The country is divided across class, racial, gender and political lines, and churches are not immune to this. Sometimes they even exemplify this division. How can pastors preach to a divided audience, and how can congregants remain active participants despite challenging differences?

Dr. Matthew Kim, of Truett Seminary and co-author of “Preaching to a Divided Nation,” offers a way forward in this episode of Today's Conversation.

Shirley Mullen, president emerita of Houghton University, joins NAE President Walter Kim for Today’s Conversation podcast, and casts a vision for how each of us can claim the courageous middle in this election season and beyond.

You’ll also hear Shirley and Walter discuss:

• How active listening and bridge-building is central to the middle space;
• Why being in the middle is labor intensive, but offers real possibilities for lasting change;
• How institutions and individuals have navigated this space and seen fruit of their labors; and
• Where those who feel disillusioned by polarization can find encouragement.

For a complete list of show notes: NAE.org/mullenpodcast/

This conversation covers why marriage not only benefits those who have committed to forging strong marriages but also society as a whole. You’ll also hear Brad and Walter discuss:

• The anti-family messaging that afflicts our culture today;
• Why segments of society that forgo marriage face higher risk of deaths of despair;
• Research-based encouragement for young people, in particular, to get married; and
• Factors that go into forging a healthy and long-lasting marriage.

Show notes can be found here: NAE.org/wilcoxpodcast/