The Pastor Theologians Podcast

Amy Peeler for a rich conversation exploring pastoral identity, theological formation, and the upcoming Pastor Theologians Conference, Good Shepherds: Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. Amy shares insights from her latest projects—including a forthcoming book on Ordinary Time and an in-depth study of Paul’s use of birth and incarnation language—while reflecting on her own pastoral journey and the people who have shepherded her well. The discussion dives into the challenges of pastoral isolation, the necessity of relational connection in ministry, and the transformative power of vulnerability and shared learning. Living Church - Awe and Presence

Chris Bruno, president of Oahu Theological Seminary and pastor at All Saints Anglican Church, discusses his book on the theological themes of Philippians. He emphasizes the intertwining of joy and sorrow and how they shape faith, particularly during suffering. Bruno explores the concept of Union with Christ and its impact on personal and communal trials. He highlights how Paul's imprisonment served as a catalyst for the gospel's spread, urging the church to embrace both joy and heartache in their spiritual journeys.

Ed Gerber joins us to share his story of becoming a pastor theologian. How can the Lord use even a significant break up to prepare someone for ministry? How can those who prepare future ministry leaders be both preachers and teachers to their students? What is the balance between head and heart for those who study theology academically? This and more on today’s episode! Living Church - Awe and Presence

For our June episode on books, we, the CPT staff, have been reading:JD Vance, Hillbilly Elegy (2016)Rémi Brague, Kingdom of Man: Genesis and Failure of the Modern Project, (2018)Elizabeth Goudge, The Dean's Watch, (2012) Living Church - Awe and Presence

Today on the podcast we are joined by Rev. Dr. Michael Niebauer as he shares about his recent book, Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion. How can Christians encounter Jesus on every page of the Bible? What can we learn from how the earliest Christians read Scripture, and connect seemingly disparate stories in the text? What is distinct about this style of reading as opposed, for example, to 6-week Bible studies or academic study? This and more on today's episode! Living Church - Awe and Presence

Jason Meyer, lead pastor of Urban Refuge Church in Minneapolis, MN, joins the podcast today to tell us about his journey towards becoming a pastor theologian. After serving eight years as a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist, Jason shares what he learned about his own calling, and the identity of a "pastor." This and more on today's episode! Living Church - Awe and Presence

Doug Sweeney, Dean at Beeson Divinity School and a prominent theologian, discusses vital themes for pastoral identity at the upcoming 2025 CPT Conference. He reflects on the qualities of good Christian pastors versus common misleading models in today’s culture. Doug also shares insights from his upcoming book on Christian doctrine, emphasizing the importance of nurturing congregants with strong theological teachings. The conversation further explores the challenges facing modern pastors and the role of effective shepherding within the church.

Casey Hough joins us to talk about his recent book,When Poets Were Warriors: Retrieving a Biblical Vision of Masculinity (B&H Publishing, 2025).  “Masculinity” is an increasingly popular subject for public discourse. Drawing on his experiences as a pastor and father, Hough argues that Christians ought to return to the complex and challenging example of Jesus, instead of relying on cultural stereotypes, to form our vision of masculinity. If we consider Jesus Christ to be a model for masculinity, how do we then think about femininity, and any differences or similarities between the two? What should pastors consider as they shape their discipleship ministries? This and more on today’s episode!  Living Church - Awe and Presence

What is culture, and what is our relationship to it as Christians? Dennis Greeson joins the podcast today to talk about his recent book The Way of Christ in Culture: A Vision for All of Life (Lifeway 2024), coauthored with Benjamin T. Quinn. In the book, the authors provide a framework for knowing one’s time in God’s story, one’s place in creation, and following wisdom. He also shares about the Alexandrian Institute, a cohort-based model for theological education focused on engaging Scripture and confessional traditions and the wisdom of previous generations of Christians, and sending students to engage their context.  Living Church - Awe and Presence

This week, James Arcadi joins the podcast to talk about his latest book, Holiness: Divine and Human (2023). He also shares about his dual calling to both pastoral ministry as a full-time Anglican rector, and to academic theology as a guest professor at Wheaton College. What is the relationship between abstract ideas and practical application? What does it mean for something to be "consecrated" or "holy"?  This and more on today's podcast! Living Church - Awe and Presence