The Alisa Childers Podcast

This is the first episode of the New Year, and I'm starting with a deep dive into how progressive Christianity approaches the Bible.In this episode, Natasha Crain and I walk through Better Ways to Read the Bible by progressive Christian pastor Zach Lambert, using it as a case study to examine common progressive claims about Scripture. Lambert argues that the Bible is often read through “harmful lenses” and should instead be read through new “healing” ones. While we agree that the Bible has been misused in real and damaging ways, we explain why his proposed solutions create more confusion than clarity.We discuss the critical difference between:The nature of Scripture (inspiration, inerrancy, authority)The interpretation of Scripture (how we determine meaning)Along the way, we address:Why “literalism” is often misrepresented in progressive theologyHow progressive Christianity reframes hell, sin, and judgmentMoralism vs. legalism—and what Scripture actually teaches about graceLiberation theology, critical theory, and power-based readings of the BibleThe misuse of “fruit” language to justify affirming what Scripture calls sinWhy progressive Christians still identify as Christian—and why sincerity is not the same as truthThis conversation is not about motives or tone. It’s about theology, presuppositions, and whether the progressive framework is consistent with the historic Christian faith.We’re starting the year by going back to first principles: what the Bible is, how it should be read, and why those questions matter.

In this very special episode, I’m reunited with my ZOEgirl bandmates, Kristin Schweain and Chrissy Katina, to celebrate 25 years since our very first self-titled album released back in 2000. If you remember us as the “Christian Spice Girls” for tween girls, this one is for you! And even if you’ve never heard our music, I think you’ll be encouraged by three former CCM artists who are still walking with Jesus in an age of deconstruction.We share big news: ZOEgirl has written and recorded a brand-new song that will release in January, in honor of our 25-year anniversary. We talk about what it was like to re-enter the studio together after all these years, and we give life updates on what’s happened since we came off the road around 2008—family, ministry, photography, worship leading, and more.We also get honest about the darker side of the Christian music industry—the body-image pressures, the pull toward “mainstream-friendly” lyrics, and what it was like to watch so many fellow artists deconstruct or walk away from the faith. Kristin shares the powerful pro-life story of her son Callum’s high-risk pregnancy and the pressure she faced to abort. Chrissy talks about years-long health struggles, losing her voice, and what God taught her in a long season of “just listening.”Finally, all three of us answer a simple but profound question: “Why do you still believe?” We talk about sin, grace, the reliability of the gospel, and why Christianity isn’t just comforting...it’s true. If you grew up on ZOEgirl, or if you’re trying to stand firm in your faith in a culture that’s increasingly hostile to biblical Christianity, this episode is for you.Stay connected with ZOEgirl:Follow us on Instagram: @zoegirlmusicofficialFind us on Facebook under ZOEgirl Music OfficialJoin us on our 2026 cruise (Oct 3–8) – details and registration at https://thekatinas.com/pages/the-kati...------------------------------------------------------------------This video is sponsored by:SEVEN WEEKS COFFEETaste the Coffee that is Saving Lives.Save up to 25% with promo code 'ALISA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/Use my code: ALISAFOUNDATION WORLDVIEWFoundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to thinkBiblically in a deceptive world. Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! Use my code: ALISAGOOD RANCHERSAmerican Meat DeliveredGo to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information.Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj Use my code: ALISA--------------------------------------------------------------------To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/musicThere you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachildersTo order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.comTo see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:https://kit.co/alisachildersPotential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

When motherhood feels more like a thousand little deaths to self than the glossy highlight reel on Instagram, is it really worth it?In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Abby Halberstadt, better known as M is for Mama, to talk about her new book, You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls. Abby is a mom of 10, a fitness instructor, and a deeply theologically grounded voice speaking into the chaos of modern motherhood. Together we tackle comparison, cultural backlash, “honest motherhood,” and what it really means to live as a faithful, joyful mom in a world that often treats children like a burden instead of a blessing.We talk about:Why our “marks” (stretch marks, scars, sleepless nights, and hidden sacrifices) can be beautiful testimonies of love, not flaws to hideHow to push back against a culture that normalizes complaining, victimhood, and joking about hating motherhoodThe difference between rejoicing in all things and enjoying all thingsHow our words, attitudes, and even facial expressions shape the spiritual atmosphere of our homesComparison, social media, and what to do when people accuse you of being “fake,” “toxic positive,” or “doing it for the ’gram”Training our kids with a long view of legacy parenting—seeing everyday faithfulness as an investment in generations we may never meetWhy obedience to Christ in the hidden, thankless moments is always worth it, even when our feelings lag behind our theologyAbby also shares personal stories of suffering, health struggles, miscarriages, and how God’s kindness and sovereignty sustained her through it all. If you’re a mom who’s tired, discouraged, or tempted to believe the lie that you’re “not enough,” this conversation is for you.???? Resources mentioned:Abby’s book: You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and SoulsAbby online: @m.is.for.mama on Instagram and the M is for Mama podcastIf this episode encourages you, consider sharing it with a tired mom friend who needs to be reminded that her quiet, daily faithfulness really does matter—and yes, it’s worth it.------------------------------------------------------------------This video is sponsored by:RANGE LEATHERAmerican-Made Craftsmanship from WyomingGo to www.rangeleather.com for more informationUse my code: ALISABRAVE BOOKSEntertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good. Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more informationUse my code: CHILDERSSUMMITGive your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview.Go to www.summit.org for more informationUse my code: ALISA26--------------------------------------------------------------------To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/musicThere you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachildersTo order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.comTo see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:https://kit.co/alisachildersPotential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

------------------------------------------------------------------This video is sponsored by:A'DEL NATURAL COSMETICSElevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. Experience the difference in quality and purity. Go to www.adelnaturalcosmetics.com for more information. Use my code: ALISA SEVEN WEEKS COFFEETaste the Coffee that is Saving Lives.Save up to 25% with promo code 'ALISA' & get up to four FREE gifts this Christmas season: http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/Use my code: ALISAGOOD RANCHERSAmerican Meat DeliveredGo to www.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information.Back to the Table: https://pitch.com/v/back-to-the-table-for-partners-t346uj Use my code: ALISA--------------------------------------------------------------------To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/musicThere you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachildersTo order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.comTo see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:https://kit.co/alisachildersPotential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

In this episode of the Alisa Childers Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and OG apologist, Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason, for what I hope will be the episode you send to a brand-new Christian who’s asking, “Where do I even start?”In the wake of so many people coming to Christ, especially following Charlie Kirk’s death, Greg and I talk about how to help new believers understand the big story of the Bible: who God is, who we are, what’s gone wrong with the world, and how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make sense of all of it. Drawing from his book The Story of Reality, Greg walks us through the narrative arc of the Christian worldview using five simple words: God, man, Jesus, cross, resurrection.We also talk about:Why Christianity isn’t “your truth vs. my truth,” but a picture of realityWhy God’s justice and love are not in tension but perfectly meet at the crossHeaven, hell, judgment, and why what you do with Jesus really does matter foreverPractical encouragement for new Christians: how to start reading your Bible, why you need a solid local church, and how to think about prayer when it feels hardIf you’re new to the faith, or you love someone who is, this episode is for you.------------------------------------------------------------------This video is sponsored by:BRAVE BOOKSEntertainment that Engages the Imagination for Good.  Go to www.bravebooks.com/childers for more informationUse my code: CHILDERSSUMMITGive your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview.Go to www.summit.org for more informationUse my code: ALISA26FOUNDATION WORLDVIEWFoundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to thinkBiblically in a deceptive world. Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! Use my code: ALISA--------------------------------------------------------------------To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/musicThere you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.Support us on Patreon:  www.patreon.com/alisachildersTo order “Another Gospel”:  www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/To order “Live Your Truth":  www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.comTo see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:https://kit.co/alisachildersPotential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.