#25 In this powerful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden shifts the conversation from policy to people—inviting listeners to see immigrants not as a problem to solve, but as people to love. Through Scripture and story, Paul reminds us that our faith calls us to something deeper than politics: it calls us to radical hospitality.

Join us as we explore: How Scripture calls us to love and welcome immigrants: (Exodus 23:9, Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:17-19) Jesus’ teaching on caring for “the least of these”: (Matthew 25:40, 45)

How Christian hospitality can transform how we see and serve strangers: (Hebrews 13:2) The difference between immigration policies and immigrant people—and why that distinction matters

What does it look like to love “the foreigner among us” in a politically divided world? Can we be people of conviction and compassion?

#22 In this powerful follow-up episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden is joined by Pastor Alison Leamon of Preston Trail Community Church for a candid and inspiring conversation about feminism, faith, and what it means to honor God’s call—regardless of gender.

Alison shares her personal journey as a woman in ministry, from questioning her place in leadership to boldly stepping into her God-given teaching gift. Together, Paul and Alison explore the difference between secular feminism and biblical equality, inviting listeners to embrace a vision of co-leadership that reflects the heart of God.

Join us as we explore: How calling and courage intersect in a woman’s leadership journey (Acts 2:17-18) Biblical models of women leading in the early Church (Romans 16:1-7) Why “complementarity without hierarchy” honors God’s design (Genesis 1:27) How men and women can champion one another in ministry and calling

Is the Church ready to embrace the full gifts of women? Can feminism and faith coexist under the banner of Christ? Tune in to hear how God is writing a better story—one where men and women lead side-by-side for His glory.

Listen now and join the conversation!

#23 Feminism is one of the most controversial words in modern culture—and in the church. But what if the conversation didn’t have to divide us? In this insightful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the history, theology, and emotion behind feminism, offering a more biblical and unifying lens on gender, value, and leadership.

Join us as we explore: God’s original design for men and women as co-rulers of creation (Genesis 1:27–28) The meaning of “helper” and its powerful Old Testament context (Genesis 2:18) Jesus’ radical inclusion of women in His ministry (Luke 10:38–39) Paul’s recognition of female leaders in the early church (Romans 16:1–7) The Spirit’s empowering of both men and women to lead (Acts 2:17–18)

Is there a version of feminism that reflects God’s heart? Can Christians embrace gender equality without abandoning biblical truth? Tune in as we seek wisdom, honor God’s design, and celebrate the full image of God in both women and men.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

To Connect with Paul Basden [click here] To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here] Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

Patriarchy has shaped societies and religious traditions for centuries, but is it God’s design? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden unpacks the roots of patriarchy, its impact on the church, and what Scripture truly says about men and women leading together.

Join us as we explore: The biblical foundation for gender equality (Genesis 1:27, 1 Corinthians 11:11-12) How Jesus challenged cultural norms by elevating women (Luke 10:38-39)

Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts and leadership beyond gender (Galatians 3:28) Why shared leadership between men and women reflects God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:10)

Does patriarchy belong in the church today? Or is God calling us to a better way? Tune in as we wrestle with these tough questions and challenge traditional assumptions with biblical truth.

In this thought-provoking follow-up episode, host Paul Basden sits down with Pastor John McKinzie of Hope Fellowship to continue the conversation on Charismatic Christianity. Pastor John shares his personal journey—growing up in the Assemblies of God, his theological shifts over the years, and how those changes influenced his leadership and church planting.

Together, Paul and John explore key questions about the Charismatic movement, including:

• What it means to be a Spirit-filled church
• How theology and church culture evolve over time
• Misconceptions and excesses in the Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions
• The role of spiritual gifts like tongues, healing, and prophecy in today’s church
• The pursuit of unity in the broader body of Christ

Whether you come from a Charismatic background, have questions about spiritual gifts, or simply want to understand different perspectives within the church, this episode offers a balanced, insightful discussion. Tune in to hear how Pastor John’s experience shaped his faith and how we can foster greater unity among believers.

🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation!

📌 For more about Hope Fellowship, visit: Hope Fellowship Website

#20 In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, we take a deep dive into the charismatic movement—what it is, what it teaches, and how it has shaped modern Christianity. From spiritual gifts and miracles to healing and speaking in tongues, we explore the biblical foundations of charismatic belief and discuss how different churches respond to these practices.

Join us as we unpack key questions:

What does it mean to be charismatic? Are miracles, healings, and tongues for today’s church? (1 Corinthians 12:9-10) How does Pentecost shape our understanding of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:17-18) What does the Bible say about faith, healing, and God's will? (Matthew 9:35, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 6:23) What are the different church perspectives on charismatic gifts?

Whether you’ve experienced charismatic worship firsthand or you’re just curious about the movement, this conversation will provide biblical insight, historical context, and practical wisdom on how to engage with different expressions of faith in love and unity.

To Connect with Paul Basden [click here] To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here] Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynnmckayc@gmail.com

#19 Religious fundamentalism is often associated with rigid beliefs, sharp boundaries, and a no-compromise attitude—but is that what Jesus called us to? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden explores the roots of Christian fundamentalism, why it resonates with so many believers, and where it can fall short of Jesus' example of love and grace.

✅ The historical and theological origins of Christian fundamentalism ✅ Why fundamentalism often leads to exclusion and division ✅ Jesus' and Paul’s warnings against legalism (Matthew 23:4, 1 Timothy 6:4-5) ✅ How to disagree with fundamentalists without dehumanizing them (Colossians 3:13) ✅ A call to live out faith with conviction and compassion

This episode challenges us to reflect on how we engage with those who hold rigid views—do we meet them with love, or with judgment of our own? Whether you’ve wrestled with fundamentalist thinking or simply want to have better conversations across theological divides, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

To Connect with Paul Basden [click here] To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here] Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

#18 The word evangelical is everywhere—but does it still mean good news? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden dives into the history, theology, and controversy surrounding the term. What once stood for a movement centered on Jesus and the Gospel has, in many circles, become synonymous with political agendas. Can we reclaim its true meaning? The true meaning of "evangelical"—rooted in the Greek word evangel, meaning "Good News" How the movement started and evolved over 300+ years Why many Christians are rejecting or redefining the term today Navigating faith beyond political and cultural labels What it really means to live out the Gospel message (Romans 14:17, Hebrews 12:2)

This episode challenges the modern understanding of evangelicalism and invites listeners to focus on what truly matters—Jesus, the Gospel, and loving others well. Whether you embrace the term or struggle with its baggage, this conversation will help you think deeper about your faith and its role in today’s world.

To Connect with Paul Basden [click here] To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here] Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com