Jonathan Huggins

Jonathan Huggins joins us on the podcast today with a sermon for the season of Advent reflecting on peace. How does the Gospel redefine shalom—peace—with God, within ourselves, and with others? How can we maintain relational and psychological rest in our souls when facing the anxiety-producing situations of our modern world? 

Peace JONATHAN HUGGINS
Center for Pastor Theologians
What We're Reading — December 2024

For our December episode on books, we, the CPT staff, have been reading (and, on this occasion, watching):

What We're Reading — December 2024
Caleb Campbell
Church and Caesar in Acts 17 | Chris Ganski

Today, Chris Ganski shares a sermon on Acts 17:1-9. In the wake of the 2024 election, the book of Acts can be an excellent resource to consider the relationship between church and politics. In the context of Acts 17, does Caesar have anything to fear from the church? What is the church, and what does it mean to belong to the church? How does the church’s identity influence our understanding of the gospel as political? This and more on today’s podcast. 

Church and Caesar in Acts 17 | Chris Ganski
Caleb Campbell
Pastoring Post-Election | Caleb Campbell

Pastor Caleb Campbell joins the podcast to discuss how pastors might guide their congregations through the results of the 2024 election, drawing from his experience pastoring in Phoenix, AZ. He also discusses his book "Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor." How can we helpfully engage those in their community who align with combative political perspectives? How can pastors support members who are struggling to have conversations with family members, or for whom the election stirs up difficult emotions? This and more on today's episode. 

Pastoring Post-Election | Caleb Campbell
Douglas Estes
On Tolkien and Theology | Part II | Douglas ...

Douglas Estes joins the podcast once again to discuss the second volume of a collection of essays he edited on theology in the works and worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien. We talk about the role of narrative fiction in shaping pastoral theology and how works like The Lord of the Rings can serve those who lead the church in the present day.

On Tolkien and Theology | Part II | Douglas Estes

What We're Reading | CPT Staff

What We're Reading | CPT Staff

For our December episode on books we, the CPT staff, have been reading:

From Bully Pulpits to Katapulpits | Kevin Vanhoozer

From Bully Pulpits to Katapulpits | Kevin Vanhoozer

Preaching is an instance of “speaking into the air” (i.e., oral communication), but how effectual is this form of the ministry of the Word? In this 2023 CPT conference message, Dr. Vanhoozer begins by contrasting bully pulpits (an influential public platform from which to persuade) and “kata-pulpits” (speaking “in accordance with” Scripture) and commends the metaphor of the preacher as curator: one who uses the pulpit as a place to exhibit (to preserve, present, and promote) Scripture as the word of God, taking as his “text” Heinrich Bullinger’s claim in the Second Helvetic Confession that “the preaching of the word of God is the word of God.”

Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Ernest Gray

Becoming a Pastor Theologian | Ernest Gray

Ernest Gray tells his story of growing up in the church and coming to faith as a college student. He shares about the moment he knew the gospel was true, lessons he has learned about discerning the call to ministry, and the path the Lord has led him on since then. Along the way, he discusses anti-intellectualism in the church, the importance of 1 Peter and how this book has particularly shaped his life, the inconvenient nature of the pastorate, lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and much more!

Augustine, Apologetics, and the Church | Josh Chatraw

Augustine, Apologetics, and the Church | Josh Chatraw

Josh Chatraw joins the podcast to discuss two recent books: The Augustine Way and Surprised by Doubt. Josh talks about how questions from church members led him towards apologetics as a pastor and explains why the pastor theologian Augustine of Hippo provides a helpful model for reframing and pursuing the apologetic task today. Listen now to hear a discussion about such questions as: How does narrative and story help frame apologetics? Why is a robust theological anthropology important for the apologetic task? What do Charles Taylor, Peter Berger, Augustine, and Herman Bavinck have in common? How can an Augustinian apologetic help people navigate deconstruction?

Pastoral Authority | Mike Cosper

Pastoral Authority | Mike Cosper

Mike Cosper joins the podcast to refresh and expand on conversations from the 2023 CPT Conference about the nature of pastoral authority and how that authority can be abused. During the show, Cosper offers a definition of authority that highlights the locus of authority in relationship, encouraging pastors not to view themselves as inaccessible shepherds but as pastors of the people. Mike covers topics from mega churches to Mark Driscoll to Hannah Arendt.

Is Your Preaching Pain-Full? Adopting Paul’s Theology of Homiletical Weakness | Matthew Kim

Is Your Preaching Pain-Full? Adopting Paul’s Theology of Homiletical Weakness | Matthew Kim

In this plenary message from the 2023 CPT Conference, Power and the Pulpit, Matthew Kim asks us to consider whether our preaching embodies a contemporary pursuit of power or a Pauline theology of weakness. Reflecting on the examples of Jesus, Paul, and his own on personal history, Matthew Kim challenges preachers to lead the church from a posture of humble weakness that depends on the power of Christ.

Theologizing as a Pastor | Gerald Hiestand

Theologizing as a Pastor | Gerald Hiestand

CPT co-founder and board chair Gerald Hiestand joins the podcast to discuss some of the recent history of the CPT and how his transition from an associate pastor to senior pastor role affected his research and theological reflection. What are the challenges and advantages of doing theology from a pastoral post? Is it possible to live out the historic vision of the pastor theologian in today's cultural and church climate? How does the pastoral vocation tend towards simplicity but not "dumbing it down" in theological reflection?

What Is an M.A. in Ecclesial Theology? | Marc Cortez

What Is an M.A. in Ecclesial Theology? | Marc Cortez

Beginning in Fall 2021, the CPT will partner with the Wheaton College Graduate School in offering an M.A. in Theology with a concentration in Ecclesial Theology. This program is designed for students interested in studying theology with a specific orientation toward ministry in the local church. On this episode, CPT staff are joined by Marc Cortez, a Professor of Theology at Wheaton, to discuss this new program, its unique value for students, and how you can find out more and apply.