TCJ Podcast

In this episode we discuss two main ideas: 1) Culture shapes individuals and societies while simultaneously being dependent upon the very individuals it shapes.  2) Culture is a vacuum: when spaces and symbols are destroyed, they are replaced.  Guest Tyler Lowe argues that in addition to historical value, there is urgency and importance to preserving culture from a Christian worldview.  And, yes,...

In this episode we visit early American church history: the Huguenots and their presence in Florida.  Guest Ben Goldsmith shares this little-known chapter, discovering the blood of the martyrs on the First Coast. As persecution increased in France the Huguenots sought safety on the shores of the New World in 1562, landing at the mouth of the St. Johns River.  For a time they enjoyed freedom… but t...

Mr. William Sirls, Professor of English at TCJ, shares a behind the scenes look at his life and how he came to Christ while in prison.  Having turned himself in over money laundering, he shares how that time “was the best thing that could have happened” to him and some of the lessons he has learned along the way.  From how he has grown spiritually to his successful career as a writer, he sees God’...

Dr. Jeremiah Stanley is Pastor of Trinity at Mandarin, previously VP of Student Affairs at TCJ for many years.  In this episode he shares his thoughts on the power of journaling as a spiritual discipline.  A practice he adopted in college and continues to this day, journaling has played an important role in his spiritual growth and personal development.  He shares tips on how to approach the disci...

Season 4, Episode 7 is live!   Plenty of marriages outside the Christian faith display life-long loyalty and familial success – markers we often equate with a healthy marriage.  But does God have more in mind for a thriving, healthy marriage?  This week’s guest, Mr. Wyman Winbush (Pastor, Minister, and Life Coach) explains that all too often, divine potential is overlooked in the marriage covenant...

The use of AI is a hot topic in higher education, with loud voices arguing for either side.  Ms. Rebecca Whitley, English professor at Trinity, gives her perspective on how AI is impacting her classroom and how it challenges her as an instructor in the areas of learning objectives and priorities.  Sharing research on how AI is influencing our thinking processes, and why students need to understand...

What does it really mean when a book is “banned”? In this episode, Dr. John Lucy, Head Librarian at Trinity College of Jacksonville, gives us a peak at the deceptively complex world of banned books: where they’re banned from, who makes those decisions, for what reasons, and on whose authority.  And that begs the question: why does it matter if books are banned or not?  We briefly explore well-know...

This episode features alumnus and veteran pastor Dan Proctor, founder of Help for Hurting Pastors.  Today he shares helpful thoughts on the soul health of a ministry leader: warning signs, how to support a pastor through difficult seasons, and why “every pastor needs a pastor”.

We are back with season 4, Episode 1 of the TCJ Podcast, featuring return guest and biblical archaeologist, Mr. Brian Maggard!  Last time Mr. Maggard was with us we had a fascinating discussion regarding an archaeological dig where he believes is the location of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.  This time, we discuss some well-known finds that turned out to be hoaxes (whether intentional deceptions or...

Can a noble cause make a misstep?  In this episode we go back in time with church historian Dr. John Williams to trace the history of the Baptists.  Some may argue that there is a clear line of descent (of theological purity) from the time of Jesus to the Baptist church – a theory commonly referred to as the Trail of Blood.  Does history corroborate this claim?  Can theological purity be passed do...

Bible translations have been controversial for as long as there has been translation work on the Scriptures!  Did historical Bible translators believe their work was the final authority?  Is there a danger in being faithful to a specific translation in perpetuity?  In this episode, Dr. John Williams takes on the topic of Bible Translations and some common concerns and questions that surround Bible...

The average adult in the US spends 140K hours in the workplace, compared to approximately 4K hours at church.  Based on time expenditure alone, the potential for Christians to impact their workplace is unbelievable!  But is that impact taking place?  If not, what can be done about it?  Is there a model we can follow? Join us for a conversation with Dr. Tammie McClafferty, CEO of LifeWork Leadershi...

Dr. Tadlock is a history professor at Trinity College of Jacksonville. In this episode, we take a look at what slavery meant in the ancient world, exploring the core definition of slavery as a lack of personal freedom. Discovering some unexpected truths along the way, we discuss the two main paths to slavery in ancient times, how common it was, and why revolts were an uncommon issue. We wrap up th...

Alumnus Gib Wood (who happens to be father of our host, Mr. Keith Wood) has been a missionary to the American military population in Germany for the past 39 years. In this episode we discuss the ups and downs of missionary life and lessons learned on the field.  As he transitions into a different role within missions, Mr. Wood shares insight on some of the pressures missionaries face to “perform w...

Join Mr. Keith Wood and Dr. John Williams as they jump right into the deep end with a conversation on "What is a Liberal?".  How has the definition shifted over time?  Why should Christians be informed on this topic?  Do emotions play in our interpretation of scripture?  How does all of this affect ethical living?  Why is it so polarizing? The purpose of this conversation is not to provi...

Should culture influence worship? Join us for Episode 2 of the TBC podcast with Mr. Keith Wood and Dr. Jacob Leporacci, head of the Biblical Studies department at TBC.  Dr. Leporacci shares insight on various worship practices and their history, addressing questions such as: What is the relationship between culture and worship?  Are there elements of worship that transcend culture?  Can trans-cult...

Episode 3 of the TBC Podcast features guest speaker Mr. Matt Heavener, VP of Enrolment Management and Development at TBC.  Join us for a conversation that discusses the idea of “value”: What is it? Why does it matter? Is there such a thing as a win-win transaction (business or otherwise) and what does it look like?  Does our understanding of value have any implications from a theological perspecti...

Episode 4 of the TBC Podcast features Mr. Keith Wood and special guest Dr. James Buckner, Criminal Justice program director and developer at Trinity.   He shares insight on questions such as,  Why should every Christian to have a clear understanding of justice?  Does a biblical worldview of justice differ from the world’s perspective?  How does one morally navigate the spirit of the law vs the let...

Welcome to Season Two of the Trinity Podcast!  In this episode, we turn the tables and interview our host, Mr. Keith wood.  Curiosity is an important characteristic in a podcast host, and it is certainly one of the qualities that recommended Keith to this role.  A second-generation Trinity alumnus turned faculty member, Mr. Wood’s natural curiosity led him to an interest in magic tricks, philosoph...

Practical Insights: an interview with Dr. Chappell, former US Navy Captain and current Business Department Chair at Trinity Most would agree that managing time is important.  But are goals crucial for success?  Is self-discipline more natural aptitude or a learned behavior?  In this episode, former commander of a US destroyer, Dr. Meger Chappell, talks about time management, personal ambition, and...

Practical Insights: Trinity Athletic Director John Jones discusses the importance of Christian Athletic Programs Trinity’s Athletic Director John Jones discusses the key differences between secular and Christian athletic programs and shares his perspective on the God-given gift of competition: that it is the seed of improvement and should be nurtured to bring benefit to mankind and glory God.   Of...

In this episode, we take a look at the tough questions students should ask themselves when making a college decision.  As an experienced recruiter, our guest, Mr. Lawrence, shares insight on the importance of being honest with yourself about what you want, what you need, and what truly matters when it comes to your college experience. We also explore how college culture can make or break your expe...

Join us for a fascinating discussion about truth with Jordan Karausky, doctoral candidate of Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and Philosophy graduate of Biola University.  Our world is full of differing opinions and often starkly opposing points of view (and each individual sincerely believes their perspective to be accurate).  But what does it actually mean for something to be true? In t...

Meet Brian Maggard, biblical archaeologist and Dean of Men at Trinity College of Jacksonville!  Maggard offers a fascinating perspective on the location of Sodom and Gomorrah, what likely happened at the sight (from a scientific perspective), how archaeology informs our understanding of the biblical narrative, and how it compares with “historical record”.   He shares how his own wrestling with the...