Great Stories by Haven Today

Max McLean Gives C.S. Lewis A Voice for Today

C.S. Lewis is arguably one of the most quoted individuals from the 20th century. Despite passing away 60 years ago, his thoughts remain timeless. His books, essays, and children's stories continue to resonate, offering prescient insights even in today's world. As a brilliant intellectual, Lewis's apologetic approach to the truth claims of Christ and the Gospel has helped countless people find faith.

It’s surprising to learn that C.S. Lewis, by his own admission, fought vehemently against becoming a Christian. His unwavering commitment to academic and intellectual integrity compelled him to continually reexamine the truth claims of the Bible. Inch by inch, he drew closer until finally, he became a Christian, describing himself as "the most reluctant convert."

In this episode of Great Stories, we welcome award-winning actor Max McLean, who portrays C.S. Lewis in the film "The Most Reluctant Convert." Max will share his experience making this incredible movie, which chronicles Lewis's journey from atheism to becoming a follower of Christ. It's a powerful story you need to hear, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus.

Finding Hope in the Middle of Depression with Christine Chappell

Recent polls show that nearly a third living in the United States today are struggling with depression. How many others are suffering silently would surely push that number higher? And, experts say, it’s women who have the higher prevalence of depression—due to a variety of social and biological factors. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen talks with Christine Chappell. She’s an author, a biblical counselor, and a podcaster, and a mother. But she was shocked a few years ago to find herself battling depression even when life seemed to be going well.  On this episode, Christine shares her story and what she learned about how Jesus draws near to those who are struggling with depression and all sorts of mental health issues. 

Crossing the Finish Line: A Tribute to Charles Morris

Charles Morris took over as speaker and president of the historic Haven of Rest radio broadcast at the turn of the millennium. For a quarter century, Charles Morris has often quoted Ray Ortlund in likening the production of a daily radio broadcast to a freight train — it doesn't stop until you get off. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen shares the recording of Charles Morris' final day on the air. In a conversation between friends, we pay tribute to Charles as he crosses the finish line with one final program to say "well done" to our good friend and brother. 

What Gen Z & Millennials Wish Their Parents Knew About Their Faith

Many are worried about the next generation. Will Gen Z and Millennials follow Jesus? And how do we pray for them? On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen meets up with Blake Glosson and Kassie McDowell, two young Christians who help answer these questions and more.

If you’ve ever been concerned about how the church can reach young people with the gospel, this episode is for you. When you listen in, you will not only gain insight into how Gen Z and Millennials go about faith, but you will also find words to pray and be filled with hope that God is at work in the hearts of young people today. 

Horst Fiebig on What it Means to be a Prayer Warrior

You see them in every church. You might have one in your family. You may even be one yourself. Prayer warriors are faithful saints who lift the needs and requests of others up to the Lord, often serving in the background. They are an invaluable part of any christian community, and we need them now more than ever.

On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by a man in his church that he looks up to a great deal. Horst Fiebig is an energetic octogenarian with a fervor for lifting others up in prayer, and today he offers insights from his many years of praying daily for countless souls. There is great power in prayer—far more often than we dare to believe—and so it is our hope that this conversation will inspire you to pray for the people in your life. 

Dr. Alister McGrath On C.S. Lewis' Life and Transition From Atheism to Christianity (repost)

Originally recorded in 2013, 50 years after the death of C.S. Lewis, Charles Morris had a conversation with Dr. Alister McGrath to shed new light on the most famous atheist-turned-Christian of the 20th century. 

Dr. McGrath has written one of the most comprehensive biographies on the life of C.S. Lewis. After reading every surviving document Lewis had ever written—including recently published correspondence—Dr. McGrath challenges some of the previously held beliefs about the timing of the beloved author's shift from atheism to theism and then to Christianity. But he also paints a definitive portrait of Lewis' life as an eccentric thinker who became an inspiring, though reluctant, prophet for our times.

In addition to his work at Oxford, Dr. Alister McGrath is Senior Research Fellow at Harris Manchester College, Oxford, President of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and serves as associate priest in a group of Church of England village parishes in the Cotswolds.

Lee Strobel: The Story Behind ‘The Case for Christ‘ (repost)

Can evidence and faith go hand-in-hand?

When Lee Strobel was an award-winning journalist for the Chicago Tribune, he would have said ‘no.’ This idea led him down a path to investigate the truth claims of Christianity. The result was life-altering.

Many know his story through the bestselling book “The Case for Christ.” Today, Lee Strobel joins Charles Morris to revisit what led him to Jesus and how that reshaped the way he lives out each day. This conversation will give you hope for the atheists and agnostics in your own life who have yet to call Jesus Lord.

Russell Berger on Faith After Atheism

An atheist-turned-Christian, Russell Berger has walked the opposite path that we’re seeing so many young people take today. Whether that’s turning their backs on Christianity for good or adopting a progressive version of the gospel, Russell’s story is a helpful reminder that God is in the business of saving His lost sheep.

On today’s episode of the Great Stories Podcast by Haven Today, Russell shares how the Lord plucked him from the hopelessness of atheism and brought him into the family of God. You may recognize him as a former senior executive with CrossFit, host of the Defend and Confirm Podcast, or as a featured guest in the American Gospel film series.

Alisa Childers on the Perils of Deconstruction and Postmodern Theology

Alisa Childers is a former CCM recording artist with the Dove award-winning group ZOEgirl. But once she came off the road in her mid-thirties, she suffered a crisis of faith. The source of her newfound uncertainty and doubt? Her secretly deconstructing pastor. 

On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Alisa shares the story of her detour into progressive Christianity, as well as how the Lord delivered her to embrace a vibrant, rational, and informed faith that is grounded in historical Christianity. If you or a loved one is wrestling with doubt or uncertainty, we pray this conversation will help.

Brandon Kimber Deconstructs Progressive Christianity

Scripture has been interpreted many different ways over the years, but how can you tell the difference between false gospels and the one Jesus lived and taught? On today’s episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris and David Wollen are joined by Brandon Kimber, the director and editor of American Gospel: Christ Crucified. Together, they offer a biblical response to the growing deconstruction and progressive Christianity movement in America.

Brandon Kimber created the American Gospel series to take a critical look at some of the distorted, corrupted versions of the gospel circulating in western culture today. In this important and timely conversation, he discusses some of the problematic takes on Christ’s crucifixion and how Christians can respond with grace and truth.