The Good Citizen Project

05/26/2026

The future of our churches, communities, and country is tied to the strength of the family, and that institution is in free fall. Here's how to respond. In this episode, I sit down with J. P. De Gance, founder of Communio to discuss why marriage ministry is essential to the mission of the church and the future of the nation.

Together, we explore the connection among strong marriages, thriving kids, discipleship, and long-term cultural renewal. Drawing from research and ministry experience, De Gance encourages pastors and other committed Christians to see marriage not as a side ministry, but as a central strategy for evangelism, stability, and human flourishing. Here is Communio's hopeful vision and proven strategy for rebuilding communities by strengthening the family.

The future of our churches, communities, and country is tied to the strength of the family, and that institution is in free fall. Here's how to respond. In t...

05/06/2026

Given the resurgence in armed conflict around the globe, what does it mean for Christians to think Biblically about war?

In this episode, I review the striking exchange between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, explain the Christian just war tradition, and explore how that tradition applies in the current conflict with Iran.

If you have ever wrestled with the intersection of foreign policy, national defense, and real-world conflict, this episode will help with an historical and Biblical overview.

Given the resurgence in armed conflict around the globe, what does it mean for Christians to think Biblically about war? In this episode, I review the striki...

04/29/2026

In this episode, I welcomed Tim Goeglein—Vice President of External Relations at Focus on the Family and former special assistant to President George W. Bush—back on the podcast to discuss his timely new book, What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Family, and Freedom.

Drawing from decades of experience in Washington, D.C., Goeglein offers a compelling vision for recovering the foundational pillars that have shaped the American experiment. He explores why faith, family, and freedom are not just political talking points, but deeply Biblical principles that must be intentionally cultivated and passed on to future generations.

What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Family, and Freedom with Tim Goeglein | #424

04/22/2026

I recently had the honor of sitting down with Indiana Governor Mike Braun for an in-office discussion on faith, leadership, and public service. Governor Braun shares the story behind his call (quite literally) into public life, why he chose to step away from the U.S. Senate to serve his home state, and why faith is important to him personally as an entrepreneur and public servant.

We also explore a theme that he routinely champions in his administration--faith, family, and community--and how and why government and the faith community (distinct in role, but with shared purpose) should work together for the common good. He also explains the importance of signing a first-in-the-nation parental rights law and and creating an environment friendly to families and community collaboration. In sum, here's his vision for Indiana's future and why faith, family, and community are key to making Indiana--and the nation--thrive.

The Importance of Faith, Family, and Community with Governor Mike Braun | #423

03/24/2026

Is your ministry prepared to minister with confidence in a changing culture? In this episode, we explore recent legal developments and explain proactive steps your ministry can take to build and maintain strong legal protections.

Recent legal developments:

Define what you intend to defend.
Exemption from religious education.
Encouraging developments in sports.
Developments in employment.
Persistence pays off on parental rights.
The rollout of the federal education tax credit.

Is your ministry prepared to minister with confidence in a changing culture? In this episode, we explore recent legal developments and explain proactive step...

03/03/2026

I often ask government officials this question: "What is the worst problem in your district/area of responsibility?" The answer is often the same and even phrased in the same way: "the breakdown of the family." In this interview, Delano Squires explains this collapse of two-parents homes raising children in the United States; the profound impact of that collapse on education, income, and incarceration; and how we can strengthen this critical institution for America's future by starting in our own homes, churches, and neighborhoods.

I often ask government officials this question: "What is the worst problem in your district/area of responsibility?" The answer is often the same and even ph...

02/25/2026

Ideas that start in the ivory tower of America's universities do not stay there; and higher education has fundamentally impacted our families, churches, and communities. And, as goes the American university (with 1 in 3 world leaders attending a U.S. school), so goes the world. In this interview with Dr. Corey Miller based on his new book , he explains the religious foundation of American higher education, the progressive revolution that ideologically captured those institutions, and why we should not give up on them. He explains a developing "third revolution" and practical steps church leaders and other committed Christians can take to impact the American university.

Ideas that start in the ivory tower of America's universities do not stay there; and higher education has fundamentally impacted our families, churches, and ...

02/18/2026

Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy tale and much more mystery—a book full of lessons about the mysteries of divine calling, evil and justice, finding courage to stand for truth, and understanding God’s eternal purposes in history and in our story. Though her husband claimed the title "king of kings," Esther’s ultimate allegiance lay elsewhere—to the high King of the universe. In that sense, here’s the story and the lessons we should learn from Esther: the King’s Queen.

Once upon a time—and I mean in God’s perfect time—a Jewish orphan girl named Esther became a Persian Queen. But, as many of you know, this book is less fairy...

01/27/2026

In our current political climate, patriotism is often treated with spiritual and secular suspicion. Especially as we mark America’s 250th birthday, is waving a flag or celebrating America’s rich spiritual heritage “political idolatry” or “Christian nationalism”? The short answer: no. Patriotism can and should be an expression of rightly ordered love and commitment to the place where God has placed us (Jer. 29).

In this episode, Dan Darling joins me to discuss his timely book A Defense of Christian Patriotism and explain why love of country (i.e., place) is essential for the Christian. We discuss America’s founding principles, the necessity of telling the full story of America including here failures and triumphs, the importance of Christian civic engagement, and practical ways we can impact America’s future from our own back yard.

Our website: https://www.goodcitizen.usRead our latest blog posts: https://bit.ly/2CGeaUhFollow Josh on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosHershbergerListen to ...

01/17/2026

I am honored and privileged to be a speaker at the 2026 Indianapolis Right to Life Rally, taking place on Thursday, January 22nd at 1:00pm. I invite you to join me as we advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our society and work towards establishing Indiana as a beacon of hope in the fight for life. I am grateful to Indianapolis Right to Life for this opportunity!