Episode 26 Many of us have and continue to worship virtually during this difficult season, which raises the question: why did we ever worship together in the first place? Is it merely a matter of convenience? A relic of a pre-internet era? This week we discuss the importance of embodied corporate worship. Why does God want us to meet together, and how can we begin to return to that vision safely post-Covid?
Episode 25 Julius Kim, the new President of The Gospel Coalition (TGC) joins us for a wide ranging discussion about ministry in a digital age. After a discussion of the unique work of TGC, we address pastoral burnout, race and division in the US, the role of seminary education, and the nature of pastoral leadership. Show notes: The New President of TGC: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/unlikely-pilgrimage-tgc-new-president-julius-kim/ Kim, Preaching the Whole Counsel of God, https://ww...
Episode 24 Paul tells Timothy to entrust "what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses" to "faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). In this episode we discuss our "philosophy of teaching." Why do we teach the way we do, and what have we learned over the years? What makes for effective education in the church and the seminary? Show Notes: Adler, How to Read a Book, https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Book-Classic-Intelligent/dp/0671212095/ Reinke, Lit!, http...
Episode 23 How should Christians use the authority and influence that they have received from God? Should Christians seek power, and if they have it how should they steward it? This week we discuss how the cross transforms the way we think about the nature of power and authority, whether locally, pastorally, or politically.
Episode 22 Dr. Mike Allen, Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at RTS Orlando, joins us to discuss the Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS), an increasingly influential approach to reading and exegeting the Bible. Topics include ministering to the whole person, Mike's upcoming Ephesians commentary, and tools for the theologian's toolkit. Show notes: Allen, Ephesians. https://www.amazon.com/Ephesians-Brazos-Theological-Commentary-Bible/dp/1587430967 Barclay, Paul and the G...
Episode 21 This week we welcome George Harinck to the podcast to discuss the legacy of Abraham Kuyper. What was his theological program all about, and in what respect does his work continue in neocalvinism?
Episode 20 We often talk about rest as if it is a necessary evil, a failure of will, a problem to overcome. The Bible speaks very differently about rest. It is a reward, a victory, a celebration, and an act of faith. Join us as we discuss the need to rest and explore best practices for its pursuit, especially in pastoral ministry.
Episode 19 This week the faculty discuss the pastors, professors, and mentors that influenced and shaped them, whether pastorally, personally, or academically.
Episode 18 In this episode we talk about how story shapes the way we think and communicate, both positively and negatively. Whether fiction or non-fiction, story shapes our lives, our spiritual development, and our ability to read and proclaim the Gospel. Recommended resources: Wood, How Fiction Works, https://www.amazon.com/How-Fiction-Works-Tenth-Anniversary/dp/1250183928/ Lewis, “On Three Ways of Writing for Children,” http://myweb.scu.edu.tw/~jmklassen/scu99b/chlitgrad/3ways.pdf Selderhuis, ...
Episode 17 This week we handle a frequently asked student question: how do we do personal devotions? Many can testify that personal devotion can be challenging, ironically but particularly in the midst of pastoral ministry. How can pastors maintain a personal relationship with Christ amidst the pressure of ministry? Show Notes: Keller, Prayer, https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Experiencing-Awe-Intimacy-God/dp/0143108581/ Pratt, Pray with Your Eyes Open, https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Your-Eyes-Open-Our...
Episode 16 This week on the podcast Peter Lee walks us through the difficult task of cultivating joy amidst suffering. How can Christians recognize the reality of suffering while, at the same time, keep the command to "count it all joy" amidst trial? For more, you can find Dr. Lee's book on joy here: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Finding-Christ-like-Suffering/dp/1532664532/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=joy+unspeakable+lee&qid=1594257844&sr=8-1 Show Notes Keller, Walking with ...
Episode 15 We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ligon Duncan to the podcast to address the recent and historic vote in Mississippi to replace its state flag, presenting a powerful case that Christians should promote the justice and dignity of their neighbors. He also shares with us how RTS is adapting and flourishing amidst the challenges presented by covid-19. Show notes: https://ligonduncan.com/a-statement-on-the-flag-of-mississippi/ https://www.amazon.com/Dominion-Christian-Revolution-Remade-World/d...
Episode 14 Dr. Scott Redd talks with us about his newest article on cultivating wholeness in a fragmented world. Focusing particularly on the Mosaic covenant, we then look at how a covenantal understanding of Christ's work provides a robust answer to the fragmentation we experience, both as individuals and as a society. Show notes: Redd, “Fragmentation and Wholeness in the Mosaic Eschatology.” https://journal.rts.edu/article/fragmentation-and-wholeness-in-the-mosaic-eschatology/ Venema, Christ a...
Episode 13 In this episode the faculty explore the "pastor-scholar" model of ministry. Should pastoral ministry include scholarly pursuits? How does pastoral scholarship benefit the church? And is any of this possible given the amount of "real work" incumbent on real pastors? Show notes: Center for Pastor Theologians, https://www.pastortheologians.com/ Wilson, Hiestand, Becoming a Pastor Theologian, https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Pastor-Theologian-Possibilities-Leadership/dp/0830851712/ Manetsc...
Episode 12 This week we spoke with Dr. James Anderson, professor of Theology and Philosophy at RTS Charlotte about analytic philosophy, analytic theology, apologetics, and worldview. Show notes: T&T Clark Handbook of Analytic Theology, https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/tt-clark-handbook-of-analytic-theology-9780567681294/ Paradox in Christian Theology, https://rts.edu/resources/paradox-in-christian-theology/ Choose Your Own Adventure, https://www.cyoa.com/ Commodore 64, https://en.wikipedia.org/...
Episode 11 The events of the last week remind us of the far-reaching effects of sin in our world and the deep pain that is born of historical oppression and public evil. How do Christians grieve, how do they lament, and how they love their neighbor in a time of racial injustice and civil unrest?
Episode 10 This week we conclude our three-part series on Public Theology by welcoming Jennifer Patterson, director of RTS's own Institute of Theology and Public Life to the show. Show notes: Augustine, City of God. https://www.amazon.com/City-Penguin-Classics-Augustine-Hippo/dp/0140448942/ Taylor, Secular Age. https://www.amazon.com/Secular-Age-Charles-Taylor/dp/0674986911/ Smith, How not to be Secular: https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Be-Secular-Reading/dp/0802867618/ Keller, Preaching. https://...
Episode 9 This week we are joined by RTS Washington Irwyn Ince as we continue our discussion of Public Theology, both inside and outside of the church. Topics include racial reconciliation, spirituality of the church, social justice, and the horrifying death of Ahmaud Arbery. Show notes: Ince: The Beautiful Community. https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Community-Unity-Diversity-Church/dp/0830848312 Malcolm Foley article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/ahmaud-arbery/ McCaulley: Reading While Black. http...
Episode 8 In this episode we launch a multi-week series on Public Theology. After discussion the nature and need of public theology we address a basic and fundamental principle of method: how to disagree well. In keeping with the "winsomely Reformed" ethos of RTS, we discuss how stand for the truth while striving to listen well and learn from those who disagree. Show notes: Fools for Christ by Pelikan: https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Christ-Jaroslav-Pelikan/dp/1579108024/ Van Til, "Nature and Scrip...
Episode 7 With so many great translations and commentaries available to the pastor, is it really that valuable to understand the original languages? In this episode, Peter provides nuance to the topic of suffering, Tommy compares translations to pick-up trucks, and Gray talks about Bavinck (but not the one you're thinking). References: "Christian Cruelty in the Face of Covid": https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/04/christian-cruelty-face-covid-19/610477/ "How Should Christians Act Dur...
Episode 6 The coronavirus has put many of our plans on hold, which means it's all the more important that we cultivate a robust view of Christian calling. What does God want me to do now? In this episode we reflect on the theology of calling, but with particular attention to the way in which situational and practical matters shape our decisions. Highlights: Sutanto coins the phrase #theNextFaithfulThing, Peter Lee keeps us grounded, Jeon reflects on practical considerations, and Redd and Keene t...
Episode 5 Join us as we discuss Herman Bavinck and Reformed Theology with our newest Faculty Member, Dr. Gray Sutanto. Gray is a currently a pastor in Jakarta and will be joining the faculty of RTS Washington as Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology in June.
Episode 4 In this episode, Drs. Jeon, Keene, Lee, and Redd talk about the pros and cons of following the liturgical calendar, the benefits of studying at seminary, and more. Enjoy! Send us your questions at tkeene@rts.edu. Notes: Paul and Pentecost: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+20%3A16&version=ESV 15 Things Seminary Couldn't Teach Me: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/publication/15-things-seminary-couldnt-teach/ 15 Things Seminary Teaches Me That My Busy Pastor(ate) Ca...
Episode 3 In this episode we discuss the nature of theodicy and the value of lament, particularly in times of unprecedented challenge and change.
Episode 2
Episode 1: Here is the first installment of a new offering from the RTS faculty in an effort to stay connected as a community. In this first episode, Drs. Tommy Keene, Peter Lee, Paul Jeon, and Scott Redd talk about a theology of presence in a time of social distancing.
