Theology on Mission

How you do you know yourself? Is your "self" a combination of all your relationships? And what might Lent teach us about these things? David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45, and what this might tell us about ourselves, our relationships with others, and faith in Jesus (oh, and we talk about "La La Land.")

How do you know the difference between good and evil, right and wrong? And why should we keep reading the OT when Jesus is the updated version? Today we are encouraged to follow our feelings to determine what is right and wrong. We are called to be authentic in deciding what is good and evil, even if—especially if—it conflicts with traditional religious norms. But is that such a good idea? Geoff Holsclaw—with special guest Matt Tebbe—talk about the voice from heaven over Jesus telling us to "Listen to him!" They cover the way of love, the place of the law, and how we can grow in wisdom and discernment.

How do you judge the size of your church? How do you know if your church is healthy? Dave and Geoff talk about what makes for a church, how to count it, and what impact that might have on faithful mission. It's another one of those episodes where they don't quite agree.

How does God work to change the world? How individuals and communities help God's kingdom come? (If we are interested in this episode, then check out the FREE WEBINAR Dave and Geoff are hosting on this topic: http://www.seminary.edu/free-webinar-how-does-god-change-the-world/) Dave Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss a provocative tweet by Tim Keller which started a storm of comments. Keller said, "Jesus didn't come primarily to solve the economic, political, and social problems of the world. He came to forgive our sins." Dave and Geoff defend Keller against his critics, but also ask if may he couldn't also be wrong about his view. Along the way Geoff sings with the music and Dave says that God is like his dog, Stanley.

Can sex ever really be safe? What do we mean when we give consent? Can we do better to protect women? David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw jump into the thick of things as they discuss the "humiliation of Aziz Ansari and the future of safe sex. They discuss issues of sexual power, mutuality, and intimacy. Is their view on sex retrograde or radical? You decide. Articles mentioned: Sexuality and Consent: Protecting Women Demands Better (http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2017/11/29/4772985.htm) The Humiliation of Aziz Ansari (https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/01/the-humiliation-of-aziz-ansari/550541/?utm_source=atltw)

Scott Kent Jones, a theologian focused on the implications of Jesus' baptism, joins Geoff Holsclaw to dive deep into this pivotal moment. They explore why Jesus, sinless and divine, chose baptism, emphasizing His solidarity with human suffering. The discussion touches on original sin, challenging conventional views on sin by blending nature and nurture. Additionally, they highlight the compassionate nature of Jesus' ministry, aiming to create a more inclusive understanding of the Gospel that speaks to those grappling with shame and inadequacy.

Should we strive to be hero-makers? Should we just be side-kicks? And are Dave and Geoff just being too picky about stuff? David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the importance of language when it comes to leadership in the church? Here is the article they were riffing off of: Young Leaders Embrace the Idea of Hero Making (https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2017/december/young-leaders-embrace-idea-of-hero-making.html)

What do you think about when you think about Advent. It is probably the most important thing about Christmas. Dave and Geoff discuss the place of Advent in our lives as we run up to Christmas (sorry about the poor audio, they weren't in the normal studio).

Are sacraments for everyone? Are sacraments for those coming in or going out? Can something that's not a sacrament be sacramental? Ranging across topics, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw have two guests on—Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe of Gravity Leadership—to talk about the role of sacraments in mission. And be sure to listen all the way to the end. Check out what Matt and Ben are up to at gravityleadership.com.

APEST: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher. But do these functions or callings go even deeper than personal calling and church organization? David Fitch talks with Alan Hirsch about Hirsch's new book, 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ. Learn more at https://5qcentral.com/.