TGC Podcast

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.

Andrew Wilson, a British theologian and pastor known for his expertise in Pauline theology, dives deep into Ephesians 4:1-16. He argues the ascension of Jesus is essential for understanding unity and maturity in the church. Wilson introduces a 'mountain-shaped' structure of the text, revealing how Christ empowers believers through gifts. He discusses the complexity of Paul's message, including the unique quotation from Psalm 68 and the church’s identity as the body of Christ, emphasizing its global significance and unity.

Explore intriguing insights from Isaiah's prophecies, revealing God's plans for exile and future restoration. Witness the transformative promise of deliverance in the wilderness as compared to Exodus. Discover how judgment leads to redemption and the parallels between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting new life in Christ. Reflect on the importance of remembering God's faithfulness while finding hope in His promises. Lastly, embrace the Advent season's call for comfort, forgiveness, and anticipation of Christ's return.

Mark Vroegop, a pastor and engaging conference speaker, dives deep into Ephesians 2:11-22, highlighting the crucial connection between our reconciliation with God and our relationships with others. He paints a vivid vision of the diverse, unified church anticipated in Revelation. Vroegop stresses the importance of remembering our redemption, elucidates the 'but now' transformative power of Christ, and provides the Antioch church as a model of gospel unity, urging listeners to embody this new society today.

Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, a contributor to The Gospel Coalition, dives into the remarkable revival among Gen-Z students. She shares insights from campus pastors witnessing unprecedented growth and commitment to faith, notably at the University of Illinois Chicago. Discussions highlight increased conversations about spirituality sparked by cultural events and a rising male engagement in church. The podcast also explores how Gen-Z craves clarity in truth, leading to historic comparisons with the 1960s Jesus Movement and a surge in conversions.

In this insightful discussion, Kenneth Mbugua, a pastor and gospel teacher, delves into Ephesians 2:1–10. He explores the nature of human boasting and our condition before Christ, illustrating the temptation to rely on our merits. Mbugua emphasizes the transformative grace of God, underscoring that salvation is a gift, not a human achievement. He reveals how understanding our past can lead to a life of gratitude and humility, ultimately shifting the focus of our conversations and spiritual community toward Christ.

Collin Hansen, an editor and writer with a deep background in church ministry, teams up with theologian James R. Wood to dissect Tim Keller's influential yet controversial approach. They ponder whether Keller's 'winsome' method sidesteps tough truths. Topics include the effectiveness of cultural engagement in a negative world, and whether Keller’s pastoral neutrality during pivotal political moments was appropriate. They highlight an emerging openness to faith among younger generations and debate the balance between political teaching and spiritual conversion.