

Church Grammar
Brandon D. Smith
The Church Grammar podcast engages theology and the church in a fresh way, centered on wide-ranging conversations with scholars and Bible teachers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2026 • 50min
Is Catholic-Protestant Unity Possible? (with Matthew Levering)
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Levering of Mundelein Seminary. We discuss Catholic beliefs on topics such as how to agree and disagree with the Pope and Catholic doctrine (1:03), the latest discussions about Mary as Co-Redemptrix (23:19), the possibility of Catholic-Protestant unity (32:39), and more. Read his books.
We’re now on YouTube! Please subscribe and share. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Dec 29, 2025 • 2h 51min
In Memoriam: Three Hours of Daniel Treier
As a way to honor and memorialize Daniel Treier (1972–2025), this is a megapod episode of his four appearances on Church Grammar:
(00:17) – Brandon’s reflections on Dan’s life(03:43) – On Theological Interpretation and Longsuffering Sports Fandom (2/7/19)(42:58) – On Evangelical Theology, Christian Formation, and Sports Heroes (2/10/20)(1:13:41) – Theological Interpretation: On Definitions, Commentaries, and Reading Recommendations (6/28/21)(2:01:41) – On Christology and Scripture (12/12/23)
*** We’re expanding to YouTube! Please subscribe and share, as we’ll be launching in 2026. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Dec 21, 2025 • 45min
Jamin Goggin on Pastoral Sins, Confession, and Accountability
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jamin Goggin of Talbot School of Theology. We discuss pastoral power (2:35), pastoral confession (11:37), pastoral pride (25:02), and more. Get the book here.
*** We’re expanding to YouTube! Please subscribe and share, as we’ll be launching in 2026. Find the channel at: youtube.com/@churchgrammar
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Dec 3, 2025 • 50min
Joshua Heavin and Caleb Wait on the Nicene Creed Among Protestants
Joshua Heavin, a theologian with a focus on the Trinity and creeds, and Caleb Wait, a commentator from Reformed circles, delve into the significance of the Nicene Creed across various Christian traditions. They discuss the origins of their Passages podcast, sharing frustrations with common myths about the Trinity. Heavin highlights the regular use of creeds in Anglicanism, while Wait reflects on their benefits in Presbyterian worship. Together, they explore the creed's role as a guardrail for devotion, emphasizing its lasting relevance in today's church.

Nov 21, 2025 • 48min
Mark Gignilliat and Heath Thomas on Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Mark Gignilliat of Beeson Divinity School and Dr. Heath Thomas of Oklahoma Baptist University. We discuss foundational hermeneutical assumptions about canon, time, and providence (2:33), allegory, typology, and figural readings (23:04), and more. Read their latest book.
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Cody Barnhart. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Oct 21, 2025 • 52min
Andrew Walker on Charlie Kirk, the Future of Conservatism, and Baptist Political Theology
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Walker, a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delves into the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination and its cultural impact. He explores the future of conservative coalitions, suggesting a rise of a 'religious right 2.0'. Walker also discusses Baptist perspectives on politicians expressing faith and warns against reducing religion to mere cultural Christianity. Highlighting the need for Christians to engage in political influence for the common good, he expresses hope for a revitalized Christian witness in public life.

Oct 6, 2025 • 44min
Stephen Presley on Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics in the Church Fathers
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Stephen Presley of the Center for Religion, Culture, & Democracy. We discuss retrieving biblical theology and cultural engagement in the early church (1:31), hermeneutics and methodology (13:03), the church fathers and the Christian life today (36:42), and more. Read Stephen’s books.
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Aug 25, 2025 • 55min
Jennifer Frey on Classical Education, the Great Books, and Cultivating Wonder
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jennifer Frey. We discuss how classical education and the Great Books benefit students (1:26), the role of curiosity and wonder in formation and education (21:27), books that capture students’ attention (43:51), and more. Read Jennifer’s books.
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Aug 3, 2025 • 58min
Erik Lundeen on Biblical Interpretation in the Reformation
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Erik Lundeen of Christ Our Redeemer Seminary. We discuss the literal sense in the Reformation era (3:49), Christian and Jewish commentaries’ impact on the Reformation (13:35), Calvin and other Reformers as bridges to the modern period (34:11), and more. Read Erik’s book.
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.

Jul 8, 2025 • 43min
Kelly Kapic on True Humanity, the Love of God, and Productivity and Rest
This episode is a conversation with Dr. Kelly Kapic of Covenant College. We discuss productivity in Christianity and according to the world (2:21), theological anthropology and the good life (4:17), Chalcedonian Christology and our humanity (8:17), dealing with friendship, sexuality, and relationships in a fallen world (15:24), healthy time management and productivity (31:55), and more. Check out Kelly’s books.
Church Grammar is presented by the PhD and ThM programs at Gateway Seminary, which seek to blend the best of American and British programs by balancing a broad, robust education through seminars with close, one-on-one mentoring during the writing phase.
Producer: Ryan Modisette. Intro music: Purple Dinosaur by nobigdyl.
Brandon D. Smith is Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University, a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal, and writes things. You can follow him on Twitter at @brandon_d_smith.
Check out his recent books: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), The Trinity in the Canon (B&H Academic, 2023), and Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic, 2024), and Beholding the Triune God (Crossway, 2024).
*** This podcast is designed to discuss all sorts of topics from various points of view. Therefore, guests’ views do not always reflect the views of the host, his church, or his institution.


