Centrally Speaking: Recent Episodes
Ministerial Staff at Central Schwenkfelder Church
“Centrally Speaking” is a podcast from the Central Schwenkfelder Church and speaks about issues that would be of interest to our society. In particular it addresses how a Christian worldview intersects with western secular culture. In the spirit of the church's founder, we take the perspective of "the Middle Way," which is in agreement with the historic Christian church.
At Christmas time, many will recognize that the church speaks about the birth of Jesus. As part of the celebration, Christians also sing Christmas carols. These used to be prominent in western society, but they are heard much less frequently outside of the church. In this podcast, we interview Sally House, the Director of Music at the Central Schwenkfelder Church and someone who has instructed about music for over 30 years in the school system nearby. We ask her questions about great carols such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Joy to the World," and "Silent Night." Then, she discusses lesser known carols like "Of the Father's Love Begotten" and "Lo, how a Rose E'er Blooming." At the end of the podcast, she compares carols like these with what is heard in offices and department stores today.
Christmascarols #SilentNight #Christmasmusic2025 #Schwenkfelderchoir #UnitedSchwenkfelderchoir
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Many are recognizing that religious persecution is a problem. While this knowledge is increasing, the understanding has not led to persecution decreasing. In this podcast, we interview Prof. dr. Janet Epp Buckingham about these problems. As someone who is serving as the Director of the World Evangelical Alliance Geneva Office since September 2024 and previously as WEA Director of Global Advocacy, she is repeatedly raising awareness of this issue. In these roles, Janet advocates at the United Nations with national evangelical alliances.
In this podcast, Prof. Buckingham provides statistics about religious persecution, gives reasons for why Christians are persecuted more than other religions, shares about certain countries where religious persecution is most intense, and suggests several ways for Christians to be involved in assisting those who are being persecuted.
religiouspersecution #christianpersecution #supportforthosepersecuted #internationaldayofprayerpersecutedchurch
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Migration is one of the largest issues of our time. More than ever before nations and faiths are encountering each other in unexpected ways. This is taking place in Marseille, the oldest city in France. In this southern city, many from North Africa have settled bringing a different worldview. Marseille now has many Muslims who intermingle with those who are Catholic or atheist. Craig Young has been observing this trend for over 35 years. As a missionary, he has befriended those from both North African and French backgrounds. He and his wife Katie lead the church Chapelle de Fuveau (https://www.chapelledefuveau.fr/) which straddles two neighborhoods in France of different backgrounds.
migrationFrance #IslamChristianityMarseille #CatholicFranceMuslim #CatholicIslamFrance #atheistMuslimFrance
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Abuse happens in many places throughout our society. Does God have a word for those who are feeling manipulated? In her upcoming book, That God is For Me: A Study of God’s Heart Through the Stories of Women in Scripture, Lisa Radcliff points to several stories in the Bible that display his heart for those who have been misused. Lisa Radcliff is an award-winning author, speaker, and advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. (website: https://lisajradcliff.com/). Lisa and her husband, Doug, have been married for over 40 years, raising three sons and enjoying their nine grandchildren. She and her husband grew up at the Central Schwenkfelder Church.
gettingbeyondabuse #churchabuse #Godisforme #God'sheartforwomen #womenintheBible #womenBible
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
How were the ancient writings that compose our Bible translated into our current English Bibles? In this podcast, we ask Dr. Scott Hafemann who was a part of the translation committee for the New International Version translation of the Bible about this process. In his answers, he speaks about the earliest English translations, the King James Version, and the New International Version. His answers also share about his experience serving on a translation committee. Scott Hafemann was formerly a reader of New Testament at Saint Andrews University in Scotland, the Gerald Hawthorne Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, and the Mary Rockefeller Professor of New Testament at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
bibletranslation #Bibletranslationcommittee #NIVtranslation #ESVtranslation
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
The events surrounding the death of Jesus on Good Friday are truly tragic. As Christians remember it, was it completely out of control? Was Jesus just in the wrong place at the wrong time? What difference would it make if there was some divine plan behind it? In this podcast we interview David McKinley, Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church about this topic.
deathofJesus #sovereigntyofGodcrucifixion #prophecyMessiahdeath #crucifixionJesus #GoodFriday #PassionofJesus #centralschwenkfelderchurch
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
How did the church globally make some of its decisions? One of the most important decisions took place in AD 325 in modern day Turkey at the Council of Nicaea. Representatives from all over the Roman Empire came to this council. Eventually, decisions made there led to the Nicene Creed, which many say before taking communion (the Eucharist).
On the 1700th anniversary of this important date in church history, we ask Dr. Donald Fairbairn about this council. He is the Robert E. Cooley Professor of Early Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Union School of Theology (Wales). He has authored or co-authored twelve books. Some of the questions discussed include: Who organized this council? Who came? Why was a man named Arius such a problem? What were the results of the Council?
councilofnicaea #AD325 #firstecumenicalcouncil #ecumenicalcouncils #nicenecreed #donaldfairbairn
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
How do we connect with youth today? What are the characteristics of what some people call Generation Z? Dr. Dave Coryell has been answering this question through Christian Endeavor for over 18 years. In the past 8 years, he has been the Director of Pennsylvania Christian Endeavor (website: https://www.ceworks.faith/) and also serves with Christian Endeavor World (https://www.christianendeavor.com/). He is also an adjunct youth ministry professor at Lancaster Bible College. He and his wife Jen have four children.
Recently, he has authored a book about the youth of today and the church. It is called Less Like Hippos . . . More Like Honeybees: Reject Consumerism. Embrace Maturity. Change how the World Does Youth Ministry. He will speak about this book on this podcast.
reachingGenZ #PennsylvaniaChristian Endeavor #Lesslikehippos #morelikehoneybees #youthinAmerica #Christianyouth #GenerationZ
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
During the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, American news was running many stories about the news. In recent months, however, the mainstream news is sharing much less. In this podcast, we interview Ken Sears, missionary from European Christian Mission North America Inc. (website: https://www.ecmna.org/).
He shares the latest news from the city of Zaporizhzhya, which is just 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the front line. His news includes what takes place during air attacks and their frequency. It also includes the importance of peace in this region in the near future.
Zaporizhzhya #Zaporozhye #RussianinvasioneastUkraine #eastUkraine
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
How can we have a more spiritual Christmas? While many are focused on gift giving and parties, Christmas is so much more than this. It has spiritual origins. People like Mary and Joseph had distinct spiritual practices. How can we recover these? In this podcast, we interview Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church, about spiritual experiences that will lead to a faith filled Christmas and keep Christ in Christmas.
spiritualityChristmas #spiritualpracticesMary #spiritualpracticesJoseph #keepingChristinChristmas
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Prayer is an indispensable part of Christian experience. As the world has modernized, deeper and richer spiritual experiences have dissipated. Some Christian communities have been known for their devotion to prayer. One of these is the Schwenkfelder Church. In this podcast, Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister of Central Schwenkfelder Church, interviews Rev. Dr. Drake Williams, Minister of Mission and Theology at the church. The interview contains discussion about Caspar Schwenckfeld's writing about prayer, the catechism of the first American pastor in America, the 1762 hymnal of the Schwenkfelders, a comparison with the Pietists, and the practice of Schwenkfelders taking the Eucharist in the early 1900's. It also considers some suggestions for modern application.
Schwenkfeldersprayer #Schwenkfelderhymnal #CasparSchwenckfeld #Schwenkfeldpietists #PietistsSchwenckfeld
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Why are some conversions to Christianity so dramatic while others seem more ordinary? Rev. Dr. Luminița Nichols knows both types well from her experience growing up in Romania and facing persecution during Communist times, and then serving as a minister in Lancaster, PA in the United States. Her book recounts her conversion experience and her journey. It is entitled, From Pain to Purpose: A Young Woman's Journey from a Communist Prison to an American Pulpit is published by Wipf & Stock in 2022: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666748604/from-pain-to-purpose/
Besides these experiences, Luminița is also a family person, being married to Eric and then having two daughters.
conversion #persecutionconversion #Romanianrevolution #Christianconversion
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
The small Schwenkfelder denomination began in Silesia, Germany during the Reformation. It was particularly born out of the controversies about the Eucharist. In this podcast, we ask author Rev. Dr. Martha Kriebel about her thesis entitled Schwenkfelders and the Sacraments that she wrote in 1965 for her Master of Sacred Theology Degree that she did at Lutheran Seminary. The thesis was published in 1968. Now after over 65 years of ordained ministry experience, she provides this reflection on her book and about the sacraments in general.
sacramentsSchwenkfelders #EucharistSchwenkfelders #PalmSchwenkfelder #Stillstand #Schwenckfeld
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) is a viewpoint promoted by American universities that has had substantial influence. This perspective encourages greater access to university resources for those who have been restricted. It is also used for increasing social justice in society.
It is becoming increasingly criticized, however. In this podcast, we ask Dr. Patrick Casey about DEI and its future. Dr. Casey is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA. He has written an article entitled "The reeducation of DEI" for the online publication Inside Higher Education. That article can be read here: https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2024/05/07/reeducation-dei-opinion
DEI #reformingDEI #improvingDEI #changingDEI
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Christianity and Islam are two of the major religions in our world. How do Muslims practice their faith? How do Christians practice the faith? Are they alike? How are they different? In this podcast we ask Dr. Andrew Brunson about his time that he spent living in Turkey and then when he was imprisoned and living with Muslims. Dr. Brunson is also the author of God's Hostage: A Story of Persecution, Imprisonment, and Perseverance.
islamchristianity #Islamspirituality #Islamdevotion #Christianspirituality #comparativereligions
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Central Schwenkfelder Church has been a noted edifice in the Lansdale/Worcester, Pennsylvania community since 1951. It was originally formed by merging two smaller meeting houses in the area - Towamencin and Worcester. The building in 1951 presented a particular expression of the Christian faith and was attractive to many in the community. Now for over a year, the building has been renovated, presenting a fresh means for the church to present its vision of the Christian faith and to interact with the surrounding community. The dedication weekend for the renovated building is on Friday, May 3- Sunday, May 5, 2024. All who are able to join the church for this celebration are welcome.
In this podcast, we discuss with Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. David McKinley, about Central Schwenkfelder's past and also its future. More information about the church's renovation project can be found here: https://www.centralschwenkfelderr4renovation.org/
centralschwenkfelderchurch #centralschwenkfelderchurchrenovations #schwenkfelderchurches #schwenkfeldermeetinghouses #Towamencinmeetinghouse #Worcestermeetinghouse #churchbuildingsoceity
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
What should a Christian do during this time period to get the most out of it? Many Christians have an opinion on this, especially since the time has been in the Christian calendar since the fourth century. We caught up with Rev. Dr. David McKinley the Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church to ask his opinion about the matter.
LentSchwenkfelder #CentralSchwenkfelder #ProtestantsLent
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Christian communities frequently produce art that represent their common life and values. The Schwenkfelders as well as other German based Christian groups created a distinct piece of artwork called fraktur. These paintings reveal valuable themes that were important. In this podcast we speak with Candace Perry, the curator of collections at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center about this important artwork. She has served at the Library and Heritage Center for over 25 years, has written a catalog of fraktur for the Pennsylvania German Society, and has made many presentations about this subject.
fraktur #colonialGermanart #Christianfraktur #Schwenkfelderart #colonialPennsylvaniaart #Germanfolkart
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
In the 21st-century in the West, identity is everything. It seems that it has never been more important to know who you are and be true to yourself. In this podcast, author and scholar Dr. Brian Rosner shares why looking inside is not the right answer. Instead, he suggests that looking outside of oneself to relationships, life stories, and upward to God is much more profitable. He shares from his own personal experience and his studies. Dr. Brian Rosner is the Principal of Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia, a scholar of international reputation, and a family man.
howtofindyourself #lookinginside #findidentity #findyourself #findidentity
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Antisemitism has risen to a top news story following the October 7, 2024 Hamas-led attack on Israel which killed 1200 people and led to 240 hostages. Since then, accusations of antisemitism have been circulating in the media, demonstrations in support of Hamas have taken place in cities and on university campuses, and hearings with university presidents have taken place before Congress.
In this podcast, we ask H Randall Morgan, Jr. who has lived in Afghan villages, visited Israel and is the current Chairman for the Maryland-Israel Sister State Committee to speak to this situation. We ask him to define what antisemitism is, explain its origins, and clarify why it is so dangerous. We also ask him how one can show genuine sympathy to innocent Palestinians who are caught in this current conflict and not be seen as antisemitic. The interview concludes with his guidance on how to prevent antisemitism at the workplace, school, or in the community .
antisemitism #dangerantisemitism #antisemitismuniversity #preventantisemitism
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Christmas is a greatly anticipated holiday in America each year, but now some cannot think about it unless there are extravagant gifts. In this podcast, we interview Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister of Central Schwenkfelder Church, about the origins of the Christmas holiday, the excesses of the holiday, how some wanted to ban it, and then some of its best aspects. We then ask him how we might be able to have a more family and Christ centered Christmas this year.
familyChristmas #ChristcenteredChristmas #originsofChristmas #historyChristmas
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
What is taking place in Ukraine from the perspective of Christian workers who are working in the region? Much of the world's attention has been on the conflict between Israel and Hamas on the Gaza strip. With much of mainstream news focused on the Middle East and elsewhere, we interviewed Dirk Smith, the Vice-President of Eastern European Mission. He provides some of the latest testimonies of what is taking place in Ukraine in this podcast.
ukraineconflict #ukrainemission #russiaukraineconflict #missiontestimonyukraine
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated a deadly surprise attack on Israel. Thousands of armed Hamas men tore down the fence at the border between Gaza and the Israeli border and then killed and captured many. Simultaneously, Hamas fired thousands of rockets at Israel. While Israel has received small scale attacks, this one was like no other. Now, the world is watching what will happen next. In this podcast, we interview Roger Wambold, Director of Hebrew Christian Fellowship and someone who has traveled regularly to this region of the world. We ask him to make sense of this current conflict between Israel and Hamas.
guideIsraelHamas #basicinformationIsraelHamas #guideHamasIsrael #basicinformationHamasIsrael
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
Does God send angels to protect us and guide us? What might they look like? Does the Bible say anything about this? Should someone pray to a guardian angel? These are all popular questions in society but there are many opinions. In this podcast, we interview Rev. Roger Wambold, who is the Director of Hebrew Christian Fellowship and has been a pastor for 17 years. He has been thinking about this issue for much of his life. He is currently one of the teachers of the Potpourri Sunday School at Central Schwenkfelder Church.
guardianangels #prayertoangels #angelsJesus
Centrally Speaking is a ministry of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA USA. Website: www.cscfamily.org
The historic Peter Wentz Farmstead is known to represent colonial life from the 18th century in the Philadelphia area. While first settled by Peter and Rosanna Wentz in 1744, the farm was purchased by Melchior Schultz, a Schwenkfelder Minister, in 1794. Generations of the Schultz family continued to live and farm here until 1969, when Montgomery County purchased the property. While the Farmstead represents early Pennsylvania German practices that were typical to this region, aspects of the Christian faith can be seen, too. In this podcast, we interview LeAnne Sykes, a historian and guide, to discuss some of the history at the Farmstead and also to consider the faith that is on display.
The Peter Wentz Farmstead is located next to the Central Schwenkfelder Church in Montgomery County, PA (https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/929/Peter-Wentz-Farmstead). It is famous for a visit from George Washington before and after the Battle of Germantown in October of 1777.
PeterWentz #PeterWentzSchwenkfelder #Schwenkfelderheritage #faithearlyAmericanhistory #earlyamericanchristianity #MelchiorSchultz
Until recently, Christianity has been associated with peace. In the wake of the January 6 riot at the Capitol and past incidents like the Crusades, some are wondering if the connection between Christianity and peace is accurate. In this podcast we interview
Dr. Rob Arner. He has been most recently Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid and Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture at Reformed Episcopal Seminary. He is the author of Consistently Pro-Life: The Ethics of Bloodshed in Ancient Christianity (Pickwick Press, 2010), and served on the board of directors for the Consistent Life Network (https://www.consistentlifenetwork.org/) for a decade.
Christianitypeace #peaceChristianity #consistentlyprolife #rebuildingpeace
Many westerners take interest in world health, particularly in Africa. Diseases such as malaria, Ebolavirus, yellow fever, HIV, typhoid, are prevalent in Africa and being addressed by western organizations. Other health conditions such as hydrocephalus and spina bifida are also problematic. In this episode of Centrally Speaking, we interview Tim Erickson, the Executive Director of Cure Children's Hospital of Uganda (https://cure.org/hospitals/uganda/) and Fred Wangwa, the Spiritual Director at the Hospital about health in Africa. From their perspective as administrators of a leading hospital in Uganda dealing with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and other neurological conditions, they provide a helpful perspective on African healthcare and western aid. They also comment on how Christian spirituality can be of help for healing in Africa.
cureinternationaluganda #africanhealth #hydrocephalusuganda #spinabifidauganda #christianspiritualityafricanhealth
The cross is likely the most identifiable symbol of Christianity. What does it mean? Certainly, it represents the death of Jesus which was a gruesome one. When the cross is represented in wars and riots, is it a symbol of violence? In this podcast, we interview Rev. Dr. David McKinley about the meaning of the cross, its relation to violence, and the significance of it.
cross #crossofJesus #crossviolence #Christianviolence
The pictures coming out of East Ukraine have been horrific. What is the perspective of a Christian leader who is living just over 25 miles (40 km) from the front lines? In this podcast, Volodya Degtyaryov tells recent stories of the war, refugees, and the church's humanitarian work from February 2023. Volodya and his late wife Irina became Christians during the Soviet era. He has been the President of the Zaporizhzhya Bible Seminary and a minister among the Ukrainian Baptists.
Volodya will be telling more stories about the war in Ukraine on Sunday March 19 when he will be bringing the message at Central Schwenkfelder Church's 9:00 service. He will be making a presentation and taking questions at a dessert evening on Friday March 17 at 7:00 pm at the church.
zaporizhzhya #ukrainewar #fightingukraine #zaporozhye #refugeesukraine #internallydisplacedpeopleukraine
How are the youth of today seeing our world? Generation Z (born from 1996-2012) has values that are distinct from other age groups. In this podcast, we interview Jonny Radcliff, a youth worker working to share the Christian message with this generation. Jonny is the National Coordinator of Resource Development National Network of Youth Ministries. He grew up in Souderton and lives in Harleysville. He has been involved with youth ministry for 15 years. He has also started work at Central Schwenkfelder Church in the middle of January. The group meets at 6:30 on Monday evenings.
generationZ #youthministrygenerationZ #youthcentralschwenkfelderchurch #strengthsgenZ #strengthsgenerationZ #weaknessgenZ #weaknessgenerationZ
The Contemporary Worship Service will be presenting a Christmas Concert on Friday, December 30 at 7:00 pm. The Christmas program involves contemporary songs, carols, and readings. There is also a dessert afterwards. In this podcast, we discuss with Wayne Wurtz, our Worship Team Coordinator what will be taking place during this program.
CentralSchwenkfelderChurch #contemporaryChristmas #contemporaryChristmasmusic
How do you find some joy at Christmas after you have lost someone very special in your life? You are not alone if you are feeling this way. In this podcast, Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church, shares from his extensive experience with grief. He speaks about loss when our society is so focused on romance and gift giving during the holiday season. The discussion includes the poinsettia tradition at Central Schwenkfelder Church which for decades has helped honor the memory of a loved one. Finally, he speaks about the importance of Jesus for finding true joy even in the midst of loss.
blueChristmas #sadChristmas #lonelyChristmas #lossChristmas #centralschwenkfelderchurch
Christmas Carols are some of the favorite aspects of the Christmas season for many. In this podcast, Sally House, the director of the United Choir, shares about the upcoming United Choir Concert, a Christmas and Advent Carol Concert. This concert will take place on December 4 at 2:30 pm at the Central Schwenkfelder Church on Valley Forge Road in Lansdale. The choir is in its 95th year of existence. (website: https://www.unitedchoir.org/)
unitedchoirconcert2022 #schwenkfelderchoir #adventcarol #christmascarol
"While I breathe, I hope" is a famous expression from the time of the Greeks and Romans. In modern societies that are weary, hope is especially valuable. Our guest for this podcast is someone who has studied hope for years as part of a multi-disciplinary project called The Hope Project (https://www.thehopeproject.nl/en/the-hope-project/ ). Dr. Steven van den Heuvel is the Director of the Institute of Leadership and Social Ethics (https://www.etf-ilse.org/) and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Leuven, Belgium (www.etf.edu/en). He has been leading the investigation on hope which is funded by the Goldschmeding Foundation for People, Work, and and the Economy based in the Netherlands. Dr. van den Heuvel is also the editor of two books that concern hope, one of which is Historical and Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Hope (2020)
hope #thehopeproject #ILSE #hopeweary #secularhope #Christianhope
Why do people not understand the Bible as well anymore? Recent surveys show a decline of biblical literacy in the west. How can this happen when there are so many copies of the Bible available in English? Also, how can the trend be reversed? In this podcast, we ask Dr. Scott Hafemann about these trends and the ramifications for church and society. Dr. Hafemann is Honorary Reader in New Testament at St. Andrews University (Scotland) and former professor at Wheaton College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
biblicalliteracy #decreasingbiblicalliteracy #increasingunderstandingbible #bibleandsociety #bibleandchurch
The Schwenkfelders have the longest standing continuous thanksgiving service in the United States. It started first in September of 1734 and still continues to this day. How did this come about? Why is it special? What happens at this service? We asked two Schwenkfelder pastors Rev. Leslie Mamas from Olivet Schwenkfelder United Church of Christ and Rev. Nick Pence from Palm Schwenkfelder Church to answer this question and give their impressions about thanksgiving, remembrance, and this important service.
Thanksgivingservices #DayofRemembrance #Schwenkfelderservices
Many westerners do not know what it is like to be in a war, the difficult choices about leaving home, and then being a refugee. In this podcast, we interview Vova and Marina Gorbenko about their flight from Zaporozhye, Ukraine in March 2022. They give their perspective on the invasion and the difficulties of leaving one's home and country.
refugeesukraine #zaporozhyeukraine #ukraineinvasion #zaporizhzhiarefugee #zaporizhzhiaukraine
One of the worst mass killings in the 20th century took place in Cambodia. Between the years, 1975-1979 during their brutal regime in Cambodia let by the Marxist leader Pol Pot, 2 million people lost their lives. Many fled the country.
In this podcast, we interview Lat Thoumma who was 10 years old when she and her family left Cambodia. They were sponsored by the Central Schwenkfelder Church and then settled in Lansdale, PA. Lat would go on to graduate from high school, Gwynedd Mercy University, and then Shorter University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She now works in a Fortune 500 company.
This podcast is the story of her family as they were refugees in the 1970's.
refugeekhmerrouge #refugeecambodia #cambodaiPolPot #refugeeschwenkfelder
The world’s attention has been drawn to refugees this year. The withdrawal from Afghanistan in August of 2021 and the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 have put refugees in the focus of world news. As of this recording the number is well over 84 million.
In this podcast, Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church speaks about the world's refugee crisis, his own experience working with refugees, how Jesus was a refugee, and how the Easter story shows how Jesus understands refugees and those who are lost.
refugees #Jesusrefugee #Schwenkfelderrefugee #MyGodwhyhaveyouforsakenme #eloieloilamasabachthani
The invasion of Ukraine has now taken place for over a month. In just over a month, over 3.3 million people are refugees and 6.5 million are internally displaced people, making this one of the worst refugee crises in recent history. What does this mean for the country of Ukraine? How are the humanitarian needs being addressed? What does this mean for the church? In this interview, we speak with Ken Sears, an American who has lived in the Eastern Ukraine city of Zaporizhzhia for 27 years. This interview was taped on Monday March 21, 2022. Ken is part of European Christian Mission NA, Inc.; P.O. Box 1006, Pt Roberts, WA 98281; Website: https://www.ecmna.org/
zaporozhyeukraine #zaporizhzhiaukraine #ukraineconflict #humanitariancrisisUkraine #helpingUkraine
How did the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia come about? In this interview, we speak with Ken Sears, an American who has lived io the Eastern Ukraine city of Zaporozhye for 27 years. Ken provides an overview regarding the origin of the war and reasons for the resolve of the Ukrainian people. This interview was taped on Friday March 4, 2022. Ken is part of European Christian Mission NA, Inc. Website: https://www.ecmna.org/
zaporozhyeukraine #zaporizhzhiaukraine #ukrainewar #ukraineconflict #originUkrainewar #originUkraineconflict
In the last years, 340 million Christians were living in places where they experience high levels of persecution. Over 4,500 Christians were killed for their faith, and over 4,000 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned.
One of the most well-known persecuted Christians was Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who later became the founder of the group Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com). His story and that of Sabina Wurmbrand is frequently not heard, although a film has been released recently (www.sabinamovie.com).
In this interview, we ask Rev. Dr. Octavian Baban about Richard Wurmbrand. Like the Wurmbrands, Octavian Baban lived for 30 years under Communist oppression in Romania. He has read and interacted with them. He is also Associate Professor of New Testament at University of București, Romania and Institutul Teolgic Baptist București. He serves as a pastor at Baserică Baptistă Sfânta Treime, also in București, România.
richardwurmbrand #sabinawurmbrand #persecutionRomania #persecutedChristiansRomania #persecutionCeaușescu
The number of refugees continues to rise in the world. Currently, the United Nations estimates that over 82.4 million people were displaced in 2020. With so many displaced people, how should we respond? In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Phil Gottschalk from Eastern Mennonite Missions. He has worked with refugees in the Former Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War, the Netherlands, and the USA. Most recently, he served refugees on the island of Lesvos in Greece. Phil Gottschalk has a doctorate in philosophy from KU-Leuven in Belgium. Phil and Linda have been career missionaries for over 38 years. He has just written a book entitled: Entertaining Angels Unaware: Welcoming the Immigrant Other (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2021).
We welcome you to a dessert evening at Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA (website: www.cscfamily.org) on February 11 from 7:00-9:00 pm where you can hear Dr. Gottschalk share with us. The program will be offered in person and by Zoom. Call the church office at (610) 584-4480 for the Zoom link.
refugees #LesvosGreece #Entertainingangels #Kosovowar #BosnianWar
Church attendance has been decreasing in the west. Particularly concerning is the fewer number of young people in church. Our guest, Prof. Dr. Jos de Kock, is well aware of this trend and is providing suggestions to churches as they tell the Christian story to youth. Prof. de Kock is Professor and Department Chair of Practical Ministry at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Leuven, Belgium. He is also the Rector at the university.
Christianyouth #youthChristianity #teachingChristianyouth
Was Jesus a Real Person? Can We Take the Gospels Seriously? How can you believe in a Virgin Birth? Why does Christmas Matter? In this podcast, Dr. David McKinley and Dr. Drake Williams from Central Schwenkfelder Church discuss the recent book by Rebecca McLaughlin entitled : Is Christmas Unbelievable? Four questions every person should ask about the World's Most Famous Story (2021).
christmasunbelievable #wasjesusreal #aregospelsbeliveable #beliefvirginbirth #RebeccaMcLaughlin
Afghanistan has caught the attention of the world this year. Prior to the withdrawal of American forces, it was already one of the areas of the world where Christians were most persecuted. After the withdrawal, news reports tell us of potential widespread famine and other human tragedies. What will the future of the church be like? Craig Simonian who lives in Armenia, a country nearby Afghanistan, provides perspective. He has been working in the Persian and Turkic world for over 30 years. He also lectures on Islam in places in the United States. #churchAfghanistan #refugeeAfghanistan #futureAfghanistan #Afghanrefugee
Some criticize Christian missions because it appears to be imposing values on others and subjugating their culture. After the recent withdraw of American forces in Afghanistan, many believe that nobody should impose their own values on another culture. Frequently, however, this discussion is held from critical perspectives without the point of view of missionaries. In this podcast, we interview. Clay and Becky Walter who serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship. They have lived in various places including one of the most remote civilizations of our modern world, Papua New Guinea. In this podcast they address cultural imposition from the experience that they have had as missionaries.
christianmissions #PapuaNewGuinea #imposingChristianvalues #imposingChristianity
It has been a year since the passing of George Floyd. His death generated outrage, protests, and further violence all around the United States. Now, a year later, three experienced pastors discuss what has taken place, what we have learned, and whether the gap between black and white has narrowed. In this podcast we are joined by Rev. Keith Williams who is the Senior Pastor at Nazarene Baptist Church in the Nicetown area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Rev. Alfred Duncan who is the Minister at the Schwenkfelder Missionary Church in the Germantown area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Rev. Dr. David McKinley who is the Senior Minister at the Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. #GeorgeFloyd #racerelations #churchrace
What is taking place on the southern border of the USA? In this podcast, we interview Rev. Dr. Henry Baldwin who has just completed his time of service at the Matamoras refugee camp with Trinity on the Border. While in Texas, he also served as a hospital chaplain in the Lower Rio Grand Valley Texas at the Matamoras camp which is near to Brownsville, Texas. Rev. Dr. Henry Baldwin has had significant experience in ministry as the Dean and Senior Pastor at Holy Cross Cathedral in Loganville, Georgia. He has also has had significant cross cultural experience throughout his life through his time of service in the US Navy and in mission work in Germany, Singapore, and the Netherlands. Rev. Dr. Baldwin will be beginning his new post as Archdeacon for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Anglican Church shortly.
immigration #southernborder #Matamoras #Matamorasrefugeecamp
Pentecost is a Christian holiday but few understand what it is and what its significance is for today. Fewer still understand the Jewish roots about Pentecost. Roger Wambold, the Director of Hebrew Christian Fellowship Director for 30 years, joins us to explain Pentecost and the important Jewish background behind it.
This is the continuation of our first discussion about the difficulties that communism has been to Christians. Communism continues to affect many around the world. Many religious groups are experiencing persecution from Communist regimes in places like China, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and North Korea. During the time of the cold war, most countries in Eastern Europe were communist, too. Dr. Octavian Baban, who grew up in Romanian during communist rule is our guest. He is Associate Professor of New Testament from the Baptist Institute at Bucharest State University and a pastor at Biserica Baptistă Sfânta Trieme in Bucharest, Romania.
persecutionRomania #Romanian Christianity #persecution #communistRomania #communismRomania
Communism continues to affect many around the world. Many religious groups are experiencing persecution from Communist regimes in places like China, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and North Korea. During the time of the cold war, most countries in Eastern Europe were communist, too. Dr. Octavian Baban, who grew up in Romanian during communist rule will be our guest. He is Associate Professor of New Testament from the Baptist Institute at Bucharest State University and a pastor at Biserica Baptistă Sfânta Trieme in Bucharest, Romania.
persecutionRomania #Romanian Christianity #persecution #communistRomania #communismRomania
How did Jesus die? Years ago he was crucified on a Roman cross. The church identifies with Jesus and his death. and as a result the cross is frequently seen on or inside church buildings. Some even wear the cross as a part of jewelry. Many, however, do not know how someone died on a Roman cross. Fewer know the significance of Jesus' death on one. In this podcast, we interview Rev. Dr. David McKinley about Jesus' death on the cross and its significance. Dr. McKinley is Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Missio Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.
How does one make decisions for end of life issues? Less is known about this period of life and aspects of conscience, yet the decisions made can be so crucial. How do we talk about end of life issues and find guidance spiritually? In this session, we interview Dr. Brad Mellon about end of life issues. Brad was the former chaplain at Frederick Living in Zieglerville, PA. He has presented on topics of biomedical ethics at universities and is near completion of a book on various states of consciousness. He is a graduate of Houghton College and Missio Seminary. He also has a Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.
Is belief in a God still reasonable? With all of the scientific information that is available, is belief in a God still rational? In this podcast, we are joined by Dr. Patrick Casey to discuss this topic. Dr. Casey received his doctorate in Philosophy from Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York. He has had several peer reviewed articles published. He is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and has taught at several universities in the Philadelphia area.
rationalbeliefingod #reasonstobelieveingod #atheismbelief #irrationalreligion #doubtingod #doubtbelief
When a church exists in a neighborhood for many years, it is only natural that it would interact with the surrounding society. The Schwenkfelders have been in what is now known as the Lansdale/Worcester area since the 1730's. The Worcester Historical Society (website: http://www.worcesterhistorical.org/) is interested in the preservation of the history of this area from that time and earlier. Naturally, this involves the preservation of artifacts and documents that remember the life of important events and people in Worcester. It also means preserving the history of those who formed the framework of Worcester life. In this podcast, we interviewed Jim Thompson, who is the treasurer of the Worcester Historical Society about Worcester history and the Schwenkfelder Church.
worcesterpennsylvania #centralschwenkfelderchurch #centralschwenkfelderchurchworcester #schwenkfelders #worcesterhistory
Pandemics take place infrequently within history. With the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected the globe, some Christians are wondering whether this has been announced previously in the Bible. In this podcast Dr. Todd Mangum, who is the Clemens Professor of Missional Theology at Missio Seminary (www.missio.edu), answers questions of prophecy and the pandemic. Dr. Todd Mangum has written many books and articles. One of these articles "The Pandemic as God's Judgment" has been recently published in the magazine Christianity Today.
covid19prophecy #coronaprophecy #coronaapocalypse #plagueprophecy
Does grief different during the time over the Coronavirus? Have the restrictions affected the ways that we mourn or experience loss. Our guests Claire Drexler and Rev. Dr. David McKinley have a great deal of experience with those suffering loss and speak about loss during the time of the coronavirus. Claire Drexler is an experienced therapist at the Center for Loss and Bereavement in Skippack, PA. Her entire career has focused on working with people coping with life threatening illness and chronic disability and people in palliative care and hospice settings. Rev. Dr. David McKinley is the Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA. Besides being an experienced preacher and teacher, he has counseled many during times of loss. On average he conducts about twenty funerals per year.
coronavirusloss #griefincorona #lossincovid-19 #losspandemic #griefpandemic
How can youth receive their best education in the public school system? Nikki Krelovich, the Executive Director of Methacton Education Foundation joins us to discuss this topic. The Foundation supports children to help enrich their education. They supply added resources for instruction in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They assist those who are economically disadvantaged to receive meals as well as other means to augment their education. Methacton Education Foundation also funds students in the areas of wellness and career development.
methactoneducation #supportingyoutheducation #educationfoundation
Young people and families are dealing with increasing levels of stress in the current western environment. Understanding resources and bringing them to bear is critical for overcoming it. Prof. Dr. Jos de Kock, an experienced academic and researcher on youth culture, joins us to address stress from a Christian perspective. He is the Rector and Professor of Practical Theology at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF) in Leuven, Belgium. He has been involved with youth work for many years and continues his research about youth in the Institute for the Study of Religious Education and Youth Ministry at ETF. He is also family man with a wife and three daughters.
stress #anxiety #overcominganxiety #overcomingstress
Why do cultures preserve themselves? What aspects can we see about their identity and lifestyle from art, furniture, and literature? Why would a Christian community, like the Schwenkfelders, preserve itself? In this podcast we interview Beth Twiss Houting the new Executive Director at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center. Mrs. Houting has thirty years of experience in the museum world and was previously the Senior Director of Program Services at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. She holds a master degree in American Material Culture from the Winterthur program at the University of Delaware.
schwenkfelder #schwenkfelders #centralschwenkfelder #preservationChristianculture #earlyamericanChristianity #perkiomenvalleyhistory #palmschwenkfelder #olivetschwenkfelderunitedchurchofchrist #schwenkfeldermissionarychurch
Some people have difficulty with the Old Testament. God seems to be harsh or mean in the Old Testament but kind in the New Testament. How can that be? Why does God strike down a man who is trying to steady the Ark of the Covenant? Why would God ask someone like Hosea to marry a prostitute? Why did God in the Old Testament seemingly promote genocide? How does the God of the Old Testament fit with the loving and kind Jesus of the New Testament? Dr. David Lamb, Academic Dean and the MacRae Professor of Old Testament at Missio Seminary in Philadelphia, PA explains. This podcast comes from his book God Behaving Badly which will be going into its 2nd printing next year.
centralschwenkfelder #OldTestament #wrathofGod #loveofGod #hardquestionsBible
Hope is something that we all need. As former President Barack Obama said, "While we breathe, we hope." In this podcast, we speak with someone who has been examining the idea of hope for over six years. Dr. Steven van den Heuvel leads the "Hope Project" (website: https://www.thehopeproject.nl/en/home/) and is the Director of the Institute of Leadership and Social Ethics (https://www.etf-ilse.org/) at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Leuven, Belgium (https://www.etf.edu/). Steven has also just edited a book entitled Historical and Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Hope. It is a free ebook and can be downloaded by going to: https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783030464882#aboutAuthors
hope #schwenkfelder #despairhope #projecthope #thehopeproject
How did the disciples change after the first Easter? What were they like before Jesus was crucified? How did they change afterwards? In this podcast, Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister at Central Schwenkfelder Church asks Dr. Drake Williams, Associate Professor of New Testament at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Leuven, Belgium about the change in the disciples after this important event. #schwenkfelder #centralschwenkfelder #Easter #discipleslives #disciplesaftertheBible #resurrection #martyrdom #apostles
Thanksgiving is a yearly feast in the USA. Americans take off several days of vacation in November. We eat turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberries. Usually, they watch football games and other things on television. Does a Christian perspective add anything to this holiday? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Drake Williams, Minister of Mission and Theology at Central Schwenkfelder Church interviews Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister of Central Schwenkfelder Church. #centralschwenkfelder #schwenkfelder #Thanksgiving #Christianholiday #centrallyspeaking
Attention to youth is of vital interest in the church. In this podcast, Julian Scavetti, Pastor of Young Adult and Family Ministries, speaks about reaching out to today's young adults. Julian has worked with youth as a pastor at Central Schwenkfelder Church since 2008 and is now turning his attention toward young adults and families. Julian graduated from Eastern University in 2002 with a Bachelors Degree in Youth Ministry and has over 11 years of full time youth ministry experience in a church setting. His latest message on the importance of prayer can be heard by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/bOuCV9m_z74?t=2187. Julian will be ordained Sunday October 11 at 7:00 pm at Central Schwenkfelder Church. This interview is from before Covid restrictions at the church. Please see our website for current times and services. #CentralSchwenkfelderChurch #youthministry #youngadultministry #marriageandfamilyministry
How can people from different races get along better with each other? In this podcast, Rev. Dr. David McKinley and Rev. Dr. Drake Williams continue the discussion with Rev. Keith Williams from Nazarene Baptist Church on Germantown Avenue in Nicetown Philadelphia and Rev. Alfred Duncan from the Schwenkfelder Missionary Church that meets on Tulpehocken Street in Germantown Philadelphia. In this dialogue across racial lines, they discuss what type of person and atmosphere leads to reconciliation between races. #racism #reconciliation #racismreconciliation #Christianityracism #Christianreconciliation #reconciler #schwenkfelder #centralschwenkfelder
The death of George Floyd has reignited the subject of racism in the United States and globally. How can those from different races get along better? In this second of two parts, Rev. Keith Williams from Nazarene Baptist Church on Germantown Avenue in Nicetown Philadelphia and Rev. Alfred Duncan from the Schwenkfelder Missionary Church that meets on Tulpehocken Street in Germantown Philadelphia speak with Rev. Dr. David McKinley and Rev. Dr. Drake Williams. In this dialogue across racial lines, together they discuss racism and systemic racism. As ministers of the gospel, they also explore the roots of racism that is based in the sinful nature of humanity. #racism #systemicracism #Christianityracism #schwenkfelder #centralschwenkfelder
The death of George Floyd has reignited the subject of racism in the United States and globally. How can those from different races get along better? In this first of two parts, Rev. Keith Williams from Nazarene Baptist Church on Germantown Avenue in Nicetown Philadelphia and Rev. Alfred Duncan from the Schwenkfelder Missionary Church that meets on Tulpehocken Street in Germantown Philadelphia speak with Rev. Dr. David McKinley and Rev. Dr. Drake Williams. In this dialogue across racial lines, together they discuss racism and systemic racism. As ministers of the gospel, they also explore the roots of racism that is based in the sinful nature of humanity. #racism #systemicracism #Christianityracism #schwenkfelder #centralschwenkfelder
Artificial Intelligenceis the ability of a computer program or a machine to think and learn. It is also a field of study which tries to make computers "smart". They work on their own without being encoded with commands. The Applications are multiple as this field is influencing healthcare, the automotive industry, finances, cybersecurity, government, law, video games, and the military to just name a few.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Michael Morabito who is Assistant Professor of Computer Sciences at Eastern University. #schwenkfelder #artificialintelligence #intelligentmachine #smartphone #cybersecurity #moralityandmachines #moralsandcomputers
All of us feel anger. It may come when we are disappointed when we do not get a job or a promotion that we wanted. personal problems, such as missing a promotion at work or relationship difficulties. We may feel it if someone cancels plans, or we are stuck in traffic and miss a meeting. Everyone feels anger from time to time, but when does anger become a problem?
Dr. Drake Williams discusses this with Chase Kneeland, a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Trooper, PA. Chase graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts in 1975 with his Master of Divinity degree in Pastoral Ministries / Pastoral Counseling. He has been working in the field of marriage and family counseling for over forty years. The work is certified through the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy. He has a website: www.chasekneeland.com. His practice is based in the annex of an historic building which once was the Old Norrington Tavern, which is on Germantown Pike and Trooper Road. #angermanagement #selfcontrol #anger #rage
Thanksgiving is a yearly feast in the USA. Americans take off several days of vacation in November. We eat turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberries. Usually, they watch football games and other things on television. Does a Christian perspective add anything to this holiday? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Drake Williams, Minister of Mission and Theology at Central Schwenkfelder Church interviews Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister of Central Schwenkfelder Church. #centralschwenkfelder #schwenkfelder #Thanksgiving #Christianholiday #centrallyspeaking
Being abused sexually is one of the most devastating experiences. Can one get beyond this to live a full and meaningful life? In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Drake Williams interviews author and speaker Lisa Radcliff about her experience. She shares what happened and then some ways to get beyond it. Her website is: https://lisajradcliff.com/
schwenkfelder #sexualabuse #sexualtrauma #changedlife #centralschwenkfelder #centrallyspeaking
Was the myth of Jesus invented? This 15 minute session investigates non-Christian evidence from Greek, Roman, and Jewish sources that show that he existed. In this session, Rev. Dr. David McKinley, Senior Minister of Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA interviews Dr. Drake Williams, Associate Professor of New Testament at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Leuven, Belgium. #schwenkfelder #centralschwenkfelder #existenceofjesus #JosephusandJesus #JesusandTacitus #JesusandSuetonius #jesusandpliny #jesusandthallus #jesusandcelsus #jesusandlucian
Everyone deals with loss and bereavement. How can one learn to handle this better? In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Drake Williams, Minister of Mission and Theology at Central Schwenkfelder (www.cscfamily.org) interviews Mrs. Christine Smith, co-founder, former executive director, and board member at the Center for Loss and Bereavement in Skippack, PA (website: http://bereavementcenter.org/). #schwenkfelder #centralschwenkfelder #bereavement #lossoffamilymember #Nello'sCorner #CampMillie #CenterforLossandBereavement
In the 1700's a small group of followers of Caspar Schwenckfeld von Ossig crossed the Atlantic Ocean and settled north of the city of Philadelphia. Who were these people and how did they influence the area in which they settled? In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Drake Williams, Minister of Mission and Theology at Central Schwenkfelder Church interviews his father Drake Williams, Board Member at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center in Pennsburg, PA. #schwenkfelder #centralschwenkfelder #montgomerycounty #pennsylvaniaimmigrants #pennsylvaniahistory