Pastor Writer: Conversations on Reading, Writing, and the Christian Life

Matt Carter serves as the Pastor of Preaching & Vision of The Austin Stone Community Church.In addition to pastoring at The Austin Stone, Matt is a cancer survivor, author, and speaker for camps and conferences nationwide. He holds an MDiv from Southwestern Seminary. His writing has ranged from a commentary on the Gospel of John to a historical fiction book exploring the relationship of Charles Spurgeon and his unlikely friendship with the former slave and missionary Thomas Johnson.He joins me to talk about his recently released book The Long Walk Home: Discovering the Fullness of Life in the Love of the Father. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Combining their interest in history and passion for ministry, Joel & Troy have set out to revive long-forgotten sermons. From Augustine to Whitfield, the two are recording long-forgotten sermons form some of history's greatest preachers and sharing them through their podcast, Riving Thoughts.They join me to talk about the show, preaching, and how these historical thoughts can rescue us from the feedback loop of our modern times. Check out their show: Reviving Thoughts Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harold Senkbeil was born and raised on a Minnesota farm and his rural background has shaped his approach to work and people.He was a parish pastor for 31 years prior to accepting a position as Associate Professor of Ministry and Mission at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.Since 2008 he has served as Executive Director for Spiritual Care for DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel and spends his time teaching and encouraging pastors to hone their skills in the ancient art of the cure of souls.This summer, he released a new book, The Care of Souls: Cultivating A Pastor's Heart. He joined me to talk about the book and how the church has confused its model of pastoral ministry.I can't recommend Harold's book more and I found this conversation to be deeply impactful. I think it's one of the most important conversations I've had on the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The past years have seen a massive spike in debates, articles, and books on the topic of masculinity, most centered around a call to redefine what masculinity means. What does it mean to be a man?We call for it constantly. Be a man. Act like a man. Man up. Real men don’t…But it’s worth asking yourself, do you have a good definition for it? How would you define what it means to be a man?Prefer to read the blog: A Good (Definition of) Man Is Hard to Find Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer joins me to talk about his newest book, Hearers & Doers. The book aims to help pastors better form disciples through theology and doctrine. It provides a great combination of theological reflection, scripture, and cultural awareness. Dr. Vanhoozer's writing draws from a deep appreciation for the arts. In our conversation, we talk about what it means to "do theology" and how pastor's are being pulled away from their true vocation. I think pastors and any thoughtful believer will find the conversation both challenging and fascinating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I do realize that for two years I've been talking about writing, publishing, and my own book on Samson. For two years you've listened to me give ask and talk about proposals, agents, and publishers. The obvious question is, am I ever going to publish anything? I wanted to take a pause from our interviews to give you an update and offer some of the lessons I've been learning along the way, the primary lesson being: writing is waiting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chad Allen is a full-time writer, editor, speaker, and writing coach. His background is in the traditional publishing industry, where he spent over 20 years as an editor, acquisitions editor, and the last seven as editorial director for Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.He is also the creator of Book Proposal Academy and BookCamp.Chad joins me to talk about the components of a strong book project. Particularly, we talk about a book's concept—its hook. The concept is a critical part of the book and can always be stronger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Kedersha serves as the Director of Marriage Ministry at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas. He writes about marriage, family, leadership, and ministry, and is the author of Ready or Knot? 12 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have before Marriage.Writing is long and hard work. It requires time, attention, and often money. But few of us write with unlimited quantities of those categories. We take up this new work in the context of relationships and pre-existing responsibilities. Important writing—even Christian writing—is no excuse for sacrificing our greater priorities. Scott joins me to discusses how to approach writing within these relationships.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Peterson is a recording artist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, publisher and award-winning author of The Wingfeather Saga.He is also the founder and president of The Rabbit Room, which fosters Christ-centered community and spiritual formation through music, story and art.Peterson has also been named “one of the foremost singer/songwriters around” and has received multiple “best album of the year” nods from critics along with two Dove Award nominations.Taking his hits and fan favorites on the road, Peterson’s touring draws capacity crowds at venues around the world, including several sold-out events at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.I had a chance to review an advance copy of his soon to be released book, Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making. Andrew joins me to talk about creativity, community, writing, and the mystery of making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Viola is a speaker, blogger, and bestselling author. You might be familiar with his books, Pagan Christianity, Insurgence, From Eternity to Here. His blog—frankviola.org—is regularly ranked in the top 5 of all Christian blogs on the Web and his podcast - Christ is All - has ranked #1 in Canada and #2 in the USA on iTunes.He is committed to helping serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact.Viola's writing is characterized by boldness and a passion for changing conventions. In our conversation, we talk about how he approaches his writing and how he knows when he has an idea worth writing about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices