
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

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

Dec 30, 2023 • 50min
Systematic Theology with Todd Miles
Professor Todd Miles from Western Seminary discusses the importance and practical applications of systematic theology in the life of the church. Topics include defining systematic theology, historical roots, applying Christian doctrine to life, and better teaching theology in churches. Recommended resources for beginners and intermediate readers are also explored.

Dec 29, 2023 • 38min
Historical Theology with Jason Duesing
In this episode, Caleb discusses the importance of historical theology for the life of the church and the people of God with Jason Duesing (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary). Dr. Duesing is Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a prominent writer and thinker in the discipline.
Resources
Historical Theology for the Church by Jason Duesing and Nathan Finn
The Reformation as Renewal: Retrieving the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church by Matthew Barrett https://a.co/d/f0uGEtx
Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church by Michael Haykin https://a.co/d/aTX6Pi5
Fruitful Theology: How the Life of the Mind Leads to the Life of the Soul by Ronni Kurtz https://a.co/d/aCjRKVE
Church History in Plain Language, Fifth Edition by Bruce Shelley https://a.co/d/ef9thJR
For Kids
Christian Heroes: Then & Now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KXLV6QP?binding=paperback&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tpbk&qid=1690060826&sr=8-1
History Lives https://www.christianfocus.com/products/1491/history-lives-box-set

Dec 26, 2023 • 56min
Biblical Theology with Darian Lockett
In this episode, Caleb discusses the theological discipline of biblical theology and its place in the life of the church with New Testament scholar Darian Lockett (PhD, University of St. Andrews). Dr. Lockett teaches biblical theology, hermeneutics, and New Testament at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and is a teaching elder at a PCA church in Southern California.
Resources:
40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren R. Martin, and Andrew Naselli https://a.co/d/gmrngqn
Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church by Michael Lawrence https://a.co/d/18i1ElF
Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice by Edward Klink Darian Lockett https://a.co/d/i7JP0E9
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology Series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088FBJG26?binding=paperback&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tpbk&qid=1689544751&sr=8-1
Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09873XMZX?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_m_mng_rwt_sft_tpbk_tkin

10 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 57min
Natural Theology with David Haines
David Haines, Assistant Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Bethlehem College and Seminary, discusses natural theology. They explore its relation to other theological disciplines, its use for apologetics, objections against it, and the biblical foundation for natural theology. Recommended resources for further learning are provided.

6 snips
Dec 22, 2023 • 57min
Using Christian Resources in Discipling with Champ Thornton
Champ Thornton, Acquisitions Editor at Crossway, discusses how Christians can use Christian resources in discipling. They explore the importance of Christian books and resources, the goal of love and the role of theology, studying Scripture for transformation, practical considerations for churches in setting up resource tables, and using Christian resources in discipling through the Socratic method.

Dec 21, 2023 • 37min
Confessionalism with Raymond Johnson
Dr. Raymond Johnson, senior pastor at Christ Church West Chester, and Caleb explore the importance of confessionalism in the church. Topics discussed include the role of confessions and creeds in summarizing and affirming truth, catechetical and protective functions of creeds, their role in promoting church health and unity, and advice on incorporating traditional statements of faith in worship services.

Dec 18, 2023 • 44min
Analytic Theology with Jordan Steffaniak
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Jordan Steffaniak (ThM, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary), president of The London Lyceum, to discuss the topic of analytic theology in the life of the church. Together they tackle questions like: What is analytic theology? How does it relate to other theological disciplines like biblical and systamtic theology? How does it relate to philosophical theology? How does it serve the church? And more.
Resources
The London Lyceum
An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology by Tom McCall https://a.co/d/gqTbxYD
Divinity and Humanity: The Incarnation Reconsidered by Oliver Crisp https://a.co/d/dsa2N5z
Jesus and the God of Classical Theism: Biblical Christology in Light of the Doctrine of God by Steven Duby https://a.co/d/9wvDO7h

8 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 54min
Christ as Priest and Mediator with T. Desmond Alexander
T. Desmond Alexander, world renowned biblical theologian, discusses the biblical-theological theme of Jesus as high priest and mediator. They explore how Jesus is like, but greater than Moses, the temple, and the sacrificial system. The significance of the tabernacle and Christ's role in enabling believers to be in God's presence is examined. They also delve into the connection between Christ's ascension and his role as high priest, and explore the significance of tabernacle imagery in the book of Hebrews.

Dec 4, 2023 • 48min
A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude with Matthew Harmon
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Matthew Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) Professor of New Testament at Grace Theological Seminary to discuss "A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude" via Dr. Harmon's recent book, The God Who Judges and Saves: A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude. Together they discuss the structure, main themes, and application of these powerful books to the Christian life today.
Resources
The God Who Judges and Saves: A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude by Matthew Harmon https://a.co/d/bdkUWzQ
ESV Expository Commentary: Hebrews–Revelation (Matthew Harmon on 2 Peter and Jude) https://a.co/d/ixkBx77
1-2 Peter and Jude: The Christian Standard Commentary by Tom Schreiner https://a.co/d/8JYaaYO
The NIV Application Commentary 2 Peter, Jude by Doug Moo https://a.co/d/aScivmv
1–2 Peter and Jude: A 12-Week Study by Jonathan Dodson https://a.co/d/65rIDLq
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