Mark Matlock is one of the most interesting men I’ve ever met. For decades, he has lived at the intersection of faith, culture, research, and the next generation. He doesn’t just study where culture has been—he pays attention to where it is moving. His groundbreaking work, including Faith for Exiles, has become a trusted sounding board for leaders across the spectrum of Christian ministry. Today on BraveMen, Mark brings that depth of insight into a powerful conversation about discipleship, culture, and what it means to build resilient faith in a rapidly changing world.
Mark serves as a Senior Fellow at Barna and was Executive Director of Urbana 2025 for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He is a strategist, researcher, and facilitator who helps leaders turn information into action. Mark understands something every leader must understand: data can tell you where the river is flowing—but wisdom tells you how to cross it.
He is also the founder of WisdomWorks, a consultancy helping churches and faith-based organizations uncover the wisdom already present in their people and turn it into innovation, clarity, and impact. His books include Digital Babylon, Faith for Exiles, and Faith for the Curious. This conversation is thoughtful, challenging, practical, and deeply hopeful.
BraveMen is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men discipling men, serving on the ground in more than 100 nations. We believe strong men build strong families, strong churches, and strong communities. We are men on a mission—and that mission is Jesus. For resources to disciple men and strengthen families, visit CMN.men.
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction: Mark Matlock on Faith and Culture
00:02:22 Technology Has Outpaced Theology
00:06:38 Digital Babylon: Living as Exiles
00:11:11 The Discipleship Crisis in the Church
00:14:12 The Spirit of a Father: Discipleship Through Relationship
00:17:53 Creating Trust Through Challenge
00:19:53 The Power of Small Groups and Havruta
00:24:23 Urbana and the Global Missions Movement
00:29:12 From Everyone to Everywhere: Modern Missions
00:35:42 Faith for the Curious: The 64 Percent
00:36:55 The Image of God in Broken Pieces
00:38:43 Christians Need to Experience More Too
00:44:02 The Best and Worst Time to Be Alive
00:51:33 Revival-Minded America: 80 Million Strong
00:53:43 Talking to Strangers: Opening Spiritual Conversations
01:06:13 Dunbar's Number and Your Mission Field
01:08:53 The Age of Amplification: Learning to Listen
01:09:50 Closing: Technology Serves the Gospel
