TBC Equipped: Recent Episodes
TBC Norman
Equipped is a ministry of Trinity Baptist Church in Norman, Ok. We host interviews and conversations that equip Christians to live gospel-centered lives in every area of culture.
Looking for a new book to read? In this episode of the Equipped podcast, Ryan & Curtis offer their recommendations for some of the best books they’ve read in genres ranging from Theology, Christian Life and the Church to Fiction and Sports.
In his kindness, God has placed us in a church with saints of all ages! While the culture tends to label and stereotype people of different generations, we are called to a better way. In this episode of the Equipped podcast, Ronnie, Ryan & Curtis discuss the blessings, challenges, and awesome opportunities of doing ministry with multiple ages.
Topics include:
- Musical preferences (6:00 & 19:00)
- What does Titus teach us on this subject? (11:30)
- How do I start meeting with someone older or younger? (12:00)
- What are the dangers of only hanging out with people my own age? (16:00)
- The temptation to let our preferences become idols (18:00)
- How overhead projector almost split a church (20:00)
In this episode of the Equipped podcast, Ronnie, Ryan & Curtis discuss manhood in the church. Topics include:
-What does godly ambition look like in the church? (7:30)
-What should a man do who has "messed up"? (12:45)
-What are some things a man is called to do scripturally? (14:00)
-Why did Ryan get into hunting? (21:45)
-How could a man get plugged in right now? (26:45)
Resources mentioned in this episode:
-Man Up! by Jeffrey Hemmer
-Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller
-God at Work by Gene Veith
In this episode of the Equipped podcast, Ronnie, Ryan & Curtis discuss Christian liberty, unity, the importance of meeting together and some temptations inherent in social media.
In this episode of the TBC Equipped podcast, Ronnie, Ryan & Curtis discuss information overload. Topics include:
-In times of crisis, how much news should we watch/read?
-How should Christians think about conspiracy theories?
-What are some ways Christians grow in the area of discernment?
In this episode, Ryan and Curtis respond to the sermon from last Sunday, A Call to Fast & Pray. Highlights:
- "Psalm 37:4 is true, but there are a lot of desires in my heart God has no desire to answer."
- Curtis expresses his love for wedding food.
- Ryan notes that Ronnie scheduled the fast to end exactly when his Wednesday Bible study is set to begin.
- "This is a spiritually dangerous, dark and desperate time. It's not normal for us not to be meeting in person."
- Special guest appearance by Ryan's basset hound Larry.
In this strange season, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of news updates. But how much internet is too much? What about social media?
In this episode we try to address these questions using a helpful resource called the Wisdom Pyramid.
- Remember you are not alone
- Be safe
- Take advantage of resources-Book recommendation: The Final Days of Jesus by Taylor and Köstenberger
-Good Friday service Friday at 6PM 4. Spend time thinking about how Spirit can use this unique time 5. Celebrate the resurrection!
What do George Washington's last days, 1960s North Dakota, and the early church have in common? They all find their way into this episode of TBC Equipped! If you're stuck at home and looking for a good read, Ryan and Curtis offer a few of their recent favorites, including:
- Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado
- Eat this Book by Eugene Peterson
- Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
- Washington's End by Andrew Horn
- Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
Devotional. Prayer. “Quiet Time.” What should our time with God look like? On this episode Ryan and Curtis share what they do to pursue deeper time with the Lord, and offer a few tips to help believers in this area. A few resources referenced in this episode:
- The Root of the Righteous by Tozer
- New Morning Mercies by Tripp
- A Godward Life by Piper
There are over 30 "One Anothers" in the New Testament. In this season of social distancing, how can we still be faithful to practice those as a church? We dig into this question in this episode.
In this episode, we discuss the COVID-19 phenomenon—how it's changed our world so rapidly, and how we are adapting as a church to continue to equip, engage, and evangelize. Links to resources mentioned:
- TBC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tbcnorman/
- TBC COVID-19 Meeting Schedule: https://trinitynorman.org/news-events
- Zoom: https://zoom.us
According to a recent study, only 10% of Americans can name 8 of their neighbors.
If Jesus tells us the 2nd greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves, we in the church must get better at “neighboring.”
In this episode, we welcome in Jennifer Jackson and Sarah Kennedy to hear about things they've done to get to know and share the love of Jesus with the people who live on their block.
Books and resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon
- Relay - contact your kids without giving them a phone!
- You Who?Rachel Jankovic
- The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
In this episode, we talk to our Senior Pastor, Ronnie Rogers, about sermons. What is a sermon? Why do we gather together to listen to them? How does he prepare a sermon? What do terms like "exegesis" and "exposition" mean?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Booksby Tony Reinke
- Logos Bible Software
“What’s the music like? How is the kids programming? What will it do for me?” Are we asking the wrong questions about church?
Whether we realize it or not, our culture is discipling us to be consumers.
In this episode, we discuss how this can influence our attitude about church, and offer some thoughts on how to break out of it.
To that end, we unpack The Book Your Pastor wishes You Would Read by Christpher Ash, including these 7 important virtues of church members:
- Daily repentance and eager faith
- Committed belonging
- Open honesty
- Thoughtful watchfulness
- Loving kindness
- High expectations
- Zealous submission
In this episode, we talk with Jeff Gilleland and George Schroeder about Trinity’s mission efforts in Guatemala. Highlights include:
- differences between Central and North American culture
- inroads the prosperity gospel has made there
- how mission trips change our perspective
- the past, present, and future of this ministry (including a possible church plant!)
In this episode, we're joined by Trinity member Shannon Schroeder. Shannon heads up our ministry to Wilson Elementary, and she is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with the families in our neighborhood. We discuss why and how Shannon began this ministry, some things God has done since then, and how members can get involved if they are interested.
Looking to go deeper in your understanding of the Christian faith? In this episode, we talk about a ministry designed for you: The Academy. We discuss the content, format, and ideal candidates.
In this episode, Chris Haynes joins us to discuss how Christians take advantage of Halloween and use this unique holiday to build or deepen relationships with their neighbors.
Ever had an idea or issue you wanted to discuss with a pastor, but you’re not sure how or when to bring it up? In this episode, we talk about how to approach a pastor, and identify four principles:
1- At the right time
2- With realistic expectations
3- With a humble heart
4- Willing to serve
In this episode, we discuss our church's “Who’s Your One” initiative and tackle the following questions:
- What is the gospel?
- Why is evangelism important?
- What does it mean to think like a missionary?
- How can I share the gospel if I'm an introvert?
In this episode, we interview Athletic Director Bo Maynes. Bo is a teacher, coach, mentor, adoptive father, TBC youth group teacher, former University of Oklahoma wrestler, and sixteen-year veteran of public education.
Topics include:
- Why Bo got into teaching
- Things public ed. students and parents should be aware of
- Challenges and opportunities working in public ed.
- How to define manhood in the 21st century
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Inside Out Coaching by Joe Ehrmann
Seasons of Life by Jeffrey Marx
In this episode, Ryan and Curtis review The Imperfect Disciple by Jared Wilson. In this excellent book, Wilson identifies some very common misconceptions about the Christian life, challenges us to look "beneath the hood" and get honest before God and each other, and encourages us to embrace the gospel of grace not just for salvation but for our sanctification as well.
In this episode, we are joined by our Senior Pastor Ronnie Rogers. Ronnie has recently returned from his trip to Oxford, England, where he was researching for a new book on prayer. We ask him about his trip, his writing process, how Oxford is like Falls Creek, and give him a quiz on “Britishisms.”
On this episode, Chris Kennedy and John Koisterud introduce the TEC classes they are teaching this fall. TEC classes will begin Sunday, September 8, at 5PM in the Fellowship Hall.
HOPE FOR THE GRIEVING CHRISTIAN
Chris will be teaching a class to help Christians think through grief. Topics will include:
- What are some things people misunderstand about grief?
- What should you say to someone who is grieving?
- What should you NOT say?
- Is there a standard way to process grief?
HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN BUDGET?
John will be teaching a class on finances. Topics will include:
- How do we honor God with our money?
- How should we handle debt?
- What does the Bible really say about tithing?
- What does a short-term and long-term financial strategy look like?
In this episode we chat with Trinity member George Schroeder, a sportswriter who covers college football for USA Today. We talk about sports' place in our culture, why it is so important to Americans, how his faith shapes his work, whether soccer is the "beautiful game" or hopelessly communist, and how to be both a Christian and a sports fan. Resources mentioned in this episode: USA TODAY and In the Arena by David Prince.
In this episode, we are joined by Rick Harvey and John Kiosterud to discuss the "1-year" adult classes we are offering this fall.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
ApologeticsChristian Apologetics by GielserCan Science Explain Everything? by Lennox
MarriageLove and Respect by EggerichsThe Five Love Languages by Chapman
What does coaching little league have to do with the gospel? In this episode, Ryan and Curtis are joined by Jason Colvin, local business owner and experienced coach of kids baseball, football, and basketball to talk about how to coach well and love players, parents and...umpires?
In June 2019 messengers from Southern Baptist churches around the country met in Birmingham, AL. In this episode we are joined by Jon Wood from Cedarville University and Tristan Martin from Alameda Baptist in Norman to discuss what happens at this meeting and some of the positive takeaways.