
Where does the Independent Baptist movement stand today, and what does its future hold? In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen Russ and Tom Brennan take an honest look at the history, strengths, weaknesses, and...


Proverbs 4:23 says, ”Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”Welcome to the “Issues Podcast” (formerly the Dear Church Podcast), where pastors Tom Brennan, Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ get to the heart of the real issues. These pastors hope to stir your heart and challenge your thinking on key issues within the Independent, Fundamental Baptist movement. Are you ready to deal with your issues?We love God, His Word, and His Church.We love our heritage as independent Baptists and cherish the fundamentals of the faith.We rest in our identity in Jesus Christ.We desire, above all else, to glorify God.We are humbled that God has called us to serve the local church.As we watch the shifting sands of countries and cultures erode the foundations of many local fellowships we are troubled and want to help. While we hope that all believers will benefit from this podcast, we have a special burden for pastors and other church leaders.We want to encourage pa
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Contact path
Public web form
Booking probability
33%
Guest openness
Selective
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Signup to Generate a PitchProverbs 4:23 says, ”Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”Welcome to the “Issues Podcast” (formerly the Dear Church Podcast), where pastors Tom Brennan, Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ get to the heart of the real issues.
Recent episodes include "Issue #85, What Happened to Independent Baptists?" (21 October 2026, 62 minutes), "Issue #83, The Value of Your Local Church" (9 October 2026, 55 minutes), and "Issue #82, What do Republicans do Next?" (29 September 2026, 62 minutes).
The Issues Podcast publishes roughly every two weeks, with episodes averaging 62 minutes across 119 episodes.
Booking probability for The Issues Podcast is 33%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. The Issues Podcast requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. The Issues Podcast's contact route on record: public web form.
The strongest fits for The Issues Podcast are Religion & Faith. The Issues Podcast has a religion audience.
The Issues Podcast is a religion podcast with 119 episodes published.
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Where does the Independent Baptist movement stand today, and what does its future hold? In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen Russ and Tom Brennan take an honest look at the history, strengths, weaknesses, and...

Why does the local church matter—and can listening to sermons online ever take its place? In this episode, Stephen, Martin, and Tom discuss the biblical foundation and practical value of belonging to a local church...

Episode #18
Stephen, Tom, and Martin are joined by Anthony Collins, an active participant in Indiana Republican politics, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of conservatism in America. They discuss how Trump has...

Episode #2
This week on The Issues Podcast, we introduce a brand-new segment: “Baptist Behaving Badly”—a look at some of the issues, controversies, and lessons coming out of the Baptist world. Then we turn our attention to the...

The Lindsay Clancy case has sparked intense debate over mental illness, criminal responsibility, postpartum psychosis, and the meaning of justice. In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen, Martin, and Tom examine...

Episode #1
The recent revelations involving Kenny Baldwin have prompted difficult but necessary conversations within the church. In this episode, Stephen Russ, Tom Brennan, and Martin Shipe examine the biblical qualifications for...

<p>In this special episode of The Issues Podcast, host Martin Wickens sits down with church planters Marty Montgomery and Josh Levesque during the missions conference at Bedford Bible Church.</p> <p>Through personal...

Episode #3
<p>In this episode of the Issues Podcast, Stephen and Martin unpack what true spiritual leadership looks like from 1 Corinthians 4, addressing why it is often misunderstood in today’s churches and why fewer young men...

<p>In this episode, we sit down and walk through Job 31 together, unpacking Job’s final defense and what it reveals about true integrity.</p> <p>As the conversation develops, we explore how Job invites his entire life...

<p>In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Stephen Russ and Martin Wickens respond to the disturbing church invasion in Minnesota and explore what it means to protect religious liberty, uphold lawful protest, and remain...

<p>Few topics ignite more passion—and confusion—than the Bible translation debate. In this candid episode, Stephen Russ, Martin Wickens, and Joe Shakour sit down for the conversation many have been asking for but few...

<p>🎙️ Issues Podcast — “Dispensationalism: A Biblical Defense”</p> <p>In this timely and engaging episode, Stephen Russ sits down with Martin Wickens and Joe Shakour to discuss one of the most debated theological...

<p>In this thought-provoking conversation, Pastor Stephen Russ and Martin Wickens sit down with Pastor Joe Shakour, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina. They discuss the Shakour’s remarkable...

Episode #7
<p>What is true revival? In this episode of The Issues Podcast, Pastor Stephen Russ and Pastor Martin Wickens continue the conversation on revival—what it is, what it isn’t, and how believers can steward the stirring...

Episode #6
<p>Busyness doesn’t equal godliness. In this episode, Martin and Stephen tackle the subtle but dangerous trap of equating a packed schedule with spiritual growth. They discuss practical ways to evaluate your schedule...

Episode #5
<p>The word “revival” is being talked about everywhere—but what does it really mean? In today’s episode, we dig into the heart of the matter: What is true revival? Is it happening right now? And what role, if any, do we...

Episode #4
<p>The Book of Acts records the birth of the New Testament church—a movement conceived in prayer, fueled by prayer, and sustained by prayer. In this episode, Stephen and Martin dive deeper into its powerful lessons for...

<p>Charlie Kirk was not only a political figure—he stood as a bold witness for truth and faith in Christ, which makes his death both a political and spiritual martyrdom. In this conversation, we discuss:<br> ➡️ What...

<p>🎙️ On this episode of the Issues Podcast, we sit down with two young men in their 20s who are faithfully serving the Lord in ministry. While their years of experience may be fewer, their perspective is fresh, their...

<p>As social media grows increasingly toxic, Christians have a unique opportunity to shine as lights through gracious and Spirit-filled communication. In this episode, Martin and Stephen reflect on the future of the...
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