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

Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
1hr 3 min
In this season opener of The Issues Podcast, we dive into the complex and often polarizing issue of immigration. How have past and present policies shaped churches? What is the government’s role versus the church’s responsibility? And how should Christians balance law and compassion? With a biblical perspective on justice and mercy, we explore how believers can engage this issue with both truth and grace.

Dec 3, 2024
Dec 3, 2024
1hr 17 min
In today's season finale, we reflect on feedback from previous episodes, explore the topic of age accountability, and engage in a thought-provoking conversation titled "If I Knew Then What I Know Now." Join us as we wrap up this season of episodes. We look forward to returning with more discussions in the future!
This episode aired live on December 2, 2024.

Nov 26, 2024
Issue #52 – We are Thankful!
Nov 26, 2024
Nov 26, 2024
53 min
Join us in the spirit of the season as we dive into the heartwarming principle of gratitude! In this episode, we share our cherished Thanksgiving traditions, reflect on what we're most thankful for, explore practical ways to cultivate a thankful heart, and wrap up with a heartfelt message just for you. It's a celebration of gratitude you won't want to miss!

Nov 19, 2024
Issue #51 – Calvinism
Nov 19, 2024
Nov 19, 2024
57 min
Today, we're diving into a topic that can often spark strong reactions: "Reformed Theology," commonly referred to as Calvinism. While our aim is not to offend, we do want to take a moment to share some fundamental areas where we differ from this particular theological perspective.

Nov 12, 2024
Issue #50 – The Importance of Church Membership
Nov 12, 2024
Nov 12, 2024
57 min
Church membership has traditionally been a vital way for Christians to identify with and commit to their local congregation. In today’s world, the importance of this commitment has only grown. In this episode of the Issues Podcast, the hosts explore the biblical foundations of church membership and its practical implications for modern-day Christians.

Oct 28, 2024
Oct 28, 2024
1hr 7 min
Join us for our 50th episode, live! In this special segment, we’ll dive into recent ministry highlights, share feedback from past episodes, and tackle an essential topic: raising our boys to become men.

Oct 22, 2024
Issue #48 – The Lamentations of Jeremiah
Oct 22, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
1hr 9 min
The Book of Lamentations is a profound text that reveals the depths of grief, God's righteous judgment on sin, and His overwhelming goodness. Join us as we explore and discuss the book together.

Oct 15, 2024
Issue #47 – Strategic Outreach
Oct 15, 2024
Oct 15, 2024
1hr 2 min
In this episode, the guys dive into how pastors can strategically and intentionally minister beyond their congregation, reaching their entire community. They discuss how it’s possible for churches to grow and pastors to engage their cities effectively without compromising biblical principles. Tune in and share with a friend!




