The Pastor Theologians Podcast
A Theology Podcast. For the Church.
Joel Lawrence and Zach Wagner host Jim Samra as he tells his story of becoming a pastor theologian. Jim tells the story of his conversion to Christ and how the Lord led him through a series of unique and critical moments in his life to direct him to pursue a PhD at Oxford and eventually the pastorate.
Mike Cosper joins the podcast to refresh and expand on conversations from the 2023 CPT Conference about the nature of pastoral authority and how that authority can be abused. During the show, Cosper offers a definition of authority that highlights the locus of authority in relationship, encouraging pastors not to view themselves as inaccessible shepherds but as pastors of the people. Mike covers topics from mega churches to Mark Driscoll to Hannah Arendt.
Todd Wilson, Joel Lawrence, and Gerald Hiestand discuss the origins and history of the Center for Pastor Theologians, how the vision has developed and clarified over time, and what the future might hold. They also discuss the recent transition, with Joel stepping in as the new president and Todd's plans for the future.
In this plenary message from the 2023 CPT Conference, Power and the Pulpit, Matthew Kim asks us to consider whether our preaching embodies a contemporary pursuit of power or a Pauline theology of weakness. Reflecting on the examples of Jesus, Paul, and his own on personal history, Matthew Kim challenges preachers to lead the church from a posture of humble weakness that depends on the power of Christ.
CPT co-founder and board chair Gerald Hiestand joins the podcast to discuss some of the recent history of the CPT and how his transition from an associate pastor to senior pastor role affected his research and theological reflection. What are the challenges and advantages of doing theology from a pastoral post? Is it possible to live out the historic vision of the pastor theologian in today's cultural and church climate? How does the pastoral vocation tend towards simplicity but not "dumbing it down" in theological reflection?
Beginning in Fall 2021, the CPT will partner with the Wheaton College Graduate School in offering an M.A. in Theology with a concentration in Ecclesial Theology. This program is designed for students interested in studying theology with a specific orientation toward ministry in the local church. On this episode, CPT staff are joined by Marc Cortez, a Professor of Theology at Wheaton, to discuss this new program, its unique value for students, and how you can find out more and apply.
Jennifer Powell McNutt joins the podcast to discuss the role of preaching in the church, how the practice of lectio continua shaped preaching during the Reformation, and how churches today can benefit (and potentially abuse) this practice. Along the way, Jennifer shares some of the story of her call to ministry and her personal formation as well as offering an encouragement to listeners to join the upcoming CPT conference. Listen now to gain a better historical perspective on the centrality of the preached word in the life of the body.
Daryl Ellis, executive pastor at Church of the Master and a member of the CPT St. Augustine Fellowship, joins the podcast to share his story about faith, his shift away from an Evangelical Free Church background, education, and how theology informs his administrative-oriented role. Along the way he discusses his adoption of an Augustinian and Thomistic approach to theology from a more Barthian understanding. Listen now for a great conversation that addresses natural theology, the retrieval of a Thomistic theology of the body for evangelicalism, the guiding hand of God, and much more.
On our final episode of 2022 the CPT staff has an extended conversation about some of our top books from our reading in the past year.
Jeremy Treat, pastor of Reality LA and a CPT Fellow, joins the podcast to discuss his most recent book The Atonement: An Introduction as well as his role in the upcoming CPT Conference on preaching. He discusses his contribution to atonement theology, which focuses on how the cross fits into the story of the kingdom and how the notion of theories of the atonement can detract from the multi-dimensional nature of Christ's work on the cross. He also explains how a rich theology of the atonement fuels the weekly work of shepherding through proclamation. Listen now for answers to such questions as: Who has been most influential in his understanding of the atonement? How does atonement theology transform preaching? What is the role of preaching in the church? How can one preach effectively in diverse settings? Where does atonement fit in the gospel? And much more!
BOOK REVIEW: Taking America Back for God
MICKEY KLINK
PODCAST: You Shall Not Take His Name in Vain
JOSH STONE
ARTICLE: What Is a Doctor of Ecclesial Theology?
CORY WILSON
Announcing a New Partnership
CPT NEWS UPDATE
