Theology on Mission: Recent Episodes
Theology on Mission
For those longing to connect theology and mission, we are talking about God and everything else. Broadcasting from NORTHERN SEMINARY, in partnership with Missio Alliance, David Fitch and Mike Moore bring their experiences as pastors and professors to bear on issues of mission and church.
Pull up a chair or take them and their guests with you around town.
This year's Theology & Mission lecturer joined Fitch and Moore for a conversation just hours before the public lectures. If you want to study with us and other scholars like Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, visiting professors like Jeannine Brown, Drew Hart, Jonathan Tran, check us out at www.seminary.edu
How do we make sense of sexuality and discern attraction? Fitch and Moore explore the ways various sexualities have been constructed by cultural forces and how the church should discern a way forward. If you want to study with us and other scholars like Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, visiting professors like Jeannine Brown, Drew Hart, Jonathan Tran, check us out at www.seminary.edu
Katelyn Beaty joins the podcast to talk about her new book Celebrities for Jesus. In this episode Fitch, Moore and Beaty discuss the history and contemporary state of celebrities in the American evangelical church.Katelyn Beaty is a writer, journalist, editor and podcast host. Her work has appeared in several news outlets and she is also the author of A Woman's Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World.
Lisa Swartz has written a phenomenal ethnography that explores the interplay of gender and power within American evangelicalism. Swartz surveys the gender narratives at two evangelical seminaries--Southern Seminary and Asbury Seminary.
She joins the podcast to talk about Reformed evangelicalism, Genesis 1-3, culture studies and more.
Dr. Swartz is assistant professor of sociology at Asbury University.
If you want to learn from our team of excellent scholars like Fitch, Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Jeannine Brown, Lyn Cohick, Drew Hart, check us out at www.seminary.edu
Who is one person we are consistently told should be on our show? Andrew Root! Andy joined us to talk about Charles Taylor, parenting, church planting and more.
Andrew Root, PhD (Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. He is most recently the author of four volume Ministry in a Secular Age series.
If you want to learn from our team of excellent scholars like Fitch, Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Jeannine Brown, Lyn Cohick, Drew Hart, check us out at www.seminary.edu
If you have listened to Theology on Mission you are well aware that there has been no greater influence on our show than Stanley Hauerwas. In this episode Stanley joins us to talk about the current state of the church in America--politics, abortion, friendship, and evangelicalism.
Stanley Hauerwas was a longtime professor at Duke University, serving as the Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke Divinity School.
If you want to learn from our team of excellent scholars like Fitch, Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Jeannine Brown, Lyn Cohick, Drew Hart, check us out at www.seminary.edu
Welcome to season eight!
Fitch is convinced house gatherings will renew the church. After all...it's biblical! Moore isn't as convinced.
If you want to learn from our team of excellent scholars like Fitch, Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Jeannine Brown, Lyn Cohick, Drew Hart, check us out at www.seminary.edu
We are teaming up with V3 and JR Woodward to offer a Masters in Church Planting! You can read more about our partnership here: https://www.seminary.edu/programs/v3andmatm/
We had some challenges with the audio, but the content is still gold!
Learn more about V3 cohorts here: https://thev3movement.org/training/
A few months ago Fitch and Moore recorded this episode and forgot about it! In this episode they chat all things church planting and how to gather a people for mission.
Luke Bretherton kindly grace the podcast to discuss the relationship between the church and the world, the place of politics in the Christian life, and gives us a masterful Hauerwas impersonation.
Luke Bretherton is Robert E. Cushman Distinguished Professor of Moral and Political Theology and senior fellow of the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University.
Check out Luke's newest book on political theology: Christ and the Common Life: Political Theology and the Case for Democracy.
Behind the podcast the book Fitch and Mike have talked about the most this year is Jonathan Tran's "Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism."
In this episode (part one) Dr. Tran discusses the contemporary state of anti-racism, the racialized underpinnings of our political economy, and the station of the church in our discourse and practices.
Jonathan Tran is the Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology and George W. Baines Chair of Religion at Baylor University.
We are delighted that Dr. Tran will be teaching in our new doctoral program. If you want to learn from him and other scholars like Fitch, Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Jeannine Brown, Lyn Cohick, Drew Hart, check us out at www.seminary.edu
Behind the podcast the book Fitch and Mike have talked about the most this year is Jonathan Tran's "Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism."
In this episode (part one) Dr. Tran discusses the contemporary state of anti-racism, the racialized underpinnings of our political economy, and the station of the church in our discourse and practices.
Jonathan Tran is the Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology and George W. Baines Chair of Religion at Baylor University.
We are delighted that Dr. Tran will be teaching in our new doctoral program. If you want to learn from him and other scholars like Fitch, Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Jeannine Brown, Lyn Cohick, Drew Hart, check us out at www.seminary.edu
Mike published an article in Christian Today detailing an emerging group, the 'Umms'.
Unlike “Nones” and “Dones,” many church-adjacent Christians want to return to a local body—but they feel stuck. Building off the biblical metaphor of home, Fitch and Moore discuss a new social architecture for the church.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/march-web-only/church-statistics-return-in-person-nones-dones-umms.html
In Christendom, where the culture largely supports Christian life and values, the church’s role with children is to teach and reinforce doctrine. In post Christendom we will not be able to disciple our children if the adults/parents do not have a vibrant life with God in Christ.
Fitch and Moore take on this topic in the most recent episode.
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
What difference does Jesus, Lord of the world, Ruler of all, make in a world of war and violence? What can Christians do while millions suffer in Ukraine? Here are a few commitments to consider for those of us committed to Christological non-violence.
1) Refuse (to participate) in Evil 2) Stand with the Oppressed 3) Promote Truth 4) Pray 5)Lastly, consider the place of the police force.
Fitch is reading Luke Bretherton's book "Christ and the Common Life." This brings us to questions about how the church relates to capitalism, accumulation, and the common life. How should we steward our finances, practice generosity, understand debt, and own property?
Join us in March for the first session of the Theology on Mission Book Club. We will be discussing Brian Zahnd's book "When Everything is on Fire." Limited to 30 guests, sign up here: https://northernseminary.formstack.com/forms/theology_on_mission_book_club
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
Neil Young removed his music from Spotify because of vaccine misinformation shared by Joe Rogan, the host of the leading podcast show on Spotify. What can we learn from Neil Young about witness and how does power work in relation to truth claims?
(We had a bunch of audio challenges on this episode, so you might hear our voices modulate quite a bit)
Join us in March for the first session of the Theology on Mission Book Club. We will be discussing Brian Zahnd's book "When Everything is on Fire." Limited to 30 guests, sign up here: https://northernseminary.formstack.com/forms/theology_on_mission_book_club
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
Here is our "cold take" on the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast. Fitch and Moore discuss the misogyny and power abuse that was embedded in the practice and leadership of Mark Driscoll and what it means for the church today.
Join us in March for the first session of the Theology on Mission Book Club. We will be discussing Brian Zahnd's book "When Everything is on Fire." Limited to 30 guests, sign up here: https://northernseminary.formstack.com/forms/theology_on_mission_book_club
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
What is so controversial about saying Scripture interpretation is shaped by your social location? Fitch & Moore take up a debate about the place of social location in doing faithful and contextual biblical study.
Here are the articles mentioned: https://www.9marks.org/article/editors-note-defending-sound-doctrine-against-the-deconstruction-of-american-evangelicalism/
https://michaelfbird.substack.com/p/some-parts-of-evangelicalism-do-not
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
This coming June 9-10, 2022, we are welcoming Dr. Rev. Willie Jennings to deliver our annual lectures.
Follow this link to register in person or Livestream: https://www.seminary.edu/jennings/
It is the leader who submits. The word submission has been used and misused by leaders to underwrite abuse and coercion in the church. In this episode Fitch and Moore propose that it is the leader who submits!
They explore biblical texts like Mark 10:42-45, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 5:21, and Hebrews 13 to explore how the act of submission by leaders is the way the Spirit leads a church into discernment.
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
Fitch and Moore explore three ways that Jesus gets de-centered from the work of justice. There is a temptation to make justice separate from the church, so how do we recover the centrality of Jesus for the work of justice?
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
www.seminary.edu
Fitch & Moore discuss how social spaces are an integral component of ecclesiology. In these social spaces there are places for conversation, this is where discipleship and mission occurs. Specifically they focus on the gathering in the house and the movements of conversation that occur in that social space.
Here is the outline for the practice of conversation in the church, drawing from 1 Cor. 14
1) Invocation 2) Listening 3) Discerning 4) Prayer
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
This is the second lecture from the Brady Theology & Mission Lecture with Dr. Michael Gorman.
If you would like a copy of the presentation that follows this presentation email Mike at mdmoore@seminary.edu
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Lynn Cohick and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
Welcome to season 7! This episode is the first lecture from the Brady Theology & Mission Lecture with Dr. Michael Gorman.
If you would like a copy of the presentation that follows this presentation email Mike at mdmoore@seminary.edu
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, and visiting professors like Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
Beth Felker Jones joins us again to discuss a recent article from Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon on pastoral care. What is the role of pastoral care in the life of ministry and how do we attend to suffering in the church?
Here is the article by Hauerwas and Willimon: https://tinyurl.com/u45rfc2w
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Felker Jones, Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
www.seminary.edu/TMapply
Fitch & Moore sit down with Beth Felker Jones, Professor of Theology at Northern Seminary. They discuss the shifts in contemporary theology and the state of theology in the American church.
Apply to Northern today! www.seminary.edu/TMapply
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
www.seminary.edu/TMapply
Michael Gorman will be delivering IN PERSON the Theology & Mission Lectures at Northern Seminary on September 23 & 24th.
Register here: https://www.seminary.edu/michael_gorman/
There is a livestream option.
In this episode Dave and Mike sit down with Michael Gorman to talk about mission, the book of John and his new book, "Abide & Go: Missional Theosis in the Gospel of John."
Michael Gorman is the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University.
www.seminary.edu/TMapply
There is a mass exodus of Christians under the age of 40 out of evangelicalism. What will become of those who stay? What kind of leader will emerge after processing and deconstructing the beliefs and practices of evangelicalism? In this podcast Fitch and Moore propose what qualities and virtues are needed in this new kind of leadership.
*Figure 7 of this report finds that 7% of 18-29 identify as White Evangelical Protestant. According to this report White Evangelical Protestant has the oldest median age (56), suggesting a widening gap in generational practices. https://www.prri.org/research/2020-census-of-american-religion/
**Check out our Brady Lectures with Michael Gorman: https://www.seminary.edu/brady_gorman/
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission, or Doctorate in Contextual Theology alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Greg Boyd, Drew Hart, Michael Gorman and more.
www.seminary.edu/TMapply
Fitch and Moore sit down to talk about the new book, "What is the Church and Why Does it Exist?"
This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Seminary Now, a new streaming video platform with short courses from leading professors and authors like David Fitch, Scot McKnight, Brenda Salter McNeil, Greg Boyd, Tish Harrison Warren, Esau McCaulley, and many more.
Subscribe to access all the courses for only $20/month–or get Seminary Now for your whole church. Theology on Mission podcast listeners can get 30% off an individual subscription with discount code TM30. Check it out today.
Check out Fitch's book here: https://www.amazon.com/What-Church-Does-Exist-Jesus/dp/1513805703
Fitch & Moore unpack the 5 top issues for church leaders to navigate as we come out of COVID.
1) People's broken relationship-spaces for relational connection 2) People's deconstructing their faith--spaces for deconstruction 3) People's anger/rage at various coercions/abuse--spaces for lament 4) People's fatigue from drudgery--spaces for celebration of God's power and hope for a future 5) People's grief over losses of friends, family, security--spaces for grieving and comfort
As opposed to ramping up services...focus on developing social spaces!
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Greg Boyd, and next years visiting professor Drew Hart and Brady Lecturer Willie Jennings.
Apply here: https://www.seminary.edu/apply/
Fitch and Moore sit down with Andrew Draper to discuss his superb work "A Theology of Race and Place: Liberation and Reconciliation in the Works of Jennings and Carter."
Dr. Andrew Draper is a pastor in Muncie, Indiana and has written extensively on black theology, ethics, and the church. In this episode Andrew shares his expert insight into the work of Jennings and Carter and the implications it has for the church.
Below are a few links that introduce you to the work of Willie Jennings, J. Kameron Carter, and our new friend, Andrew Draper.
Andrew's book: https://www.amazon.com/Theology-Race-Place-Liberation-Reconciliation/dp/149828082X
Andrew's recent lecture at Fuller: https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/the-end-of-mission-christian-witness-and-the-decentering-of-whiteness-andrew-t-draper/
An important article to understanding the work of Wille Jennings (Fitch references this) https://divinity.duke.edu/sites/divinity.duke.edu/files/DukeDivinityMag_Spring15.WEB_.compressed.pdf
Audio with J. Kameron Carter: https://cct.biola.edu/witness-possibility-j-cameron-carter/
Come explore Northern's Master's in Theology & Mission alongside Fitch, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones, Greg Boyd, Drew Hart and more.
Here is the audio from our recent webinar. We hope to be back in the studio soon!
Check out our Master's in Theology & Mission with classes taught by Dave Fitch, Greg Boyd, Nijay Gupta, Beth Jones. Past visiting professors and lecturers have included Stanley Hauerwas, Michael Gorman, Fleming Rutledge, Reggie Williams, Soong Chan Rah, and Kyuboem Lee.
https://www.seminary.edu/programs/theologyandmission/
Fitch & Mike sit down with Dr. Drew Hart, professor at Messiah University to discuss his new book, "Who Will Be My Witness?"
How does a local church discern through disagreements? How do we decided what "issues" are essential?
Here are the steps proposed in this episode, following the apostles work in Acts 15
1) The apostles and elders (leaders) met to consider the question (v6)
2) They observed what the Holy Spirit was doing (v8-9, 12)
3) A whole community listened and discerned (v12) They wokred with the leaders (v22). There was mutality of listening, consensus, etc.
4) Scripture was carefully considered...drawing its past meaning into the present (v15-19)
5) They wrote down their discernment in a letter "it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us...." (v26)
Lastly, check out our Church Planting Webinar in a few weeks with Hugh Halter: https://www.seminary.edu/churchplantingwebinar_mission/
What would it look like for us to focus our ministry on increasing density, rather than increasing numbers? Listen to find out!
This bonus episode is the audio from our webinar with Hugh Halter on church planting. Our conversation kicks off the introduction of the Church Planting Institute at Northern Seminary. Check us out at churchpi.com
How do we respond to a post-Trump presidency? Fitch suggests a few different approaches drawing on authors who write about post-Nazi Germany and Ta Nehisi Coates.
To be clear, we aren't accusing those who voted for Trump of being Nazi’s! We are offering perspectives (some from post Nazi Germany) for those of us who can’t relate or find it difficult to engage the 74 million who did vote for Trump.
"To pursue liturgy for our own depths of formation and ignore the cultural engagement of those outside the faith is a luxury of Christendom." --Dave Fitch
In this episode we discuss the "post-evangelical" turn towards liturgy and the great joy of celebrating Advent. We contend that Advent is for the formation of Christians and for the purposes of engaging those outside of liturgical traditions of the church.
Check out Fitch's article here: https://www.missioalliance.org/advent-for-the-rest-of-us-avoiding-exclusion-welcoming-wonder/
Just in time! On the eve of the election Fitch and Moore describe a 'Third Way' approach to theology of church and culture. Some suggest a 'Third Way' approach is merely a position of privilege that too easily compromises and disengages. This episode corrects those fallacies and outlines how Third Way politics provides a different way of being with Jesus in the world.
Show Notes:
THIRD WAY POLITICS AND ITS FALLACIES
Intro
1.) COMPROMISE? Third Way has often implied compromise- arriving at a solution to the conflict by way of the middle. Although I encourage listening and discerning in the middle of conflict, in no way do I suggest compromise. Instead, I suggest a conflict, when open to God’s presence and working, leads us into a future neither side could imagine within the existing frameworks they are working in – ‘a way beyond’.
2.) DISENGAGEMENT? Third Way has often implied dis-engagement. Although I often encourage refusing to engage a conflictual injustice in the world on the terms dictated by the world (antagonism), in no way does this imply disengagement. I advocate a different kind of engagement, through actual physical presence, resistance (getting in between) to the violence, questioning, speaking truth sincerely to power (parrhesia). In this way we stick a wrench into the machinery of injustice and open space for God to work. I call it the ‘way beyond.’
3.) REFUSE TO TAKE SIDES? Third Way has often implied refusing to takes sides. Although I often encourage people not to take sides within an ideological antagonism, in ways that pour flames onto the same enemy making machine, in no way does this imply we do not take sides with the poor, the oppressed, and speaking out of these places against unjust policies and wicked powers. Too often when we rush to take a side in an existing conflict, we do not examine the framework which sustains the injustice, and even if we (think we) ‘win’ the contest for justice, if we stay within the same frame, we perpetrate more of the same injustice, power structures. I see this over and over again when it comes to sexuality, race, economic, injustices. I’m looking for a way that disrupts the existing frame and moves us to a way beyond.
4.) WITNESS ONLY? Third Way has often implied, when it comes to justice, that all we need to do is be the church in our local context. Although I strongly encourage that justice must take shape locally in a social body first, this is no way implies we do not engage injustices in the world actively. It is a fact (I conend) that only by modelling a different way of justice in a social body can a society be disrupted and have imagination for what God would do for His justice. But these local bodies ferment a revolution in a way no national politics ever could. This form of politics leads to ‘way beyond’ current political imaginations.
5.) BE HUMBLE AND LISTEN … and everything will turn out all right… actually this posture id different from/more than “give up and be nice”… it’s a presence, a opening space to ask questions, it is subtle disruptive
In this episode, Fitch and Moore explore critical theory and what is has to offer the church. The conversation follows Fitch's response to Tim Keller's article on biblical justice and covers an expanse of topics: race, sexuality, ideology, identity politics and more.
Here is Fitch's recent article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/august/critical-theory-tim-keller-and-david-fitch.html
Here is the previous article:https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/august/tim-keller-david-fitch-and-justice.html
Tim Keller's article: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
Dave wrote an article at Christianity Today that responded to Tim Keller's recent piece on justice. In this podcast, Fitch and Moore explore how "justice" is up for grabs post-Christendom. They agree with Keller's assessment of the culture, but diverge when it comes to the issue of foundations and posture.
(audio volume gets a little funky on Mike's mic during the podcast)
Read the pieces below:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/august/tim-keller-david-fitch-and-justice.html
https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/a-biblical-critique-of-secular-justice-and-critical-theory/
Fitch and Moore look at the fundamentalism of evangelicalism in North America and how it has led to the backlash of progressive evangelicalism. They explore the backlashes to purity culture, penal substitutionary atonement, the inerrancy of Scripture, making a decision for Christ, and more. (One note: there is some reverb in Fitch's microphone)
This podcast starts pretty meta: two white men speaking about white men speaking.
How should white men position themselves in leading the church? Fitch and Moore suggest the practice of silence, listening, and going to where you are invited, before speaking.
UPDATED: Greg Armstrong joins again to examine the evolution and ideology of the word "racist." The word "racist" has changed from meaning prejudice to including the unconscious systems of white supremacy. Now, drawing from the work of John McWhorter's, we see the third wave that equates the word "racist" equated with subjective feelings. What does this mean for the church as we try to unwind the antagonisms rife in this cultural moment?
Here is McWhorter's article:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/07/racism-concept-change/594526/
How do we make sense of the protests and riots that have erupted after the murder of George Floyd. Greg Armstrong, Director of Admissions at Northern and pastor of Renew Church (Lombard, IL) joins Mike and Dave as they discuss the church's response to and participation in public demonstrations.
Over the last month, a little theological scuffle has emerged regarding what the "gospel" means. Reformed pastor, Greg Gilbert, criticized Scot Mcknight and Matthew Bates formulations of a "kingship gospel." You can see the articles and conversation below in the links.
Here is where Theology on Mission jumps in. What are the social implications of how we define the gospel? How does our atonement influence our posture and practice in the world? Essentially, what difference does the gospel make? Fitch and Moore give a quick review of this theological conversation and explore how our soteriology integrates with the social reality of the church.
Greg Gilbert's Sermon: https://www.9marks.org/article/a-t4g-2020-sermon-what-is-and-isnt-the-gospel/
Scot McKnight's Response: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/april/king-jesus-gospel-mere-kingship-no.html
Matthew Bate's Response: https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/2020/april/good-news-are-t4g-tgc-leaders-starting-to-change-their-gosp.html
Is video killing the church? This week we invite Geoff Holsclaw on the podcast to discuss church growth in the era of video church. Should we be concerned about falling into attractional modes of worship with the increase of online Sunday worship?
Holsclaw critiques missiologists who 1) see this as a church growth moment 2) who see this as setting the church back decades. Rather, he proposes this moment will reveal the church for what it is.
These articles provide the backdrop to our conversation.
Carey Nieuwhof: https://careynieuwhof.com/half-of-all-churches-are-instantly-growing-heres-why-and-heres-what-to-do/ Michael Frost: https://mikefrost.net/coronavirus-could-set-the-church-back-25-years/
"I'm more apt to catch a bullet than the coronavirus" That is a sentiment Mike has heard repeatedly in his church. What can we learn from populations in America that have lived under constant threats of "coronaviruses" of imminent death?
Pastor Joe Mitchell joins Mike and Fitch to discuss how to suffer well during this time. Drawing from eschatology and critiques of the religious marketplace they raise questions for our cultural moment.
These are unprecedented times and an uncertain future for the global church. How is the church to respond with restrictions on gatherings, mass anxiety, and an uncertain future?
Fitch and Moore draw from their distinct contexts and discuss this somber moment. They give instructions for how small gatherings can take place in homes
Check out Fitch's article on this issue: https://www.missioalliance.org/faithful-presence-during-a-pandemic/
One such idea is a letter to share with neighbors. Here is a sample if you would like to use:
Hey neighbors
It’s ________ from (address). In light of COVID-19 many of us will have to stay home in isolation and we want you to have our phone number. If you run out of supplies or need someone to pick up groceries and drop them off at your door we are happy to help out as much as we can. If there is anything else please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely
Studies suggest that around 70-80% of pastors experience depression. For many in the ministry, depression is inevitable. The question isn't, "Will I become depressed?" The question is, "Who will I journey through depression with?"
Fitch and Moore discuss their own experience through depression and the key postures and practices for persevering in ministry.
When you gather around the table as the church how should we talk and listen to each other? Fitch proposes three questions to ask around any table fellowship:
Are you lonely? Are you angry? Are you lost?
Fitch and Moore talk about the need to be embodied around a table on a regular basis amidst a hurried and isolated culture.
We are back for 2020! Fitch and Moore discuss volunteerism and how it encourages and discourages mission for the church. How does volunteering in the community actually hinder the work of the church? And how do we pastor our churches that default to a volunteer mentality?
Here are four tips for moving the church from volunteerism:
1) Seek and follow the apostles 2) More than a project this is a social space to participate in 3) This is a space of God's presence that requires prayer 4) This is a rhythm of our lives
Mike's college professor, J. Denny Weaver joins the show to talk about his work on atonement and the crucifixion. Almost 20 years ago Weaver's book, "The Nonviolent Atonement," was published and contributed significantly to Anabaptist interpretations of atonement.
Buckle up friends, we have a special episode for you this week.
Two Northern professors, Greg Boyd and Claude Mariottini debate how to interpret the violence in the Old Testament. Fitch guides the conversation through a few Old Testament passages as Boyd and Mariottini discuss how to make sense of violent portrayals of God in the Old Testament in light of Jesus' crucifixion.
This week we welcome back the co-founder of Theology on Mission, Geoff Holsclaw! Geoff recently wrote a response to David Bentley Hart's book on universal salvation. After bantering for a good five minutes Fitch, Moore, and Holsclaw talk about the challenges and hopes of Christian universalism.
Geoff Holsclaw is a professor of theology at Northern Seminary and a co-pastor with his wife Cyd at Vineyard Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Geoff and Cyd's forthcoming book "Does God Really Like Me?" is available now for pre-order. They also have a podcast you should check out, "God With Us."
A few of the books that are referenced here:
That All Shall Be Saved by David Bentley Hart Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved by Hans Von Balthasar The Evangelical Universalist by Gregory MacDonald
Evangelicals have discovered liturgy and non-denominational kids are becoming sacramental adults! What are we to make of this liturgical turn? Fitch and Mike look at the trends of evangelicals on the "canterbury trail," and offer some considerations for those who have discovered a new love for liturgy.
Here are four considerations:
1) Keep it accessible 2) Keep the bible central 3) Keep it cultural engaged 4) Keep pace and order
Want to read more about liturgy? May we suggest:
-Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail by Robert Webber -Reaching out Without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn -Liturgical Theology by Simon Chan -The Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom by Alexander Schmemann
The early church distinguished itself from the Roman and Jewish religions by adopting a "third way." Fitch and Moore sit down with historian Jerry Sittser to talk about what we can learn from the ancient church about evangelism, identity, and worship.
Jerry Sittser is the author of the recent book, "Resilient Faith: How the Early Christian "Third Way" Changed the World." He is a professor of theology at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where he also serves as senior fellow and researcher in the Office of Church Engagement.
Fifty years ago gospel tracts, four spiritual laws, and street witnessing were pillars of evangelism for the evangelical church. Recently, the pendulum has swung the other way to the point where some Christians are reticent to evangelize, or, just don't know how!
Drawing on Luke 10 Fitch and Moore discuss how evangelism takes the shape of proclamation rather than coercion. A few of the books they reference (but can't always remember!):
Live to Tell by Brad Kallenberg Evangelism after Pluralism by Bryan Stone The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
What should be done with the theology of theologians who have failed morally? John Howard Yoder, Dr. King, Paul Tillich, Karl Barth, etc.
Dave and Mike outline the common responses and try to construct a way forward. By mainly focusing on the case of John Howard Yoder they propose a nuanced response that includes critical reading, intertextual evaluation, and dialogue between the church and the academy.
A lot of sources were quoted in this podcast. You will need to Google search the keywords below.
Ruth Krall, "The Elephants in God’s Living Room: The Mennonite Church and John Howard Yoder"
Rachel Gooseen, “Defanging the Beast”: Mennonite Responses to John Howard Yoder’s Sexual Abuse
Karen Guth, "Doing Justice to the Complex Legacy of John Howard Yoder"
Stanely Hauerwas, "Minding the Web: Making Theological Connections"
Steven Long, "Augustinian and Ecclesial Christian Ethics: On Loving Enemies"
Two months ago, pastor-writer Joshua Harris publicly announced he was no longer a Christian. Fitch and Moore do an "icy take" on his announcement, seeking to understand Harris' evangelical culture.
Fitch and Moore attempt to grasp the purity culture that Harris helped shape and then explore how legalism, individualization, and cognization produce a church unable to doubt and ask meaningful questions.
If you want a behind the scenes look at our recording go to our Facebook page and watch the video.
Who cares about the "end times"? Should we leave behind the "Left Behind" conversations? Does pre-trib, post-trib, etc, even matter?
Fitch & Moore talk about "over-realized eschatology" and how it can inhibit the church. They propose that right eschatology enables us to work through suffering, work for peace, and find our place in God's work.
A lot of book recommendations here:
Stanley Hauerwas-Approaching the End
Michael Gorman-Reading Revelation Responsively
G.B. Caird- Commentary on Revelation
The Millenial Maze-Stanley Grenz
We are back!
Fitch and Moore talk about big problems (gun control, homelessness, policing) and if there are solutions. How do we address massive and systemic issues that outsize our communities? Can small churches actually cultivate solutions? Can big churches?
Fitch riffs on the idea of God's right hand and God's left hand--the work of the Spirit and the work of preservatory grace. Here are a few of the books and authors we reference in the conversation:
A Secular Age--Charles Taylor The Way of Ignorance: And Other Essays--Wendell Berry Discovering an Evangelical Heritage--Donald W. Dayton
Drawing from Matthew 10 and 18 Fitch and Moore talk about the differences between antagonisms and conflict.
Does anger have a place in our redemption? How do we identify sin in the midst of our conflicts? And how do antagonisms fit in all this?
Here are the books we are reading
Sin: A History by Gary Anderson
Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Warren
Genealogy of Queer Theory by William B. Turner
If you haven't read these books yet, pick them up! Mike highlights our top 3 episodes from the past year and gives a list of corresponding reading. If you haven't already read these fine books add them to your list for summer 2019.
Check out the show notes here: https://www.missioalliance.org/series/theology-on-mission/
We are sitting down with our good friend C. Christopher Smith to talk about talking! Chris' new book, "How the Body of Christ Talks," explores how the church can recover the practice of conversation.
Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Body-Christ-Talks-Conversation/dp/1587434113
What is the culture of the multicultural church? How does it include and neglect the black experience in America? Fitch and Moore sit down with Rev. Dr. Joe Mitchell to discuss critiques of the multicultural church.
Joe Mitchell is Senior Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist in Dekalb, IL. He received his Masters of Divinity from Northern Seminary and his Doctorate of Ministry from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
Welp, the title of this podcast isn't passive aggressive! Fitch and Moore talk about how modern individualism has tainted our soteriology. The tropes of guilt, legalism, and populist fundamentalism have led to a thin soteriology. Does anyone have a post-evangelical soteriology? Fitch and Moore suggest how repentance, confession, and forgiveness happen by God's Spirit in the church.
Does it matter when we worship corporately? Midweek service? Saturday night? What about corporate worship over Facebook Live and YouTube?
Drawing from the work of Alexander Schmemann, Fitch and Moore discuss the cultural view of "flat" time that commodifies worship. They suggest, in light of the resurrection, Sunday worship is necessary for our discipleship and mission.
Dave and Mike sit down at Missio Alliance 2019 (thus the background noise) to talk with Karen Swallow Prior about her new book "On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books."
Karen Swallow Prior is a Professor of English at Liberty University. She is also a Research Fellow with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, a Senior Fellow with Liberty University's Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, and a member of the Faith Advisory Council of the Humane Society of the United States.
What do the public leadership failings of Harvest Bible Chapel and Willow Creek mean for the church? How should we respond and repent?Fitch and Moore talk about why it is hard for pastors to be vulnerable and how we can find guidance on this topic during the Lenten season.
This is part three of our three-part series on Fitch's upcoming book: The Church of Us vs. Them.
We talk about Canada, the cold, and privilege. Oh yeah, and we also talk about the title of this episode!
From the "Religious Right" to the evangelicals supporting Donald Trump to current debates around abortion, the church is caught in a swirl of argumentation and antagonisms. How do we move beyond this "enemy making machine" to be a people of God's kingdom politic?
This is part two of our three-part series on Fitch's upcoming book: The Church of Us vs. Them.
We talk about our first concerts, "making a decision for Christ," and how to reimagine salvation in terms of witness and presence.
The contemporary church has used markers like lifestyle practices (no drinking, no dancing, etc) or issues stances (human sexuality, women in ministry, etc) to be an indicator of salvation. How do we move beyond this "enemy making machine"?
Also, find us at the Missio Alliance gathering in a few months: www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/aw…thering-2019/
We are back! This is the first of our three-part series on Fitch's upcoming book: The Church of Us vs. Them.
We talk about whether a hotdog is a sandwich, the narrative arc of Scripture, and how the Bible gets turned into an "enemy making machine.
Also, find us at the Missio Alliance gathering in a few months: www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/awakenings-gathering-2019/
Dave and Mike sit down with Michael Gorman to talk about mission, the book of John and his new book, "Abide & Go: Missional Theosis in the Gospel of John."
Michael Gorman is the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University. He is one of the leading Pauline scholars and has written more books than Mike and Dave have read combined.
Just in time for Christmas, we talk about Advent! ;)
Fitch and Moore repurpose the four Sundays in Advent around the themes of God's disruptive and generous presence in this world. As we anticipate Jesus' birth and second coming we wait with hope.
Bonus: Fitch grills Mike about his personal life and relational aspirations!
What should church leaders do when caught in the middle of a conflict? Fitch and Moore discuss practices for navigating the conversation regarding human sexuality.
A recent article from The Gospel Coalition observes the "slippery slope" of belief from Progressive to Atheist. Dave and Mike contend that Progressives are just Conservatives--different teams unaware of the Christendom field they are fighting on.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-beliefs-progressive-christians-atheists-share/
Is this even a question Christians should be asking? Does it reek of privilege and entitlement? Fitch and Moore discuss if/how Christians should vote in the upcoming election. Fitch does an average Hauerwas impression and examines how our culture means we now "vote for commercials, not people."
Mike sits down with Jonathan "Pastah J" Brooks to talk about his new book "Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods."
Pastah J leads Canaan Community Church in West Englewood, Chicago. They discuss the history of Englewood, community development principles, and what the buzzword "presence" actually means.
How should the church engage "elite culture"? Should our books be on the New York Times bestseller list? Our influence wielded in the halls of power?
James Davidson Hunter's book "To Change the World" has a unique proposal for engaging "elite culture." Dave and Mike discuss Hunter's proposal and Mike teaches Dave about the 90s evangelical movement "See You At The Pole."
New season! New co-host! Mike Moore joins Dave Fitch to talk about the B-I-B-L-E. How do we appeal to the Bible in midst of conflict? How does a pastor steward their leadership position? And where the heck did Holsclaw go?
When a leader falls, whose fault is it? Is it the leaders character? Is it the institutional pressures? And what can the church learn from it?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the huge leadership failings and transitions happening at Willowcreek Community Church, and discuss what it means for leadership in the church at large.
And Geoff shares some big news about taking a pastoral position in Grand Rapids, MI (details are here: http://geoffreyholsclaw.net/god-moving-us-grand-rapids/.
And here is the PDF of Fitch's chapter on Leadership: http://www.seminary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Leadership-Ch.-3-Great-Giveaway-pdf.pdf
You can get the entire "Great Giveaway" the classic Fitch book, here: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Giveaway-Reclaiming-Organizations-Psychotherapy/dp/080106483X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1480030757&sr=1-4&keywords=David+E+Fitch
Why are we so anxious and depressed? Is it us or is it our culture?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw conclude season 3 by talking about the recent celebrity suicides, and what it says about our culture that demand our happiness but still judges us as failures.
You can find the House Gathering resource here on our FB page—and please like the page if you haven't already (https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnMission/posts/2053138735006701)
The two articles we talked about were: "Americans are depressed and suicidal because something is wrong with our culture," by Kirsten Powers (https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/06/09/kate-spade-suicide-anthony-bourdain-depression-culture-success-column/687388002/) "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" Jean Twenge (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/)
Does Pentecost overcome Babel? Does baptism in Jesus obliterate all distinctions?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." They ask if there is a better way of understanding this text in light of Babel and Pentecost. And Geoff is wearing his crazy tongues of fire "Pentecost" shirt.
See the Theology & Mission Lectureship here: http://www.seminary.edu/onmission18/
Is the church being feminized? Is that a mark of decline? Or of revival?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw jump into another episode talking about the supposed feminization of the church and what it means for you.
Resources: God and Men and Jordon Peterson: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/31/opinion/god-jordan-peterson.html The Feminization (and Decline) of Religion: http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/the-feminization-and-decline-of-religion/ Malestrom: https://smile.amazon.com/Malestrom-Manhood-Swept-Currents-Changing-ebook/dp/B00PFD5JPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525466675&sr=8-1&keywords=Malestrom+james Church Planting with Women = Disaster: https://soundcloud.com/theology-on-mission/24-planting-a-church-without-women-disaster
If God is so powerful, why does God need witnesses? What kind of God needs others to speak for him?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw jump in again by tackling the question, "Why does God entrust the future of the world to human messengers?"
Also, check out the Theology and Mission Lectureship: http://www.seminary.edu/onmission18/
Make people feel guilty for only showing up twice a year? Put Jesus up on the cross again? What else should we avoid when it comes to Easter Sunday?
In this zany & serious episode, Geoff Holsclaw—joined by Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke—talk about how not to ruin Easter. And they accidentally start a new segment about what they'd being doing 500 years ago (you'll want to hear what they say about Fitch).
And be sure to check out the Matt and Ben's new Gravity Leadership Podcast. Check out their newest episode, "God Meets Us Where we Really Are" (https://gravityleadership.com/podcast/god-meets-us/).
Do we still need the 10 Commandments? Ancient relic? Oppressive degrees? Are they even really commandments?
Geoff Holsclaw—and special guest Nathan Clair—discuss the relevance of the 10 Commandments for our lives. They talk about the mission of the 10 Commandments to free us to love one another, and not be enslaved once again.
For more see The 10 Forgotten Words of Freedom: http://geoffreyholsclaw.net/ten-commandments-forgotten-words-freedom/
You move into a new neighborhood. Now what? How would you go about discern God in that place? What do you look for? Who do you talk to?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the 7 P's of cultural engagement (and yes, there are a couple of jokes along the way).
Do you love the place you live? Can you see God's mission before you?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw duck out of a meeting in order to talk about the particularity of place, God's mission, and the call on all of our lives.
Mentioned book: Why Place Matters ~ McClay and McAllister No Home Like Place ~ Hjalmarson Where Mortals Dwell ~ Bartholomew Spaces for the Sacred ~ Sheldrake
How you do you know yourself? Is your "self" a combination of all your relationships? And what might Lent teach us about these things?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45, and what this might tell us about ourselves, our relationships with others, and faith in Jesus (oh, and we talk about "La La Land.")
How do you know the difference between good and evil, right and wrong? And why should we keep reading the OT when Jesus is the updated version?
Today we are encouraged to follow our feelings to determine what is right and wrong. We are called to be authentic in deciding what is good and evil, even if—especially if—it conflicts with traditional religious norms. But is that such a good idea?
Geoff Holsclaw—with special guest Matt Tebbe—talk about the voice from heaven over Jesus telling us to "Listen to him!" They cover the way of love, the place of the law, and how we can grow in wisdom and discernment.
How do you judge the size of your church? How do you know if your church is healthy?
Dave and Geoff talk about what makes for a church, how to count it, and what impact that might have on faithful mission. It's another one of those episodes where they don't quite agree.
How does God work to change the world? How individuals and communities help God's kingdom come?
(If we are interested in this episode, then check out the FREE WEBINAR Dave and Geoff are hosting on this topic: http://www.seminary.edu/free-webinar-how-does-god-change-the-world/)
Dave Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss a provocative tweet by Tim Keller which started a storm of comments. Keller said, "Jesus didn't come primarily to solve the economic, political, and social problems of the world. He came to forgive our sins." Dave and Geoff defend Keller against his critics, but also ask if may he couldn't also be wrong about his view.
Along the way Geoff sings with the music and Dave says that God is like his dog, Stanley.
Can sex ever really be safe? What do we mean when we give consent? Can we do better to protect women?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw jump into the thick of things as they discuss the "humiliation of Aziz Ansari and the future of safe sex. They discuss issues of sexual power, mutuality, and intimacy. Is their view on sex retrograde or radical? You decide.
Articles mentioned: Sexuality and Consent: Protecting Women Demands Better (http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2017/11/29/4772985.htm) The Humiliation of Aziz Ansari (https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/01/the-humiliation-of-aziz-ansari/550541/?utm_source=atltw)
Why was Jesus baptized? And what is sin, really? And what is sin nature vs. sin nurture?
Geoff Holsclaw, along with special guest Scott Kent Jones, talk about the baptism of Jesus (Fitch is out teaching his week-long intensive for his DMIN cohort—detail below). They discuss how Jesus takes on not only human NATURE but also how he endures human NURTURE, with a little detour on original sin.
Fitch is gathering people to launch another "Contextual Theology" cohort, so check it out here: http://www.seminary.edu/programs/missional/
Should we strive to be hero-makers? Should we just be side-kicks?
And are Dave and Geoff just being too picky about stuff?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the importance of language when it comes to leadership in the church?
Here is the article they were riffing off of: Young Leaders Embrace the Idea of Hero Making (https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2017/december/young-leaders-embrace-idea-of-hero-making.html)
What do you think about when you think about Advent. It is probably the most important thing about Christmas.
Dave and Geoff discuss the place of Advent in our lives as we run up to Christmas (sorry about the poor audio, they weren't in the normal studio).
Are sacraments for everyone? Are sacraments for those coming in or going out? Can something that's not a sacrament be sacramental?
Ranging across topics, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw have two guests on—Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe of Gravity Leadership—to talk about the role of sacraments in mission. And be sure to listen all the way to the end.
Check out what Matt and Ben are up to at gravityleadership.com.
APEST: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher.
But do these functions or callings go even deeper than personal calling and church organization? David Fitch talks with Alan Hirsch about Hirsch's new book, 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ.
Learn more at https://5qcentral.com/.
Ever been corrected for saying the wrong thing? Ever been confused that what you said was so offensive? Ever felt like you were speaking a different language while speaking English?
Well, get used to it.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw take a deep-dive into the linguistic turn in philosophy, how we police each other's language about gender, ethnicity, and sexuality, and how this is an opportunity for mission for the church (yes, it's an opportunity for mission!).
In this cross-over episode with "New Persuasive Words" we have a conversation with Scott Jones and Bill Borror about the legacy of the Reformation and what it means today.
How clear should your church be about stances on sexuality? Is the search for clarity an attempt to follow Jesus on behalf of the weak and vulnerable? Is the search for clarity just another power play?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the new website called Church Clarity (https://www.churchclarity.org/). In this wide-ranging episode you will probably find much to disagree with and maybe something with which you agree.
Why is your church here? What are you doing? How are you moving forward?
The answer to these questions is often based on your assumptions about the church's place in culture. David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw investigate the 3 streams of church planting over the last 50+ years to help sort out the contemporary American faithscape.
Also listen to David Fitch talk more about the mission of preaching and its relationship to other traditions here: https://soundcloud.com/theology-on-mission/special-episode-4-proclamation-or-teaching-with-david-fitch
Geoff mentioned the SheLeads conference by Missio Alliance on Oct. 28th. Find more details here: http://www.missioalliance.org/sheleads/
"Many deny that God created human beings for his glory..." This comes from the preamble of the Nashville Statement.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about what being "created for God's glory" might mean for pastors, for mission, and for handling contentious topics.
Can we become more aware of God's presence? Why do we pray for God to come if God is already everywhere? And what do these questions have to do with mission?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw start season 3 off with a bang talking about why it is important to affirm both God's ubiquitous presence (omnipresence) and God's manifest presence.
Follow them on twitter at @fitchest and @geoffholsclaw. And check out the Theology on Mission Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/TheologyOnMission/) for any files or links we talked about in this episode.
Is Matthew 18 about Church Discipline, or something else? And is Church Discipline really about making people agree with you?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the (in)famous passage about talking to others about their sin. Join them for this special summer episode.
And check out their new "Church Planting Institute" at http://www.seminary.edu/church-planting-institute/
David Fitch interviewing Stanley Hauerwas about life, ministry, and friendship (breakfast meeting at the 2017 THEOLOGY AND MISSION LECTURESHIP).
What do the issues of power, justice, culture, and Jesus have in common? They are all things that church needs to figure out how to relate to!
Professors David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the 5 Challenges Facing the church as a sneak preview of the upcoming "Theology and Mission Lectures" with Stanley Hauerwas (WHICH YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS).
Go to seminary.edu/onmission17
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw (2 white guys) discussing the recent blow up about women bloggers. What could possibly go wrong?
Is Jesus' death a substitute for our penalty? Or does his substitution work in a different way?
After David Fitch gets a little coffee (he needed it so bad he was stuttering), he and Geoff Holsclaw about the death of Jesus, the different ways of understanding it as a substitute, and what it means for the gospel. Don't miss this episode as you prepare for Easter.
Should Christians withdraw from a hostile culture?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss Rod Dreher's "Benedict Option" as a Christian response to American culture. While appreciative, Dave and Geoff offer points of concern and criticism.
Have we returned the favor and created God in our image?
In Harlem, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was confronted with the reality that German Christians had fashioned Jesus in their own image, leading to the tragic rise of Hitler. What can we learn from this today?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus, a book by Reggie L. Williams. They discuss two pitfalls of the German Church and how they might affect us now.
Can we find peace in a polarizing world? Can we cultivate true dialogue in a defensive world?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about living on the thin line between stoking and reenforcing the cultural and political antagonisms of our day, and the need for staying alert to injustices in the world.
What Ya Reading? The Souls of Black Folk ~ W.E.B. Du Bois Jesus and the Gospel in Africa ~ Kwame Bediako
How is joy a source of strength? Why was it joy for Jesus to endure the cross? Is joy just happy-clappy sentimentality?
Mandy Smith and Scott Jones join Geoff Holsclaw to talk about the need to return to joy. Joy is not merely happiness connected to circumstances. Joy is connected to relationships. Beyond our politics that may seem hopeless, can we connect our longing and joy to the God who is always with us?
Is our world hopeless? Is engaging in politics hopeless?
Author Michael Wear joins David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw to talk about Christian engagement in the world. Michael, working in the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the Obama administration, calls us to hope in a world that often seems hopeless.
What does it mean to be subject to the government? What did Paul have in mind by that? And how does it fit with being submitted to Christ?
After a long break, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw finally get together for another episode of Theology on Mission. They tackle the issue of how the church relates to government and what Romans 13 has to say about it.
Quote of the episode: "I need music. Music is the, the uh, juice, of the nectar of life." ~ Fitch
Do you need a 1st Century Church Planting Manual? Or, What does 1 Peter teach us about being faithful to Jesus?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk with Dennis Edwards, a pastor and scholar, about exiles, the vocation of the church, and submitting to all human institutions (and what that might mean). They use Edwards' forthcoming commentary on 1 Peter as a springboard for their discussion.
Sometimes the best thing to do is listen.
With so much going on in America, Geoff Holsclaw and David Fitch slow down and talk with two area ministers, Juliet Liu Waite and Greg Armstrong, about what they are seeing, feeling, and experiencing.
This Thanksgiving, what are you to do when your only relationship with someone is that they are your relative?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw offer three quick tips on how to bring Jesus into every Thanksgiving situation without being all religious.
They are: 1) Be present to others, 2) Find the deeper common ground, and 3) submit to others (or even ask for forgiveness). No problem, right?
Breaking from their script, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw process their reactions to the election of Donald Trump. As two white males, nothing has changed about our lives, because we are privileged enough to be untouched by the recent events. But that is not true for so many people.
As an extended “Fitch vs Fitch”, Dave reads through various posts he shot out on Facebook and Geoff responds. They talk about the place of anger and disappointment that 4 of 5 evangelicals voted for Trump, on whether the “church” voted for Trump (Fitch excommunicates half the church), and how we shouldn’t press the “Jesus is Lord” button to quickly (because it can sound trite and disengaged, and therefore another mark of privilege).
And Geoff ends by naming his 1) horror and sadness on behalf of women, people of color, LGBTQ people, and Muslims in light of the bigotry unleashed by this election, 2) his relief that America can no long lie about its inherent racism and evangelicalism’s enmeshment in this, and 3) his hope for the church because Jesus is still Lord.
Were you looking for a "Theology on Mission Voter Guide"?
Well, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw are giving you one. They don't tell you who to vote for, but how to take a step back and really discern whether you should vote at all.
Is taking a walk part of God's mission? Could your commute be part of God's mission?
Dan White Jr., author of "Subterranean: Why the Future of the Church is Rootedness" and co-author of "The Church as Movement", join Geoff and Dave to talk about what local neighborhood mission might look like.
This week David Fitch sits down with Scot McKnight to talk about some of the new projects they are working on. This is a crossover episode between Theology on Mission and Kingdom Roots.
What does the Kingdom have to do with Eschatology? Is the Kingdom coming only in the future? Is the Kingdom here in the present?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss how eschatology connects with mission, and how sometimes a proper balance is lost. They answer questions about whether 1) The Kingdom is about the future? or 2) Is the Kingdom coming in the present? and 3) Does the Church help bring in the Kingdom? or 4) Does the Church witness that the Kingdom has come?
When leaders of the Religious Right claim #Trump's misogynist and racists words are "no big deal", are they sharing in the sin of another? (1 Tim. 5:22)
In this wide ranging episode, David Fitch, Geoff Holsclaw, and special guest Mandy Smith talk about the power of words, locker room talk, and the ways that religious conservatives claim that Trump's misogynist and racist words are no big deal. They discuss how this is #NotOkay.
Be sure to listen to the 10 minute mark where Mandy challenges Dave and Geoff to confess their sins within the male dominated culture of evangelicalism.
Does Jesus seek Proselytes or Converts? And what is the difference?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss why the Apostle Paul was so angry with the Galatians, and whether we are called to renounce one cultural identity in favor of a new one (Proselyte Model) and or called to take up the same identity in a new way (Conversion Model).
Why do pastors burn out? And what can be done about it? Are you burning out? Is your church leading you to the brink?
Like Pete Wilson or Perry Noble, pastors of churches of any size are constantly facing burning out.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw offer three pieces of advice to mega-church pastors, or any pastor, to help them not burn out (and it probably isn't the advice that you are thinking of). Dave and Geoff respond to the advice of others and try to look at the problem from a different angle.
Be sure to visit our home page: http://www.seminary.edu/dminleadership/ Learn more about the DMIN in Leadership here: http://www.seminary.edu/dminleadership/
Maybe the most important episode to date!
Once evangelicals were on the frontline of social issues. Now the often take a backseat. What happened? And more importantly, from where might a renew of evangelicalism come?
This episode offers an exclusive report from the Lausanne Young Leaders Gathering as part of a larger conversation about looking to world evangelicalism as a corrective to American evangelicalism. In the previous episode Geoff announced that all of us, even Billy Graham and Christianity Today, were not true evangelicals but were still recovering from a fundamentalist hangover. This episode fills that out and points a way forward.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss the classic evangelicalism of the past (before the onset of fundamentalism) and look to the Lausanne Movement for inspiration.
For resources on classical and world evangelicalism, see the show notes here. http://www.seminary.edu/world-evangelicalism-a-future-for-the-west
Does systematic theology have a future? And if so, where should it start? And what does it matter?
Geoff Holsclaw and regular guest Scott Jones (because Fitch is big-timing it in Pasadena) discuss the three major critiques of systematic theology and then talk about three possible ways to begin theology and how we need them all.
Are we all just reacting to various Fundamentalisms here in America? Is there a doctrinal identity or a practical mission at the center of American Evangelicalism? Is there a hidden affinity between conservative and progressive Evangelicals?
In this provocative beginning to Season Two of Theology on Mission, Geoff Holsclaw and David Fitch talking about the various evangelical off-ramps that people take on the American religious highway. Geoff goes so far as claiming that we have never been "evangelical": not himself, not Ed Stetzer, not Rachel Held Evans, not Christianity Today, and not even Billy Graham (think of the famous definition of anyone who likes Billy Graham is an evangelical).
Is there a difference between female and male? And if there is, why? And how do we explain it?
These are the pertinent questions that our culture casts before the church. Dave and Geoff talk about different ways people ground gender differences, and some of the Kingdom guidelines to help us move forward.
Why does it seem that more information does not lead to better transformation? Why does correcting false facts always seem to backfire on us? From political conflicts to pastoral care, we must dig deeper in every conversation.
In this new episode of Theology on Mission, Geoff Holsclaw and David Fitch talk about the how are personal identities are at stake in all the information we hold dear, how this affects pastoral ministry and cultural issues. They talk about how we must always listen for the conversation below the conversation, and 2) how we must always give an alternative identity to people, not just alternative information.
What has authority for you? Where do you find answers to your deepest questions?
Too often Science and Scripture are pitted against each other. David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss the role of Science and Scripture in forming balanced disciples of Jesus, moving beyond an extreme view on either end.
Does the missional movement have a low Christology? Does our view of Jesus affect how we understand his mission? Does Christology matter for everyday living for us? Is Christology a practical in any way?
Geoff Holsclaw and special summer guest Scott Jones talk about superheroes, kinds of Christologies, and God's mission in the world through us. Low, middle, and high Christologies are different views of who Jesus is, what his work accomplished for us, and how we participate in this work (and Geoff leaves in that part where I don't turn my phone off).
"In the beginning God raised Jesus from the dead" ~Michael W. Pahl
Where does theology come from? Where is it going? How does it all fit together? Theology is the handmaiden of mission, but too often mission becomes the prisoner of an overly propositional theology. Theology at its best is here to help us tell the story of God rightly, not reconstruct the story into a joyless system.
Geoff Holsclaw and special guest Scott Jones talk about "theology" as holding together the 1) Word OF God, 2) words TO God, and 3) words ABOUT God, relating them to make a theology on mission.
What does the Trinity have to do with anything anyway? Well, a lot! But sometimes it feels like Evangelicals are just discovering the Trinity.
In this special crossover episode Geoff Holsclaw, with the hosts of "New Persuasive Words", Scott Jones and Bill Borror, talks about the Trinity, reading the Bible, and connecting with the tradition.
Are we pursuing God, or is God pursuing us? And what does it matter if we reverse the emphasis?
With special guest Joshua Ryan Butler, Geoff and Dave discuss talk about God's pursuit of us.
Evangelicals of the contemplative lean or activist bent have their own set of practices they feel helps them pursue God. But often these lead to a dead end or burn out. Can we understand life with God as God’s pursuit of us, and what might this mean for our understanding of the atonement and the church, and even the uniqueness of Jesus. We end by talking about the different practices of being “found” by God.
Is it always great to experience revival? Or is there pain and waiting in the coming of new life?
Mandy Smith and Cyd Holsclaw join Geoff to talk about the hopes and disappointments of the Spirit at work among us as things are torn down and built up.
Is there a future for Reformed theology? Yes, there is! But it might look different. This internationally diverse panel discusses how the Reformation can still impact the West.
In this round table is Ruth Padilla Deborst, Carl Ellis, Jin Kim, Cherith Fee Nordling and David Fitch, hosted as ever by Geoff Holsclaw. Recorded at the Missio Alliance event, "The Young, Restless, and Always Reforming", around the panel titled, "The Reformed Tradition and the Christendom Legacy."
Is the Spirit at work in the world? Or in the Church? Yes, the Spirit is. The Spirit of Mission is at work in the neighborhoods in and through the local churches.
With special guest Alan Roxburgh, Geoff Holsclaw and David Fitch discuss the church in Northern America, the God who is on mission, and the opportunity we all have to participate.
Please check out Al's newest book, Joining God, Remaking the Church, Changing the World: The New Shape of Church in our Time, and see also Missional: Joining God in the Neighborhood.
What does Pentecost have to do with leadership? And how does it look in a local church? Beyond Hierarchy (one on top) and Democracy (all on bottom) is a Spirit-guided leadership through gifts and calling.
In this rebroadcast of "The Spirit of Leadership", Fitch and Holsclaw discuss the theological and personal reasons we tend toward unhealthy leadership structures, the difference between vision-casting and consensus-building, and the foundations of being led in Christ by the Spirit.
What does it mean that "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life?" Is this messages distorted amid a culture of affluence and ease? Are we prepared for bad things to happen?
Fitch and Holsclaw discuss what it means that God loves us and how this intersects with evil in the world. They talk about how God’s love is not for PROTECTION, but solicits our PARTICIPATION. And in a violent and selfish world, participating in the love of God will be costly and painful.
Does the Reformation help us engage in mission? Does typical protestant theology have a power problem and a context problem which work against mission? And what does it matter anyway?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss two different problems facing Protestantism and its theological framework (the problem of power and the problem of context).
(Rebroadcast) Is being a bi-vocational pastor a necessary evil or a positive opportunity?
In this episode of “Theology on Mission”, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss bi-vocational ministry; how it is an opportunity to rethink pastoral vocation and church ministry, all wrapped in personal stories.
Does your understanding of salvation makes sense of the entirety of Jesus’ life? Does your theory of the atonement integrate every part of Jesus’ life, his life, his death, his resurrection? Or do we tilt toward just Jesus' death?
Fitch and Holsclaw talk about a popular way of explaining salvation (the Bridge Illustration) and ask if it needs to be changed. Tune in if you wonder about how to connect Jesus' death with his life, and how Penal Substitution fits with Christus Victor.
What does complimentarianism and equalitarianism have to do with church planting? Is there a third way concerning women in ministry? And what is the role of the Holy Spirit in all this.
Fitch and Holsclaw tackle the tangled issues of openness to the Holy Spirit, openness to women in ministry, and "opening" a new church.
Dread? Fear? Hope? Optimism? All words people are feeling about the current presidential primaries.
But the truth is, whoever is in the White House is not the savior, nor the destroyer, of the world.
Fitch and Holsclaw talk about different options for understanding politics (the Lutheran "Two-Kingdoms" view and the "Kuyperian" view), and ask "What is the Church to do?"
"Enjoy the Show!" and other things that shouldn't be said about a worship service.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about whether 1) a worship service is a central, peripheral, or complimentary part of a church (plant), and 2) if it matters whether people come to your worship service or not.
Is Lent a time of punishment or preparation? Is Lent at time for binding the flesh or building up faith?
Remember that you will die.
After Fitch confesses that he's been wearing the same clothes for three days, Holsclaw and Fitch talk about Lent as a time to remember how God builds faith in us, to remember that we will die, and to remember that we will live in Christ.
What is the core of discipleship? Is it information about Jesus? Is it following the actions of Jesus? Is there something missing from this equation?
Fitch and Holsclaw discuss the important aspect of "seeing yourself in another story" in the process of discipleship. Only in a conversion of our imagination, immersed in a different story of the world and ourselves, can we truly begin to follow Jesus.
Have we lost the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr? Have we assimilated him into the American Dream, losing the Dream he had for America?
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw sit down with local pastor Pierre Keys and student-activist Josiah Daniels to talk about the past and future of the Civil Rights Movement.
What makes your community tick? What is the glue holding you together? Is it what you THINK of God or what you DO with God?
Kicking off the New Year David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about how church's can not longer merely gather around common beliefs but common practices (practices that promise the very presence of Christ).
FROM THE MISSIONAL COMMONS hosted by Northern Seminary and Ecclesia Network.
In this special episode, Mandy Smith talks about the process of preaching to and through vulnerability.
FROM THE MISSIONAL COMMONS hosted by Northern Seminary and Ecclesia Network.
In this special episode, Matt Tebbe leads us in considering that proclamation is much bigger than merely preaching, but that we need to get the gospel back into every proclamation.
FROM THE MISSIONAL COMMONS hosted by Northern Seminary and Ecclesia Network.
In this special episode, Tara Beth Leach leads us through the slow process of letting the Holy Spirit brew in us the words we will preach (and she is quite funny too).
Should the church protest in the streets? Should the church engage in direct, non-violent action? And if so, how?
These are some of the questions David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss as they wonder about the violent world we live in. They end asking, "Has the church outsourced martyrdom as its witness against violence?"
FROM THE MISSIONAL COMMONS hosted by Northern Seminary and Ecclesia Network.
In this special episode, pastor and professor David Fitch talks about this difference between preaching and teaching, and how we need to proclaim the gospel in the pulpit, around the dinner table, and the everywhere else.
"You make void the word of God by our traditions" says Jesus (Mark 7:13). Is this slow shift from the Spirit to the Letter inevitable?
"Have our denominations shifted from their spirit of mission to the letter of institution?" wonder Fitch and Holsclaw as they talk about the past and future of denominations and our place within them.
FROM THE MISSIONAL COMMONS hosted by Northern Seminary and Ecclesia Network.
In this special episode, author, speakers and pastor Mandy Smith discusses how vulnerability and limitation is the true source of ministry effectiveness. Let us all learn to boast in our weakness. Check out her new book "The Vulnerable Pastor".
What you're NOT thinking about is often the most important thing about you. This is the impact of "ideology", the hidden assumptions that effect our thoughts and provoke our emotions.
In this new episode David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the "making of misunderstanding" caused by the different ideological assumptions we bring into our relationships and our churches. "Oh wretched humanity! Who will set us free from this body of Ideology? Thanks be to God through Jesus our (subversive) Lord!"
Has "manhood" been hijacked by a false sense of invulnerability? Has "masculinity" been defined by what it ISN'T, rather than what it really IS?
These are the questions that Geoff Holsclaw and special guest Nate Pyle talk about as they wonder about what it might mean to be "Man Enough".
What is the focus of the Local Church? Should it focus on being...LOCAL? Dave and Geoff talk about the importance of practicing the presence of Christ in the neighborhoods we find ourselves. This special episode is the first time in front of a live audience.
In the aftermath of the Ashley Madison hack, churches begin picking up the pieces after their pastors fall. But David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw ask, "What should have been happening BEFORE these pastoral scandals happen?" They talk about the need for evangelicals to have a more robust understanding and process of sanctification, not just for pastors, but for everyone.
A worship "experience"? A time for "teaching"? Is the time on Sundays for our heads or our hearts, or something else? Fitch and Holsclaw talk cast a different vision for the worship gathering as a time of corporate spiritual formation.
What is leadership? And how does it look in the church? Beyond Hierarchy (one on top) and Democracy (all on bottom) is a Spirit-guided leadership through gifts and calling. Fitch and Holsclaw discuss the theological and personal reasons we tend toward unhealthy leadership structures, the difference between vision-casting and consensus-building, and the foundations of being led in Christ by the Spirit.
Check out "The Mission of Preaching", Missional Learning Commons on Nov. 6-7 (http://guestli.st/344433).
In an image driven culture, why do we still have sermons? What good can a Sunday sermon have when everyone is bombarded by other messages all week long? What is preaching for anyway? David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about what preaching is and how the "imagination" is essential for it.
Worldwide, the victims of oppressive patriarchy are not just women, but men too. Carolyn Custis James, author of "Malestrom: Manhood swept into the Currents of a Changing World", sits down with Geoff Holsclaw to discuss the challenges of being a man in the 21st century.
How should the church relate to culture? What is 'culture' for that matter? And is power a bad thing? Dave and Geoff talk about different ways of thinking about church and culture(s), from H. Richard Niebuhr to James Davison Hunter, and why this matters to the local church.
Even if the Bible is inerrant, who is going to interpret it? And how? These and other questions are tackled by Fitch and Holsclaw in this new episode. Beyond a book of facts or a library of experiences, beyond the conservative/progressive divide, God speaks to us through Scripture, interpreting us as we try to interpret it.
Is being "missional" merely adding something to "church", something like justice? Geoff and Dave discuss how adding a "justice" ministry, but keeping everything about your church the same, is not missional and doesn't help much with justice as Jesus knows it. Justice is too relational to be a program added to a church.
Deepening the previous episode on moving beyond the conservative/progressive divide, Geoff Holsclaw and David Fitch talk about the "Gospel" beyond personal vs. social salvation, beyond getting to heaven vs saving the earth. The Gospel is not a plan of salvation, but the PERSON who saves, Jesus, the Son of God. And this changes everything.
“A justification for our own sorry existence as evangelicals.” Or, why they don’t fit in anywhere. Dave Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw make a first attempt at articulating another way, a third way, for theology and mission for evangelicals, beyond the conservative/progressive dichotomy. Dave and Geoff talk about some historical roots for this dichotomy and hint toward an alternative life in community. The next two episodes will flesh out this third way farther by exploring the topics of “Gospel” and then “Scripture”, showing how our theological commitments make a really missional difference (subscribe so you don’t miss them). If you don’t fit in as an conservative evangelical, but don’t feel drawn to progressive framework, then check out this episode.
In our hyper-connected world are we more likely to merely talk than walk? To "like" than live? In this new episode David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the place of social media and long-distance funding within a life of mission.
Does our social media involvement enhance our mission or expand existing antagonisms?, that is the question.
At it again, David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about the difficult issue of "mutual submission" (from Eph. 5:21). They discuss why people don't want to talk about it (from rightful fear of abuse to not wanting to submit to anyone...ever), the theology of mutual submission and the difficult practice of it.
Also, as usually Dave and Geoff talk about the books they are reading and through in a little "Fitch vs. Fitch" to end it all.
In this new episode of "Theology on Mission" David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw talk about bi-vocational ministry, how it is an opportunity to rethink pastoral vocation and church ministry, all wrapped in personal stories.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss how to integrate what happens "in here" on a Sunday with "out there" throughout the week, winding through how to structure a church service to motivations for evangelism. They end off with recent books they've been reading.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw discuss the gap between theologians and pastors, where it came from, and what we might be able to do about it. Basically, talking about why theology needs to be on mission.