The Pastor Theologians Podcast

“Such a cry as ‘I can’t breathe’ is not merely anthropological, but it is theological. The problem with White supremacy – killing Black women and Black men in America – is an error of theology. It is a failure of the White mind and the White power structure to remember from where breath really comes.” On a special episode of the CPT Podcast, we share a sermon given by Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates, Senio...

CPT fellow Dr. Eric Redmond joins the podcast to discuss his experience as an African American man, father, and pastor in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. We lament and discuss how it feels to be a black American and a black evangelical at this historical moment. What can pastors, particularly white pastors, do to lead their congregations toward repentance and care for those of African desc...

How do times of scarcity expose the idolatry of the human heart? What do we learn about ourselves, our vulnerabilities, and our identities during a season of wilderness wandering? CPT fellow Chris Ganski joins the podcast to discuss and share a sermon on surviving in the wilderness. Listen now as Chris notes how God, in Christ, is faithful to sustain us and be present to us during our testing. Joi...

What does Jesus' ascension mean and why does it matter? What is the theological significance of the human Messiah's return to heaven? With Ascension Thursday this week, we are sharing a conversation with and a sermon from CPT fellow Donnie Berry. Join us at the CPT Conference

How can pastors be attuned to the mental health needs of their congregants? What responsibility does the pastor have to be aware of contemporary psychological research and brain science? What  theological  resources do we have as Christians for understanding and addressing mental health? We discuss these questions and more in our conversation with CPT fellow Ryan Davidson. Join us at the CPT Confe...

In this episode we continue our conversation with CPT fellow Stephen Witmer on small-town ministry. We discuss the theological underpinning of gospel witness in forgotten places, being open to a call to rural ministry, and how small communities are struggling during a global pandemic. Join us at the CPT Conference

We are joined on the podcast by CPT fellow Stephen Witmer, who serves as the Lead Pastor of Pepperell Christian Fellowship in Pepperell, MA. In this episode we discuss Stephen's life story, his call to ministry, and education. We also hear about Stephen's recent book, A Big Gospel in Small Places: Why Ministry in Forgotten Communities Matters . Join us at the CPT Conference

What is God doing in/with/through this global crisis? In this episode we are joined by CPT fellow Jim Samra, Senior Pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, MI. We explore difficult and complex questions related to how Christians should think and speak of the activity of God in moments of crisis and suffering. How do we prepare God’s people for suffering and uncertainty? Once the a season of suff...

In this episode we are joined by CPT fellow Jarrod Longbons, Senior Minister of Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, GA. Jarrod discusses the history of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement in the United States. He also explores how he and his congregation are ministering to the people in their church and in their community through connection and ministries of mercy during a national shutdown...

CPT fellow Jon English Lee, Pastor of Discipleship at Morningview Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL. Jon English discusses his life of faith, his ministry training, and his doctoral research. How does the biblical Sabbath mandate relate to creation? How does it relate to the coming of Christ? How can those who no longer work or who are unable to work in their present circumstances participate in th...

Our culture shelters us from death. But the reality of our own fragility and mortality has been placed at the forefront of our attention during a global pandemic. CPT fellows Chris Ganski and Benj Petroelje discuss how pastors can lead and prepare their people to come face to face with death in their own lives and in society. How can Christians acknowledge the reality of death and hold it in tensi...

The COVID-19 crisis has quickly and urgently raised many theological questions for pastors and congregations. Should find ways to celebrate the Lord's Supper while the church can only gather via livestream? What should worship look like under these circumstances? CPT fellows Chris Ganski and Benj Petroelje join the podcast for a conversation on worship and sacrament in unique circumstances. J...

Listen to part 2 of our conversation with CPT fellow Nathan Barczi. Nathan tells the story of his move from New York to Boston and from economics to pastoral ministry. We discuss studying part-time for a degree in theology, as well as Nathan's studies for his first career as a professional economist. Nathan concludes by discussing the unique function of theological education in the local chur...

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How should students and young pastors think about celebrity preachers? What is the relationship between homiletics and other pastoral disciplines like biblical and theological studies? How does the pastoral call to discipleship interface with the call of preaching? These questions and more in part two of our interview with Matthew Kim, Associate Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Gordon Conwel...

Rev. Dr. Matthew Kim joins the podcast to share his story and talk about a new book he has published with IVP Academic. Matthew is an Associate Professor for Preaching & Ministry and Director of the Haddon Robinson Center for Preaching at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He shares his story of discerning a call to ministry, his doctoral work, and the role that mentorship relationships have...

In this episode, Gerald Hiestand explores and explains his PhD research on the church father, Irenaeus of Lyons. What implications do Irenaeus' unique cosmology and origin narrative for the Devil have for the doctrines of sin, salvation, and creation? Was the occasion for Satan's fall pride (as in the traditional narrative popularized by Origen and Augustine) or envy against humanity? Wh...

How can pastors establish habits for study that will lead to success in PhD research? What are the advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a degree while serving as a pastor in a local church? What are challenges related to life, family, and finances that should be taken into account when considering part-time study? How can you evaluate whether your internal motivation will sustain you during a...

Should pastors pursue PhD research? What are the differences between the American and European systems for PhD programs? What should you keep in mind when reaching out to a potential advisors? How developed should my research proposal be when applying for programs? CPT co-founder Gerald Hiestand shares his story of studying for a PhD while serving as a full-time pastor at Calvary Memorial Church o...

PART 2: How does the pastoral vocation shape our theological reflection? The life and work of a pastor is embedded in the life of the worshipping community. As such, pastors share in the joys and the pains of people in the congregation. CPT President Todd Wilson shares how the suffering-shaped life of the pastor uniquely positions them for speaking and writing of the mysteries of Christ crucified....

How does the pastoral vocation shape our theological reflection? The life and work of a pastor is embedded in the life of the worshipping community. As such, pastors share in the joys and the pains of people in the congregation. CPT President Todd Wilson shares how the suffering-shaped life of the pastor uniquely positions them for speaking and writing of the mysteries of Christ crucified. Join us...

CPT Director of Fellowships, Jameson Ross, joins the podcast again to discuss his PhD research on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and theological interpretation of scripture. In this episode we explore Bonhoeffer's hermeneutical approach, the relationship between the church and biblical interpretation, and the logical and pedagogical ordering of theological reflection. Join us at the CPT Conference

Join us at the CPT Conference

Join us at the CPT Conference

Join us at the CPT Conference