What is the biblical vision of the church, and what does it mean to be a family in Christ, adopted as brothers and sisters? Especially when family is messy. In this conversation with Dr. Carmen Imes, we broach a biblical theology of the church and Scripture's emphasis on the need to be in community across difference and despite previous experiences of harm. Carmen encourages us towards healthy interdependence, a diversity of opinions and perspectives, and honesty in our communal relationships. She believes the church can still be a force for good, and that God invites us to be his family so that we can share that welcome with others.

Carmen's Bio

Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends. Today, we are discussing the third (and final) book in her trilogy, Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters, released Oct. 28, 2025.

Previous Podcast Appearances

The Book of Exodus, Pharaoh's Hard Heart, Taking God's Name in Vain (March 2023)

Questions about the Old Testament Ep 4 (April 2021)

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