The tree is still up, but the glow is quieter now. The news keeps scrolling, the tensions haven’t eased. Many of us are stepping into the new year already tired. As we move past Christmas and into whatever comes next, we carry this with us — not naïve optimism, but stubborn hope.

This week in Advent, we wait in love. As Christmas draws near, we’re pausing around the table—grateful for the friends who’ve journeyed with us through a year of questions, convictions, and quiet courage.

This week of Advent, we light the candle of joy. Not because everything is fine. But because even now—especially now—there’s good news of great joy for all people. In a world full of noise, fear, and fracture, joy re-centers us. It reminds us who we are. It reminds us who’s coming.

This is where we’ve found joy this year — in watching thousands of you gather in living rooms, church basements, and Zoom calls to ask: Is there a better way to do this?

We’ve got important news: The After Party’s parent organization has a new name. Redeeming Babel is now Good Faith.

How to Survive Thanksgiving Without Burning the Turkey or the Family Tree (or Your Witness): No one’s getting converted between bites of stuffing. And that’s okay. “Tell me more” goes further than “You’re kidding, right?”

It’s the week of gratitude, and one of the things we’re most thankful for? All of you. Friends all around the country, engaging in conversation and discipleship, and moving #TowardBetterChristianPolitics, together.

When the work feels pointless… when nothing seems to change… when the fight for justice feels like shouting into the void—it’s easy to slide into contempt. Contempt is what happens when hope gives out.

It’s easy to think in categories: Us. Them. Right. Wrong. Good guys. Villains. At The After Party, we believe healing begins when we shift the conversation—from versus to with. Not to erase differences. But to remember what unites us matters more.

How do I hold strong convictions without contempt? Conviction can feel like a battle. And we're called to a different posture. Not soft on truth, but strong in love.

What if your next political conversation didn’t have to end in frustration,but could actually deepen a friendship? The After Party isn’t just a book—it’s a guide for having the conversations we want to have but don’t always know how.

If you claim the name of Christ, how you engage matters just as much as what you believe. As citizens of a different kingdom, we’re called to something higher— Because Jesus didn’t come to take a side. He came to make us new. #TowardBetterChristianPolitics

This week, we're focusing on the question: Why do we tie ourselves to political parties like they’re sacred? The temptation to find belonging outside of Christ will always be a struggle for the church. But there are signs of hope. You all are bringing us that hope.

Have You Ever Wondered Why We Tie Ourselves to Political Parties? Political parties are not churches. They aren’t sacred. They aren’t biblical. They aren’t even consistent.

Justice that flows. Not from outrage. Not from fear. But from God’s own heart. This is the work, and the hope, of the After Party. We’re showing up with humility, not hostility. And we’re not walking away.

What’s your real reason for talking politics? Be honest. If it's to wrestle with how Jesus might have you understand a particular party, candidate, or policy, you're wise to pursue wisdom.

A Prayer for True Revival in Our Nation:

This is what choosing the better way looks like— open Bibles, honest questions, and a posture of humility. The After Party isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about staying in the room, even when it’s hard. Grab a friend. Start the course. 👉 theafterparty.org

We’re tempted to believe revival will come when our side wins, when our opponents repent, when the world finally listens. But that’s not how Jesus talked about transformation.

Don't miss the latest Good Faith Podcast episode with @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d...

We don’t follow a party platform. We follow a crucified King. He’s not here to boost our side in the argument. He’s here to transform the argument entirely.

This isn’t a list of winners in the eyes of the world. It’s a map for the spiritually homeless. The politically displaced. The weary, the wondering, the ones who whisper, “Surely this isn’t how it’s supposed to be.”

Faithfulness over fame. Conviction over comfort. If righteousness costs us something — Jesus says we’re blessed. Let this be our prayer.

In a divided world, gathering around the table is a countercultural act. It’s where we bring our questions, not just our answers. Where we open Scripture—not to prove a point, but to hear from God. Where we ask, What does faithfulness look like right now? #TowardBetterChristianPolitics

The world may call it loss. Jesus calls it blessed. Bonhoeffer called it allegiance. Suffering for righteousness isn’t the end — it’s the way of the cross.

There’s a kind of peace that doesn’t come from comfort or control. It comes from surrender. The Prayer of Saint Francis isn’t just beautiful, mit’s bracing. It invites us to become something more than nice, more than quiet, more than neutral. It invites us to become instruments.

Peace can be quiet. Reconciliation? That’s loud with love. Risky. Costly. Brave. At The After Party, we’re not settling for just not fighting. We’re learning to cross lines, sit at tables, and do the real work of restoration. Because Jesus didn’t just avoid conflict—he healed the wounds.

In a time when so much feels clouded—when words are weaponized, when motives are questioned, and when even faith can feel like a performance—what does it mean to be pure in heart?

To be pure in heart doesn’t mean untouched by pain. It means refusing to let pain make you bitter. It means seeing the brokenness—clearly, painfully, honestly—and choosing to love anyway. To keep your heart soft, even when everything in you wants to shut down or shut others out.

This was @drmoore.bsky.social's prayer on our call last week. A reminder we all need: Purity isn’t a performance. It’s not earned through power or belonging to the right group. It’s a gift—given in mercy, that lets us see clearly again. Let’s accept the gift. Listen in here: youtu.be/iE_Mj-M4mPA

“Blessed are the merciful”—but what does mercy actually look like? Colossians 3:12 gives us the wardrobe: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. These are not soft virtues. They’re hard-won practices in a world wired for outrage.

We live in a culture that rewards the sharp comeback, the cutting headline, the tribal win. But Jesus blesses the merciful. This prayer isn’t about being passive. It’s about choosing a better way—especially when it’s hard. Swipe through and pray with us.

We're living in an age obsessed with big platforms and bold takes. But as Elizabeth Neumann reminded us: “We’re used to big strategies, but God is calling us to be faithful in small places. That’s how change happens.” Faithfulness in the quiet corners of our lives still matters deeply. Maybe more.

Tired of cynicism that hardens your heart? Of justice that feels more like vengeance? You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. This fall at The After Party, we’re listening to Jesus — slowly, week by week. One Beatitude at a time.

Not blessed are the loudest. Or the most certain. Or the most politically “correct.” Jesus blesses the hungry. The ones who ache for justice but won’t weaponize it. Who long for truth but won’t trade it for cruelty. Who thirst for wholeness—and are brave enough to believe it’s still possible.

In this moment—when violence is no longer unthinkable, when politics has become a blood sport, and when cynicism feels like the only sane response—what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? (1/4)

It’s easy to hunger for the wrong things. To crave victory more than justice. To thirst for control more than Christ. Swipe through, pray slowly, and let your heart be re-centered. Because healing begins not with a headline, but with a hunger for God.

Next week, on Tuesday, September 30 at 12pm ET, join Curtis along with Kaitlyn Schiess, Russell Moore, Chuck Mingo, Sara Billups, Dr. Mark Turman and others for 30 minutes of prayer for our country. Bring a friend. Invite your church. Register here: luma.com/gw7x9233.

It’s time to pause the punditry. To log off from the outrage. To stop debating for a moment—and start praying. Next week, on Sept. 30 at 12pm ET, join Curtis along with Russell Moore, Chuck Mingo, Sara Billups, Mark Turman, for 30 minutes of prayer for our country. Register Here: luma.com/gw7x9233

Tired of compromise that feels like selling out? Of righteousness that looks more like rage? You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. This fall at The After Party, we’re listening to Jesus — slowly, week by week. One Beatitude at a time. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”

“Blessed are the meek” doesn’t mean “blessed are the doormats.” It means blessed are the restrained in a world obsessed with domination. Blessed are those who choose gentleness over cynicism, mercy over memes, and grace over winning.

Conviction without compassion isn’t Christlike. Rage isn’t a fruit of the Spirit. Meekness isn’t weakness — it’s strength with the volume turned down. Let’s follow Christ’s example and lean into meekness this fall. #TowardBetterChristianPolitics

How Should We Respond to Political Violence? (1/8)

The After Party condemns in the strongest possible terms the deliberate, targeted, malice-filled shooting of Charlie Kirk. Violence has no place in our democracy or in the church. Today’s shooting could not be further from the actions and clear commands of Jesus.

“This world. Impossible. Unthinkable. We are brought to our knees.” Some days, Kate Bowler’s prayer says it best. There is no true north. The sun doesn’t seem to rise. Grief is everywhere — in classrooms, in courtrooms, in quiet kitchen tables.

Feeling heartbroken by the state of the world? You’re not alone. This fall at The After Party, we’re sitting with Jesus’ words — slowly, honestly, together. Each week, one Beatitude. Not as a checklist. Not as a campaign slogan. But as a lifeline.

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? It doesn’t mean weakness. It doesn’t mean self-hatred. It means waking up to reality. Being poor in spirit is the first step into the kingdom. Not by earning. Not by striving. But by receiving what only God can give. ➡️ after-party.org

The Beatitudes aren’t a checklist. They’re a call to become someone different. When Jesus opened His Sermon on the Mount, He didn’t start with strategies. He began with blessings. For the meek, the mourning, the merciful. Not the winners. Not the influencers. But the people most of us overlook.

We get it—policy is complex. It always has been. But how we treat people? That’s not complicated. That’s character. The call of Jesus isn't just about what we believe. It’s about how we live. Especially when it’s hard. Especially with those we disagree with. #TowardBetterChristianPolitics

@drmoore.bsky.social just shared 30 reflections from 30 years in ministry — and if you’re anything like us, you’ve been shaped by his journey. Here are a few of our favorites: