Hodgepodge Theology

Celebrate the birth of our Lord with us! Merry Christmas!! We are pleased to welcome Pastor Jordan Gowing to the conversation. 

Are you surprised? It takes a heafty discussion, all over the place, to end up with the conclusion (as stated in this episode's title). We wouldn't have it any other way. Otherwise, we wouldn't be hodgepodgey in our hodgepodgedness. :-) 

The seasonal decor is festive, but it points to a profound truth. Eric & James explore opportunities to engage others through the traditions and icons of Christmas. They also give a sneak peek at an upcoming "road trip" episode. Enjoy! 

Eeyore is the king of gloomy, and so, this episode (the gloomiest of all episodes) is named after him. BUT, don't let that title detract you from listening! There is still hope & the ship will turn around (thanks be to God)! Also, as a bonus, Eric invents a new word! Even in our gloomy and dark times, we still have hope when we fix our eyes on Christ Jesus!!!

Special guest, Pastor Ben Unseth, joins the conversation as the boys discuss good preaching vs. bad preaching. Should a preacher always also be a pastor? Should every pastor be a preacher? Listen in as the Word of God helps us understand the dynamics of skills and gifts within the Body of Christ. 

Has James reached the completion of his bucket list? Will Eric embark on a camping expedition, or will glamping be the epitome of his future adventures? It's also super fun to see the creativity and the humor of God - the things that cause us to laugh...the things that bring us joy...these are all good gifts from Him.

Will Eric finally announce the show? Or, will it be a classic standoff? I suppose this cliffhanger will compel you to click, "play" and you will find out the answer! Eric and James also explore a little rapture PTSD and wrap up the conversation around the majesty and awe of our LORD and Savior, Jesus. 

Eric is back after a lovely vacation. The discussion today centers on the concept of awe and wonder and the giftings of the individual. A little conviction emerges as a sobering reminder that we are to be held accountable to one another. That accountability should be to help keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, rather than watching others with the "gift" of criticisim. 

The most hodgepodgey episode yet! Eric is still on vacation (but makes a guest appearance via Bluetooth).  The self-proclaimed #1 fan of HPT also has his cameo appearance for a 2nd time. The heart of the conversation is with James and guest co-host, Pastor Jesse Orttel from Good News Community Church in Okoboji, IA. Jesse shares the great concept of failing faster.

Eric is traveling & James brings in a guest co-host (the legendary Sean Sherrod). Sean is a planner. James is not. The two friends discuss the differences and the joy that can be found in either approach to life. Ultimately, the conversation drives us to the purpose God has given each of us in our daily journey as we pursue Him.

When it comes to your choices, how important is the opinion of everyone else? Paul asks, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?" (Galatians 1:10 NIV)  A depth of maturity can be observed and experienced when we no longer worry ourselves with what other people think. Do everything for the glory of God! On a side-note, James shares his skill...

Cue the dramatic music. Allow the question to hang in the air like a good mystery just before the answer is revealed... James presents the question to Eric, "Is this the peak episode?" Meaning, have we run our course? In addition to that mild dramatic rabbit hole, Eric and James also discuss accolades within the context of worship and preaching. What is appropriate? What is not?

With technology in our hands (including all of our personal and financial information), we have a global awareness as well as exposure to greater opportunitites to be preyed upon.  How do we cope with stress and worry in light of our expanded awareness? Does God care for us in the craziness of our busy lives? Or should we fend for ourselves? Let us live out our faith by seeking His kingdom first.

Marketing schemes are everywhere. Have we turned our presentation of the gospel into nothing more than a marketing concept? Let's talk through this...

Eric and James think through the intentionality of content creators. They then move to self-examination and the challenges (and importance) of spiritual disciplines within the lives of believers.

Today James and Eric sit down with Pastor Jay Van Gelder and talk about his 30+ years in youth ministry. Conversation leads to some wonderful insights on things we can learn from youth ministry and apply to the greater church.  Hodgepodge (häj-päj) Theology (thē-ä-lə-jē) is a mixed-bag of topics, life lessons, wisdom and silliness, all with one purpose: To equip people to understand Christ better...

Eric and James talk with local coffee shop owner, Kerry (of Medlar). What is community? Why is it important to discipleship? Listen to their conversation as they invite you to engage. Hodgepodge (häj-päj) Theology (thē-ä-lə-jē) is a mixed-bag of topics, life lessons, wisdom and silliness, all with one purpose: To equip people to understand Christ better and to walk in His footsteps with joy. Keep...

S. Michael Craven, Vice President of Equipping & Mobilization at the Colson Center, joins the conversation today. This is a powerful deep-dive about the true meaning of the Church today.

A very special guest - one who is near and dear to James' heart, joins the conversation in today's episode (well, sort of). Joy is the undercurrent throughout the conversation...and a bad attempt at a dad joke (Eric decided to leave it in). Enjoy!   Hodgepodge (häj-päj) Theology (thē-ä-lə-jē) is a mixed-bag of topics, life lessons, wisdom and silliness, all with one purpose: To equip people to und...

Eric & James welcome Dr. Preston Sprinkle to the show. Preston and James come from the same hometown (Fresno, CA). In this episode, they discuss the importance of truly listening to others. Hodgepodge (häj-päj) Theology (thē-ä-lə-jē) is a mixed-bag of topics, life lessons, wisdom and silliness, all with one purpose: To equip people to understand Christ better and to walk in His footsteps with joy....

If there's something strange in your neighborhood....could it be a ghost? In Episode 27, Eric and James explore the paranormal in light of Scripture. We always need to allow God's Word to shine truth into every aspect of our lives.

Eric and James welcome a hearty conversation with guest, Pastor Tim Smith. Their discussion, directed to the heart of Scripture, prompts thoughtful consideration about the proper interpretation of God's Word.  Hodgepodge (häj-päj) Theology (thē-ä-lə-jē) is a mixed-bag of topics, life lessons, wisdom and silliness, all with one purpose: To equip people to understand Christ better and to walk in His...

Greg Alderman (Executive Director of the Alliance of Reformed Churches) is the guest today as Eric, James and Greg discuss the realities of being the church every day.

The "Number 1 Fan" of HPT joins the team in studio! Along with him, the conversation also includes the "Number 1 Fan of Episode 2." These die-hard fans (also sons of James) embark on a 16+ hour road trip from Idaho to Spencer, IA. This episode wraps up with some reviews/quotes from our listeners.

  James attempts to figure out his age in months (hint: he's "not a numbers guy"). Absolute silliness unfolds as the team discusses how one of James' children called him old. Eventually they bring it all back to focus on the ultimate destination. Hodgepodge (häj-päj) Theology (thē-ä-lə-jē) is a mixed-bag of topics, life lessons, wisdom and silliness, all with one purpose: To equip people to unders...