A recent Barna study showed that the ages of 18 to 25 are when many professing Christians will leave the church, especially as they transition to college life. In this breakout session from TGCW24, Michael Kruger shares insights from his book Surviving Religion 101 , exploring how parents can equip their children intellectually and spiritually to go through college and beyond with their faith intact. Kruger shares three key principles for parents—wise exposure, purposeful dialogue, and embracing...
Feb 07, 2025•43 min•Ep. 353
Many today claim Christianity is toxic, bigoted, patriarchal, Western, imperialist, and repressive. However, the biblical teaching that every human being is made in God's image is the foundation for our regard for human dignity and freedom. In this breakout session from TGCW24, Sharon James explores the profound ways Christians have influenced the world for the better in areas such as justice, philanthropy, health care, education, and the dignity of women. She discusses the following: The story ...
Jan 31, 2025•42 min•Ep. 352
In this episode, Kendra Dahl, Rebecca McLaughlin, Jen Oshman, and Wendy Alsup consider the Bible’s teaching about women through a Jesus-centered understanding of Scripture. They observe Christianity's historical and cultural influences and encourage women to stay engaged with the Scriptures, seek truth in community, and persevere in the good work God has called them to. They discuss the following: Personal experience and why it's essential to study the Scriptures The misuse and misapplication of...
Jan 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 351
Jesus told his disciples it’d be to their advantage that he was going away because, if he didn’t, the Helper wouldn’t come to them. Then in Acts, we read about the Holy Spirit's descent on believers. So what advantage does the Holy Spirit bring? In this breakout session from TGCW24, Nancy Guthrie considers how our experience of the Holy Spirit today differs from that of Old Testament saints. She also unpacks the advantages of the Spirit's indwelling and what the Spirit-empowered life looks like....
Jan 17, 2025•45 min•Ep. 350
In this special episode, Ligon Duncan sits down with Mark Vroegop, the new president of The Gospel Coalition, to discuss his journey of faith, pastoral ministry, and vision for TGC's future. Hear Mark's testimony, the personal trials that shaped him, and the passion driving his commitment to serve pastors, churches, and believers around the world. Mark shares his thoughts on: TGC’s role in supporting the local church Challenges and opportunities facing the church today The importance of cultural...
Jan 10, 2025•34 min
We’re currently living through the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history, with 40 million people having left houses of worship, mainly in the last 25 years. In this breakout session from TGCW24, Jim Davis and Michael Graham, authors of The Great Dechurching , unpack four types of people who’ve left evangelical churches, why they left, and why more than half of them are willing to return. They discuss the following: Why we need data on dechurching Key findings from The Great Dechurc...
Jan 10, 2025•45 min•Ep. 349
Joanna Kimbrel, Amy Gannett, Gretchen Saffles, and Trillia Newbell reflect on their practice of spiritual disciplines, offering encouragement and practical suggestions for various seasons of life. They discuss the value of community in cultivating accountability, the need to start small and build consistency, and the abundant grace for those who find themselves in seasons of struggle. They also address common misconceptions about spiritual disciplines, stressing the joy of receiving these practi...
Jan 03, 2025•40 min•Ep. 348
Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual discussion as they look back on the top theology stories of 2024. They also share their favorite books from 2024, updates on personal projects, and what they're each looking forward to in life and ministry in 2025. They discuss: The rise in Bible sales in 2024 Declining fertility rates worldwide Big changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global South The advance of assisted suicide in the UK The Cass Report and the truth...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 347
John Piper delves into the Gospel of Luke, showing how the first chapters highlight God's central role in the birth of Jesus. He explores the significance of faith, humility, and obedience, drawing insights from biblical characters like Mary, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. He teaches: The purpose and structure of Luke's gospel The importance of confidence in faith Parallelism in the first two chapters of Luke The centrality of God in Luke's gospel Jesus's unique nature The assurance of salvation thro...
Dec 20, 2024•56 min•Ep. 346
In this episode of TGC Podcast , Kendra Dahl, Andrew Wilson, and Glen Scrivener explore the incarnation's richness and the unique opportunities for evangelism during Christmas. They discuss the following: Cultural challenges and the transition from Advent to Christmas The richness of the incarnation Challenges of preaching the incarnation Learning from the United Kingdom's evangelism at Christmas Christmas as a paradigm for year-round evangelism Recommended resources: Andrew Wilson, It’s Beginni...
Dec 13, 2024•47 min•Ep. 345
Isn't it fascinating how melody, harmony, and even chord progressions in music can stir our hearts to worship God and remind us of the beauty of his character? In this episode of TGC Podcast , Brett McCracken talks with musicians Caroline Cobb, Cody Curtis, and Eric Owyoung about the unique power of Advent and Christmas music. They explore how music captures the longing, joy, and tension of the season—reflecting the celebration of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of his return. The art...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 344
In his TGCW24 message, David Platt teaches Jesus’s final “I am” statement from John 15:1–11, which Jesus spoke to his disciples on the night he was betrayed. Jesus calls all believers to abide in him like a branch remains in its vine, drawing everything we need from him. We don’t rely on our obedience to save or sanctify us; we rely on the finished work of Jesus, depending fully on him. Because apart from him, we can do nothing. He is the true vine. Platt teaches the following: Childlike boldnes...
Nov 29, 2024•48 min•Ep. 343
In her TGCW24 message, Ruth Chou Simons unpacks Jesus’s statement “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” from John 14:1–14. When we believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we find comfort and hope, knowing that nothing in the world can shake this truth. Jesus’s claim is exclusive, and many will find it offensive. But the truth that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus is the greatest comfort for troubled hearts. Christ, the perfect offering, is the only One who...
Nov 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 342
At TGC24, Nancy Guthrie helps us understand what Jesus means when he says, “I AM the resurrection and the life” in John 11. In John 11:17-44, Jesus offers eternal hope as he boldly confronts death. Jesus gives us the hope of life in the future and access to resurrection life right now. We can rejoice knowing that if we trust in Jesus, we are no longer spiritually dead but are now united with him in the newness of life. Guthrie teaches the following: Jesus's love and the illness of Lazarus Jesus'...
Nov 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 341
The Advent season offers unique opportunities for family and personal discipleship. So how can we prepare well? In this episode, The Gospel Coalition staff Kendra Dahl, Melissa Kruger, Jared Kennedy, and Bill Kynes share their experiences navigating the Christmas season as individuals, as families, and within church communities. They suggest resources, reflect on memorable traditions, and consider opportunities for outreach, connection, and celebration. Recommended Resources : Unto Us: 25 Advent...
Nov 08, 2024•48 min•Ep. 340
At TGCW24, Courtney Doctor teaches on Jesus’s statement, “I AM the Good Shepherd” from John 10:11-18. A good shepherd cares for, protects, and provides for his sheep. Throughout scripture, we're compared to the sheep who go astray or get lost. We need continual care and vigilant protection, and Christ offers us that and so much more. He's a shepherd who seeks out the one lost sheep and rejoices at its discovery! He leads us, guides us, and restores our souls. Doctor teaches the following: The ro...
Nov 01, 2024•41 min•Ep. 339
At TGCW24, Vanessa Hawkins invites us to consider Jesus’s third I AM statement, "I AM the door" from John 10:1-10. There are times when we rely more on what Jesus gives us access to rather than resting in the truth that he himself is our access. Jesus is not merely our passage to eternal life with God—he is always more and better than we can imagine. As we turn to Jesus and learn from him, we will more clearly recognize his voice. As we read, study, and obey the Word of God, his voice will becom...
Oct 25, 2024•43 min•Ep. 338
At TGCW24, Jen Wilkin shares Jesus’s second I AM statement, “I AM the Light of the World" from John 8:12-30. We all have first-hand experience of the darkness and brokenness that exists in our world. Jesus, the light that shines in the darkness, offers the “light of life” to anyone who follows him. Jesus’ message confronts the darkness in our hearts and in our world and offers us great hope in all of it. Wilkin teaches the following: The symbolism of light in Scripture Jesus' use of light as a m...
Oct 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 337
At TGCW24, Melissa Kruger teaches on Jesus’s declaration in John 6, “I AM the Bread of Life.” The day before the events in this passage, Jesus fed a large crowd by miraculously multiplying bread and fish. But Jesus has something greater than their physical needs in mind—he wants to meet their spiritual needs. He extends an invitation to be satisfied and sustained in him, telling his listeners then and now that he is “the living bread that came down from heaven.” Jesus is the Bread of Life who of...
Oct 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 336
In this special episode of TGC Podcast, Collin Hansen, Jen Wilkin, Kori Porter, and Michael Kruger discuss the vital partnership between men and women in ministry, and the historical and biblical importance of women's contributions to the church. They advocate for visible female leadership, the value of gender-specific spaces for discipleship, and creative ways to foster healthy male-female collaboration in church life and ministry. They discuss: Historical perspectives on women in ministry Heal...
Oct 04, 2024•41 min•Ep. 335
The study of the grand narrative of Scripture isn't just an intellectual exercise; it's a transformative one. In this roundtable discussion, Kendra Dahl sits down with biblical theology experts Ben Gladd, Courtney Doctor, and Elizabeth Woodson to discuss how a Christ-centered understanding of Scripture illuminates our study of theology and our lives as Christians. They discuss: How discovering biblical theology impacted their lives How the storyline of Scripture underpins theological categories ...
Sep 27, 2024•38 min•Ep. 334
In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 National Conference, a panel featuring Vincent Bacote, Steve DeWitt, John Dickson, and Phil Ryken considers how race, sex, politics, and social media are tearing evangelical communities apart. They reflect on what pastors, teachers, and other Christian leaders can do to restore true Christian fellowship and empower effective gospel witness that is faithful to Scripture and relevant to culture. They discuss: Challenges in the evangelical church The church'...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 333
We live in a world increasingly marked by accusation and anger, and our churches are called to be places where the love of Christ is not just a theological tenet but a felt reality. In this session from TGC's 2023 National Conference, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss how, with God’s help, our churches can be marked by honesty, safety, and renewal. They discuss: The need for gospel culture The role of love in gospel credibility "You're Not Crazy" book and its purpose Honesty and honoring in g...
Sep 13, 2024•51 min•Ep. 332
The allure of worldly comforts can lead us away from our true security. In this breakout session from TGC23, Dr. G. K. Beale expounds on Revelation 18, illustrating the importance of obeying God's command to leave behind earthly comfort and security. Pointing out how Babylon in Revelation represents the world's sin and self-reliance, Beale urges believers to detach from the fleeting materialism of "Babylon" and place their trust solely in Christ. By identifying with Christ’s death and resurrecti...
Sep 06, 2024•48 min•Ep. 331
In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Scott Swain demonstrates how understanding the Trinity equips us to grasp the biblical themes of salvation, particularly in the context of Exodus. He argues that the Trinity is central to God's self-revelation and covenant relationship with Israel, tracing promises from Abraham through to the Exodus. Swain also highlights the presence and role of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments, linking the first Exodus to the hope of a seco...
Aug 30, 2024•54 min•Ep. 330
In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Vance Pitman shares about his call to church planting, reflecting on the New Testament church as a model for kingdom-oriented mission today. After Pitman's talk, he and a panel—Félix Cabrera, Matt Carter, Doug Logan Jr., and Tony Merida—discuss the challenges and strategies of planting churches in diverse urban contexts, with a focus on multiplying disciples and reaching 1 percent of North America with the gospel. They highlight the need for c...
Aug 23, 2024•41 min•Ep. 329
Trevin Wax explores the challenges of spreading the gospel in a culture of expressive individualism. His talk is followed by a discussion with Dean Inserra and Christine Hoover. The panel discusses the effects of expressive individualism on North American culture, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel to address feelings of inadequacy and shame. They highlight the rise of personalized pseudo-religions and stress the importance of local church engagement and deep relationships in min...
Aug 16, 2024•54 min•Ep. 328
Clark Fobes highlights the importance of understanding diversity and cultural context when reaching Gen Z with the gospel, noting how social media has influenced a shift from guilt-innocence to honor-shame paradigms. He encourages churches to equip parents and youth pastors to navigate these changes and to provide a sense of belonging rooted in the gospel. After Fobes's message, a panel discusses prioritizing family ministry, integrating intergenerational discipleship, supporting a variety of fa...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 327
Family discipleship is essential for lifelong faith. In this breakout session from TGC23, Cameron Cole teaches from Ephesians 3:11–16, challenging parents to embrace their central role in their children's spiritual formation. Formative Christian practices like prayer, Bible reading, and spiritual conversations are crucial, and parents should prioritize their own spiritual growth as they actively participate in church life and discuss the gospel with their children regularly. The local church has...
Aug 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 326
Discipleship is essential for the spiritual growth of the next generation. In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Terrence Shay emphasizes the distinct roles of home and church in disciple making, with parents as primary disciple makers and the church providing a supportive community. As we seek to effectively nurture children's spiritual development, especially in a post-pandemic culture, may the church equip and support parents with resources and a community to aid their children...
Jul 26, 2024•23 min•Ep. 325
