Hosts Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim introduce a ten-part exploration of the theology of preaching, launched through the CPT’s Compelling Preaching Initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment. Their guest, theologian Kimlyn Bender of Truett Seminary, discusses the theme “Preaching God, Listening Church,” emphasizing that God—not the preacher—is the primary speaker in the sermon and that Christ is present through the Spirit whenever the Word is proclaimed. Bender urges pastors to see themselves as “first listeners,” conduits through whom God addresses his people, and calls congregations to come expectantly as active, prayerful hearers. The conversation explores how preaching fits within God’s ongoing communication, the mystery of divine and human agency in proclamation, and the need for both humility and confidence in the pulpit. It concludes with Bender’s reminder that the church often “expects too little of God” and that true preaching rests on faith in God’s living presence and faithfulness to speak again.
CPT Manager of Church Programs, Steve Williamson, joins Zach and Joel to discuss this year's slate of cohorts for church leaders, exploring ecclesial identity, the arts, and cultural apologetics.
Learn more and apply at:
https://www.pastortheologians.co/identity-cohort
and
Chris Bruno joins the podcast today to tell us about his recent book, Sharing Christ in Joy and Sorrow: A Theology of Philippians. What are the key theological themes in the book of Philippians? How do those themes fit together and inform one another? How does Philippians encourage and exhort those who are in seasons of suffering? What does Union with Christ mean? Learn more on today's episode!
Ed Gerber joins us to share his story of becoming a pastor theologian. How can the Lord use even a significant break up to prepare someone for ministry? How can those who prepare future ministry leaders be both preachers and teachers to their students? What is the balance between head and heart for those who study theology academically? This and more on today’s episode!
For our June episode on books, we, the CPT staff, have been reading:
JD Vance, Hillbilly Elegy (2016)
Rémi Brague, Kingdom of Man: Genesis and Failure of the Modern Project, (2018)
Elizabeth Goudge, The Dean's Watch, (2012)
What is the Pastor Theologians podcast? Our host Dr. Todd Wilson, the President of the Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT) introduces the show alongside co-host Zachary Wagner, the CPT’s Managing Director. Why start another theology podcast? Who should listen? What topics will be discussed?
REPLAY: The Augustinian Pastor
JOEY SHERRARD
ARTICLE: Why Church Identity Really Matters
JOEL LAWRENCE
SPECIAL: Local and Global Ecclesial Theology
MATT O’REILLY
ARTICLE: Twice-Told Tales
ANDREW WILLIAMS
