

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

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 12min
The History of Dispensationalism with Daniel Hummel
Daniel Hummel, Director of The Lumen Center and an expert in American religious history, dives into the captivating world of dispensationalism. He traces its origins with John Nelson Darby and unveils key figures like Dwight Moody who shaped its rise. Their discussion reveals dispensationalism’s profound influence on American culture, evangelicalism, and Christian education. Hummel critiques the gap between popular and academic understandings, while reflecting on personal experiences growing up within this theological framework.

8 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 57min
Progressive Covenantalism with Steve Wellum
In this episode, Caleb and guest, Steve Wellum (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School), discuss the theological system known as progressive covenantalism and how it helps us understand and apply the storyline of Scripture to our lives. Wellum is Professor of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous essays, articles, and books. Most notably he is the co-author with Peter Gentry of Kingdom through Covenant, God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of the Person of Christ, and is currently working on a two-volume systematic theology, the first of which will be available for purchase in February of 2024.Resources Christ from Beginning to End: How the Full Story of Scripture Reveals the Full Glory of Christ by Steve Wellum and Trent Hunter https://a.co/d/is2LMKj God's Kingdom through God's Covenants: A Concise Biblical Theology by Steve Wellum and Peter Gentry https://a.co/d/4cfgKOt Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies edited by Steve Wellum and Brent Parker https://a.co/d/70jf5nb Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies: Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture edited by Richard Lucas and Brent Parker https://a.co/d/7ZaYyea The Past and Future of Baptist Covenantal Theology: Comparing 1689 Federalism and Progressive Covenantalism by Richard Lucas https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/the-past-and-future-of-baptist-covenantal-theology-comparing-1689-federalism-and-progressive-covenantalism/

Mar 19, 2024 • 47min
Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology with Pat Abendroth
In this episode, Caleb talks with Dr. Patrick Abendroth (Dmin, Ligonier) lead pastor of Omaha Bible Church and co-host of the Pactum Podcast to discuss his new book, Covenant Theology. https://www.thepactum.org/Covenant Theology by Pat Abendroth

4 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 49min
Covenant Theology with Brandon Crowe
Dr. Brandon Crowe discusses biblical theology of covenant and law, highlighting the relationship between a king and his people, the progression of covenants from Noah to the new covenant in Christ. Emphasizes faith over works, Jesus as the ultimate covenant fulfiller, and the importance of obedience in Christian life. Recommends theological resources for deeper understanding.

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