For the Church Podcast

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For the Church Podcast with Jared C. Wilson. Another resource for the Church from Midwestern Seminary.

Jared C. Wilson


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 453 EPISODES

    4.8 from 329 ratings Listeners of For the Church Podcast that love the show mention: love jared, tom brady, local church, see title, fantastic host, pastors, tremendously, ministry, gospel, christ, helpful, resource, variety, engaging, topics, excellent, job, good, enjoy, awesome.


    Ivy Insights

    The For the Church Podcast is an exceptional podcast that is sure to captivate and inspire listeners. Hosted by Jared C. Wilson, this podcast delivers insightful and biblically-sound insights on a variety of theological and ecclesiological issues. Whether you are a pastor, future pastor, or simply someone seeking to deepen your understanding of the gospel and its implications for the local church, this podcast is a must-listen.

    One of the best aspects of The For the Church Podcast is the depth and breadth of topics covered. From discussions on pastoral ministry to conversations about cultural engagement, each episode offers valuable insights that are both thought-provoking and practical. Wilson's ability to bring humor and depth to each episode, along with his engaging dialogue with guests, creates an enjoyable listening experience that leaves listeners wanting more.

    Another commendable aspect of this podcast is its commitment to delivering content that is centered on the gospel. The episodes consistently offer sound biblical teaching that encourages believers to grow in their love for God and people. This focus on gospel-centered content sets The For the Church Podcast apart from others in its genre and makes it a reliable resource for those seeking to deepen their faith.

    While there are countless positives to highlight about this podcast, one potential drawback worth mentioning is its occasional inconsistency in releasing new episodes. Some listeners have expressed disappointment when episodes are not released on a regular basis. However, it is important to note that when episodes are released, they consistently deliver high-quality content that is well worth the wait.

    In conclusion, The For the Church Podcast is a phenomenal resource for Christians seeking to grow in their faith and understanding of gospel-centered ministry. With Jared C. Wilson as host, listeners can expect insightful discussions, engaging dialogue, and biblically-sound teaching that will enrich their walk with Christ. Whether you are a pastor looking for practical advice or simply someone desiring to learn more about what it means to be part of the local church, this podcast is a must-listen.



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    Latest episodes from For the Church Podcast

    Episode 317: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025


    It's a mailbag episode! On this week's For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson dig into the inbox and tackle questions related to sheep swapping and church hopping, the pursuit of writing, fruitful pulpit supply, and how Satan's rebellion connects to questions of worship, sanctification, and the possibility of sin in the new heavens and new earth. As always, to submit a question for the mailbag, email us at mailbag@ftc.co

    Episode 316: Young Adults for the Kingdom

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025


    Was Gen-Z at TGC? Beginning with that strange question, today's episode of the FTC Podcast transitions to a conversation about the calling of young adults for Christ's kingdom. At some point in the last fifty years, our society began to see the young adult years as a season of life when you can just “figure things out” and have as much fun as possible while you do. Of course, our teens and twenties can be fun. And no college student or young adult in a first job can know what the next ten to fifteen years will hold. But these decades are also the launching pad for the rest of your life. Young adults will have opportunities to make an eternal difference. After all, they're on mission now. Jesus's commissioning is all that is needed to love God, love people, and witness to the truth of the gospel. Jared Wilson visits with returning guest, author and pastor Jeremy Writebol, about his new book Make It Your Ambition, which presents young adults with seven worthy pursuits to ignite young people's imaginations to discover what a life marked by robust, gospel-fueled, and Spirit-filled obedience can look like.

    Episode 315: Church as Singles Mixer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025


    Lots of singles in the church. Fewer and fewer marriages. What gives? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about their own observations and experienes in the "dating world" of the local church. Why are young men and women finding it difficult to find potential spouses? Why do they find it difficult sometimes to even talk to each other? What are the relational landmines in seeing the church as a dating pool? And what can singles actually do to enhance their potential for Christian marriage?

    Episode 314: Sports

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025


    Is there a particularly Christian way to approach sports? Does the Bible say anything about it? Beyond the typical warnings about idolatry and obsession, what good can Christians derive from athetlics and athletic competitions? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the importance and influence of sports, including the question about whether Christians should participate in sports like boxing and MMA.

    Episode 313: The Capitol Hill Baptist Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025


    Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, has a rich 150-year history. Its members have participated in significant world events, advocated for religious freedoms, and spoken out against the moral failings of the times. There's no doubt this church has had a unique impact on evangelicalism from a significant location. But these lively characters and their unique experiences only tell part of this engaging narrative. On today's episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, which tells the history and personal stories behind the influence Capitol Hill Baptist Church enjoys today.

    Episode 312: Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025


    This week the guys decide to touch one of the touchiest subjects in the church -- money. What's it really for? Why is it so difficult to talk about among Christians? How can we best steward it? And how is generosity a reflection of worship?

    Episode 311: The Easter Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025


    In this episode, the latest annual reflection during Easter week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss why too many preachers and churches frequently leave out the resurrection in their gospel presentations. Why is it so easy to forget the resurrection? And what should this week's emphasis on Christ's emergence from the grave mean for our thinking and ministry year-round?

    Episode 310: Live Conference Episode Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025


    In the second of two live episodes recorded at the Federated Fellowship Bible Conference in Pella, Iowa, this time around Jared and Ross answer questions from the conference audience. No pre-screening. No safety net. Just a couple of guys, a couple of mics, and a handful of surprise queries.

    Episode 309: Live Conference Episode Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025


    Here's a first for the FTC Podcast! Jared and Ross recorded this Mailbag episode live at the Federated Fellowship Bible Conference in Pella, Iowa on March 8, 2025 as the first part of two total live episodes. The questions submitted by listeners include: when should pastors speak out about politics, why evangelism feels "transactional," the impact of conferences and podcasts on our understanding of pastors, and how uniform church members should be on doctrinal matters.

    Episode 308: Beauty

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025


    Wonder and awe of the beautiful is essential to the human experience. Our souls are often shaped and formed by the aesthetic experiences provided by the Creator. When we neglect this aspect of our lives, we fail to realize how God has created us uniquely to not only enjoy beauty, but to also create the beautiful. A distinctly Christian vision of these realities opens our eyes to see how God has enchanted our world to draw us toward Him, the source and substance of beauty, for a deeper experience of the Christian life. On this episode, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Matt Capps about his new book Drawn by Beauty and the place of awe and wonder in the Christian life. We even talk about Christian movies!

    Episode 307: Mixing it Up on Student Ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025


    Jared and Ross return to a past episode format -- "mixing it up" -- where they draw out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation -- this week, on student ministry.

    Episode 306: Conspiracy Theories

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025


    JFK. 9/11. QAnon. Lizard people? This week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss conspiracy theories! Why do they attract? What's the fascination? Are they all bunk? And how should Christians think about them?

    Episode 305: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025


    It's a new mailbag installment of the podcast, where Jared and Ross answer listener-submitted questions. On this episode, the guys weigh in on: first steps for newly appointed lay elders, pastors running for political office, cultivating healthy desires in a church, "fencing the table," navigating differences of opinion on alcohol, and more.

    Episode 304: Glorification with Jason Alligood

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025


    On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Cedarville University's Dr. Jason Alligood about his new book Raised in Splendor and about the hope of glorification in our secular age.

    Episode 303: Endurance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025


    The author of Hebrews says endurance produces proven character. How so? What is endurance? How do we get it? In this episode of the podcast, Jared and Ross talk about the relevance of endurance to ministry and the Christian life in general.

    Episode 302: Megachurch vs. Microchurch

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025


    Sometimes small church folks are overly critical of big churches. Sometimes big church folks are uncharitable towards smaller churches. We're here to settle the scores! Well, kind of. In this ep of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the pros and cons of big churches versus smaller churches and discuss ways we can encourage and think the best of each other.

    Episode 301: Gospel Drift

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025


    Hebrews 2:1 warns us to pay closer attention to what we have heard "lest we drift away from it." In this episode of the podcast, Jared and Ross talk about the concept of gospel drift -- what it is, what are the signs, and how to avoid it. Relevant to the discussion is Jared's brand new book Lest We Drift: 5 Departure Dangers from the 1 True Gospel, now available from Zondervan Reflective wherever Christian books are sold.

    Episode 300: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025


    It's Jared and Ross's 100th episode together(!) and another installment in the FTC Mailbag feature, where they answer listener-submitted questions. This week's topics include church membership processes, should pastors tithe?, the church in the Northeast, small groups, stewardship campaigns, using quotes in sermons, and resources on hospitality.

    Episode 299: Church Fights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025


    From throwing microphones to walking out of meetings, we've seen (and done) some unfortunate things in the midst of church conflict. Listen in as Jared and Ross discuss the roots and rationales of church conflicts -- and how to respond when fights take over a church.

    Episode 298: Grab Bag!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025


    It's another installment in the Grab Bag feature, where Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson ask each other two surprise questions for off-the-cuff responses. Tune in and find out what we caught each other off guard about this week.

    Episode 297: Contentment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025


    How is contentment a superpower? And how do you get it? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the strangeness of contentment in a discontented world.

    Episode 296: New Year Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025


    Another year older and deeper in . . . gratitude? Jared and Ross celebrate the new year by reminiscing on the year past and encouraging others to make 2025 a year of renewed focus.

    Episode 295: The Annual Christmas Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024


    The annual Christmas episode is here! And in our annual podcast tradition, Mr. Christmas himself -- Ronnie Martin -- is joining Jared again to fill your hearts with holiday cheer. On this year's special episode, Jared and Ronnie talk about their favorite "snapshots" of Christmas past and discuss the delight (and the downside) of the ideal Christmas.

    Episode 294: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024


    It's another installment in the FTC Mailbag feature, where Jared and Ross answer listener-submitted questions. This week's topics include evangelizing the comfortable, the difference between preaching and teaching, leaving churches with shallow preaching, divisive church members, chemistry on the elder board, and the structure of pastoral residencies.

    Episode 293: Personal Discipleship

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024


    Have you been discipled? Do you disciple others? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the importance of personal discipleship and share some applicational practice for more fruitful disciple-making.

    Episode 292: Gospel Moms

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024


    On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared talks with author Emily Jensen about her new book with Laura Wifler, *Gospel Mom,* and about the ins and outs of gospel-centered motherhood.

    Episode 291: Anticipating Advent

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024


    Every year the Christmas holiday seems to creep up and then speed past. How can we make the most out of the Christmas holiday season? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the importance of Advent and how our participation in this anticipation can help us enjoy Christmas more than we'd expected.

    Episode 290: Gospel OG, Scotty Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024


    On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared visits with Dr. Scotty Smith, one of the spiritual fathers of gospel-centrality, to talk about his early influences and ministry, pastoring early CCM artists, and how to stay focused on grace through decades of shifting cultural distractions.

    Episode 289: Grab Bag!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024


    It's another installment in the Grab Bag feature, where Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson ask each other two surprise questions for off-the-cuff responses. Tune in and find out what we caught each other off guard about this week.

    Episode 288: Perseverance

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024


    Jesus said, "The one who perseveres to the end will be saved." Obviously perseverance is a necessary component of the Christian life! On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the doctrine of the "perseverance of the saints," how perseverance is treated in Scripture, and how Christians might cultivate it in their lives.

    Episode 287: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024


    It's a perennial question among many evangelicals. How should Christians think about Halloween? Avoid it? Embrace it? Reform it? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the spotty history of Halloween and survey the contemporary perspectives, challenges, and opportunities related to the Christian's consideration of the "holiday."

    Episode 286: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024


    It's another installment of the regular Mailbag feature. This week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer listener-submitted questions and topics, including: topical vs. book sermon series, closing a church well, women officiating weddings, use of AI in pastoral work, how "baptism saves," and Shepherds for Sale. Plus, Jared and Ross attempt to "convert" a Mennonite listener to Baptist (at his request).

    Episode 285: Wisdom Practices with Ronnie Martin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024


    On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson is joined by Dr. Ronnie Martin to talk about the "wisdom practices" pastors should adopt as regular rhythms in their life in the pursuite of spiritual maturity, emotional stability, and ministerial endurance. Jared and Ronnie's Midwestern Seminary podcast The Heart of Pastoring is now back in its 2nd season and available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. https://ftc.co/resource-library/heart-of-pastoring-podcast/

    Episode 284: Mixing it Up on Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024


    This week on the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson conclude their three-week mini-series, drawing out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation -- this week, on serving the church. Why do 5% of church members do 95% of the work? Who can serve in a church? How do you keep zealous members from burning themselves out? How can we motivate non-servers to join the efforts? What do you do when a congregation demands a ministry that none of them want to actually contribute to? All that and more in this final episode of "mixing it up."

    Mixing it Up on Worship

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024


    This week on the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson continue their three-week mini-series, drawing out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation -- this week, on worship music. What is it for? Who is it for? What are some strange things they've encountered in worship services? Why do some worship services seem stuck in time? All that and more in this episode of "mixing it up."

    Episode 282: Mixing it Up on Preaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024


    This week on the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson a three-week mini-series, drawing out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation -- this week, on preaching. What is it? What should sermons do? What were the guys' first sermons like? How have they grown over the years? What are some things beginning preachers should keep in mind? All that and more in this episode of "mixing it up."

    Episode 281: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024


    It's another installment of the regular Mailbag feature. This week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer listener-submitted questions and topics, including: how unified pastors should be on "third-tier" issues, ministry calling, finding good Sunday School teachers, the youth pastor drought, and whether avoiding danger should be a missional priority.

    Episode 280: Changing a Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024


    One of the most frequent questions we get relates to how to go about leading change in a church. In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the potential for negative change in a church -- how it happens and how to prevent it -- and the process for leading positive change in a church.

    Episode 279: Baptist's on the Lord's Supper

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024


    On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk all things communion! What does it mean? Who is it for? How should we practice it? And how not to spill the cup on someone's cream-colored pants.

    Episode 278: Grab Bag!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024


    It's another installment in the Grab Bag feature, where Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson ask each other two surprise questions for off-the-cuff responses. Tune in and find out what we caught each other off guard about this week.

    Episode 277: How to Go to Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024


    Are you a late to church arriver? Are you a sleep in service attender? Are you a size everybody up fellowshiper? On this episode of the FTC Pod, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the practical, dispositional, and spiritual considerations we should all make in preparing for church -- everything from the logistics to getting there on time to the attitude of graciousness towards those worshiping alongside us.

    Episode 276: The Soul-Winning Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024


    You want your church to be reaching out with the gospel. Your sermons often include a call to evangelize. You've held evangelism training events. So . . . where are the conversions? Is your church actually reaching the lost? How do you become a genuinely soul-winning church? On today's episode of the FTC Podcast, authors and ministers J.A. Medders and Doug Logan join Jared Wilson to talk about their new book The Soul-Winning Church and its six keys to fostering a genuine evangelistic culture in your church.

    Episode 275: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024


    In this installment of the Mailbag, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer questions all submitted via email, including: recommended books for training lay elders, succession plans for senior pastorate, how to know if you're "gospel-centered" enough, how churches should handle sex offenders who want to be members, the process of disciplining church leaders, and what compromises are appropriate in looking for a church.

    Episode 274: Congregation Hall of Fame

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024


    On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson celebrate some of the unsung heroes of congregations around the world. They don't often get the fanfare or the spotlight, but these faithful member "types" help churches grow and flourish, and they are huge encouragements to their pastors.

    Episode 273: Grab Bag!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024


    It's another installment of the Grab Bag feature here at the FTC Pod. Jared and Ross each come with unique questions for the other. Tune in and find out what surprise topics they discussed!

    Episode 272: Conferences

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024


    Evangelicals love conferences. Well, most of them do anyway. Is the church's interest in conferences changing? On this week's episode of the podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the recent phenomenon of the mega-conference, what they like and don't like about conferences, whether evangelicals' love affair with conferences has changed, the advantages of smaller conferences, and even some thoughts on speaking at and hosting/organizing conferences.

    Episode 271: Best Books for Pastors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024


    We know pastors love books and talking about books, so on this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross share a few books they recommend for the pastor's shelf.

    Episode 270: Baptists on Baptism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024


    It's an "everything baptism" episode today! Jared and Ross talk about the biblical meaning and mode of baptism, the phenomenon of "spontaneous baptisms," the connection between baptism and membership and discipleship, what age is the right age to baptize, and even their funny baptism stories.

    Episode 269: Jen Wilkin on Revelation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024


    Revelation shouldn't leave us fearful or confused, but its imagery and concepts often confound our modern ears. If all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable, though, we should assume Revelation is as accessible and helpful as any other book of the Bible. Teacher and author Jen Wilkin has written a new Bible study guiding readers through Revelation verse-by-verse to discover how the last book of the Bible is accessible, helpful, and speaks a steadying word of assurance and endurance to the church in every age. Wilkin joins Jared Wilson on this episode of the FTC Podcast to discuss. https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/revelation-bible-study

    Episode 268: FTC Mailbag

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024


    On this installment of the regular Mailbag feature of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the alleged pastor deficit, benevolence ministry, dealing with disqualified leaders in inter-church events, young adult Bible studies, should pastors attend Sunday School?, and more!

    Episode 267: Awesome Dads of the Bible

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024


    In honor of Father's Day coming up, the guys are bringing their short lists of the best dads in the Bible. We've got some curve balls for you on this one!

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