The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) today announced the launch of a new podcast, Difficult Conversations, centered around sharing the stories of renowned leaders and everyday changemakers who have engaged in difficult spaces for the sake of building bridges. Hosted by Walter Kim, the podcast will explore the rampant polarization in society and how Christians are called to be peacemakers. The introductory episode of the series will air on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

“Today, social, political and spiritual divides are more apparent than ever. Yet as followers of Christ, we know we are called to be peacemakers,” said Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. “How do we do this? We believe having difficult conversations can pave the way for peace. This podcast will aim to equip listeners with tools necessary to have these conversations and to become the peacemakers Jesus commands us to be.”

The podcast features guests such as Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Derwin Gray, Kaitlyn Schiess, Jonathan Haidt, Sheila Heen, Sean McDowell, and others who will share their perspectives on how to enter into challenging conversations. Produced by Julie Mirlicourtois, Difficult Conversations will equip listeners with the tools to help them glorify God and advance the kingdom in an increasingly divided country.

“The current polarization of our society means that many of us only interact with people who agree with us, and we increasingly tend to consider those who disagree with us as stupid, dangerous or evil. But that is not the way of Jesus. Instead, reaching out in love and understanding to those who have very different views about contentious issues — like gun control, immigration or public health — provides the best hope for bringing our families, communities, churches and nation back together. As an example, my Braver Angels colleague Wilk Wilkinson and I disagree strongly about the public health response to COVID-19, but we have learned to understand each other’s perspectives and to become good friends. We were happy to tell our stories to Walter Kim in the Difficult Conversations series,” said Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“If the Church doesn’t have difficult conversations and disciple the Church to embody the gospel, it will limit our effectiveness in being salt and light. This series will equip God’s people to reflect the light and love of King Jesus,” said Dr. Derwin Gray, founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church and former NFL football player.

“When we avoid difficult conversations, we avoid deeper relationships. I’m thankful that the National Association of Evangelicals is providing Christians with resources for navigating those conversations — for the sake of our churches, our families, and our communities. There are few people I trust as much as Walter Kim to lead us through these conversations, and I was honored to participate in them,” said Kaitlyn Schiess, writer, speaker and theologian.

Difficult Conversations is available on the podcast homepage and will be available for streaming at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Podchaser, and other platforms. Extended interviews will be available on YouTube. To learn more, visit DifficultConversationsPod.org.