Are you feeling stuck in patterns of hurt, shame, or relational brokenness? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Justin and Trish Davis, authors of One Choice Away from Change and founders of RefineUs Ministries. Together, they explore how small, intentional choices can lead to lasting transformation in our faith, relationships, and personal growth. Key topics include:✅ Understanding the "messy middle" and why we stay stuck✅ How hidden wounds and past messages shape our identity✅ The power of honesty, forgiveness, and daily surrender✅ Breaking unhealthy cycles and creating new patterns of faith✅ Why transformation isn't just behavior modification Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical steps, Justin and Trish offer hope for anyone looking to break free from past struggles and walk in the freedom God intends. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com.  🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 🔗 Learn more about Refine Us Ministries: www.refineus.org You can get One Choice Away from Change on amazon.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Angie Velasquez Thornton to discuss the challenges of handling criticism, fostering accountability, and maintaining unity in Christian public ministry. As an experienced writer, podcaster, and ministry leader, Angie shares her insights on navigating online discourse, the importance of local church accountability, and how Christians can engage in constructive dialogue without compromising truth. Key topics include:✅ Balancing boldness and humility in theological discussions✅ Avoiding the "I follow Apollos" mentality in the digital age✅ Practical ways to handle criticism and avoid bitterness✅ Why the local church should be central to accountability✅ Encouraging Christian unity without sacrificing biblical convictions If you're involved in blogging, podcasting, teaching, or simply engaging in online faith discussions, this episode offers wisdom on how to communicate truth while building up the body of Christ. 🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com.  🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To hear more from Angie Velasquez Thorton and to get some of the resources discussed on today's show, see: James's Blog Posts on Leadership: No Flinching: How To Develop a Crucial Leadership Skill Sorry, I Wasn't Listening...And I'm Not Going To Rule of Life Intensive:https://www.jenpollockmichel.com/rule-of-life-intensiveMy Column at TGC Canada:https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/femmes-scriptura/ https://ambassadorofreconciliation.blogspot.com/2023/11/why-and-how-women-should-teach-write.html 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour, running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in Wittenberg, Munich, Nuremberg, and beyond. From the legacy of Martin Luther to the resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this unique tour blends biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural discovery. James will be joined by Reformation expert Dr. Greg Quiggle and political theology scholar Dr. Michael McDuffee—two former Moody Bible Institute professors with extensive experience in Germany and a deep love for its history. 🚨 Booking deadline is May 31, 2025.📍 Visit thomastours.com for more info and to reserve your spot. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with authors Linson Daniel, Jon Hietbrink, and Eric Rafferty to discuss their new book, Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God. Together, they explore how mission and revival are inseparable, why cynicism hinders spiritual growth, and how to recognize and join God’s work in the ordinary moments of life. Drawing from biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical insights, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to be a disciple on mission. 🔹 Key Topics Covered:✔️ How encountering God daily reshapes our mission✔️ Overcoming cynicism and rediscovering wonder✔️ The role of spiritual habits in preparing for revival✔️ Why mission isn’t just for the “called” but for every believer 📖 Get Reviving Mission with 20% off! (20% off with code for IVP- use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 👉 IVP Press 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to live with expectancy, curiosity, and a renewed passion for God's work! 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. #ThinkingChristian #RevivingMission #ChristianPodcast #Discipleship #SpiritualGrowth Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How should Christians think about race and justice five years after George Floyd? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory, to explore the nuanced realities of race, politics, and faith. They discuss the pendulum swings of political ideologies, the role of the church in fostering biblical justice, and how Christians can engage these conversations with wisdom and discernment. Plus, Ed previews his talk at the Exiles in Babylon conference and reflects on his 30+ years with Athletes in Action. 🔹 How can Christians avoid being swept into political rhetoric?🔹 What does true justice look like from a biblical perspective?🔹 Why should we transcend the culture’s binaries on race and inclusion? This is a must-listen for those wanting to think biblically and critically about the complex issues of race and justice in today's world. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. 1️⃣ Ed Uszynski’s Book – Untangling Critical Race Theory📖 Buy the book here 2️⃣ Exiles in Babylon Conference – Theology in the Raw🎙️ Learn more about the conference     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deconstruction is often misunderstood—some see it as a step toward renewal, while others fear it as a path to apostasy. But what if we’re missing the deeper reality? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer talks with Ian Harber, author of Walking Through Deconstruction: How to Be a Companion in a Crisis of Faith. Together, they explore the personal and cultural forces shaping deconstruction, why many in the church respond with fear or animosity, and how we can engage with those questioning their faith with patience, wisdom, and truth. Ian shares his own journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, highlighting the existential nature of faith crises and why intellectual arguments alone aren’t enough. Join us for a deep and thoughtful conversation on how the church can walk with those wrestling with doubt, engage the deeper assumptions behind deconstruction, and foster a faith that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually resilient. 🔗 Check out Ian Harber’s book: Walking Through Deconstruction at IVP (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take a deep dive into the complexities of meritocracy, systemic sin, and hiring practices. Using personal stories and broader cultural conversations—sparked by a recent presidential speech—they examine whether hiring is ever truly based on merit alone. They explore how networks, relationships, and institutional structures shape hiring decisions, sometimes in ways we fail to recognize. Does meritocracy really exist? How should Christians think about hiring in ministry and beyond? And how does our dependence on God shape the way we navigate these realities? Join the conversation as James and Nate unpack these issues and challenge common assumptions about qualifications, fairness, and faith-led decision-making. Listen to James's conversation with Kaitlyn Beatty on The Evangelical Bro Code here. You can access James' article on the way the "bro code" impacts men here.  🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can Christians faithfully engage in politics without compromising their convictions? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jesse Covington, Dr. Brian T. McGraw, and Dr. Micah Watson, co-authors of Hopeful Realism: Evangelical Natural Law and Democratic Politics. Together, they explore how natural law provides a foundation for engaging in the public square while maintaining theological integrity. 📖 Topics Covered: What is natural law, and why should evangelicals care? How does natural law shape Christian engagement in politics? The dangers of both political withdrawal and theocratic overreach How to share governance in a pluralistic society while upholding biblical truth The role of prudence in navigating difficult political issues, such as abortion policy 🎙 Listen now to learn how natural law can help Christians be faithful participants in politics without losing sight of the gospel. 📚 Get the book with an exclusive 20% discount at IVP! Visit ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). 🔗 Explore more biblical resources at UsefulToGod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James and Nate explore the razor-thin line Christian journalism walks between accountability and bearing false witness. Prompted by a controversy at the NRB convention, they discuss the tension between exposing sin and rushing to judgment, the biblical framework for justice and accountability, and the consequences of premature or biased reporting. How should Christians navigate the flood of information in a digital age? What does real accountability look like—for both accused and accuser? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on truth, responsibility, and the impact of Christian media on the witness of the Church. For more thoughts on the verses and ideas discussed in this episode, see James's article titled "Beyond the Scandal: Rethinking Christian Journalism in an Age of Speed and Spectacle" at usefultogod.com/read. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

he church is at a crossroads. With rising disaffiliation and declining trust, how can we re-engage the next generation? How do we stop the drift and disciple effectively in today's world? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Raymond Chang, Executive Director of 10x10 Collaboration at Fuller Seminary and co-author of Future Focused Church. They explore: 📌 Key Topics:✅ The "10x10" Initiative: Engaging 10 million young people in faith over 10 years✅ Why are so many young adults leaving the church? (And how do we respond?)✅ How relational discipleship can transform church engagement✅ The biggest leadership & trust challenges churches face today✅ How to build a "Transformation Team" to drive church renewal✅ Why churches need a change map: Here, There, Who, & How✅ Practical steps for reshaping church culture & mission 🎧 This episode is essential listening for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the church. 🔗 Resources & Links:📖 Get the Book: Future Focused Church 🌍 Learn More About 10x10: www.tenx10.org📚 More from Fuller Youth Institute: Fuller Youth Institute 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.