Theology on Mission

This is part three of our three-part series on Fitch's upcoming book: The Church of Us vs. Them. We talk about Canada, the cold, and privilege. Oh yeah, and we also talk about the title of this episode! From the "Religious Right" to the evangelicals supporting Donald Trump to current debates around abortion, the church is caught in a swirl of argumentation and antagonisms. How do we move beyond this "enemy making machine" to be a people of God's kingdom politic?

This is part two of our three-part series on Fitch's upcoming book: The Church of Us vs. Them. We talk about our first concerts, "making a decision for Christ," and how to reimagine salvation in terms of witness and presence. The contemporary church has used markers like lifestyle practices (no drinking, no dancing, etc) or issues stances (human sexuality, women in ministry, etc) to be an indicator of salvation. How do we move beyond this "enemy making machine"? Also, find us at the Missio Alliance gathering in a few months: www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/aw…thering-2019/

We are back! This is the first of our three-part series on Fitch's upcoming book: The Church of Us vs. Them. We talk about whether a hotdog is a sandwich, the narrative arc of Scripture, and how the Bible gets turned into an "enemy making machine. Also, find us at the Missio Alliance gathering in a few months: www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/awakenings-gathering-2019/

Dave and Mike sit down with Michael Gorman to talk about mission, the book of John and his new book, "Abide & Go: Missional Theosis in the Gospel of John." Michael Gorman is the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University. He is one of the leading Pauline scholars and has written more books than Mike and Dave have read combined.

Just in time for Christmas, we talk about Advent! ;) Fitch and Moore repurpose the four Sundays in Advent around the themes of God's disruptive and generous presence in this world. As we anticipate Jesus' birth and second coming we wait with hope. Bonus: Fitch grills Mike about his personal life and relational aspirations!

What should church leaders do when caught in the middle of a conflict? Fitch and Moore discuss practices for navigating the conversation regarding human sexuality.

A recent article from The Gospel Coalition observes the "slippery slope" of belief from Progressive to Atheist. Dave and Mike contend that Progressives are just Conservatives--different teams unaware of the Christendom field they are fighting on. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-beliefs-progressive-christians-atheists-share/

Is this even a question Christians should be asking? Does it reek of privilege and entitlement? Fitch and Moore discuss if/how Christians should vote in the upcoming election. Fitch does an average Hauerwas impression and examines how our culture means we now "vote for commercials, not people."

Mike sits down with Jonathan "Pastah J" Brooks to talk about his new book "Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods." Pastah J leads Canaan Community Church in West Englewood, Chicago. They discuss the history of Englewood, community development principles, and what the buzzword "presence" actually means.

How should the church engage "elite culture"? Should our books be on the New York Times bestseller list? Our influence wielded in the halls of power? James Davidson Hunter's book "To Change the World" has a unique proposal for engaging "elite culture." Dave and Mike discuss Hunter's proposal and Mike teaches Dave about the 90s evangelical movement "See You At The Pole."