The Pastor Theologians Podcast

This week on the podcast we're sharing a presentation from our 2021 theology conference, Confronting Racial Injustice: Theory and Praxis for the Church. This talk was given by Raymond Chang, President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and a Ministry Associate for Discipleship at Wheaton College.Visit https://www.pastortheologians.com/conference-media to access this and other presentations from our 2021 conference. Living Church - Awe and Presence

The CPT staff discuss some books we're reading and why we read the books we do. This conversation features CPT President Todd Wilson, Executive Director Joel Lawrence, Managing Director Rae Paul, and Editorial Director Zach Wagner.  We discuss books by Michael Sandel, Eugene McCarraher, Andrew Peterson, and Kazuo Ishiguro. Living Church - Awe and Presence

CPT fellow Gavin Ortlund returns to the podcast to discuss his new book Why God Makes Sense in a World  That Doesn't: The Beauty of Christian Theism. We discuss why Gavin became interested in apologetics. What are different kinds of faith crises and unique situations that bring various people to a place where they might find a work of apologetics helpful. What is the role of beauty in apologetics? How can we  use our desires and intuitions around transcendence be used in "abductive" arguments for the faith?We also touch on recent discussions around the term "deconstruction." When can deconstruction be a good thing? When is it not? How does diversity of experience factor into these conversations? Living Church - Awe and Presence

We are joined by CPT fellow Jay Thomas for a conversation about preaching, deconstruction, and the season of Advent. Jay gives a look into his weekly rhythm of preaching preparation, as well as how he anticipates preaching through the season of Advent. We discuss contextualizing the sermon for the season in the life of the church and for individual hearers. We also discuss how theological truth conveyed to the congregation through worship and liturgy. Finally, Jay discusses how he stays pastorally sensitive to those in the audience who feel themselves drifting from their faith or are undergoing a process of "deconstruction." Living Church - Awe and Presence

In this episode we continue our conversation with therapist and author Diane Langberg. How can pastors cultivate a healthy habit of self-examination and holistic moral purity? How do pastor cope with their need for relationship and renewal will managing the pressure that  ministry systems put them under? What does the church need to rethink to address the abuses of power in our systems and church communities? Living Church - Awe and Presence

We're joined in this episode by Dr. Diane Langberg, author of Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church. She discusses her work with both pastors and trauma survivors, and her realization that these worlds sometimes overlap in alarming ways. What are different types of power? How do these relate to pastors and systems of churches and ministries? How can we draw attention to the way systems of power often misdirect and corrupt us and our ministries? Living Church - Awe and Presence

We continue our conversation with Doug Sweeney about his theological education and ongoing teaching, writing, and research. How can we expand our perspective in theological education beyond distinctly Western voices? What ways can professors and students use their gifts to serve people in local church? What are the dangers in using the term "evangelical" in our current cultural moment? All this and more in this far-reaching conversation. Living Church - Awe and Presence

Doug Sweeney, Dean of Beeson Divinity School, joins the podcast as this week's guest. Doug is a Jonathan Edwards scholar who serves as a theological mentor and sits on the board of the CPT.  He discusses some of his story and how he came to worship in the Lutheran tradition and how he has navigated ongoing theological tensions as an evangelical in historic Protestant denominations. Living Church - Awe and Presence

In part 2 of our conversation with Erin Heim (Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University), we conclude our conversation about adoption in the Apostle Paul. We then pivot to discussing Dr. Heim's paper on the connections between the #metoo Movement and the death and resurrection of Christ. How did sexual humiliation play a part in Christ's torture and crucifixion? What are the implications of this for the female human experience? How does the New Testament reorient our conversations on sexual violence?Those looking to listen to Dr. Heim's Paper in its entirety can find it read in two parts on the OnScript podcast: here and here. Living Church - Awe and Presence

Erin Heim, a Tutor in Biblical Studies at Wycliffe Hall, brings her unique perspective as an adoptee to a discussion on adoption metaphors in the Apostle Paul's letters. She shares how contemporary Christian narratives can be painful for adoptees and often misinterpret Paul's true meaning. Erin contrasts these biblically-rooted views with personal experiences, emphasizing the need for more nuanced conversations around adoption in evangelical communities. Her journey from music to theology highlights the intricate connections between faith, personal history, and scholarly research.