The dialogue presented in this episode highlights the insidious nature of redemptive and unity language as mechanisms that have historically served to silence women's voices within the Church. In our conversation with esteemed historian Dr. Beth Allison Barr, we delve into the implications of such language, particularly within the context of complementarianism, which posits that women and men have distinct, non-overlapping roles in the faith community. Dr. Barr, an accomplished scholar and autho...
Jul 09, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 277
This special episode of The Whole Church Podcast, in collaboration with Systematic Geekology, delves into the intricate parallels between science fiction, horror narratives, and biblical apocalyptic literature. At the forefront of our discussion is the salient point that both genres, while seemingly disparate, engage with themes of eschatology and the human condition, provoking thoughtful discourse on the end times. Joined by esteemed guests, including Ryan Does, Leah Robinson, and Will Rose, we...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 276
The conversation with Father Castello Vore, an Independent Catholic Priest, spiritual director, and TikTok influencer, delves into the profound significance of spiritual gifts and the nature of church unity. Father Vore articulates the necessity of adhering to an intuitive love, rather than a strictly institutional approach, in order to foster genuine connections within the faith community. He elucidates the transformative power of the sacraments and emphasizes that the Holy Spirit inherently bi...
Jun 25, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 275
Christian is once more joined by Joshua Noel of the Whole Church Podcast to discuss Deuteronomy 32. What is the song of Moses? Who does Moses call as a witness against Israel if they sin? Why does Moses have to die outside the Promised Land? How does Joshua succeed him as leader of Israel? How did God make Israel something out of nothing? Does God bring calamity in the world? How does God compare Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah? What is the difference between vengeance and revenge? How does Moses p...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 12 min
The exploration of the interplay between progressive theology and Pentecostal thought emerges as a central theme in this discourse with Dr. Bruce Epperly. He articulates that unity, often perceived as elusive within the contemporary Christian landscape, is inherently present through the workings of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Epperly draws upon his extensive background as a congregational pastor and professor to underscore the significance of embracing diverse spiritual experiences. He posits that such...
Jun 18, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 274
The discourse presented in this episode revolves around the pivotal theme of fostering effective communication between progressive and fundamentalist Christians. Our esteemed guest, Rev. Brandan Robertson, author of "Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table," articulates the necessity for dialogue that transcends doctrinal divides. We delve into the complexities of establishing connections rooted in mutual understanding and compassion, emphasizing that t...
Jun 11, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 273
In this enlightening dialogue, Kendall Vanderslice elucidates the profound connection between baking and spirituality as articulated in her book, "Bake & Pray." The discourse centers on the concept of communion, suggesting that the act of baking can serve as a meaningful spiritual practice that fosters unity within the church. Vanderslice posits that the elements of Eucharist—specifically bread—can transcend divisions and cultivate a deeper sense of community among congregants. As the conver...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 272
Elder Andrae Parker, the esteemed pastor of Faith Temple of Hope—a Messianic Jewish temple situated in Charlotte, North Carolina—provides profound insights into the significance of the new covenant as articulated in the book of Jeremiah. He elucidates how this covenant is not merely a continuation of the old, but a transformative relationship that is written on the hearts of believers. The discussion delves into the implications for modern-day faith practices, emphasizing the importance of under...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 271
In this special bonus episode of The Whole Church Podcast, we engage in a profound discourse with Professor Christopher Moreland regarding the legacy of Pope Francis and the anticipated direction of the papacy under Pope Leo XIV. At the forefront of our dialogue is the exploration of the implications of Pope Francis's tenure, characterized by his remarkable humility and outreach to marginalized communities, and how these elements may inform the governance and doctrinal stance of his successor. A...
May 23, 2025•43 min
The salient point of this discussion revolves around the crucial relevance of theological topics, as addressed through the lens of various church traditions, to the everyday lives of individuals not engaged in vocational ministry. Co-hosts Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell engage in a profound dialogue with six esteemed guests—professors and pastors—reflecting on insights garnered from the preceding series, "The Whole Church Job Fair." Participants articulate the necessity of bridging the gap between...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Season 1Ep. 270
The prevailing theme of polarization within fandoms is vividly illustrated in our discourse on the perennial conflict between elves and dwarves. As I engage with esteemed Tolkien scholar and former host of our show, Nick Polk, we delve into the intricate nuances of this rivalry, which transcends mere animosity and reveals deeper societal reflections. Throughout our exploration, we uncover the historical context that underscores the dynamics between these two races, illuminating how their contras...
May 20, 2025•59 min
In this special bonus episode of The Whole Church Podcast, co-host Joshua Noel engages in a profound dialogue with Mark Flower, the host of the podcast "Grub & Grace". The central theme of their conversation revolves around promoting Mark's podcast, "Grub & Grace". Mark elucidates how the verses from Deuteronomy, which speak of abundance and gratitude, serve as a foundational element in understanding our relationship with food today. The discussion delves into the significance of thankfu...
May 16, 2025•27 min
The primary focus of this episode is the insightful dialogue between Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell as they engage with Andy Walsh, the Chief Science Officer at Health Monitoring Systems. Our discussion delves into the intersection of faith and science, examining whether significant theological topics discussed within seminaries and churches bear relevance to Andy's daily professional experiences. Throughout this episode, we explore the nuances of public health, particularly in light of contempora...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 269
This homily, delivered by Pastor Will Rose on May 4th, 2025, aptly intertwines the profound hope embodied in Jesus Christ with the existential struggles depicted within the expansive narratives of the Star Wars franchise. Pastor Will elucidates how the thematic elements of great and terrifying empires resonate with the contemporary human experience, particularly in the face of adversity and doubt. He draws parallels between the disciples' post-resurrection uncertainty and the journey of characte...
May 06, 2025•20 min
Christian is joined once more by Joshua Noel of the Whole Church Podcast and Dummy for Theology Podcast to discuss Deuteronomy 13 and 14. Is the Pentateuch law, suggestion, or legal wisdom? What makes a false prophet false? How can they be false even if they produce magical miracles? How are we to treat false prophets? What makes something heresy? How do we obey the commandments of God? Why was it wrong to mourn like the Canaanites? How were the people of Israel holy? What makes food clean or un...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 17 min
The concluding episode of our "Whole Church Job Fair" series presents a compelling dialogue between Joshua Noel and Brandon Knight, who serves as a "Ninja Coach" at the YMCA. The primary focus of this discussion is to explore the relevance of theological topics typically debated within ecclesiastical and academic circles to the everyday experiences of individuals engaged in non-vocational ministry roles. Throughout their conversation, Knight reflects on his journey from seminary to his current p...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 268
In this installment of the "WC Job Fair" series, we engage in a profound dialogue with Josh Patterson, a multifaceted individual whose professional journey has traversed the realms of pastoral leadership, brewing, and currently, hazard mitigation. The central theme of our conversation revolves around the intricate relationship between spiritual beliefs and everyday occupational practices. Patterson elucidates how the theological principles that permeate religious discourse bear a significant rel...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 267
This podcast episode represents the culmination of an enlightening journey into the notion of "amipotence," as articulated by Dr. Thomas J. Oord. On this Good Friday, we engage in a profound discourse regarding Dr. Oord's revolutionary ideas, which challenge the conventional understanding of divine omnipotence, positing instead that God embodies uncontrolling love. Our esteemed guests, Dr. Oord and Josh Patterson, join hosts Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell to explore the implications of these theol...
Apr 18, 2025•50 min
The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the intricate relationship between love and control, as exemplified by the character of Zebediah Killgrave, known as Mr. Purple, from the "Alias" comics and the "Jessica Jones" television series. We delve into the complexities of Killgrave's character, whose powers allow him to control others, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of the nature of love as non-coercive and genuine. Our discussion is enriched by insights from our gue...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Dr. Wesley Wallace, an esteemed emergency medicine physician, engages in a profound dialogue with Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell, exploring the intersection of theology and everyday life within the context of his demanding profession. Throughout this episode, Wes elucidates how theological discussions, particularly those surrounding social justice and the doctrine of Imago Dei, are not only pertinent but essential to the fabric of his daily work. He articulates the importance of viewing all indivi...
Apr 16, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 266
The central focus of our discourse in this episode is the intersection between theological understanding and practical vocational life, specifically through the lens of welding, as we explore the insights of our host, TJ Blackwell, who has a rich background in this field. In an engaging interview conducted by Joshua Noel, we delve into TJ's experiences as a welder, uncovering how the theological discussions prevalent in churches and seminaries resonate, or lack relevance, in the daily operations...
Apr 09, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 265
Officer Thurman Lofton, a dedicated police officer from South Carolina, provides profound insights into the intersection of faith and law enforcement in our latest discussion. He articulates that his spiritual beliefs significantly influence his approach to serving the community, especially during challenging moments on the job. Throughout our conversation, Officer Lofton emphasizes the necessity of empathy and understanding in law enforcement, highlighting that every individual he encounters is...
Apr 02, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 264
In this enlightening dialogue, Kristen Tideman, the proprietor of Tidy Studios and a skilled event planner and website designer, articulates the profound interrelation between one's professional endeavors and theological discourse. We delve into her experiences that illuminate how the theological discussions prevalent in churches and seminaries resonate—or fail to resonate—in the quotidian lives of individuals. Kristen's reflections reveal the vital importance of viewing work not merely as a sol...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 263
Jerry Kuntz, a strategic account manager and devout Catholic, discusses the profound intersection of faith and work. Within the framework of our series, "The Whole Church Job Fair," we explore how his religious convictions shape his professional life. Kuntz emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships in the workplace, articulating that the essence of work transcends mere transactional interactions; it is fundamentally about community and support. By sharing his insights, he ill...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 262
This episode comprehensively examines the intersection of faith and daily vocation, as we continue our Whole Church Job Fair series. With Ryan Does, a seasoned merchandiser for a regional bread company and an accomplished podcaster, we delve into the relevance of theological discussions often reserved for seminaries and churches. We explore how the principles of the Imago Dei and social justice manifest in everyday work, particularly in the context of Ryan's experiences. Throughout our discourse...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 261
Today, we engage in an enlightening dialogue with Nick Polk, a distinguished high school English teacher and a returning guest who has graced our podcast on three prior occasions. The crux of our discussion revolves around the intersection of ecclesiology and education, wherein Nick elucidates the pivotal role that educators play within the church community. He offers profound insights into how teachers are integral to shaping young minds and fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among stud...
Mar 05, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 260
The inaugural episode of our mini-series, "The Whole Church Job Fair," delves into the intricate dynamics of the food industry. Our hosts, Joshua Noel and TJ (Tiberius Juan) Blackwell, engage in a rigorous dialogue with esteemed guests, Joe Dea, a savory chef, and Elizabeth (Pang) Clyde, a distinguished pastry chef. The central theme of this episode revolves around the relevance of theological discussions in the day-to-day realities of those laboring within the culinary sphere. Through their sha...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 259
The crux of our discourse centers on the profound significance of love as articulated by Jesus in John 13:34-35, wherein He commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. In our conversation with Pastor Matt Walker Thrift, the Lead Pastor of Koerner Heights Church and author of "Follow: Genuine Discipleship in the Modern Age," we delve into the intricacies of discipleship in the contemporary context. Pastor Thrift elucidates that true discipleship transcends mere adherence to a...
Feb 12, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 258
This episode features a profound exploration of the intersection between music, spirituality, and community, as hosted by Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell. Our esteemed guest, Kate Bluett, a poet and lyricist from North Texas, articulates the significance of collaboration in the creative process within the Porter's Gate Collective. The dialogue delves into the theological implications of communal singing, particularly as it relates to the act of submission and the shared experience of worship. Throu...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 257
This episode features a profound conversation with Jonathan Foster, author of "Indigo: The Color of Grief," who explores the intersection of grief, love, and theopoetics. Jonathan emphasizes that acknowledging and valuing sadness can foster deeper connections within faith communities, as it allows individuals to be present with one another without rushing to provide answers. He shares his personal journey through grief, particularly following the loss of his daughter, and how it has shaped his u...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 256
