In today’s cultural climate, many people — even in the church — view faith as a tool for personal fulfillment rather than a life transformed by Jesus. Author and ministry leader Trevin Wax joins Todd Unzicker to explore how churches can break through expressive individualism, build a counter-cultural community and engage an increasingly open yet spiritually confused world.


In this episode, Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board, unpacks the cultural shifts shaping how people react and respond to the gospel today. He explains how the dominant story of “expressive individualism” influences even faithful churchgoers, often distorting biblical teaching into a version of the American dream with a Christian appearance. 

Wax shares practical ways for pastors and leaders to create a church culture distinct enough to influence the surrounding community while recognizing the surprising openness many people have toward spiritual conversations. From redefining “abundant life” to leveraging everyday conversations, this discussion equips church leaders to be salt and light in a changing world.

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Podcast Highlights:

  • “One of the major stories that people live out of is this idea that the purpose of life is to find what makes you unique and express that to the world. Be true to yourself. … That is in the air that we breathe.” (2:27)
  • “There’s, of course, truth in that — that God does make us unique, God does make us as individuals, that we have something unique to contribute. But that’s the wrong story for that to get slotted in, and it winds up leading to actually profound loneliness, dissolution of relationships, superficial friendships.” (3:21)
  • “Are we different enough in the church as a culture to really have anything? Otherwise, we wind up with a missionary force that’s actually not making much of a difference because it’s sort of assimilating way too fast or with a fortress mentality — like a bunker mentality — where you have the outer facade of a Christian culture, but inside it’s completely hollowed out by expressive individualism.” (9:15)
  • “Start conversations and listen well. Don’t come with the formulas yet. Listen well. Invite people to church. Expect people to respect you, even if they disagree with you. … Be ready to open and walk people through doors — whatever door they’re coming at.” (14:17)
  • Trevin Wax co-authored “The Gospel Way Catechism,” a practical tool to help your church build a gospel-shaped culture and disciple believers with the ancient truths of Christianity. Get your copy here.

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