Theologizing Life

Part 2 of our conversation with our wives, where we discuss all things marriage. If you haven't listened to part 1, make sure to check it out now!

Emily and Alessa, our wives, join us on the podcast to discuss marriage and all the awkward, beautiful moments that marriage entails. 

Matt and Anthony interview Linda, a retired children's pastor of nearly 3 decades. Linda shares about her story and experiences, issues that kids and teens face today, and wisdom for those in retirement who want to invest in the next generation.

In honor of Father's Day, Anthony and Matt discuss the ups, downs, and nasties of being a dad. Also, how faith plays a role in parenting, big news from Matt, and an announcement about some positive changes we are making to the format of the show.

Anthony and Matt are joined by Greg Fry, an addiction and recovery counselor and chaplain for the Elkhart Jail in Elkhart, Indiana. Greg shares his experiences working with and ministering to those who struggle with substance abuse. We discuss some of the external and internal factors that make people more susceptible to addiction, and the ways that the church can help people who battle addiction. 

Our friend Sam returns as a guest to discuss her sense of calling to lead God's people as a pastor. Also: Hermeneutics, parenthood, and Anthony screaming out the car window. 

Recorded March 6. Join Anthony and Matt as they reflect on what they've learned at the Exponential Conference in Orlando, FL. Also, a big announcement from the professor...

Matt's wife, Alessa, joins us for a discussion on living out your faith as a business professional. Alessa works as a program manager for a large outdoor furniture company in Indiana, and she shares insights on finding and pursuing what is eternal in your work. Also: Youth ministry, fake promo codes, and Matt's love for eating in the car.   Make sure to download, share, and recommend us to your friends!

Anthony reflects on the year and shares insights on how to prioritize and cultivate what is most important in your life.

We discuss Anthony's NEW BOOK! Acts of Defiance is available on December 11. Tune into the podcast for a preview of the book's content, as well as a peek behind the scenes of Anthony's writing process. Learn more about the book at: www.anthonymcottrell.com

Anthony and Matt sit down with Mike Cottrell, a former pastor of 35 years and President of Uncommon Ministries.   To learn more about Uncommon Ministries, go to uncommonministries.org

Anthony and Matt discuss the importance of theology, not just for pastors and theologians, but for every Jesus-follower. Stick around till the end where we recommend some resources to satisfy your soon-to-be newfound hunger for theology.                 

Why is the term "culture war" counterproductive?  How does the way of Jesus inform our relationship with the world and the people he calls us to love? Plus, flooding at the Ark Encounter and our thoughts on being the okayest theology podcast the internet has to offer.

NEW EPISODE drops tomorrow!   Are we called to a place, or are we called to people?   1 in 30 people in the world are immigrants. That's 281 million people! Listen in as Anthony discusses this important topic with Zach Szmara, founder and executive director of Immigrant Connection. We'll discuss how the reality of the gospel compels us to love and welcome strangers and immigrants.   Don't miss this one!

In our June episode, we interview hospital chaplain Dan Bellinger to discuss how people of faith can apply Jesus' resurrection hope to their own experiences with death and tragedy, and how great comfort can be found - not necessarily in a God who helps us avoid pain and suffering - but a God walks with us through it.   Plus, a look into the day-to-day work of a hospital chaplain. It's more than praying at the bedside! Chaplains play a vital role in offering emotional and logistical support for families of hospital patients. This enables doctors and nurses to provide clinical support for their loved ones.

Andrew Gale, Executive Director of Global Strategy joins Anthony and Matt to talk about cultural intelligence, the benefits and drawbacks of short-term missions, and broadening the scope of our ministry focus beyond the West.     More information on Global Strategy

Amber Stoffel joins us to share her story of abortion recovery, the healing that she received in Christ, and the work she does today to help mothers and fathers who are recovering from, or contemplating, abortion. We also discuss the debate between the pro-life and pro-choice movements, and how progress can only be made through conversation, not condemnation.   Find out more about Amber's organization, Reason Enough to Act: RETA Pregnancy Clinic & Family Resources

Anthony and Matt discuss eschatology - the theology of the end times - in light of the events unfolding in our world today. Topics include:  How does our Western mindset influence our understanding or anticipation of Jesus' return? How can we better understand the message and purpose of John's Revelation, and apply it to our lives today? Symbolism in Revelation, including the infamous "mark of the beast" (Revelation 13:18).

In this episode, Anthony and Matt discuss the (often overlooked) Song of Songs. This Old Testament masterpiece portrays human romance as an expression of God's love for his people. Your homework for this month: Spice up your Valentine's Day and read it for yourself.    Shameless plug for Matt's blog series on Song of Songs, "The Divine Pursuit" below:  www.kingdom-ethos.com

In this episode Anthony and Matt discuss the ethics of the Kingdom as it relates to how we view people, violence, forgiveness, money, and power. The question: how does the good news of the Kingdom of God change how we actually live? 

Jesus went around proclaiming the "gospel of the kingdom." As Jesus followers who are called to "share the gospel," sharing the gospel of the kingdom that Jesus shared seems pretty important. In this episode, Anthony and Matt discuss the Kingdom of God--what it is, what it means, and why it's important. Also, the Green Bay Packers and pregnancy stories have their own segments. 

Matt and Anthony explore the theological themes in three movies: The Dark Knight, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and The Adjustment. How might looking for theological themes and spiritual truths change the way you view movies? 

Anthony and Matt discuss the biblical perspective on the existence and prevalence of supernatural realities. 

Matt and Anthony talk about the significance of the Sabbath and how it practically relates to us today. Plus, find out where the best bathrooms are in the US. 

In this episode, Matt Tracy and Anthony Cottrell reflect on all the ways that the pandemic has impacted ministry and discuss what "church" might look like as we continue to move forward. 

Jared Ambrose is a business teacher, a Dave Ramsey fan, and most importantly, a Jesus-follower. We talk in this episode about money--personal finance, Dave Ramsey tips, stewardship, generosity, and tithing. Our conversation is practical and helpful for those wanting to steward their resources in a God-honoring way! 

I had the joy of sitting down with Samantha Freds and diving into her story. She shares how she went from living a double life to finding herself serving as a pastor in the local church. We talk about how the LGB experience was part of her story as well as what it is like to be a woman in the ministry. 

Tyler Kronk and I transparently talk about what it looks like to embrace LGB people and their stories with grace and truth. We want to reflect Jesus to all people, and LGB people have often been treated poorly within some Christian circles. We want advocate changing that reality. 

Kristen Tropf shares her story of serving oversees as a missionary. The culture shock, the joys, the challenges, the faithfulness of God, the expectations of ministry, the challenge of "re-entry" into her country of origin--her story will encourage you in your own faith journey! 

Pastor Jeff Brady--church planter, truck driver, victim of assault resulting in amnesia, restored pastor--you don't want to miss the wild and crazy and redeeming story of Jeff Brady. He shares about how God has been guiding his life through a number of ups and downs. 

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Miranda Cruz from Indiana Wesleyan University who has her Ph. D.-Doctor in Philosophy in religion, politics, and society (all the things you're not supposed to talk about at gatherings.) We discussed the political tensions in our country and how they overlap with American Christianity in both negative and positive ways. 

In this episode I sit down with Jason Tash, the Chief Development office for Destiny Rescue. We talk about the issues surrounding human trafficking and the redemptive action Destiny Rescue is taking to combat the issues.  For more about Destiny Rescue visit https://www.destinyrescue.org/ 

Nicholas and I have a conversation about what it looks like to intentionally grow in our relationship with God. 

I sat down with Dr. Rachel Stephens to talk about how psychology and faith can intersect to create a pathway to healing. 

Brian Burke, president of Wellsprings of Freedom International, joined me to talk about spiritual warfare, spiritual freedom, demons, and the authority the Christian has been given through Christ. 

Brian Burke, president of Wellsprings of Freedom International, joined me to talk about spiritual warfare, spiritual freedom, demons, and the authority the Christian has been given through Christ. 

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Kyle Williams and Daniel Jones on race issues.  My hope is that, even if you do not agree with everything shared, that our conversation can set an example for how to humbly listen to one another as we engage these topics. 

In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Williams and Daniel Jones for a conversation about racial reconciliation. This is part 1 of 2. The conversation was so rich and beneficial for me. I hope it is for you as well. 

In this episode, I introduce myself and share a little bit of my story. I also share about the vision of the podcast. My hope is that you will join me on this journey of "theologizing life."