TGC Podcast

Brad Edwards, author-pastor defending church membership; Gavin Ortlund, pastor and church-history teacher; Jared C. Wilson, pastor and writer on gospel-centered ministry. They discuss answering "I love Jesus but not the church," reteaching church history and worship depth, pastoral struggles and spiritual darkness, personal devotional rhythms, and signs of renewed religious interest among younger people.

Jared C. Wilson, a pastoral ministry expert, discusses the risk of taking gospel centrality for granted. Gavin Ortlund, a theologian, addresses the anxiety felt by young Christians and emphasizes the need for assurance and historical depth in Protestantism. Brad Edwards, a church planter, tackles modern distrust of institutions and the individualism undermining local church commitment. Together, they advocate for revitalization and deeper connections within the church, highlighting its vital role in contemporary culture.

Dan Doriani, a pastor and expert in spiritual formation, joins writer Trillia Newbell, author Ruth Chou Simons, and pastor Afshin Ziafat for an engaging conversation on spiritual disciplines. They explore the deep significance of prayer, Bible intake, and community in achieving Christlike growth. Trillia shares her personal journey, while Ruth emphasizes delighting in God rather than duty. The group also discusses practical habits for integrating these disciplines into daily life, making faith both intimate and accessible.

Courtney Docter, a pastor's wife and speaker, discusses how family and culture influence perceptions of aging. Melissa Kruger, an author known for her Bible-focused teachings, shares the challenges of discussing aging publicly. Vanessa Hawkins, a Bible teacher, reflects on aging with chronic pain and trusting God’s plan. Jen Wilkin advocates for a Christ-centered view of beauty and warns against societal pressures. Together, they emphasize the importance of wisdom that comes with age and challenge listeners to embrace the grace in growing older.

Join Paul E. Miller, executive director of See Jesus, Trillia Newbell from Moody Publishers, and George Robertson, senior pastor at Second Presbyterian Church, as they dive into the power of prayer. They explore Paul's prayers in Ephesians, emphasizing the importance of asking for the Spirit's work and wisdom. The panel discusses how specific prayers can transform lives and strengthen community. With real-life testimonies, they reveal how communal prayer sustains us, even in our darkest times. It's a heartfelt call to deepen your prayer life!

Trillia Newbell, an author and ministry leader passionate about Scripture, shares insightful tactics for engaging with the Bible. She emphasizes delighting in God's Word over dry techniques, encouraging listeners to pray for faith in their Bible reading. Newbell introduces powerful I AM statements of Jesus, stresses the importance of Christ over worldly distractions, and comforts those experiencing spiritual drought. With practical tips for overcoming barriers to reading, she inspires believers to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Scriptures.

In a reflective panel, Nancy Guthrie, an influential Bible teacher, joins Collin Hansen, a TGC leader, Juan Sanchez, a senior pastor, and Ligon Duncan, a theological chancellor, to discuss 20 years of The Gospel Coalition. They share pivotal moments from its founding, including Don Carson and Tim Keller’s initial meeting. The group dives into the importance of gospel-centered ministry, addressing contemporary church challenges, and shaping future generations through resources and cooperative efforts. Personal testimonies highlight deep friendships and the joyful journey of ministry.

Sam Chan, an Australian pastor and author dedicated to evangelism, dives into the challenges of sharing Jesus in today's post-Christian culture. He advocates for viewing evangelism as a lifestyle rather than isolated events and emphasizes the importance of merging social circles to strengthen faith connections. Chan discusses the need for conversational evangelism, focusing on active listening and asking thoughtful questions. He also shares practical tools and strategies to engage skeptics and reach those wounded by past church experiences.

Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen reflect on a decade of motherhood and the evolution of their ministry, offering heartfelt parting advice. They emphasize the importance of real-life community over online interactions, encouraging moms to seek church-based groups. The podcast also explores how parenting has shifted towards mental health and psychological concerns. With discussions on the impact of social media and the challenges of internet ministry, they leave listeners with a hopeful vision for future connections and gospel-centered parenting.

Ryan Kwon, a plenary speaker at TGC25, passionately unpacks Ephesians 4:25–5:14, exploring how God's truths shape our identities in Him. He shares a transformative story about his father's repentance, illustrating the shift from duty to delight in obedience. Kwon emphasizes the importance of honesty within the Christian community and warns against the dangers of moral callousness. He also highlights our identities as beloved children of God, calling us to live united and graciously, embodying forgiveness and love.