In addition to preaching, teaching, and providing pastoral care, pastors and Christian leaders today are increasingly expected to make pronouncements on the latest events in the news cycle while providing ongoing social and political commentary. But playing the role of a pundit is dangerous territory for a pastor. So what role should Christian leaders and the local church play in the public square? In the first episode of our second season we speak with Michael Wear about what the Christian tradition has to offer to public life and the opportunity Christians have to bring a sense of well being and joy to our political culture. Michael Wear is the Founder, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution based in the nation's capital with the mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good. For well over a decade, he has served as a trusted resource and advisor for a range of civic leaders on matters of faith and public life, including as a White House and presidential campaign staffer. Michael is the author of "Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America" and "The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life" which will be released on January 23, 2024.