The Times: Navigating Cultural Narratives
"Fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith are more than just a backpack on the journey, something optional to carry along with us in case we need them. Instead, they’re more like the map that makes clear our destination, warns us away from dead-ends, and orients us to the landscape, helping us interpret our current moment and walk forward as faithful sojourners." ―Trevin Wax, The Thrill of Orthodoxy
Prayer at the Statehouse on April 16.
Cultural Commentaries
Celebrating What Is Good - In a recent article, John Stonestreet and Timothy Padgett explain that young men, especially those aged 25 to 34, are returning to church in noticeable numbers, potentially driven by a search for purpose and community amid a culture that often critiques traditional masculinity. This trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity for churches to engage men seeking meaning in a shifting cultural landscape.
Creating What Is Missing - In a video for the Identity Project, Communio president and founder JP De Gance emphasizes that the rise of the religious "nones" in society is bound up in the increasing absence of resident fathers in the home and the impact it has on the families they leave behind. We must reform societal beliefs around marriage, parenting, and family to be seen as good, true, and beautiful again. JP also joined Chris Lightfoot and the hosts of Center for Christian Virtue's The Narrative podcast to discuss how churches can take the lead in strengthening marriages and families through the hope of the Gospel.
Restoring What Is Broken - Our cultural narratives are broken. And yet, our people are catechized by them on a daily basis. In this article, Thomas West helps us unmask cultural narratives with scripture. "If cultural narratives shape us unnoticed, then we must become people who intentionally immerse ourselves in Scripture’s better story."
Ending What Is Evil - This article from Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen takes a closer look at IVF to navigate the often undiscussed ethical challenges it presents and how it is being severely misused.
Legislative Update
Take a moment to review where all of the Center for Christian Virtue (CCV)-backed bills currently stand in the 136th General Assembly and pray over the bills that are moving in 2025.
Pray for Ohio
Rekindle leading worship at Prayer at the Statehouse on April 16.
Thank you to all who attended Prayer at the Statehouse. We want to thank everyone who led prayer and worship:
Rekindle from Cedarville
Pastor Joel Schutte
Pastor Paula Koch
Pastor Chris Gross
Pastor Ronnie Reed
Pastor Josue Santiago
Pastor Charles Leister
Pastor David Cady
Ohio Prayer Guide
We have partnered with Pray For Ohio to bring you a monthly topical prayer guide that can be shared with your church!
The Prayer Guide for May, along with the accompanying prayer letter, calls believers to intercede for revival, unity among churches, and protection for families and emphasizes the urgency of seeking God's guidance and spiritual awakening in Ohio.
Resources
Our 2025 Lunch and Learn Livestreams are now available online for those who were not able to attend:
January: Biblical Worldview and Cultural Engagement in the 21st Century
March: Engaging in Cultural Conversation with Dr. Jeff Myers
April: Learning from Cultural Engagement in Sweden with Dr. Per Ewert
On CCV's The Narrative podcast, Delano Squires discusses the decline of Black families, highlighting cultural, historical, and biblical factors behind the breakdown of marriage and family structure. He also emphasizes the need to restore strong family values as foundational to community and societal well-being.
Summit Ministries offers a comprehensive suite of resources tailored for pastors aiming to cultivate a robust biblical worldview within their congregations. These resources encompass articles, videos, podcasts, and curriculum kits that address topics such as apologetics, cultural engagement, and pastoral care.
If you believe other pastors in your network would benefit from receiving The Times, please forward this to them and encourage them to subscribe!
Upcoming Events
Our May Livestream on Biblical Critical Theory: A Framework for Cultural Engagement with Dr. Christopher Watkin will take place on Tuesday, May 13, at 6:00 am EST. Grab a cup of coffee and join us to learn the moves to make and the tools to use in analyzing and engaging with all sorts of cultural artifacts and events in a way that is both biblically faithful and culturally relevant. Rather than merely interpreting the Bible for culture, Dr. Watkin helps Christians mine the unique treasures of the distinctive biblical storyline. Please note the early morning time as Dr. Watkin is presenting all the way from Australia!
CCV's Spring Celebration Galas are fast approaching! You're invited to join us in Cincinnati on Friday, May 9,with keynote Sage Steele or in Columbus on Saturday, May 10, with US Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted. Celebrate with our partner ministries and enjoy fine dining, receive the latest updates on Ohio politics, and hear about CCV’s strategic efforts to strengthen marriage and family. Don't miss this incredible celebration!
The Church Ambassador Network is hosting a Pastors' Summit on Evangelism and the Family on Thursday, May 29, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Naz Church in Grove City. This will be an informative discussion about a growing national movement among churches to quantifiably restore the health of the family. The goal is to see the local church increase the number of people getting married, staying married, and experiencing faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Testimony
"Since the gospel of Christ is the center of all things, Christian virtue must reach into all of life, including the public square. Not only is CCV an incredible resource to the churches of Ohio in helping us understand the direct connection of the gospel to the most significant social and political issues of the day, but they also provide simple ways for Christians and churches to be able to meaningfully engage our culture, policies, and the next generation. They are focused, prayerful, faithful, and effective. What a gift!" —Pastor Scott Burns, Senior Pastor at Cross City Church, Columbus
Closing Thoughts
Using lyrics from mid-200 AD that were written on a scrap of papyrus found in Egypt, John Dickerson worked with Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding to translate and put "The First Hymn" to music.
A number of churches have decided to support CCV and the Church Ambassador Network financially through their budget. To set up a recurring monthly donation to CCV, please visit CCV.org/Donate and make sure to click the check box at the end of the form, above the comments field, before submitting your gift.
We would be honored if you chose to invest a portion of God’s resources into our effort to serve and support churches in Ohio with resources to help them carry out the Great Commission in the spirit of The Greatest Commandments in our current cultural context.
