Two major studies just dropped a finding that should reshape how churches think about discipleship: the number one reason Americans leave Christianity isn't church hurt, politics, or scandal — it's that they stopped believing. Brian From unpacks what that means and why it points to a discipleship crisis hiding in plain sight. Then: repentance. Not the vegetable-eating, obligatory kind, but the gift kind — the one Luther put first in his 95 theses and the one Scripture consistently frames as a reason for joy. Plus, a pencil is running for governor of Oregon to protest the state's worst-in-the-nation fourth grade reading scores, and somehow that becomes a meditation on Sabbath rest and why recess matters as much for adults as it does for kids. A sobering update on the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Northern Nigeria — a reminder of what it costs to follow Jesus in other parts of the world — and a close look at the calling of Peter: what it means to leave your nets immediately, and what step of faith might be waiting for you right now.

<p>Two major studies just dropped a finding that should reshape how churches think about discipleship: the number one reason Americans leave Christianity isn't church hurt, politics, or scandal &mdash; it's that they stopped believing. Brian From unpacks what that means and why it points to a discipleship crisis hiding in plain sight. Then: repentance. Not the vegetable-eating, obligatory kind, but the gift kind &mdash; the one Luther put first in his 95 theses and the one Scripture consistently frames as a reason for joy. Plus, a pencil is running for governor of Oregon to protest the state's worst-in-the-nation fourth grade reading scores, and somehow that becomes a meditation on Sabbath rest and why recess matters as much for adults as it does for kids. A sobering update on the ongoing slaughter of Christians in Northern Nigeria &mdash; a reminder of what it costs to follow Jesus in other parts of the world &mdash; and a close look at the calling of Peter: what it means to leave your nets immediately, and what step of faith might be waiting for you right now.</p>

The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God’s design for all of us fulfilled.

<p>The idea of &ldquo;the common good&rdquo; has a rich history within the Christian church. It&rsquo;s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God&rsquo;s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God&rsquo;s design for all of us fulfilled.</p>