Theology Project with Matt O’Reilly

Why are pastors the de facto theological leaders of the church? What is a pastor theologian? Why do we need pastors to embrace their theological identity? In this episode, we'll hear from Dr. Joel Lawrence, who is president of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT). We talk about the difference between academic theology and ecclesial theology, and why the natural home of theology is the church. ...

Pastors are more than sermon-givers—they are called to be theologians. In this sneak peek from my conversation with Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, we explore why the theological vocation of the pastor is essential for the church today. The full conversation is COMING SOON - don't miss it. Check out the CPT website: https://www.pastortheologians.com/ Join us for the...

What does it mean to be deeply rooted in the Christian faith while also embracing the distinctive gifts of the Methodist tradition? In this episode, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to discuss his new book, Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist. We explore how the Methodist movement emerged as a Spirit-led renewal within the wider body of Christ, why Wesleyan theology offers a compelling vision for...

Is the meaning of “Israel” obvious? That question was hotly debated recently by Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson. In this Theology Project interview, Dr. Jason Staples takes us deep into what the Bible actually says about Israel, the Jews, the Hebrews, and how Paul redefines everything in Romans 9–11. Dr. Staples is the author of Paul and the Resurrection of Israel, a groundbreaking book that c...

Across the Wesleyan-Methodist family, something remarkable is happening: churches and denominations are rediscovering the heart of their theological heritage—holiness. In this video, Matt O'Reilly and Bill Ury reflect on how various Wesleyan groups are recovering a robust, life-giving vision of holiness rooted in grace, love, and transformation. This isn’t about legalism or moralism. It’s about re...

Watch the whole discussion here: https://youtu.be/lAtmxFIIXIs In this clip, Dr. Matt O'Reilly and Dr. Bill Ury discuss how forgiveness of sin and justification by faith are sometimes set up as the main point of Christianity and key books of the Bible like Romans. What is the point of Christianity? Matt and Bill explain how Christian faith is about being drawn more deeply into the life of God such...

What are the enemy’s most effective strategies—and how can Christians resist them? In this conversation, Dr. Jason Vickers joins me to unpack John Wesley’s sermon Satan’s Devices and explore the timeless tactics the devil uses to discourage, divide, and derail believers. We discuss how Wesley’s 18th-century insights still speak with power today, why temptation is often unrecognized, and what pract...

What does neuroscience have to do with following Jesus? In this conversation, psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson unpacks how brain science helps us understand—and experience—spiritual formation more deeply. Drawing from his groundbreaking work in Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and The Soul of Desire, Dr. Thompson explores the connections between relationships, the mind, and the tra...

The mark of the beast? The rapture? The second coming? The four horsemen of the apocalypse? In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly tackles these questions and more from the pages of the New Testament book of Revelation.  ----- FREE RESOURCE: "4 Practices to Build Trust on Your Staff" Whether you’re leading a large, medium, or small church, trust is the foundation of healthy leadership. I’ve created a...

What if God’s grace was already at work in you—before you ever knew it? In this clip, Dr. Bill Ury unpacks one of the most powerful and underappreciated truths in Wesleyan theology: prevenient grace. This is the grace that goes before—before faith, before repentance, before we even realize we need saving. It’s the divine initiative that makes human response possible. Whether you’ve grown up in chu...

Can co-creative leadership transform your church? In this conversation with Dr. Tom Tumblin (Asbury Theological Seminary), we explore what co-creative leadership is, why it matters, and how it can reshape your ministry team into a collaborative, Spirit-led force for the kingdom. You’ll hear how moving from control to co-creation builds trust, empowers others, and creates space for shared vision an...

What does it really mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? In this episode, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Theology Project to challenge the common assumption that the third commandment is only about swearing. Drawing from her book Bearing God’s Name, she shows how this command is actually about identity, mission, and representing God well in the world. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to truly ho...

What is salvation, and how do Wesleyans understand its depth and scope? In this episode, Dr. Matt O’Reilly sits down with Dr. Bill Ury for an engaging discussion on the Wesleyan/Methodist order of salvation. Together, they unpack key aspects of this transformative journey, including prevenient grace, justification, sanctification, and more. You'll learn how justification relates to the new birth a...

Did John Calvin misread Paul in Romans 9–11? In this interview with Dr. Jason Staples, we explore how Paul’s argument about Israel challenges the foundations of Calvinistic theology — especially the doctrine of individual predestination. Dr. Staples, author of Paul and the Resurrection of Israel, shows how Paul is not talking about individuals being eternally elected or condemned, but about God’s...