The Pastor Theologians Podcast

Епизоде

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  African American Ecclesiology | Walter Strickland 14.09.2026 49мин

  Join us for 2026 CPT National Conference in Oak Park, IL on October 19-21! This year's theme is Finding Church: Ecclesial Identity in a Time of Cultural Crisis. Register by September 15 for the best rate. In this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Walter Strickland II, associate professor of systematic and contextual theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor of Imago Dei Church, to discuss his work on ecclesiology and the contributions of African American Christian traditio...
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  REPLAY: Political Movements, Social Change, and the Preacher | Ed Copeland 07.09.2026 1ч 4мин

  In this summer replay episode, Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim talk with pastor, lawyer, and theologian K. Edward Copeland about how the gospel shapes the church’s engagement with today’s social and political tensions. Ed shares his unique journey—from overcoming a childhood speech impediment to decades of ministry and justice work—and offers a compelling vision of the gospel as God’s reconciling work for people, systems, and the whole cosmos. Drawing on the African American preaching tradition an...
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  REPLAY: The Augustinian Pastor | Joey Sherrard 31.08.2026 56мин

  This summer replay episode features a conversation with Joey Sherrard about his new book The Augustinian Pastor, exploring how the life and theology of Augustine can shape modern pastoral ministry. Drawing from his own journey—especially rediscovering Augustine during COVID—Sherrard highlights how Augustine’s work as a hands-on pastor was itself the outworking of and context in which he did his theological reflection. Key themes include the importance of pastoral friendship, the ongoing strug...
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  SPECIAL: Local and Global Ecclesial Theology | Matt O'Reilly 24.08.2026 53мин

  In this episode of the CPT Podcast, we welcome Dr. Matt O’Reilly, lead pastor of Christ Church, Birmingham, and a leader in the Global Methodist Church, to talk about what it means to be an ecclesial theologian. O’Reilly describes the ecclesial theologian as a pastor who provides theological leadership from within the local church. Rather than simply translating academic theology for laypeople, ecclesial theologians engage in constructive theology that shapes every aspect of church life—from ...
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  REPLAY: The Pastor as Gardener | Matthew Erickson 17.08.2026 52мин

  In this Summer Replay episode, CPT Fellow Matt Erickson reflects on his journey into pastoral ministry and the experiences that led him to write The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry. Drawing on biblical images of planting, tending, and growth, Matt offers a vision of pastoral ministry rooted in patience, community, and dependence on God rather than performance or control. The conversation explores how pastors can cultivate a deep life with God, empower others for ministry, an...
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  Conference Preview | CPT Staff 13.08.2026 21мин

  In this special bonus episode, Joel Lawrence, Rae Paul, and Steve Williamson preview the 2026 CPT Conference, Finding Church: Ecclesial Identity in a Time of Cultural Crisis. They discuss the vision behind this year’s theme, the conference’s unique blend of theology, worship, and community, and what attendees can expect from this gathering for pastors, ministry leaders, and all who love the church. Join a 2026 CPT One-Year Cohort (Apply by Sep. 18)
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  REPLAY: Preaching as Theology | Nicole Martin 10.08.2026 52мин

  In this Summer Replay episode, Nicole Martin, president of Christianity Today, reflects on the vital role of preaching in shaping the church's theological vision. She discusses why faithful preaching must center on God rather than ourselves, the importance of surrender in sermon preparation, and how the cross—not performance or success—forms both pastors and congregations. The conversation offers a compelling vision of preaching that proclaims God's Word with humility, courage, and trust in h...
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  BONUS | Joel and Steve on CPT's One-Year Cohorts 05.08.2026 15мин

  In this short bonus episode, Joel Lawrence and Steve Williamson introduce the Center for Pastor Theologians' two new one-year cohorts, exploring how they equip pastors and ministry leaders through theological formation, rich discussion, and practical reflection on the church, pastoral identity, and the theology of work. Join a 2026 CPT One-Year Cohort (Apply by Sep. 18)
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  REPLAY: Keep Careful Watch on Your Life | Jim Samra 03.08.2026 54мин

  In this Summer Replay episode of the Preaching and the Pastor Theologian series, Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim sit down with Jim Samra, senior pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to explore the vital connection between a pastor's inner life and faithful preaching. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:16, Samra reflects on what it means to "keep careful watch" over both life and doctrine, arguing that preaching flows not simply from sound preparation but from a deep, ongoing relationship with...
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  BONUS | Matthew Kim on Books and Preaching 29.07.2026 9мин

  In this short, bonus episode of the CPT Podcast, we talk with Matthew Kim about a preaching resource that has profoundly shaped his ministry—Preaching as Reminding: Stirring Memory in an Age of Forgetfulness by Jeff Arthurs. Kim explains how the book reframes preaching as the faithful task of reminding people of what God has already said, rather than striving for novelty or cleverness. He also shares a practical sermon preparation habit—writing each sermon with one specific person in mind—whi...
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  Becoming a Friendlier Church | Matthew Kim 27.07.2026 35мин

  What makes a church feel truly welcoming? In this episode of the CPT Podcast, we welcome one of CPT's Senior Fellows, Dr. Matthew Kim, to discuss his new book, Becoming a Friendlier Church: A Pathway to Genuine Community. Drawing from years of ministry, teaching, and personal experiences visiting churches around the world, Matt explores why many congregations unintentionally create barriers for newcomers and how pastors can foster a culture of authentic hospitality. The conversati...
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  BONUS | Heather Joy Zimmerman on Preaching Resources 22.07.2026 11мин

  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 a 2026 CPT One-Year Cohort (Apply by Sep. 18)
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Heather Joy Zimmerman 20.07.2026 46мин

  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 50мин

  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 17мин

  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 55мин

  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 12мин

  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 53мин

  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 11мин

  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 a 2026 CPT One-Year Cohort (Apply by Sep. 18)
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  Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Cole Feix 24.06.2026 52мин

  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...