Am I Called

What Women Wish Their Pastors Knew About Women (Pt. 2)   On this new episode, Dave is joined by Trillia Newbell. Trillia currently serves as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. She is also a wife, a mother, and the author of several books including her most recent release, God’s Very Good Idea.   Dave and Trillia unpack certain cultural events like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter and how pastors should address these issues. Ideas discussed include the following:   1. Creating a Gospel saturated environment that is informed by scriptures 2. Getting in close proximity with those from opposite walks of like so that our understanding can grow.  3. Actively taking steps to insure our congregations are reflecting the heart of God.   This is an incredibly helpful episode that expands on our desire to hear from the voices of women!  For more information on Trillia, please visit: trillianewbell.com.

For today’s “Calling Question”, Dave addresses the tension the preacher confronts each week of preparing the heart to preach before the Audience of One while also preparing to preach to people.

15 Things Seminary Couldn’t Teach Me Today, Dave is joined by Collin Hansen. Collin is an author, the Chief Editorial Director at The Gospel Coalition, and he is an old friend of the AIC Podcast! While many of us have had the privilege of attending seminary, we also had a steep learning curve upon leaving seminary and entering into vocational ministry. There was much that seminary didn’t prepare us for! To discuss that very issue, Dave and Collin talk about the new book that he edited alongside Jeff Robinson, “15 Things Seminary Couldn’t Teach Me.” They talk about the history that led to writing the book as well as why they felt the need publish it. They also broached the subject of how applications of complementarianism can influence seminaries towards a more narrow field of options for theological education for women. This is surely an episode that many of you will be able to personally relate to and we hope that it brings encouragement to your soul. For more information on the book, CLICK HERE. To enter for a chance to win a free copy, CLICK HERE.

Dave and Jamin are joined today by Bland Mason. Bland is a church planter; the pastor of City on A Hill in Boston, Massachusetts; and the chaplain for the Red Sox. Beginning with Bland's conversion and his early years in pastoral ministry, the conversation glides through training church planters, pastoring an educated congregation, doing Kingdom work as a pastor, and his call to be a baseball chaplain.  SPOILER ALERT: If for any reason you are behind on "This Is Us", there is a brief spoiler in this episode! For more information on the Spanish assessment, visit soyllamado.com.

Sex, Pleasure, Paradise, & Pastoral Ministry Today we are joined by Dave’s long time friend and the first person to ever join us on the AIC Podcast–Paul David Tripp. Paul is a well-known author, speaker, and pastor-counselor. His has written many books including Dangerous Calling, New Morning Mercies, and his newly released, Sex in a Broken World: How Christ Redeems What Sin Distorts (Crossway).   Paul begins by giving us an update on his health and telling us how God has confronted him with his confusion between his faith in Christ and his confidence in his own strength.  Dave and Paul quickly dive into the primary topic of the podcast–Sex. They discuss the need to understand sexual pleasure with an eternal mindset, how to pastor in light of the sex driven culture, and how we cannot live with “paradise mentality’’ in the pleasures we experience in this temporal world. From there, they wrap up the show by speaking on current trends within the church and complementarianism. To download the excerpt from Paul’s new book: Click Here To enter for a chance to win a physical copy: Click Here Disclaimer for Parents: While today’s episode does not contain anything graphic in nature, it does deal with the difficult topic of sex. Please use discernment when deciding to listen around young ears.

“The Relevance of Radio, the Story of Family Life, and How To Do An Effective Interview” Dave is joined by well-known radio hosts, Bob Lepine. Bob is the co-host alongside Dennis Rainey for Family Life Radio. He is also the church planter of Redeemer Community Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. In this packed episode, Bob tells of his journey towards his job at Family Life Radio and how their vision is to provide Marriage and Family application that is profoundly practical, personal, and derived directly from Scripture. Afterwards, the remainder of the episode is spent discussing what makes an excellent interviewer and how audience participation is not only key to being an effective interviewer, but is also key in developing worship services that cause the congregation to be participants rather than consumers. For more on Family Life and the upcoming parenting move, Like Arrows, visit Family Life's website: Click Here.

For today’s “Calling Question”, Dave provides insights for pastors on how to handle this difficult-but-consistent-problem that leaders face in providing meaningful help to troubled marriages.

 “What Women Wish Their Pastor’s Knew About Women.” This is one you won’t want to miss!  On this episode, Elyse Fitzpatrick–a well-known author (Give Them Grace, Because He Loves Me, Home, and the newly released, Finding the Love of Jesus From Genesis to Revelation), speaker, wife and mom talks to Dave about the #Metoo Movement, women’s voices in the local church, and how pastors relate to women in their congregations.   As the episode comes to an end, Elyse explains the inspiration behind her recent book and then gives us one of the most encouraging reminders you will ever hear on a podcast! For information on her latest book: Amazon For her podcast: Front Porch with the Fitzes

The Surprising Connection Between Community and Longevity. On today’s episode, Dave and Pete Greasley– the pastor of Christchurch in Newport, Wales– discuss the connection between pastors being in intimate community and their perseverance in long-term pastoral ministry.

Surprises in pastoring Millenials, Gen X-er’s and Boomers We are joined by our good friend, Pete Greasley. For those who might be new to the podcast, Pete is the pastor of Christchurch in Newport, Wales where he has served for 23 years. We have had the privilege of having him on the podcast twice before and are excited to have him back!   Pete and Dave discuss what it means to be specifically aware of generational characteristics and how, as pastors, biblical application needs to be given to each generation accordingly.

Introducing A Titan of Practical Theology, Richard Baxter! Todd Augustine returns to discuss Richard Baxter’s ministry in greater detail. Todd served as Pastor of Congregational Life at College Church, Wheaton. IL and now lives in Naples where he is the Pastor of Covenant Church–a PCA Presbyterian congregation. In this episode, Dave and Todd dive into Baxter’s practical outworking of the theology he held to so dearly. We will hear how Baxter–and the Puritans at large–trusted not in their own words of wisdom, but in the Word of God that gave forth true transformation. This is a fascinating look into God’s work through the ministers of old and we hope it encourages you to persevere and hold fast to God’s Word in these modern times.

Why Every Church Leader Should Know the Puritans and Pastor Richard Baxter! On this new episode, Dave sits down with Todd Augustine to talk about the amazing ministry of Puritan Richard Baxter. Todd served as Pastor of Congregational Life at College Church, Wheaton. IL and now lives in Naples where he is the Pastor of Covenant Church–a PCA Presbyterian congregation.  The discussion begins with Todd’s story, his unlikely transition into ministry, and how he discovered the writings of the Puritans. From there, Todd explains his in-depth study of Richard Baxter–and how contemporary leaders can apply the advice of the Puritans to their modern-day context.

What does it look like to faithfully serve a church for over 31 years? Dave and Jamin are joined today by Dr. Tom Ascol. Tom is an author, a scholar, the Executive Director of Founders Ministries, and the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida where he has served for over 31 years.  The wide variety of topics discussed include the following: - Tom’s early years in pastoral ministry and how God helped Tom resolve deep questions about what it means to be in ministry. - The benefits of pastoring one church with a long-term vision - The providence and pains for one struck by lightning - The importance of thinking of pastoral ministry through a theological frame of mind. This episode is packed with insight about faithfully serving the local church.  We think it will encourage you and stoke your motivation for loving, serving and leading within your local church! For more on Founders Ministries, please visit founders.org.

Why is this year’s Sojourn Network Leadership Summit (starting October 23rd in Louisville!) about churches collaborating with one another?   In this episode, Dave is joined by J.D. Greear. J.D. is the lead pastor of Summit Church in Raleigh, North Carolina as well as a faculty member at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a former missionary to Southeast Asia.  Dave and J.D. discuss the nature of church partnerships and how they are important to the survival of both the local church and international mission efforts; the differences between planting a church and starting a multi-site campus; and then the reasoning for J.D.’s removal from the vote for the presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention.  This episode wraps up with the wonderful reminder that the greatest days of evangelism are ahead of us–not behind us! For more information on the Sojourn Leadership Summit, please visit the Conference page HERE.

  Dave and Jamin provide insight and answers to this question through presenting particular events where growth and humility can be displayed.  As they wrap up, they give a beautifull reminder that “humility nourishes your soul."

What does it look like to for an acclaimed hip-hop artist to become a pastor and make much of Jesus?  On today’s episode, Dave and Jamin are joined by Trip Lee. Trip Lee is a hip-hop artist with Reach Records, an author, and a pastor at Cornerstone Church in Atlanta, GA. Trip starts off by discussing his upbringing and how the Lord brought him to where he is as both an artist and a pastor. From there, Dave, Jamin, and Trip speak on discipleship in the local church, church planting, and some surprising thoughts on areas of suffering that reminds us that the Lord doesn’t simply supply us with strength, but that he IS our strength. Disclaimer: We apologize for some of the rough audio quality of this interview. There were some technical difficulties in picking up Trip’s audio channel. However, we are grateful for the awesome team at Resonate Recordings for rescuing us and saving the episode.

How Should Christians think about and deal with racial justice issues?   Dave is joined by Dr. Carl Ellis, Jr. Carl is a pastor, author, the Pastor for Cultural Apologetics at New City Fellowship, and a former professor of Dave's.   The conversation begins with Carl discussing his time at L'Abri under Francis Shaeffer and then moves into the main topic- racism and the church.   This episode is jam-packed and deals with a very hard and current issue within our country, but Dr. Carl Ellis leaves us with the beautiful reminder that the source of justice is only through the biblical worldview and that God can be glorified through how the church deals with cultural matters.   For more on Dr. Ellis, please visit www.ellisperspectives.com.

What do music, writing, preaching, and social media have in common?   Dave and Jamin are joined on this episode by Ronnie Martin. Ronnie is a pastor, church planter, and author (“Stop Your Complaining”, "Finding God in the Dark", and “The Bridezilla of Christ’’), but before that, Ronnie spent his time as a touring musician in the band known as Joy Electric.    The conversation begins with Ronnie explaining his journey from music into ministry and then leads to how creativity can be useful in music, ministry, writing, and in the use of social media.   For more on his transition from music to ministry, please read the following article: Called Out of the Music Industry Into Pastoral Ministry.

  Is a pastor unsuccessful if he moves on to another position? Dave and Jamin are joined on this episode by JR Vassar. JR is a former planter in New York City who now pastors Church at the Cross in Grapevine, TX. Once the pastor of a thriving church with two campuses, JR felt called to step down from his position as Lead Pastor and move for the health of his family.  Following this background story, Dave, Jamin, and JR leap into discussing some specific situations in the world of church planting and pastoring. Topics discussed include: The effects of transitioning from one pastorate to another position elsewhere How the Gospel can be revealed at a greater level amidst uncertainty in transitioning The Biblical idea of ‘’success’’ within ministry When it’s NOT okay to leave one position for another There is a lot packed into this episode and we pray that you find it beneficial in your planting and pastoring aspirations.

What is the Holy Spirit’s role in preaching and how did Charles Spurgeon experience the Spirit? On today’s episode, Dave and Jamin have the wonderful opportunity of speaking with Zack Eswine. Zack is the Pastor of Riverside Church in Webster Groves, MO as well as the Director of Homiletics at Covenant Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books including “The Imperfect Pastor”, “Spurgeon’s Sorrows”, and “Sensing Jesus.” They begin by discussing Zack’s doctoral work on Charles H. Spurgeon and then quickly move into an engaging conversation on the Holy Spirit’s role in preaching and how the Spirit has shaped Zack’s life and preaching during his years in the pulpit. For more information, please visit The Pastor’s Abbey at zackeswine.com.  

For individuals in ministry, or who aspire to ministry, there can be a variety of temptations and stumbling blocks that they may find themselves facing throughout their journey. On this episode, Dave and Stephen discuss the common areas of struggle for leaders and pastors, both young and old, and provide insight on how to avoid those potential pitfalls.

On this episode, Dave Harvey and Stephen Altrogge are joined by Dr. Dan Allender. Dr. Allender is the Professor of Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School as well as the author of To Be Told, Leading With a Limp, and Healing the Wounded Heart. Topics discussed include leadership, counseling for sexual abuse, and living in joy because of Christ’s work.   If you’ve never heard an interview with Dan Allender, you are in for an unusual experience. He is insightful, humorous, wise, and yet says exactly what he thinks in a ‘no-holds-barred’ manner. You don’t want to miss this one!   Disclaimer: Due to the nature of the topics discussed, we recommend that children not be present while listening to this interview.   For more on Dan Allender, please visit theallendercenter.org

When a pastor decides it is time to leave his current church, there are a variety of temptations and problems that he can be faced with. On this episode, Dave Harvey and Stephen Altrogge sit down to discuss what they feel is the best way to leave so that the pastor is considering the church and leaders, the congregation is respected, and God is honored.

On this episode, Dave and Stephen are joined by Paul Miller. Paul is the executive director of “See Jesus”-a global-discipleship ministry- as well as the author of “A Praying Life”. Together they discuss his latest book, “A Loving Life”, and then take a look at how the biblical idea of love transforms how we see life, particularly when we suffer.

There’s a lot of leadership transition taking place in churches these days. In “Part 2” of our interview with Pete Greasley, the pastor of Christ Church in Newport, Wales, Dave and Pete discuss how to walk a congregation through transitions in leadership. They also explore the importance of having well organized church structures while not abandoning the call to build missional churches.   

Recently Dave joined Pete Greasley, the pastor of Christ Church in Newport, Wales for the Eccentrics Conference – the one event, Dave claims, which is most suitably titled to Pete’s personality. On this episode they talk about what it really means to have a long-term vision for pastoring a church and then together explore what it looks like to lead in multi-generational settings.

In this episode of the Am I Called Podcast, Andy Crouch, author and Executive Editor for Christianity Today, joins Dave and Stephen to discuss the inspiration behind his latest book, Strong and Weak, and then speaks on the surprising issues within leadership that he sees emerging.

"Collin Hansen, the Editorial Director for The Gospel Coalition, joins Dave Harvey and Stephen Altrogge as they review the post election climate and its ties to evangelicalism and then speak on the “New Calvinism”.

On this episode of the Am I Called Podcast, Ed Welch (Ph.D., author, and CCEF faculty member) joins Dave and Stephen to discuss Biblical counseling and the issue of pastors and leaders in dealing with the darkness of depression.

Stephen Altrogge interviews Dave Harvey about his most recent book release, in which he co-authored with Paul Gilbert, titled: "Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Souls".   

"Dave and Stephen interview Jonathan Holmes, a Counseling Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, OH. They discuss his book “The Company We Keep” and speak on the crucial roles that friendship play in leadership. And to make the podcast more interesting, Dave talks about the evils of red fire ants!” 

In this episode of the "Am I Called" podcast, Dave and Paul interview Bob Evans as he describes the why and how behind his stepping aside from a lead pastor role and how a pastor finds the ‘sweet spot’ in ministry!

In this episode of the "Am I Called" podcast, Dave Harvey and Stephen Altrogge speak with Barnabas Piper about several topics, including: Barnabas's new book: "Help My Unbelief"Barnabas's tattoo, which reads: "I Believe, Help My Unbelief". The theme of "Unbelief" in scriptureShould the church and it's leaders have all the answers?Should parents have all the answers?

In this Calling Question, Dave Harvey answers the question "Does preaching make a man vulnerable to spiritual attack?".  Find more resources including articles, videos, and audio files at www.amicalled.com. 

In this episode of the "Am I Called" podcast, Dave talks with Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. In this episode, they discuss: How pastors can be engaging the cultureReligious libertyHow pastors can be thinking about their message and their motivesThe future of the church in the public squareWhat Dr. Moore would say to men preparing for pastoral ministryand more!

In this episode of the "Am I Called" podcast, Dave talks with Richard Blackaby—author of over 30 books and President of Blackaby Ministries International.  In this episode, they discuss: The call to leadershipMinistry with his father Henry BlackabyExperiencing GodWhat ministry growth looks likeAdvice for future ministry leadersand more!

In this episode of the “Am I Called?” podcast Dave talks to Carl Trueman--a theologian, church historian, writer and Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary. He's also a pastor. Carl regularly posts at Reformation21.org. They discuss: Call to scholarship and the churchThe ministry as a distinctive calling in the UKTraining men to be eldersLay elders vs. paid eldersVulnerability of men in ministry to spiritual attacksThe culture of celebrity pastorsPoliticsand more!

In this episode of Calling Questions, Dave answers the following question: Is application really necessary to make a good sermon?

In this episode of the “Am I Called?” podcast, Dave talks to Jared Wilson, Director of Content Strategy for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Managing Editor of For the Church. They discuss:The biggest surprises in leadership they've encountered in 20 yearsChurch plant failuresWrecking and recovering a marriageFinding freedom from bondageChanges in one's callingand more!

In this episode of the “Am I Called?” podcast, Dave talks to Dr. Zack Eswine, author, pastor of Riverside Church in Webster Groves, Missouri, and Director of Homiletics and Professor of Applied Theology at Covenant Seminary. Serge supplies missionaries resources, care, mentoring and sending, inspiring them with Gospel truth.Zack's new book is The Imperfect Pastor.They discuss:Zack's background and early success and how that came crashing downHow Zack found hope and healingContentment in ministryThe "recovery of our humanity" as pastorsPreaching barefootand more!

In this episode of the “Am I Called?” podcast, Dave talks to Matt Perman: speaker, consultant, and author of the book What's Best Next? You can visit Matt's site at WhatsBestNext.com.

In this episode of the “Am I Called?” podcast, Dave talks to Bob Osborne, Executive Director of Serge. Serge supplies missionaries with resources, care and mentoring, inspiring them with Gospel truth.They discuss:Grace at the frayHow Serge helps men and women identify their call to missionsHow a call to missions differs from a call to pastoral ministryComplications that emerge with pastors and missions agencies working togetherThe role of mission agencies working with the local churchand more!

In this episode of the “Am I Called?” podcast, Dave talks to pastor Mike Bullmore.  Mike is the senior pastor of CrossWay Community Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he has served since 1998 (when the church was launched). For 15 years, Mike was Associate Professor of Homiletics (preaching) and Pastoral Theology, as well as chairman of the Practical Theology Department at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.They discuss:Life in the world of a homiletics professorThe role preaching plays in the evaluation of a church planterHow to determine if a man is called to preachPlagiarizing preachersand more!

In this episode, Dave Harvey talks to author and speaker Paul Tripp.  They discuss:Paul's healthHow God is meeting Paul in this time of physical difficultyWhat's making a difference as he suffersHow called men can deal with suffering in ministryLife and suffering in their 30's, 40's, 50's and 60'sWhat's in Paul's heart for the next generation of pastors and their futures

Barnabas Piper works at Lifeway Christian Resources for the Leadership Development Team.  He's also the son of son of Pastor and bestselling author John Piper. Dave recently interviewed Barnabas, and they discussed thoughts from his book, The Pastor's Kid: Finding Your Own Faith and Identity.

Rick Denham is the President of Fiel Ministries, which is the largest Christian publisher in Brazil. Dave recently interviewed Rick, and they discussed:Why Rick stepped away from publishing ministry for an internship.How Rick got embedded in the contemporary Christian music world.The problems Rick encountered in the CCM world.The differences between Brazilian and USA christian leaders.How to avoid the problem of celebrity pastors.The founding and growth of Fiel publishing.Why Fiel gives away books for free.

In this episode, Dave Harvey talks to seminary professor and author, Don Whitney. They discuss: Why Don likes to use fountain pens. Don’s call out of law school and into ministry. What is biblical spirituality?How Don developed his book on the spiritual disciplines.How to be godly in a technologically driven culture.How Don’s thinking on the spiritual disciplines has changed in the last 20 years.The good and bad of contemplative Christianity.The most important spiritual disciplines.

In this episode, Dave talks to Randy Alcorn. Dave and Randy discuss:Why Randy decided to leave pastoral ministry. Why Randy has given so much time and thought to the subject of heaven.What it means to live for eternity.How God set eternity in Randy's heart. How fiction works uniquely upon the human heart. How God has used Randy's books to change people's lives. 

In this episode, Dave Harvey talks to JR Vassar. Dave and JR discuss:The innate hunger all of us have for glory, and how that is both a good and a bad thing. The difference between a celebrity pastor and a popular faithful pastor. How to handle receiving accolades from others. The difference between preaching in the North and in the South. 

In this episode of Calling Questions, Dave answers the following question: What should a guy do if he wants to go into ministry but his elders don't like him?