Voices of Renewal

Join us today as we speak with Dr. Daniel Hill, Assistant Professor of Christian Theology at Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, on the topic of his upcoming book Bearing Witness: What the Church Can Learn from Early Abolitionists. Due out in April 2025, Dr. Hill's new book draws on the rich legacy of nineteenth-century abolitionists David Ruggles, Maria W. Stewart, and William Still, to construct a compelling evangelical framework for public witness, anchored in Scripture and the practice of lament and burden-bearing.

Listen in to this special episode of Voices of Renewal as we hear from leading Christian scholar, Dr. Glen L. Thompson, on his new book Jingjiao: The Earliest Christian Church in China. Thompson presents the history of the Persian church's mission to China with rigor and clarity. While Christianity remained a minority and “foreign” religion in the Middle Kingdom, it nonetheless attracted adherents among indigenous Chinese and received imperial approval during the Tang Dynasty. Though it was later suppressed alongside Buddhism, it resurfaced in China and Mongolia in the twelfth century. Thompson also discusses how the modern unearthing of Chinese Christian texts has stirred controversy over the meaning of Jingjiao to recent missionary efforts in China.  

Macrina the Younger (327 – 379) was an early Christian saint. Macrina was elder sister of Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, two early leading Christian theologians. Gregory of Nyssa wrote a work entitled Life of Macrina in which he describes his sister's sanctity and asceticism throughout her life. Macrina lived a chaste and humble life, devoting her time to prayer and the spiritual education of her younger brother Peter. To learn more about her life and renewal legacy, listen to Dr. Stefan Laing, Associate Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School. 

On this episode of Voices of Renewal, we speak with Dr. Stephen Eccher, Associate Professor of Church History and Reformation Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, on the life and legacy of Huldrych Zwingli. Zwingli (1484-1531) was a theologian during the Reformation who helped bring Protestantism to Switzerland. Although less known than his contemporaries Martin Luther and John Calvin, Zwingli had a incredible impact on Reformed theology. To learn more about Zwingli, please read Dr. Eccher's new book, Zwingli the Pastor: A Life in Conflict.

On this episode of Voices of Renewal, we interview Dr. Michael Allen, the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando), on the life and ministry of Dr. John Webster. Rev. Dr. John Webster (1955-2016) was an English systematic, historical, and moral theologian. At the time of his death, he was the Chair of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews. Dr. Webster is known today for his retrieval of classic theology for today's church. To learn more about Dr. John Webster, please read Dr. Allen's book, T&T Clark Reader in John Webster.

On this episode of Voices of Renewal, we speak with Rev. Dr. Winn Collier, Associate Professor and Director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary, on the life and renewal legacy of Eugene Peterson. Rev. Eugene Peterson (1932-2018) was an American presbyterian minister who published widely on spiritual formation and pastoral ministry. Rev. Peterson is most famous for his translation of the bible, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. To learn more about Euguene Peterson, please read Dr. Collier's book, A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson.

On this episode of Voices of Renewal, we are privileged to hear from Dr. Alister McGrath, the recently retired Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University, on the life and renewal legacy of J. I. Packer (1926-2020). J. I. Packer was a Canadian evangelical theologian who wrote and taught widely on the intersection of theology and ministry. Dr. Packer retired as Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada. He is perhaps best known for his enduring work, Knowing God. To learn more about J. I. Packer, please read Dr. McGrath' book, J. I. Packer: His Life and Thought. 

On this special episode of Voices of Renewal, we hear from Dr. Carl R. Trueman on his new book Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity. Dr. Trueman (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College and previously served as the William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and Public Life at Princeton University. Join us as we discuss how creeds and confessions of the historic Church can foster renewal today. 

In today's episode of Voices of Renewal, we are speaking with Robert Elmer on two of his recent books, Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church and Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans. Robert is the author of dozens of books ranging from children's books to apologetics to devotional classics and collections of prayers. Robert is passionate about making the goodness of God known! 

Thomas Helwys (1575-1616) an English minister, was one of the joint founders, with John Smyth, of the General Baptist denomination. Helwys founded the first Baptist church in England and advocated for full religious liberty. To learn more about his life and renewal legacy, hear from Dr. Malcolm Yarnell, Research Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

In this special episode of Voices of Renewal, we speak with Dr. Gerald McDermott on the topic “How Christians Should Respond to Religious Pluralism.” Dr. McDermott is the retired Anglican Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL. He is the author of dozens of books, the most recent being A New History of Redemption: The Work of the Jewish Messiah Through the Millennia (Baker Academic, 2024). 

Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) was an English Baptist theologian, minister, and missionary. During his life, Fuller combated the ideas of hyper-Calvinism by applying the ideas of Jonathan Edwards. However, today, Fuller is most known for his instrumental role in founding the Baptist Missionary Society. To learn more about his life and renewal legacy, hear from Dr. Nathan Finn, Professor of Faith and Culture and Director of the Institute for Transformational Leadership at North Greenville University.

In this episode of Voices of Renewal, guest host Dr. Joan Pi, Assistant Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Regent University, speaks with Dr. Melanie Ross on the topic of “Renewing Evangelical Worship”. Dr. Ross is an Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies at Yale Divinity School and the author of Evangelical Worship: An American Mosaic (Oxford University Press, 2021). Join us for an engaging conversation on the history, nature, and renewal of evangelical worship today. 

Today on Voices of Renewal, Dr. Mark Noll, one of the world's leading historians of American Church History and Evangelicalism, speaks to us about Renewing our Commitment to the Bible. Dr. Noll is an emeritus professor of history at Wheaton College and the University of Notre Dame and is currently the Research Professor of History at Regent College. It is truly an honor to have such a distinguished guest. 

Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was a missionary and a critically acclaimed author and speaker. For over half a century, her life of obedience, timeless teachings, and best-selling books have influenced both believers and seekers of the Christian faith. For thirteen years, Elliot opened her daily radio program “Gateway to Joy” with these words: “You are loved with an everlasting love, that's what the Bible says, and underneath are the everlasting arms. This is your friend, Elisabeth Elliot.” Hear more about Elisabeth's life and legacy from Lucy S. R. Austen, author of Elisabeth Elliot: A Lifeand teacher who has spent over a decade studying source materials on Elisabeth Elliot. 

In today's episode of Voices of Renewal, we interview Dr. Jarvis Williams on his new book The Spirit, Ethics, and Eternal Life. This episode focuses on the vertical, horizontal, and cosmic relationships Christians now have through Christ by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Williams is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. 

Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) was the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and an influential neo-Calvinist theologian. He established the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, which upon its foundation became the second largest Calvinist denomination in the country behind the state-supported Dutch Reformed Church. Today, Kuyper is remembered and studied as a proud inheritor of the Reformed tradition and proponent of biblical morality. To learn more about his life and renewal legacy, hear from Dr. Michael Wagenman, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Scripture Collective at the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge (UK). You can also reference Dr. Wagenman's book on Abraham Kuyper, Engaging the World with Abraham Kuyper (Lexham Press, 2019).

William Perkins (1558-1602) was an influential English minister and theologian during the Elizabethan era and was also one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England. His most influential work, The Arte of Prophecying, or, A Treatise Concerning the Sacred and Onely True Manner and Methode of Preaching, is still read widely today. To learn more about Perkins' life and renewal legacy, hear from Dr. Andrew Ballitch, the associate pastor of preaching and ministries at Westwood Alliance Church in Ontario, Ohio. You may also check out Dr. Balltich's new book, The Gloss and the Text: William Perkins on Interpreting Scripture with Scripture (Lexham Press, 2020). 

This is a privileged episode of Voices of Renewal, as we are speaking to a giant in the field of the History of Christianity: Dr. George Marsden. Dr. Marsden is an Emeritus Profess of History at the University of Notre Dame and a Distinguished Scholar in the History of Christianity at Calvin College. We are speaking with him on his new book An Infinite Fountain of Light: Jonathan Edwards for the Twenty-First Century (IVP, 2023). 

On this unique episode of Voices of Renewal, we interview Dr. Matthew Barrett, Professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, on his new book Reformation as Renewal: Retrieving the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. This book strikes at the heart of our mission to by demonstrating that the Reformation was at its core a renewal of evangelical catholicity. 

Demetrios of Thessaloniki (270?-306) was a Greek Christian martyr in the late third and early fourth century. Demetrios was martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), being speared to death in prison. His Feast is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on October 26th and in the Greek tradition, he is known as the Myhrbearer, because his relics miraculously produced holy oil. To learn more about Demetrios' life and legacy, hear from Dr. James Skedros, the Michael G. and Anastasia Cantonis Professor of Byzantine Studies and Professor of Early Christianity at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945) was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident who was a key founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential and his book The Cost of Discipleship is described as a modern classic. To learn more about his life and renewal legacy, hear from Pastor Nicholas Abraham, Lead Pastor of Reformation Bible Church in Navarre, Ohio, and author of Living Together in Unity with Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Lexham Press, 2023). 

In this episode of Voices of Renewal, we speak with Dr. Dean Weaver about the historic and present revival going on in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). Dr. Weaver was elected as the Stated Clerk of the EPC in 2021, which is the denomination's highest elected office. The hope of Voices of Renewal is to not only recover the lost voices throughout Church history but to hear from current ministry leaders going through renewal. 

On this special episode of Voices of Renewal, we look at the modern-day renewal happening in the Catholic Charismatic community. Joining us is Monsignor Joseph Malagreca, pastor of the parish of the Holy Cross in Brooklyn, NY. Besides being a pastor, he is the Coordinator of the Charismatic Renewal for the Hispanics and the Haitians in the Diocese of Brooklyn. He is also serving as the Coordinator of the CHARIS National Service of Communion for the USA. CHARIS-USA is the body that seeks to network all the charismatic expressions in the Church in the U.S.

P. T. Forsyth (1848–1921) was a Scottish theologian in the late 19th and early 20th century. He is primarily known today as an early opponent of liberal Christianity and a forerunner to the neo-orthodoxy movement. In his preaching, Forsyth consistently pointed people toward Christ as the fullest expression of God. Her more about Forsyth's life and legacy from Dr. TK Dunn, Professor of History and Theology at Columbia International University.  

Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) is a Church father and Doctor of the Church who fought for Christological orthodoxy in the fifth century. He was a central figure at the Council of Ephesus and helped combat heresy through his writings. Cyril was a prolific author and consummate pastor, leading the Church in Alexandria as archbishop for 32 years. To hear more about Cyril's life and legacy, listen to Dr. Donald Fairbairn, Robert E. Cooley Professor of Early Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. 

Walter Maier (1893-1950) was an American radio personality, prolific author, university professor, and Old Testament scholar. He is best known for his work on the radio show Lutheran Hour in the 30s and 40s. To learn more about Maier's life and renewal legacy, hear from Dr. Kirk Farney, Vice President for Advancement, Vocation, and Alumni Engagement at Wheaton College. Dr. Farney is also the author of Ministers of a New Medium: Broadcasting Theology in the Radio Ministries of Fulton J. Sheen and Walter A. Maier (IVP Academi, 2022).

Justin Martyr (100-165) was one of the first apologists for the Christian faith. Justin's most famous work, the First Apology, passionately defended the philosophical cohesiveness and reasonableness of the Christian faith to a Roman ruler set on persecuting the Church. This defense ultimately cost him his life. Hear more about Justin's life and legacy from Dr. Bryan Litfin, Professor of Bible at Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity. 

Women have been central to the work of Christian ministry from the time of Jesus to the twenty-first century. Yet the story of Christianity is too often told as a story of men. In this episode of Voices of Renewal, hear from co-authors Leanne Dzubinski (acting dean and Associate Professor in the Cook School of Intercultural Studies) and Anneke Stasson (Associate Professor of Humanities and History in the John Wesley Honors College at Indiana Wesleyan University) on their new book Women in the Mission of the Church. This accessibly written book tells the story of women throughout church history, demonstrating their integral participation in the church's mission. 

Tertullian (155-220 AD) was a prolific early Christian author from the north African providence of Carthage. He is widely considered the father of Latin Christianity and was the first writer to use the term trinity to describe God. Although controversial in many branches of Christianity, Tertullian continues to be widely read today. In this episode of Voices of Renewal, learn about Tertullian from Dr. David Eastman, the Joseph Glenn Sherrill Chair of Bible at the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and author of Early North African Christianity: Turning Points in the Development of the Church (Baker, 2021).

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) is widely considered the most influencial theologian and Christian thinker in the Western Church. His major writings – The City of God, On Christian Doctrine, and Confessions – are still widely read. He offered major contributions to the doctrines of predestination, original sin, the trinity, and ecclesiology. However, he was also a renowned teacher and mentor to the next generation of ministry leaders. To learn more about the life and renewal legacy of St. Augustine, hear from Dr. Ed Smither, Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies and Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity at Columbia International University. 

Lesslie Newbigin (1909 – 1998) was a British theologian, missiologist, missionary, and author. Though originally ordained within the Church of Scotland, Newbigin spent much of his career serving as a missionary in India and became affiliated with the Church of South India and the United Reformed Church, becoming one of the Church of South India's first bishops. Throughout his life, Newbigin shared a renewed vision of God's mission brought by the power of the gospel. To learn more about his life and legacy, hear from Dr. Michael Goheen, Professor of Missional Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary and director of Theological Education at the Missional Training Center in Phoenix, AZ. 

Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582), also called St. Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish noblewoman, Carmelite nun, and religious mystic. She is also one of only four women to be recognized as a “Doctor of the Church” by the Catholic Church. During her life, Teresa helped bring renewal to the Carmelite order for men and women. Eventually, this reform led to the formation of what is known today as Discalced Carmelites. To learn more about the life and renewal ministry of one of the Church's greatest teachers, hear from Ft. Mark O'Keefe, Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Professor of Moral Theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.

George Jeffreys (1889-1962) was a Welsh evangelist who founded the Elim Pentecostal Church. George became a Christian during the famous Welsh Revival (1904-1905) and continued Pentecostal ministry – marked by miraculous healings, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and other acts of God – for six decades. His mantle continued well after his death through the international ministry of Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke and his successor, Daniel Kolenda. Tune into this week's episode of Voices of Renewal to learn more about the life of George Jeffreys from Dr. William Kay, Director of the Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies at the University of Bangor.  

Origen of Alexandria (185-253) was an early Christian scholar, ascetic, and theologian who has been described as “the greatest genius the early church ever produced”. His work On the First Principles was one of the first works of systematic theology ever produced and became the foundation for theological writings for generations. Although viewed as controversial in later centuries, Origen's work remains important for any thoughtful Christian. Hear more about Origen's life and renewal ministry in the theological rich episode of Voices of Renewal, featuring Dr. George Kalantzis. Professor of Theology at Wheaton College and Director of the Center for Early Christian Studies.

Athanasius of Alexandria was a Christian theologian, Church Father, the chief defender of Trinitarianism against Arianism, and a noted Coptic Christian (Egyptian) leader of the fourth century. Athanasius was a deacon during the Council of Nicaea and his writings were well regarded by subsequent Church fathers in the West and the East, who noted his devotion to orthodoxy, pastoral concern, and interest in monasticism. Hear more about his life and renewal legacy from Dr. Bryan Litfin, Head of Strategy and Advancement at Clapham School and former Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute for 16 years. 

In a first for Voices of Renewal, this episode focuses not on an individual Christian but on a collection of Early Christian Martyrs. How do the stories of Stephen, Justin, Perpetua, and Felicity strengthen the early Church? What does it mean to be a martyr or ‘witness' for Jesus Christ? Hear about these important figures from Dr. Rex Butler, the John T. Westbrook Chair of Church History and Professor of Church History and Patristics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Billy Graham was an American evangelist and the most well-known Christian figure of the 20th century. Graham ministered nationally and internationally through his “Crusades”, which were broadcasted through radio and television for nearly six decades. Due in large part to these Crusades, Billy Graham is credited as having preached in person to more people than anyone else in the history of Christianity. To learn more about Graham's life and legacy, hear from Dr. Grant Wacker, the Gilbert T. Rowe Emeritus Professor of Christian History at Duke Divinity School. 

Oral Roberts was an American Charismatic Christian televangelist, ordained in both the Pentecostal Holiness and United Methodist churches. He is considered one of the forerunners for the charismatic movement and was one of the most recognized preachers in the US at the height of his recognition. He founded the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and Oral Roberts University. Hear more about Oral Robert's renewal legacy from Dr. Daniel Isgrigg, Assistant Professor and the Director of the Holy Spirit Research Center and Archives at Oral Roberts University.

George Whitefield was an Anglican cleric and evangelist who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement. After ordination, Whitefield immediately began preaching, but he did not settle as the minister of any parish. Rather he became an itinerant preacher and evangelist in North America, where he preached a series of revivals that became part of the "Great Awakening". It is reported that Whitefield preached at least 18,000 times to perhaps 10 million listeners in Great Britain and her American colonies. To learn more about his life and renewal legacy, hear from Dr. Thomas Kidd, Distinguished Professor of History at Baylor University and soon to be Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Seminary. 

Martin Luther was a German priest, author, and theologian and is widely recognized as the man responsible for the Protestant Reformation. On October 31, 1517, Luther posted his 95 Theses in an effort to renew the Church of his day, which we continue to see and feel the effects of today. To hear more about Luther's life and ministry of renewal, check out this week's episode of Voices of Renewal with Dr. David Mayes, Associate Professor of History at Sam Houston State University.

Jacob Arminius was a Dutch theologian and reformer whose views became the basis of Arminianism. Although, much like John Calvin, his views themselves evolved after his death, Arminius is known today for his faithful ministry of renewal and his later impact on John Wesley and the Methodist movement. We welcome Dr. Keith Stanglin, Professor of Theology at Heritage Christian College and Executive Director for the Center of Christian Studies, to speak on Arminius on this week's episode of Voices of Renewal. 

C.S. (Clive Staples) Lewis is one of the 20th century's most notable Christian thinkers and lay theologians. He held academic positions in the area of English literature at both Oxford University and Cambridge University. Today, he is most well-known for his novels, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Space Trilogy, and apologetic texts, such as Mere Christianity and Surprised by Joy. Hear more about Lewis' life and renewal ministry from Dr. Joel Woodruff, President of the C.S. Lewis Institute, in this week's episode of Voices of Renewal. 

Richard Baxter was a 17th century English Puritan pastor, poet, and theologian. Throughout his life, Baxter emphasized the necessity of repentance and faithfulness in the life of believers, and his most famous work, The Reformed Pastor, is still in print today and used in training Christian Leaders to Change the World. In this week's episode of Voices of Renewal, Dr. Seth Osborne, an adjunct faculty member for the Regent University School of Divinity, walks us through Baxter's life, ministry, and renewal legacy.

Maximus the Confessor was a late 6th early 7th-century Christian monk, theologian, and scholar who suffered for his faith. Maximus is venerated in both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches and called a Father of the Church. Today, he is primarily known for his formulation of the two wills of Christ (both human and divine). Hear more about his life, ministry, and legacy from Dr. Jonathan Taylor, Adjunct Professor at the Regent University School of Divinity. 

John Owen was an English nonconformist church leader, theologian, and academic administrator at the University of Oxford during the 17th century. John helped revive the idea that it is only by the grace of God and merits of Christ that the sinner receives the gift of faith to believe in Christ. Owen's most famous work, which is read widely today, is The Mortification of Sin. To learn more about Owen's life and legacy, hear from Rev. Daniel Hyde, Pastor of Oceanside United Reformed Church. Rev. Danny has written numerous books to help people of all backgrounds grow in the knowledge of Christ and is a leading scholar in the study of John Owen. 

Carl F. H. Henry was a 20th-century American evangelical theologian who provided leadership to the neo-evangelical movement and helped found several influential Christian organizations such as Christianity Today, Evangelical Theological Society, and Fuller Theological Seminary. It is not an understatement to say that every evangelical community has been influenced by Carl Henry. To hear more about his life and his ministry of renewal, hear from Dr. Jesse Payne. Jesse is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Burkburnett and author of the recently published Carl F. H. Henry on the Holy Spirit.  

St. Anselm of Canterbury was an Italian Benedictine monk, philosopher, and theologian during the 11th century. Anselm held the title of Archbishop of Canterbury for 16 years and wrote several important works the Church still uses today. However, he is most widely known for his motto of "Faith Seeking Understanding" (fides quaerens intellectum). In this episode, we are joined by pastor-theologian, Dr. Gavin Ortlund. Dr. Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai in Ojai, California. He is the author of several books, including Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn't: The Beauty of Christian Theism, which will release in October 2021 by Baker Academic. He also runs a YouTube channel called "Truth Unites" which mainly focuses on ecumenical theology and apologetics.

David Mainse was a Canadian televangelist, evangelical leader, and founder of Crossroads Christian Communications. Maines was an irenic leader helping to bridge the denominational gap of his time by focusing on the renewing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hear more about his life and legacy from Dr. Ewen Butler, Lead Pastor of Church on the Hill in Coburg, ON, and an Instructor for the Regent School of Divinity. 

David Mainse was a Canadian televangelist, evangelical leader, and founder of Crossroads Christian Communications. Maines was an irenic leader helping to bridge the denominational gap of his time by focusing on the renewing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hear more about his life and legacy from Dr. Ewen Butler, Lead Pastor of Church on the Hill in Coburg, ON, and adjunct faculty member of the Regent School of Divinity.

Thomas Ball Barratt was a British-born Norwegian pastor and one of the founding figures of the Pentecostal movement in Europe. Starting in 1907, he held revival meetings in Oslo at his newly formed "Filadelfia" assembly, which attracted international attention, and he became one of the prime movers of the Pentecostal movement. Hear more about his life and legacy from Dr. Rakel Alegre, an alumnus of the Regent School of Divinity and current Associate Professor at the Norwegian School of Leadership and Theology.