Theology on Mission

Dave wrote an article at Christianity Today that responded to Tim Keller's recent piece on justice. In this podcast, Fitch and Moore explore how "justice" is up for grabs post-Christendom. They agree with Keller's assessment of the culture, but diverge when it comes to the issue of foundations and posture. (audio volume gets a little funky on Mike's mic during the podcast) Read the pieces below: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/august/tim-keller-david-fitch-and-justice.html https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/

Fitch and Moore look at the fundamentalism of evangelicalism in North America and how it has led to the backlash of progressive evangelicalism. They explore the backlashes to purity culture, penal substitutionary atonement, the inerrancy of Scripture, making a decision for Christ, and more. (One note: there is some reverb in Fitch's microphone)

This podcast starts pretty meta: two white men speaking about white men speaking. How should white men position themselves in leading the church? Fitch and Moore suggest the practice of silence, listening, and going to where you are invited, before speaking.

UPDATED: Greg Armstrong joins again to examine the evolution and ideology of the word "racist." The word "racist" has changed from meaning prejudice to including the unconscious systems of white supremacy. Now, drawing from the work of John McWhorter's, we see the third wave that equates the word "racist" equated with subjective feelings. What does this mean for the church as we try to unwind the antagonisms rife in this cultural moment? Here is McWhorter's article:  https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/07/racism-concept-change/594526/

How do we make sense of the protests and riots that have erupted after the murder of George Floyd. Greg Armstrong, Director of Admissions at Northern and pastor of Renew Church (Lombard, IL) joins Mike and Dave as they discuss the church's response to and participation in public demonstrations.

Over the last month, a little theological scuffle has emerged regarding what the "gospel" means. Reformed pastor, Greg Gilbert, criticized Scot Mcknight and Matthew Bates formulations of a "kingship gospel." You can see the articles and conversation below in the links. Here is where Theology on Mission jumps in. What are the social implications of how we define the gospel? How does our atonement influence our posture and practice in the world? Essentially, what difference does the gospel make? Fitch and Moore give a quick review of this theological conversation and explore how our soteriology integrates with the social reality of the church. Greg Gilbert's Sermon: https://www.9marks.org/article/a-t4g-2020-sermon-what-is-and-isnt-the-gospel/ Scot McKnight's Response: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/april/king-jesus-gospel-mere-kingship-no.html Matthew Bate's Response: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/april/good-news-are-t4g-tgc-leaders-starting-to-change-their-gosp.html

Is video killing the church? This week we invite Geoff Holsclaw on the podcast to discuss church growth in the era of video church. Should we be concerned about falling into attractional modes of worship with the increase of online Sunday worship? Holsclaw critiques missiologists who 1) see this as a church growth moment 2) who see this as setting the church back decades. Rather, he proposes this moment will reveal the church for what it is. These articles provide the backdrop to our conversation. Carey Nieuwhof: https://careynieuwhof.com/half-of-all-churches-are-instantly-growing-heres-why-and-heres-what-to-do/ Michael Frost: https://mikefrost.net/coronavirus-could-set-the-church-back-25-years/

"I'm more apt to catch a bullet than the coronavirus" That is a sentiment Mike has heard repeatedly in his church. What can we learn from populations in America that have lived under constant threats of "coronaviruses" of imminent death? Pastor Joe Mitchell joins Mike and Fitch to discuss how to suffer well during this time. Drawing from eschatology and critiques of the religious marketplace they raise questions for our cultural moment.

These are unprecedented times and an uncertain future for the global church. How is the church to respond with restrictions on gatherings, mass anxiety, and an uncertain future? Fitch and Moore draw from their distinct contexts and discuss this somber moment. They give instructions for how small gatherings can take place in homes Check out Fitch's article on this issue: https://www.missioalliance.org/faithful-presence-during-a-pandemic/ One such idea is a letter to share with neighbors. Here is a sample if you would like to use: Hey neighbors It’s ________ from (address). In light of COVID-19 many of us will have to stay home in isolation and  we want you to have our phone number. If you run out of supplies or need someone to pick up groceries and drop them off at your door we are happy to help out as much as we can. If there is anything else please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sincerely

Studies suggest that around 70-80% of pastors experience depression. For many in the ministry, depression is inevitable. The question isn't, "Will I become depressed?" The question is, "Who will I journey through depression with?" Fitch and Moore discuss their own experience through depression and the key postures and practices for persevering in ministry.