The Issues Podcast
Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) – “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). Pastors Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ, along with special guests, get to the heart of the real issues that matter. With a burden to stir your heart and challenge your thinking, they dive into key topics within the Independent, Fundamental Baptist movement.
It’s time to face the issues that shape your life and faith.
Are you ready to deal with the issues?
Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) – “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). Pastors Martin Wickens and Stephen Russ, along with special guests, get to the heart of the real issues that matter. With a burden to stir your heart and challenge your thinking, they dive into key topics within the Independent, Fundamental Baptist movement.
It’s time to face the issues that shape your life and faith.
Are you ready to deal with the issues?
Episodes

Jan 31, 2023
Jan 31, 2023
57 min
Statistics on Church attendance trends in the U.S. can be discouraging, and the future of the church is often viewed through the lens of these negative trends. But... we can have hope! God is at work, and churches are taking great strides forward in 2023! Hear the perspective of our hosts on this important episode.

Jan 24, 2023
Issue #3 – Are New Year’s Resolutions Biblical?
Jan 24, 2023
Jan 24, 2023
53 min
It's January, and that means many people are still fighting to keep those pesky resolutions they made at the first of the year! But how should a Christian view the idea of bettering himself or herself? Is it the same for Christians and non-Christians, or should we take a different approach?

Jan 17, 2023
Issue #2 – Handling Criticism
Jan 17, 2023
Jan 17, 2023
57 min
The guys recount some strange things they've been criticized for, and how they handle criticism on a larger scale. Should you ignore it, internalize it, or is there a better way? Find out in this episode of The Issues Podcast.

Jan 10, 2023
Issue #1 – Introduction and Personal Devotions
Jan 10, 2023
Jan 10, 2023
52 min
We're back! Join in for a podcast reunion as the guys rebrand, reunite and re-enter the podcast space.
On this episode Tom Brennan, Stephen Russ and Martin Wickens share insight on starting and maintaining a personal walk with the Lord.
![[Archived Dear Church] Episode #27 – A Parting Word...](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12467844/DCP_Logo01_4i9jix_300x300.jpg)
May 17, 2022
May 17, 2022
2 min
In this short letter, we explain our departure from this special venture known as "The Dear Church Podcast." Take a listen. We love you all!
![[Archived Dear Church] Episode #26 – Pastoral Transition and Succession](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12467844/DCP_Logo01_mqwcgj_300x300.jpg)
Apr 26, 2022
Apr 26, 2022
1hr 7 min
Pastoral succession and transition has historically been an IFB "no-man's land." In this episode, we talk candidly about our experiences.
Purchase Tom Brennan's new book, "Next: A Manual for Pastoral Transition" on Amazon here >> https://amzn.to/3LiBmGh
![[Archived Dear Church] Episode #25 – Dating](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12467844/DCP_Logo01_hcd24x_300x300.jpg)
Apr 19, 2022
[Archived Dear Church] Episode #25 – Dating
Apr 19, 2022
Apr 19, 2022
57 min
In this episode, the DCP attempts a conversation on the controversial topic of "dating," and how that process unfolds for a Christian young adult.
![[Archived Dear Church] Episode #24 – DCP LIVE, April 11, 2022](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12467844/DCP_Logo01_300x300.jpg)
Apr 12, 2022
Apr 12, 2022
1hr 4 min
We went LIVE on Facebook to give an update on our weekend, share some feedback and fan mail, and to discuss the important topic of social media. Check it all out in this episode!




