TGC Podcast

Christian author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin discusses women's gifts in leading and teaching. The panel emphasizes women's roles in the church, sibling relationships, and overcoming ministry opposition. Listeners are encouraged to prepare for their callings and persevere through challenges.

Even those who live by faith experience doubt, but it doesn't have to end your faith. Drawing from years of guiding Christians through doubt and disillusionment, Joshua Chatraw combines pastoral care and intellectual rigor to address the emotional journey of doubt, offering a new perspective on living a life of faith alongside it. In this breakout session from TGC23, Chatraw and Jack Carson discuss these themes based on their book, Surprised by Doubt. 

James Anderson opens this two-part breakout session by sharing how to cultivate a biblically formed understanding of our present cultural realities and maintain confidence and hope when we might otherwise be tempted to despair. Ligon Duncan and Nancy Guthrie follow with a discussion of theological foundations and pastoral approaches for helping one another walk through suffering.The session covershow suffering can shape faith and trust in God's goodness,how to cope with suffering and anger toward God, andhow to find comfort from God's Word in times of tribulation.As we cling to biblical truth for our circumstances and rest in the hope of the resurrection, God can work in our suffering to deepen our faith and teach us to depend on him.

Dan Doriani, an expert in pastoral challenges, discusses the impact of narcissism and lack of confidence in pastors. He emphasizes the need for humility, resilience, and servanthood in ministry, highlighting the importance of character over skills. The podcast explores the changing perceptions of pastors, the necessity of confidence and clarity in leadership, and the balance between confidence and humility in Christian leadership.

Tim Keller examines Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus, unpacking the concept of being "born again." He challenges common stereotypes of born-again Christians and emphasizes that this spiritual rebirth is essential for everyone, regardless of their moral or religious status. Keller reminds us that true repentance is turning towards Jesus for salvation and, in doing so, he highlights the beautiful transformation that happens when we receive a new identity in Christ and an entirely reordered life through the inner work of the Holy Spirit.

In his breakout at TGC23, Michael Kruger argues doubt is a natural part of growing faith and can lead to stronger beliefs if handled with biblical and wise guidance.He offers suggestions for how Christians can confront and process doubts about their faith, especially in our skeptical age. And he calls the church to be a supportive environment that neither shames nor celebrates doubt but rather encourages constructive dialogue. This session provides hope and guidance for believers grappling with their uncertainties and for those who come alongside them.

In this panel discussion from TGC23, Courtney Doctor, Vanessa Hawkins, and Melissa Kruger delve into strategies for shepherding women within the local church.The panel encourages pastors to invest in women's theological training and for men and women to be in the same room as they serve in ministry together. For women in leadership to thrive within the local church, pastors need to pray for them, include them, and proactively seek their input on how to effectively care for and shepherd the women in their congregations.

In this microevent from TGC23, Megan Hill, Gavin Ortlund, and Winfree Brisley reflect on the challenges and blessings of growing up in ministry. They emphasize the importance of parents living by grace, finding their identity in Christ, and supporting their kids, as well as modeling fr their children wise decision-making and differentiating between reasonable and unreasonable expectations for pastors' kids. They share the value of parents nurturing faith in children through family devotions and involving them in ministry while prioritizing their emotional and spiritual well-being. The panel also gives practical advice on handling criticism and prioritizing family in ministry.

In her breakout session at TGC23, Ruth Chou Simons teaches how to navigate life's challenges by focusing on God's unchanging character, which guides and sustains believers through life's wilderness.As we look for God's attributes in everyday life and align with his purpose for our lives, we find fulfillment and resilience amid our struggles. Through personal anecdotes and theological insights, Simons emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and trusting in God's nature.

In their panel discussion at TGC's 2023 conference, J. T. English, Kyle Worley, and Jen Wilkin delve into the crucial role of discipleship in the local church, focusing on the importance of theological education and spiritual growth.There are challenges in cultivating effective discipleship programs and there’s need for a deeper biblical understanding among those being discipled. Through sharing personal experiences within the broader evangelical context, the panel encourages church leaders to take a comprehensive approach to discipleship that integrates learning with spiritual disciplines.