Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry
Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry explores the intersection of religious faith and public life. Hosted by Chris Henry, Senior Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. The podcast features conversations that examine how Christian beliefs engage with contemporary social and political issues. Listeners can expect thoughtful dialogue that connects scripture and theology to real-world challenges.
Episodes
Dustin Benac, Author of Adaptive Church
Dustin Benac, author of Adaptive Church and clinical assistant professor at Baylor University, joins Chris to talk about curiosity, wonder, and belonging that is much deeper than a growth or retention strategy. They explore the questions: what does the community need, and how is the church equipped to respond?
Jon Houghton, CEO of Holy Post Media and Director of Chicago Fellowship
Jon Houghton is the CEO of Holy Post Media, a multimedia company that “helps Christians engage the world with clarity, humility, and conviction — without getting pulled toward outrage or drawn to easy answers.” Join Chris and Jon for this rich conversation about leading courageously, raising difficult questions in polarized times, and seeking faithfulness over applause.
John Gable, Retired PC (USA) Pastor
Retired pastor Rev. John Gable joins Chris for a behind-the-scenes look at their friendship and to talk about calling, leadership, parish ministry, and the sustainable renewal of congregations. “People respond to being known and loved."
Judith Thomas, President and CEO of the Indy Arts Council
Judith B. Thomas’ leadership has touched nearly every aspect of our city’s life together. Currently the President and CEO of the Indy Arts Council, Judith previously served as Deputy Mayor and played key roles in the Indiana Black Expo, NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and many other events and organizations. *Show Note: This episode includes Judith’s memories of growing up in Gary, Indiana. Beca
Earl Goode, Former Gubernatorial Chief of Staff
Earl Goode — veteran, business leader, and chief of staff to two Indiana governors — shares his stories of leadership, from an unlikely presidency of his fraternity to Army service under a three-star general to his focus on government over politics. Earl and Chris discuss hope, how to find the right people for a team, and what we have lost in government in these polarized times. Listen for what he
Courtnye Lloyd, Founder of The Gathering
Dr. Courtnye Lloyd—pastor, organizer, educator, and community psychologist—founded The Gathering, built around the simple and radical idea that fellowship with God and fellowship with one another are the foundation for everything. Join Courtnye and Chris as they discuss what it means to be a church beyond a specific property, how to reinvest in relationships in the midst of the loneliness epidemic
Aaron Renn, Writer and Senior Fellow at American Reformer
Writer and urban theorist Aaron Renn joins Chris to talk about the shifting cultural status of Christianity and the role of faith in our country. As the creator of the Negative World Framework and author of Life in the Negative World, Renn’s work has sparked important conversations across the entire spectrum of religious life.
Olivia West, In-Game Host for the Indiana Pacers and Fever
Indiana Fever and Pacers in-game host Olivia West is in the business of encouragement and storytelling. She shares about her journey from agriculture to sports entertainment and her faith that has been her foundation all along.
Rik Hagarty, Founder of Servants at Work
Rik Hagarty founded Servants at Work to help those in need of a ramp, inspire volunteers, and show God’s love to the world. He shares how his faith has compelled action and how a congregation can be a catalyst, volunteer base, and support for important community work.
Joanna Taft, Executive Director - Harrison Center for the Arts
Joanna Taft, founding director of The Harrison Center for the Arts, shares her stories of falling in love with neighborhoods and creating beauty through artistic expression, honoring a neighborhood’s culture, seeking justice and mercy, and knowing each other’s stories.
Jim Madison, Historian
Author, history professor, and Indiana treasure Jim Madison joins Chris to talk about the importance of formation, education, and grappling with our failures as a state when it comes to race and Christian nationalism. Despite dark eras and current challenges, there is hope as we learn from history and “refuse to surrender” to the idea of a post-truth world.
Dave Calabro, Longtime Indiana sports broadcaster and voice of the Indianapolis 500
Beloved Indy 500 track announcer Dave Calabro sits down with Chris to talk about calling, curiosity, and a career full of incredible stories in the sports broadcasting world. Dave shares about his deep faith, the challenges of anxiety, and mentors like his father and Tom Carnegie who led the way.
Mo Merhoff, Business Leader
Mo Merhoff—former president of One Zone Chamber, the joint Chamber of Carmel and Fishers—shares her stories of leadership from international rowing and the Olympics to making an impact in her own city. She encourages us to think bigger by working together across disparate viewpoints to create meaningful lives and thriving communities.
Eric Holcomb, Former Governor of Indiana
Former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb joins Chris for a look behind the curtain of public leadership. He shares his stories of being a voice of civility and bipartisan cooperation despite deep fractures in our state and nation, following the North Star of his faith in times of tension, violence, and darkness.
A Holy Week reflection with Rev. Chris Henry
A Holy Week reflection with Rev. Chris Henry
Ryan Burge
Author and political scientist Ryan Burge joins Chris to discuss both transcendence and religious trends. As a data analyst and former pastor, Ryan shares what he has learned about the balance of head and heart knowledge, beyond the charts and numbers.
Henry Joliet
Thoughtful, deliberate, brilliant, and grounded in faith are just a few of the words that describe 2025 Presidential Scholar Henry Joliet. Join Chris and Henry as they tell the stories of Henry growing up at Second Presbyterian Church and explore the intersection of faith, service, and curiosity. [This episode was recorded in December 2025]
De’Amon Harges
De’Amon Harges—founder of The Learning Tree and faculty member for the Asset-Based Community Development Institute—is nationally recognized as a social innovator and locally known as the roving listener. Join Chris and De’Amon for this conversation on joy, imagination, abundance, and paying attention to the sacred in our communities
Mayor Chris Jensen
Join us for this special episode with Noblesville’s mayor, Chris Jensen, recorded before a live audience on January 23, 2026. Mayor Jensen shares his stories of leadership, faith, speaking difficult truths, and living out his calling—all with his trademark positivity, humor, and genuine spirit. He distills his vocation down to this simple statement: “My job every day is to serve the public."
Katherine Douglass & Brittany Tausen
What if—despite good intentions—there are real barriers that keep us from loving our neighbors? And what if there are practices, grounded in scripture and science, that can help? Authors and scholars Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen join Chris to tackle this topic and share about their new book, Love Your Neighbor: How Psychology Can Enliven Faith and Transform Community.
Brenda Freije
Brenda Freije, President and CEO of the Rethink Coalition, devotes her professional life to naming, facing, and addressing some of the most complex social challenges in our city. Her current project is the collaborative reimagining of interstates, confronting the historic injustices of redlining, and shaping a better future for all.
Christmas Reflection
A Christmas Reflection with Rev. Chris Henry
Dr. Christian Smith
Notre Dame’s Dr. Christian Smith, America’s preeminent sociologist of religion and author of Why Religion Went Obsolete, joins Chris to discuss some of the most pressing questions facing faith communities. How and why has religion’s place in American life changed so dramatically? What cultural forces have reshaped our expectations, institutions, and the way we imagine meaning? How can churches res
Greg Stowers
Greg Stowers, the Indianapolis City Council’s Chief Administrative Officer, navigates policy, politics, and the daily work of making a city function as he supports all 25 city councilors across political divides. He discusses the issues facing our city and his stories of serving in a political space in a non-partisan way, focusing on the work that impacts residents’ real lives.
Mitch Daniels
Former Indiana Governor and Presbyterian Elder Mitch Daniels tells his stories of a lifetime of faith and public service in roles including senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan, chief of staff to Senator Richard Lugar, and president of Purdue University. He and Chris discuss the principles that have guided his leadership and how his faith has kept him rooted through times of crisis and heavy
Two-Year Anniversary Episode
In this special celebratory episode, guest host Gracie Payne interviews Chris Henry about the show’s origins and vision, ministry in fractured times, and his leadership journey.
Housing Justice
Dr. Chelsea Haring-Cozzi, the CEO of CHIP (the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention), joins Chris for a conversation about collective impact, collaboration, and the mobilization of faith communities to seek housing justice for our neighbors.
The Heart of Education
Dr. Patricia Payne, Director of the Indianapolis Public Schools Office of Racial Equity and Inclusion, has been a dedicated IPS educator for 63 years. She joins Chris to share how her faith sustains her persistence and advocacy. In her own words, “It doesn’t do any good to get mad unless you’re going to do something about it.”
Your Life Is Not Your Own
Social worker Kate Booker joins Chris to tell her stories of finding joy in service to others. She shares how her role works at Second Presbyterian Church, the issues she encounters most, and the scripture that inspires her to address the physical needs of her clients. Her family’s motto accurately summarizes the message in this episode: “Your life is not your own. Serve God. Serve others.”
The Arc of Leadership
Ambassador Randall L. Tobias shares his stories from walking to church as a boy in small-town Indiana to leading multi-national corporations and leaving retirement when asked by President Bush to respond to a global health crisis. Join us for this conversation about leadership rooted in purpose, service, and conviction.
Home.
Join us for a special episode with Rev. Chris Henry, reflecting on his summer sabbatical.
Effective Leadership
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness joins Chris to discuss leadership grounded in ethics, the importance of presence in the hardest moments, and building a team that gets the work done. From his childhood farm in North Dakota to managing a growing, innovative city, we get a peek behind the scenes at what keeps this leader humble, motivated, and effective.
Missional Values in the Business World
Scott Davison—Chairman, President, and CEO of OneAmerica Financial—sits down with Chris to discuss leadership and the integral role of his faith, missional values, and relationships of mutual trust. How can leaders carry compassion, empathy, and humility into today’s corporate world? As Scott says, “If you really want to be an effective leader, it can’t be about you.”
Start by Listening
Dr. Abbey Chambers is the Founder, President, and CEO of Justways Research. In her life and work, she is a consultant, researcher, and advocate who pursues fairness and justice for the people of Indianapolis, and it all started with curiosity. Why are things the way that they are? That question led to her study of economic policy, gentrification, and physical and cultural displacement. To understa
Locked In: Faith, Joy, and Purpose
Join Chris and recent North Central High School graduate Carter Klaus as they discuss balancing faith and ambition, the importance of family and mentors, and what it means to live out the values of service and purpose as a young leader. Be inspired by Carter’s infectiously positive outlook as he encourages everyone to find the joy and fun in everything—from the track to the classroom and beyond.
Intertwined: Faith and Mental Health Care
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Stephanie Bewley shares the story of her path to helping professions and what she has learned about holding space to listen, particularly in the most tender, beautiful, terrifying, and vulnerable moments. She debunks the idea that faith and mental health care are at odds with one another, highlighting how they intersect in her life and profession.
Gifts for the Common Good
Joe Bowling, Executive Director of the Englewood Community Development Corporation, joins Chris to share his passion, experiences, and stories tied to Englewood CDC's five areas of focus: collective impact, affordable housing, economic development, neighboring, and congregational engagement. "The gifts you have been given are gifts for the common good. What can we do together?"
Everything Is Opportunity
Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber, brings her infectious enthusiasm to this conversation about advocacy, policy, and leaps of faith. Her stories from Capitol Hill to the Hoosier heartland bring one central theme into focus: conviction and collaboration drive meaningful change.
Daily Miracles
Dennis Murphy, President and CEO for IU Health, lives his faith through empathy, service, and looking for daily miracles. He and Chris discuss how we can repair trust in healthcare institutions, work to alleviate social impediments to health, and seek holistic wellness of mind, body, and spirit in our communities.
Silence Says What Words Cannot
A special Holy Week episode with Rev. Chris Henry
The Long View of Public Leadership
Jeffrey Harrison, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, a public charitable trust, shares the story of one person’s belief in his potential and how that belief transformed his life and leadership. Jeff and Chris delve into some of the unseen sides of utility leadership—conservation, sustainability, and care for our neighbors.
A Spacious Spirit
Mindful presence. Human connection. Finding space for the sacred and the ordinary. Rev. Sara Hayden joins Chris to give us a glimpse into their daily afternoon walks and her heart for tangible, embodied experiences. What begins as a conversation about how technology can erode community turns more hopeful—to the ways we can be present with God, ourselves, and our neighbors.
Jesus AND Justice
Dr. Clarence Moore—a masterful storyteller—joins Chris to discuss what it takes to be a spiritual and public leader in a time of urgency, turmoil, and tension. He has spent decades living out his message that there is a choice between silence and privilege or humility and proximity. Will we take the risk? Pastor Clarence urges us to put on our boots and get to work.
Hunger in a Land of Abundance
Hunger activist David Miner joins Chris to share how one persistent question—How can we allow this?—has led to his work in legislative advocacy, documentary filmmaking, and fighting for change in our communities beyond providing for the caloric needs of our neighbors.
Flourishing in Connectedness
“Flourishing comes from being connected.” Rev. Libby Davis Manning is the Director of the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program, working with early-career clergy as they adapt and transform in a rapidly changing landscape. Listen in as she and Chris discuss the work of community well-being, the importance of collaboration, and the culture of care necessary to sustain ministry.
Political Renewal: Constructive Practices As a Remedy for Polarization
Michael Wear, Founder of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and former White House staffer, joins Chris to talk about what it means to be faithful in an age of political sectarianism. He shares how spiritual formation is central to civic renewal and how politics can be a forum for loving our neighbors. “We are not saved by, and we are more than, our political opinions.”
More than Running
Mark Crull and Chris Henry share more than the vocation of pastor. They are runners, parents, coaches, and community builders. Join them for this conversation about what can happen with an idea and an unused grassy field. Mark’s vision sparked the largest youth running program in Indiana – Pup Running – and has made an immeasurable impact on kids and the whole community.
The Hopes and Fears of All the Years
An Advent reflection with Rev. Chris Henry
Comedy and Connection
David Letterman joins Chris for a conversation about human connection and the art of asking questions. With his iconic wit and talent for drawing stories out of others, Dave tells the tales of his legendary career, his experiences with hands-on service, and his devotion to learning new things, finding our commonalities, and bettering the world.
A Convening Church
Rev. Dr. Bill Enright, Senior Pastor Emeritus at Second Presbyterian Church, has spent his life building bridges and convening vitally important conversations. In his words, he fell in love with the parish—the very idea of being a pastor and a church for the good of the city. Join us for this journey through the stories of Dr. Enright’s remarkable life of influence, change-making, and pastoring of
A Reflection on the Eve of an Election
A special election week episode on the role of faith in a time of political polarization.
Tenderness and Determination
Richard Propes is on a quest to raise one million dollars toward eliminating medical debt for fellow Hoosiers. He joins Chris to share his remarkable story – a story of deep suffering and unmatched determination and grit – and his experience traveling the roads of Indiana in his wheelchair on The Tenderness Tour. Content Warning: This episode contains references to trauma, depression, suicide, do
The Work of Seeing
School Social Worker Emily Yarger is on the front lines of the struggles so many children face. She is both a stable force and a flexible adapter, showing up each day to serve students, their families, and the community. She sits down with Chris to discuss the needs she observes every day and the hope and potential she sees in the next generation. Later in the episode, church member and school vol
Leading the Way: The Next Generation of Faith
Too often in the faith community, we speak more about young people than we do to young people. In a world of loud opinions, isolation, pressures, and inflammatory clickbait, we invite you to listen to two leaders in our congregation—8th grader Mac and college freshman Maddie—who share how they broaden their perspectives, practice attention, integrate their faith and passions, and hold hope for the
Character Is Consequential
From teenage participant to president of the organization, Dennis Bland has devoted his life to the mentorship programs and character cultivation of the Center for Leadership Development in Indianapolis. He sits down with Chris to discuss dedication, hard work, resiliency, and how we must leverage the nurturing we have received to enrich the lives of others.
Take It to the Hoop
President and COO of the Indiana Fever, Dr. Allison Barber, is a catalyst for positive change in Indianapolis and far beyond. Behind her persistently positive spirit and tenacious drive are the values of faith, hard work, boldness, and deep one-on-one relationships—always asking, “How can I help people live their best life? And how can that be used for good?” Join us for this fun and fascinating l
Wonder and Play: The Case for Phone-Free Schools
Addictive algorithms. Constant availability and intrusions. There are few—if any—guidelines for good digital citizenship and limits to our time spent on screens. Head of School, Dr. Leslie Hosey, and Director of Information Technology, Ellen Cone, share what they are doing at St. Richard’s Episcopal School in Indianapolis to limit screens (for children and adults) and the psychological and social
Voice of the People
Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili shares his unique story and how his faith shapes his character, informs his actions, and reinvigorates his path. He and Chris discuss faith community and government collaboration, calls to collective action, and the role of listening in rebuilding trust in institutions.
Philanthropy: The Love of Humanity
From individual carts of groceries to macro solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, congregations play key roles in giving and advocacy. David King, the Karen Lake Buttrey Director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, joins Chris to discuss the shifting trends in generosity and giving, the powerful overlap between nonprofit, business, and government sectors, and how we can be philanth
The Resonant Language of Faith
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, summarizes the work of the Church in this way: “There is a need. We want to meet it.” She brings her persistent lens of hopefulness to this discussion, sharing how we can leverage the resonant language of faith to dismantle oppressive systems and bring about transformative change.
My Neighbor’s Keeper
Tony Mason, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League, joins Chris for a candid conversation about our shared humanity, the rifts that threaten to divide us, and the power of building coalitions of servant leaders to address our neighbors’ needs. “All of this comes down to us taking ownership, leaning on our faith, and working toward solutions.”
Different Spheres, Common Convictions
Innovation. Education. Conservation. Attorneys Anne Nobles and David Johnson have invested their lives in the City of Indianapolis since their days as a young married couple. Their careers have taken them into different but complementary worlds while drawing on their shared faith, interests, and convictions. The common thread through their extensive list of leadership roles has been their desire t
Common Ground for the Common Good
Join us for this treasure trove of stories from a prolific life. Jim Morris, current Vice Chairman of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, has served in local, national, and global leadership roles, his path crossing with some of the most well-known world-changers of the 20th and 21st centuries. In this episode, he shares what he has learned, and what he hopes to pass down, from these profound friends
Compassion and Commitment
Compassion is the substance of Dr. Anita Joshi’s leadership. Her calling to a life of care and compassion led her to practicing pediatric medicine and serving her community through nonprofits and public office. Listen in as she and Chris discuss the imago dei, what it means to be a servant to the public, and the tribalism that holds us back from good conversations and good ideas.
Restoration and Repair
Tikkun olam—repairing of the world. Rev. Chris Henry and Rabbi Brett Krichiver are friends and colleagues, leading congregations just over one mile apart. In this episode, they discuss the place where faith and works are woven together, generosity that moves us toward justice, and the restorative power of Sabbath. “Care for the soul leads us to care for society.”
A Reflection on Resurrection
A special Holy Week episode with Rev. Chris Henry
Learning Who We Are: Education as Formation
Joy in learning begins with joy in relationship. In this episode, Chris and The Oaks Academy CEO Andrew Hart discuss transformational learning in the context of relationships—both interpersonal relationships and relationship with ideas and knowledge—and the intentionality behind forming diverse learning communities, practicing habits, and fostering joy.
The Power of Belonging
From pastor’s kid to national leader, Dr. Karissa Niehoff shares her stories of faith and her wisdom stemming from decades of leadership in scholastic athletics and activities. She and Chris discuss the shift from a formative to a performative approach within institutions like athletics, the impact this trend has on kids and entire communities, and what we can do to encourage joy, wellness, civili
Welcoming the Stranger: A Call to Hope and Healing
In this episode of Faithful Discourse with Chris Henry, Wheeler Mission President and CEO Perry Hines shares his story of becoming the self-described “most unlikely leader” for a faith-based social services organization and addresses several myths about emergency shelter services and the people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis and beyond.
Becoming a Good Community
What defines a good community? How can we develop rich, mutually transformative relationships with our neighbors? This episode delves into these questions as Chris Henry and Amar Patel discuss collective community responsibility, equitable access to excellent education, and sufficiency and sustainability as basic building blocks for a better future.
Faith, Health, and Justice
“The way things are is not the way things have to be.” Rev. Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission and Values Officer of Indiana University Health, joins Chris to discuss holistic health—the integration of mind, body, and spirit—and why equity and community are essential components of true wellness. This episode was recorded in October 2023 and includes references to pas
Finding Your Why and Changing the World
Local and global leader George Srour brings his characteristic humility, depth, and wit to this conversation about vocation and the power of community. George is the Chief Dreamer at Building Tomorrow, “a community-powered organization that harnesses the potential of local change-makers to connect learners across rural Uganda with transformational education programs.” He discusses gratitude, the i
Rejoicing in a Weary World
The world is weary. We are desperate for genuine joy. Too often, the things that drag us down seem so much more powerful than what holds us up. And then, Christmas comes. We are told that there is good news at the very center of reality because of a baby born in a borrowed room. In this episode, Chris speaks with his sons (Sam age 10; Ben age 6) about the story of Christ’s birth and what it means
Living Whole Lives: A Judge’s Perspective on Leadership and Hope
Judge Sarah Evans Barker, the first woman in several prominent roles in the state of Indiana—including US Attorney, Federal Judge, and Chief Judge—shares stories from her distinguished career in the law and how the foundation of faith inspires her work. Judge Barker’s persistent sense of hopefulness is evident as she describes the leaders we must seek and be. “We’ve got to find people who understa
A Deeper Hope: Countering Christian Nationalism
In this Faithful Discourse episode, respected scholar and Professor of Sociology Andrew Whitehead, author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church, joins Chris to discuss the impact of Christian Nationalism and some faithful responses to it. Conversations at the intersection of religious faith and public life—like this one—can be uncomfortable and
Ministry Loves Company: Friendship, Leadership, and the Church
In this episode, Chris sits down with his friend and colleague, Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, pastor of the historic Witherspoon Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, to discuss their common call to public ministry, the necessity of friendship, and the life of congregations.
The Faith of Young Adults
In this conversation: Rev. Gracie Payne. Gracie, an ordained Presbyterian pastor who serves as the Director of Young Adult Engagement at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, shares insights into the spiritual lives of young adults and a vision for a compelling and faithful future.
