Podcasts about Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

The mailbag is full! In this installment of our regular listener-submitted feature, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz dig into the private reserves of messages in order to tackle questions and topics like siblings serving on an elder team, theological triage in speaking engagements, what new members should ask about the church they're joining, finding your preaching voice, and differences of views among elders. As always, if you'd like to submit a question or topic for the Mailbag, you can email us at mailbag@ftc.co

In the latest installment of our occasional Grab Bag feature, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz ask each other surprise questions. We'd tell you what they are, but we want you to be surprised too.

*This Episode was originally published on 02/01/2026. In this episode of Preaching and Preachers, Dr. Jason K. Allen is joined by Dan Darling to discuss preaching in a polarized age, pastoral faithfulness in The post Christian Patriotism appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

It's a new installment of the FTC Film Club, and we have found a film the boys are especially fired up to discuss. After a bit of banter about the new Steven Spielberg film Disclosure Day, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz launch into a spirited discussion of the 2012 film adaptation of the musical Les Miserables. And Jared offers a theory on Russell Crowe's singing voice that he hopes will make you reconsider any criticism you have of this incredible movie.

*This Episode was originally published on 04/13/26. In this week's episode, Peter Gurry joins Jared Bumpers to discuss “Preaching the New Testament.” Dr. Gurry is an associate professor of New The post Preaching the New Testament appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Was the Bible really behind the Declaration of Independence? Historian Dr. Thomas Kidd, Research Professor of Church History and the John and Sharon Yeats Endowed Chair of Baptist Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Unscrolled. Tune in to explore how the Bible may have quietly shaped the American Revolution, not through open declarations of faith, but through language, allusion, and assumptions baked into everyday life.  Guest bio:  Dr. Thomas Kidd, Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist Theological, author, speaker  Show Notes:  mbts.edu/profile/thomas-s-kidd Books Authored by Dr. Thomas Kidd museumoftheBible.org/america-250  Stay up to date with Museum of the Bible on social media:  Instagram: @museumofBible  X: @museumofBible  Facebook: museumofBible  LinkedIn: museumofBible  YouTube: @museumoftheBible 

Having trouble making sense of the Bible? Don't know how or where to start? Bible study can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz are here to help. On this episode, they share a little bit about their personal disciplines in Scripture reading before offering some practical steps to read the Bible in a way that's more spiritually fruitful.

*This Episode was originally published on 01/19/2026. In this week's episode, Dr. Robert Smith Jr. and I discuss “Preaching through Personal Pain.” Robert Smith Jr. serves as Distinguished Professor of The post Preaching Through Personal Pain appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Jared Wilson has a new book releasing this month -- Pastoral Mentoring for the Care of Souls -- about the training and formation of pastors in the local church context. The guys discuss the important roles of both seminary and the church, and they outline the centrality of congregational life in the raising up of the next generation of church leaders. Preorder Pastoral Mentoring for the Care of Souls at 40% off today by visiting https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781540905956_pastoral-mentoring

*This Episode was originally published on 2/16/2026. In this episode, Dr. Jared Bumpers gives a recent talk from a Midwestern Institute for Preaching and Preachers Workshop. Jared Bumpers is the The post Pastoral Ministry and Preaching appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Here's a fun one! Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss what books they'd want with them if they were castaways on a deserted island. Ronni mainly wants to know how many he can bring. Jared wants to not overthink the question. The guys share books and authors and genres that would make their exile from civilization more enjoyable, survivable, and spiritual.

Check out Big Gears for Little Ears here. For additional materials connected to biblical theology visit jasonderouchie.com or handstotheplow.org.

*This Episode was originally published on 01/12/2026. This week, Dr. Juan Sánchez joins me on Preaching and Preachers as we discuss his most recent book, which he co-authored with his wife, Jeanine, The post Faithful Parenting appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Our forthcoming volume, Spurgeon's Pastoral Wisdom, has been compiled and edited by Geoff Chang. Composed of contributions from Spurgeon to the Sword and Trowel magazine on the topic of the church and ministry, it will encourage, inform, and challenge readers to love and serve Christ's church better.  We sit down with Geoff to discuss Spurgeon as a pastor, some of his convictions about the church and ministry, and what readers can expect to find in this new volume.    Geoff Chang is the Curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri, where he is also an Assistant Professor of Historical Theology.    Some of Geoff's books (written, compiled, or edited):  Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/spurgeon-the-pastor-recovering-a-biblical-and-theological-vision-for-ministry-9781087747842?srsltid=AfmBOoo9J5OUv6iKNYdNQ05SK8nKra4Z_VcVFY6P_qp7hsBWwwfxcstd  UK Bookseller: https://www.keithjones.co.uk/spurgeon-the-pastor-9781087747842/?cat=0    The Army of God: Spurgeon's Vision for the Church US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/army-of-god-spurgeons-vision-for-the-church-9781527108738  UK Bookseller: https://tabernaclebookshop.org/products/the-army-of-god?srsltid=AfmBOopOIuxDsNhJ2_gu4gm5jsXF14P3F8LBsd_xNcbJgkjktDsXPxLh    Charles Spurgeon, Christ Our All: Poems for the Christian Pilgrim, compiled by Geoff Chang.  US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/christ-our-all-poems-for-the-christian-pilgrim-9781087772745?srsltid=AfmBOopoSbXzGU1EY2ntwroC3ZScvaXgG79V1nzZ4-NVZuHjMLXQRMNA  UK Bookseller: https://icmbooks.co.uk/product/37235/Christ-Our-All-Poems-for-the-Christian-Pilgrim    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

In this latest installment of the FTC Mailbag, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss listener-submitted questions and topics, including: family worship, elder pathways, ministry calling, loving a dying church, and sermon scheduling. As always, you can submit a question or topic for the mailbag at any time by emailing mailbag@ftc.co

*This Episode was originally published on 9/15/2025. In this week's episode, Dr. Jared Bumpers is joined by Dr. Geoff Chang as they discuss “The Spirituality of Charles Spurgeon.” Dr. Chang The post The Spirituality of Charles Spurgeon appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the prayer in the church. Why do some of us find it so difficult? What do we make of awkward or even absent prayer in our gatherings? Why does public church prayer sometimes feel so weird?

*This episode was originally published on 8/25/2025. In this week's episode, Dr. Robert Smith Jr. and H.B. Charles Jr. join me as we discuss “Preaching in the African-American Tradition.” Robert The post Preaching in the African-American Tradition appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

First, Jared goes off on why Gen-X'ers need to let the *Star Wars* franchise go, and why Millennials probably should too. Then, the guys dive into the latest installment of the FTC Film Club, this time dicussing the recent blockbuster and family-friendly release Project Hail Mary.

*This episode was originally published on 3/15/26. In this episode of Preaching and Preachers, host Dr. Jared Bumpers, Associate Professor of Preaching at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS), sits down with Dr. John The post Preaching the Old Testament appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Inspired by Ronni's refusal to record on a particular topic, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the things they don't want to discuss. Consider this the Banned Episodes episode. What topics feel "off limits?" What subjects do we feel out of our depth about? What issues do we just want to avoid? And why?

*This Episode was originally published on 3/8/2026. This week, W. Tyler Sykora joins Jared Bumpers to discuss “Preaching and Biblical Backgrounds.” Dr. Sykora is the Chief of Staff in the The post Preaching and Biblical Backgrounds appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Today, we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Patrick Schreiner entitled "10 Things You Should Know about the Cross." Patrick Schreiner is associate professor of New Testament and biblical theology and endowed chair at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He is also the author of 'The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross' from Crossway. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the essay here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!

Guess who's back? No, it's not Slim Shady. It's our dearly beloved former cohost Ross Ferguson. This time back in the guest chair, Ross catches up with Jared Wilson on his most recent ministry season in Canada and how the Lord has been blessing him and his family.

*This episode was originally published on 11/2/25. In this episode, Dr. David Mathis joins me to discuss “The Pastor and Exercise.” David Mathis is executive editor for Desiring God and The post The Pastor and Exercise appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz dive back into that bag of indeterminate color, the FTC Mailbag! Answering your submitted questions and topics, the guys discuss age gaps between staff pastors, baptizing nonverbal churchfolk, how to share concerns with a pastor, what to do if your pastor is having AI write his sermons, and more. You can always send us a question or topic via mailbag@ftc.co

*This Episode was originally published on 11/16/2025. In this week’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Tom Schreiner to discuss “The Justice and Goodness of God.” Dr. Schreiner is an The post The Justice and the Goodness of God appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

An unseen battle rages all around us: a spiritual war between the two families within God's house. Dr. Joel Muddamalle carefully explains this Biblical cosmic worldview, cutting through the noise of conspiracies, in his theological book, The Unseen Battle: Spiritual Warfare, the Three Rebellions, and Christ's Victory Over Dark Powers. Based heavily on his dissertation at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Joel's book was overseen by the famed Dr. Michael Heiser. In it, Joel discusses the reality of the spiritual realm, moving it from the hypothetical to the forefront of everyday life. Christians have the answers to burning spiritual questions in today's confused society, Joel says. Spirits? Supernatural events? Cosmic phenomenon? The Bible explains everything, and we must be prepared to give an answer. TAKEAWAYS The world likes to separate the physical realm from the spiritual realm, but it is all interconnected The term ‘image' or ‘likeness of God' in the Bible refers to the ‘children of the royal king' God has a two-family household: a household of faith and a human household The ‘Sons of Man' mentioned in the Bible refer to the angelic beings who cohabited with human women in ancient times

Christians are a singing people! But what songs should we sing? And how should we sing them? In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the content and attitudes of Christian worship music.

This week on Preaching and Preachers, Dr. J. Stephen Yuille joins me to discuss “The Puritans and Pastoral Ministry.” Dr. Yuille serves as Professor of Church History in the School The post The Puritans and Pastoral Ministry appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

In the latest installment of our occasional Grab Bag feature, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz ask each other surprise questions. This time Ronni comes with a bonus question, so there's a bit more bang for your buck.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Jared Bumpers is joined by Dr. Michael Cooper on “The Preaching of Benjamin Keach.” Dr. Cooper was captured by Jesus at the age of 17 The post The Preaching of Benjamin Keach appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Alright, single dudes. This one's for you. Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer advice on how to win a godly girl.

This episode was originally published on 5/27/2026. This week on Preaching and Preachers, Tim Challies joins me for a discussion on the pastor and spiritual discernment. Tim is an elder The post The Pastor and Spiritual Discernment appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

We are honored to have Dr. Ronni Kurtz as our guest speaker this morning! He is an Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. And, even more importantly, an EHS grad! The doctrine of the Trinity can feel abstract—how is it that one God can be three persons? When Christians set out to consider the Trinity, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by how other God is. In this sermon, Ronni Kurtz seeks to show how not only is the Trinity true, but why God’s being three is beautiful. The aim of this sermon is to show how we are both satisfied and saved by the triune God.

From the rise to progressive Christianity that erodes doctrinal fidelity to the "apostasy vibes" embraced by "ex-vangelicals" like they're the latest fashion, ministry in our current season faces some serious challenges in the face of popular deconstruction. Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about how pastors and church members can navigate these volatile ideological -- and relational -- waters.

In this week’s episode, Peter Gurry joins Jared Bumpers to discuss “Preaching the New Testament.” Dr. Gurry is an associate professor of New Testament at Midwestern Seminary. His academic interests The post Preaching the New Testament appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

It's another Mailbag! It doesn't matter what color it is. It only matters how stuffed with quality questions it is. On this episode, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss helping people scared of baptism, ministry focus for lay elders, "hearing from God," humor in the Bible, and more.

This past month, Midwestern Seminary hosted Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer for our annual Scudder Lectures. In this conversation, Dr. Vanhoozer sits down with Dr. Allen to discuss his upbringing and theological The post Special Q&A with Kevin Vanhoozer appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

In the 19th century, an English pastor named Charles Spurgeon earned the nickname of “Prince of Preachers.” Thousands of people traveled to London to hear him preach. But it was not just because he had a way with words. He really was able to communicate the gospel like few others, and he truly cared for others. Learn more about Spurgeon and his interesting life, as Sean and Isaac chat with Dr. Geoff Chang, Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology and Curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Thanks to the generosity of Reformed Fellowship, we are pleased to offer a copy of Simonetta Carr's book about Charles Spurgeon, written for young readers. Enter here to win!   Show Notes: Simonetta Carr's book about Charles Spurgeon: https://reformedfellowship.net/collections/all-books/products/charles-haddon-spurgeon 5-volume "Modern Defenders of the Faith" discount set (including Spurgeon): https://reformedfellowship.net/collections/all-books/products/modern-defenders-of-the-faith-christian-biographies-for-young-readers-discount-set-copy 23-volume discount set of all currently available titles in this series: http://reformedfellowship.net/collections/all-books/products/christian-biographies-for-young-readers-discount-set

Order Dr. Tyler Sykora's Perishable or Imperishable: Reconsidering the Building Materials in 1 Corinthians 3:12. Order Dr. Sykora's Going Deeper with New Testament Greek Workbook: With Exercises from Mark 8:22–10:52.  Find our more about our children's curriculum Big Gears for Little Ears. Sign up for the GearTalk Bible Reading Plan. Access Jason DeRouchie's resources on the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. Access Hands to the Plow's resources on the Law, the Prophets, the Writings, and the Gospels. Support the work of Hands to the Plow.

"If Christ is not raised, we of all people should be pitied the most." In this annual holiday episode, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about the truth and transforming power of the resurrection of Jesus.

In this episode, Patrick Schreiner walks through the truth, goodness, and beauty of the resurrection. Patrick Schreiner is associate professor of New Testament and biblical theology and endowed chair at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He is also the author of 'The Hope of the Resurrection: How Jesus's Defeat of Death Changes Everything' from Crossway. ❖ Listen to “What Really Happened at Pentecost?" with Patrick:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show.

A seasoned pastor, church planter, and theological educator, Wes planted and led Christ Memorial Church for nearly three decades and has spent years training and sending gospel workers to plant The post Ministry in New England appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

The Film Club is back. In this installment, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the late, great Robert Duvall showpiece, 1997's "The Apostle."

*This episode was originally published on 5/6/2019. Join host Dr. Jason K. Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and professor of preaching, for a powerful conversation on the heart The post The Preacher and Cultural Christianity appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

Maybe no subject in church life is more polarizing than the prospect of small kids in the church service. Are they a delight? Or a distraction? The guys sort it out on this episode of the FTC Podcast.

In an age of increasing church consumerism and church division, Christians sometimes leave churches for less than honorable reasons. But what are the honorable ones? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about the why's and how's of leaving a local church.

Most Christians know what it is. Most Christians don't practice it. What is a biblical fast, and what's the point of it? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the spiritual discipline of fasting.

It's a helpful principle for sorting out unity and debate. But how exactly does theological triage work? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the relative importance of first order, second order, and third order doctrines, and how the application of theological triage can help us with Christian charity and kindness.