 41:20 - Other workshops of the CLC 46:58 - What is Good? 54:42 - Outtakes   *For more information on our workshops, contact us using the form at the bottom of our website: www.texasclc.org For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, we are excited to share with you a message from author Tim Alberta. This message was recorded on March 3rd, 2025, during our Advocacy Day conference where he was one of our keynote speakers. After being introduced by our CLC director, Katie Frugé, Tim Alberta speaks on the importance of Christian witness in politics and the public square in a time of increasing polarization. TIMESTAMPS: 0:35 - Speaker intro by Katie 1:55 - Introduction 4:35 - Toughness in politics & the Sermon on the Mount 13:27 - A story about my friend... 16:00 - Peter's political agenda & the Kingdom of God 27:55 - Peter's story arc & mine 34:44 - The challenge for Early Church & for today 44:15 - This Upsidedown Kingdom 46:26 - Conclusion 53:55 - Final words from Katie For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, we are excited to share with you a message from the executive director for Texas Baptists, Dr. Julio Guarneri. This message was recorded on March 3rd, 2025, during our Advocacy Day conference where he was one of our keynote speakers. After being introduced by our CLC director, Katie Frugé, Dr. Guarneri challenges us from Hebrews 11 and 12 to consider these foundational truths as we engage in advocacy: the supremacy of Jesus, the nomadic nature of the Christian life, and the endurance of the Kingdom of God. Timestamps: 0:36 - Introduction by Dr. Katie Frugé 2:30 - Intro: "Where Jesus is the Main Attraction." 5:25 - Jesus is better  11:35 - The Christian faith is a nomadic faith 15:32 - Our lasting citizenship is the Kingdom of Heaven 19:55 - His Kingdom includes suffering 23:50 - His Kingdom intents sanctification 29:06 - His Kingdom implies success 32:44 - Conclusion For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, we are excited to share with you a message from pastor Steve Bezner. It was recorded on March 3rd, 2025, during our Advocacy Day conference where he was one of our keynote speakers. After being introduced by our CLC director, Katie Frugé, Steve challenges us to understand the roles of Gospel and government in seeing the Kingdom of God realized "on earth as it is in Heaven." TIMESTAMPS: 0:35 - Katie introduces Steve Bezner 1:30 - How to Change the World: Opening Prayer & Intro 4:45 - We need a theory of change 7:35 - Two Prongs: Gospel and Government 8:00 - Prong One: The Gospel of the Kingdom    11:18 - Community living in radical obedience to Jesus    14:30 - The Church creates a colony of life in a culture of death 26:13 - Prong Two - The Usefulness of Government    29:57 - The Church's prophetic voice    33:27 - Christian participation 36:00 - Conclusion: Love Defiantly For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, John and David are joined by Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. If you wonder what it is they do, then listen in as Brent shares about their work at our nations capitol and ways that the ERLC partners with state commissions like the CLC, as we advocate for kingdom values in the public square. Also, for the second week in a row, David's "What is Good" item is spoiled by a co-worker.   TIMESTAMPS: 2:26 - What is the work of the ERLC? 7:40 - Why and how does the ERLC intentionally partner with Baptist state conventions? 14:30 - How does the ERLC advocate in judicial cases at the Supreme Court and State court levels? 23:45 - An example of partnership - Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v Paxton. 33:20 - How do we advocate and engage in a way that doesn't add to the divisiveness of the times but instead points people to Christ? 39:20 - Do you have any tips or suggestions for others on how to advocate well? (speaking to pastors) 42:50 - John gets David to promote his new book. 45:27 - Do you have any tips or suggestions for others on how to advocate well? (speaking to individual Baptists in the pews) 47:40 - What's the correct pronunciation of "amicus"? 50:20 - What is Good? 56:33 - Outtakes   RESOURCES: ERLC main webpage Your/Our Identity in Christ by CLC Associate Director, David Sanchez 2025 Advocacy Day - March 3rd and 4th in Austin, Texas.   For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, Katie, John, and David talk about the upcoming CLC Advocacy Day. They discuss its purpose, keynote speaker lineup, and schedule, but also give insights into what it's like to advocate at the state capitol in Austin with your state senators and state house representatives. Advocacy Day is March 3-4, and you can learn more about the event here: texasclc.org/advocacy-day You can register via this link: https://texasbaptists.tfaforms.net/4964511    TIMESTAMPS: 2:24 - What is Advocacy Day? It's a chance for the CLC to equip and facilitate advocacy for our Texas Baptists pastors and church members. 5:06 - What are the CLC's public policy priorities this session? Sanctity of Human Life, Religious Liberty, Fair and Just Financial Practices, Human Flourishing. 14:00 - What is your favorite thing about Advocacy Day?  21:10 - The schedule for this Advocacy Day, March 3rd at 800 Congress Ave. in Austin, TX; March 4th, at the capitol 25:50 - Who are our keynote speakers and what is the theme? 28:40 - You never know who you'll see or meet at the Capitol... 31:40 - The CLC has our priorities, but we are happy to help you follow and advocate for the bills and issues you care about. 36:00 - What is Good   For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, David speaks to Dr. Malinda Fasol-Leewright, a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience and professor at a faith-based university. Together, they discuss practical ways to encourage those who say they are feeling anxious about what is going to happen in the next four years. TIMESTAMPS: 0:36 - Introducing our special guest, Dr. Malinda Fasol-Leewright 3:52 - Can you think of any irrational fears that you have now or have had in the past? 7:53 - How the idea of this episode came about. 9:35 - What are your thoughts on the unhelpful and sometimes trite advice of well-meaning people? 15:15 - In this day and age, where we've adopted the clinical language of counselors and psychologists, are we using the word "anxiety" correctly? 21:15 - What do you say to someone who is worried about the next for years, when so much of that is out of their control? 30:15 - How do you help someone see the damage of "doomscrolling"? 32:32 - How do you respond to someone who keeps their struggles to themself because they don't want to appear "weak" spiritually or mentally? 37:25 - What are other simple, practical tips to give to those struggling with anxiety? 44:55 - The  importance of gratitude to combat negative thinking and it's impact on our emotions and actions. 50:15 - Shoutout to the Counseling Services of Texas Baptists - https://www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/counseling-services 50:53 - When would you advise someone to go to counseling for feelings of anxiety? 53:29 - What is good? 56:40 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, Katie Fruge and David Sanchez discuss the curriculum of The After Party with one of the co-founders, Curtis Chang. The After Party is a free online course that helps Christians consider the "how" vs the "what" of politics. exploring what the Bible has to say and equipping us to better navigate challenging topics in today's difficult political environment.  TIMESTAMPS: 1:10 - Curtis Chang shares his vision of The After Party 3:50 - How did they decide on the name "After Party" for this content? 8:34 - What scriptures or scriptural principles inspired The After Party's focus? 12:28 - What scriptural principles do you use to help you speak on divisive topics in a productive way? 15:16 - What should our response be to politicians using words like "enemy" to describe their political opponents? 20:30 - What is missing in our theological framework that allows us to mislabel others as our enemy? 23:30 - How should believers navigate the anxiety that people are feeling right now due to our political landscape? 28:02 - What is Good? 33:22 - Outtakes   Want to learn more about The After Party? Visit their website: https://redeemingbabel.org/the-after-party/ For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In today's episode of What is Good, Katie and John talk to CLC Commissioner and senior pastor of Houston Northwest Church, Dr. Steve Bezner about his new book Your Jesus is Too American. We find out what led him to write this book, discuss some of the main ideas, and of course ask him "What is Good?" Join us for this challenging and thoughtful discussion. TIMESTAMPS: 2:25 - Katie asks Steve how he first come up with the idea for this book. 5:05 - John asks Steve about the overall tone of the book. Was it intentionally optimistic? 8:40 - Steve provides an overall summary of what the book is about - helping the Church look more like the kingdom of God. 12:12 - John asks Steve about the importance of community and asks him to expound on the idea in his book of "collective effervescence." 19:14 - If Jesus redefines leadership as serving rather than wielding power, how should Christians view the opportunities to obtain power (for example, politically) in order to effect change? 28:03 - How do we reconcile the capitalistic mentality of America with what Jesus had to say about finance? 31:30 - Katie asks Steve to expound on his vision of Christian political involvement, which involves prophecy, embodiment, and participation. 37:00 - Katie shares her thoughts on Steve's chapter on suffering. Steve and John respond. 40:27 - Announcement! Advocacy Day is coming March 3-4, 2025, and Steve is one of our keynote speakers! 43:00 - What is Good? 49:25 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode, John Litzler leads us in asking how to have uplifting family conversations during the holidays. Growing up, there were two things you didn't talk about at the dinner table- politics and religion. Things have changed, and recently politics have become a sore subject during family get-togethers. Is there a way for us to model political discussions that don't lead to anger and division with our loved ones? Let's find out. TIMESTAMPS: 3:00 - In the past, did your family discuss politics and/or religion at the dinner table? What about now? 9:57 - Do you think hyper-partisanship has in America has gotten worse during our lifetime? 19:07 - We often judge ourselves by our intent, and others by their actions. How do you see that playing out in politics? How do we start to change that mentality with our own family and friends? 25:10 - Many American Christians are finding their identity in politics. How should we find our identity primarily in Christ?  31:58 - During an election season, it is so easy to bear false witness against political opponents. How do we deal with our own tendency towards bias, and how can that improve our family conversations? 43:45 - Other practical tips on uplifting family conversations during the holidays? 50:10 - What is good? 57:05 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In this episode of What is Good, our Director of Hunger & Care, Irene Gallegos, shares with us her passion for public health. She guides us in a discussion of the factors of health and how more impoverished communities will have greater difficulty accessing help in times of need. We discuss what community development ministries to these areas can look like and the various ways the CLC strives to advocate and be a part of the transforming of these communities. TIMESTAMPS: 1:10 - What type of community did you grow up in? 7:50 - What community factors were involved in your decision to live in the house you do now? 18:05 - Some who serve in less fortunate communities choose to live in them and commit to a missional lifestyle among the people they serve. Others live outside, but still advocate for and support these communities. Scripturally, is one method more Biblical than the other? 31:45 - Explanation of the Cliff of Good Health Analogy 35:05 - What are some specific ways the CLC is involved in helping people fall off the good health? Or, worded differently, how are we involved in systemic issues? 48:45 - What is Good? 57:35 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).

In today's episode, the CLC discusses helpful biblical principles for making decisions in grey areas. If you are a pastor or even a small group leader, you’ve probably had someone ask you “What does the bible say about _____?” They are not usually wanting to know what is pleasing to God. They want a one verse proof text that shows how they are right and someone else is wrong. Or they want to know what they can get away with. How will the conversation look different if instead of giving a quick answer, we give godly principles based on 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1 to equip them to make difficult decisions? David Sanchez leads this discussion. TIMESTAMPS: 1:50 - Topic intro: Examples of grey area issues 8:25 - "What does the Bible say about ___?" 14:15 - Idol meat in 1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1 16:26 - Scenario #1 (1 Cor 8:4, 7-12) 19:47 - The Stumbling Principle (1 Cor 8:13) 26:43 - Scenario #2 (1 Cor 10:14-22) 29:44 - The Mastery Principle (1 Cor 10:23; see also 6:12) 36:38 - Scenario #3 (1 Cor 10:24-27) 42:52 - The Offending Principle (1 Cor 10:32-33) 49:23 - The Glorifying Principle (1 Cor 10:31) 56:46 - What is good? 1:02:58 - Outtakes For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).