Meredith Andrews: Worship & Passion for the Church Fuels Her Music

It’s not very often that a former “shock-jock” confronts a nationally-known pastor for his sin on the front page of a Chicago daily newspaper. But recently, that’s precisely what well-known radio host Mancow Muller did—calling out Harvest Bible Chapel Pastor, James MacDonald, on the front page of the Daily Herald. Many readers were surprised that Mancow would so openly confront MacDonald for creating “a culture of authoritarianism, secrecy, intimidation, outlandish fundraising expectations, poor financial controls and debt.” But perhaps even more surprising to some was Mancow’s open profession of faith. But as I discovered in this revealing interview with the Chicago radio personality, Mancow was raised in a Christian home and even once thought of becoming a preacher. And despite his disappointment with MacDonald and Harvest, he says he’s not giving up on God or the church.

You’ve likely heard her songs like “How Great is the Love,” “Not for a Moment,” and “Spirit of the Living God” on the radio, but leading worship in the church remains Meredith Andrews’ passion. For years, she was on staff at Harvest Bible Chapel and toured with Harvest’s Vertical Church Band. Now she and her family are in Nashville, but recently was in the Chicago area for the Vertical Church Conference. That’s where I caught up with this Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter and had an awesome time discussing Jesus, the church, and the gift of music. Hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!

Kathryn Scott: Still "Hungry" for God & Excited About Spiritual Awakening in Ireland by Julie Roys

Many refugees have fled war-torn areas where they witnessed unspeakable atrocities and barely escaped with their lives. After weeks, months, or even years, they arrive at a refugee camp run by the United Nations, places billed as safe havens for refugees until they can be resettled or it’s safe to return home. But as recent reports have revealed, the workers in these camps can perpetrate some of the same horrors that refugees have fled, abusing adolescent and pre-adolescent boys and girls for sex, and looking the other way when violence erupts. I recently talked to a refugee who spent a decade in refugee camps in West Africa before being granted asylum in the U.S. Her story is both tragic and inspiring. Tragic because of the evil Finda Davis witnessed both inside and outside of refugee camps, but inspiring because of her will to overcome and her reliance on God. After hearing, I think you’ll have more compassion for refugees, yet you may also be more alarmed concerning the vetting process and our nation’s reliance on the United Nations. It’s important, though, that we be aware of what’s truly happening so we can do something.

Christians are divided over whether to support President Trump’s tighter limits and restrictions on refugees coming into the country. Some say Trump’s harder line violates Jesus’ commandment to welcome the stranger, while others say it’s necessary to protect citizens, which is government’s God-given role. I’ll discuss the issue with Christian leaders on both sides of the debate on my radio show Up For Debate (upfordenate.org). But in advance of that discussion, I interviewed Brigitte Gabriel, a Christian who grew up in a Muslim country and is a Christian expert on terrorism who warns against admitting refugees.

His books making the case for Christ and the Christian faith have sold more than 14-million copies. And now the story of Lee Strobel, the atheist reporter-turned Christian apologist, has been made into a feature film that will hit theaters in April. I had the privilege this week of being the first journalist to screen The Case for Christ and then interview Lee about it. I was surprised by how personal and raw this depiction of Lee’s life is. It doesn’t just depict his intellectual journey to faith, but shows his intensely emotional journey, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing the movie with Lee, someone I’ve known for nearly 30 years – and despite his success, hasn’t changed a bit.