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

In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron interviews Keith Simon, co-author of "Joyful Outsiders" and co-host of the Truth Over Tribe podcast. After 35 years of marriage and raising four children, Keith shares his wisdom on how Christians can positively influence culture without conforming to it. As a pastor in Columbia, Missouri, Keith explains how believers can embrace their role as outsiders in an increasingly post-Christian world, while maintaining joy and unity within the diverse body of Christ.

In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore:

• How Christians have always been outsiders since Genesis 3, and why this role should be embraced rather than resisted
• The six different ways believers can engage culture: as ambassadors, trainers, builders, protesters, advisors, and artists
• Why unity doesn't require uniformity, and how the diversity of gifts within the church strengthens our cultural witness
• The dangers of retreating from, conforming to, or fighting against culture instead of joyfully engaging it
• How parents can raise children who are confident in their faith despite cultural opposition
• The importance of seeing other Christians as teammates rather than competitors, even when approaches differ
• Why Jesus calls us to be "in the world but not of it" and how to navigate this tension
• How focusing on Christ as King brings perspective to political and cultural changes
• Practical ways families can cultivate joy in their faith journey regardless of external circumstances

Whether you're feeling discouraged by cultural shifts, struggling to know how to engage with the world around you, or seeking to raise children with a confident faith, this conversation offers biblical wisdom for approaching life as a joyful outsider.

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Connect with Keith Simon:

• Book: "Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture" (co-authored with Patrick Miller)
• Website: joyfuloutsiders.com
• Previous Book: "Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant"
• Podcast: Truth Over Tribe and Ten Minute Bible Talks

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KEY WORDS: Marriage After God, Aaron Smith, Keith Simon, joyful outsiders, Christian engagement, cultural influence, biblical un