
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

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 36min
Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture with Brent Parker and Richard Lucas
Brent Parker and Richard Lucas, PhD graduates from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delve into their latest book on covenantal and dispensational theologies. They discuss the importance of various theological frameworks for understanding Scripture, highlighting continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The conversation explores key concepts like the relationship between Israel and the Church, and emphasizes the need for humility in theological discourse. Their insights offer valuable perspectives for ministry and church unity amidst diverse views.

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
Theological Triage with Rhyne Putman
Rhyne Putman, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Williams Baptist University and Associate Professor of Theology, dives into the concept of theological triage. He discusses how to categorize doctrines into first, second, and third ranks and the importance of navigating doctrinal disagreements with grace. The conversation touches on the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding Scripture and highlights the need for unity amidst diversity in beliefs. Putman emphasizes cultivating patience and humility within the church, fostering a healthy environment for all believers.

Feb 19, 2024 • 53min
The Gospel of John with Andreas Köstenberger
In this episode, Caleb discuses the theology of John's gospel account with Andreas Köstenberger (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) a retired professor of New Testament and biblical theology for over 25 years and leading scholar on the gospel John. Together they discuss things like: the structure, main themes, key passages, and application for today.Resources Encountering John: The Gospel in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective by Andreas Köstenberger https://a.co/d/2zOTx1K A Theology of John's Gospel and Letters: The Word, the Christ, the Son of God by Andreas Köstenberger https://a.co/d/4ZBljX8 John: A Commentary by Andreas Köstenberger (*free) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/john/ Biblical Theology: A Canonical, Thematic, and Ethical Approach by Andreas Köstenberger and Gregory Goswell https://a.co/d/j5eHPoaSigns of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel https://a.co/d/9ipKvT8

Feb 12, 2024 • 50min
Divine Missions with Brandon Smith
Dive into divine missions with Brandon Smith as they explore the Trinity, the importance of sound theology in the church, and practical applications for sharing the gospel. Learn about recommended resources for understanding the Trinity from accessible materials to classic scholarly works.

Feb 5, 2024 • 56min
Trinitarian and Christological Exegesis with Shawn Wilhite
Dr. Shawn Wilhite, Associate Professor of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University discusses the relationship between theology and exegesis. They emphasize the need to approach scripture with a theological mindset and explore the role of tradition in interpreting scripture. The chapter also explores the vex of Jesus reading strategy and the importance of accessible theological concepts.

Jan 29, 2024 • 52min
Counseling Women with Kristin Kellen
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Kristin Kellen (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to discuss how Christians can better disciple and counsel women in the local church via Kellen's recent book Counseling Women: Biblical Wisdom for Life's Battles. Resources: Counseling Women: Biblical Wisdom for Life's Battles by Kristin Kellen https://a.co/d/1fRM0p6 The Gospel for Disordered Lives: An Introduction to Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling Robert Jones, Kellen, and Rob Green https://a.co/d/2hRe7Rw

Jan 22, 2024 • 41min
The Center For Baptist Renewal with Matthew Emerson
In this episode Caleb talks with Matthew Emerson (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) Dean of Theology at Oklahoma Baptist University about the Center for Baptist Renewal. Together they discuss the mission, vision, and work taking place at CBR and how local churches can benefit from their efforts.Resources https://www.centerforbaptistrenewal.com/

Jan 15, 2024 • 50min
Applying Scripture to Life with Dan Doriani
Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary, discusses how to apply scriptural truth to everyday life. Topics include a framework for applying Scripture, preaching to diverse audiences, and applying Scripture to personal reading by emphasizing careful, meditative reading and asking fundamental questions.

Jan 8, 2024 • 54min
The Book of Acts with Alan Thompson
Caleb discusses the theology of the Book of Acts with Alan Thompson, Professor of New Testament. They explore the authorship, main themes, and structure of Acts. They discuss the apostles' preaching style and the hermeneutic through their speeches. They also delve into the connection between Acts and Luke's gospel, the themes of the book, and how they tie into the inauguration of the kingdom of God. They explore the apostles' interpretation of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of prophecies through Jesus. Lastly, they recommend additional resources for understanding Acts.

Jan 2, 2024 • 45min
The Gospel of Luke with Benjamin Gladd
In this episode, Caleb discusses the structure and main themes presented in Luke's gospel account with Benjamin Gladd (PhD, Wheaton College) professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, via Dr. Gladd's recent book From the Manger to the Throne.Resources: From the Manger to the Throne: A Theology of Luke's Gospel by Benjamin Gladd https://a.co/d/1SwZacN Handbook on the Gospels by Benjamin Gladd https://a.co/d/3qL4HYa Luke in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament by David Garland https://a.co/d/jg2mXKv Luke in the NIV Application Commentary by Darrell Bock https://a.co/d/3PrU9m9
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