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Everyone wants to know how to make money, how to lose weight, how to make friends and influence people. But before all that, more importantly, the first thing we got to know is how to think -- and as people who live our lives before God -- specifically, it is knowing how to think theologically.Hi, my name is Terence and I'm your host for Reading and Readers, a podcast where I review Christian books for you. Today I review “How to Think Theologically” by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke. 142 pages, published by Fortress Press in 2006. 2006 is the second edition. The fourth edition, published in 2023 is available in Amazon Kindle for USD14.99.Reviewing the 2nd not the 4th EditionWhy am I reviewing the 2nd edition and not the 4th edition? Because I got the 2nd edition for free. Even though I was not reviewing books for the past 6 months, I still made sure to get the Logos free book of the month. For June, the free book was “How to Think Theologically”.You might be wondering whether it's worth listening to a review of the second edition when, if you do read the book you would get the latest edition. In any case, my review is still helpful in your buying, reading, decision.First, whatever is good in the 2nd edition will be in the 4th edition. That is why there is a 4th edition.Second, when you hear all the good things I have to say about today's book, you might resolve, like I have, to never miss a free book deal. And if you did get the Logos free book for June, this review might just persuade you to read it.I Could Not Help You... Until TodayThe book resonates with me because it describes the one thing I have been trying to excel in all these years.When I was a young Christian I did not know what thinking theologically meant. I knew it was imperative for us to think biblically but what does that mean?I only understood after I read books like Don Carson's “Showing the Spirit”, a commentary on 1 Corinthian 12-14. That book fundamentally transformed my thinking process.Now, many good books later, I try to bring the Bible to bear in everything, to understand God and his work in myself, the people around me and the world across space and time.If you ask me, “Terence, I want to learn how to think theologically too, can you help? Can you do what you do best and recommend a book?”A few weeks ago, my answer would be, “I wish I had a simple guide for you. Everything I practise, I learnt it the hard way through many books, by many writers, on many diverse issues, over many years. You could read Don Carson's book but you would learn by observing the master. The master is not explaining what or why or how. He is busy doing the thinking through the Bible on the topic. In Don Carson's case, thinking through 1 Cor 12-14 on the topic of the Holy Spirit. I wish I have that one book to recommend to you.”And today, I have!Buy this book. Read this book: “How to Think Theologically” by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke.Dynamic DuoHoward Stone is a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, theologian ,and professor emeritus at Texas Christian University. James Duke is Professor of the History of Christianity and the History of Christian Thought at Brite Divinity School.They have put together this concise how-to guide for Christians who never knew they were theologians and don't know where to start.So let me share my thoughts on the book.Embedded vs. DeliberativeFirst, I found the distinction between embedded theology and deliberative theology to be immensely helpful.This is the way I understand it. Embedded theology is what you grew up with in church; it's the air you breath. It's instinct, reflex, it's how you do the faith.Deliberative theology is questioning your growing up years; it's putting the air you breath into a mass spectrometer. It's inquisitive, reflective, it's asking why you do faith in this way and not that.Deliberative theology is the theology I tend to force unto the people around me. Embedded theology is what they wish we could all do instead.When we make a distinction, we are drawing a line, we are pointing out differences. Sometimes, often times, that leads to quarrels. Other times, making that distinction helps people to reconcile.We recognise that embedded theology is what everyone practises and it is good enough until it isn't. And then deliberative theology becomes necessary. Christians who are able to do deliberative theology within the faith are less likely to deconstruct themselves out of the faith.They are more equipped to handle crisis. In this book, the authors use many real world examples. But two stick out the most.First is the Great Hymnal Controversy. The church wrestles with whether to buy new and different hymnbooks to replace the ones falling to pieces. You can replace this controversy with the one you have in your church.The second crisis moves away from the religious assembly to the personal home. Tom's mother has terminal cancer and the doctor suggests removing life support. Tom doesn't know what is the right thing to do. All of us have faced devastating dilemmas before. And if you have not, you will.Do you know what to do? Do you know how to think theologically?The Reason You Read This Book: How-ToStone and Duke are here to help. They will teach us in a systematic way.The first three chapters of the book sets up the motivation and principles. Then the next four chapters show us how to do it, and lastly the final two chapters describes how thinking theologically works in the Christian community and in spiritual formation.When we come to the how-to chapters, the authors give us a template to work from. Three sets of diagnostic exercises covering three areas: The Gospel, the Human Condition and Vocation.I quote:Each question in turn (though not necessarily in order) can be applied to every issue that calls for our theological deliberation. The exercises surely will not cover all that could be said about the meaning of the Christian message of God. But they strike near the very heart of the concerns of Christian faith. In exploring these questions, something is disclosed of the breadth and depth of the Christian message. They provide a staging area for later, more complete, reflection.Let's look at the questions in the first set, the Gospel set.What is the gospel?How does the gospel reach the people?How do people receive the gospel and its benefits?Hmm... the questions are not ground-breaking. A bit basic. And that's the point, to go back to basics and re-evaluate our situation in light of the basics, the gospel!This is how it works, I quote:For the church council debating the purchase of new hymnals, a clearer understanding of the church's role in promulgating the gospel might have facilitated the discussion. Tom, who is already searching the Scriptures on his own for help in dealing with his mother's imminent death, might be prompted to seek more help from the church: as a companion to the Scripture in making the gospel of Jesus known and as a potential source of guidance and strength in making his hard decision regarding life-support removal.We now turn to the chapter on Human Condition. The questions are:What is the basic problem with the human condition? (What is Sin?)What is the resolution to that problem in the human condition? (What is Salvation?)How is the problem resolved? (What is the means of Salvation?)This chapter reminds me of another book I read, “Gospel Fluency” by Jeff Vanderstelt. Vanderstelt makes this audacious claim: “For every problem, the gospel is the solution.”When I first heard it, I thought, "That couldn't possibly be true."But as Vanderstelt explains, I begin to realise that, indeed, underlying every quarrel, addiction, fear and anger, is sin. And once I saw the True Enemy, it was easier to see The Solution, because there is only one solution to Sin, and that is Jesus Christ.So far we have only looked at two sets of questions. You can do so much with these questions.Find a quiet place to sit. Reflect on the questions that Stone and Duke ask in their book. Don't give the Sunday School answers. See the issue as a Christian.And when you do some reflections, you can be surprised at how an incidental reading leads to unexpected assurance.That was what I got.What is Sin is Not IncidentalIt all started when someone told me, “Nobody is born with a sin nature. We are all born as a blank slate.” In theology, this means a denial of Original Sin.I believe we are all born with Sin. But I went back to study why I believe so. Along the way, I read Augustine's Anti-Pelagian writing, which became a podcast review. I searched for Christian books that deny Original Sin, I couldn't find any. There are books that deny Original Sin, but they were not within the broad spectrum of the Christian faith.But the biggest pushback I faced seems to not be whether to affirm or deny Original Sin, but whether it even matters. The issue is not veracity, but practicality or necessity.Some say: “Why don't we accept both interpretations as equally valid? After all, many Christians hold different interpretations on many parts of Scripture and have learnt to look past these differences to unite on the main thing, the Gospel.”So I have been questioning myself over and over again, whether am I being unnecessarily difficult. Yet, over and over again, as I study Scripture, I cannot see how one church can hold two opposing interpretations on what Sin means.Stone and Duke's chapter on the Human Condition just reinforces my conviction that this matter is of critical importance.To be clear, this is not a book written to affirm or deny Original Sin. But I note that one of the questions they ask is: What is the basic problem with the human condition? In other words, What is Sin?How you answer this question affects how you understand salvation. What did Jesus do? He saved us from our sins. But what is Sin?And as the book makes clear, answering these questions affects how we live life. The authors do not see Sin as something out there, something that lives in the books of dead theologians to be dissected by theologians who have too much time in their hands.Sin is the basic problem with the human condition. Just this fact demands our every effort to get what it is right. We should not just sweep distinctions aside and claim all interpretations leads to Jesus.Not Just a Series of QuestionsI have only discussed two sets of the diagnostic exercises. The third set covers Vocation. The questions are:What deeds are Christians called to do?What are the reasons for performing a service or action?Why is one course of action the most fitting in a given situation?You could say, "If I knew how to answer those questions in the first place, I wouldn't be in a dilemma!"That is why we have to understand, the book is not just a series of questions. If it was, it would be two pages long and not 142 pages.There is more to the practise of theological reflection and the authors do a good job explaining them. Except when they don't.More Explanations Would Be BetterSome parts could be better explained.In chapter 3, the authors quote theologian David Kelsey. Kelsey lists four ways theologians draw biblical texts into theological reflections. According to Kelsey, the Word of God is identified in:Propositions about divine truthSymbolic expressions of faith experiencesRecitals of God's identityInvitations to existential possibilities for new lifeThen without further explanation the authors challenge the reader, I quote:Try listening for Kelsey's categories in the next sermon you hear. When the minister quotes Scripture, ask yourself: What is this speaker using the Bible to ask me to do? Or, put the same question to a sermon or lesson that you deliver: What are you asking your hearers to do when you quote the Bible?Challenge not accepted. I don't understand what Kelsey means by those four ways. I could guess but I should not have to.In chapter 8, the authors ask us to think critically using a process that includes description, analysis, framing a view, judgment and response.They explain what description means. They explain what analysis means. But they explain framing a view by describing how a camera frames the subject. I like photography. I know how to frame a subject. But I don't know how to transfer my photography skills into theological thinking.What is the difference between analysis and framing a view? The authors do not explain. I could guess but I should not have to.I appreciate how the authors want to keep the book short. They succeeded in doing that. But I wish they could have a few more extra pages so that they can explain things properly. And I guess many other readers thought so too because the 4th edition has 40 more pages. The book must be good if people want more of it right?Two Starting Points and One CorrectionHowever there was one part of the book that I felt needed correction.In the authors' introduction to the theological method, they describe two starting points. I quote:Christian theology is reflection on the faith in the Christian message of God in Jesus Christ. The connection between faith and God's message is an invitation to reflect either on the human side of the connection (faith) or on its divine side (God's message).These two tracks have given rise to a distinction between theologies with an anthropological or human starting point and those that begin with divine revelation.They then proceed to explain the merits and risks of each starting point. They give the impression that both are equally valid starting points. I disagree. I believe we should always start with divine revelation.When preparing for a sermon or bible study, we must start with the text. We mustn't allow the congregation's felt needs direct where the text wants us to go.When a preacher is doing a book series, preaching verse by verse, how much more amazing it is when we hear how the Word of God speak to the people's needs without the preacher ever knowing about them.The problem with the church today is our tendency to put us, our wants and needs, first and not God. We think we know better, but we don't. I could rant about this for hours but let's just skip to the part where I changed my mind.As I was preparing for this book review, I read up on the authors. Stone describes himself as psychologist, marriage and family therapist first, then theologian. So I started thinking from his perspective.And I realised I was framing the discussion wrongly. I was interpreting the two approaches strictly from a preaching or bible study point of view.In preaching, I still hold strongly to everything I just said. We start with the text.But when it comes to counselling, if I have Tom in front of me, and he has all these questions. If he agrees to the medical experts to withdraw life support for his mother, is it euthanasia or is it allow nature to carry its course? Is he honouring God or participating in the culture of death?As I listen to him, obviously my starting point is him. I would be scrambling to pick from my mind anything from Scripture that deals with his issue. So in counselling, the Word of God is responding to the believer's confusion, pain, doubts and fears.Then when I zoom out, reframe this conversation I am having with myself, I remind myself that the point of the book, is for everyone to think theologically about all parts of life. I was so zealous to establish divine revelation's primacy that I had tunnel vision.So instead of correcting the authors, I found myself corrected. And this is good. That means I am growing.Every Christian should experience correction. If a Christian never finds himself or herself corrected in the Christian walk, then humanity has just found the next perfect person after Jesus Christ.The People Who Should Read This Book and Don'tSpeaking of correction, I can think of many categories of people who should read this book but won't.Those who think theology is for overly-intellectual people. That is not true, the authors refute that from the get go.On the other extreme, those who think they already know how to think theologically. They are seasoned fighters in theological MMA. Bashing people online over doctrine is not theological thinking. You should read this.In an ideal world, everybody would read this book. In an ideal world, this book would be required reading to graduate from elementary school. Okay that's a bit exaggerated. Required reading to graduate from high school.This is because theology needs to be done in community. I quote:[Indeed,] theological reflection is insufficient if it is done in isolation. Theological reflection occurs in the context of community. Because it is communal, it is also collaborative and dialogical. Even though we eventually come up with our own unique operational theology, its formation occurs in testing, sharing, talking, and listening to others.If you and I both read this book, when we have a dispute, maybe over hymnbooks or something else, then if we say let's look at this biblically. We understand each other. Naturally, we each want to prove that we are right, but we now engage in a process of exploration and discovery.Even if I totally disagree with you, it is edifying for me that we looked at the issue through the Gospel, the Human Condition and Vocation, and went further from there. Although we have different answers to the questions, I could, in the years to come, reflect on your answers and eventually it might make sense to me and the process leads to my correction.So the experience is not of two warriors grappling in the octagon, trying to bash the other senseless, but it is of two seekers continually exploring the divine landscape in search of truth. Sharing what they have found in hopes that the other will join them on the correct path.OutroIn conclusion, this book is not the only way to learn how to think theologically. But it might be the most concise and practical guide for all Christians in that process.This is a Reading and Reader's review of “How to Think Theologically” by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke. 142 pages, published by Fortress Press in 2006, which is the second edition. The fourth edition, published in 2023 is available in Amazon Kindle for USD14.99.For more book reviews and contact details, you can visit readingandreaders.com. Thanks for listening. Bye bye.Book ListHow to Think Theologically by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke. Amazon 4th Ed. Logos 2nd Ed.
Experience the hope and security through the message we find in Romans 8:31-39. Jeff shares an inspiring story and biblical truths to help us understand that God's commitment to us is unbreakable- no one can separate and no thing can come against.-------New to Hope or looking to get connected, click here: https://gethope.net/next/Subscribe to our Hope newsletter here: https://gethope.net/enews/If you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond here: https://touchpoint.gethope.net/OnlineReg/2044To support this ministry financially, click here: https://gethope.net/give/Stay Connected with Hope: Website: https://gethope.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gethopecommunitychurchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_hope/Twitter: https://twitter.com/get_hopeYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HopeCommunityChurchSubscribe to Our Podcast - Hope In Real Life with Jason GoreYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeInRealLifeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eifzI0r9uY8rUaBMGs7q1Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-in-real-life-with-jason-gore/id1691710678?uo=4
NOT WHAT YOU EXPECT This fortnight we are joined by well known author and speaker, Jeff Vandersteldt. Jeff shares widely concerning his experiences with Willow, Acts 29, and more recently in his passion for make disciples through missional communities. Yet this episode is not what you expect. Jeff's life taken a wild ride towards the interior life of leaders, and the attachment or detachment many of us may or may not have experienced that leads to leadership unhealth. This one is a must for anyone walks the line between leadership and doing great things for God, while maintaining ones soul and leadership health. Available now on YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
HCP 207 - **REPOST of The 4 G's of Gospel FluencyHCP - Ep. 151 - The 4 G's of Gospel FluencyOn this episode Larry and Drew begin season 3 with a conversation around a gospel tool meant for personal use as much as to equip and bless others. This tool comes from Jeff Vanderstelt and his book Gospel Fluency. We each need to be reminded regularly that the Gospel of Jesus should be applied to every area of our lives. There are times where we feel anxious because we're not in control or when we fear people and live from a place of codependency, when we look for satisfaction in sinfulness or start to believe the wrong things about why God loves us. This tool helps you remember to apply all aspects of the Gospel to your daily life and live from a place of centeredness in the finished work of the cross instead of what you think you bring “to the table”. For more info on Jeff Vanderstelt's book "Gospel Fluency"https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Fluency-Jeff-Vanderstelt-audiobook/dp/B06VVGZ9BL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10SZV2F8RSQ1M&keywords=gospel+fluency+jeff+vanderstelt&qid=1683317684&sprefix=Gospel+F%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1You can email us at info@healthychurchpodcast.com orTo find more information about The Healthy Church Podcast go to:http://www.healthychurchpodcast.comor find us on FaceBook!
This week Jeff highlights the importance of solitude and quiet reflection, encouraging us to make space for God in our everyday lives.-------New to Hope or looking to get connected, click here: https://gethope.net/next/Subscribe to our Hope newsletter here: https://gethope.net/enews/If you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond here: https://touchpoint.gethope.net/OnlineReg/2044To support this ministry financially, click here: https://gethope.net/give/Stay Connected with Hope: Website: https://gethope.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gethopecommunitychurchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_hope/Twitter: https://twitter.com/get_hopeYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HopeCommunityChurchSubscribe to Our Podcast - Hope In Real Life with Jason GoreYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeInRealLifeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eifzI0r9uY8rUaBMGs7q1Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-in-real-life-with-jason-gore/id1691710678?uo=4
HCP - Ep. 192 - 5 Discipleship EnvironmentsOn this episode of the HCP, Larry and Drew continue some of the conversation from the interview with Jeff Vanderstelt. Jeff mentions in his new book 180: A Return to Disciple making, 5 different environments for discipleship. Some refer to these as the Biblical numbers of Jesus's ministry. They offer a great breakdown of different group sizes and focuses where discipleship can happen both individually and with others. Check out Jeff's book at the link below.180: A Return to Disciple-Makinghttps://www.amazon.com/One-Eighty-Disciple-Making-Jeff-Vanderstelt/dp/1624241212/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1SWMV5P4EUPGU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9P9fy2Y7SBZkrt0TXRwwK3iFCdtOFfdSAjJFETozGN1A2hrk5U6cUezk9HF6Y6fuqzIGS8qBtQjvPlzvlz-5tsS6zXImpBeklyCM52O_kLVPM2mDEND9mET8_APwMPvn1kZxYPNgByiFBxLZer7qNIKlflMJY_y0lkKaUPAW7n4HospY-SzECc5Pv0JzFVh-xMpV8y7Nudvxvv2zkBjjupz6PLfSCbSVd3EhCuMWVuE.a5Pt8pTSnIBJQIByudykAJyVOP1PVTS0jUU8Rhw02io&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jeff+Vanderstelt&qid=1708024418&sprefix=jeff+vanderstelt%2Caps%2C366&sr=8-2You can find more on Jeff's Ministry at:www.SaturateTheWorld.comYou can email us at info@healthychurchpodcast.com orTo find more information about The Healthy Church Podcast go to:http://www.healthychurchpodcast.comor find us on FaceBook!For a video of today's podcast, you can find it on FaceBook or YouTube!
HCP - Ep. 191 - Special Guest Jeff VandersteltOn this podcast Larry and Drew welcome Author and Pastor Jeff Vanderstelt. Jeff is the founder of the Soma family of Churches and Visionary Director of Saturate. Jeff has served at Churches as large as Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, and as small as the house church he currently shepherds. He has a heart for soul health and discipleship in the leadership of the church. He's just finished a new book called “180: A Return to Disciple-making”. This book is a partnership between Exponential and Jeff to help create the theme for this years conference. This podcast is a wonderful conversation around these topics and how this new book can help churches moves toward a more disciple-making culture through spiritually healthy pastors and leaders. 180: A Return to Disciple-Makinghttps://www.amazon.com/One-Eighty-Disciple-Making-Jeff-Vanderstelt/dp/1624241212/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1SWMV5P4EUPGU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9P9fy2Y7SBZkrt0TXRwwK3iFCdtOFfdSAjJFETozGN1A2hrk5U6cUezk9HF6Y6fuqzIGS8qBtQjvPlzvlz-5tsS6zXImpBeklyCM52O_kLVPM2mDEND9mET8_APwMPvn1kZxYPNgByiFBxLZer7qNIKlflMJY_y0lkKaUPAW7n4HospY-SzECc5Pv0JzFVh-xMpV8y7Nudvxvv2zkBjjupz6PLfSCbSVd3EhCuMWVuE.a5Pt8pTSnIBJQIByudykAJyVOP1PVTS0jUU8Rhw02io&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jeff+Vanderstelt&qid=1708024418&sprefix=jeff+vanderstelt%2Caps%2C366&sr=8-2Gospel Fluencyhttps://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Fluency-Speaking-Truths-Everyday/dp/1433546035/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1SWMV5P4EUPGU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9P9fy2Y7SBZkrt0TXRwwK3iFCdtOFfdSAjJFETozGN1A2hrk5U6cUezk9HF6Y6fuqzIGS8qBtQjvPlzvlz-5tsS6zXImpBeklyCM52O_kLVPM2mDEND9mET8_APwMPvn1kZxYPNgByiFBxLZer7qNIKlflMJY_y0lkKaUPAW7n4HospY-SzECc5Pv0JzFVh-xMpV8y7Nudvxvv2zkBjjupz6PLfSCbSVd3EhCuMWVuE.a5Pt8pTSnIBJQIByudykAJyVOP1PVTS0jUU8Rhw02io&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jeff+Vanderstelt&qid=1708024418&sprefix=jeff+vanderstelt%2Caps%2C366&sr=8-3Saturatehttps://www.amazon.com/Saturate-Being-Disciples-Jesus-Everyday/dp/1433545993/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1SWMV5P4EUPGU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9P9fy2Y7SBZkrt0TXRwwK3iFCdtOFfdSAjJFETozGN1A2hrk5U6cUezk9HF6Y6fuqzIGS8qBtQjvPlzvlz-5tsS6zXImpBeklyCM52O_kLVPM2mDEND9mET8_APwMPvn1kZxYPNgByiFBxLZer7qNIKlflMJY_y0lkKaUPAW7n4HospY-SzECc5Pv0JzFVh-xMpV8y7Nudvxvv2zkBjjupz6PLfSCbSVd3EhCuM
On this special edition of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew and Michael continue a the series called Make Disciples. On this episode, they are joined by Jeff Vanderstelt to talk about how disciples make more disciples. Be sure to follow along with us in Michael's recent book, Make Disciples: Discover the Spiritual Journey of a Christ-Follower … Continue reading "Episode 162: Make Disciples with Jeff Vanderstelt"
Today JJ is joined by Jeff Vanderstelt to talk about how to feel emotions and express needs to God and safe people. Love Heart of Dating Podcast? Want to support us AND be a part of the fam? Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/heartofdating Subscribe to our YouTube channel here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1PswEXEyeSddMmOSiRKGw Crushing on a cutie? Download this FREE Resource on how to show interest: https://www.heartofdating.com/resource/how-to-show-interest Want to further your dating knowledge? Check out our ultimate dating library! https://www.heartofdating.com/resource/ultimate-dating-library Kait wrote a book! Snag Thank You For Rejecting Me on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E59cLQ Want to meet some epic Christian Singles? Join our huge HOD Family on FB! https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartofdatingpodcast Come hang with us on the gram: http://instagram.com/heartofdating http://instagram.com/kaitness https://www.instagram.com/jjtomlin/?hl=en . . . . . A quick thank you to some of our friends! Better Help: Our #1 resource for affordable, reliable, therapy. You can get 10% off your first month by going to https://betterhelp.com/heartofdating Compassion International: Do you have a burning desire to be a parent but feel stuck in singleness? Do you want to make lasting, powerful impact in your life as a single? We are a proud partner of Compassion International. Our community of singles has sponsored hundreds of kids all around the world, and we'd love to invite you to join us on this compelling mission. http://compassion.com/heartofdating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discipleship lies at the heart of the Christian journey, yet it often becomes compartmentalized within separate ministries or aspects of the Christian faith. Jeff Vanderstelt, with years of experience leading others in the way of Jesus and equipping the broader church through his writings, is now dedicated to mentoring pastors and leaders in gospel fluency and missional living. In this insightful discussion, Jason and Jeff delve into the significance of maintaining an open-handed approach to those entrusted to pastors' care, navigating critical voices, and the profound impact of Dallas Willard's last unanswered question. Jeff candidly shares his personal leadership journey within a fractured church, reflecting on how God's intervention brought healing to his own brokenness amid numerous challenges. We hope this conversation encourages you and we invite you to share any thoughts or reflections on how it may have impacted you with us. Bio | As the Executive Director of Saturate and founding leader of the Soma Family of Churches, Jeff Vanderstelt gets to spend his days doing what he loves – mentoring leaders and equipping the Church in the gospel and missional living. Additionally, Jeff is on the leadership team of Saturate the Sound, a local church collective focused on gospel saturation in the Puget Sound. Jeff has authored Saturate, Gospel Fluency, and Making Space. Give today to CCLN and help seed a hopeful future for the Church in Canada. Partners: Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team here. Show Notes: One Eighty: A Return to Disciple Making Saturate Soma Churches Youth Pastors Summit | East: DISCOUNT CODE: Register today with CYPS20OFF for a total of $50 off the regular registration rate. Get Connected! Blog & Episode write-up Website Join our Mailing List! Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram Share a Canadian Church Story
In 1 Peter 2, the church is addressed as the royal priesthood, a holy nation of God's people. What does this mean for us s the Church? What should our lives look like if we are walking in this reality? Special guest Jeff Vanderstelt teaches that we are called to live and operate in a way that demands a gospel explanation; whatever God does to us, he also intends to do through us. 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-13, 3:13-15 Jeff Vanderstelt
SouthCrest Church Sunday morning message, 1/7/24. We begin our new series, Gospel Fluency 101, guided by Jeff Vanderstelt's book “Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truths of Jesus into the Everyday Stuff of Life.” Senior Pastor Matt McFadden introduces the idea of gospel fluency as “christian maturity.” Maturity is not simply arriving at some arbitrary biological age, but rather upon the obtaining of deep understanding. For example, when the subconscious dreams of a person learning a second language are in the new language—the person has become “fluent” when the secondary language flows from them without effort. Fluency requires knowledge, application and immersion.
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
Message from Jeff Vanderstelt on August 27, 2023
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
If you've been listening to the Gospel for Life for a while, you'll know that you never graduate from the Gospel. It is, for lack of a better term, the Gospel for all of our lives! However, sometimes we get so enveloped in that fact, we lose some of the specifics. For this series, the Pastors return to their roots, per se, and define the Gospel, asking what it means to be truly fluent in the Gospel. For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them here. There is only one rule: Be Kind!
HCP - Ep. 151 - The 4 G's of Gospel FluencyOn this episode Larry and Drew begin season 3 with a conversation around a gospel tool meant for personal use as much as to equip and bless others. This tool comes from Jeff Vanderstelt and his book Gospel Fluency. We each need to be reminded regularly that the Gospel of Jesus should be applied to every area of our lives. There are times where we feel anxious because we're not in control or when we fear people and live from a place of codependency, when we look for satisfaction in sinfulness or start to believe the wrong things about why God loves us. This tool helps you remember to apply all aspects of the Gospel to your daily life and live from a place of centeredness in the finished work of the cross instead of what you think you bring “to the table”. For more info on Jeff Vanderstelt's book "Gospel Fluency"https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Fluency-Jeff-Vanderstelt-audiobook/dp/B06VVGZ9BL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10SZV2F8RSQ1M&keywords=gospel+fluency+jeff+vanderstelt&qid=1683317684&sprefix=Gospel+F%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1You can email us at info@healthychurchpodcast.com orTo find more information about The Healthy Church Podcast go to:http://www.healthychurchpodcast.comor find us on FaceBook!For a video of today's podcast, you can find it on FaceBook or YouTube!
In this third episode, Jared Burkholder will explore the beautiful diverse unity of a church family. Using the words of Romans 12 as a roadmap, hear these two men's perspectives on how God has uniquely gifted our church family. Resources: Everyday Church by Tim Chester https://a.co/d/brIp6fc Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt https://a.co/d/gjoERws Gospel Transformation World Harvest Missions https://a.co/d/97EmNwF Gospel in Life by Tim Keller https://a.co/d/4FgRoJ9 Center Church by Tim Keller https://a.co/d/fHd00zn A Meal With Jesus by Tim Chester https://a.co/d/apgV9Xx Life On Mission by Willis & Coe https://a.co/d/eXSCP28 Register for the Women's Conference at www.gracebaptist.org/womens-conf The Magnify Podcast is a production of Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, CA. For more information about service times and events, head to our website www.gracebaptist.org. If you have questions for Pastor Aaron, Pastor David, or our other guests, send them to us by email at magnify@gracebaptist.org.
Guest speaker Jeff Vanderstelt teaches from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 on how the path to strength and wholeness actually comes through surrendering to our weakness before God.
Welcome back to The Women's Cast. That's short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year, we're focusing on the theme of strength.This last episode of our two-episode mini-series features content from our Women's Workshop with Jeff Vanderstelt on the topic of gospel fluency. Two friends and accountability partners—Kelley Carpenter (Downtown partner) and Frances Jordan (Downtown partner)—sit down with host, Alison Mezger (Central Women's Ministry Director) for a tender conversation about the strength in embracing emotions and how we can bring them to our emotional Savior for Him to speak the truth of the gospel into every aspect of our lives.
Welcome back to The Women's Cast. That's short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year, we're focusing on the theme of strength.This first episode of our two-episode mini-series features content from our Women's Workshop with Jeff Vanderstelt on the topic of gospel fluency. Two friends and accountability partners—Carita Chen (St. John partner) and Jocelin Hsia (St. John partner)—sit down with host, Alison Mezger (Central Women's Ministry Director) for a vulnerable conversation, diving into what it looks like to pursue strength in Christ by being gospel fluent women in deep community with one another.
Like the previous two years, 2022 has been a mixed bag for many. Often we define our world by what's broken or what's been lost. We need to remember that the cup of sorrow can also be the cup of joy. In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt takes some time to reflect on what God has done through Saturate this past year and looks forward with anticipation to another year of God's faithfulness.
Mente "Ser cristão é estar comprometido com o pensamento, com o aprendizado e com a vida da mente, pelo menos até certo ponto. Não estou me referindo a educação formal, por mais que isso seja importante, mas independente das suas condições, sua mente deve estar sob constante revisão, em construção a todo tempo para ser o que Deus quer que você seja. Por que deve existir essa constante renovação da mente? Porque você está mudando a cada dia, suas circunstancias estão mudando, o mundo está mudando e sua mente é extremamente deficiente. Precisamos de um processo contínuo de renovação da mente guiado por Deus" - trecho retirado do livro "Who God Says You Are" do Klyne Snodgrass Hoje vamos falar sobre a nossa MENTE no podcast e sobre o que a Bíblia nos diz sobre o poder da nossa mente e dos nossos pensamentos. Já aviso que é um episódio só eu comigo mesma, e é um assunto que eu adoro! Tentei organizar meus pensamentos, fiz anotações e tudo mas acho que me empolguei um pouco! Espero que vocês tenham paciência em acompanhar todas as minhas tangentes :) Recursos Mencionados A série toda é baseada no livro: "Who God Says You Are" do Klyne Snodgrass. Esse livro ainda não tem tradução para o português, mas peçam aí para as editoras brasileiras :) Também citei os livros: "Pense" do John Piper e "Gospel Fluency" do Jeff Vanderstelt .
Many of us have come to believe that being needy and weak is a bad thing—even a sign of spiritual immaturity. As a result, we may have also come to believe that feelings are not good. In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt makes a biblical case for the purpose of emotions and weakness to lead us to find our needs met in relationship with God and others.
In this episode, published on October 28, 2022, Pastor Ethan Callison will be journeying through Jeremiah 20 and after the teaching of the clay, the priest Passhur gets upset at Jeremiah and has him beaten and arrested. This leads to the heart of Jeremiah to bring praise to God! Link to reading plan: https://fcclife.org/podcast-reading-plan Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truths of Jesus Into the Everyday Stuff of Life by Jeff Vanderstelt and Jackie Hill Perry https://www.amazon.com/sk=gospel+fluency&gclid=CjwKCAjwwL6aBhBlEiwADycBIKKz8S35sCRfUM1pEpp792X9v4LcQWDK6mrJQhh6HFdWkwtf0WLz8xoCgkIQAvD_BwE&hvadid=241625206268&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9008687&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1729191043655622401&hvtargid=kwd-270891359977&hydadcr=22533_10353821&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_kgp2wli66_e`
Chuck Gschwend, spiritual director for the Saturate board and director of culture and spiritual formation at the Eden Project, joins Jeff Vanderstelt to talk about the importance of making spiritual direction a priority for healthy leaders.
Each of us has an image in our head of who God is. That image, however, has been distorted and leads us to interact with a false view of God. The true image of God is seen and declared through Jesus. That truth is: God is love. When we know this both intellectually and relationally, it changes everything. In this podcast episode, Nathan Wagnon, CEO of the new start-up The Eden Project, shares with Jeff Vanderstelt how everything hinges on our image of God being reformed through the ultimate reality that God is love.
Todd Wermers, Director of Coaching at Tin Man Ministries, joins Jeff Vanderstelt in this episode and shares about his painful and transformative journey from sexual brokenness, leading him to lose his job, enter into recovery, restoring him to emotional health, and finally into helping others get their hearts back. Todd unpacks the common story of emotional brokenness that we all share and how Tin Man Ministries walks leaders back to emotional health through the transformational process.
Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Jeff Schulte, Founder and President of Tin Man Ministries, who shares about his journey from brokenness toward emotional and spiritual health, which led to the formation of Tin Man Ministries.
Jeff Vanderstelt interacts with Doug Paul, from Catapult, around the common struggles churches have in developing disciple-making strategies with an aim to provide practical solutions. In particular, Saturate and Catapult are partnering together to provide a Disciple-Making Digital Workshop on October 6, 2022 and two year-long Disciple-Making Labs beginning in January and May 2023. Listen to learn more and find out how you can get the help your church needs.
This episode is a must for anyone that is looking to be discipled or disciple as a part of a Bible believing church. First, Joe, Cole, and Adam review how we got from Acts 2 to what we call the modern church today. Then, we use the Saturate model by Jeff Vanderstelt to define true discipleship and how the Bible defines an authentic discipleship relationship. Lastly, we discuss the Biblical model for the church and how we can embody aspects of the Acts 2 church today. Book Mentions: Saturate - Jeff Vanderstelt True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In - James Choung Continue: A Biblical Journey in Personal Discipleship - Paul Chappell Saturate Website: https://saturatetheworld.com/all-training/ Podcast Website: https://encounterpodcast11.wixsite.com/encounterpodcast
Ray Leighthttps://www.faithbygrace.org/PodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/faithbygraceministriesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/raymondleight/BooksMaturing Into Yourself by Ray Leight - https://amzn.to/3AtC6W2Identity Restoration by Ray Leight - https://amzn.to/3wa9Fd5Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt - https://amzn.to/3zYUkNCFree 30 Days of Covenant Eyes - Promo Code ETFTry Covenant Eyes free for 30 Days! Use promo code ETF at https://www.covenanteyes.com/Use it for yourself and protect your family.All of our podcasts are available on our website at:https://www.entrustingthefaith.com/podcastSign up to receive our weekly emails with all of our podcast information here.Buy my book Leading Well at Home: How Husbands and Fathers Can Biblically Lead Their Families here or get a free excerpt here.You can find Entrusting the Faith at the following locations:https://www.entrustingthefaith.com/InstagramFacebookYouTube
In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Brian Johnson and Rob Wegner, leaders with the Kansas City Underground, about how they equip everyday people for disciple-making in everyday life leading to MicroChurch expressions so that all of Kansas City will one day be filled with the presence of Jesus.
Episode Directory:All Episodes Email: contact@theapologeticslibrarian.com Patreon, if you want to support me:https://www.patreon.com/davidwolcott_christianapologist Saturate, by Jeff Vanderstelthttps://amzn.to/3R3efCO
In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Myron Pierce, founder of Mission Church, Every Inner City, and Side Hustle Pastor, to learn more about transferable forms of disciple-making in everyday life in the inner-city context.
In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Dave Clayton, founder of Awaken Nashville to learn more about how the churches in Nashville collaborated on an initiative to pray for every person in their city for 30 days. Gospel saturation in a city or region requires ongoing, collaborative prayer to align ourselves with the heart and purposes of God in our city.
Based on a book called Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt, we take a deep dive into areas of our lives where we act out our incorrect beliefs about Christ. What did the father mean when he cried out "Lord I believe, help my unbelief." The goal is to glorify Christ, our tone is honest, and the result is transparency. We hope that this episode and the scriptures we walk through will be as convicting to you as they were to us. Book Mentions: Gospel Fluency Podcast Website: https://encounterpodcast11.wixsite.com/encounterpodcast
05/04/2022 – Jeff Vanderstelt –Pastor of Doxa Church in Washington State, on developing what he calls Gospel fluency.
Gospel saturation in a city or region requires ongoing, collaborative prayer to align ourselves with the heart and purposes of God in our city. In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Alexis Phillips, Jeff Vancil, and Chris Gough about how they've seen God's Spirit aligning churches and leaders in the Puget Sound. Recently, a unique and decentralized movement of prayer is being realized in the Pacific Northwest region of the US.
Today we are talking about how the idea of sharing our faith can be intimidating. How can we help people experience true hope in Jesus in the most effective way possible? In today's podcast, we will wrestle with how to live as an agent of hope in our world. Show Notes: Displaying The True Hope Of Jesus Through Gospel Transformation blog post by Breanna Eaton Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truths of Jesus into the Everyday Stuff of Life by Jeff Vanderstelt
In this episode we welcome Jeff Vanderstelt, the visionary leader for Saturate and the Soma Family of Churches and a teaching pastor at Doxa Church in Bellevue, Washington. We chat about From We Can Do It, You Can Help to You Can Do It, We Can Help. DiscipleMade.com Learn More About Jeff