Ministry Minded

In this episode, I’m delighted to share a conversation with my friend and brother in ministry, Dave Zahl, as we reflect on the strange yet holy overlap between writing and preaching. With the pressure to build platforms, establish brands, chase readership, and fine-tune every syllable for maximum virality, it’s easy to forget what moves us or drives us in the first place. But the gospel is a reliv...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to share part one of a two-part mini-series with my friend and brother in ministry, Raphael Mnkandhla, as we reflect on the book The Clay Pot Conspiracy by Dave Harvey. With so many voices telling you so many different things about what makes for good, capable leaders, God’s Word tells us something that’s surprising and endlessly compelling. Far from disqualifying you...

In this episode, I’m joined by pastor and theologian Tony Phelps to talk about why it’s so important for preachers to preach God’s law and God’s gospel. Together, we trace this necessary distinction from Sinai’s altars to Luther’s breakthrough, and relish in the heartbeat of gospel preaching, which tells sinners not what they must do but what Christ has done. Tony serves as the teaching elder of C...

In this episode, I’m joined by Bob Hiller to talk about the craft of preaching, how to navigate the pressures of pastoral ministry in 2026, and what belongs in the homiletical moment. We also discuss the danger of being a ministerial lone-wolf, why sermons aren’t TED talks, and why the preacher’s job is the same as it’s always been: deliver Christ, and get out of the way. Bob Hiller serves as the...

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Obbie Tyler Todd to talk about life, pastoral ministry, and the challenges of preaching in post-Christian contexts. We also spent some time discussing the church’s role during times of cultural upheaval, the myth of America as a “Christian nation,” and why the church’s mission has never changed, no matter what the present crisis looks like. Obbie is the pa...

In this episode, I sit down with Marc Sims to have an honest conversation about the current crises facing young men, the reality of living with depression in the Christian life, and how the gospel of Christ is the word of hope that speaks into all of that. In our darkest moments — personally, collectively, spiritually — God in Christ finds us and frees us from sin, suffering, and the grave. Marc s...

In this episode, I’m joined by pastor, author, and professor Michael Cooper to talk about preaching, theological retrieval, and the rich history of Baptist homiletics. Through the lens of the post-Reformation Baptist preacher, Benjamin Keach, Michael and I examine how the preaching event isn’t merely a person giving a talk, but a divine act wherein God speaks through human abassadors. Michael serv...

In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome pastor, actor, and comedian Tommy Woodard to the show to talk about how faith and comedy overlap, and the role humor plays in the Christian life. Far from being a religion of stoic robots, Christians ought to be known for their laughter. Together, Tommy and I talk about comedy as a vehicle for grace and authenticity, and processing sorrow and loss, and ult...

In this episode, I’m joined once again by my friend and fellow pastor Jordan Moody to talk about his new book about heaven and eternity, and the hope that heaven offers to those who are walking through grief and loss. Far from being some Pollyanna escapist’s hope, heaven fills believers with purpose and hope, both now and for the future. Jordan is the lead pastor of Hope Fellowship Church in Jaffr...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow pastor Josiah Ott to talk about what it means to be a young pastor and how preaching and studying the book of Ecclesiastes changed his life. The turbulence of our days isn’t anything to slough off. But what keeps pastors and churches grounded is the Word of God and the deep current of joy that courses through its pages and promises. Josiah is t...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by author, speaker, and founder of Love and Respect Ministries , Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, to talk about some lightbulb moments that comprehensively change our views of love, marriage, and relationships. Drawing on Scripture and decades of counseling experience and research, Dr. Eggerichs shows how couples can move from presumption and conflict to understand...

In this episode, I’m joined once again by writer, professor, and fellow Substack-er, Griffin Gooch, to talk about navigating expectations as young leaders, the crippling effects of social perfectionism, the paralyzing fear of failure, and how the gospel relieves all those pressures. It’s Jesus’s good news that frees believers from status-driven achievement, giving them grace and courage to try, fa...

In this episode, I’m joined by pastor, author, and professor Pilgrim Benham to talk candidly about the grief and grace that’s found in pastoral ministry. We discuss the necessity of pastoral rest, how to navigate seasons of confusion and hurt in the church, and why ministry is a lifelong lesson in the sufficiency of grace. Pilgrim lives in Bradenton, Florida, where he lives with his wife and child...

In this episode, I’m joined by pastors Raphael Mnkandhla and Trevor Route for a delightful conversation about pastoral ministry, the necessity for community, and the meaning of Advent. Among other things, we talk about the need for brotherhood among pastors and why the Christian life isn’t meant to be an isolated endeavor. We also discuss how the Psalms give the church a language for the Advent se...

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by author, theologian, and scholar Jonathan A. Linebaugh to talk about his new book The Well That Washes What It Shows , which explores the heart of the Christian message through the lens of the law and the gospel. We also chat about the unity of academic theology and pastoral ministry, the Reformer Thomas Cranmer, and how Scripture’s deepest truths meet...

In this episode, I get to chat with author and pastor Luke Kjolhaug about his book Sinner Saint and why the sinner-saint paradigm, commonly known as simul iustus et peccator , is so formative for understanding the life of faith. We explore how this dynamic shapes preaching, pastoral care, sanctification, and our daily Christian lives. Luke is the pastor of Elim Lutheran Church in Osakis, Minnesota...

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Brad Kafter to discuss the crucial distinction between God’s law and God’s gospel, and the fallout when those two words get confused. We explore how the law-gospel paradigm is foundational for the Christian life, informing what the church preaches, how it worships, and where its members go to find assurance. Brad lives in Wausau, Wisconsin, with his wi...

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I tackle the timely and difficult subject of the fallout when ministry leaders fall into public sin. We discuss how the church should respond to such moral failures in light of the words of God’s law and God’s gospel, ministering to all involved with discernment, compassion, and grace. We also explore the tension between these public scandals and the responsibility...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to chat with essayist and fellow Substack-er Griffin Gooch! Throughout this episode, we explore the intersections of theology, writing, and storytelling. We also talk about the subtle ways social status and comparison shape the way we live our lives as Christians, even when we think they don’t. Whether you’re an aspiring writer wrestling with your latest draft, a past...

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jason Alligood about the value of studying theology both in the academy and for the church. We aim to show how theology is the life-giving discipline of knowing God that equips the church for faithful Christian living. We also discuss Christian liberty, how those in the church can disagree well, and the importance of theological retrieval for the health of the chur...

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I discuss the rise of deliverance ministries and how Christians can discern spiritual warfare through a biblical lens. Looking at Acts 16 and Paul’s encounter with the demon-possessed girl in Philippi, we explore the dangers of both denying and sensationalizing demonic activity, showing how many modern ministries stray from Scripture and exploit fear for profit. Tr...

In this episode, I get to chat with David Zahl about his brand new book, The Big Relief , which explores what makes the message of grace so essential not only to the Christian faith but also to the human experience. In a world that is fraught with weariness, brokenness, and the incessant pressure to perform, the gospel of grace is the counterintuitive announcement of the gift of relief. Dave and I...

In this episode, I chat with Philip Nation about how Bible publishers can promote more engagement with Scripture and help stem the tide of biblical illiteracy in churches, and some of the current challenges facing church leaders. Philip also shares his heart for encouraging and shepherding pastors in a cultural climate that is rapidly changing and offers some insight into the unique benefits of Th...

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I discuss how Christians can biblically and thoughtfully navigate the blistering speed of social media and the omnipresence of social media. Similar to stand-up comedians who are constantly mining their lives for material, unchecked social media use can quickly lead to distraction and inauthenticity. Our aim is to think theologically about how believers can engage...

In this episode, Pastor Eric and I explore the reasons why systematic theology is so important for the church. Those who study systematic theology will deepen their faith and guard themselves against false teachers. From the prodigal son to the Good Samaritan, we endeavor to uncover Scripture’s deeper truths and challenge biblical illiteracy. Eric is on staff with me at Stonington Baptist Church i...