The Pastor Theologians Podcast

For the Summer of 2020, we will be releasing midweek episodes with special focus on theology and politics. How can Christians engage in politics and public witness while remaining faithful to the lordship of Christ? On this first episode we are joined by Kristen Deede Johnson, a professor of theology at Western Theological Seminary. She tells us her story of becoming interested in the intersection between theology and politics––and shares what insight we can gain from St. Augustine with regard to our own political moment.Living Church - Awe and Presence

We are joined by CPT fellow Matthew Wilcoxen as he tells his story of his education and call to ministry. On this episode Matthew discusses the unique challenges of ministering in Washington DC, his conversion experience as a young person, as well his pursuit and development of his intellectual gifts.Living Church - Awe and Presence

How should Christians think about the over-politicization of our culture? What is the theological significance of this cultural trend? How does the Gospel teach us a counter-narrative to the power politics of our day? On this episode, Todd Wilson shares how pastors and Christians can put politics in its proper place within the good world God created.Living Church - Awe and Presence

“Such a cry as ‘I can’t breathe’ is not merely anthropological, but it is theological. The problem with White supremacy – killing Black women and Black men in America – is an error of theology. It is a failure of the White mind and the White power structure to remember from where breath really comes.”On a special episode of the CPT Podcast, we share a sermon given by Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago. This sermon was given on Sunday, May 31, 2020 – in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.Living Church - Awe and Presence

CPT fellow Dr. Eric Redmond joins the podcast to discuss his experience as an African American man, father, and pastor in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. We lament and discuss how it feels to be a black American and a black evangelical at this historical moment. What can pastors, particularly white pastors, do to lead their congregations toward repentance and care for those of African descent in their communities. Dr. Redmond is a professor of New Testament at the Moody Bible Institute and an associate pastor at Calvary Memorial Church in Chicago.Living Church - Awe and Presence

How do times of scarcity expose the idolatry of the human heart? What do we learn about ourselves, our vulnerabilities, and our identities during a season of wilderness wandering? CPT fellow Chris Ganski joins the podcast to discuss and share a sermon on surviving in the wilderness. Listen now as Chris notes how God, in Christ, is faithful to sustain us and be present to us during our testing.Living Church - Awe and Presence

What does Jesus' ascension mean and why does it matter? What is the theological significance of the human Messiah's return to heaven? With Ascension Thursday this week, we are sharing a conversation with and a sermon from CPT fellow Donnie Berry.Living Church - Awe and Presence

How can pastors be attuned to the mental health needs of their congregants? What responsibility does the pastor have to be aware of contemporary psychological research and brain science? What theological resources do we have as Christians for understanding and addressing mental health? We discuss these questions and more in our conversation with CPT fellow Ryan Davidson.Living Church - Awe and Presence

In this episode we continue our conversation with CPT fellow Stephen Witmer on small-town ministry. We discuss the theological underpinning of gospel witness in forgotten places, being open to a call to rural ministry, and how small communities are struggling during a global pandemic.Living Church - Awe and Presence

We are joined on the podcast by CPT fellow Stephen Witmer, who serves as the Lead Pastor of Pepperell Christian Fellowship in Pepperell, MA. In this episode we discuss Stephen's life story, his call to ministry, and education. We also hear about Stephen's recent book, A Big Gospel in Small Places: Why Ministry in Forgotten Communities Matters.Living Church - Awe and Presence