Working with Dan Doriani

Wheaton College's Denise Daniels draws on research with thousands of American workers to help us have a more holistic vision of how our work matters to us, to our neighbors, to our families, and to God.

Dan Doriani and Mark Vroegop talk about the work Christians do and why our Sunday morning worship should prepare us to love our neighbors and serve the common good Monday through Saturday.

Dan Doriani and Mark Vroegop talk with Christians from a wide range of professions about how biblical wisdom shapes the way we work, lead, serve, and live faithfully in our corner of the world.

Podcaster, pastor, apologist, and author Gavin Ortlund joins Dan Doriani to explore what it looks like to disagree with charity in an increasingly polarized world. Gavin unpacks the difference between persuasion and manipulation, why genuine listening requires openness to being wrong, and how to hold theological conviction with humility.Buy Gavin's books: The Art of Disagreeing (Paperback) by Gavin OrtlundWhat It Means to Be Protestant (Paperback) by Gavin Ortlund

Dr. Lydia Dugdale is a medical ethicist who wants us to rethink the way that we die. From her interests in medicine and religion, she's revived the "Ars Moriendi" (literature on the art of dying) for the modern age. She joins Dan on this episode to discuss her book and why living well means preparing to die well. Buy Dr. Dugdale's Book: The Lost Art of Dying: Reviving Forgotten Wisdom: Dugdale, L.S.: 9780062932648: Amazon.com: Books

Longtime pastor and author Scotty Smith — founding pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN, and author of the daily prayer blog Heavenward — joins Dan for a conversation that starts with grace and ends up somewhere more personal. They dig into what Dan calls "horizontal legalism": the subtle habit of keeping a mental ledger of the good we've done for others, and quietly expecting it to be repaid in favor, attention, or love. From there the conversation moves into what that looks like at work (bosses, firing, being "the boss God gave you") and at home (grandkids, marriage, aging out of a leadership role), before Scotty opens up about growing up as what he calls an "emotional orphan" and how that shaped the way he — and many high-performing leaders — chase approval without realizing it.

Mike Smith works in the kind of place where it's dangerous to do what he does - so much so that we can't share his real name or location. Sadly, there are lots of places that fit this description: cities and countries where children are exploited, and where people from all over the world come to participate in horrific acts of abuse. Mike Smith uses his knowledge and skill as a surgeon to get into places where he can help. Along the way, he's had to learn what it means to care for the whole person in these delicate situations. In this episode, Mike sits down with Dan to discuss what he does and why the glory of God motivates him more than anything else.Contact Mike: helpthegirlsasia@gmail.com

"Prediction Markets" are becoming a normal sight on our college campuses, in our advertisements, and on the phones of our friends and family. This conversation felt especially relevant to us in light of the ongoing Brendan Sorsby story, the Texas Tech Quarterback who was recently granted a temporary injunction to play, despite being declared ineligible by the NCAA on the grounds of placing over $90,000 worth of bets on sports.Accounting professor Steve Moerhle joins Dan on this episode to talk about his interest in sports betting: how it's grown in recent years, and how the market value of these companies is an indication that they are betting on people to lose a lot of money through gambling. Steve and Dan cover the ethics of gambling, the traps the industry uses, and what it looks like to use your money wisely.

What can a former pro tennis player teach us about coaching, leadership, and faith-driven work? In this episode, athlete and Christian school leader Gus Martin joins Dan Doriani to trace his journey from world‑ranked tennis pro and high-end coach to long-time head of Christian schools.They discuss the hidden grind behind professional sports, the mental game of competition, the essentials of good coaching (technique, focus, and fun), and Gus’s “giving clarity” approach to leadership, culture change, and discipleship in Christian education.

What if the Christian life is less about your spiritual performance and more about the life God gives?In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with theologian Dr. Kelly Kapic about his book Christian Life, a rich theology of how God the Father, Son, and Spirit shape our daily lives. Instead of a “how-to” guide for prayer and Bible reading, Kapic invites us to see the Christian life as a response to God’s love and grace.Buy Kelly's latest book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310523583/

How would your life change if you truly believed Jesus is gentle and welcoming toward you at your weakest, not just at your best?In this conversation with Dane Ortlund, pastor and author of Gentle and Lowly, he and Dan Doriani explore the heart of Christ -- his gentleness toward the penitent, his costly, enduring love, and how this vision reshapes everyday Christian life, from how we see ourselves to how we love our families, coworkers, and even those who have hurt us.

How do we know when a war is not only necessary, but truly just?In this episode, Dan Doriani sits down with former U.S. Senator Jim Talent, who served on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, to discuss 'just war theory' in today’s world. Together, they examine what counts as war in an age of cyberattacks and proxy conflicts, revisit the classic Christian criteria for a just war, and apply those principles to current events, from Russia–Ukraine to Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and Iran-backed groups, as well as the ongoing, undeclared tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

What does it really mean to be a conservative, and how should Christians think about power, politics, and the common good? In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with writer and former White House advisor Pete Wehner about the moral roots of conservatism, the dangers of tribalism, the importance of character in leaders, and why a market economy can both lift people from poverty and cultivate virtue.

What does real connection look and feel like in our closest relationships? In this episode, Dan Doriani talks with counselor Jennifer Ware about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), how patterns of connection and disconnection shape marriages and families, and simple practices couples can use to deepen their bond. Jennifer also shares about STL Storytell, s St. Louis-based live storytelling event that helps people process and share their stories in community. Dan and Jenn discuss what it means to be a good listener and how storytelling can help us break out of loneliness.

What happens when the very economic systems that lift millions out of material poverty also contribute to rising anxiety and depression? In part 2 of this 2-part episode, Dan Doriani sits down with Dr. Brian Fikkert - economist and co-author of When Helping Hurts - to integrate theological insight with sociological research, pushing against the limits of economic theory to participate in the broader Christian call to promote human flourishing.

What does it really mean to help the poor in ways that lead to lasting change? In this episode, Dan Doriani sits down with Dr. Brian Fikkert - economist, author, and co-author of 'When Helping Hurts, - to rethink how we approach poverty alleviation.Brian challenges the common assumption that poverty is primarily a material problem, arguing instead that it is rooted in broken relationships - psychological, social, and spiritual as much as economic. Together, Dan and Brian explore why well-intended material solutions often address symptoms rather than causes, and why effective help must begin with a deeper, holistic diagnosis.

What does faithful leadership look like when navigating organizational turbulence? In this episode, Dan sits down with pastor, author, and current president of The Gospel Coalition Mark Vroegop to explore the hard-won lessons that emerge from leading through difficulty.Mark brings a rare combination of perspectives: from shepherding College Park Church in Indianapolis through seasons of growth and transition to now leading one of the most influential evangelical organizations in North America. Together, Dan and Mark reflect on what they've discovered about leadership when the path forward isn't clear.

Private equity is infamous for the often-destructive "Buy, Lever, Strip, Flip" strategy. In this episode of Working with Dan Doriani, entrepreneur and investor Brent Beshore joins Dan to discuss why Permanent Equity takes a different approach—avoiding debt, embracing long-term ownership, and prioritizing the well-being of employees, communities, and investors. Tune in to this episode to hear Brent share his personal faith journey and how Jesus helps him be the best version of himself in every area of his life.

In this podcast, Dan interviews Bob Doll, former executive at BlackRock and Merrill Lynch and now CEO and CIO of Crossmark. As a successful large-cap U.S. equity investor, Bob shares insights into leadership “at the top.” He urges Dan and listeners to recognize and value the unique resources God has given them, encouraging them to use these gifts to make a meaningful, lasting impact. While we can't choose how long we live, we can choose how deeply we connect with others. We should strive to create meaningful legacies, not just impressive résumés, by being present for the people that God has placed in our lives.

Keith Getty is the songwriter behind some of the most loved and sung hymns of the twenty-first century. His credits include "In Christ Alone," Speak, O Lord," "The Power of the Cross," "By Faith," and others. On this episode of Working with Dan Doriani, Keith joins Dan to talk about his life in music: how he started in a household full of music, how he continues to fill his house with music, and why Keith believes the church needs good music.Register for the Gettys' Sing! Conference in 2026: Sing! 2026 Home Page - Sing! 2026

Anne Reitsema is the CEO of Medair, a Christian humanitarian organization that serves vulnerable people in hard-to-reach places in times of crisis. On this episode of Working with Dan Doriani, Anne joins Dan to talk about how she leads in hard places during challenging times. When pressured from multiple sides, Anne relies on her faith, her friends, her coworkers, and her belief in the value and dignity of life to maintain her capacity to lead others toward healing.

Tom Schoupe has held a variety of leadership roles in the automotive industry, the longest being his role as President of Manufacturing for Honda in Alabama. When Dan was an interim pastor in Birmingham, he had the chance to sit down in person with Tom and talk about his years in the industry. Tune in to hear Dan and Tom talk about how to add humanity to the process of making cars. Motivated by Christ's character and work, Tom has endeavored to make high-quality cars, love his employees, and create joyful opportunities for Honda drivers. Join us at Main Street Summit 2025! For more info and to register, go to www.mainstreetsummit.com. Use code FWSTL for 15% off!

In Kevin Vanhoozer's new book Mere Christian Hermeneutics, he discusses the importance of reading the Bible with a view towards glorifying God and enjoying him forever. On this episode of Working with Dan Doriani, Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer joins Dan to talk about his book and why it matters that we study the Bible with both accuracy and a kind of "second naivety."Join us at Main Street Summit 2025! For more info and to register, go to www.mainstreetsummit.com. Use code FWSTL for 15% off!Buy Kevin's Book on Amazon: Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically: Vanhoozer, Kevin J.: 9780310234388: Amazon.com: Books

As the school year starts up around the country, parents and educators are hoping, working, and praying for good educational outcomes. On this episode of Working with Dan Doriani, Dan is joined by Elizabeth Zurlinden and Josh Crane, who lead independent schools in very different contexts. Dan, Elizabeth, and Josh discuss unique challenges schools are facing today and how parents and educators can partner together for the good of our children. Join us at Main Street Summit 2025! For more info and to register, go to www.mainstreetsummit.com. Use code FWSTL for 15% off!

How far can we go with impact investing? What if we evaluated the impacts of companies and products by examining supply chains, employment practices, and second-order effects on customers, communities, and the world? Meet Robin John, co-founder and CEO of Eventide, a Boston-based investment firm. Robin joins Dan on this episode to talk about why our investment decisions matter, and how they might change our different corners of the world.

Christians throughout history have wrestled with the questions around virtue - what is it? How is Christ's virtue ethics different from the ethics of other philosophers? In this episode, Clay Smith interviews Dan and Robbie Griggs about their work on the book "The Death of the Seven Deadly Sins." Tune in to hear what the Bible and its ancient commentators have to say about virtue and Christian character.

"If you can help people become more prosperous, they can become more peaceful." On this episode of the podcast, Dan is joined by Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) to talk about his journey from engineering into politics, the rationale behind policy decisions, and Gary's involvement in recent significant world events.

The "Seven Deadly Sins" are struggles that Christian tradition has recognized as persistent in the human heart. Earlier this year, Dan edited and contributed to "The Death of the Deadly Sins," a book on how we can tackle the root of these sins with virtue. Two contributors to the book, Christine Gordon and Trent Casto, to talk about the chapters that they contributed to: "Lust" and "Sloth." Get the Book > > > ｿ The Death of the Deadly Sins (Paperback) by Daniel M Doriani

Drawing is a playful activity that many children take up, but drop by the time they become adults. Drawing can also be a worshipful, working activity. Ron Adair joins Dan on this episode to talk about his work as an illustrator, which has spanned decades and produced beautiful portraits for all kinds of uses. Ron talks about what it takes to be a successful artist and why art is valuable for the Christian life.

You may know some of Matt's songs from the radio or from singing them in your church. In this episode of Working with Dan Doriani, Dan and Matt discuss the reasoning behind writing hymns for worship, the inspiration for writing "His Mercy is More," and the ability that songs like "I Set My Hope (Hymn for a Deconstructing Friend)" have to connect with us emotionally.

The world of work is hard to navigate; what do you do when you’re learning the ropes? Todd Carlisle joins Dan on this new special episode format to talk about his first job out of college and how mentorship plays a vital role in helping us thrive.

How do we balance impact and profit when we're investing? What if we're hoping for a deeper spiritual impact with our investments? Brett Smith, founder and director of the Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Miami University and the Leading Integration of Faith and Entrepreneurship program, joins Dan Doriani on this episode to talk about Christians making profit and impact with their businesses and investments.

Small-t traumas affect all of us. They are the things that happen inside of us when we experience the world letting us down. When we marry and work to make a new family, we have to deal with the hard things with your own parents. Dan Allender, a therapist and writer on a variety of topics, joins Dan (Doriani) to discuss topics from Allender's new book, "The Deeply-Rooted Marriage," drawing on examples from their own stories and marriages.

Even when we're working to benefit our corner of the world, we can fall into "work-ism," where work becomes our primary source of meaning and purpose. Clay Smith, a previous finance professional turned pastor, joins Dan on this episode to talk about how God's Word not only encourages our work but also puts limits on it. Dan and Clay dive deep into the temptations we face and examples of how we can resist them.

For those who have ever felt discouraged by the relentless feed of news, The Pour Over delivers news to your inbox with an eternal perspective. Kathleen Wadkins, Head of Content, joins Dan on this episode to talk about how faith in Jesus informs her and her organization as they read and communicate world news to their readers. The Pour Over: https://thepourover.org/

Briarwood Ballet has been training girls and boys in classical ballet since 1980. Ballet Exaltion, the performing arm, has been performing around the world since 1993. Executive Director Peggy Baker Townes joins Dan this week to talk about ballet from a Christian perspective–dancing as a response to the King who made us, because He made us able to dance. Briarwood Ballet performance, “O Come Let Us Adore Him”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYyTmxdklqc&t=3574s Learn more about the Briarwood Ballet: https://briarwood.org/ballet/

This week, Dan is joined by professional golfer Webb Simpson to talk about the pressures of playing golf on the PGA tour–playing in adverse conditions, facing intense pressure in the public eye, and being on the road, away from his family. Being a follower of Jesus influences every part of Webb’s game, from the longest drives to the shortest putts. On the course and off, Webb is looking to use his talents to influence his sphere of the world for God’s Kingdom. The Bible Caddie Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4a27KBr0QUDMmK9TSSXIUu?si=QrHoTmHmTSiCeJK9I_wyfg Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-caddie-podcast/id1641539908

We bring all of who we are into our jobs, including our emotions. We might feel like emotions have no place in the workplace, but this is unrealistic and might lead to some unintended emotional consequences. Jonathan Pennington, author of “Jesus the Great Philosopher,” joins Dan to talk about our emotions, and why they should lead us to deep questions about ourselves and about God. Jonathan's Book: Jesus the Great Philosopher Landing Page — Jonathan T. Pennington

Should we leave our every day lives at the door when we come to worship? Is there a way for us to worship in a way that’s unique to our work? Matthew Kaemingk, Associate Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and founder of Worship for Workers, joins Dan to talk about how God’s people in the past have connected their work to their worship, and how we might do the same. Worship for Workers: https://worshipforworkers.com/ Dr. Kaemingk: https://www.matthewkaemingk.com/

Christopher Frost is a trial lawyer and an elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He joins Dan to talk about trial law, which isn’t (usually) like what we see on TV. In this episode, Christopher explains how his faith challenges him to honor everyone, protect his clients, and uphold the truth even when the stakes are high.

Should you be concerned about AI negatively impacting your workplace, home, school, or church? Dr. Jonathan Barlow holds degrees in philosophy and theology, and he currently works as the Associate Director of the Data Science Center at Mississippi State University. In this episode, Dr. Barlow joins Dan to talk about Artificial Intelligence–what it does well, where it comes up short, and ways we can use it with caution and wisdom.

David Bahnsen has built a career over the past 20+ years in finance and investment, having previously worked for Morgan Stanley, he then formed The Bahnsen Group which now oversees over 5 billion in assets. David has written several books, including his latest, Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. In today’s conversation, Dan and David talk about some of those books including his latest, his philosophy of investment and money management, and how his faith uniquely impacts his work. To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkstl/ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCuD3xLksTdBhMX0R3lTY4gQ Purchase Dan's latest book: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/work-that-makes-a-difference

Tom Gibbs joins Dan in today’s episode to discuss the unique challenges of ministry leadership. Tom began his career planting a chapter of RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) on Baylor University's campus, and then a few years later planted Redeemer Presbyterian Church, a multicultural church in the heart of San Antonio. Redeemer blossomed under Tom’s leadership, and he pastored there for 19 years. In 2021, Tom came to Covenant Theological Seminary as president, at the height of the pandemic. At each spot along the way, there were unique challenges and different requirements for leadership, and in today’s episode, Tom shares some of the insights gained throughout his nearly 3-decade long career. To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkstl/ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCuD3xLksTdBhMX0R3lTY4gQ Purchase Dan's latest book:…

Mike Duke spent years in senior leadership for Walmart, ultimately serving as CEO from 2009-2013. At the moment he took over the global economy was in the midst of significant upheaval, and rapid change was affecting the retail industry. In the early years, he pioneered a push for more online sales, bringing Walmart into a new era of growth and profitability. But more than the practical aspects of his leadership, Mike has always been marked by two principal characteristics, his humility and his love for his employees. Join us today and listen as Dan explores with Mike what it’s like to lead a company of 2 million employees while doing justice and loving mercy. To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkstl/ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCuD3xLksTdBhMX0R3lTY4gQ Purchase Dan's latest book:…

Alan Barnhart inherited his family's business and, alongside his brother, has grown a relatively small regional business into a nationwide one. Over the past 34 years, he developed several principles that are at the core of how they operate. They give away nearly half their yearly profit, and they task their employees with helping determine where the money goes. Alan sees this as good stewardship and a way to love the communities in which his company operates. As you will hear in today’s episode, he cares deeply about his employees, community, and business. He feels a tremendous sense of responsibility for the work that God has entrusted him with. We hope you enjoy today’s conversation. To learn more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook InstagramYouTube Purchase Dan's latest book, Work that Makes a Difference

Season 9 episode 1 Joel Salatin gained national purchase through his appearance in the 2006 book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Joel had been known for years prior due to his pioneering work in regenerative farming. Joel has been at the forefront of a unique movement in American farming and husbandry that sought to bring sustainability to an economically and ecologically challenging profession - and all of it through his perspective as a believer. In today’s episode, Dan digs into all the aspects that make Joel’s unique perspective such a clarion call for believers. It is no longer merely about sustenance but about our creational responsibility to the created world. It is a prescient challenge in a turbulent time. Purchase Joel’s book, The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs, here: Amazon To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram:…

We are fascinated by restaurant culture; from celebrity chef’s, to cooking competitions, to fancy food photography, or finding out the latest hottest place to open in our neighborhood. But behind the facade is the hard day to day work of running a restaurant, managing people, and perhaps most importantly offering true hospitality. Today, Dan talks with two restaurateurs from St. Louis, Jim Fiala and Mike Duffy. They run quite different styles of establishments, one fine dining, the other a casual sports pub. Despite the difference in their establishments, they are both informed and shaped by their faith. Join us and listen to today’s fascinating conversation. To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, or to sign up to join or lead a cohort, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkstl/ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCuD3xLksTdBhMX0R3lTY4gQ Purchase Dan's latest book:…

What is work life balance? Is it something to strive for, or is it merely something we have been inculturated to? In today’s podcast, Dan talks with Brent Harriman, the founding pastor of Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and former campus minister with RUF about the specific challenges of ministry life. What are the expectations towards those in ministry as it relates to work, and how can those in ministry rightly challenge their own community. Dan and Brent talk openly about their own experiences, from their own unique perspectives; we think you will enjoy this candid conversation, so please join us. To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith an d Work, or to sign up to join or lead a cohort, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkstl/ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCuD3xLksTdBhMX0R3lTY4gQ Purchase Dan's latest book:…

Building and maintaining work culture is one of the most challenging, yet important, facets of running a successful business. Both today’s guests, Matt Darr and Peggy Demetri have years of experience in doing exactly that. They share insights and lessons learned on how best to cultivate the kind of healthy work environment that allows employees to thrive. Join us today as Dan talks with Matt and Peggy, and explores workplace culture, building a team and how their faith makes them better leaders. To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, or to sign up to join or lead a cohort, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkstl/ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCuD3xLksTdBhMX0R3lTY4gQ Purchase Dan's latest book: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/work-that-makes-a-difference

Can the shape of a building, the design, use of materials, even the play of light in its corridors and rooms actually shape us as people? Can it influence our mood? Can it create a sense of awe? Point us toward worship? In today’s conversation with Tyler and Sarah, Dan explores how architecture and design can express personality, advance cultural goals, even impact and build relationships. At the heart of it though, is how their faith informs their work. Join us for this fascinating conversation, we hope you are both challenged and informed by it. To find out more about Dr. Dan Doriani and the Center for Faith and Work, or to sign up to join or lead a cohort, visit our website. Connect with us on Social. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandworkstl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkstl/ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCuD3xLksTdBhMX0R3lTY4gQ Purchase Dan's latest book: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/work-that-makes-a-difference