TGC Podcast

We live in a world increasingly marked by accusation and anger, and our churches are called to be places where the love of Christ is not just a theological tenet but a felt reality. In this session from TGC's 2023 National Conference, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss how, with God’s help, our churches can be marked by honesty, safety, and renewal.They discuss: The need for gospel cultureThe role of love in gospel credibility"You're Not Crazy" book and its purposeHonesty and honoring in gospel cultureThe beauty and blessing of human relationships in gospel cultureA vision for gospel culture in churchesListen to the You're Not Crazy podcast from The Gospel Coalition.

Dr. G. K. Beale, a theologian dedicated to exploring scripture and new creation, dives into the gripping themes of Revelation and the dangers of materialism. He discusses the call for believers to separate from worldly comforts, drawing parallels with biblical narratives. Beale warns against the intoxicating influence of 'Babylon,' urging a deeper reliance on Christ amidst societal pressures. By embracing Christ's death and resurrection, he emphasizes the hope of escaping judgment and eagerly anticipating the new creation.

Scott Swain, a prominent speaker at TGC's 2023 conference, explores the essential link between the Trinity and the concept of salvation. He showcases how understanding the Trinity illuminates biblical themes, particularly through the Exodus narrative. Swain articulates the Trinity's centrality to God's self-revelation and covenant with Israel. He also discusses the Holy Spirit’s role across both testaments, connecting these themes to the hope of salvation fulfilled in Christ, and emphasizes the intertwining concepts of covenant, redemption, and marriage.

In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Vance Pitman shares about his call to church planting, reflecting on the New Testament church as a model for kingdom-oriented mission today.After Pitman's talk, he and a panel—Félix Cabrera, Matt Carter, Doug Logan Jr., and Tony Merida—discuss the challenges and strategies of planting churches in diverse urban contexts, with a focus on multiplying disciples and reaching 1 percent of North America with the gospel. They highlight the need for churches to reflect their communities, prioritize prayer, and equip believers for ministry.

Trevin Wax explores the challenges of spreading the gospel in a culture of expressive individualism.His talk is followed by a discussion with Dean Inserra and Christine Hoover. The panel discusses the effects of expressive individualism on North American culture, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel to address feelings of inadequacy and shame. They highlight the rise of personalized pseudo-religions and stress the importance of local church engagement and deep relationships in ministry. Regardless of the prevailing culture, the gospel has the power to fulfill people's deepest longings.

Clark Fobes highlights the importance of understanding diversity and cultural context when reaching Gen Z with the gospel, noting how social media has influenced a shift from guilt-innocence to honor-shame paradigms. He encourages churches to equip parents and youth pastors to navigate these changes and to provide a sense of belonging rooted in the gospel.After Fobes's message, a panel discusses prioritizing family ministry, integrating intergenerational discipleship, supporting a variety of family structures and leveraging existing church resources.Episode Resources: Family Discipleship Curriculum and Courses from Rooted MinistryRooted Ministry resources 

Family discipleship is essential for lifelong faith. In this breakout session from TGC23, Cameron Cole teaches from Ephesians 3:11–16, challenging parents to embrace their central role in their children's spiritual formation.Formative Christian practices like prayer, Bible reading, and spiritual conversations are crucial, and parents should prioritize their own spiritual growth as they actively participate in church life and discuss the gospel with their children regularly. The local church has a role to play as they equip parents through resources like video courses and Bible studies, promoting family discipleship as essential for lifelong faith.Cole ends by encouraging parents that our confidence and rest are ultimately found in the Spirit's work.

Discipleship is essential for the spiritual growth of the next generation. In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Terrence Shay emphasizes the distinct roles of home and church in disciple making, with parents as primary disciple makers and the church providing a supportive community.As we seek to effectively nurture children's spiritual development, especially in a post-pandemic culture, may the church equip and support parents with resources and a community to aid their children's spiritual growth and love for Christ.

Exploring the concept of spiritual abuse in church leadership, the podcast delves into examples of oppressive behavior, the impact of a blog series and a book on raising awareness, and the importance of addressing bullies in the church with love. It also discusses the balance between speaking truth and avoiding offense in a culture sensitive to subjective feelings.

Jen Wilkin, a Bible teacher, discusses the importance of unity and choosing battles wisely. Topics include promoting Bible literacy, navigating disagreements with kindness, and finding a balance between fundamentalism and progressivism in theology.