CROSS Conference Podcast

Matt Schmucker unpacks the character qualities essential for effective missionary work and strategic kingdom advancement. Drawing from 34 years of experience revitalizing Capitol Hill Baptist Church and founding 9Marks Ministry, Schmucker reveals the economic and strategic realities of modern missions. He challenges the assumption that Western missionaries are always the solution, highlighting how indigenous pastor training often yields greater kingdom impact for significantly lower investment.

Reconsider your approach to global gospel advancement through this cost-benefit and cultural-sensitivity lens.

Topics: Missionary character, Indigenous leadership development, Strategic missions, Cost-effectiveness, Cross-cultural evangelism

Sam Emadi explores friendship with God as a profound spiritual reality and pathway to deeper intimacy with the Divine. Despite sounding casual, biblical friendship with God represents a revolutionary truth: that believers can move from enmity with God to intimate fellowship through Christ's redemptive work. Emadi guides listeners through cultivating this transformative relationship, balancing God's transcendence with His invitation to know Him personally.

Experience how understanding God's character deepens your connection to Him.

Scripture: John 15:13; James 2:23; Galatians 4

Topics: Intimacy with God, Christian fellowship, Prayer life, Spiritual growth, God's transcendence

Seth Troutt examines what authentic masculinity looks like and exposes the cultural myth of "toxic masculinity." Through a practical pyramid model, Troutt unpacks the character traits that define genuine manhood, starting with the foundational truth that men are not God. He challenges the prevailing cultural narrative, arguing that what society calls "toxic masculinity" is actually anemic masculinity an absence of true virtue rather than an excess.

Learn the biblical framework for male strength, humility, and leadership.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7; Proverbs 28:7
Topics: Biblical masculinity, Male leadership, Character development, Cultural issues, Discipleship of men

Rosaria Butterfield discusses the biblical design and purpose of women through the lens of her personal transformation journey. In this compelling session, Butterfield shares her remarkable journey from lesbian activist and tenured professor to Christian believer, sparked by patient, loving conversations with a pastor neighbor. She explores how understanding God's design for women—created in His image with inherent dignity and purpose within the biblical pattern of male and female—transformed her worldview.
Discover how God's truth about gender and sexuality speaks to deep human longings.
Scripture: Genesis 1:27

Topics: Biblical gender roles, Women's purpose, Same-sex attraction, Christian hospitality, Worldview transformation

Ben Lacey interviews Carl Trueman in Q&A format about resolving identity crisis in a technology-saturated world. Trueman provides practical wisdom: think critically about technology dependence—smartphones can dominate entire lives—and while we cannot escape technology, we can reduce screen time and humanize our interactions.

The path out of identity chaos involves practical steps to regain human connection and reduce technological mediation of life. Humanizing interactions—even simple conversations—is both an act of kindness and a recovery of authentic personhood.

Intentionally reduce your screen time and humanize your daily interactions by engaging in real conversation with those around you.

Topics: Identity, Technology, Community, Human connection, Church