The Central Seminary Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Nathan Robbins, a church-planting pastor and Doctor of Ministry student at Central Seminary, as he takes us to the Five Points neighborhood on Buffalo's West Side. Nathan shares his journey from rural pastoral ministry in west-central Illinois to answering God's call to plant a church in one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in all of New...

In this episode, we are joined by Mulenga Chileshe, a member of the Class of 2026 at Central Seminary. Speaking with us from Kitwe, Zambia, Mulenga shares his excitement for crossing the finish line as he completes his Master of Divinity. We talk about the rigors of study and how the gospel breaks through prosperity theology and traditional beliefs. Mulenga also shares his excitement for the Afric...

In this episode of the Central Seminary Podcast, we catch up with alumnus Paul Harmon (MDiv, ’02). Paul discusses the unique challenges of ministry in Uruguay, from using the traditional asado to reach men with the gospel to the vital role of biblical counseling in a culture facing deep hopelessness. Tune in to hear how the Lord is building His church in the heart of Uruguay!

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Matt Shrader to discuss a moment in church history and the life and ministry of Martin Luther. We discuss Luther's spiritual struggle with personal sin and the "light bulb” when he realized that righteousness is a gift from Christ rather than something earned through the church's system. Dr. Shrader describes the spark of the 95 Theses, Luther&#39...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jon Pratt for a discussion on his new book, "My Sheep Follow Me: A Study of Perseverance and the Threat of Antinomianism." Dr. Pratt walks us through how a seminary paper assignment became a dissertation, then lectures, and eventually, this new book. In our discussion, we examine how Jesus’s metaphors of "fruit" and Paul’s teachings on the...

In this episode, we preview the 2026 McDonald Lectures with Central Seminary Provost, Dr. Brett Williams. This year's lecture series, titled "What in the World is a Worldview?", challenges the way evangelicals have defined and used the term worldview .The McDonald Lectures will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. To learn more and to register, visit our website . This episode is o...

In this episode, Dr. Jon Pratt discusses the complex lineage of the Herods, their political maneuvers, and their impact on the New Testament. We explore the rise of Herod the Great alongside the achievements and paranoia that characterized his reign. We wrap up by looking at the big picture. The Herods were obsessed with maintaining political power, but their legacy cannot compare to the church&#3...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brett Williams and Dr. Matt Morrell for a look at Central Seminary’s present and future. We discuss our growing international student body, our renewed ATS accreditation, faculty projects, and the launch of new resources for helping local churches train and equip servants around the world. Whether you’re an alumnus, a pastor, or just interested in theological...

In this episode, Dr. Jon Pratt reflects on his trips to the Holy Land and the spiritual, historical, and educational value of seeing the Bible’s geography firsthand. We discuss how walking the paths Jesus walked transforms your reading of Scripture, turning it from black-and-white to color. Dr. Pratt describes the devotional aspects of trips to the Holy Land and offers encouragement to pastors, te...

To kick off season four of The Central Seminary Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Roy Beacham and Dr. Kevin Bauder to discuss Millennial Sacrifices. In this episode, we explore the role of the sacrificial system prophesied in Ezekiel 40-48 and some of the differences between the Old Testament sacrifices and those in the Millennium. Thanks for subscribing! Visit is at centralseminary.edu

In this episode, we commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea by exploring what happened in the summer of 325 AD and why it still matters today. Dr. Brett Williams and Dr. Matt Shrader walk us through the historical context, the Arian controversy, and the defining statement on the deity of Christ.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Matt Morrell, pastor of Fourth Baptist Church and president of Central Seminary, along with pastoral intern Joseph Schuller, to explore the purpose and impact of pastoral internships. We discuss why internships are essential for preparing future pastors, how churches, regardless of size, can implement them, and what makes an internship effective beyond merely...

In this episode, Richard Byrne (M.A.B.C. Class of 2025) shares his journey through seminary and the impact of his education on life and ministry. He discusses the role of biblical counseling in the church, the importance of addressing mental health through a biblical lens, and the need for churches to engage these issues with truth and compassion. Listen as we highlight the power of God’s Word to...

Why are so many young evangelicals drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy? What questions should we be asking? In Part 2 of Searching for Depth , we explore how Orthodox theology approaches salvation, mystery, sacraments, and worship—and how it contrasts with historic Protestant convictions. This episode also equips pastors and leaders to prepare the next generation to engage thoughtfully with this growing tr...

This episode launches a two-part discussion on the growing evangelical interest in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Dr. Williams and Dr. Shrader offer historical, theological, philosophical, and pastoral insights into Orthodoxy’s appeal, while evaluating differences and potential dangers. We explore key doctrinal divides, the allure of ancient liturgy, and the exclusive claims of Eastern Orthodoxy.

Bowling, Baseball, and Biblical Hebrew? You’ll want to catch the latest episode of The Central Seminary Podcast! In this episode, we interview Dr. Preston Mayes, Professor of Old Testament, to learn how God led him into the teaching ministry. Dr. Mayes shares his favorite sections of the Old Testament and some of his hobbies and interests.  To learn more about Central Seminary, visit us at: www.ce...

In this episode, we discuss the New Testament canon with Dr. Jon Pratt. We cover how we got our Bible and highlight some background on recent works on the canon. Listen along and share the episode with a friend! To learn more, visit centralseminary.edu

In preparation for our 2025 MacDonald Lectures , we sat down with Dr. Kyle Dunham to explore ways to use the book of Ecclesiastes. You’ll want to catch this special episode of The Central Seminary Podcast. Dr. Dunham shares the importance of finding joy and wonder in a fallen world and helps to address common misinterpretations of Ecclesiastes. We also look at Dr. Dunham’s commentary work and help...

In this episode, we explore Paul’s instruction to Timothy to pray for “kings and for all those in high positions.”  To better understand the biblical model and its implications for praying for our government leaders, we are thrilled to welcome Pastor Rory Martin, Director of the Church Ambassador Network with the Minnesota Family Council, to join us.

In this episode, Central alumnus and pastor Pat Thompson emphasizes the significance of fellowship with the body of Christ. Pastor Thompson shares insights from pastoral and teaching ministries here in Minnesota and overseas. 

Missionary Luke Tanis (M.Div ‘18) and Sebastian Basaldua (Operations Manager, WCTS Radio) discuss creative ideas for using technology in sharing the gospel.

In this episode, Lt. Col. (r) Scott Nupson shares his journey from ministry to military service, reflecting on his experiences as a chaplain and the impact of his seminary education at Central. Scott shares some of his favorite memories from his time at Central and ways that God showed his faithfulness through service in the military and continuing ministry opportunities. Thanks for listening! Lea...

In this episode, Dr. Josh Stephens discusses the critical topic of church discipline in the life of the local church. Dr. Stephens focuses on the collective responsibility of the church body in orderliness and care throughout the process, with the hope of restoration.

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Bauder concludes the discussion on “Let Me Tell You How to Vote” with Dr. Brett Williams. Dr. Bauder shares ten principles to guide believers as they consider how they want to cast their vote and closes with some final encouragements.

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Bauder continues a discussion on “Let Me Tell You How to Vote” with Dr. Brett Williams. Dr. Bauder shares ten principles to guide believers as they consider how they want to cast their vote.