Seminary Dropout

Beth Felker Jones (PhD, Duke University) teaches theology at Northern Seminary, and loves to write for the church and the academy. She lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband Brian, four kids, two dogs, and Dwight, her theology cat. To participate in Dr. Jones Seminary Now course and many others, go to seminarynow.co/blackshear for […]

This is a rebroadcast of my 2012 interview with Tony Campolo. Dr. Campolo died this week at the age of 89.

Dale C. Allison, Jr., is the Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, USA, and the author of many books, including Constructing Jesus: Memory, Imagination, and History and the International Critical Commentary on James. Despite widespread skepticism on the matter, a significant number of people today have stories of religious experience—moments of inexplicable terror or […]

In this special episode, Shane brings an update about a significant change in his life (which might lead to a change in the podcast title), and talks about what that will mean for the future of the podcast. As always, thanks for listening (and if you missed it, be sure to check out the conversation […]

N. T. Wright is the former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England and one of the world's leading Bible scholars. He serves as the chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews as well as Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. […]

Rev. Esau McCaulley, PhD is an author and associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. His writing and speaking focus on New Testament theology, African-American Biblical interpretation, and Christian public theology. His new memoir How Far to the Promised Land, questions the narrative of exceptionalism that he, and other Black survivors, are conditioned to […]

John M. G. Barclay is Lightfoot Professor of Divinity at Durham University in England, one of the most highly regarded professorships in the theological world. John is President of TRS-UK, the body that represents and coordinates all the Departments of Theology and Religion/Religious Studies in the UK, together with twelve subject associations. Out of the […]

Dr. Kyuboem “Kyu” Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He was educated in evangelical and reformed institutions in the US. He has lived, church planted, and ministered cross-culturally in Philadelphia since 1993. He has also taught urban mission at the graduate level since 2006, has edited the Journal of Urban […]

John H. Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. Previously he was a professor of Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for twenty years. Some of Walton's books include The Lost World of Adam and Eve, The Lost World of Scripture, The Lost World of Genesis One, Ancient Near Eastern Thought […]

Both Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe have over two decades of Christian ministry experience and they've been coaching, consulting, and training leaders since 2010. Together, they co-founded Gravity Leadership, where they coach and consult pastors and ministry leaders worldwide in transformational leadership and discipleship. Ben and Matt are co-pastors at The Table, an Anglican church […]

Dr. Nijay Gupta teaches New Testament courses at Northern and working closely with the Master of Arts in New Testament and the Doctor in Ministry in New Testament Context cohorts. Dr. Gupta has been teaching and writing for more than a decade, and currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Bulletin for Biblical Research, Co-Editor […]

Bonnie is the author of A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today. As a journalist, she writes opinion pieces on foreign policy, religion, electoral politics, and more. Her column, “The Lesser Kingdom,” appears in print and online at Christianity Today. She is a fellow at Defense Priorities, a foreign policy think […]

Richard B. Hays is internationally recognized for his work on the Gospels, the letters of Paul, and on New Testament ethics. His scholarly work has bridged the disciplines of biblical criticism and literary studies, exploring the innovative ways in which early Christian writers interpreted Israel's Scripture. He has also consistently sought to demonstrate how close […]

Dr. Vince Bantu (PhD in Semitic and Egyptian Languages, CUA) is the Ohene (President) of the Meachum School of Haymanot and is Assistant Professor of Church History and Black Church Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also the Ohene of the Society of Gospel Haymanot (SGH), an academic society of theological Gospelism—Afro-rooted theology committed […]

Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, in New York City. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), Aaron created A New Liturgy- a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. Shortly after, Aaron started a discipleship-focused, formational, ecumenical, practice-based community at Willow Creek called The Practice. Since […]

Kellye Fabian serves at Willow Creek Community Church as the Pastor of Biblical Oversight & Support and is the author of Holy Vulnerability: Spiritual Practices for the Broken, Ashamed, Anxious, and Afraid and Sacred Questions: A Transformative Journey Through the Bible. A former trial attorney turned pastor, Kellye's experiences have equipped her to work closely […]

Tim Mackie is a writer and creative director for BibleProject. He has a PhD in Semitic Languages and Biblical Studies. He wrote his dissertation on the manuscript history of the book of Ezekiel, with a focus on the Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls. He is a professor at Western Seminary and served as a teaching […]

Beth Allison Barr received her B.A. from Baylor University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Medieval History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses primarily on women and gender identity in late medieval England, how the advent of Protestantism affected women in Christianity, and medieval attitudes towards women in sermons […]

Michael grew up in Brisbane before joining the Army and serving as a paratrooper, intelligence operator, and then chaplains assistant. It was during his time in the military that he came to faith from a non-Christian background, and soon after felt a call to ministry. Michael describes himself as a “biblical theologian” who endeavours to […]

Dr John Dickson thinks, writes, and speaks. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as an author, academic, and media presenter. In 2007 he co-founded (with Dr Greg Clarke) the Centre for Public Christianity, and has published 18 books and three TV documentaries. He teaches ‘Historical Jesus' at the University of Sydney, and is […]

Dominique DuBois Gilliard is the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Love Mercy Do Justice (LMDJ) initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). He is the author of Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores, which won the 2018 Book of the Year Award for InterVarsity Press. Gilliard also serves on the board […]

Dr. Nijay Gupta teaches New Testament courses at Northern and working closely with the Master of Arts in New Testament and the Doctor in Ministry in New Testament Context cohorts. Dr. Gupta has been teaching for more than a decade, is the author of the recent important study, Paul and the Language of Faith, and […]

Steve Cuss am a published Author of the book Managing Leadership Anxiety- Yours & Theirs and your host on the Managing Anxiety Podcast. I love leaders, and I see how much pressure they carry. My particular concern is to bring relief by equipping them with tools for individual and team health. I especially enjoy helping leaders break long […]

Pete Scazzero, after leading New Life Fellowship Church for 26 years, co-founded Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, a groundbreaking ministry that moves the church forward by slowing the church down in order to multiply deeply changed leaders and disciples. Pete hosts the top-ranked Emotionally Healthy Leader podcast and is the author of a number of bestselling books, […]

Michelle Ami Reyes, PhD, is an Indian American writer, speaker, and activist whose work on faith and culture has been featured in Christianity Today, Faithfully Magazine, Patheos, and more. She is also the Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and Editorial Director at Pax. Michelle lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Aaron, […]

This week on Seminary Dropout… Chris Rice has helped give birth to pioneering initiatives to renew Christian life and mission and to address social division in the U.S., East Africa, and Northeast Asia. His three award-winning books are Reconciling All Things (co-authored with Emmanuel Katongole), the memoir Grace Matters, and More Than Equals: Racial Healing […]

This week on Seminary Dropout… A. J. Swoboda (PhD, University of Birmingham) is assistant professor of Bible, theology, and world Christianity at Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon, and leads a Doctor of Ministry cohort on the Holy Spirit and leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Subversive […]

Be sure to listen to seasons 1 & 2 before starting season 3! 7E Model for Cultural Humility and Antioppressive Living

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Marlena Graves is a writer and adjunct professor. Marlena holds an MDiv from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York, and is a graduate of the Renovaré Institute. She has been a bylined writer for Christianity Today, (in)courage, womenleaders.com, and Our Daily Bread, and she is also the author of A […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Emily Smith, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University, is an adjunct assistant professor at DGHI. Her research interests include global surgery, health systems strengthening in low-income countries, capacity building and surgical service scale-up modeling. Currently, her research takes place […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Ronald J. Sider, whose book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger has been called one of the top 100 books in religion in the twentieth century, is a well-known evangelical speaker, writer, and editor. Holding a PhD in history from Yale University, Ron Sider is president of Evangelicals for Social Action, director […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Cyd Holsclaw is a pastor at Vineyard North in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as a ministry and life coach and spiritual director. Geoff Holsclaw (PhD, Marquette University) is also a pastor at Vineyard North, as well as affiliate professor of theology at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois, and coauthor […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Matthew W. Bates (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is associate professor of theology at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. He is the author of Salvation by Allegiance Alone, named the Jesus Creed 2017 Book of the Year and one of the Best Books of 2017 by Englewood Review of Books. […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… LIVE from the Christian Community Development Association in Dallas, Texas! Noemi Vega Quiñones leads as the South Texas area ministry director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She moved with her family from Mexico to the United States when she was five and grew up in the central coast of California. She […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… N. T. Wright is the Chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is the award-winning author of many books, including After You Believe, Surprised by Hope, Simply Christian, The Challenge of Jesus, and The Meaning of Jesus (coauthored with Marcus Borg), […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Gena Thomas is a writer and speaker who works at a nonprofit that empowers others through holistic development. She served as a missionary in northern Mexico for four years, holds a master’s degree in international development, and is the author of A Smoldering Wick: Igniting Missions Work with Sustainable Practices. […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Latasha Morrison is a bridge-builder, reconciler, and a compelling voice in the fight for racial justice. Ebony magazine recognized her as one of their 2017 Power 100 for her work as a community crusader. Tasha has spoken across the country at events that include: IF:Gathering, Justice Conference, Youth Specialties, Catalyst, […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Jeremy Courtney is founder and CEO of Preemptive Love Coalition, a “first in, last to leave” community of peacemakers who provide front lines relief and long-term development in Iraq, Syria, and other areas of polarizing conflict. He is the author of Preemptive Love: Pursuing Peace One Heart at a Time. […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Natalie Frisk is the curriculum pastor at The Meeting House Church in Toronto, Canada, where she and a team create kids’ and youth curricula for ages 0–18 used by churches worldwide. Frisk is a sought-after speaker on topics of youth and children’s ministry, spiritual formation, and discipleship, and her work […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Glenn Packiam is an Associate Senior Pastor at New Life Church, a multi-congregational church in Colorado Springs. He also serves as the Lead Pastor of New Life Downtown, a thriving New Life congregation in the heart of the city. An ordained Anglican priest serving in a non-denominational church, Packiam treasures […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Christena Cleveland Ph.D. is a social psychologist, public theologian, author, and activist. She is the founder and director of the recently-launched Center for Justice + Renewal, a non-profit dedicated to helping justice advocates sharpen their understanding of the social realities that maintain injustice while also stimulating the soul’s enormous capacity […]

Shane concludes a Guiding Values series by teaching about Wholeness. At Austin Mustard Seed we believe that God is in the process of restoring our lives, those around us, and all creation to shalom, or wholeness. Whether through spiritual disciplines, practicing mercy, creation care, offering forgiveness, or encouraging wholeness, our pain is transformed. We become […]

Lucy Peppiatt (PhD, Otago) is the principal of Westminster Theological Centre. Her research interests are Christ and the Spirit, charismatic theology, discipleship, and 1 Corinthians, and her books include Unveiling Paul’s Women and Women and Worship in Corinth. This Week on Seminary Dropout… Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women: Fresh Perspectives on Disputed Texts Does God […]

Shane speaks about why we as a community ordain women into pastoral leadership and ministry. Book Resources The Blue Parakeet -Scott McKnight Emboldened: A Vision for Empowering Women in Ministry -Tara Beth Leach Half the Church: Recapturing God’s Global Vision for Women -Carolyn Custis James Two Views on Women in Ministry (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology) […]

Rachel Held Evans is a tremendously successful blogger and author. Many believers have found a refuge in her writings. You can follow her on her blog at rachelheldevans.com and on twitter at @rachelheldevans. Rachel’s new book is Searching for Sunday. SfS is about Rachel’s own journey from a simple faith too one with more complexity and […]

This Week on Seminary Dropout… Ed Cyzewski is the author of Flee, Be Silent, Pray; A Christian Survival Guide; and other books. He helps anxious Christians learn about contemplative prayer at www.edcyzewski.com. He lives in Western Kentucky with his wife and children where he obsesses over hockey, New York style pizza, and organic gardening. What […]

Check out This Week’s Sponsor:   This Week on Seminary Dropout… Michael Rhodes is the director of community development and an instructor at the Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies, where he heads up efforts to equip urban pastors and community development practitioners with theologically informed tools for community transformation. The church in the West […]

Check out This Weeks Sponsor:   This Week on Seminary Dropout… Kathy Khang is a speaker, journalist, and activist. She has worked in campus ministry for more than twenty years, with expertise in issues of gender, ethnicity, justice, and leadership development. She is a columnist for Sojourners magazine, a writer for Faith and Leadership, and […]

Check out This Weeks Sponsor:   This Week on Seminary Dropout… Austin Fischer is the teaching pastor at Vista Community Church in Temple, Texas. He is the author of Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed. “People don’t abandon faith because they have doubts. People abandon faith because they think they’re not allowed to have doubts.” Too […]