The Pastor Theologians Podcast

What is God doing in/with/through this global crisis? In this episode we are joined by CPT fellow Jim Samra, Senior Pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, MI. We explore difficult and complex questions related to how Christians should think and speak of the activity of God in moments of crisis and suffering. How do we prepare God’s people for suffering and uncertainty? Once the a season of suffering has arrived, what is the pastor’s role in encouraging, supporting, and shepherding the sufferer?Living Church - Awe and Presence

In this episode we are joined by CPT fellow Jarrod Longbons, Senior Minister of Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, GA. Jarrod discusses the history of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement in the United States. He also explores how he and his congregation are ministering to the people in their church and in their community through connection and ministries of mercy during a national shutdown.Living Church - Awe and Presence

CPT fellow Jon English Lee, Pastor of Discipleship at Morningview Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL. Jon English discusses his life of faith, his ministry training, and his doctoral research. How does the biblical Sabbath mandate relate to creation? How does it relate to the coming of Christ? How can those who no longer work or who are unable to work in their present circumstances participate in the rest that God commands?Living Church - Awe and Presence

Our culture shelters us from death. But the reality of our own fragility and mortality has been placed at the forefront of our attention during a global pandemic. CPT fellows Chris Ganski and Benj Petroelje discuss how pastors can lead and prepare their people to come face to face with death in their own lives and in society. How can Christians acknowledge the reality of death and hold it in tension with the hope that we have in Christ?Living Church - Awe and Presence

The COVID-19 crisis has quickly and urgently raised many theological questions for pastors and congregations. Should find ways to celebrate the Lord's Supper while the church can only gather via livestream? What should worship look like under these circumstances? CPT fellows Chris Ganski and Benj Petroelje join the podcast for a conversation on worship and sacrament in unique circumstances.Living Church - Awe and Presence

Listen to part 2 of our conversation with CPT fellow Nathan Barczi. Nathan tells the story of his move from New York to Boston and from economics to pastoral ministry. We discuss studying part-time for a degree in theology, as well as Nathan's studies for his first career as a professional economist. Nathan concludes by discussing the unique function of theological education in the local church in the Boston area––including his involvement in our local and student fellowships here at the CPT.Living Church - Awe and Presence

Living Church - Awe and Presence

How should students and young pastors think about celebrity preachers? What is the relationship between homiletics and other pastoral disciplines like biblical and theological studies? How does the pastoral call to discipleship interface with the call of preaching? These questions and more in part two of our interview with Matthew Kim, Associate Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.Living Church - Awe and Presence

Rev. Dr. Matthew Kim joins the podcast to share his story and talk about a new book he has published with IVP Academic. Matthew is an Associate Professor for Preaching & Ministry and Director of the Haddon Robinson Center for Preaching at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He shares his story of discerning a call to ministry, his doctoral work, and the role that mentorship relationships have played in his life. Matthew also discusses how his Asian-American background and shy personality have shaped him as a preacher. A Little Book for New Preachers is available now from IVP Academic.Living Church - Awe and Presence

In this episode, Gerald Hiestand explores and explains his PhD research on the church father, Irenaeus of Lyons. What implications do Irenaeus' unique cosmology and origin narrative for the Devil have for the doctrines of sin, salvation, and creation? Was the occasion for Satan's fall pride (as in the traditional narrative popularized by Origen and Augustine) or envy against humanity? What is the biblical support for this narrative?Living Church - Awe and Presence