
Theology for the Church
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 2, 2025 • 55min
A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Matthew Bingham (PhD, Queen’s University Belfast) vice president of academic affairs and associate professor of church history at Phoenix Seminary in Scottsdale, Arizona to discuss his new book: A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation. Together they discuss spiritual formation practices that are consistent with the 5 solas of the Protestant Reformation.Resources:A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew BinghamSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald WhitneyA Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J.I. PackerVoices from the Past: Puritan Devotional Readings various authors.

May 26, 2025 • 59min
The Book of Deuteronomy with August Konkel
In this episode, Caleb is joined by August Konkel (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) Professor of Old Testament at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario Canada to discuss the theology of the book of Deuteronomy. Together they unpack the main idea, purpose, structure, key themes, and gospel connections. Resources: ESV Expository Commentary: Deuteronomy–Ruth by August Konkel (Deuteronomy)The Gospel According to Moses by Daniel BlockDeuteronomy: A 12-Week Study by Matthew PattonDeuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God by Ajith Fernando

6 snips
May 19, 2025 • 44min
A Biblical Theology of the Temple with G.K. Beale
Greg Beale, an expert in biblical theology from Reformed Theological Seminary, delves into the profound significance of the temple throughout scripture. He discusses Eden as the original sacred space and Adam's priestly role, tying it to the Israelite temple. The conversation also covers Jesus as the new temple, emphasizing His authority to forgive sins and the transformative nature of the church as God's temple. Beale highlights the church's identity and mission, illustrating the rich continuity of God's presence from Genesis to Revelation.

May 12, 2025 • 58min
Cancer and the Hope of the Gospel with Tim Lenard
In this episode, Caleb has a conversation with his father, Tim Lenard, about fighting for faith while wrestling with cancer. Tim was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer three years ago and this conversation peels back the curtain into what kinds of questions and struggles have come up along the way as well as how the ordinary means of grace and Christ’s church have brought comfort, encouragement, and joy in the darkest days.

May 5, 2025 • 53min
God's Attributes with Daniel Scheiderer
Daniel Scheiderer, a pastor with a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, dives deep into the fascinating attributes of God. He discusses how to categorize these divine traits and emphasizes the need for humility when exploring God's nature. The conversation highlights the transformative power of understanding God's attributes in prayer while examining how these qualities shape moral behavior. Additionally, Scheiderer reflects on God's unchanging nature and the comfort it brings believers in times of suffering.

Apr 28, 2025 • 46min
Gregory of Nazianzus on Pastoral Theology with Keith Goad
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Keith Goad (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) preaching pastor at Jefferson Park Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia to discuss Gregory of Nazianzus and his contribution to our understanding of pastoral theology and ministry. Together, they discuss questions like: What does it look like to be a pastor-theologian? What does it mean for a pastor to be a “physician of the soul’? What does virtue have to do with the pastoral office and task? And more.Resources:Gregory of Nazianzus, Pastoral Theology by Keith GoadOn God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations and Two Letters to Cledoniusby Gregory of NazianzusGregory of Nazianzusby Brian DaleyChristology of the Later Fathersby Edward Hardy

7 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 54min
The Book of Numbers with Iain Duguid
Iain Duguid, a Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary with a PhD from Cambridge, dives into the rich theology of the Book of Numbers. He unpacks major themes of struggle, faithfulness, and identity while navigating Israel's wilderness journey. The conversation highlights pivotal moments of God's promises and the significance of place names, revealing deeper meanings within the text. Duguid also connects Balaam's oracles to messianic prophecy, showcasing the ties between Numbers and New Testament teachings.

6 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 44min
Divine Impassibility with Thomas Weinandy
Thomas Weinandy, a Catholic priest and theologian renowned for his insights on Trinitarian theology, dives into the fascinating doctrine of divine impassibility. He explains how God does not undergo emotional changes or suffer, which brings comfort to believers. The discussion contrasts historical and modern views of God's emotional engagement, illuminating the complexities of His nature. Weinandy also reflects on the significance of Christ’s dual nature and the implications of divine love and immutable perfection in relation to human suffering.

Apr 7, 2025 • 58min
Romans 9-11: Four Views with Jared Compton
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Jared Compton (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary to discuss the four major views or perspectives on Romans 9-11. Together, they provide a summary of Paul’s argument in Romans 1-8, an outline of Romans 9-11, and finally survey each view pointing out strengths and offering critiques each view has of the others.Resources: Three Views on Israel and the Church: Perspectives on Romans 9–11 edited by Andy Naselli and Jared ComptonHow Will “All Israel” Be Saved in Romans 11:26? (Part 1) by Richard LucasHow Will “All Israel” Be Saved in Romans 11:26? (Part 2) by Richard LucasPaul’s Theology of Israel’s Future: A Non-Millennial Interpretation of Romans 11 by Lee IronsRevisiting Romans 11:26 by Ben Merkle (Video)

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 1min
When Poets Were Warriors: Biblical Masculinity with Casey Hough
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Casey Hough (PhD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) to discuss his new book, When Poets were Warriors: Retrieving a Biblical Vision of Masculinity. Together, they discuss how, instead of allowing cultural stereotypes to form our vision of masculinity, we need to return to the emotionally complex and paradoxically challenging example of Jesus’ own life and teaching. As the last Adam, the true Son of Abraham, Son of David, Jesus demonstrates how to live in conformity to God’s will as a man as He calls us to follow Him.ResourcesWhen Poets Were Warriors: Retrieving a Biblical Vision of Masculinity by Casey HoughDisciplines of a Godly Man by Kent HughesThe Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen WellumThe Emotional Life of Our Lord by B.B. WarfieldSeason of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood by Jeffrey Marx