For the Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jared C. Wilson
For the Church Podcast with Jared C. Wilson. Another resource for the Church from Midwestern Seminary
From two guys who don’t read a lot of biographies comes a list of favorite biographies. On this week’s ep of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the Christian biographies that have impacted them the most.
What’s the big deal? You’re just standing up there, talking. On this week’s episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson suggest some things about preaching the average church member may not know. Some misunderstandings, misperceptions, and even mis-aimed appreciations.
One thing Jared and Ross share is sarcasm as a love language. So on this week’s ep they’re revisiting the subject of humor — sarcasm among friends, mockery on social media, the pros and cons of humor, the ins and outs of humor sensitivity, and what the Bible says about it all.
It’s a mailbag episode! On this week’s For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson dig into the inbox and tackle questions related to sheep swapping and church hopping, the pursuit of writing, fruitful pulpit supply, and how Satan’s rebellion connects to questions of worship, sanctification, and the possibility of sin in the new heavens and new earth. As always, to submit a question for the mailbag, email us at mailbag@ftc.co
Was Gen-Z at TGC? Beginning with that strange question, today’s episode of the FTC Podcast transitions to a conversation about the calling of young adults for Christ’s kingdom. At some point in the last fifty years, our society began to see the young adult years as a season of life when you can just “figure things out” and have as much fun as possible while you do. Of course, our teens and twenties can be fun. And no college student or young adult in a first job can know what the next ten to fifteen years will hold. But these decades are also the launching pad for the rest of your life. Young adults will have opportunities to make an eternal difference. After all, they’re on mission now. Jesus’s commissioning is all that is needed to love God, love people, and witness to the truth of the gospel. Jared Wilson visits with returning guest, author and pastor Jeremy Writebol, about his new book Make It Your Ambition, which presents young adults with seven worthy pursuits to ignite young people’s imaginations to discover what a life marked by robust, gospel-fueled, and Spirit-filled obedience can look like.
Lots of singles in the church. Fewer and fewer marriages. What gives? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about their own observations and experienes in the “dating world” of the local church. Why are young men and women finding it difficult to find potential spouses? Why do they find it difficult sometimes to even talk to each other? What are the relational landmines in seeing the church as a dating pool? And what can singles actually do to enhance their potential for Christian marriage?
Is there a particularly Christian way to approach sports? Does the Bible say anything about it? Beyond the typical warnings about idolatry and obsession, what good can Christians derive from athetlics and athletic competitions? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the importance and influence of sports, including the question about whether Christians should participate in sports like boxing and MMA.
Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, has a rich 150-year history. Its members have participated in significant world events, advocated for religious freedoms, and spoken out against the moral failings of the times. There’s no doubt this church has had a unique impact on evangelicalism from a significant location. But these lively characters and their unique experiences only tell part of this engaging narrative. On today’s episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, which tells the history and personal stories behind the influence Capitol Hill Baptist Church enjoys today.
This week the guys decide to touch one of the touchiest subjects in the church — money. What’s it really for? Why is it so difficult to talk about among Christians? How can we best steward it? And how is generosity a reflection of worship?
In this episode, the latest annual reflection during Easter week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss why too many preachers and churches frequently leave out the resurrection in their gospel presentations. Why is it so easy to forget the resurrection? And what should this week’s emphasis on Christ’s emergence from the grave mean for our thinking and ministry year-round?
In the second of two live episodes recorded at the Federated Fellowship Bible Conference in Pella, Iowa, this time around Jared and Ross answer questions from the conference audience. No pre-screening. No safety net. Just a couple of guys, a couple of mics, and a handful of surprise queries.
Here’s a first for the FTC Podcast! Jared and Ross recorded this Mailbag episode live at the Federated Fellowship Bible Conference in Pella, Iowa on March 8, 2025 as the first part of two total live episodes. The questions submitted by listeners include: when should pastors speak out about politics, why evangelism feels “transactional,” the impact of conferences and podcasts on our understanding of pastors, and how uniform church members should be on doctrinal matters.
Wonder and awe of the beautiful is essential to the human experience. Our souls are often shaped and formed by the aesthetic experiences provided by the Creator. When we neglect this aspect of our lives, we fail to realize how God has created us uniquely to not only enjoy beauty, but to also create the beautiful. A distinctly Christian vision of these realities opens our eyes to see how God has enchanted our world to draw us toward Him, the source and substance of beauty, for a deeper experience of the Christian life. On this episode, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Matt Capps about his new book Drawn by Beauty and the place of awe and wonder in the Christian life. We even talk about Christian movies!
Jared and Ross return to a past episode format — “mixing it up” — where they draw out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation — this week, on student ministry.
JFK. 9/11. QAnon. Lizard people? This week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss conspiracy theories! Why do they attract? What’s the fascination? Are they all bunk? And how should Christians think about them?
It’s a new mailbag installment of the podcast, where Jared and Ross answer listener-submitted questions. On this episode, the guys weigh in on: first steps for newly appointed lay elders, pastors running for political office, cultivating healthy desires in a church, “fencing the table,” navigating differences of opinion on alcohol, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Cedarville University’s Dr. Jason Alligood about his new book Raised in Splendor and about the hope of glorification in our secular age.
The author of Hebrews says endurance produces proven character. How so? What is endurance? How do we get it? In this episode of the podcast, Jared and Ross talk about the relevance of endurance to ministry and the Christian life in general.
From January to March, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from Midwestern Seminary professors about their areas of expertise, and ask them any questions you want! Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks below to reserve your spot. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. We’ll see you soon!
Sometimes small church folks are overly critical of big churches. Sometimes big church folks are uncharitable towards smaller churches. We’re here to settle the scores! Well, kind of. In this ep of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the pros and cons of big churches versus smaller churches and discuss ways we can encourage and think the best of each other.
From January to March, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from Midwestern Seminary professors about their areas of expertise, and ask them any questions you want! Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks below to reserve your spot. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. We’ll see you soon!
Hebrews 2:1 warns us to pay closer attention to what we have heard “lest we drift away from it.” In this episode of the podcast, Jared and Ross talk about the concept of gospel drift — what it is, what are the signs, and how to avoid it. Relevant to the discussion is Jared’s brand new book Lest We Drift: 5 Departure Dangers from the 1 True Gospel, now available from Zondervan Reflective wherever Christian books are sold.
From January to March, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from Midwestern Seminary professors about their areas of expertise, and ask them any questions you want! Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks below to reserve your spot. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. We’ll see you soon!
It’s Jared and Ross’s 100th episode together(!) and another installment in the FTC Mailbag feature, where they answer listener-submitted questions. This week’s topics include church membership processes, should pastors tithe?, the church in the Northeast, small groups, stewardship campaigns, using quotes in sermons, and resources on hospitality.
From January to March, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from Midwestern Seminary professors about their areas of expertise, and ask them any questions you want! Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks below to reserve your spot. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. We’ll see you soon!
From throwing microphones to walking out of meetings, we’ve seen (and done) some unfortunate things in the midst of church conflict. Listen in as Jared and Ross discuss the roots and rationales of church conflicts — and how to respond when fights take over a church.
From January to March, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from Midwestern Seminary professors about their areas of expertise, and ask them any questions you want! Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks below to reserve your spot. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. We’ll see you soon!
It’s another installment in the Grab Bag feature, where Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson ask each other two surprise questions for off-the-cuff responses. Tune in and find out what we caught each other off guard about this week.
How is contentment a superpower? And how do you get it? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the strangeness of contentment in a discontented world.
Another year older and deeper in . . . gratitude? Jared and Ross celebrate the new year by reminiscing on the year past and encouraging others to make 2025 a year of renewed focus.
The annual Christmas episode is here! And in our annual podcast tradition, Mr. Christmas himself — Ronnie Martin — is joining Jared again to fill your hearts with holiday cheer. On this year’s special episode, Jared and Ronnie talk about their favorite “snapshots” of Christmas past and discuss the delight (and the downside) of the ideal Christmas.
It’s another installment in the FTC Mailbag feature, where Jared and Ross answer listener-submitted questions. This week’s topics include evangelizing the comfortable, the difference between preaching and teaching, leaving churches with shallow preaching, divisive church members, chemistry on the elder board, and the structure of pastoral residencies.
Have you been discipled? Do you disciple others? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the importance of personal discipleship and share some applicational practice for more fruitful disciple-making.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared talks with author Emily Jensen about her new book with Laura Wifler, Gospel Mom, and about the ins and outs of gospel-centered motherhood.
Every year the Christmas holiday seems to creep up and then speed past. How can we make the most out of the Christmas holiday season? In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the importance of Advent and how our participation in this anticipation can help us enjoy Christmas more than we’d expected.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared visits with Dr. Scotty Smith, one of the spiritual fathers of gospel-centrality, to talk about his early influences and ministry, pastoring early CCM artists, and how to stay focused on grace through decades of shifting cultural distractions.
It’s another installment in the Grab Bag feature, where Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson ask each other two surprise questions for off-the-cuff responses. Tune in and find out what we caught each other off guard about this week.
Jesus said, “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” Obviously perseverance is a necessary component of the Christian life! On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the doctrine of the “perseverance of the saints,” how perseverance is treated in Scripture, and how Christians might cultivate it in their lives.
It’s a perennial question among many evangelicals. How should Christians think about Halloween? Avoid it? Embrace it? Reform it? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the spotty history of Halloween and survey the contemporary perspectives, challenges, and opportunities related to the Christian’s consideration of the “holiday.”
It’s another installment of the regular Mailbag feature. This week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer listener-submitted questions and topics, including: topical vs. book sermon series, closing a church well, women officiating weddings, use of AI in pastoral work, how “baptism saves,” and Shepherds for Sale. Plus, Jared and Ross attempt to “convert” a Mennonite listener to Baptist (at his request).
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson is joined by Dr. Ronnie Martin to talk about the “wisdom practices” pastors should adopt as regular rhythms in their life in the pursuite of spiritual maturity, emotional stability, and ministerial endurance. Jared and Ronnie’s Midwestern Seminary podcast The Heart of Pastoring is now back in its 2nd season and available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. https://ftc.co/resource-library/heart-of-pastoring-podcast/
This week on the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson conclude their three-week mini-series, drawing out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation — this week, on serving the church. Why do 5% of church members do 95% of the work? Who can serve in a church? How do you keep zealous members from burning themselves out? How can we motivate non-servers to join the efforts? What do you do when a congregation demands a ministry that none of them want to actually contribute to? All that and more in this final episode of “mixing it up.”
This week on the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson continue their three-week mini-series, drawing out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation — this week, on worship music. What is it for? Who is it for? What are some strange things they’ve encountered in worship services? Why do some worship services seem stuck in time? All that and more in this episode of “mixing it up.”
This week on the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson a three-week mini-series, drawing out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation — this week, on preaching. What is it? What should sermons do? What were the guys’ first sermons like? How have they grown over the years? What are some things beginning preachers should keep in mind? All that and more in this episode of “mixing it up.”
It’s another installment of the regular Mailbag feature. This week, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer listener-submitted questions and topics, including: how unified pastors should be on “third-tier” issues, ministry calling, finding good Sunday School teachers, the youth pastor drought, and whether avoiding danger should be a missional priority.
One of the most frequent questions we get relates to how to go about leading change in a church. In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the potential for negative change in a church — how it happens and how to prevent it — and the process for leading positive change in a church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk all things communion! What does it mean? Who is it for? How should we practice it? And how not to spill the cup on someone’s cream-colored pants.
It’s another installment in the Grab Bag feature, where Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson ask each other two surprise questions for off-the-cuff responses. Tune in and find out what we caught each other off guard about this week.
Are you a late to church arriver? Are you a sleep in service attender? Are you a size everybody up fellowshiper? On this episode of the FTC Pod, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the practical, dispositional, and spiritual considerations we should all make in preparing for church — everything from the logistics to getting there on time to the attitude of graciousness towards those worshiping alongside us.
You want your church to be reaching out with the gospel. Your sermons often include a call to evangelize. You’ve held evangelism training events. So . . . where are the conversions? Is your church actually reaching the lost? How do you become a genuinely soul-winning church? On today’s episode of the FTC Podcast, authors and ministers J.A. Medders and Doug Logan join Jared Wilson to talk about their new book The Soul-Winning Church and its six keys to fostering a genuine evangelistic culture in your church.
In this installment of the Mailbag, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer questions all submitted via email, including: recommended books for training lay elders, succession plans for senior pastorate, how to know if you’re “gospel-centered” enough, how churches should handle sex offenders who want to be members, the process of disciplining church leaders, and what compromises are appropriate in looking for a church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson celebrate some of the unsung heroes of congregations around the world. They don’t often get the fanfare or the spotlight, but these faithful member “types” help churches grow and flourish, and they are huge encouragements to their pastors.
It’s another installment of the Grab Bag feature here at the FTC Pod. Jared and Ross each come with unique questions for the other. Tune in and find out what surprise topics they discussed! Also, during the month of July you can enter to win the entire Puritan Paperback series from Midwestern Seminary, along with daily faculty book giveaways on social media. Enter to win at mbts.edu/mbtsbooks
Evangelicals love conferences. Well, most of them do anyway. Is the church’s interest in conferences changing? On this week’s episode of the podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the recent phenomenon of the mega-conference, what they like and don’t like about conferences, whether evangelicals’ love affair with conferences has changed, the advantages of smaller conferences, and even some thoughts on speaking at and hosting/organizing conferences. Also, during the month of July you can enter to win the entire Puritan Paperback series from Midwestern Seminary, along with daily faculty book giveaways on social media. Enter to win at mbts.edu/mbtsbooks
We know pastors love books and talking about books, so on this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross share a few books they recommend for the pastor’s shelf. Also, during the month of July you can enter to win the entire Puritan Paperback series from Midwestern Seminary, along with daily faculty book giveaways on social media. Enter to win at mbts.edu/mbtsbooks
It’s an “everything baptism” episode today! Jared and Ross talk about the biblical meaning and mode of baptism, the phenomenon of “spontaneous baptisms,” the connection between baptism and membership and discipleship, what age is the right age to baptize, and even their funny baptism stories. Also, during the month of July you can enter to win the entire Puritan Paperback series from Midwestern Seminary, along with daily faculty book giveaways on social media. Enter to win at mbts.edu/mbtsbooks
Revelation shouldn’t leave us fearful or confused, but its imagery and concepts often confound our modern ears. If all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable, though, we should assume Revelation is as accessible and helpful as any other book of the Bible. Teacher and author Jen Wilkin has written a new Bible study guiding readers through Revelation verse-by-verse to discover how the last book of the Bible is accessible, helpful, and speaks a steadying word of assurance and endurance to the church in every age. Wilkin joins Jared Wilson on this episode of the FTC Podcast to discuss. https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/revelation-bible-study
On this installment of the regular Mailbag feature of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the alleged pastor deficit, benevolence ministry, dealing with disqualified leaders in inter-church events, young adult Bible studies, should pastors attend Sunday School?, and more!
In honor of Father’s Day coming up, the guys are bringing their short lists of the best dads in the Bible. We’ve got some curve balls for you on this one!
A new installment in the Grab Bag feature, where Jared and Ross each bring two surprise questions for the other to answer.
We all swim in a sea of negativity every day, but how should Christians process and respond to specific criticism that comes their way? Whether pastors receiving criticism from their congregations or everyday believers receiving critical words from others, what’s the biblical response to hearing criticism?
Let’s check the mailbag! In the latest installment of the FTC Podcast’s most popular feature, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss your submitted question and topics, including: positives and negatives of VBS, avoiding pragmatism, church mergers, disagreeing with a senior pastor’s ministry philosophy, can pastors have close friends in the church?, picking songs for Sunday worship, and . . . church potlucks? Yes, even a question on church potlucks. (Jared and Ross have strong opinions.) Listen in and submit your own questions/topics for the next mailbag ep via mailbag@ftc.co
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the place of humor in preaching. Should it ever be used? If so, how? What are some things to do and not do?
In an episode in anticipation of Mother’s Day, Jared and Ross talk about their favorite biblical moms.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the books that changed their minds about things big and little.
A new mailbag installment of the FTC Pod is upon us! In this episode, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer your submitted questions and topics, including: when should pastors refer members to professional Christian counselors?, are church dress codes for those “on stage” reasonable?, preparing a small town church ready for city growth, when does a church plant become a “real” church?, is the age of accountability in the Bible?, what’s the best thing about the American Church?, best resources for training church leaders in gospel-centrality, and opinions about the streaming show The Chosen. You can submit a question or topic for the Mailbag any time via social media or via email at mailbag@ftc.co
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the importance of “story” as it pertains to our testimonies and to preaching and teaching, as well as the biblical and theological significance of the concept of story, before discussing Jared’s new book The Storied Life: Christian Writing as Art and Worship. The Storied Life, designed for writers and artists of all kinds, is published by Zondervan and is available to order/purchase wherever you buy Christian books. Order before May 7 and you can get access to Jared’s FREE teaching videos either for writers or preachers. More details at: www.zondervan.com/p/the-storied-life/
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss how mature Christians might learn to consider, process, and adjust when their churches change in a variety of ways, as well as how leaders might initiate change in a way that best positions a church for health and stability.
The latest installment in our new Grab Bag! feature comes with a twist. This grab bag is a movie swap! Jared and Ross assigned movies to one another. Jared has to watch Ross’s “Christian movie” recommendation. Ross has to watch Jared’s “is it a Christian movie?” recommendation. Then they discuss. Will they like their assignments? Will they hate them? Listen in and find out.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the ways some churches celebrate Easter that seem to have little to do with the resurrection of Jesus, how to re-embrace the power of the full message of the gospel, and why we sometimes drift into resurrection amnesia.
Now available on the Midwestern Seminary podcast platform: The Heart of Pastoring, featuring hosts Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin. Listen in week by week as Jared and Ronnie reflect on the biblical qualifications for ministry with spiritual insights, pastoral reflections, and personal stories. Season 1 is is releasing now wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Some estimates put the adult church dropout rate for kids raised going to church within evangelicalism at 70%! How do we help our kids love the church? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson have a conversation about influencing our kids to grow up into adults who are committed to the family of God.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the art of listening. How can we make sure the people in our lives and churches feel heard? And why is that important? Included are some practical tips for becoming better listeners.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with returning guest Ronnie Martin about the inner life of our pastors.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the problem with narcissists in the life and leadership of the church. How do we spot narcissism? What is the cause? Is there any remedy? And how would I know if I am one?
On this latest Mailbag installment of the For the Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer your submitted questions and topics. This episode features discussion of: pastoral priorities, church first impressions, thoughts on church “vision,” planting vs. revitalization, tailoring worship songs for generational attraction, how to know if you’re called to ministry, and what “threat” Christian nationalism might pose to the church.
It turns out the Grab Bag concept was a hit! Y’all liked the first episode with this concept so much, we’re going to make it a regular feature on the program. In the Grab Bag episodes, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson each bring 2 surprise topics or questions for the other to answer.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the ins and outs of ministry brokenness. AW Tozer once said, “Before God blesses a man greatly, he must hurt him deeply.” Is that true? How does such thinking play out in terms of leading with transparency, honesty, and confession? What does it look like for ministers to lead with, from, and even to brokenness?
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about a “hermeneutic of suspicion” in our relationships and the impact of viewing others this way upon our lives and local churches. Why should we “believe all things” about others? And how can we do that?
A new mailbag installment is here! A couple good questions on preaching, whether it’s ever permissible to “sprinke” rather than immerse, what to do with an unqualified elder team, how important is it to know the biblical languages?, moving a church away from a senior pastor model, and more.
Is the gospel-centered movement dead? Are the young Reformed these days restless? What happened to gospel-centrality and why does it matter? Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss these questions and more on this week’s episode of the FTC Podcast.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Jonathan Carswell, CEO of 10 of Those, to talk about the unique ministry of effectively resourcing the church, the state of Christian readership, the importance of physical media, what one thing to look for in a Christian book, and how Christian leaders can better equip their own churches for quality reading.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the problems we run into when we make New Year’s resolutions — or resolutions of any kind — and how to best handle new commitments and new habits in the Christian life.
We start a new feature this week we’re calling the FTC Grab Bag. Unlike the FTC Mailbag, where we answer your submitted questions and topics, on Grab Bag episodes Jared and Ross will each bring “surprise” topics or questions they want to discuss with each other. Will it be interesting? Will it go terribly? Tune in and find out.
Why do the more traditional Christmas songs feel the most timeless? Mr. Christmas himself — pastor and author Dr. Ronnie Martin — is back for our annual Christmas episode. This time he and host Jared Wilson discuss their favorite Christmas music. And we have a BIG announcement to share at the end of the episode!
It’s a Mailbag episode! On this week’s For the Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer your questions and discuss your submitted topics, including how to handle burnout and ministry discouragement, advice for pastors who have unmarried couples who are cohabitating, developing a culture of Bible readers in the church, the place of apologetics or academic discussions in preaching, identifying potential elders, and even our favorite dad jokes.
Different size churches experience different cultural and communal dynamics. Different size churches need different kinds of leadership, as well. On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about how church size affects church experience and church ministry.
We are currently experiencing the largest and fastest religious shift in US history. It is greater than the First and Second Great Awakening and every revival in our country combined…but in the opposite direction. On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson chats with Jim Davis and Michael Graham, co-authors of the new book The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?, about the eye-opening and challenging findings of the first-ever large-scale sociological research study of the American de-churching phenomenon. Maybe your assumptions about why people are leaving the church in massive numbers will be subverted, as well. Davis and Graham provide key insights to the challenge and applicational takeaways for evangelicals and church leaders in rising to the challenge. Find out more info at dechurching.com
On this special Thanksgiving week episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving in the Christian life year-round.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the peculiar tragedy of those who evidently “fall away.” Are there warning signs before apostasy? What should we look out for and how can we address the red flags in biblical and gracious ways?
What’s the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Why is it so hard to forgive? Do we have to forgive everybody? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross tackle these difficult questions and discuss why we have such trouble with forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation.
In this Mailbag installment of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross answer your questions. This week’s episode features discussions of devotional resources, whether pastors’ parsonages are a good idea, reasonable vacational policies for pastors, the influence of global evangelicalism, ministering to older saints, unique cautions for churches pursuing gospel-centrality, and more.
How can church members foster a greater sense of community with each other? What does it mean to “do life together,” and is it even possible in our Western culture? Jared and Ross talk about the possibilities and the pitfalls of experiencing community with other believers.
Find it difficult to pray? Struggle with sluggishness or a wandering mind in your quiet times? You’re not alone. On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross talk about ways to reinvigorate our approach to prayer.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross discuss the biblical portrait of spiritual warfare and what it means for the everyday Christian life. Plus: a BIG announcement!
Everybody’s favorite feature is back! On this FTC Mailbag episode, Jared and Ross respond to listener-submitted questions and topics like pastoring without seminary, terms for elders, restoring disqualified pastors, what happens to the soul when someone dies, whether SBC churches should bring into membership those baptized as infants, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the authors who have most influenced them and edified them in their Christian walk.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson return to the popular “pet peeves” series and turn the tables! Instead of focusing on peeves about leaders, we look at some annoying habits in congregations, with warmth and affection, of course, and an eye toward how to better love our churches and their leaders.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the vital ministry of the church's care for the poor and marginalized. Why is it important? What does the Bible say about it? And how can our churches better facilitate this ministry corporately and individually?
It's another Mailbag installment of the FTC Podcast. This time Jared and Ross discuss listener-submitted questions on patriotic worship services, difficult books of the Bible, communicating to a church a pastor's transition, discipleship with and for the disabled, how to know when one is ready to take a lead pastorate, and more.
Reunited and it feels so goooood! On this episode of the FTC Podcast, former co-host Ronni Kurtz returns as a guest to talk with Jared about Jared's new book Friendship with the Friend of Sinners and the remarkable possibility of closeness with Jesus.
Has your Bible reading time grown stagnant? Feel like you're in a rut or stalled out in some way? In this episode, Jared and Ross talk about some ways to reinvigorate your Bible study time, including a few ways they've personally experienced refreshing in their time in God's word.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross talk about how and why church business/member meetings sometimes go off the rails and how both leaders and laity can pursue greater unity and more peace in these important events in a church’s community life.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, the guys discuss the different "annoying" types one finds in Christian social media spheres and then offer some brief words of advice on how to enhance one's use of the platforms.
In this Mailbag installment of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answer listener-submtted questions on life and ministry. This episode includes topics like the challenge of AI to ministry, how bivo pastors can manage preaching load, what to do with those “unteachable” members, how you shouldn’t discipline your church Eeyores, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson look at the biblical qualifications for pastors and how both the culture’s and oftentimes the church’s expectations differ.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss their most embarrassing moments in the pulpit.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the happenings at Asbury College and dig into the historical apprasial of genuine revival as our measurements for true revival today.
It’s another Mailbag installment of the FTC Podcast, with Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson answering listener-submitted questions and topics, including counseling baptism for children, pastoral recovery from pandemic burnout, and more. Due to technical difficulties, this episode’s recording was cut shorter than usual Mailbag episodes. We will make up for it in the next installment!
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson return to a listener favorite segment — “peeves” — and share some ways small group leaders, Sunday School teachers, and other Bible study teachers can improve.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with ministry leader and author Ben Connelly about the ways churches sometimes train believers to read their Bibles without Jesus at the center.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson share their favorite Christian musical acts, plus a few honorable mentions.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss how Christians can leave a church wisely and charitably.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, author and Moody Publishers editor Drew Dyck returns to talk about the ins and outs of Christian publishing, including plagiarism, ghostwriting, and more.
Get a pen and paper handy! You’ll want to write these recommendations down. On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss what ought to be included on every Christian family bookshelf.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with scholar and author Jenny-Lyn de Klerk about what the lives of five Puritan women teach us about holy living and devotion to God.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about how church members can support and encourage their pastors — and why this work is so important and a benefit to the church!
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with author Aaron Armstrong about his new book of counsel for new believers and how we all might help our new brothers and sisters take their first steps in the pursuit of Christlikeness. But first, a conversation about comic book movies! (If you just want to skip to the book conversation, jump to 9:37.)
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson dip back into the mailbag to answer your questions on Christian life and ministry. This week we cover when to inform congregations of a pastor’s theological shift, whether pastors should ever turn off their phone, whether husbands should confess their porn struggle with their wives, handing ministries off to a new generation, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and his wife Becky talk about the heart and vision behind their first book together, Go Outside . . . and 19 Other Keys to Thriving in Your 20’s, available this May from Moody Publishers.
On this special Easter week episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson interviews author and professor Daniel Darling about the message of Easter as seen through the various witnesses to Christ’s resurrection.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the new Christian film “Jesus Revolution.” Did Ross love it? Did Jared hate it? And what implications might it have for ministry and church life today?
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with pastor and author Jeremy Writebol about his new book Pastor, Jesus is Enough and the problem of ministerial burnout.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with author and publisher Drew Dyck about the ins and outs of Christian publishing — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about navigating worklife as a Christian in a secular world.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Barnabas Piper about his new book “Belonging” and the beauty of gospel-centered unity and community in the local church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the ins and outs of singleness within the church community.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about some simple ways to approach evangelism without fear.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Dr. Jason Thacker, a prof at Boyce College and the chair of research in technology ethics at the ERLC, about his book Following Jesus in the Digital Age
Why are Christian movies so bad? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the state of Christian media and how it can be improved.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Erik Raymond about his book He is Not Ashamed and the amazing grace of Jesus for hurting, broken, sinful people.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson dig back into the ol’ mailbag and answer listener-submitted questions related to handling the departure of a beloved pastor, what first-year pastors should prioritize, performance-driven worship, when to leave the secular workforce and pursue a ministry job, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with fellow Midwestern Seminary professor Dr. Patrick Schreiner about his new book on Christians bearing public witness in a politically crazy world.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson offer some counsel on entering the new year with optimism and confidence.
Mr. Christmas himself — pastor and author Ronnie Martin — is back for our annual Christmas episode. This time he and host Jared Wilson discuss their favorite “redemptive” moments from various Christmas movies.
With the holidays on our mind, we know the prospect of spending time with difficult family members can be anxiety-inducing for many. On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson share some ways to navigate family conflicts and tension with grace and joy.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Blake Long about his book about displaying Christlike character in the practice of evangelism.
Jared and Ross have let worship leaders and pastors have it. In this episode of the FTC Podcast, they take aim at what bugs them about youth pastors. Come for the grouchiness. Stay for the encouragement.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Andrew Hébert about why more pastors don't pastor like Jesus.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss how to approach relationships in person (and online) from a Christlike perspective.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin "go to war" over their new Advent devotionals and talk about the goodness of meditating on the grace of Christ during this holiday season.
This episode of the FTC Podcast brings another installment of the regular mailbag feature. Today's questions and topics include: advice to a young pastor, building healthy ministry boundaries, if the Billy Graham Rule applies to social media, finding a mentor in the church, and what exactly is an Author in Residence?
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, we continue an occasional series on diverse missional contexts, as Jared Wilson interviews church planter and author Justin Buzzard about gospel ministry in the Silicon Valley of California.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about having those hard conversations we love to avoid with friends, family, and fellow church members.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Dr. Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Seminary, on the occasion of his 10th anniversary at the seminary and his new book Turnaround, laying out the leadership principles applied in the extraordinary comeback he led at the institution.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss the challenges of a bivocational pastorate and offer some advice on navigating the ministry circumstances well.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Cameron Cole, chairman of Rooted Ministries, about the state of student ministry in American evangelicalism and what greater gospel-centrality in these ministries would look like.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the tricky issue of the church "engaging the culture." What should that look like? What should it not? From participation in Halloween to navigating cultural artifacts like movies, music, or even politics, what are some ways Christians should think about such things?
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with radio host and author Brant Hansen about Christian manhood -- its problems and promise -- about godly ambition, toxic masculinity, and the like, as well as Asperger's, mission, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the discipleship of children, from family worship tips to church engagement and beyond.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with his MBTS colleague Dr. Geoff Chang, professor of church history and curator of the Spurgeon Library, about his new book on Spurgeon's pastoral ministry, implications for megachurches, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson open up the mailbag for another round of listener-submitted topics and questions, including: whether pastors are held to a higher standard, whether should disqualified leaders have their books removed, finding a rhythm for pastoral visitation, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with friend and former co-host of the podcast Dr. Ronni Kurtz about his new book connecting the life of the mind to the life of the soul.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss some things preachers do they wish they woudln't (and a few things they're glad they do).
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss pursuing holiness in the area of sexuality while the world around us seems to be on fire with impurity and temptation.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Dean Inserra chat about Dean's new book, "Pure: Why the Bible's Plan for Sexuality isn't Outdated, Irrelevant, or Oppressive."
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss things worship leaders do that they wish they wouldn't (and a few things they're glad they do).
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Chris Martin, author of the new book, "Terms of Service," about the promise and peril of social media.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss seeker sensitivity in a church. Is it ever okay? How and why?
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Jonathan Dodson about his new book, "The Unwavering Pastor", and how ministry leaders can navigate this strange and trying new season with grace and endurance.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson discuss how a Christian can know God's will for their life.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with historian Dr. Thomas Kidd about his new biography of Thomas Jefferson, helping us separate fact from fiction in Jefferson's life and spirituality.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Ross Ferguson, Midwestern Seminary student and former pastor from Scotland on the gospel story of his own life and ministry.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson responds to listener-submitted topics from Facebook, including Christ-centered Bible commentaries, older pastors in seminary, tips for young senior pastors, and how pastors in this unique ministry season can find encouragement.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson responds to listener-submitted topics from Twitter, including: What to do when people act crazy on social media, if pastors should pastors care how much they get paid, how to lead change in a congregation, if congregational voting is biblical, and more.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Gavin Ortlund, author of the new book Finding the Right Hills to Die On, about the ins and outs of theological triage and its importance in the local church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, we're going back in the archives to listen to Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer counsel for leaders of churches undergoing fast-paced growth.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with writer and speaker Daniel Ritchie about his own remarkable testimony of perseverance through hardship and his new book "Endure."
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with pastor Isaac Adams about his new book, Talking About Race, and the ways Christians can engage this important conversation with humility and truth.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with pastor Erik Raymond about his ministry in the Boston metro area and about the ins and outs of gospel mission in the New England context.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared talks with Dr. Gavin Ortlund about his new book "Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn't" and about a fresh approach to apologetics that amplifies both the intellectual coherence of the gospel and its beauty.
In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Dr. Ed Romine about LDS (Mormon) theology and culture, and the mission of bringing nonChristian Utah the gospel of Jesus.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman about the vital importance of personal, one-on-one ministry, especially in a growing church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz reflect on the past year of the For The Church ministry and look ahead to expected highlights in 2022.
On this special holiday episode of the FTC Podcast, Ronnie Martin returns to talk about the joys -- and the letdown -- of Christmas, how to right-size the enchantment of the season, and even whether Christian families should incorprate Santa into their celebrations.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz answer reader-submitted questions on leaving a ministry well, pros and cons of multi-site churches, the problems with "vritual reality" church, the trend of deconstruction, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about ways preachers can improve their sermon delivery.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared discusses some of the ways members can frustrate the experience of gospel-centered community in their churches.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz those discouraging or even depressing seasons of ministry when pastors are tempted to phone it in, fake it until they make it, or even quit altogether.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the blessing of low-maintenance church members -- what they are and how to be one.
This is another installment of the Mailbag feature of the FTC Podcast, where Jared and Ronni answer listener-submitted questions. On this episode, they cover how to speak the truth in love, how to respond when leadership overlooks a pastor’s moral failure, the best mistakes they ever made in ministry, short term mission trips, latest fiction […]
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and pastor Garrett Kell discuss a gospel-centered approach to overcoming the sin of pornography.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer some pastoral counsel for the Christian's daily time in God's word, reflections on their own Bible study practices past and present, and encouragement for those struggling with daily devotions.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Scott Thomas, Executive Pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee, about gospel-shaped leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness among ministers, and Scott's own time pastoring at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington and what he learned from its implosion.
This episode of the FTC Podcast features another installment of the recurring Headlines feature, with Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talking this week about the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast and the recent firing of Daniel Darling from the National Religious Broadcasters.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Scott Keith, Prof. of Theology at Concordia University, about the ins and outs of Christian friendship and Dr. Keith's new collection of essays on the subject.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about the depth and wonder of God's love, what it takes to experience this love, and Jared's new book on the subject.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ronni answer your questions in another installment of the FTC Mailbag. This time around they cover developing disinterested members into leaders, deciding which part-time positions to pay in the church, what qualifies someone to teach at a seminary, how to pastor congregants who don't understand theological triage, and favorite podcasts.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Raleigh Sadler, founder and president of Let My People Go and author of the book Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking, about the misconceptions we often have about the problem of trafficking and how we can help.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss some common errors made by new or younger preachers.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with scholar and author Chad Bird about reading the Old Testament in a Christ-centered way.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about the renewed interest in the UFO phenomenon and its implications for Christians and Christian belief.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson sits down with MBTS colleague Dr. Matthew Barrett to talk about the importance of Trinitarian theology for pastoral ministry, the orthodoxy of simplicity, what's up with the EFS debate, and more.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz talk about those times in ministry when things don't go as planned.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson interviews author and hip hop artist Shai Linne about his new book and Shai's reflections on the biblical vision for ethnic unity in the church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz break down the implications of gospel-centrality beyond the buzzword.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with artist and author Sho Baraka about his new book and about creativity and culture-making by and in the Church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ronni answer your questions in another installment of the FTC Mailbag. This time around they cover pastors who badmouth former congregations, how to find godly mentors, pastors balancing community involvement with local church ministry, pastoring people through midlife, and beginning replant conversations with dying churches.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with writer Gretchen Ronnevik about grace-driven discipleship and how the spiritual disciplines don't need to be legalistic burdens for those who are already spiritually worn out.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer counsel for leaders of churches experiencing numeric decline.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Dean Inserra about the new kind of prosperity gospel, expressive individualism, and a gospel-centered response to these challenges in the church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer counsel for leaders of churches experiencing numeric decline.
For The Church Podcast Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Midwestern Seminary professors Jared Wilson and Patrick Schreiner discuss an exciting new resource for helping individual Christians and whole churches better grasp the meaning and depth of the New Testament Scriptures.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer some words of advice for ministers leading churches into the post-pandemic season.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Jeff Medders about the ongoing impact conflict, stress, and other ministry hazards can have on the mind, soul, and body of the local pastor.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss what it might look like when revival strikes your church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Matt Smethurst and talks about the important role of deacons in the church, even dispelling some misconceptions many may have when it comes to this biblical office.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss what makes for good elders' meetings.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Dave Harvey, President of the Great Commission Collective, about the importance and the establisment of pastoral plurality in the local church.
On this installment of the regular Mailbag feature of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ronni discuss listener-submitted questions, including first steps for new believers, the timing of children's baptisms, sermon prep schedules, and building theological interest in a church without intimidating them.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Dr. Kyle Strobel, a theologian at Biola University, about honest prayer.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz encourage churches to rethink some of the contemporary approaches to Easter services.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss six books they recommend every pastor read to equip them with a deeper theology and greater pastoral sensibility for the rigorous work of ministry.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with journalist Billy Hallowell about spiritual warfare, demonic activity, and Hallowell's new book Playing with Fire.
On this week's episode, Jared and Ronni discuss what exactly makes a ministry "gospel-driven," as they dig into the substance and themes of Jared's new book for pastors and aspiring pastors.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson chats with Barnabas Piper, Director for Community at Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee, about the place of happiness in the Christian life.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Jordan Wilbanks, Director of Church Partnerships at Midwestern Seminary, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the church-seminary relationship in the training of young leaders for ministry.
In this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with author and Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie about the many ways our God ministers to us in the midst of dry seasons, lonely feelings, and profound senses of emptiness.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with J.T. English about making substantive disciples in the 21st-century church and his new book Deep Discipleship.
For The Church Podcast Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz do some “spitballing” on the topic of church planting, sharing some thoughts, concerns, and convictions.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Trevin Wax about his new book examining expressive individualism.
The 100th episode! Jared and Ronni look back and forward (and share a special announcement).
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Ronnie Martin about "doing Christmas" amidst this pandemic (and all the other 2020 weirdness).
This episode of the podcast is another installment of the FTC Mailbag, where Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz tackle your submitted questions.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Dr. Todd Chipman about the importance of biblical theology.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ronni discuss the importance of the Christian's reading fiction, which includes a conversation about Jared's new novel.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Jasmine Holmes about her new book "Mother to Son."
The State of Theology 2020. How Christian higher ed can adapt to crisis. Ravi Zacharias.
On this episode of the For the Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Daniel Darling about civility and encouragement in an age of hostility.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer some words of wisdom for new Bible college and seminary students on successfully pursuing a biblical education while thriving spiritually and at home.
For The Church Podcast A Resource from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with John Starke, Lead Pastor of Apostles Church in New York City and author of the new book The Possibility of Prayer, about the trials and joys of speaking to our heavenly […]
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz reflect on the legacy of the recently departed theologian J.I. Packer and add some words of counsel for leaders on finishing well.
Jared Wilson talks with Harold Senkbeil -- Executive Director of Doxology at The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care, fifty-year ministry veteran, and author of the new book The Care of Souls -- about the heart and the practice of pastoral ministry.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss numerous listener-submitted questions and topics.
For The Church Podcast A Resource from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Gavin Ortlund, author of the new book Finding the Right Hills to Die On, about the ins and outs of theological triage and its importance in the local church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the surprisingly tricky question of the pastor's personal study of the Bible.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with author Kristen Wetherell about her new book Fight Your Fears and how the gospel helps us in the daily battle to stand firm.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss what to look for in assessing and training men for eldership in your local church.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson interivews historian Thomas Kidd about the current and upcoming challenges facing evangelicals.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz reflect on the fifth anniversary (4/22) of the For The Church website and the last five years of growth and ministry.
On this latest installment of the Mailbag feature of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz answer a new round of listener-submitted questions.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson interviews pastor and author Jonathan Dodson on the revolutionary help of the Beatitudes for our culture in crisis.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the pros and cons of writing and preaching from both outlines and manuscripts.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson interviews pastor and author Jonathan Parnell about finding strength from God for all of our days and disciplining ourselves to rest regularly in God's immeasurable grace.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the problem of pastors plagiarizing the work of others in their sermons and writing.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson interviews artist and author Andrew Peterson about creativity, spirituality, and Andrew's new book Adorning the Dark.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Ronni Kurtz interviews Jared Wilson about his new book The Gospel According to Satan: Eight Lies About God that Sound Like the Truth.
Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz kick off the new year of the FTC Podcast with another installment in the FTC Mailbag feature.
On this special episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and guest Ronnie Martin talk all things Christmas.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss their favorite articles and videos from the past year at FTC.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Dr. Matthew Millsap about why movies made for the evangelical marketplace seem to be so bad.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss a pioneering pastor from American church history who is woefully unknown.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks to Dr. Matt Carter about his newest book, The Long Walk Home.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the strange phenomenon of undermining the philosophy of gospel-centrality with our ministry and personal practices.
Is there a problem with evangelicalism's use of the word "gospel?" Author, pastor, and blogger Tim Challies joins host Jared Wilson to discuss the peril (and potential) of our fascination with a "gospely" everything.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the obstacles vocational ministers face in sharing the gospel -- and also the opportunities.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Drew Dyck, author of the recent book Your Future Self Will Thank You about the discipline of self-control in the Christian life.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz offer some rough notes on navigating the pastoral challenges involved in "changing the DNA" of your church culture.
Pastors and the upcoming election; young pastors among established staff; bivocational priorities; what to expect of teenagers in the church; Josh Harris's announcements.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss how pastors can biblically and wisely shepherd through relational tensions in the church.
On this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss what they're reading, what pastors are reading, and what pastors should be reading.
Jared Wilson talks with Dean Inserra about perhaps the largest mission field in America.
On this episode of the podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Jonathan Leeman about navigating the current minefields in evangelical social media.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the importance for churches of centering on the gospel.
On this episode of the podcast, Jared Wilson talks with author and pastor Robby Gallaty about the discipleship deficit in the church and how to correct it.
On the latest installment of the For The Church Mailbag feature, Jared Wilson is joined by Ronni Kurtz. Listen in as they answer submitted questions related to the Christian life and ministry.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Ed Stetzer about the state of "missional" in the evangelical church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss guarding against consumerism and pragmatism in a growing church.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Chris Thomas, Lead Pastor of Raymond Terrace Community Church in New South Wales, Australia.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Jeff Medders, Lead Pastor of Redeemer Church in Tomball, Texas and author or co-author of several books, including the new release Humble Calvinism
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the root sin beneath some recent headlines, from the Houston Chronicle's report on sexual abuse in the SBC to the recent firings of pastor James MacDonald and others.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Collin Hansen about the state of evangelicalism, the past and future of the "young, restless, Reformed" tribe, and cultural issues the church must begin wrestling with today.
On the latest installment of the For The Church Mailbag feature, Jared Wilson is joined by Ronni Kurtz. Listen in as they answer submitted questions related to the Christian life and ministry.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with artist and author Jackie Hill Perry about life, ministry, and her incredible testimony of the grace of Jesus.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson discusses the benefits and challenges of establishing a program for ministry residents at your local church. Joining him is special guest, pastor Josh Hedger.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson speaks with author, podcaster, and pastor's wife Christine Hoover about pastors, their wives, and their friendships.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson discusses several reasons why it's so important and beneficial for pastors to systematically work through entire books of the Bible in their Sunday morning preaching.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Drs. Andreas and Margaret Köstenberger about their new book Equipping for Life: A Guide for New, Aspiring, and Struggling Parents and important topics related to raising word-wise kids in a wordly culture.
On this first installment of For The Church Mailbag, a new occasional feature of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson answers listener submitted questions related to the Christian life and ministry.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor, author, and professor Zack Eswine about the problem of busy-ness in ministry and the promise of hope for the pastor who feels overwhelmed.
Can we learn anything from the start of the attractional movement? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson lists some positive steps the original seeker church movement made that were headed in the right direction, things we can still emulate and apply today.
How does gospel-driven sanctification work? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with pastor and author Darryl Dash about the ins and outs of practical spiritual growth.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with David McLemore about prevalent concerns for church planting in areas that already have lots of churches.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Russ Ramsey about what kind of pastor Jesus was and what pastors can learn from him about shepherding.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks about about how a church should respond when a pastor, under normal circumstances, resigns from his ministry.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Noah Oldham about pastors pursuing physical fitness.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson discusses some ways the seeker service approach to church gatherings may be "upside down."
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Won Kwak, Lead Pastor of Maranatha Grace Church in Fort Lee, New Jersey, about growing up a pastor's kid, raising up leaders in the church, and the challenges and opportunities of doing ministry in New York City metro.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson discusses how the good news of the finished work of Jesus Christ applies to the ongoing work of the pastor -- his life, heart, and shepherding.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Charles Smith, Vice President for Institutional Relations at Midwestern Seminary, about the ins and outs of gospel-centered leadership.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson visits with Dr. J.D. Greear, Pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and author of the new book Not God Enough.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson offers some practical ways to craft sermons that inspire and empower congregations live on mission in their communities.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared C. Wilson helps you evaluate how welcoming your church really is for visitors.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared C. Wilson discusses the contemporary church methodology of "video preaching."
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared C. Wilson interviews Dr. Jason K. Allen, President of Midwestern Seminary and College on his new book Being a Christian: How Jesus Redeems All of Life
On this episode, Jared C. Wilson visits with Costi Hinn, Executive Pastor of Mission Bible Church in Tustin, California, co-author of the book Defining Deception, and redeemed refugee from the world of faith healing.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared C. Wilson discusses the importance -- and unimportance -- of preaching illustrations.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared C. Wilson interviews Dr. Jason K. Allen, president of Midwestern Seminary, about his first five years in leadership at the school and the dramatic resurgence resulting.
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared C. Wilson outlines numerous reasons a church should aim for simplicity in its programming, method, and mission.
Episode 19: The 5 C's of Preaching
What is the irreducible complexity of Christian preaching? What distinguishes preaching from lecturing? In this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson discusses 5 elements of Christian preaching that every pastor ought to embrace in reviewing if their sermon is pulpit-ready.
Episode 18: Dean Inserra
“Lost people don't go to a church because the band is awesome."
Episode 17: The Fine Art of Pastoral Listening
When listening to others, consider how God listens to you.
In Episode 12 of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and author and teacher Jen Wilkin discuss the dynamics of community groups, discerning a teaching gift, why the prosperity gospel sells, the differences between men's and women's "learning styles," and why women's ministries are often so cheesy.
In Episode 11 of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Dave Harvey discuss vital ministry practices of preaching, counseling, applying the gospel to one's self, and the celebrity pastor problem.
Episode 10: Why Discipleship Matters
"Maybe our failure to disciple the converts we make is why we’re making fewer converts."
In Episode 9 of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and John Onwuchekwa discuss ministry and mission in urban environments, the declining numbers in the SBC, and what it's like for stutterers to make a living doing public speaking.
In Episode 7 of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Barnabas Piper discuss curiosity, platform, pastors' kids, and what it's like growing up the son of John Piper.
In this episode of the For The Church Podcast, Jared Wilson talks with Miles Rohde, lead pastor of Redemption Spokane, which began as the Mars Hill Spokane campus prior to the collapse of that ministry empire, about what we can learn from Mars Hill's fall.
In Episode 5 of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Dr. Owen Strachan discuss Rod Dreher's book The Benedict Option and ask the important question, "What would it look like if Satan took over a city?"
Episode 4: Jonathan Leeman
“Churches seem to have lost track of what the Bible says about organizing our lives together.”
Episode 3: Preventing Ministry Burnout
"You might say your season of life does not allow for much rest, but you are setting yourself up for a disastrous next season."
Episode 2 with Matt Boswell
Matt is the pastor of ministries and worship and an elder at Providence Church. A native Texan, he grew up the son of a pastor. He has been leading worship and involved in church planting since 1995. His passion is to see our congregation engaged in gospel-centered ministry, and in this environment live out the great commission. He writes songs for congregational worship and is also a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is head over heels for his bride, Jamie, and they have four small children.
Episode 1: Matt Chandler
"If you can teach the Bible in a compelling way to 1st through 5th graders, you've got all the raw tools you need."