Great Stories by Haven Today

#83: Bishop James Newcome on the Personal Faith of Queen Elizabeth

From Tom Cruise to Paddington Bear, Queen Elizabeth II had no shortage of famous guests last weekend to celebrate her 97th birthday and 70th year as the longest reigning monarch in British history. But if you look past the A-list actors and classic characters, you would find one of the Queen’s chaplains, James Newcome, the Bishop of Carlisle. 

Originally recorded in 2016 ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebration, the Rt Rev'd Newcome spoke with Charles Morris about Her Majesty's personal faith in Christ. Also known as “The Clerk of the Closet,” Newcome gives insight into how serving the ultimate King of kings informs the way the Queen lives and rules, offering a fascinating look into the spiritual life of England’s longest reigning monarch. 

#82: Catherine Butcher on the Faith of Queen Elizabeth II

The year was 1953. Queen Elizabeth II had already succeeded her father, George VI, upon his death in February the year before. On May 1, almost exactly a month before her coronation, the Queen began praying every day and reading private devotions that were specifically written for her by the Archbishop of Canterbury to help her spiritually prepare to become the figurehead of the United Kingdom. 

On today’s episode, Charles Morris speaks with Catherine Butcher who literally wrote the book on the Queen’s faith in Jesus: Our Faithful Queen. As the U.K. celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this week, we thought it would be good time for us to look at the ways Queen Elizabeth has shed light on her steadfast faith in Christ. 

#81: Unplanned: The Story Behind the Movie Hollywood Couldn’t Stop

MAY 2, 2022 — Politico released a leaked draft opinion that gave an unprecedented preview of what is likely the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This would have major implications in every state. But even as the law of the land concerning abortion is on the brink of change, what about the hearts those who support it? 

On today’s episode, Charles Morris shares an interview he did in 2019 with Carey Solomon, Chuck Konzelman, and Chris Jones, the filmmakers behind the hit movie “Unplanned.” It tells Abby Johnson’s story of how she went from the youngest Planned Parenthood director in the country to an ardent pro-life advocate. But even as the movie was gearing up for release, the project was hit with an R rating by the Motion Picture Association that the filmmakers say was an unfair attempt to keep the movie from reaching a wide audience. Find out how the Lord used this to reach many more people. 

As a bonus, you’ll also hear a short interview with the real Abby Johnson. The movie about her life story has given her a unique platform to help women and children all over the world.

#80: Chuck Colson on Going from Watergate Felon to Born Again Christian

Almost 50 years ago, to avoid impeachment, Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States. At that same time the former legal counsel to Richard Nixon had already gone to jail for his participation in the Watergate scandal. His name was Chuck Colson, and this is exactly what the Lord used to bring him to faith in Jesus Christ.

In this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Chalres Morris returns to a classic conversation he had with the late Chuck Colson about how he went from a Watergate felon to born again Christian. Listen in as Chuck shares the story behind the scandal, his conversion, and the ministry he founded to minister to prisoners and their families. 

#79: Stuart Townend on Writing Enduring Songs & Hymns for the Church

You may not know his name, but you’ve definitely sung his music. Known for writing songs like “In Christ Alone,” “How Deep the Father’s Love,” and "The Power of the Cross," Stuart Townend has given the church many modern hymns that will draw believers closer to Jesus for years and years to come. 

In this conversation, you’ll hear him discuss what goes into writing a memorable hymn that is theologically sound and has the power to resonate in the hearts of worshipers of every generation around the world. 

#78: Gloria Furman Offers Hope for Busy Mothers

The sound of a child’s little feet pitter-pattering across the linoleum floor can bring so much joy to our hearts. But what about those times when that same sweet sound is accompanied by your child running a marker along the wall while he toddles away from you? 

On today’s episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris returns to his conversation with author, blogger, mother, and missionary Gloria Furman. Having written books like Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full, Glimpses of Grace, and Missional Motherhood, she has many life-giving words for Christian moms who never quite feel like they have enough time or energy to develop their own spiritual health and well being. It is our prayer that this episode be an encouragement to you and the moms in your life, as you prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend. 

#77: Randall Goodgame Wants Your Kids to Sing the Bible

Is there enough joy in your life? What about the lives of your children? When we turn to the book of Philippians, we’re struck by two things: it’s all about Jesus. And it’s all about joy.

On today’s episode, Charles Morris has a conversation with Randall Goodgame, creator of Slugs & Bugs and the catchy Sing the Bible albums. Randall has been writing music for more than a decade to help kids know the Bible better. Here, Randall talks about the joy he has found in Jesus, as well as how he wants to help you and me and the kids in our lives experience this joy as well. 

#76: N.T. Wright on the Historical Resurrection of Christ

The most startling claim of Christianity is that Jesus rose from the dead after being brutally executed on a Roman cross two thousand years ago. Could it possibly be true? And if it were, what difference could it make to us today?

Dr. N.T. Wright, a leading New Testament Scholar and retired Anglican Bishop, joins Charles Morris for a special Easter episode of the Great Stories podcast. In this conversation about the historical resurrection of Christ, you’ll hear one of the best explanations for why we can be certain Jesus really rose from the dead and why that matters today.

This interview originally aired on the Great Stories Podcast on March 31, 2021. Find out more about N.T. Wright's Resurrection DVD at haventoday.org.

#75: Jubilant Sykes on Sacred Music in Secular Spaces

In a special Easter episode, we’re digging deep in our interview archives to a 2006 conversation Charles Morris had with Metropolitan Opera singer Jubilant Sykes. A classically trained baritone singer, he’s also a follower of Christ. In this episode, Sykes talks about some of the challenges he's faced singing spirituals and hymns in secular spaces. He also talks about his upbringing, his faith in Christ, and the power that sacred music has—even in a room full of unbelievers. As Easter approaches, you'll also hear Sykes talk about the significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, along with samples of him singing "Were You There" and "Deep River."

#74: Keith & Kristyn Getty on Modern Hymn Writing and the Legacy of “In Christ Alone”

Hymns seem old fashioned to many in the modern church. So how in the world did a “modern hymn” become one of the most popular songs sung in churches around the world? 

20 years after Keith Getty and Stuart Townend wrote “In Christ Alone,” the song has not diminished in popularity. From Lauren Daigle to Shane & Shane, it’s also been covered by many leading Christian musicians at work today. But how did it come about? And what does it mean to the two people who first brought it to a global audience? 

On today’s episode, Charles Morris returns to a conversation he had with Keith and Kristyn Getty at the 10th anniversary of “In Christ Alone.” Sitting at a piano in an empty church, they discuss topics ranging from music and worship to parenting and what it takes to live the Christian life. They also discuss the release of their album “Hymns for the Christian Life,” which we still have available for your gift to Haven Ministries at haventoday.org.