Podcasts about Practical theology

In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Mike Neglia is joined by Shane Deane for a wide-ranging conversation on Puritan preaching, with particular attention to William Perkins' The Art of Prophesying and the Puritan emphasis on application.Rather than treating the Puritans as mere historical figures or quotable voices, this discussion explores how their preaching method remains deeply relevant for modern pastors. Shane helps unpack why clarity, structure, and especially wise application were central to Puritan preaching, and how these convictions can shape Christ-centred exposition today.The conversation also turns to the often-neglected practice of pastoral prayer in gathered worship, drawing on Puritan theology and practice to show why public prayer is not filler, but a vital act of shepherding the congregation before God.Topics CoveredShane's first sermon and how his preaching has developed over timeWhat first drew Shane to the Puritans and their preaching methodThe danger of treating the Puritans as “quote machines”William Perkins' The Art of Prophesying, with a focus on Chapter 6The fourfold Puritan preaching pattern:Reading the textExplaining its meaningDrawing out doctrineApplying truth to the hearersWhy Perkins warned against cluttering sermons with excessive citationsWhy application was the heartbeat of Puritan preaching“Discriminating application” and addressing different kinds of hearers in one sermonPerkins' categories of hearers and how they challenge one-size-fits-all preachingThe Directory for Public Worship and its heavy emphasis on applicationThe six Puritan “uses” of application:InformationRefutationExhortationAdmonitionComfortTrial (self-examination)Why pastoral prayer belongs at the heart of gathered worshipHow public prayer functions as shepherding, not transition timeThe connection between preaching, prayer, and spiritual formationWhich Puritan habits could most immediately strengthen modern preachingHow studying the Puritans has shaped Shane's own preachingA closing “quote machine” segment featuring memorable Puritan linesKey TakeawaysPuritan preaching was deeply pastoral, not merely academicApplication is not an appendix to exposition, but its goalStructure serves clarity and freedom rather than rigidityToo many quotations can obscure rather than illuminate ScripturePastoral prayer is a theological act that teaches, shepherds, and forms a congregationPreaching and prayer together shape the spiritual life of the churchAbout the GuestShane Deane earned his PhD in Expository Preaching from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also holds an MDiv in Pastoral Studies and a ThM in Practical Theology. Shane serves as one of the elders at Passage Baptist Church in Passage West and works with Irish Baptist Missions.Shane was born in Cork, where he met and married his wife Luana, who is originally from Brazil. They have three children, two girls and one boy. Shane also lectures at Munster Bible College, helping train future pastors and Bible teachers.Featured links: Passage Baptist Church: https://passagebaptistchurch.ie/Munster Bible College: https://www.munsterbiblecollege.ie/ Preparing to Preach and Pray - Pat Quinn interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuNYKI34YrU Praying in Public - https://www.crossway.org/books/praying-in-public-case/ The Art of Prophesying Audiobook - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkSiqZPTp1M Joel Beeke - Reformed Preaching - https://heritagebooks.org/products/reformed-preaching-beeke.html?srsltid=AfmBOoonvFHUOEdlM1s07w2yI_5LoW_oj5bFWuWhnGS4I-2DBWCm1Rq9For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Dr. Gary Mason II⁠, Author, Veteran, and Filmmaker at Media 1st Creations, about attending AFM for the first time, what he learned from industry panels and deal-making environments, and why oral history is the foundation of meaningful storytelling. Dr. Mason also discusses his book-to-screen projects, including Persecuted to Love and Unconditional Love, and his mission to create media that drives healing, truth, and connection. About ⁠Dr. Gary Mason II⁠ Gary Mason, II, was born in Washington, DC and graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School. Before entering the US Army in 2000, he received a BA in communications from Howard University. While serving in the US Army, he earned an MA in Film Production from American University and an MA in Practical Theology from Regent University. After his forced retirement, he then earned a Doctorate in Military Ministry from Regent University. Dr. Mason is also an aspiring filmmaker who co-wrote the screenplay, PVT William Cathay - Slave to Buffalo Soldier, with his wife. He is also an expert communicator in military affairs, media planning, and military ministry. This interview is part of our AFM 2025 Series. Big thank you to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠American Film Market⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ! Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠⁠⁠⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Missions Podcast, Alex welcomes returning guest Matt Rhodes—missionary, church planter among Muslims, and author to discuss his new book Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology. Together they discuss that persecution is not an anomaly but a normative feature of Christian life and global missions, especially in unreached contexts. While Western Christians may experience lesser forms of opposition, believers in Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist-majority regions often face severe social, legal, and physical threats. Rhodes emphasizes that persecution profoundly shapes missionary strategy, discipleship, and the lived faith of new believers, often acting as a major barrier to people even hearing the gospel. Drawing from Scripture and church history, Rhodes cautions against both romanticizing martyrdom and avoiding suffering altogether. Key Topics Persecution as a normative (but varied) aspect of the Christian life How persecution shapes missions in unreached and restricted-access regions Biblical guidance on when missionaries should stay versus flee The danger of romanticizing martyrdom in missions culture Historical and biblical examples of faithful suffering and prudent withdrawal Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 In the second hour, we hear from author, Dr. David Murray. He is the author of The Happy Christian: Ten Ways To Be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World.  He is also professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and pastor of the Free Reformed Church […]

Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26This week, we are re-releasing episode 82 with Rev Dr Graham Stanton. This week we talk with Revd Dr Graham Stanton,  Founding Principal of Youthworks College.Graham is currently Director of the Centre for Children's and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne. He is also founder and director of Youth Ministry Futures In this episode, Al James sits down with Graham to explore the significance of long-term, full-time youth ministry within the national church in Australia. He shares his vision for Youth Ministry Futures (YMF) and discusses the benefits of having long term, full-time and well trained youth ministers for the sake of young people and churches. The conversation covers the state of youth ministry in Australia, systemic issues in youth ministry today,  the challenges faced by part-time youth ministers, and the advantages of integrating youth ministry into the larger church environment. Graham also highlights the pressing need for a shift in how churches perceive and invest in youth ministry roles. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the future of youth ministry and the development of strong, supportive communities for young believers.Episode Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Challenges in Youth Ministry02:57 Effective Ministry Podcast Introduction03:15 Insights from Kids and Youth Ministers04:57 Upcoming Episodes Preview06:05 Interview with Graham Stanton06:53 Graham Stanton's Roles and Contributions17:19 State of Youth Ministry in Australia20:50 Systemic Issues in Youth Ministry28:29 The Impact of Full-Time Youth Ministers29:45 Exploring the Benefits of Full-Time Roles31:27 The Importance of Theological Training33:56 Challenges and Solutions in Youth Ministry36:40 The Role of Youth Ministers in Churches37:56 Advocating for Full-Time Youth Ministry38:35 Reimagining Church Staffing Priorities40:18 The Broader Impact of Youth Ministry51:26 Intergenerational Ministry and Its Challenges57:24 Youth Ministry Futures: Vision and GoalsConnect with YouthworksClick on through⁠ to discover more about ⁠the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This was a fun one! Dr. Brian Brock has written a deeply thoughtful theology of creation, which set the foundation for our conversation. As you'll see, we ended up going down several unexpected paths and honestly got me thinking through things I've never considered before.We talked about what it means to image God, the role gender plays in human creation, and the theological distinctions between humans and animals. Yes, we even wrestled with the question of whether my dog Tank will be with me in heaven.Toward the end of the conversation, we also touched on Dr. Brock's significant work in the theology of disability,Join the Theology in the Raw community on Patreon for as little as $5/month to get access to premium content. Dr. Brian Brock is Professor of Moral and Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He has written scholarly works on the use of the Bible in Christian ethics the ethics of technological development and the theology of disability. He the author of several books including his magnum opus Joining Creation's Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your family's sports schedule life-giving or life-draining? In this episode of the Homeschool Dad Series, David Nunnery and Owen Strachan dive into the “theology of the sidelines.” They discuss how coaching and athletics provide a unique “Deuteronomy 6” opportunity for fathers to disciple their children through shared struggle, hard work, and adversity. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, keep Christ at the center of the court, and use sports as a tool to build masculine character in a passive culture. Men’s Challenge: Sit down with your spouse this week and define your family’s “non-negotiables” regarding extracurricular activities. Whether it's protecting the Sunday Sabbath or ensuring you have dinner together at least four nights a week, establish these boundaries before the next season starts to ensure your schedule reflects your spiritual priorities. Key Takeaways: Theology is Practical: Theology isn't just for academics; it's about understanding God as a “self-giving Father” and reflecting that through sacrifice for your own family. The Power of Shared Struggle: Sports (or any craft like woodworking or music) provide a “common goal” that fosters deep relationships and allows for “sideline discipleship” during car rides and practices. Developing Masculine Character: In a culture that often penalizes assertiveness, sports offer young men a healthy outlet for aggression and a training ground for overcoming adversity. Guarding Against Idolatry: Families must set “non-negotiables” (e.g., no games on Sundays or Wednesday nights) to ensure sports remain a tool for growth rather than a master of the home. The “Attacking” Mindset: Teaching kids to “attack life” and expect adversity helps them build a Christ-centered identity that doesn’t cower when things get difficult. Resources Mentioned: One Gospel Owen Strachan Substack Owen Strachan Books Don't forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO. Connect With Us: Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently Facebook: Teach Them Diligently YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

In the final episode of our Light of the World series, Dr. Ben Lovvorn leads us in a discussion on Philippians 4:18–20. Ben, Nate, and Andrew are joined by special guest Dr. Cliff Duren, our Executive Pastor of Music & Worship. We'll talk about how our giving can and should be a joyful act of worship! Cliff also shares how our worship ministry encourages everyone to use their musical gifts for God's glory, as they meditate on the Scriptural truth of the songs we sing together.     We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast. You can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

We're continuing in our Light of the World series. In this episode, Dr. Ben Lovvorn leads us in a study of Philippians 4:18–20 and shares how giving is a joyful sacrifice. Paul knows the Philippians well enough to know the motivation behind their gift. Their hearts are Christ-focused. They want to please God. They have joy in giving sacrificially from what they have, in order to give to the Lord. They view their own gift as an act of worship to the Lord.   We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast. You can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Send us a textThe cure for Christmas melancholia is not, as a popular song tells us, that we “need a little Christmas right now.” Nor is it necessarily Puritan austerity or renunciation of all observance of Christmas. The cure, strange as it may seem, is good theology. Hi, this is John Koessler, jumping in before we start to let you know about a new book that would make a great gift for that person who loves both Christmas and reading. It's called Christmas Travelers, and it's a collection of reflections, essays, and poems about the birth of the Savior. It includes a number of beautiful color illustrations that make the hardcover or paperback a great gift for someone who cherishes the Advent and Christmas season, as well as for seekers who Dr. John Koessler is an award-winning writer and retired faculty emeritus of Moody Bible Institute. John writes the Practical Theology column for Today in the Word and a monthly column on prayer for Mature Living. He is the author of 16 books. His latest book , When God is Silent, is published by Lexham Press. You can learn more about John at https://www.johnkoessler.com.

We're continuing through our Light of the World Series on Philippians 4. This episode is a follow-up discussion on verses 16-17 led by Dr. Ben Lovvorn. We'll take a deeper look together at how generosity bears spiritual fruit. Ben, Nate, and Andrew are joined by special guest Shelly Taylor, our Minister to Preschool & Children. The group discusses what this passage means for us at First Baptist Dallas. Shelly shares a great story about how the Lord is working in our children's ministry, and she helps parents think about ways to encourage generosity in young children.   We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast. You can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

This episode is an exposition of Philippians 4:16–17, “Generosity Bears Spiritual Fruit,” from our Senior Executive Pastor, Dr. Ben Lovvorn. Paul is not using these verses as a strategy or gimmick to get the Philippians to increase their financial gifts. Instead, Paul has a genuine desire for the spiritual good of others. That same motivation drives us here at First Baptist Dallas. Giving is ultimately not about anything we want from you. True generosity leads to spiritual fruit now and in eternity—which is what we want for you!   Along these lines, we invite you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Explore the heart of Christian generosity. In this audio article, uncover biblical perspectives on giving—from motivations and priorities to practical stewardship. Learn how giving is not about obligation but about joyful, sacrificial worship. Whether you're new to the concept or seeking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers encouragement, scriptural insights, and practical application for supporting Christ's work through the local church.About: Matt Foreman has served as lead pastor of Faith Reformed Baptist Church in Media, PA, since 2003. A graduate of Furman University and Westminster Theological Seminary, he was the organizing and founding chairman of the Reformed Baptist Network, and currently serves as the chairman of the RBNet Missions Committee and as a lecturer in Practical Theology at Reformed Baptist Seminary.

Join Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, in this One On One interview withMary C. Boys, as they discuss Blessing of a New Dawn: Reorienting Christianity's Relation to Judaismhttps://maryknoll.link/b4nAn expert in Jewish-Christian relations and a serious student of Scripture engages the latest scholarship to offer a succinct, informative exploration of the history that informed Christian attitudes toward Judaism, and how a new reading can lead to a richer understanding between peoples.  Mary C. Boys is Skinner and McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology, Union Theological Seminary, NYC, and its former Academic Vice-President and Dean. Long experienced in Jewish-Christian dialogue, she is a member of the Committee on Religion, Ethics, and the Holocaust at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. A member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, she is also author of Has God Only One Blessing? Judaism as a Source of Christian Self-Understanding.Get your copy today:  https://maryknoll.link/b4n#OrbisBooks #JewishChristianDialogue #InterfaithUnderstanding #MaryCBoys #RobertEllsberg

We're continuing through our Light of the World Series on Philippians 4. This episode is a follow-up discussion on verses 10-15 led by Dr. Ben Lovvorn. We'll take a deeper look together at what generosity is. Generosity is a natural response to the gospel, enabling us to participate in God's work in the world. Ben, Nate, and Andrew are joined by special guest Kevin Batista, our Minister to Students. The group discusses what this passage means for us at First Baptist Dallas, and Kevin shares stories of impact and life change.    We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast. You can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt talks with Dustin Boreland, who currently serves at Springvale Church in Stouffville, Ontario, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. Dustin shares insights from years of ministry—including church planting in Montreal and fostering 15 teenage boys—on how the church can navigate a rapidly changing cultural landscape.They discuss: ✅ Why spiritual formation must be stronger than cultural formation ✅ How to live as faithful exiles in a secular age ✅ Practical practices for a “rule of life” in today's churchPrior to returning to Ontario in 2022, Dustin spent several years in Montreal, where he and his family planted and revitalized churches. Before their time in Montreal, he and his wife Racquel served as foster parents to more than 15 teenage boys while also engaging in church planting. Dustin is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between the Gospel and culture, equipping the local church for mission, and can be found overindulging on hip hop and spicy chicken sandwiches.To learn more about Dustin, please visit https://springvale.org/.

Welcome to our December discipleship series—Light of the World. This episode is an exposition of Philippians 4:10-15, “Generosity is a Gospel Partnership,” from our Senior Executive Pastor, Dr. Ben Lovvorn. In this passage, Paul says that financial giving creates a “partnership” in the gospel. Why is that? And what does that mean? When the gospel takes root in our hearts, generosity flows out. We get to play a part in what God is doing, as He draws people to Himself and transforms their lives for eternity.    We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast. You can give online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Send us a textI used to think that lullaby carols were odd. Why place so much emphasis on the baby Jesus? But this year, I began listening to Christmas carols in July in connection with a new book I was writing. I see them differently now. Hi, this is John Koessler, jumping in before we start to let you know about a new book that would make a great gift for that person who loves both Christmas and reading. It's called Christmas Travelers, and it's a collection of reflections, essays, and poems about the birth of the Savior. It includes a number of beautiful color illustrations that make the hardcover or paperback a great gift for someone who cherishes the Advent and Christmas season, as well as for seekers who Dr. John Koessler is an award-winning writer and retired faculty emeritus of Moody Bible Institute. John writes the Practical Theology column for Today in the Word and a monthly column on prayer for Mature Living. He is the author of 16 books. His latest book , When God is Silent, is published by Lexham Press. You can learn more about John at https://www.johnkoessler.com.

Send us a textWhat if the kingdom of God becomes visible not in our theories but in our steps? Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology reframes discipleship as embodied obedience—showing up in prisons, sharing real mutuality, and trading religious privilege for humble responsibility. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with The Rev. Dr. Jenny M. McBride, Associate Rector of All Saints' Atlanta and president of the International Bonhoeffer Society. Jenny shares how reading Bonhoeffer at an urban house of hospitality opened a door from evangelical ideas to lived formation. That path led her into prison classrooms where fashion small talk mingled with raw theological questions, and where “helping” gave way to being helped. They discuss Luke 10's sentness, why belief grows when we go where Jesus intends to go, and how visiting the incarcerated unmasks our craving for superiority. Responsibility becomes the antidote to Christian nationalism's power hunger, and repentance becomes a daily practice that forms courage and tenderness. Listen in for the full conversation.The Rev. Dr. Jennifer M. McBride (Ph.D. University of Virginia) is Associate Rector at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Previously she served as an Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and held the Board of Regents Endowed Chair in Ethics at Wartburg College in Iowa. After a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Religious Practices and Practical Theology at Emory University, McBride directed a theology certificate program for incarcerated women through Emory's Candler School of Theology.McBride is author of You Shall Not Condemn: A Story of Faith and Advocacy on Death Row (Cascade, 2022), Radical Discipleship: A Liturgical Politics of the Gospel (Fortress, 2017), The Church for the World: A Theology of Public Witness (Oxford University Press, 2011), and is co-editor of Bonhoeffer and King: Their Legacies and Import for Christian Social Thought. In addition to book chapters and scholarly articles, her work has appeared in popular publications like The Christian Century and CNN.com and has been featured in the New York Times.McBride is the recent past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section, an organization made up of scholars, religious leaders, and readers of German pastor-theologian and Nazi-resister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. She serves as co-editor of the T&T Clark book series, New Studies in Bonhoeffer's Theology and Ethics.She is married to Dr. Thomas Fabisiak, who is the co-executive director of the Georgia Coalition for Higher Ed in Prison and Associate Dean at Life University, where he runs a college degree program for women in Georgia prisons. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

In this conversation from the Reformation and Worship Conference, Camden Bucey speaks with Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about the unshakable relationship between doctrine and life. […]

You carry a message that can change lives—but how do you turn that message into a book? In this practical and inspiring session, you'll learn how to move from idea to written word with clarity, purpose, and impact. It's time to stop waiting and start writing. Tracy Wilde-Pace is a fifth-generation pastor and preacher with a long family history that is rich with ministry wealth going back as far as her great, great grandmother Taylor, a circuit preacher. Tracy's fresh and honest message helps break down walls of insecurity and encourages people to find hope and purpose in Jesus alone. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and her Master's of Divinity degree in Practical Theology. Fresh out of college Tracy was offered a job in the Governor's office of her home state and later moved to Capitol Hill in Washington DC where she helped lead prayer and bible study groups for Congressional leaders, their families, and staff members. After finishing seminary, Tracy moved to Los Angeles, CA where she helped pioneer and was the first campus pastor for a bible study that turned into a church for young Hollywood. A few years after being in LA, Tracy moved back to Boise to write her first book and added being a published author to her long list of accomplishments. She has since written two books, The Lost Art of Empathy and Contentment.She currently resides in Eagle, Idaho with her husband Garrison and their adorable son, Declan. When she's not teaching or writing she's playing any and all sports with her very active four-year old son. We hope that this teaching left you more encouraged and equipped today. Ministers Fellowship International exists to help leaders build healthy, strong, impacting churches and to do so in a way that makes for a healthy leader.

What if disability isn't something to fix, but a way to see God and one another more clearly? Theologian John Swinton joins Amy Julia Becker to explore how our ideas of perfection, healing, and humanity can distort—or deepen—our understanding of the good life. Together, they imagine a church and a world that welcomes every body as good, beloved, and whole. They explore:How culture shapes (and distorts) our perceptions of disability and beautyWhat it means for a world to be both wounded and belovedWhy the difference between goodness and perfection mattersHow interdependence includes both beauty and a cost__TAKE THE NEXT STEP PODCAST: amyjuliabecker.com/step/SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's newsletter: amyjuliabecker.com/subscribe/__00:00 Introduction02:54 Significance of Disability in Faith05:50 Cultural Perceptions of Disability08:50 The Image of God and Human Relationships11:45 Understanding Goodness vs. Perfection18:18 Goodness and Suffering23:55 The Power of Naming and Identity27:38 Relationality and the Cost of Interdependence35:38 Resisting Culture's Distortions of the Image of God__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Christianity Today essay: “It Was Good, Not Perfect.”Genesis 1-3_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:John Swinton is Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. For more than a decade John worked as a registered mental health nurse. He also worked for a number of years as a hospital and community mental health Chaplain alongside of people with severe mental health challenges who were moving from the hospital into the community. In 2004, he founded the University of Aberdeen's Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability. He has published widely within the area of mental health, dementia, disability theology, spirituality and healthcare, end of life care, qualitative research and pastoral care. John is the author of a number of monographs including Finding Jesus in the Storm: The spiritual lives of people with mental health challenges. (Eerdmans 2020) which won the Aldersgate prize for outstanding interdisciplinary work within theology. His book Dementia: Living in the memories of God won the Archbishop of Canterbury's Ramsey Prize for excellence in theological writing. We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Are signs and wonders for today?

In today's episode, we begin by asking the question -- "What do I believe about God, and what does that have to do with my life?"By laying out some simple but profound theological truths, we build a foundation that affects how we approach God and our understanding of how He engages with us. Using the steps Pray, Read, Observe, Interpret, and Apply, we work through Psalm 34:1-10, a passage that speaks to God's active relationship with us.Scriptures:Daniel 9:18Hebrews 4:12John 20:31Psalm 37:4Psalm 34:1-10

What should we think when our prayers don't get answered the way we hoped?In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue the series on Practical Theology and take a closer look at why some prayers seem to go unanswered. They explore biblical reasons, the role of timing, the reality of spiritual warfare, and how God's will shapes His response to our requests.What We Discussed[01:33] Introduction to Unanswered PrayerPrayer is essential, yet many believers struggle when their requests don't seem to reach God.[03:07] Placing Limits on GodHow our expectations, deadlines, and demands can hinder the effectiveness of prayer.[04:34] God's Timing vs. Our TimingWhy God may delay in answering until hearts, circumstances, or other people are ready.[05:37] Wrong Motives in PrayerJames 4:3 warns us that selfish or lustful motives can block God's answers.[08:01] The Role of the Holy SpiritWhen we don't know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our requests with God's will (Romans 8:26).[09:09] Spiritual HindrancesDaniel 10 reveals how demonic forces can resist God's messengers and delay answers to prayer.[12:26] When It's Not for Our GoodSometimes God withholds what we ask because it would harm rather than help us.[13:41] Examining Our HeartsWhy we should evaluate our motives, trust God's wisdom, and remove anything that may hinder prayer.[14:31] A Final Word on Prayer A.J. Gordon once said, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.”“God will only give us good things that are in keeping with His will and that contribute to our spiritual wellbeing.” - Pastor Jeff CranstonResources Mentioned:  Billy Graham. “Why Do Prayers Go Unanswered?” July 2013. Accessed 29 September 2025.We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.orgVisit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranstonRemember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

What role do historic confessions play in the life of the Church today—and why should we care? In this episode we welcome Dr. D. Blair Smith, President and Associate Professor […]

In this conversation with Aizaiah Young, we dove deep into what it means to live a contemplative life in our hyperaccelerated culture. Aizaiah, who works at the Collegeville Institute and draws from thinkers like Raimon Panikkar and Howard Thurman, made a compelling case that contemplation isn't passive navel-gazing—it's about bringing your full self to every moment, whether you're protesting injustice or wiping your kid's bottom. We talked about how the monastery's vow of stability offers a radical alternative to our culture's obsession with speed and productivity, how Internal Family Systems can help us dialogue with different parts of ourselves instead of just trying to fix what's "broken," and why swimming upstream with elegance might be the key to sustainable social action. Tim and I both confessed how drawn we are to this approach, even as we wrestle with the tension between needing to combat misinformation online and recognizing that real transformation happens in those slower, face-to-face conversations where we can actually see each other's humanity. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Aizaiah G. Yong is an ordained Pentecostal Christian minister and practical theologian who has served in leadership roles in religious and higher education for over a decade, devoting his energy to healing and advocacy work that centers on QTBIPOC communities. His recent book, Multiracial Cosmotheadrism: a Practical Theology of Multiracial Experiences, received the internationally acclaimed 2022 Raimon Panikkar Prize. ONLINE CLASS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The God of Justice: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Longing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This transformative online class brings together distinguished scholars from biblical studies, theology, history, and faith leadership to offer exactly what our moment demands: the rich, textured wisdom of multiple academic disciplines speaking into our contemporary quest for justice. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get info and tickets here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. _____________________ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is our FINAL episode in the Go! Make Disciples series! We've been walking through episodes in Acts where we see the early church fulfill the Great Commission. In today's episode, Dr. Ben Lovvorn leads a discussion of Paul's second missionary journey in Acts 15-18. Paul's trip did not go the direction he planned. God closed multiple doors. But then the Lord called Paul to Macedonia, with amazing results that are still unfolding even today! Ben, Nate, and Andrew discuss how the Lord leads each of us in ways we don't expect, for our good and His glory.   We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

We're continuing in our Go! Make Disciples series. In this episode, Dr. Ben Lovvorn leads us in a study of Paul's Macedonian call and its results. Paul made plans in his ministry, but the Lord redirected them. The results were nothing short of incredible! Paul could never take credit. Clearly it is God who directs, God who provides, and God who softens hearts to receive the gospel. Yet He uses us in His plans to accomplish His will! We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive. Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

We're continuing in our Go! Make Disciples series, where we look at how the early church fulfilled the Great Commission in the book of Acts. In this episode, Dr. Ben Lovvorn leads a discussion of Acts 10, a crucial moment in church history. Ben, Nate, and Andrew cover some perennial theological questions and discuss how Acts can guide our thinking: What about those who are seeking God but have never heard the name of Jesus? What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and our responsibility? Let's talk about it! We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive. Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Tim sits down with Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Together, they dive into Ryan's upcoming book, The Quiet Ambition, exploring how everyday faithfulness and small acts of love make an eternal difference in God's kingdom.Ryan shares his story of parish ministry, his approach to preaching “by heart,” and the hope he wants to inspire in pastors and laypeople alike. From facing storms—both literal and spiritual—to reflecting on confessional Lutheran theology, this conversation offers encouragement, challenge, and a renewed vision for ministry in the church today.

We're continuing in our Go! Make Disciples series, where we look at stories from the book of Acts when the early church began to fulfill the Great Commission. In this episode, Dr. Ben Lovvorn teaches through Acts 10, the story of Peter and Cornelius. God prepares both the one who shares and the one who receives the gospel! We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive. Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

It's quiz day at the kitchen table. We're pausing on our Practical Theology series to test our theological knowledge! In this episode, Pastor Jeff puts Tiffany (and you) on the spot with 14 questions plus a bonus round. From creeds and confessions to soteriology and salvation, we review some of the core truths of the Christian faith.In this episode[00:02:27] Q1: Which Gospel begins with Jesus' genealogy back to Abraham?  A: Matthew[00:04:00] Q2: The belief in one God in three persons is called what?  A: The Trinity[00:05:00] Q3: Which creed begins with “I believe in God, the Father Almighty”?  A: The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed[00:06:27] Q4: Who wrote Confessions?  A: Augustine of Hippo[00:07:39] Q5: Salvation is primarily deliverance from what?  A: Sin[00:08:09] Q6: What does the term “atonement” mean?  A: Reconciliation between God and man[00:08:58] Q7: Which verse begins “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith”?  A: Ephesians 2:8–9[00:10:13] Q8: What does soteriology study?  A: The doctrine of salvation[00:11:00] Q9: The doctrine that Jesus is fully God and fully man is called what?  A: The Hypostatic Union[00:11:40] Q10: The Westminster Confession of Faith is most associated with which tradition?  A: Reformed/Presbyterian[00:12:48] Q11: What does Sola Fide mean?  A: Faith alone[00:14:00] Q12: Which term best describes God's unmerited favor?  A: Grace[00:14:43] Q13: Who wrote the book of Revelation? Where was he exiled?  A: John, exiled on Patmos[00:15:42] Q14: Which Jewish ruler visited Jesus at night?  A: Nicodemus[00:17:35] Bonus Question: What new denomination formed out of the United Methodist Church?  A: The Global Methodist ChurchGiveawayIf you scored 100%, email pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org with the subject line I'm a winner! Include your name and address, and we'll send you a Kitchen Table Theology coffee mug (plus maybe a Southern Pecan K-Cup).We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.orgVisit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranstonRemember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Hot Takes are back! Theology style. This week on the X Podcast Tim is joined again by Zach & Jesse for another round of hot takes, this time theology style. Holy Spirit. Spiritual Transformation & Growth. Polygamy????? Dive in today & take a listen.If you have more questions or follow ups from today send a email topodcast@thex.church. We'd love to hear them.Catch you later!Subscribe to get the latest videos and live worship:https://www.youtube.com/xchurch Connect with X Church Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/theXchurch.ohInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/theX_church/ Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH _ Stay Connected Website: www.thex.church#theXchurch

We continue our Go! Make Disciples series with a discussion episode on Acts 8 led by Dr. Ben Lovvorn. Ben, Nate, and Andrew talk about Philip's ministry, as the gospel went out from Jerusalem and started to spread throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip was attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading, and he was eager and prepared to share the gospel everywhere he went. There's so much we can learn from him!   We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

In this episode, Senior Executive Pastor Dr. Ben Lovvorn teaches from Acts 4-5, on Peter and John's boldness. As he walks through these chapters in Scripture, you will see that the more the disciples were persecuted, the more the church grew as people gave their lives to Christ. This episode will challenge you to be more bold for Christ yourself as you listen to what God did through these great heroes of our faith.   We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Labor Day Replay Week!Your co-hosts are taking a little Labor Day break, but we didn't want to leave your podcast feed empty. Instead, we're bringing you something special: a replay episode every single day this week!We've dug back into the archives to highlight some of our absolute favorite conversations - featuring authors, storytellers, and mission leaders who have inspired us (and hopefully you, too).So whether you're traveling, grilling, or just enjoying a slower pace this week, tune in daily for a fresh replay of timeless wisdom and unforgettable stories.New episodes will return next week, but until then, enjoy this week of favorites!Reuben Munn is Senior Pastor of Shore Community Church and an Adjunct Lecturer in Practical Theology at Laidlaw College.He holds a degree in Communication Studies from AUT and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from Laidlaw College. He also holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Arts in New Testament Studies from Cincinnati Christian University.Reuben is particularly passionate about the ministry of preaching and the formation of emerging preachers who can clearly, faithfully and creatively expound the Word of God. He is committed to developing pastors and preachers who can equip people to dwell deeply in the biblical story and live this out in the complex realities of everyday life.Reuben spent two years as a public relations consultant before joining the staff of Shore Community Church. He has a thriving preaching ministry and his teaching has featured on Shine TV, Radio Rhema and Prime TV. Since 2014 Reuben has taught courses at Laidlaw College including Introduction to Preaching and Pastoral Leadership.Reuben is married to Anna and they have three boys. He enjoys reading, playing jazz piano and eating Burger Fuel.Learn more about Shore Community Church: https://www.shorecommunity.churchListen to Reuben's great sermons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shore-community-church-podcast/id1346871953Learn from Reuben about preaching: https://www.discipleship.nz/courses/preachingMusic by: Irene & the SleepersLogo by: Jill EllisWebsite: menomissions.orgContact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

When 20,000 members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod gather in the same city for five days, we can't help but notice. What happens at the LCMS Youth Gatherings and what is the theology behind it? Join Dr. Michael Zeigler, speaker of “The Lutheran Hour,” and Dr. Peter Nafzger, associate professor of Practical Theology, as they discuss the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering.

What does it mean to see work not as a curse but as part of God's original design? In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by […]

Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger joins Mark and Julianna to talk about our theme of community and how we can carry it forward in healthy youth ministry.   Bio: Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary here in St. Louis.  He served a congregation in Minnesota before coming to the Seminary. Peter has served on our Theological Advisory Team for several Gatherings and wrote the thematic paper for the 2025 Gathering.  Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com  LCMS Youth Gathering – lcmsgathering.com 

This episode is a follow-up discussion led by Dr. Ben Lovvorn based on his teaching from Acts 2. Ben, Nate, and Andrew discuss what it means to reclaim the importance of Pentecost, why the Holy Spirit is so essential for the mission of the church, His role in our daily lives, and more. Throughout this Go! Make Disciples series, our goal is to respond to God's Word by answering Christ's call and pursuing His mission together.    We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

What if everything we think we know about trauma and healing is backwards? Today I'm talking with Aizaiah Young about his incredible new book "Trauma and Renewal" and honestly, this conversation blew me away. Isaiah survived a near-death motorcycle accident right after passing his PhD comprehensive exams (talk about terrible timing), and during a 16-hour surgery, he had this profound mystical encounter with Jesus that completely reshaped how he thinks about transformation. But here's the thing - this isn't some individualistic "I found healing and so can you" story. Instead, Aizaiah argues that real healing is relational, communal, and intercultural, and he's doing something really brave by including his parents' voices throughout the book as they process this traumatic journey together. We dive deep into contemplative tradition, Internal Family Systems therapy, the vision he had of sitting in silence by a river with Jesus (who apparently has a great sense of humor), and how the whole Western approach to selfhood might be fundamentally missing the point. Isaiah's working at the Collegeville Institute now with the Benedictines, and if you want to meet him in person, he'll be hanging out with us at Theology Beer Camp this October in St. Paul. This is one of those conversations that stays with you. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Aizaiah G. Yong is an ordained pentecostal Christian minister and practical theologian who has served in religious and higher education leadership for over a decade devoting his energy to healing and advocacy work that centers QTBIPOC communities. His recent book, Multiracial Cosmotheadrism: a Practical Theology of Multiracial Experiences, received the internationally acclaimed 2022 Raimon Panikkar Prize. UPCOMING ONLINE CLASS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The God of Justice: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Longing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This transformative online class brings together distinguished scholars from biblical studies, theology, history, and faith leadership to offer exactly what our moment demands: the rich, textured wisdom of multiple academic disciplines speaking into our contemporary quest for justice. Here you'll discover how ancient texts illuminate modern struggles, how theological reflection deepens social action, and how historical understanding opens new possibilities for faithful engagement with our world's brokenness and beauty. Join John Dominic Crossan, Peter Enns, Casey Sigmon, Aizaiah Yong, & Malcolm Foley As always, the class is donation-based, including 0. INFO & Sign-Up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FaithAndPolitics.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. Guests this year include John Dominic Crossan, Kelly Brown Douglas, Philip Clayton, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Jeffery Pugh, Juan Floyd-Thomas, Andy Root, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Noreen Herzfeld, Reggie Williams, Casper ter Kuile, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get info and tickets here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. _____________________ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 70,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Senior Executive Pastor Dr. Ben Lovvorn teaches from Acts 2. This was the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came in power and Peter preached the first Christian sermon. Thousands responded by having their hearts transformed. They gave their lives to Jesus and centered their lives in His church. The same Holy Spirit is at work in and through us today! Throughout this series, our goal is to respond to God's Word by answering Christ's call and pursuing His mission together.   We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Have you ever wondered why your faith sometimes feels more like a checklist than a living relationship?Pastor Jeff and Tiffany kick off our Practical Theology series with an introduction to Zoëlogy; The study of the Christian life. We learn why beliefs must shape our behavior, how assurance of salvation lays the foundation for growth, and why active involvement in the church is essential to the Christian walk.What We Discussed: 00:00 - Intro Practical Theology, also called Applied Theology, is the study of how Christian doctrine shapes everyday life. Practical theology asks: How should what I believe change how I live?03:12 - What is “Zoëology”?The word Zoëlogy comes from two Greek words: zoe (life) and logos (word, study, discourse). Put together, it means the doctrine of the Christian life. 06:45 - Belief and BehaviorThe key principle of zoëlogy is that belief determines behavior. A person who has been born again should display that new life in the way they live, empowered by the Holy Spirit.09:16 - The Assurance of SalvationUnderstanding that salvation is a gift through Christ's finished work, not through human effort, is foundational. This confidence in being divinely forgiven lays the groundwork for spiritual growth and daily victory in the Christian life.12:22 - The Role of the ChurchEcclesiology, the doctrine of the church, teaches that Christians are called into fellowship and service within the body of Christ. Believers are “fellow workers” with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9) in building His church. Active participation, worship, service, and fellowship with other Christians are essential parts of living out practical theology.Key Quote“Practical theology is simply asking: how does what I know of God change how I live for Him?” – Pastor Jeff CranstonWe love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.orgVisit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranstonRemember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

This episode is a follow-up discussion led by Dr. Ben Lovvorn where we take a deeper dive into the meaning of the Great Commission and how it applies to our daily lives. Ben, Nate, and Andrew discuss what it looks like biblically and practically to make disciples, how God calls people and sends them out, what baptism means, and much more. Throughout this series, our goal is to respond to God's Word by answering Christ's call and pursuing His mission together.    We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

Welcome to our fall discipleship series—Go! Make Disciples. This episode is a recent sermon from our Senior Executive Pastor, Dr. Ben Lovvorn, entitled “Go! Make Disciples: The Great Commission.” In Matthew 28:19–20, Christ gives the church a clear objective and the means necessary to achieve it. We are called to make disciples. Throughout this series, we'll talk about what it means to answer Christ's call and pursue His mission together.    We would love for you to partner with us to support the mission of First Baptist Dallas, which includes creating biblical resources like this podcast, by giving online here: firstdallas.org/fbdgive.   Dr. Ben Lovvorn serves as our Senior Executive Pastor. Nate Curtis is our Associate Executive Pastor. Andrew Bobo is our Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology.

It's the shortest book in the Old Testament (only 21 verses) yet the prophecy of Obadiah carries a message of justice, humility, and hope.Pastor Jeff Cranston revisits one of Kitchen Table Theology's most unexpectedly popular episodes: an overview of the book of Obadiah. We'll explore the historical conflict between Edom and Israel, the pride that led to Edom's downfall, and how this ancient prophecy still speaks to our hearts today.00:00 – Season Update and Introduction to ObadiahNext week we begin our “Practical Theology” series. Remember to tune in! 03:12 – Revisiting Obadiah & Historical Context Tracing the conflict between Edom (descendants of Esau) and Israel (descendants of Jacob), and how generations of hostility culminated in Edom's betrayal during Jerusalem's fall.06:45 – The Central Message of ObadiahHow pride became Edom's downfall, the certainty of God's justice, and the “day of the Lord” as a theme of divine judgment on all nations.11:02 – God's Promise of RestorationThe shift in the final verses from judgment to hope, with God promising deliverance for Zion and the establishment of His kingdom.14:28 – Lessons for Believers TodayWhy pride is spiritually dangerous, how God's justice ensures wrongs will be made right, and how Obadiah encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan."Pride was the root of Edom's downfall, and it's still the root of so much sin today."  – Pastor Jeff CranstonWe love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.orgVisit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. Check in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranstonRemember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Practical theology is the bridge between knowing God's Word and living it out.. We're getting ready to launch a brand-new series on how biblical truth shapes everyday life. 

David W. Saxton's God's Battle Plan for the Mind (Reformation Heritage Books, 2015) presents a compelling argument for recovering the lost art of biblical meditation, a discipline once central to […]

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee is a professional singer and musician, who in 2024 became the first black recipient and youngest recipient ever of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Classical Music from the Governor General of Canada. She's also the author of her memoir Something Is Always On Fire and is currently writing a sequel entitled Open-Hearted. She is currently in the third year of a Masters in Practical Theology at Acadia Divinity College.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.