Courageous Theology

On today's episode I chat with Ward Hiney, creator and director of Dark Holler: High Strangeness in Low Places, a documentary exploring the seemingly unexplainable in Appalachia. To find out more about the documentary, visit darkhollerfilm.com. Now, without further ado, sit back, relax and enjoy!

On today’s episode I chat with Will Basham and Jason Cook, the authors of the new books Rural Mission and Old Time Religion, respectively. Will is a West Virginia native who pastors New Heights Church in Milton, West Virginia and is the West Virginia area leader for the Acts 29 network. Jason, also a West Virginia native, served in the rural ministry context for 15 years as a United Baptist Elder before joining New Heights Church. Both are collaborators on Rural Church Voices, a small collaboration of leaders who care deeply about the rural church. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy!

On today’s episode I chat with Michael Jahosky. Michael is an assistant professor of humanities at St. Petersburg College in Florida, where he routinely incorporates the writings of J. R. R. Tolkien into his curricula. He is also the host of the Mythic Mission podcast, and his first book, “The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle-Earth” endeavors to show the truth, goodness, and beauty of Jesus Christ, the gospel, and the biblical meta-narrative by engaging the imagination through J. R. R. Tolkien’s writings, and is the topic of our conversation today. Also as a note, I was having some internet issues when this interview was recorded, so the first part is a bit choppy, sorry about that. Now, without further ado, sit back, relax and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens

On today’s episode I chat with Jani Ortlund. Jani is a well-known writer and conference speaker and the wife of Ray Ortlund, who is an author, a former seminary professor and pastor, and the president at Renewal Ministries. Jani, a former schoolteacher, holds a master’s degree in education and serves as executive vice president at Renewal Ministries. The Ortlunds have four children and fifteen grandchildren. On top of all that, Jani is the author of the new book “Help! I'm Married to my Pastor: Encouragement for Ministry Wives and Those Who Love Them", which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy!   Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens

On today’s episode I chat with Dr. Tim McKnight. Tim is director of the Global Center for Youth Ministry and associate professor of youth ministry and missions at the Clamp Divinity School of Anderson University. He has been a pastor for thirty years, with much of that time in youth ministry. His new book, “Engaging Generation Z: Raising the Bar in Youth Ministry” provides insights to equip, grow, and encourage today’s young people to follow Christ and to take student ministry to the next level, and is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens

On today’s episode I chat with Tish Harrison Warren. Tish is a priest in the Anglican Church in North America and has worked in ministry settings for over a decade, most recently as the writer-in-residence at Church of the Ascension in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband and three children. Tish is also the author of Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life, and Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep, which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens

On today’s episode I chat with Dr. David Murray. David is professor of Old Testament and practical theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he and his wife live. He is also a counselor, conference speaker, and the author of "Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids", and two new books “Why Am I Feeling Like This?” and “Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This?” which both deal with the subjects of anxiety and depression in teenagers, and are the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 53" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Glenna Marshall. She is a pastor’s wife and mother of two energetic sons and writes regularly at GlennaMarshall.com on biblical literacy, suffering, and the faithfulness of God. Her most recent book, “Everyday Faithfulness: The Beauty of Ordinary Perseverance in a Demanding World” is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 51" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Mark Talbot. Mark is associate professor of philosophy at Wheaton College with areas of expertise including philosophical psychology, philosophical theology, David Hume, Augustine, and Jonathan Edwards. He and his wife, Cindy, have one daughter and three grandchildren. His book, When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture, is volume 1 in a series on Suffering and the Christian life, and is our topic of conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 49" by Poor Bishop Hooper  

On today’s episode I chat with Joe Rigney. Joe is assistant professor of theology and literature at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he lives with his wife and three sons. He is also a pastor at Cities Church and the author of Live Like a Narnian, The Things of Earth, and his latest book, Strangely Bright: Can You Love God and Enjoy This World, which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 48" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Melissa Kruger. Melissa serves as director of women's initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. Her husband, Michael, is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, and they have three children. She is the author of multiple books, including The Envy of Eve, Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood, and her most recent book Growing Together: Taking Mentoring Beyond Small Talk and Prayer Requests, which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 46" by Poor Bishop Hooper

  On today’s episode I chat with Carl Trueman. Carl is professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College. Carl is a member of The Orthodox Presbyterian Church and co-host of the Mortification of Spin podcast. He has authored or edited more than a dozen books, including Luther on the Christian Life; Histories and Fallacies; and his latest book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 46" by Poor Bishop Hooper  

On today’s episode I chat with Conrad Mbewe. Conrad is a Baptist pastor in Zambia, and senior lecturer at African Christian University. He and his wife have three children and three foster children. Conrad has authored more nine books as well as contributed to many others, including his latest book God’s Design for the Church: A Guide for African Pastors and Ministry Leaders, which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 46" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Adam Griffin. Adam is the lead pastor of Eastside Community Church in East Dallas, Texas. And he previously served as an elder and spiritual formation pastor at The Village Church in the Dallas Fort Worth area. He is also the coauthor of the book Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home Through Time, Moments, and Milestones, which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 44" by Poor Bishop Hooper  

Some of you have noticed that the podcast was on a hiatus for July and August as well. However, before we kick back into regular episodes starting on September 7, I wanted to give you a conversation I had with repeat guest Gavin Ortlund about an article he wrote titled, “Should Churches in California Defy Government Restrictions? A Response to John MacArthur.” Gavin is a pastor in southern California, so this isn’t something theoretical for him—these things affect him and his church as well. I hope you enjoy this conversation, and hopefully get something from it. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, we should all strive for unity within the body of Christ. Now, without further ado, sit back, relax, and here we go…

On today’s episode I chat with Sara Barratt. Sara is a writer and lead editor for The Rebelution, a growing online platform that reaches more than half a million Christian teens, parents, and youth workers each year. She's a frequent speaker on topics including using your teen years for Christ, purity, and fighting modern-day slavery. She has also written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Girl Defined, and Lies Young Women Believe. Her first book, "Love Riot: A Teenage Call to Live With Relentless Abandon for Christ" was written when she was just eighteen, and is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 26" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Nancy Guthrie. Nancy is a Bible teacher, conference speaker, and along with her husband David, cohosts the GriefShare video series used in more than 12,000 churches nationwide and host Respite Retreats for couples who have experienced the death of a child. She is also the host of Help Me Teach the Bible, a podcast of The Gospel Coalition. She is also the author of the new book, Saints & Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus, which is the topic of today’s conversation. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 25" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Megan Hill. Megan serves as an editor for The Gospel Coalition. A pastor’s wife and a pastor’s daughter, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and four children, where they belong to West Springfield Covenant Community Church. She is also the author of Praying Together, Churches and Contentment, and her latest book,A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church, which is our topic of conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 24" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Jordan Riggle. Jordan is a guy with a microphone and a mission: to get the deep books of the Reformed tradition into as many hands as he can. The way he is tackling this goal is by professionally reading and recording audiobooks to promote the deep, faith-building, Christ-exalting works of the past in a format that lets modern, busy people experience these rich theological works on the go. Additionally, the books are incredibly affordable at just under $5 a piece. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 22" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Dr. Rhyne Putman. Rhyne is an associate professor of theology and culture at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he has served since 2010. He is the pastor of preaching and vision at First Baptist Church in Kenner, Louisiana, and the author of In Defense of Doctrine, and his newest book When Doctrine Divides the People of God, which releases tomorrow and is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 20" by Poor Bishop Hooper    

On today’s episode I chat with Dr. Gene Edward Veith. Dr. Veith is a writer and a retired literature professor. He is Provost Emeritus at Patrick Henry College. He previously served as Culture Editor of WORLD MAGAZINE and Professor of English and Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at Concordia University Wisconsin. He is the author of more than 25 books, including Postmodern Times, The Spirituality of the Cross, Classical Education, God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life, and his most recent book, Post-Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture, which is the topic of our conversation of today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 19" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Jen Oshman. Jen is a wife, mom, and writer, and has served as a missionary and pastor's wife for over two decades on three continents. She currently resides in Colorado, where her family planted Redemption Parker, an Acts29 church. She writes regularly at www.jenoshman.com and has a weekly podcast called All Things. She recently released her first book, “Enough About Me: Find Lasting Joy in the Age of Self”, which is the topic of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 18" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Dr. Os Guinness. Os is an author, social critic, and great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the famous Irish brewer. Os has written or edited more than 30 books that each offer valuable insight into the cultural, political, and social contexts in which we all live. His most recent book, Carpe Diem Redeemed is the focus of our conversation today. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 17" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat again with Gavin Ortlund. Gavin serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai in Ojai, California. He is the author of several books, including Anselm's Pursuit of Joy, Retrieving Augustine's Doctrine of Creation, Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals, and Finding the Right Hills to Die On, which releases tomorrow and is the focus of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 16" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Gavin Ortlund. Gavin serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai in Ojai, California. He is the author of several books, including Anselm's Pursuit of Joy, Retrieving Augustine's Doctrine of Creation, and Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals, which is the focus of our conversation today. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 15" by Poor Bishop Hooper

  On today’s episode I chat with Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey, pastors of The Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas. They are also the authors of the book, "Steal Away Home: Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, Unlikely Friends on the Passage of Freedom." Now, without further ado, sit back, relax and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 14" by Poor Bishop Hooper  

On today’s episode I chat with Justin Whitmel Earley. Justin is the creator of The Common Rule, a program of habits designed to form us in the love of God and neighbor. He is also a mergers and acquisitions lawyer in Richmond, Virginia. He previously spent several years in China as the founder and general editor of The Urbanity Project and as the director of Thought and Culture Shapers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through arts. He and his wife, Lauren, have four sons and live in Richmond, Virginia. His book, The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction, and resource Spiritual Rhythms of Quarantine, are the subject of today’s conversation. Now, without further ado, sit back, relax and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 13" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with John Clark, the CEO of Soulcon, a Christian nonprofit organization committed to inspiring men to increase their fitness levels and embrace a special forces lifestyle for Jesus Christ. He has been a Commissioned Minister, security coordinator, and men’s group leader for several years with Celebration Church in New Orleans. He also serves as the Assistant Chaplain for his local Sheriff’s Office, as well as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 12" by Poor Bishop Hooper  

On today’s episode I chat with Dr. Joel Scandrett. Dr. Scandrett is assistant professor of historical theology and director of the Robert E. Webber Center at Trinity School of Ministry. He is a lifelong lover of Christian history, theology and doctrine, and currently serves as priest at Church of the Ascension, a parish within the Anglican Church in North America located in Pittsburgh. The focus of our discussion today is a book he edited with Dr. J.I. Packer titled, “To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism." Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 11" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today’s episode I chat with Tim Challies. Tim is a best known for being a blogger, author, and book reviewer who blogs daily at challies.com. Additionally, he is a husband, father, and proud Canadian. His newest project, “Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History,” releases March 31 in book form, and as a 10 episode docuseries on April 14, and is the topic of our discussion. Now, without further ado, sit back, relax and Here we go… Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 10" by Poor Bishop Hooper

  On today's episode, I chat with Scarlet Hiltibidal. Scarlet is a daughter, wife, mother, and author of the books, “He Numbered the Pores on My Face,” and “Afraid of All the Things: Tornadoes, Cancer, Adoption, and Other Stuff You Need the Gospel For”—the latter of which is the main topic of today’s conversation. "Afraid of All the Things" was one of my favorite books of 2019 and the most honest and helpful book I’ve read on the subject of fear and the gospel. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 9" by Poor Bishop Hooper  

On today's episode, Drew chats with Gerald White, church planter and pastor at Hope Bingham in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hope Bingham is part of the 20 Scheme's network of gospel-centered churches bringing the light of the gospel to Scotland's poorest communities. To find out more about 20 Schemes, click here. To find out more about Gerald and the work he is doing at Hope Bingham—including info on how to give support to that work—click here. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 7" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today's episode, Drew chats with Jesse and Leah Roberts, better known as the band Poor Bishop Hooper. The Roberts are currently undertaking a three year long journey to write a song inspired by the Psalms, called EveryPsalm. As a bonus for listeners, I'll be including a download to the songs each week for the length of the project. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Psalm 6" by Poor Bishop Hooper

On today's episode, Drew chats with Les Lanphere, director of the movies Calvinist and Spirit and Truth: A Film About Worship, the latter being the focus of the discussion. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Spirit and Truth Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Effortless" by Mars Ill

  On today's episode, Drew continues to chat with Dr. Greg Forster, director of the Oikonomia Network at the Center for Transformational Churches at Trinity International University. He is the author of numerous books and articles, both scholarly and popular including The Joy of Calvinism, which is the focus of today's discussion. Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Mediator" by Ghost Ship  

On today's episode, Drew chats with Dr. Greg Forster, director of the Oikonomia Network at the Center for Transformational Churches at Trinity International University. In addition, Dr. Forster is a visiting assistant professor of faith and culture at Trinity. He is the author of numerous books and articles, both scholarly and popular including: The Church on Notice; Joy for the World; The Joy of Calvinism; The Contested Public Square; and Economics A Student’s Guide. Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "Money Song" by L.A. Symphony

  On today's episode, Drew chats with Troy Frasier, one of the host of Revived Thoughts, a podcast bringing to life sermons from the past. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. Revived Thoughts Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "The Problem of Pain" by Heath McNease  

On today's episode, Drew chats with Josh Robinson, church planter and pastor of New Haven Church in Chapmanville, WV. Liturgy is the topic of conversation, and its importance in everyday—and church—life. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. New Haven Church Music on today's episode: Intro/Outro - "Sweetness of Freedom" by Citizens Mid Episode - "The Great Divorce" by Heath McNease

Seven months...now that's a hiatus. We all struggle with intentionality. Obviously I do, because if I had been intentional, there wouldn't be such a gap in podcast episodes. What is it you struggle to be intentional with: relationships, work, spiritual life? Whatever it is, you can choose to be intentional today!

Cody Fields of Westminster Effects shares how God saved him from legalism.

On today’s episode, Drew chats with Greg de Blieck, hymn writer, guitarist, and signer of New Scottish Hymns. Greg and Drew talk about writing new hymns for the church, the role of music in our worship, Scottish poetry, and Scottish accents.  

Julia Moses shares how God has been faithful during the difficult and devastating trials of life.

  The bi-weekly episode series, Saved Sinners, continues with Philip Moses. Check out how God's grace has sustained Philip through trials.  

On today's episode, Drew chats with Mike Yarbrough, founder and podcast host of Wolf & Iron, and owner of Rustic & Main. The two talk manliness and the Christian life. Check it out!   https://wolfandiron.com/ https://rusticandmain.com/   Featured music: Under Bridges by Brave Saint Saturn   Intro & Outro music: Sweetness of Freedom by Citizens and Saints

The new episode series, Saved Sinners, kicks off with Phil Raynes. Check out how God's grace saved Phil from himself.

On today's episode, Drew chats with Matthew Spandler-Davison, executive director of Scotland's 20Schemes, operations manager of Acts 29's Church in Hard Places, and pastor of Redeemer Fellowship Church in Bardstown, Kentucky.   https://20schemes.com/us/ https://www.acts29.com/network/church-in-hard-places/  

On today's episode, Drew chats about some updates coming soon to Courageous Theology.   Instagram: @CourageousTheology

On Today's Episode Drew talks with Cody Fields—owner of Westminster Effects and co-host of the Doxology Podcast—about worship, baseball, Reckless Love, politics, and why you should #BuyPedals.   https://www.westminstereffects.com/

On today's episode, Drew discusses lowering our expectations while raising our standards. Instagram: @CourageousTheology

And we are back!!!   On this week's episode, Drew talks patriotism, football (soccer for the uncivilized), and a Christian ethic of national pride....congrats, you're probably now on a watch list.  

On today's episode, Drew talks about dealing with difficulties in life, overcoming momentary afflictions, and relying on God when you can't see the outcome.