Christians as Joyful Outsiders, Finding Unity in Diversity, Engaging Culture Without Fear - w/ Keith Simon

Show notes

About This Episode Many Christians feel disoriented as the culture shifts around them. In this episode, Aaron talks with pastor Keith Simon, co-author of Joyful Outsiders, about why believers have always been outsiders and how to live that out with joy rather than fear. Keith explains the book's framework of six ways Christians engage culture: ambassador, trainer, builder, protester, advisor, and artist. Using the example of Daniel alongside a protester, he shows how different God-honoring roles can work together. They also discuss the difference between organizational and relational unity, cheering for God's kingdom across traditions, keeping loyalty to Jesus above partisan politics, and raising children who are confident in their faith.

About Keith Simon Keith Simon is a pastor in Columbia, Missouri, and co-author, with Patrick Miller, of Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture. He also wrote Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant, co-hosts the Truth Over Tribe podcast, and is heard on Ten Minute Bible Talks. Keith has been married 35 years and has four children.

In This Episode Christians as outsiders — why believers have been outsiders since Genesis 3 Joy instead of fear — responding to lost cultural power without withdrawal or combativeness Six ways to engage culture — ambassadors, trainers, builders, protesters, advisors, and artists Different roles, same team — why Daniel and a protester don't have to be enemies Unity without uniformity — organizational unity versus relational unity in the church In the world but not of it — navigating the tension Jesus calls us to Christ as King — keeping loyalty to Jesus above partisan politics Raising confident kids — helping children hold their faith amid cultural opposition

Scripture Referenced Genesis 3 Hebrews 13 (going to Jesus outside the camp)

Resources from This Episode Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture — joyfuloutsiders.com Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant Podcasts: Truth Over Tribe and Ten Minute Bible Talks Marriage After God Shop Full show notes and blog post

If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen. Follow us on Instagram: Marriage After God · Unveiled Wife · Husband Revolution Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together. Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026