Theology on Mission

Is leaving evangelicalism a true departure or just a shift within the same framework? The hosts dive into whether transitioning to post-evangelical spaces leads to real change or simply a new perspective. They explore the modern self in faith, questioning how both camps prioritize individual identity. There’s a critical examination of justice work, focusing on genuine engagement versus performative actions. Lastly, they highlight the similarities in power dynamics across both evangelical and progressive communities, urging for a transformative vision beyond binary thinking.

Matthew Bates, a New Testament professor at Northern Seminary and author of 'Beyond the Salvation Wars,' joins the conversation to challenge conventional views on salvation. He argues that reducing the gospel to 'justification by faith' oversimplifies its richness. Bates emphasizes the necessity of allegiance to King Jesus, reshaping how both Protestants and Catholics perceive salvation. He also critiques current discipleship approaches and invites churches to foster a culture of gospel allegiance, integrating deeper spiritual commitments into their practices.

What if the way forward in our polarized world begins at the table? In this compelling episode, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with Dan White Jr., author of Love Over Fear, to discuss the art of engaging in difficult conversations. They explore how compassion, curiosity, and a theology of the table can heal divisions in our churches, neighborhoods, and beyond.🎙️ In This Episode: Dan White Jr. shares how the Kineo Center equips weary leaders to find healing. The four transformative practices for depolarized conversations. Stories of profound breakthroughs during “depolarization dinners.” How Jesus’ table practices challenge the powers of polarization and invite kingdom living. 📌 Highlights: [00:05:00] Dan introduces the Kineo Center as a space for healing weary leaders. [00:12:34] The Power of Conversation in Polarized Times [00:17:00] The origins of Love Over Fear: lessons from a politically divided church. [00:29:00] Four practices for depolarized conversations, including compassionate curiosity and subversive stories. [00:29:33] Techniques for Depolarization [00:41:00] A theology of the table: how Jesus confounds the powers of polarization. 💡 Takeaway:The practice of kingdom living starts at the table, where power shifts from winning arguments to mutual transformation. In a polarized world, Christians are called to disrupt division and embody Christ's love through listening, storytelling, and trust in God’s presence.📖 Additional Reflection:How can you use the table as a space for transformation and reconciliation in your community?

What happens when revivalist faith meets political power? In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down with scholar Matthew D. Taylor to uncover the startling rise of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—a movement reshaping the landscape of evangelical Christianity and American politics.Taylor reveals how this influential network of apostles and prophets has grown from obscure beginnings to a force wielding colossal sway, intertwining charismatic zeal with far-right rhetoric. From the Seven Mountains Mandate to the dramatic spiritual warfare on January 6, this conversation peels back the layers on how NAR’s vision of Christian supremacy is impacting both the church and democracy.Brace yourself for a deep dive into the movement's roots, its rapid ascent, and what it means for the future of faith and public life.Timestamps: 01:49 Introducing Northern Seminary's New President04:17 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Dr. Matthew Taylor05:49 The Violent Take It By Force: Book Overview07:50 The New Apostolic Reformation and January 6th09:24 C. Peter Wagner: The Man Behind the Movement12:23 Signs, Wonders, and Church Growth17:51 Strategic Level Spiritual Warfare20:19 Theological Implications and Controversies23:11 The Rise of Pragmatic Theology24:11 From Fringe to Mainstream: The Evolution of NAR26:16 The Seven Mountain Mandate27:32 Sarah Palin and the NAR's Political Ambitions28:10 Donald Trump: The Anointed One30:57 The Theology of Christian Trumpism32:02 The January 6th Insurrection34:35 Theological Reflections and Critiques38:11 Christian Supremacy vs. Democracy44:44 Cultural Resentment and Conservative Christians48:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

What is the deepest emphasis of the prophets in the Bible?  Prophets beyond Activism insightfully challenges the common progressive narrative that the prophets of ancient Israel were primarily concerned with social justice. Instead it daringly offers more life-giving ways of engaging the prophetic books for the causes of justice.The assumption that the prophets of ancient Israel were primarily concerned with social justice so permeates the thinking and the discourse of progressive Christianity that it might be considered an interpretive orthodoxy. For example, progressives characterize prophets as those who speak truth to power and “prophetic preaching” as social critique. Yet, they often do so without explanation or consideration of alternative views.Timestamps:  01:54 Introducing Dr. Julia O'Brien03:05 Prophets as Activists Orthodoxy09:06 Biblical Ventriloquism and Social Justice13:46 Challenges of Interpreting Prophetic Texts20:14 The Role of Prophets in Modern Social Justice45:37 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

Mike Moore and David Fitch, discuss the post-election landscape following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. They delve into their reactions to the election outcome, explore the broader implications for the church, politics, and society, and consider how the church should engage in politics moving forward. The conversation includes reflections on the failure of the church to address key societal issues, the challenges faced under the new administration, and calls for the church to become a space of reconciliation and healing. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the role of the church in addressing cultural and political divides.Timestamps: 00:47 Initial Reactions to the 2024 Election01:39 Personal Reflections and Context04:21 Theological and Sociological Implications05:44 Church's Role in Politics18:01 Cultural Resentment and Antagonism25:51 Call to Action for the Church32:18 Practical Steps for Community Engagement33:09 Addressing Critiques of Local Church Efforts34:01 The Role of the Church in Politics35:36 Post-Christendom Reflections36:59 The Church's Alignment with Political Power38:20 Fragmented Christendom in the U.S.40:57 The Church's Role in Social Movements49:28 Post-Election Reflections and Challenges55:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The good news is bigger and better than we imagined. Is the gospel good news for us today? Many Christians—especially young Christians stepping into a world and a church devastated by division, scandal, and abuse—are asking this question and deciding it simply isn’t. For many, it seems like our faith has little to offer the world around us. Our gospel has become too small—it looks nothing like the Jesus who embodies good news in the flesh.  How do we recover this gospel? When we turn to the parable of the prodigal son—a story of elaborate parties, upside-down kingdoms, and reunited families—we can hear in Jesus’ own words a clear presentation of what he is doing, of a truth that is bigger and better than we’ve imagined. In these pages, author and pastor Jonny Morrison invites us on a journey to help us find ourselves and Jesus in the welcoming arms of this familiar parable, zooming out to show how this story shapes the entire story of Scripture. Along the way we discover the radically inclusive power of the gospel that upends religions, disrupts empires, heals the wounded, and empowers the marginalized. This is, after all, Jesus’ news to tell, and when we truly listen to him tell it, we can be found again in the surprising, disarming, challenging gospel that is truly good news. Timestamps: 02:18 Johnny Morrison's Background03:57 Discussing Prodigal Gospel05:12 The Gospel and Its Implications13:41 Challenges in Communicating the Gospel15:25 The Need for an Entry Point16:17 Metaphors for Articulating the Gospel16:46 The Prodigal Son as a Gospel Metaphor19:03 Personal Stories and the Gospel23:34 Challenges and Reservations26:10 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode of Theology on Mission, Dave Fitch and Mike Moore sit down again with Andy Crouch to dive deeper into the complexities of power in the Christian context. Building on themes from Crouch’s book Playing God, they explore the tension between creative and coercive power, framing the conversation around the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. With lively debate and thoughtful reflection, Fitch and Crouch wrestle with authority in the church offering clarity and connection. The episode wraps up with a powerful call to reclaim God's presence and power in the church's practices.Timestamps:01:45 Diving into Power Dynamics05:12 Genesis vs. Jesus: Different Starting Points11:18 The Role of the State and Power24:10 Creative Leadership and Coercion28:47 Understanding Mutual Submission29:08 God's Power vs. Worldly Power29:17 Legal Disputes Among Christians30:56 Jesus' Power and Authority32:22 Debating the Nature of Jesus' Power34:48 Peter's Resistance and Jesus' Response36:18 The Concept of Creative Power42:48 The Role of the Church and Sacraments46:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this engaging conversation, Andy Crouch, a thought leader in culture and theology, discusses the complexities of power in the Christian faith alongside David Fitch. They tackle the challenges facing evangelicalism, emphasizing the need for a theology that embraces creative over coercive power. The duo examines historical narratives of power, contrasting violent myths with the peaceful creativity of Genesis. They also highlight the modern dilemma of navigating technology and materialism, proposing a return to genuine worship and reliance on God.

Listen to The Pastor’s Table on your favorite platform: https://pod.link/1661366136 In a world where we can see the abuses of power everywhere.David Fitch & Mike Moore from The Theology on Mission Podcast join Mark and Tara Beth to discuss power dynamics in the church's life.  Church leaders must discern power and avoid its abuses and traumas. By learning from the church's historical pitfalls, Christians can be empowered to relinquish worldly power and make space for God to disrupt and transform our culture for his kingdom.In this episode they explore the appropriate exercise of power within the church, distinguishing between God's and worldly power, and the importance of mutual submission and humility. The conversation addresses how pastors can discern when they are misusing power and the need for a community and friends to hold them accountable. Timestamps:01:08 Meet the Guests: Dr. Mike Moore and Dr. David Fitch03:35 The Challenge of Power in Pastoral Leadership05:00 Distinguishing God's Power from Worldly Power07:33 Recognizing and Managing Misuse of Power10:45 Spiritual Authority and Mutual Submission26:40 Practical Applications and Organizational Structures33:34 Concluding Thoughts