Great Stories with Charles Morris

For the Christian, the hope of heaven isn’t just a distant promise—it transforms the way we live right now. Scripture urges us to fix our hearts and minds on things above because eternity changes today. Join David Wollen and Matt McCullough for a new episode of the Great Stories Podcast called How Heaven Shapes Our Daily Lives.

What comes to mind when you think of heaven? Whether you realize it or not, your view of what is yet to come is shaping the way you live right now. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David is joined by Matthew McCullough for a new series called Why Heaven Matters for Today — a conversation about how our future hope is meant to transform our present lives.

All over YouTube and TikTok, people are seen deconstructing their faith—questioning Scripture, redefining the Gospel, and reshaping Christianity to fit the culture. For many families, it’s not just online noise but a personal and painful reality. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen talks with filmmaker Brandon Kimber in an episode titled “Brandon Kimber on Progressive Christianity.” Drawing from his documentary American Gospel: Christ Crucified, Kimber explains what’s at stake in the deconstruction movement and why the Gospel of Christ crucified remains our hope.

Charles Spurgeon is remembered as one of history’s greatest preachers, so influential he was called the Prince of Preachers and more than 130 years after his death, his sermons still strengthen millions. Yet behind his powerful ministry was a man who knew deep sorrow. Spurgeon spoke openly about what he called “melancholy” or “the minister’s fainting fits”—what we would likely call depression today. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen revisits an interview with Charles Morris and Zach Eswine in an episode titled “Zach Eswine and the Sorrow of the Prince of Preachers,” where Eswine reflects on Spurgeon’s suffering and the sustaining grace of Christ that met him there, reminding us that even the strongest voices in church history knew weakness, and found their hope in the Savior.

He was known for his bold preaching and deep love for the Gospel, but Charles Spurgeon was also honest about his physical and emotional suffering. So how did he keep his eyes fixed on Jesus through it all? Join David Wollen on The Great Stories Podcast for a new episode with Dr. Geoffrey Chang called, Finding Comfort in Suffering.

It may be one of the most widespread heartaches among Christians today: a loved one, often a child, who has drifted away from Jesus. For many parents, this pain is difficult to talk about openly, which is why we’re bringing this conversation into the open on Haven Today. Join David Wollen and special guest Paul Mallard for an episode titled Loving Your Child When Faith Feels Distant on The Great Stories Podcast.

Most Christians would love to know more of God’s Word by heart, yet many believers aren’t sure how to go about it. The Bible itself shows us how people in biblical times memorized Scripture. Join David Wollen on The Great Stories Podcast with special guest Dr. Kenneth Berding for a new episode titled How to Memorize Scripture with Kenneth Berding.

Encountering Jesus in the Old Testament invites us to see how the Hebrew Scriptures consistently point to Christ. From promises and patterns to people and events, the story of Scripture leads us to Him long before His incarnation. Join David Wollen and respected Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie as they explore how Jesus is revealed across the Old Testament on this episode of The Great Stories Podcast: Encountering Jesus in the Old Testament with Nancy Guthrie.

What does it truly look like to encounter Jesus in the Old Testament? Do the books of the Hebrew Scriptures all, in some way, lead us to Him? Join David Wollen and acclaimed author Nancy Guthrie as they explore how Christ is revealed throughout Scripture long before His incarnation, on this episode of The Great Stories Podcast: "Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament with Nancy Guthrie."

God hasn’t forgotten you, even in the waiting... On this episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen sits down with Robert Morgan to talk about seasons of waiting, steady faith, and the assurance that God is always at work. Through stories of patience and promise, they remind us that no matter our age or circumstances, God has never forgotten His people.

Adapting a beloved book into a movie is always a challenge—especially when the story carries such a heartfelt message. This week on Haven Today, David Wollen sits down with Ryan Swanson to discuss bringing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever from page to screen, and how viewers can discover the true Christmas story amidst the chaos. Don’t miss this episode: From Chaos to Christmas: Ryan Swanson on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

From the archives: Charles Morris (Haven’s former president) in conversation with Jubilant Sykes. After the heartbreaking news of his passing this week, we’re honored to share this interview again, a chance to remember not just his extraordinary voice, but the faith and warmth that defined him.

The Herdmans are the worst kids anyone has ever known. They are loud, wild, and always causing trouble. So when they crash the church Christmas pageant, everyone expects chaos. But as this unruly crew hears the Christmas story for the very first time, it begins to change them in surprising ways, reshaping the entire pageant and themselves along the way. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen talks with movie director Dallas Jenkins about creating the film and what makes this story so meaningful for audiences.

It was written in just three remarkable weeks, yet Handel’s Messiah continues to inspire people more than 250 years later. What gives this masterpiece its enduring power and how can it point us to Jesus this Christmas season? This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen revisits a special recording from Charles Morris’s visit to Handel’s home a decade ago, joined by Ruth Smith and Sarah Bardwell, in a new episode titled, Charles Morris, Ruth Smith & Sarah Bardwell and the Legacy of Handel’s Messiah.

Handel composed Messiah in just three remarkable weeks—yet more than 250 years later, it continues to stir hearts around the world. What has given this masterpiece such lasting power, and how might it draw us closer to Jesus this Christmas season? Join David Wollen with guests Dave and Sally Gobbett on a new episode of the Great Stories Podcast: Dave & Sally Gobbett—Behind the Music of Handel’s Messiah.

All throughout Scripture, one great story unfolds—the story of a King and His Kingdom. Within it, the stories of many earthly kings rise and fall, yet each one ultimately points to the King of Kings. Join David Wollen and storyteller Bob Hartman on The Great Stories Podcast for a new episode called Bob Hartman and the Stories that Point to Jesus.

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells the true story of a King and His Kingdom. Throughout history, many earthly kings rose and fell—but in their triumphs and failures, each one ultimately points to the King of Kings. Join David Wollen and storyteller Bob Hartman this week on The Great Stories Podcast for a new episode called Bob Hartman and the Kingdom of Christ.

Cubans are no strangers to storms and daily struggles linger. Beyond empty shelves and scarce food lies an even deeper need: a hunger for the Gospel. What Cuba truly needs is a Haven—the lasting hope and refuge found only in Jesus Christ. Join David Wollen, El Faro’s Director and Host Danny Rojas, along with pastors José Prado, Jonathan Palaci, and Jason Arévalo, for a powerful new episode of The Great Stories Podcast called Shining Light in Cuba.

The “afternoon of life” is a unique season. You’re no longer young, but not yet old. And for those who belong to Jesus, as long as we have breath in our lungs, He still has work for us to do. Join David Wollen and special guest Christopher Ash for an episode titled Christopher Ash and Life Between the Seasons on The Great Stories Podcast.

Who is Jesus? The answer is beautiful, complex, and profound. He is the eternal Son of God—the Savior, the Lord, the Ancient of Days. And the Bible tells us He is also the friend of sinners. Join David Wollen and children’s author Sally Lloyd-Jones as they explore this incredible truth in a new series on The Great Stories Podcast in an episode titled Sally Lloyd-Jones and Our Friend Jesus.

This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen, Michael Andrews, and Luigi Porco take you behind the scenes of Haven’s first-ever film, Amazing Grace: The Untold Story. Together, they share how the film came to life—and how its message powerfully points to God’s amazing grace.

Grace is a common word and can mean different things. But in the Bible, grace is something God defines for us. Once you grasp it, there is nothing more valuable in all the world. Join David Wollen and Charles Morris on this week's episode of The Great Stories Podcast, as they step behind the scenes of the new docudrama Amazing Grace: The Untold Story—exploring how John Newton came to know the life-changing grace of the Lord.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…” It’s the most recognized hymn in the world—but what makes grace so sweet? The man who wrote it knew, and he wasn’t exaggerating. John Newton was once a wretch, a slave trader, in fact, and yet God saved him. Join David Wollen with special guest Bruce Hindmarsh on The Great Stories Podcast for an episode titled: “Bruce Hindmarsh and the Story Behind Amazing Grace.”

This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen revisits an interview with Charles Morris and Robert Morgan as they share the stories behind the hymns of our faith.

From the earliest times in the Bible, believers have sung Gospel truth set to melody—songs both old and new, historic and modern. In our world today, this matters more than ever. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, we turn back the clock to The Power of Hymns with Keith & Kristyn Getty, a memorable conversation where Charles Morris sat down with the Gettys to reflect on their passion for writing and leading hymns that continue to shape worship around the world.

From the earliest times in the Bible, believers have sung Gospel truth set to melody–songs both old and new, historic and modern. In our world today, this matters more than ever. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen is joined by Keith Getty in an episode called Why We Still Sing Hymns.

Your habits will form and shape the contours of your life; they either crowd out or create space. In an age of distraction, purposeful habits can make space for what matters most—especially your walk with Jesus. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen sits down with Justin Whitmel Earley to discuss Faith-Driven Habits.

“God of God, Light of Light.” The Nicene Creed’s 1,700-year-old defense of Christ’s divinity. Still today, this Scriptural truth anchors our Christian faith. Join David Wollen and special guest Nate Pickowicz for a new episode of the Great Stories Podcast on the Nicene Creed.

Should Christians be concerned about the generative AI revolution? Or could this be a Gospel opportunity? It’s not only Christians; most people are playing “catch-up” to AI’s rapid advancements. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen hosts a panel discussion with two leading AI experts who also follow Jesus. Listen to this timely conversation exploring the AI landscape from a thoughtful Christian perspective in an episode called Christians and the AI Revolution.

It’s a question many Christians are already grappling with in modern culture—often without even realizing it: What makes us human? So much depends on how we answer this simple question. In the midst of our world’s confusion, God’s Word provides clarity. Join David Wollen and special guest Mark Meynell on the Great Stories Podcast as they explore what it truly means to be human.

The deconstruction movement is leading many to rethink what they believe about Jesus and Christianity—often bringing deep changes to families, friendships, and churches. It raises important questions: How do we respond when someone we love begins to deconstruct their faith? And how can we gently and clearly share God’s truth with those wrestling with doubt? This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen is joined by apologist and speaker Tim Barnett to explore the challenges of deconstruction and how to walk with others through it with grace and truth.

Names matter—especially God’s. On The Great Stories Podcast, join David Wollen and Professor Erik Thoennes in Exploring the Names of God, a powerful series uncovering God’s unique character and attributes—and the life-changing beauty of knowing Him more deeply.  

The Psalms have long been known as both the hymnbook and prayerbook of God’s people. Yet many Christians today aren’t sure how to engage them in this way. Join David Wollen and special guest Dan Wilt on The Great Stories Podcast for a series called “How the Psalms Lead Us in Prayer.”

We all long to live a life that matters. But when we’re weighed down by a diagnosis, heartbreak, or betrayal, it’s natural to ask, “Where is God when I need Him most?” Join David Wollen and Pastor Ray Ortlund on this week’s episode of The Great Stories Podcast—Ray Ortlund on Experiencing God’s Reviving Mercy—as they explore how God meets us in our lowest moments with His renewing grace.

You’ve seen them in every church. You might have one in your own family. You may even be one yourself. Prayer warriors are faithful believers who consistently lift up the needs of others before the Lord—often quietly, behind the scenes. They are a vital part of every Christian community, and their role is more important now than ever. On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen sits down with someone he deeply admires from his own church: Horst Fiebig. An energetic octogenarian with a passion for intercession, Horst has spent decades praying daily for countless people. He shares wisdom gained from a life marked by faithful prayer and reminds us that there is power—far more than we often realize—in bringing others before God. We hope this conversation encourages you to pray with renewed purpose for the people in your life.

Though it once served as a cherished book for Christians for over 350 years, many believers today have never read The Pilgrim’s Progress. On The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen is joined by guest Tyler Van Halteren to rediscover the timeless truths of John Bunyan’s beloved classic in the compelling series, Rediscovering The Pilgrim’s Progress.

For over 350 years, The Pilgrim’s Progress was a treasured guide for Christians around the world—yet today, many believers have never read it. On The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen welcomes guest Tyler Van Halteren to rediscover the timeless truths of John Bunyan’s beloved classic in a compelling podcast, Rediscovering The Pilgrim’s Progress.

What if Jesus wrote a letter to your church? In the book of Revelation, we find seven powerful messages from Christ Himself, spoken to real congregations in the first century and still echoing with relevance today. Join David Wollen and Dr. Joe Stowell this week on The Great Stories Podcast as they begin a new series: “The 7 Churches of Revelation.” In this episode, they dive into the letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Laodicea, unpacking both the challenges these churches faced and the faithfulness they were called to. Along the way, they reflect on the importance of studying Revelation and share the joy of filming this series on location.

Unlike other New Testament letters, Revelation includes seven messages from Jesus Himself, written to real churches facing real challenges, calling them to stay faithful. Join David Wollen and Dr. Joe Stowell this week on The Great Stories Podcast for a powerful new series: “The 7 Churches of Revelation.”

C.S. Lewis is arguably one of the most quoted individuals from the 20th century. Despite passing away 60 years ago, his thoughts remain timeless. His books, essays, and children's stories continue to resonate, offering prescient insights even in today's world. As a brilliant intellectual, Lewis's apologetic approach to the truth claims of Christ and the Gospel has helped countless people find faith. It’s surprising to learn that C.S. Lewis, by his own admission, fought vehemently against becoming a Christian. His unwavering commitment to academic and intellectual integrity compelled him to continually reexamine the truth claims of the Bible. Inch by inch, he drew closer until finally, he became a Christian, describing himself as "the most reluctant convert." In this episode of Great Stories, we welcome award-winning actor Max McLean, who portrays C.S. Lewis in the film "The Most Reluctant Convert." Max will share his experience making this incredible movie, which chronicles Lewis's journey from atheism to becoming a follower of Christ. It's a powerful story you need to hear, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus.

Human limitations are unavoidable—but how does God view them?Does He expect you to push through, striving to do it all? Or could it be that your limits are actually part of His good design? On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, join David Wollen and special guest Dr. Kelly Kapic as they explore what it means to embrace our God-given limitations—and why that might be one of the most life-giving truths we can rediscover.

Whether you're just beginning your journey of faith or have been walking with Christ for decades, one truth remains the same: you never outgrow your need for the Gospel. The Good News of Jesus isn’t just the starting point of the Christian life—it’s the foundation, the fuel, and the focus for every day that follows. As one pastor wisely said, “Preach the Gospel to yourself every day.” Join David Wollen with special guests, pastors Milton Vincent and Mike Bullmore, as they explore what it means to live daily in light of the Gospel. You’ll be reminded of the importance of being grounded in the Gospel.

Where can families turn in difficult times? The Smallbone family’s journey from hardship to hope offers powerful lessons in faith and resilience.Discover the inspiring true story behind music legends for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James on today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast.

What is God doing when you pray… and nothing seems to happen? When the days turn into weeks, or even years, and the breakthrough still hasn’t come—does He hear? Does He care?   In those seasons of silence and waiting, it’s easy to feel forgotten. But what if God is working in ways we can’t yet see? What if the waiting itself is part of His plan to shape us, deepen our trust, and draw us closer to Him?   On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Join David Wollen and Pastor Ste Casey, author of I Prayed and Nothing Changed as they explore the mystery of unanswered prayer and the quiet, often hidden ways God moves during our hardest moments.