In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Mark Matlock—author, ministry leader, and researcher with the Barna Group—for a thoughtful conversation about wisdom, spiritual formation, and reaching the next generation.

Mark shares insights from his book Faith for the Curious and how his research reveals that many people, especially younger generations, are more open to spiritual conversations than we might think. Together, they discuss how wisdom (especially from Proverbs) shapes our spiritual lives and why evangelism needs to shift from transactional encounters to relational engagement.

They also explore the ongoing mental health crisis and how it’s opening doors for evangelism and deeper discipleship.

Mark will also speak at our upcoming event on Mental Health and the Church and help lead the Urbana Mission Conference at the end of this year—see the links below to learn more.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means

everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more:

(04:30) - Reframing Hope Through Wisdom and Expectations

(11:19) - Discovering Godly Wisdom for Discipleship

(21:14) - Understanding Spiritual Curiosity and Connection

(34:18) - Engaging Nonbelievers With Authentic Connection

(48:38) - Embracing Rejection and Mental Health

(52:34) - Navigating Generational Divides and Mental Health

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Resources from Mark Matlock

Get Mark’s latest book, Faith for the Curious: https://tinyurl.com/52fsfapp

Learn more about the Urbana Missions Conference: https://www.urbana.org/

Hope for the Heart resources

Learn about our summer event on Mental Health and the Church: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/mental-health-and-the-church

Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/

Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

Sign up for our fall Hope Together conference: https://hopetogether.com/