Live from the Siburt Institute

Myles Werntz and Steve Bezner discuss the topics within Dr. Bezner’s newest book, Jesus is Too American. In this conversation, Steve talks about his journey of leading his Houston church through a sermon series that calls us to lean more into Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount and embody the culture that Jesus calls us to.   0:00-2:00: Intro 2:00-6:30: Steve’s New Book, “Your Jesus is T...

Listen to the conversation with Suzie Macaluso about the Church Research Council. Christianity is in decline in the United States today, and so many changes are occurring in our culture as well. However, researchers are at work seeking to learn about what is happening in Churches of Christ. In this Intersection webinar, Dr. Suzie Macaluso will give an overview of cultural and sociological trends a...

Myles Werntz talks with Katie Frugé and Irene Gallegos about their work in public advocacy and in helping churches find ways to express a "social witness" through involvement with moral issues in the world, especially hunger and poverty.  Both Dr. Frugé and Dr. Gallegos are members of the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.   0:00-2:30: Intro 2:30-6:20: CLC (Chris...

Tune in to this timely discussion with Josh Ross about his new book, Coreology: Six Principles for Navigating an Election Season without Losing Your Witness. As we know, it can take hours, weeks, months, maybe even years for people to trust the witness of a Jesus-follower. And yet, we can lose that witness in a moment: with one social media post, a negative encounter, or an insensitive comment. Do...

Our discussion with Dr. Stephen Bullivant continues as we pivot from the broader religious landscape into Churches of Christ. We will begin with Dr. Bullivant's perspective and intrigue on Churches of Christ and their pioneering of restoration. Then move into how the rise of the "nones" is playing out within Churches of Christ. Since Churches of Christ are not unaffected by the rise of the nones a...

Myles Werntz and Helen Paynter discuss her new book on the Bible and violence, and what it means for ministers to lead people well into a violent world. The Reverend Dr. Paynter is Director of Theological Education, Tutor in Biblical Studies, and Executive Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College in the United Kingdom.   0:00-2:00: Intro 2:00-5:30: Viol...

David Kneip and Anna Carter Florence talk about her work as a preacher and professor of homiletics and her upcoming visit to ACU's Summit gathering.  Topics include the shared love of Scripture among the Churches of Christ and the Presbyterian churches, the importance and opportunities found in reading Scripture in community, connections that the theatre has with preaching, and her newest book A i...

David Kneip and Travis Akins discuss aspects of planting a congregation and building a new church building.  The conversation grows out of Travis's current experience as the minister of a new church in Oklahoma.  Topics include the process of planting a church and then building a building, obstacles and unexpected blessings along the way, and spiritual resources that helped support the minister an...

David Kneip and Candace Nicolds talk about the opportunities and challenges that have come from individuals joining congregations through the live-streaming of worship services.  They discuss Candace's work at the Brookline Church of Christ (Boston, MA), conversations among leadership, and theological implications of pastoral care for online congregants.   0:00-4:00: Intro 4:00-6:00: How Online Mi...

Jennifer Schroeder talks with Henry Zonio about why it is so important that our children's ministry resources reflect the diversity of God's kingdom and the impact on our children when they don't. Henry, a leading scholar in this area, pairs sociology with Christian education to help churches and faith based organizations think more intentionally about the work they are doing. This is the second o...

Jennifer Schroeder talks with Henry Zonio about why it is so important that our children's ministry resources reflect the diversity of God's kingdom and the impact on our children when they don't. Henry, a leading scholar in this area, pairs sociology with Christian education to help churches and faith based organizations think more intentionally about the work they are doing. This is the first of...

David Kneip and Rivers Rich discuss ministry searches from the perspective of a minister who was just hired on staff at a church. Rivers talks about his experience of searching for a minister position after he graduated from ACU. He gives a unique point of view for both those who are on a search committee and those looking for a position.    0:00-6:15: Intro 6:15-11:15: Job Search Timeline 11:15-1...

David Kneip and Robert Oglesby discuss ministry searches, specifically focusing on Robert's work with churches and leader groups.  Robert shares about the ways that he helps churches navigate the current shortage of ministers, shares stories of searches gone well and poorly, and provides tips for churches to conduct their searches more wisely and effectively.    0:00-2:45: Intro 2:45-5:30: Robert’...

Jennifer Schroeder talks with Traci Smith and David Csinos about how to incorporate intentional faith practices within families, why it is so important even at a very young age, and how churches and ministry leaders can better support their families in this pursuit. Traci and Dave are active scholars and leaders in the field of children's ministry and draw on both their experience and their resear...

David Kneip and Olivia Nabb discuss ministry search processes.  Olivia is a recent graduate of ACU's Graduate School of Theology, and at the time of recording, she had been interviewing with several churches but had not yet found a position.  She provides important insights for church leaders as they seek to do their searches well, specifically from the often-unheard perspective of a candidate.  ...

David Kneip talks with Josh Stephens and Warren McNeill, two members of a recent search committee at the Monterey Church of Christ in Lubbock, about the process of searching for a minister.  They discuss ways to do a search well, practices to avoid, and the importance of depending on God throughout the process.  During the podcast, Warren and Josh talk a lot about ways that the Siburt Institute ha...

David Kneip and Missy Taylor discuss her story of entering ministry in middle age, with the goal of encouraging those volunteering in churches who may be sensing a call into ministry.   0:00-4:15: Intro 4:15-10:15: Missy’s Pre-Ministry Background 10:15-19:00: Missy’s Transition to Her Ministry Role 19:00-25:30: Influences to Missy’s Turn to Vocational Ministry 25:30-30:00: Contributing and Formati...

David Kneip talks with Sierra Gustafson and Anna Moser, two children's ministers in Churches of Christ, about the importance of sabbaticals in ministry.  They discuss preparing for and entering into sabbaticals, exiting sabbaticals and re-entering ministry, and the challenges of conversations with leaders and ministry partners.  Resources discussed in the podcast include the Siburt Institute's gui...

David Kneip and Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby talk about the very current topic of trauma, how prevalent it is in our world and our churches, and things ministers need to know and can do to help.   0:00-2:00: Intro 2:00-4:00: Death Bible 4:00-13:30: Trauma: What Does It Mean? 13:30-16:30: Amy’s Reason for Interest in Trauma 16:30-22:00: Widespread Impact of Trauma 22:00-24:30: Secondary Trauma 24:30-33:3...

David Kneip and Steve Hare discuss why it's important for churches to talk about bodies, sex, and desire. Not a "how-to," this episode encourages church leaders to be proactive in helping their congregants build solid theology around the body.   0:00-3:45: Intro 3:45-8:00: “Sex Bible” 8:00-11:30: Where are Students Hearing about Bodies in the Church? 11:30-16:45: “Intimacy Famine” in our Young Peo...

Jennifer Schroeder and Dana Kennamer discuss the spirituality of children and key elements that are essential in fostering the spiritual formation of children in churches.   0:00-2:00: Intro 2:00-5:45: Beliefs about Children’s Spirituality 5:45-8:50: Why Churches Struggle with Children’s Ministry Oftentimes 8:50-12:25: What “Sacred Space” Looks Like with Children 12:25-15:50: Recognizing Spiritual...

David Kneip and Josh Kingcade discuss Josh's first year as a preacher after many years in other kinds of ministry. The podcast includes reflections on and recommendations for church leaders involved in ministry transitions.   0:00-2:00: Intro 2:00-8:00: Josh’s Background 8:00-10:45: Josh’s Alternative “Path to the Pulpit” (And Why He Hates This Term) 10:45-14:15: Josh’s First Year at Preston Road ...

Jennifer Schroeder and Cheryl Russell discuss the transformative nature of dialogical preaching, where the pulpit becomes a meaningful dialogue between the minister, the congregation, and the message. Explore with Cheryl how dialogical preaching can inspire, challenge, and unite churches and listen as she talks about her church's experience with it.   0:00-2:00: Intro 2:00-3:30: What is Dialogical...

David Kneip and Kaley Ihfe talk about the challenges that face ministry wives, as well as some ways that the Lavish HOPE ministry is seeking to support, nourish, and refresh them.    0:00-1:30: Intro 1:30-5:00: Lavish Hope Retreat 5:00-11:45: Kaley’s Story 11:45-18:15: Impact of Connection with Other Ministry Wives 18:15-24:15: How Support and Nourishment are Provided 24:15-27:30: Holistic Element...

David Kneip and Alan Howell from Mission Resource Network talk about the changing face of missions in our world, along with resources that MRN has to offer churches and missions workers.   0:00-6:45: Intro 6:45-14:30: Mission Resource Network Initiatives 14:30-20:00: Missions: The Good and the Bad 20:00-26:00: Cruise Ship, BattleShip, HouseBoat, and SailBoat Mentalities 26:00-32:30: Everyone, Ever...