

Theology for the Church
Caleb Lenard
Theology for the Church aims to provide accessible, theologically rich conversations that have an eye toward applied theology and a heart for the local church. Weekly episodes hosted by Caleb Lenard (DEdMin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) cover all kinds of topics and themes in Christian doctrine, biblical theology, and Christian formation through engaging interviews with pastors, biblical scholars, and theologians from across the globe.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 7min
The Dawning of Redemption: Gospel Themes in the Pentateuch with Ian Vaillancourt
In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Ian Vaillancourt (PhD, University of St. Michael’s College) professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Heritage Theological Seminary to discuss is book The Dawning of Redemption: The Story of the Pentateuch and the Hope of the Gospel. ResourcesThe Dawning of Redemption: The Story of the Pentateuch and the Hope of the Gospel by Ian VaillancourtKingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Peter Gentry and Stephen WellumDominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible by Stephen DempsterOld Testament Theology by Paul HouseThe Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary by John SailhamerFrom Paradise to the Promised Land by T.D. Alexander

Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
Gender Essentialism: A Biblical and Theological Perspective with Kyle Claunch and Michael Carlino
In this episode, Caleb is jonied by Kyle Claunch (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Professor of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Michael Carlino (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Operations Director for CBMW to discuss the topic of gender essetialism from a biblical and theological perspective. ResourcesGender Essentialism in Anthropological, Covenantal, and Christological Perspective by Claunch and CarlinoThe Necessity of a Male Savior: A Dogmatic Account of Gender Essentialism by Claunch and CarlinoSaving Masculinity and Femininity from the Morgue: A Defense of Gender Essentialism by Jordan SteffaniakThe Christian Family by Herman Bavinck

Dec 22, 2025 • 58min
Religious Freedom with John Wilsey
In this engaging discussion, John Wilsey, a Professor of Church History and Philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer, explores the intricate relationship between conservatism and religious liberty. He delves into Tocqueville's concepts of the 'spirit of religion' and 'spirit of liberty,' positing that conservatives are well-suited to uphold America's religious freedoms. Wilsey also emphasizes the importance of tradition, the defined boundaries of freedom, and the role of Christianity in shaping moral limits.

Dec 15, 2025 • 48min
A Guide to Biblical Theology with Alan Thompson
In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Alan Thompson (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) head of the New Testament department and senior lecturer in New Testament at Sydney Missionary and Bible College to discuss his new book A Basic Guide to Biblical Theology: Nine Themes That Unite the Old and New Testaments. ResourcesA Basic Guide to Biblical Theology: Nine Themes That Unite the Old and New Testaments by Alan Thompson40 Questions About Biblical Theology Andy Naselli, Oren Martin, and Jason DeRouchieDictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament edited by D.A. Carson, Andy Naselli, Ben Gladd, and Greg BealeNew Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Exploring the Unity Diversity of Scripture edited by D.A. Carson, T.D. Alexander, Brian Rosner, and Graeme GoldsworthyCovenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture edited by Richard Lucas and Brent Parker

Dec 8, 2025 • 53min
Nicaea For Today with Coleman Ford
In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Coleman Ford (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) assistant professor of humanities at Texas Baptist College to discuss his new book (coauthored with Shawn Wilhite) Nicaea for Today: Why an Ancient Creed (Still) Matters.ResourcesNicaea for Today: Why an Ancient Creed (Still) Matters by Coleman Ford and Shawn WilhiteThe Nicene Creed: What You Need to Know about the Most Important Creed Ever Written by Kevin DeYoungThe Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed by Bryan Litfin The Nicene Creed: An Introduction by Phillip CaryNicaea and Its Legacy: An Approach to Fourth-Century Trinitarian Theology by Lewis Ayres

9 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 42min
Tim Keller on the Christian Life with Matt Smethurst
In this conversation, Matt Smethurst, lead pastor and author, dives into the influential life of Tim Keller, revealing his profound impact on modern theology. Matt shares how Keller viewed Christ as the centerpiece of Scripture and emphasizes the idolatry that underpins sin. He explores Keller's insights on the two forms of lostness and critiques legalism in urban preaching contexts. Additionally, Matt discusses Keller's unique blending of philosophical and pastoral approaches to suffering, and recommends must-read works for those wanting to dive deeper into Keller's teachings.

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 14min
Romans 11:26: All National Israel: Restored Nation with Cory Marsh
Cory Marsh, a New Testament Professor at Southern California Seminary and expert in dispensationalism, joins to explore Romans 11:26 and the future of Israel. He explains the significance of 'All Israel' in God's plan, arguing for a literal interpretation that emphasizes ethnic and national identity. Marsh delves into Israel's temporary stumble during the gentile inclusion and clarifies the mystery of national salvation post-partial hardening. He concludes with the assurance of God's irrevocable promises to Israel, framing an optimistic eschatological view.

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 12min
Romans 11:26: All Ethnic Israel: Ethnic Majority with Richard Lucas
In this insightful discussion, Richard Lucas, a scholar and pastor, tackles the complex theme of how 'All Israel' will be saved in Romans 11:26. He explains that not all ethnic Israel is true Israel and discusses the importance of the present believing remnant. Lucas also examines the future ingathering of ethnic Jews into the church, emphasizing Paul's nuanced use of the term 'Israel.' The conversation delves into the theological implications of Paul's writings, highlighting God's mercy and the mysterious sequence of salvation that connects both Jews and Gentiles.

Nov 10, 2025 • 48min
Romans 11:26: All Elect Israel: Ethnic Remnant with Sam Storms
In this discussion, theologian Sam Storms dives deep into Romans 11:26, addressing the concept of 'All Israel' and its implications for ethnic Israel. He explores the tension of Jewish unbelief while arguing for a remnant among them. Storms critiques popular interpretations about the church and emphasizes the olive tree metaphor as a unified covenant people. He also highlights the mystery of Jewish unbelief leading to Gentile blessings, offering insights into Old Testament prophecies that connect directly to Christ.

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 6min
Romans 11:26: All Spiritual Israel: Jews and Gentiles with Lee Irons
Lee Irons, a church-planting pastor and New Testament scholar, dives into the complex interpretations of Romans 11:26. He explores the meaning of 'All Israel' and distinguishes between spiritual and physical Israel. Lee discusses Paul's flexible understanding of Israel and presents major views on salvation, including the intriguing idea that 'All Israel' encompasses both Jews and Gentiles. He unpacks the olive tree metaphor as a symbol of God’s promises and the significance of union with Christ in fulfilling God’s plan.


