My Latest Newsletter Articles

States can't block presidential candidates from the ballot
The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that Colorado did not have the power to remove Donald Trump from its ballot.
Iowa stands for religious freedom
I wish I could say the same about Iowa Democrats.
Dead Wood Media
The era of print journalism is over.
What Christian Nationalism is not.
Believing one's rights come from God doesn't make that person a Christian nationalist.
Fear Not
Isaiah 43 provides a great reminder that whatever challenges we face, difficulties that arise, obstacles that seem to be in our way… we are to fear not.
Confusing Law & Gospel
We can’t ‘live’ the gospel. We can’t ‘do’ the Gospel. We can’t ‘be’ the Gospel. But we can believe it and share it.
Ads can never replace personal evangelism
A 60-second Super Bowl ad can never take the place of loving our neighbors and sharing Jesus with them.
The Bible and Immigration
Christians hold various opinions about illegal immigration. What does the Bible say about immigrants and what it mean for Christians today?
Christians serving local schools
You don't need to be recognized as a chaplain to serve and love public school students and staff in Jesus' name.
Misleading headlines erode media credibility
The Des Moines Register's story on HF 2128 is a compelling one, but marred by a headline designed to drive clicks and stoke outrage.
What is an evangelical?
Evangelicalism is not just white, not Republican, and not monolithic. It is defined by the good news of Jesus Christ as revealed in scripture.
Coronating candidates
Republicans and Democrats are dead set on giving us a rematch that a majority of the electorate has made pretty clear we don't want.

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About Shane

Shane is an Iowa native, a follower of Jesus, a husband to Cheryl, and a father of three grown children.  Shane and his family live in the Des Moines, IA area having moved back in 2002 after living in Illinois, Florida, Ohio, and Indiana.

Shane is the founder and President of 4:15 Communications, a social media and communications consulting and management firm, specializing in social media account creation, social media strategy audits, blog creation and management, social media account management, online written content for websites, blog content, public relations, and press release distribution.

Shane has 20 years of working in non-profit organizations, and ten years of experience with public relations, community networking, social media marketing, and blogging. He is also an experienced public speaker and trainer.

Shane also founded in 2006 Caffeinated Thoughts, a multi-contributor site that provides “stimulating Christian & conservative commentary” on culture, current events, faith, and politics where he writes on a daily basis and serves as editor-in-chief. He also launched in 2020 The Iowa Torch, a news site focused on Iowa politics. Shane has also contributed to The Des Moines Register, POLITICO, The Hill, Daily Caller, and Fox News. Campaigns & Elections Magazine has recognized Shane as one of the top political influencers in Iowa.

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