In this episode of Thinking Christian, I sit down with Pieter Valk—founder and director of Equip and a founding brother of an ecumenical monastery in Nashville—to talk about what it really means to follow Jesus as single men and women in the church. Pieter shares how his ministry equips churches and parents to care well for people who experience same-sex attraction or gender incongruence while embracing a historic Christian sexual ethic.

We explore the biblical vision for vocational singleness versus the default of “common singleness,” how marriage and singleness can actually reinforce one another, and why the church often feels ill-equipped to walk with LGBT+ Christians. Pieter also explains mixed-orientation marriage, challenges reductions of marriage to a “sexual outlet,” and helps reframe both marriage and singleness as vocations ordered toward spiritual fruitfulness.

We close by reflecting on the political battles around sexuality and gender, how those debates have often distorted Christian witness, and what it might look like for the church to lead with discipleship, clarity, and hope instead of just echoing partisan talking points. If you’re a pastor, parent, or disciple trying to think more faithfully about sexuality, singleness, and manhood, this conversation will give you categories, language, and practical direction to move forward.

Find out more about Pieter and his ministry at https://www.pieterlvalk.com.

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To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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James sits down with Denise Lester, founder of Rended Heart (Kansas City, MO), to explore what sexual exploitation looks like today—and how her ministry stands in the 30-day gap between crisis and long-term recovery. Denise shares her journey from NYC to KC, early work with Exodus Cry, street and club outreach, and why most trafficking now hides offline and online. They discuss highways I-35/I-70, drug dependency, the legal hurdles of proving force, fraud, or coercion, how porn and grooming shape demand, and the slow, relational work of trust, detox, documents, and dignity. A powerful story of a child’s rescue and adoption shows hope in action—and Denise offers concrete ways listeners can help.

To learn more about Rended Heart visit www.rendedheart.org.

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🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Quotable

• “I’m not here to rescue you—I’m here to support you if you’re ready to walk out.”

• “You can leave anytime; we won’t hold you—but count the cost of what you’re surrendering.”

Chapter Markers

• 00:28 — Denise’s journey & launch of Rended Heart

• 03:35 — Street/club outreach & the shift online

• 05:28 — The 30-day gap and why exits stall

• 07:53 — Hospitals, law enforcement, interstate cases, immigration

• 11:42 — A child rescued: court orders, sheriff retrieval, adoption

• 15:30 — KC’s geography (I-35/I-70), drugs, grooming, and porn’s role

• 20:08 — Legal hurdles: proving force/fraud/coercion for adults

• 23:06 — Trust, phones, and the hard work of starting over

• 37:20 — Volunteers, housing, and how you can help

Links

• Rended Heart: rendedheart.org

• Contact: 816-343-4558

Note: If you suspect exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or text “HELP” to 233733.

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In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer talks with David Green, CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone, about their new book Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity.

Together they explore what it really means to live a legacy life—one rooted not in wealth or success, but in faithfulness, purpose, and generational discipleship.

• Reframing legacy as something you set in motion, not just leave behind
• Rethinking retirement as a season of renewed ministry
• Building family mission, vision, and values to strengthen future generations
• Embracing brokenness and redemption as part of every family story
• Why intentionality is essential to sustaining a godly legacy

If you care about family, faith, and finishing well, this conversation will inspire you to lead your loved ones toward eternal impact—not just earthly success.

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🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

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If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

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