Jonathan Shirk

Small Town Theologian

Religion EN ↓ 173 episodes

Biblical, confessional, and practical truth in 10 minutes or less. Recorded in Rev. Jonathan Shirk’s walk-in closet, the Small Town Theologian podcast is a compact show bringing you comforting gospel truths from a confessional Reformed perspective to help you and your family navigate life’s many challenges.

Author

Jonathan Shirk

Category

Religion

Podcast website

www.smalltowntheologian.org

Latest episode

Jan 8, 2026

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Episodes

STT 048 - Why Is Prayer Necessary for Us? (HC LD 45, Q/A 116-119) 04.11.2021

Follow me on Facebook . Check out my book Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine . Leave a review on Amazon. STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters . What drives us to prayer? Isn't it the awareness of our great need? When we are aware of our physical and spiritual needs, we go to God in prayer for help. However, sometimes, we don't pray with much confidenc...

STT 047 - The Comfort & Assurance of Baby Steps (HC LD 44, Q/A 113-115) 04.11.2021

I missed a week due to COVID. I am recovering and coming out of quarantine on Saturday.  Follow me on Facebook . Check out my book Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine . Leave a review on Amazon. STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters . It is very easy to grow discouraged that we are not making more progress in our fight against sin. However, we are...

STT 046 - Loving & Speaking the Truth When People Hate the Truth (HC LD 43, QA 112) 21.10.2021

Follow me on Facebook . Check out my book Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine . Leave a review on Amazon. STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters . Christians are greatly challenged to speak the truth amidst a culture that hates the truth. As people who have received the mercy and grace of God, how do we now express our gratitude in our speech? How can we...

STT 045 - Does That Belong to You? (HC LD 42, QA 110-111) 14.10.2021

Check out the book Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine . Leave a review on Amazon.  Want more resources from Small Town Theologian (STT)? Check out smalltowntheologian.org and follow me on Facebook . STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters . You've probably never pointed a gun at someone and demanded, "Give me all your money!" Even so, you rank with...

STT 044 - Sinful Desires, Concupiscence, & "Gay Christians" (HC LD 41, QA 108-109) 13.10.2021

Check out the book Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine . Get a copy for yourself and a friend. Leave a review on Amazon. Want more resources from Small Town Theologian (STT)? Check out smalltowntheologian.org and follow me on Facebook . STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters . The Heidelberg Catechism can help us understand our sinful inclinations. Thoug...

STT 043 - Your Heart Has Pulled the Trigger (HC LD 40; QA 105-107) 01.10.2021

Check out the book Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine . Get a copy for yourself and a friend. Leave a review on Amazon. Want more resources from Small Town Theologian (STT)? Check out smalltowntheologian.org . STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters . In the political climate of today, many Christians are struggling with their thoughts, words, and action...

STT 042 - Showing Honor, Love, & Faithfulness to Earthly Authorities (HC LD 39; QA 104) 23.09.2021

Want more resources from Small Town Theologian (STT)? Check out smalltowntheologian.org . STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters . A hot topic in our society and culture today is how to relate to authority, especially the overreach of authority. It seems as if Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 are now texts that Christians fight over. How should Christians respond to lawful and unlawful autho...

STT 041 - The Structure of the Heidelberg Catechism Could Change Your Life 17.09.2021

Want more resources from Small Town Theologian (STT)? Check out smalltowntheologian.org .  STT is a member of the Society of Reformed Podcasters .  How do you think through the day? More specifically, how do you think about your Christian faith throughout the day? The structure of the Heidelberg Catechism (HC) can help you think more strategically. The structure of the HC could change yo...

STT 040 - A Clearer Direction for This Podcast 09.09.2021

I love being the pastor of Jerusalem Church in the small town of Manheim, PA. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. My desire is that this podcast serves my local church well. I also want to reach outside the bounds of my church. In my experience, many local churches and the Christians in them have moved away from the historical and ecumenical creeds (Apostles', Nicene, Athanasian) and Reformed con...

STT 039 - Spurgeon & Joyfully Submitting to the Truth of God's Infallible Word 03.09.2021

Charles Spurgeon was an eloquent man. God used him in mighty ways to contend for the truth of God's Word. In this episode is a Spurgeon quote worth careful consideration, especially for our times. God's infallible Word brings clarity and joy to those who believe and submit themselves to it.  If you listen on APPLE PODCASTS, would you RATE this podcast? It takes seconds, and good ratings help...

STT 038 - The Plurality of Elders Protects a Pastor (and a Church) from Disaster 26.08.2021

One guy calling the shots in a local church? Dangerous, unless the guy is the God-man Jesus Christ. The plurality of elders is not only Biblical, it practically protects pastors and churches from pain.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app and RATE the podcast. High ratings help people find good podcasts. Also, share episodes that have blessed you on SOCIAL MEDIA. Thanks for your suppor...

STT 037 - Five Essential Gifts to Give Your Kids: (5) Connect the Dots with Relationship 19.08.2021

What do you want your kids to see more than anything else? Is it the beauty, majesty, and glory of God? But what if they see mostly dots that don't connect, like a dot-to-dot puzzle? As a parent, you want to help your kids connect the dots. God has given us direction in how to do it.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app and RATE the podcast. High ratings help people find good podcasts....

STT 036 - Five Essential Gifts to Give Your Kids: (4) Daily Family Worship 13.08.2021

Sleeping, eating, breathing, moving, are all essential daily activities. These things keep us alive and well. Is family worship part of your daily routine? If not, do you know what you're missing? You're missing a great opportunity to lead your kids toward Jesus.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app and RATE the podcast. High ratings help people find good podcasts. Also, share episodes...

STT 035 - Five Essential Gifts to Give Your Kids: (3) Weekly Corporate Worship 05.08.2021

Parents love to see their kids involved in many activities, good activities. Christian parents often want their kids to be involved in Christian activities as well, things like youth group, camps, and VBSs. But what means has God ordained, as the primary means, to work and strengthen faith in our kids? What does Scripture emphasize in terms of spiritual nourishment, strength, and growth?   Pl...

STT 034 - Five Essential Gifts to Give Your Kids: (2) A Basic Theological Framework through Catechization 29.07.2021

Many Christian kids know Bible stories and verses. However, many are confused about how the stories and verses connect, and many cannot give a good summary of what they believe. Parents need to help their kids build a good theological framework, and for that, they need a good blueprint.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app and RATE the podcast. High ratings help people find good podcas...

STT 033 - Five Essential Gifts to Give Your Kids: (1) Your Prioritization of Their Discipleship 14.07.2021

Kids are very busy these days, and their parents have helped them fill the schedules. But what place does discipleship hold in your family's daily routine? When parents prioritize their children's discipleship over everything else, they give their children a marvelous gift.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app and RATE the podcast. High ratings help people find good podcasts. Also, gra...

STT 032 - Five Essential Gifts to Give Your Kids: Series Introduction 08.07.2021

Parents are deeply committed to giving their children the best in life. If you are a parent or aspire to be a parent, what do you think is most important to give your kids? What is at the top of your list? Parents have the responsibility to disciple their children, and this series unpacks how parents can do that in practical ways.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app and RATE the podca...

STT 031 - Am I An Image-Bearer of God? 01.07.2021

Some Christians are confused about what it means to bear the image of God. Is it physical? Is it spiritual? If we think rightly about this, there is comfort and joy to be found in knowing you bear the image of God.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app and RATE the podcast. High ratings help people find good podcasts. Also, grab a copy of my book titled Predestined for Joy on Amazon, an...

STT 030 - Champagne Towers & Loving Others 17.06.2021

Have you ever been to a fancy party or wedding and seen a champagne tower? The first table of the Ten Commandments is like the top glass. Intrigued? Listen to explore the metaphor.  Please hit SUBSCRIBE on your listening app. Share the podcast with a friend. Also, grab a copy of my book titled Predestined for Joy on Amazon, and if it blesses you, leave an honest, unbiased, and thoughtful revi...

STT 029 - Everyone Is Awesome? 12.06.2021

LEGO came out with a set that advances the slogan "Everyone Is Awesome." But is that philosophy honest? Is it right? Is everyone awesome? The LGBTQIA+ community does not typically show support and applaud Christians who hold a Biblical view of sexuality; they seem to simply support and applaud those who support and applaud their lifestyle, which suggests not everyone is awesome.   Please SUBS...

STT 028 - Repentance Is More Than Feeling Bad About Sin 03.06.2021

It is very easy to say that you're a Christian, but an entirely different and more difficult thing to actually be and live as a Christian. Many people like the idea of Jesus but not the idea of repentance. Find out what true repentance is.  Please SHARE this podcast if it's meaningful to you. Also, head to Amazon and grab a copy of my new book titled Predestined for Joy: Finding Comfort in a...

STT 027 - When I Fear My Faith Will Fail 20.05.2021

Do you feel like your faith is weak and about to shatter, perhaps that you're hanging on by a thread? Are you looking for comfort and security in the right place? Head to smalltowntheologian.org to sign up for my quarterly email newsletter to receive helpful resources to deepen your comfort and joy in the gospel. Also, who do you know that struggles to find comfort and joy in the doctrine of prede...

STT 026 - A Simple Path to Healthier Doctrine & Discernment 17.05.2021

All professing Christians have a theological or doctrinal framework that influences their thinking about the Bible. The question is whether it's a good and accurate theological framework. The historic creeds, confessions, and catechisms of the past help us rightly think about the Bible.  Are you blessed by this podcast? Please share it with your friends. Oh, and swing by smalltowntheologian.o...

STT 025 - The Helpfulness of Strong & Theologically Savvy Mothers 07.05.2021

We need a new generation of Reformers to stand on Scripture alone. Moms are a critical part of raising them up. Mothers, never underestimate your impact on your children. Give them a theological framework through which they can understand Scripture and the world. Start with the Heidelberg Catechism. Head to www.smalltowntheologian.org to sign up for my email list. You'll get helpful, brief, and oc...

STT 024 - Mirror, Mirror on the Wall 06.05.2021

Is the mirror you're looking into telling you the truth? What if you look into the mirror of God's Law? What does it tell you? Until you have an accurate view of yourself, you will not see the beauty and glory of Christ. Please SUBSCRIBE and SHARE this podcast with a friend and head to smalltowntheologian.org to sign up for my email list. Also, check out Jonathan's book Predestined for Joy.

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