Why the Protestant Reformation Should Still Matter to the Church Today, with Skip Heitzig

During my recent trip to Germany in conjunction with the BGEA European Congress on Evangelism, I had the immense privilege of traveling to Wittenberg, Germany and walking with one of my favorite pastors—Skip Heitzig—through the very same square where Martin Luther famously nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the church door. As we walked, we reflected on how what was intended as a discussion-starter by a monk frustrated with the problems he was seeing in the Catholic Church ultimately became a revolution that would change Christianity as we know it today. Together, Skip and I discussed why the Reformation Luther started over 500 years ago should still matter to the Church today, and how we as the Church can uphold what Luther so boldly gave his life for. Luther pointed the Church back to the free gift of grace—emphasizing the Bible, not the Church, as the ultimate authority for believers. In a time when churches all over the world seem to be leaning more towards performance versus scriptural truth, Luther’s message is more relevant than ever before. Church, it’s time to fearlessly stand for our faith just as Luther did all those centuries ago. 

What if you could be arrested for your prayers? Sadly, that’s no longer just a theoretical question. In countries across Europe, citizens are being prosecuted for their silent prayers, and this could all too easily become our reality in the U.S. if we refuse to stand boldly against censorship. Today on Fearless, Alliance Defending Freedom’s Kristen Waggoner joins me to discuss these increasing attacks against religious liberty and free speech, what Europe’s crackdown on “thought crimes” could mean for us here in America, and what we as Christians can—and should—do to protect our God-given rights. But despite the political and cultural tide seeming to turn against believers sharing our faith, Kristen also shares some encouraging news—including court cases that have upheld our right to free speech, and how censorship is being exposed more and more for what it is. We hope this conversation will serve as the wake-up call many of us need—challenging us as Christians not just to uphold free speech because that’s our right as individuals created in God’s image, but also because it’s one of the primary ways to move the Gospel forward. You can learn more about Alliance Defending Freedom on their website: https://adflegal.org/. 

On this latest episode of Fearless, we’re taking a break from the heavy headlines and bringing you a raw, real, and often hilarious conversation between me and my husband, Corey Lynch! Corey just turned 40, so I wanted to sit down and ask him a few questions about embracing this “midlife” stage, his thoughts about retirement, and where his priorities and goals are as he heads into a new season. Together we talk about some of the major transitions in our lives and careers—including our family’s recent move from Florida to North Carolina and Corey’s ongoing work in Alaska building churches in remote villages. We also hit on how the world defines success and identity, why retirement might be more cultural milestone than biblical principle, and how obedience to God can reframe everything.Corey also breaks down what he’s learned from working with volunteers and native communities in Alaska, and how seeing other cultures live by God’s provision—not deadlines—has reshaped his worldview. And yes—going back to the title of this episode—we share a lot of laughs and funny stories, including our family’s hatred for Corey’s Prius and how he once tried to surprise me with a new dog by leaving a trail of dirt through our entire house!

For this week’s episode of Fearless, I sat down with Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council (FRC), to unpack what it means to live with moral courage in today’s culture of confusion and compromise. Tony draws from his decades of experience in public service, ministry, and policy advocacy to talk about how to stand for truth—even when it costs you.Together we explore the alarming lack of moral courage among today's leaders and the pressing need for Christians to fear God more than man. Tony highlights FRC's ongoing efforts to equip pastors and believers through resources like the Stand Firm app and the Center for Biblical Worldview. He also addresses misconceptions about the separation of church and state, outlines the importance of the Free Speech Fairness Act, and assesses the Trump administration’s policies supporting religious freedom and life.As we take a deeper look at the spiritual battles often found behind political struggles, we emphasize that true hope lies in a national spiritual awakening, not political reform alone. If you’ve ever wondered how to speak truth in love, stand firm in a hostile world, or what it really means to be fearless—I hope this conversation will compel you to be the salt and light our world needs in your sphere of influence. Learn more about the Family Research Council on their website: https://www.frc.org/#gsc.tab=0. 

What if your everyday life—your table, your car ride, your office—was the front line of a rescue mission? In this powerful episode of Fearless, Cissie Graham Lynch challenges listeners to reframe their understanding of legacy, not as something we leave behind, but as something we live out—a mission to bring hope, light, and salvation to a dark and broken world.Inspired by the real-life story of a Thai soccer team trapped in a flooded cave, Cissie reflects on the heroic rescue that unfolded—where deep cave divers from around the world risked everything to bring 12 boys and their coach back to the surface. That image of headlamps piercing darkness becomes a profound metaphor for the Christian life: believers are not passive bystanders, but active participants in God’s mission to seek and save the lost.Drawing from personal memories of her grandfather, Billy Graham, and the legacy of rescue he embodied, Cissie unpacks the biblical truth behind what it means to “make heaven crowded.” She shares how even the most ordinary people—like her mother, quietly discipling around the kitchen table—can play an extraordinary role in eternity.Throughout the episode, Cissie references key Scriptures, including:John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”Proverbs 24:11-12 – “Rescue those being taken away to death...”Luke 16 – The parable of Lazarus and the rich man, a sobering reminder of heaven and hell as real destinations.Revelation 14:13 – “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord... for their deeds follow them.”She also shares a powerful quote from Billy Graham: “Someday you will read that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will have just changed my address.”Whether you're on a stage, in a classroom, or simply driving your kids to school, this episode will remind you: your mission field is wherever God has placed you—and your job is to make heaven crowded.

In this compelling episode of Fearless, Cissie Graham Lynch sits down with Erin Hawley—Supreme Court attorney, Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, professor, mom of three, and wife to U.S. Senator Josh Hawley—for a raw conversation about what life looks like in a post-Roe America.Erin pulls back the curtain on the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson case that overturned Roe v. Wade and shares never-before-heard moments from behind the scenes—including what it was like juggling legal strategy meetings while calming her infant daughter in a stroller. With honesty and conviction, she details the personal toll and deep spiritual weight of being on the front lines of one of the most pivotal cultural battles of our time.Together, Cissie and Erin explore the ongoing fight for life in states like Colorado, where abortion pill reversal is being criminalized—even as chemical abortions send 1 in 25 women to the emergency room. Erin also addresses the recent Supreme Court case on mifepristone, the dangers of a politicized FDA, and how abortion’s framing in America is being rewritten by powerful narratives designed to silence truth and harm women.But this episode isn't just legal analysis—it’s a heartfelt reminder of our calling to remain faithful in the face of fear. Drawing from Matthew 3:17, Erin reflects on the moment of Jesus' baptism—when the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”—and what it means to raise children with the deep assurance that they are loved by God not for what they do, but for who they are.Whether you're a parent, a pastor, or someone wrestling with today’s cultural chaos, this episode will challenge and encourage you to step boldly into your calling, knowing that God is sovereign—even in the courtroom.🔗 Learn more and get involved at ADFlegal.org

Today on Fearless, Cissie Graham Lynch sits down with public school teacher Monica Gill and Alliance Defending Freedom’s Senior Counsel, Tyson Langhofer, to explore what it looks like to boldly live out your faith in the heart of cultural opposition. Monica isn’t just a teacher—she’s a follower of Christ who views her classroom as a mission field. For over 30 years, she has served in Loudoun County, Virginia—one of the most progressive and contentious school districts in the country. Through it all, she’s remained committed to loving her students unconditionally while standing for biblical truth, even when it comes at a personal cost.Monica opens up about the moment she decided to take a stand against her school district’s secret gender transition policy—one that required teachers to lie to parents about their children’s identity. Backed by Alliance Defending Freedom, Monica is fighting for an accommodation that allows her to speak truth without compromising her beliefs. As she shares her story, you’ll hear how God equipped her with what she calls the “stones in her sling” (a reference to David and Goliath) and provided the protection and support she needed to walk forward in obedience.Monica reflects on Ephesians 6, describing the spiritual battle at play in schools today, and acknowledges that this isn’t merely political—it’s spiritual warfare. She also recalls Jill Briscoe’s quote, “Your mission field is right between your two feet,” a reflection of Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples.” Monica’s question to herself—“Can I stand before the Lord and say my pension plan was more important than His truth?”—echoes Matthew 16:26, which asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”Tyson Langhofer also shares practical insight into the legal battles surrounding public education, parental rights, and compelled speech. He explains how ADF is equipping teachers and parents alike with resources—including the Educator’s Toolkit and Parent’s Toolkit—and how the First Amendment continues to offer strong protections for people of faith.This episode will challenge and inspire you to consider how you're standing for truth in your own sphere of influence. Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, Monica’s fearless example is a reminder that bold faith—grounded in truth and delivered in love—can change lives.Resources Mentioned:Alliance Defending Freedom: adflegal.orgEducator & Parent ToolkitsFollow Monica’s story and legal case at ADF

In this special episode of Fearless, we sit down with Secretary Scott Turner, the newly appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Broadcasting from the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina, this conversation dives deep into Secretary Turner’s incredible journey—from his roots in Dallas, Texas, to his career in the NFL, and ultimately, to his calling in public service.Many may recognize Secretary Turner from his viral prayer at President Trump’s first cabinet meeting, but this episode reveals the heart behind the headlines. With a deep faith and a commitment to servant leadership, Turner shares how his life experiences—including overcoming childhood adversity, his time in professional sports, and his service in the Texas House of Representatives—have prepared him for this moment. He also reflects on the importance of trusting in God’s timing and persevering through challenges, citing the lessons he’s learned along the way.A key focus of this conversation is the pressing issue of homelessness in America, which has reached historic levels. Turner provides a candid look at the challenges facing HUD and why he believes faith-based organizations and nonprofits must play a larger role in addressing the crisis. “The federal government is not the answer,” he says, emphasizing the power of local communities and churches to bring meaningful change.As Turner prepares to meet with local leaders and visit disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina, he shares how faith informs his approach to governance. Cissie encourages listeners to pray for Secretary Turner, recognizing the weight of his responsibility and the need for God’s wisdom in every decision.

What do we say to someone who is walking through the unimaginable—the loss of a child, a devastating diagnosis, the fallout from a natural disaster? What happens when that tragedy enters our own lives? On today’s episode of Fearless I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Lee Warren—neurosurgeon, author, and Iraq war veteran—to talk about how to choose hope and find joy again, even in the face of unimaginable loss. Dr. Lee knows pain intimately. After battling through severe PTSD from his time serving as a surgeon in Iraq, he lost his son in a tragic act of violence. How did Dr. Lee and his family choose to move forward in faith despite every reason to give into doubt and turn away from God? Dr. Lee and I talk about the process of choosing hope, the science behind two things being true at the same time, and when (and if) joy can come back into our lives after we go through trauma. Despite everything he’s walked through, Dr. Lee has found purpose in suffering, and we can too. My hope is that this conversation will serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence in the midst of sorrow and evidence that healing is possible—even after the most profound losses.Purchase Dr. Lee’s book, Hope Is The First Dose, wherever books are sold! Find other resources and learn more on his website: https://wleewarrenmd.com/. If you are looking for a special way to gain rest and renewal we would encourage you to visit The Cove. Believers from across the globe come to The Cove with the goal of spending focused time in God’s Word and with the desire to receive renewal and rest in our beautiful mountain setting. Programs at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove are offered year-round and feature leading Bible teachers from around the world. You can find out more here: https://thecove.org/

As the war in Ukraine continues, Americans remain divided on the appropriate U.S. response. Last week a meeting in the Oval Office between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy turned heated—taking a sensitive diplomatic discussion far too public and ending in disaster. On today’s special episode of Fearless, I address those who called my response to the meeting “woke,” sitting down with Ken Isaacs—VP of International Programs and Government Relations here at Samaritan’s Purse—who has spent decades responding to some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Having spent seven months on the ground in Ukraine, Ken shares his firsthand account of the devastation, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the human suffering that often gets lost amidst our political debates.Together we take a look at  the dangerous rhetoric surrounding Ukraine, the shifting attitudes within the conservative movement, and the moral responsibility Christians have in times of war. We also reflect on our obligation as believers to help those in need—calling out the church and its people to stand for the weak and vulnerable. In an era where every crisis is seen through a political lens, I hope this episode will take us beyond the headlines and memes to truly understand the human toll this war is taking—and what we can do in response.