The Pastor Theologians Podcast

Episoade

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  BONUS | Heather Joy Zimmerman on Preaching Resources 22.07.2026 11min

  Heather Joy Zimmerman shares why the Evangelical Homiletics Society has been one of the most formative influences on her preaching ministry. She discusses the value of a scholarly community devoted to expository preaching, opportunities for pastors and students to grow as preachers, and how meaningful relationships and collaboration can sharpen faithful proclamation of God's Word. Join us at the CPT Conference
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Heather Joy Zimmerman 20.07.2026 44min

  In this episode of the Pastor Theologians Podcast, we invite Heather Joy Zimmerman, a member of CPT's St Irenaeus fellowship, to share how profound personal suffering shaped both her faith and her calling. Reflecting on the loss of a close friend, her father's battle with cancer, and her journey through lament, Heather explains how God used Scripture—especially Romans 8 and the Psalms—to deepen her understanding of God's goodness and inspire a lifelong passion for helping others faithfully na...
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  Men of Virtue | Zachary Wagner 13.07.2026 49min

  In this episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, we welcome one of our own, Zach Wagner, to discuss his new book, Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World. Zach reflects on his decade of ministry with CPT, his transition into a new season, and the journey behind writing a book that reframes conversations about masculinity through the lens of Christian virtue. Rather than focusing on cultural ideals of manhood, Zach explores how the fruit of the Spi...
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  BONUS | Jeff Hubing on Books and Preaching 08.07.2026 17min

  In this short bonus episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, Jeff Hubing discusses preaching within the context of his network of house churches. He explains that pastoral leadership is not simply about delivering sermons but about equipping and empowering the whole church to participate in ministry. Jeff recommends Robert Banks’ Paul’s Idea of Community and Gordon Fee’s Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God as influential resources that shape his vision of church leadership, community, a...
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Jeff Hubing 06.07.2026 53min

  In this episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, we invite Jeff Hubing to share his journey into pastoral ministry, shaped by personal tragedy, a deep love for Scripture, and a desire to connect theology with everyday life. He reflects on how his father’s faith influenced his calling, his theological studies, and his work leading a network of house churches in Chicago. Jeff discusses a vision of church leadership centered on family, discipleship, and raising up others—not simply gathering c...
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  BONUS | Ben Espinoza on Books and Preaching 01.07.2026 12min

  In this short bonus episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, Ben Espinoza shares the preaching resources that have shaped his ministry, highlighting John Stott’s Between Two Worlds and Haddon Robinson’s work on expository preaching. He discusses the importance of bridging Scripture and culture, understanding the world of the Bible alongside the world of today. Ben also reflects on how his Wesleyan theological journey has shaped his preaching through an emphasis on grace, dialogue, and engag...
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  Good News About Self-Care | Ben Espinoza 29.06.2026 51min

  In this episode of the Pastor Theologians Podcast, we invite CPT fellow and Wesleyan pastor Ben Espinoza to talk about his new book, The Good News About Self-Care: How Nurturing Your Soul, Yourself, and Your Sanity Honors God. Ben shares his journey into ministry, theological formation, and the experiences that shaped his understanding of Christian self-care. Ben reflects on how ministry pressures, ambition, and the COVID-19 pandemic exposed unhealthy patterns in his own life. He explains tha...
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  BONUS | Cole Feix on Books and Preaching 26.06.2026 11min

  In this short bonus episode of the Pastor Theologians podcast, Cole Feix talks about a lesser-known preaching resource that has deeply shaped his ministry: The Pastor of Kilsyth by Islay Burns. Cole reflects on how the life of pastor W. H. Burns reshaped his understanding of preaching—not as a stand-alone skill, but as something rooted in faithful shepherding, pastoral care, and loving a congregation well. Join us at the CPT Conference
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Cole Feix 24.06.2026 50min

  In this episode of the CPT Podcast, we welcome Rev. Cole Feix, pastor of Carlton Landing Community Church and a member of the CPT’s St Irenaeus Fellowship. Cole shares his journey from faith exploration and theological formation to pastoral ministry in a unique new urbanist community. Cole reflects on how intentional spaces, hospitality, and deep relationships create opportunities for spiritual growth, and how his experience pastoring in a walkable, close-knit town has shaped his understandin...
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  BONUS | Ryan Jackson on Books and Preaching 19.06.2026 12min

  In this short bonus interview, Rev. Dr. Ryan shares the influence of books like Haddon Robinson’s Biblical Preaching, Bryan Chapell’s Christ-Centered Preaching, John Stott’s Between Two Worlds, and Tim Keller’s Preaching, highlighting Christ-centered preaching, cultural engagement, and preaching as an encounter with God. Ryan reflects on how his approach has matured over time—from focusing heavily on sermon mechanics to embracing a more conversational, Spirit-led style of communication. Join ...
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  Rediscovering Pastoral and Church Identity | Ryan Jackson 17.06.2026 36min

  When everything around a church is changing, how can it rediscover who God has called it to be? In this episode we welcome Rev. Dr. Ryan Jackson, Senior Pastor of the Capital Church near Raleigh, North Carolina, to talk about his experience in the CPT's first Church Identity Cohort. Ryan reflects on 17 years of ministry through seasons of change, staff transitions, and post-pandemic challenges that prompted his church to revisit foundational questions of identity and mission. We discuss...
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  BONUS | Brad Embry on Books and Preaching 15.06.2026 14min

  In this short bonus interview, Brad Embry reflects on how Rowan Williams’ Passions of the Soul sharpened his vision for integrating theology, spiritual formation, and pastoral ministry. Join us at the CPT Conference
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Brad Embry 10.06.2026 49min

  In this episode we welcome CPT Fellow Brad Embry, pastor of Missions and Outreach at St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Wisconsin. He shares his journey from biblical scholar to Pastor Theologian, reflecting on vocational discernment, transitioning away from academia, and finding a home in the Anglican tradition. Listen as we discuss the relationship between theological scholarship and the local church, the future of theological education, and the vital role of pastor-theologians in serving God...
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  Complementarity | Gregg Allison 03.06.2026 46min

  In this episode of the CPT Podcast, we welcome Gregg Allison to discuss his book Complementarity. Allison explains his vision of “complementarity” as a theological framework focused not on gender roles but on the shared dignity, difference, and interdependence of men and women as image-bearers of God. Drawing on biblical theology, church history, and contemporary debates, the conversation explores why identity must precede function, how Christians can move beyond polarized disputes over gende...
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  Deathly (De)Vices | Dillon Thornton 27.05.2026 43min

  In this episode of the CPT Podcast, we are joined by CPT Fellow pastor Dillon Thornton to discuss his new book, Deathly (De)Vices: Our Ever-Present Portals to Seven Ancient Sins. Drawing from pastoral ministry, personal experience, and the Christian tradition of the seven deadly sins, Thornton explores how smartphones, social media, and emerging technologies subtly deform our hearts and habits. The conversation ranges from envy and vainglory in online life to the spiritual dangers and promise...
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  BONUS | Kyle Fever on Books and Preaching 21.05.2026 15min

  A bonus conversation with CPT fellow Kyle Fever on life, preaching, books, and music. Join us at the CPT Conference
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Kyle Fever 14.05.2026 55min

  In this episode, we are joined by pastor theologian Kyle Fever to discuss his journey from a Lutheran upbringing and love of biblical scholarship into pastoral ministry. Kyle reflects on the shifting nature of vocation, the challenges of balancing academic aspirations with family life, and how his daughter’s traumatic brain injury profoundly reshaped his understanding of ministry, calling, and faithfulness. Join us at the CPT Conference
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  BONUS | Matthew LaMaster on Books, Preaching, and Sermon Prep 01.05.2026 13min

  A short bonus conversation with CPT fellow Matthew LaMaster on a book that has influenced his preaching ministry and his aspiration to write his sermons six months before they are preached. Join us at the CPT Conference
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologians | Matthew LaMaster 28.04.2026 50min

  In this episode of the CPT Podcast, Matt Lamaster discusses his path into pastoral ministry, from his upbringing in evangelical churches to serving as a pastor in rural Maine. He reflects on the challenges of his first pastorate, the lessons he learned through ministry and theological study, and how his work in the book of Hebrews has shaped his understanding of the pastor theologian’s calling. The conversation explores church leadership, theological formation, and perseverance in ministry. J...
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  Finding Faithful Pastors | Rich Kidd 22.04.2026 37min

  Joel Lawrence sits down with Rich Kidd of Mission Leadership to discuss the changing landscape of pastoral leadership. Drawing from years of experience in executive search and ministry, Kidd reflects on the growing need for shepherds, not just speakers, in ministry today, and the challenges churches face in identifying and supporting healthy leaders. How can churches engage in practices that appropriately vet candidates, build trust with congregations, and prioritize a relational approach to ...