
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 10, 2024 • 56min
The Book of Exodus with Philip Ryken
Philip Ryken, President of Wheaton College and PhD from the University of Oxford, joins Caleb to discuss the theology of the book of Exodus. They explore key topics such as the main idea, purpose, structure, main themes, and key verses in Exodus. The conversation covers the theological significance of the plagues in Egypt, symbolism of the tabernacle, typology and fulfillment in the Old Testament, and teaching tips for studying Exodus.

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 4min
Natural Law with David VanDrunen
Join Caleb in a conversation with David VanDrunen, a Professor of Systematic Theology, discussing natural law, its impact post-fall, relation to biblical covenants, and how it affects believers and unbelievers. They explore its ties to the gospel, influence on political theology, and the consequences of straying from its principles.

7 snips
May 27, 2024 • 1h 5min
The Reformed, Jonathan Edwards, and Free Will with Drew Sparks
Join Caleb in a discussion with PhD Drew Sparks on free will in the Reformed tradition and Jonathan Edwards' theological insights. They explore concepts like intellect, will, determinism, and God's decree, comparing Edwards' views to other Reformed theologians. Dive into the complexities of human freedom, moral responsibility, and Christ's impeccability in relation to worship.

May 20, 2024 • 56min
A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation with Edward Klink
Edward Klink, senior pastor and author, discusses the importance of a biblical theology of creation and new creation, emphasizing the integration of physical and spiritual aspects. He explores the covenantal narrative from Adam to Christ, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Recommended resources for further exploration are also provided.

12 snips
May 13, 2024 • 55min
Humanity as the Divine Image with Peter Gentry
Peter Gentry, a PhD holder and Distinguished Visiting Professor of Old Testament, discusses the Imago Dei doctrine. Topics include nuances of humanity as God's image, representing God's rule, covenantal connections, and the influence on sex, gender, and marriage.

12 snips
May 6, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Book of Genesis with Stephen Dempster
Stephen Dempster, professor of religious studies, discusses the theological depth of Genesis. Topics include the book's literary structure, main themes, relation to the Bible, and the fall of humanity. They also explore covenantal relationships, teaching strategies, and the significance of loving God and others. Delve into the narrative of creation, disobedience, divine image, and hope for redemption found in Genesis.

May 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
A Theology of Worship with Devon Kauflin
In this episode, Caleb is joined by guest, Devon Kauflin (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) who serves as lead pastor at Grace Church in Clarksburg, Maryland and helps lead Sovereign Grace Music. Together they discuss things like: a biblical theology of worship, how to think through structuring gathered worship, ordinary means of grace, and more. Resources: Reformation Worship: Liturgies from the Past for the Present by Jonathan Gibson https://a.co/d/1ri6A1I How Then Should We Worship by Sam Waldron https://a.co/d/9ZFdKyI Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People by Matt Merker https://a.co/d/2iMcRjK Sound and Doctrine Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-plus-doctrine/id1534597955

May 3, 2024 • 2h 19min
Progressive Covenantalism Q&A with Michael Carlino
In this episode, Caleb is joined by guest Michael Carlino to discuss, analyze, and consider key questions from the previous 8-week series: Comparing Baptist Covenant Theologies: 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism. Together, Caleb and Michael spend the majority of this episode answering questions from listeners about Progressive Covenantalism.ResourcesCaleb's interview with Steve Wellum on Progressive Covenantalism https://open.spotify.com/episode/42evD6usD3yTJVbmxxsUqe?si=_Zfsee0PSCCHustwox5BRgChrist Over All (Long and short form journal articles overviewing PC) https://christoverall.com/theme/a-primer-on-progressive-covenantalism/Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Stephen Wellum and Peter Gentry https://a.co/d/2fH7oHtProgressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies https://a.co/d/9EQIqTrCovenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture edited by Brent Parker and Richard Lucas https://a.co/d/9vYrnKn40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andy Naselli https://a.co/d/aEz0HISDelighting in the Old Testament: Through Christ and for Christ by Jason DeRouchie https://a.co/d/fbmzEhBCovenant and Commandment: Works, Obedience and Faithfulness in the Christian Life by Brad Green https://a.co/d/iMSA35A

May 2, 2024 • 1h 29min
Baptist Covenant Theology Series Analysis II: Nature of the Covenants with Brandon Adams
This is the second of two episodes where Caleb is joined by guest Brandon Adams to discuss, analyze, and consider key questions from the previous 8-week series: Comparing Baptist Covenant Theologies: 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism. In this episode, Caleb and Brandon focus on the nature of the covenants and future areas to explore between 1689Fed and PC. Resources:Comparing Baptist Covenant Theologies by Richard Lucas https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/the-past-and-future-of-baptist-covenantal-theology-comparing-1689-federalism-and-progressive-covenantalism/ Christ Over All (Long and short form journal articles overviewing PC) https://christoverall.com/theme/a-primer-on-progressive-covenantalism/ Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Stephen Wellum and Peter Gentry https://a.co/d/2fH7oHt Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies https://a.co/d/9EQIqTr Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture edited by Brent Parker and Richard Lucas Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture 40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andy Naselli https://a.co/d/aEz0HIS Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ by Nehemiah Coxe https://a.co/d/11VEmhK The Mystery of Christ, His Covenant, and His Kingdom by Samuel Renihan https://a.co/d/apIdFdD

May 1, 2024 • 1h 34min
Baptist Covenant Theology Series Analysis I: Law of Moses with Brandon Adams
This is the first of two episodes where Caleb is joined by guest Brandon Adams to discuss, analyze, and consider key questions from the previous 8-week series: Comparing Baptist Covenant Theologies: 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism. In this episode, Caleb and Brandon focus on positive takeaways from the previous episodes and dialogue a bit further on the 10 Commandments and the Sabbath in particular. Resources: Comparing Baptist Covenant Theologies by Richard Lucas https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/the-past-and-future-of-baptist-covenantal-theology-comparing-1689-federalism-and-progressive-covenantalism/ Christ Over All (Long and short form journal articles overviewing PC) https://christoverall.com/theme/a-primer-on-progressive-covenantalism/ Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Stephen Wellum and Peter Gentry https://a.co/d/2fH7oHtProgressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies https://a.co/d/9EQIqTr Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture edited by Brent Parker and Richard Lucas Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture 40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andy Naselli https://a.co/d/aEz0HIS Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ by Nehemiah Coxe https://a.co/d/11VEmhK The Mystery of Christ, His Covenant, and His Kingdom by Samuel Renihan https://a.co/d/apIdFdD The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology by Pascal Denault https://a.co/d/bgnLIAH 1689 Federalism.com https://www.1689federalism.com/