MinistryWatch Podcast

On today’s program, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa — the original Calvary Chapel — just settled a sexual abuse lawsuit for $12 million. We’ll have details. Plus, a Facebook post is raising questions about Christian radio stations and the ministries they promote. And, Southern Baptist seminaries see a new generation of leaders take the helm. Southeastern Seminary installed a new president earlier this week. But first, a big win for pastors who opted out of Social Security years ago and now wish the

The following is a transcript of today’s podcast episode: Christina Hello, everyone, I’m Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today’s extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what’s up first? Warren Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian organization, is on the ground in Florida providing hot m

On today’s extra episode, Warren Smith talks about the recent round of layoffs — and other challenges — facing Christianity Today. He also talks about why we should all care about them. The producer of today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, Sean Feucht Ministries faces an amended lawsuit claiming he continued seeking donations for something that was already fully funded. We’ll have details. And, from war zones to politics — the leader of a ministry who has worked in some of the world’s hardest places is now shifting his focus to domestic issues — both in his ministry’s mission and his run for Colorado governor. Plus, scandal-ridden televangelist Jim Bakker, dies at 86. But first, a South Lake Tahoe mayor now f

On today’s EXTRA episode, Christina Darnell and Warren Smith discuss news of the week that is “MinistryWatch Adjacent,” including Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week. Resources mentioned in today’s episode include: Trey’s Law (SB 30), signed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this year, applies to civil settlement agreements signed on or after October 1, 2026. This new Alabama law now ensures survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking cannot be lawfully silenced in its state’s civil courts. The

Bonnie Kristian is a journalist, author and deputy editor at Christianity Today whose work has appeared in publications including The Week, The New York Times and Politico. She came to journalism while studying theology at an evangelical seminary, and that combination of theological training and journalistic experience has shaped much of her work. Her new book, In Defense of Evangelicalism: A Response to Its Cultured Despisers, makes a provocative argument: Evangelicalism has serious problems,