Your Pastor Reads Books Podcast

Intentional engagement with theology can fill us with wonder at the nature and character of God—especially when we conceive that the God who spoke to people in the Scriptures is the same God who comes to us and speaks today. I hope you enjoy this important conversation with Rev. Dr. Joseph Lear. Resources Mentioned: Ezekiel (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible) by Robert Jensen Systematic T...

In this episode, I talk with Joshua Tilley, pastor of The River Community Church in Iowa City, IA, about the nature of genuine authenticity that holds up across cultures, as well as pastoral burnout and the need to manage our energy as much as, or more than, we manage our time. Resources Mentioned: A Short Guide to Authenticity* and Authentic Prayer by Joshua Tilley The Power of Full Engagement: M...

With less biblical literacy and connection to the church, sufferers are untethered to the language, narrative, and practices that can anchor us in understanding, encouragement, and hope.” -K.J. Ramsey Have you ever had faith for healing but didn’t see it happen? Unanswered prayers can sometimes unmoor us. Today’s guest, Marissa Price, is an ordained minister with an MA in Theology & Culture. She i...

In this episode of Your Pastor Reads Books, I talk with fellow reader and Iowa City pastor, Jason Blackley. I first met Jason when I was planting CityChurch in downtown Iowa City. He and his co-pastor at Grace Downtown were extremely welcoming to me as a fellow minister sharing the message about Christ on and near the campus of the University of Iowa. I hope you enjoy our conversation, which took...

Worship pastor Melanie Rasanen (Faith Assembly of God in Elk Run Heights, IA) joins the show today to talk about Ruth Haley Barton’s book Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Presence .* Melanie shares some book recs for kids, and we talk about what so many are experiencing these days—what Barton calls the state of being “dangerously tired.” What’s the truth about ourselves and our limits? Wha...

“The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” -Bryan Stevenson Today’s guest is Cassie Ferren, church planter and a lead pastor at Midtown KC Church in Kansas City, MO. Cassie brings pastoral insights about engaging others in the work of justice and talks to us about the way Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy * has impacte...

In this episode, Heather talks with Dan Bittinger (pastor of Crosspointe Church in Sioux City, IA) about raising readers in a digital age and the power of true friendships—with God and others. “Do right, fear nothing” is Dan’s life motto, and it shows in the way he lives and pastors. Resources Mentioned: Known* by Dick and Ruth Foth Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf Knowing God by J.I. Packer...

“We always seem to be faced with this choice: to save the world or savor it. I want to propose that savoring is better and that when we seek to “save” and “contribute” and “give back” and “rescue folks and EVEN “make a difference,” then it is all about you…and the world stays stuck…Don’t set out to change the world. Set out to wonder how people are doing.” —Gregory Boyle Today I talk about Barking...

Hey all! I wanted to introduce you to what I hope will be your next favorite podcast! It’s become a favorite of mine already! Check out Episode 0 so you know what to expect in January! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe