Reconstructing Faith with Trevin Wax

Jonathan Pennington, a New Testament professor at Southern Seminary and author focusing on the Sermon on the Mount, shares valuable insights on spiritual formation. He discusses how the Beatitudes redefine success and encourage deep transformation. The importance of humility, mourning, and mercy is emphasized, revealing how these virtues shape our relationship with God. Pennington also highlights the power of prayer and the role of spiritual practices in personal growth, inviting listeners to embody these teachings in a world seeking hope.

Michael Oh, Global Executive Director of Lausanne, and John Tyson, a church planting pastor in NYC, dive into the complex challenges facing the church today. They discuss the impact of secularism and the necessity for the church to adapt through compassion. The conversation tackles transhumanism and its philosophical implications, while highlighting the severe persecution of Christians worldwide. Oh and Tyson emphasize the need for global unity and revival as they explore the vibrant growth of Christianity across continents.

Mark Rogop, a longtime pastor and president of the Gospel Coalition, and Brad Edwards, pastor and author, dive into the complexities of resilience in church leadership. They discuss how societal shifts impact conflict resolution and intergenerational dynamics. The conversation highlights the need for authentic communication and trust in ministry. They emphasize that enduring hardship can foster spiritual growth, urging that true renewal in the church requires perseverance through pain and a commitment to communal faith over individualism.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Sacassas, Executive Director of the Christian Study Center, Christine Rosen, author focusing on the human condition, and Samuel James, expert on technology's role in faith, delve into how the digital age reshapes our identity and spirituality. They explore the risks of dehumanization through technology, the need for authentic community, and the importance of patience amidst distractions. The conversation challenges listeners to reconsider their online habits while cultivating deeper, meaningful connections.

Andrew Wilson, a teaching pastor and author, J.D. Greer, a pastor known for his disciple-making approach, and Robert Smith, a longtime preaching professor, dive into the intricacies of effective preaching. They discuss how sermons can bridge ancient texts with modern concerns, the critical relationship between a preacher's character and their message, and the importance of overcoming obstacles to truly engage congregants. With insights on active listening and the transformative power of preaching, they inspire listeners to deepen their spiritual growth.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Brad East, an associate professor of theology and expert on biblical literacy, tackles the pressing issue of declining engagement with reading in a digital age. He discusses the moral implications of this trend for Christians and the urgent need to reclaim deep reading habits to strengthen faith. Brad shares inspiring stories of communities rejoicing over the Bible in their native languages, emphasizing innovative ways to connect younger generations with Scripture amidst modern distractions. The dialogue culminates in strategies for nurturing a love for deep engagement with God's Word.

Vance Pittman, President of SEND Network, shares insights on the transformative power of prayer in a believer's life. He highlights how prayerlessness can lead to a self-sufficient spirit, overshadowing God's role. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of corporate prayer, reflecting on Nehemiah's example and the early church's communal focus. Pittman argues for a genuine dialogue with God over mere task-oriented approaches, urging listeners to foster a deeper connection with the divine and reignite their spiritual growth through intentional prayer practices.

Kyle Strobel, an Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology and author, discusses the renewal of the church through personal transformation. He emphasizes that spiritual growth isn’t about mere discipline but about genuine dependence on God’s grace. The conversation tackles misconceptions of spiritual practices, advocating for a balance between individual reflection and community involvement. Strobel humorously critiques the self-help approach to faith, highlighting the importance of a deeper connection with Christ, especially in today’s digital age.

Mark Sayers, a church leader and author from Melbourne, tackles pressing issues facing the church today. He and Trevin discuss the crisis of credibility and the daunting task of renewal. They explore the tension between maintaining faith amidst discomfort and the historical accountability of church leaders. Sayers emphasizes the need for genuine relationships in a polarized society and the importance of rebuilding trust within the church community. Ultimately, they reflect on the hope for resilience and spiritual strength in a post-pandemic world.

Colin Hansen, the Gospel Coalition's editor-in-chief and a historian of evangelicalism, teams up with Jared Wilson, a professor and pastor passionate about gospel-centered ministry. They dive into how historical movements have reshaped worship in evangelical churches. From the Spirit-Filled Revolution's influence in the 60s to the rise of the gospel-centered movement, they explore changing assumptions in church growth and the emergence of seeker-sensitive models. Their discussion reveals the ongoing tension between accessibility and maintaining a church's core identity.