In this episode, James welcomes Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is the author of The Way of Belonging. James and Sarah discuss the idea of belonging, how it differs from fitting in, and the way that our relationship with God and our own self-awareness helps us cultivate a sense of belonging in the various contexts of our lives.

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

You can purchase Sarah's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). To find out more about Sarah, visit www.sarahewestfall.com. 

In this episode, James welcomes Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is the author of The Way of Belonging. James and Sarah discuss the idea of belonging, how it differs from fitting in, and the way that our relationship with God and our own self-awareness helps us cultivate a sense of belonging in the various contexts of our lives.
To connect with James, visit<a href="http://www.usefultogod.com"> usefultogod.com</a> or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on <a href="https://amzn.to/3S11cUL">amazon.com</a>. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course <a href="https://usefultogod.pathwright.com/library/serpents-and-doves-223289/about/">here</a>.
You can purchase Sarah's book at <a href="https://www.ivpress.com/the-way-of-belonging">ivpress.com</a> (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). To find out more about Sarah, visit <a href="https://www.sarahewestfall.com/about">www.sarahewestfall.com</a>.

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.

Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.
Find more from James at <a href="https://usefultogod.com/">https://usefultogod.com/</a>.

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.

Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.
Find more from James at <a href="https://usefultogod.com/">https://usefultogod.com/.</a>

How Should Christian Think About Belonging- A Conversation wtih Sarah E. Westfall

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation. Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyond end-times predictions to focus on a transformative encounter with Christ. Explore themes of John's loneliness on Patmos, the nature of persecution as pressure to conform, and how the revelation of Jesus Christ calls believers to live faithfully in the present. This episode offers fresh insights for Christians seeking to understand Revelation not just as a roadmap of the future, but as a call to a deeper, Christ-centered life today.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God:www.usefultogod.com

📖 Purchase Thinning the Veil at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation. Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyond end-times predictions to focus on a transformative encounter with Christ. Explore themes of John's loneliness on Patmos, the nature of persecution as pressure to conform, and how the revelation of Jesus Christ calls believers to live faithfully in the present. This episode offers fresh insights for Christians seeking to understand Revelation not just as a roadmap of the future, but as a call to a deeper, Christ-centered life today.
🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit <a href="http://www.thomastours.com/germanreformation.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJRQKpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTSEypuZsAyMEuswCKCuGLFL4BUlovwrz2v9YPBR1z8LCxjVTlredQ0ZLA_aem_HPoTFZNfKMFcMTQr0ntJPA">thomastours.com</a>.&nbsp;
🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com">www.usefultogod.com</a>
📖 Purchase Thinning the Veil at <a href="https://www.ivpress.com/thinning-the-veil">ivpress.com</a> (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)
📢 Stay Connected &amp; Keep Growing!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!
For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com/">Useful to God</a>&mdash;where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Shane Wood | Encountering Christ in Revelation

Why do so many ministry leaders fall—and how should the church respond when they do?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who’ve failed morally. Using the recent controversy involving Josh Buice as a springboard, they explore biblical standards for leadership, the quiet erosion of integrity in the digital age, and the pressure cooker of platform-driven ministry.

From elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 to the seductive lure of public influence, this conversation exposes how leadership loneliness, accountability gaps, and misplaced priorities contribute to moral collapse. And most importantly, it asks: What does real restoration look like—and who gets to decide when someone is ready?

If you're a pastor, church leader, or thoughtful Christian seeking discernment in a noisy, performative world, this episode will help you think clearly, biblically, and with grace.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God:www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Why do so many ministry leaders fall&mdash;and how should the church respond when they do?
In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who&rsquo;ve failed morally. Using the recent controversy involving Josh Buice as a springboard, they explore biblical standards for leadership, the quiet erosion of integrity in the digital age, and the pressure cooker of platform-driven ministry.
From elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 to the seductive lure of public influence, this conversation exposes how leadership loneliness, accountability gaps, and misplaced priorities contribute to moral collapse. And most importantly, it asks: What does real restoration look like&mdash;and who gets to decide when someone is ready?
If you're a pastor, church leader, or thoughtful Christian seeking discernment in a noisy, performative world, this episode will help you think clearly, biblically, and with grace.
🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit <a href="http://www.thomastours.com/germanreformation.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJRQKpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTSEypuZsAyMEuswCKCuGLFL4BUlovwrz2v9YPBR1z8LCxjVTlredQ0ZLA_aem_HPoTFZNfKMFcMTQr0ntJPA">thomastours.com</a>.&nbsp;
🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com">www.usefultogod.com</a>
📢 Stay Connected &amp; Keep Growing!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!
For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com/">Useful to God</a>&mdash;where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Restoring Fallen Leaders: Integrity, Platforms, and the Hidden Cost of Moral Failure

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Stanley K. Ridgely, author of "DEI Exposed," for a critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discover why Dr. Ridgely calls DEI the "biggest con of the 21st century," how it's impacting university campuses, and its ideological roots that categorize individuals into oppressors and victims. This episode delves into the Christian response to such cultural narratives, questioning underlying assumptions and seeking truth beyond prevailing ideologies. Explore themes of social justice, meritocracy, and the importance of critical thinking for Christians navigating today's complex world.

🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit thomastours.com. 

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God:www.usefultogod.com

📖 Purchase DEI Exposed at amazon.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

 

Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Stanley K. Ridgely, author of "DEI Exposed," for a critical examination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Discover why Dr. Ridgely calls DEI the "biggest con of the 21st century," how it's impacting university campuses, and its ideological roots that categorize individuals into oppressors and victims. This episode delves into the Christian response to such cultural narratives, questioning underlying assumptions and seeking truth beyond prevailing ideologies. Explore themes of social justice, meritocracy, and the importance of critical thinking for Christians navigating today's complex world.
🔗 For information about the upcoming German Reformation Tour visit <a href="http://www.thomastours.com/germanreformation.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJRQKpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTSEypuZsAyMEuswCKCuGLFL4BUlovwrz2v9YPBR1z8LCxjVTlredQ0ZLA_aem_HPoTFZNfKMFcMTQr0ntJPA">thomastours.com</a>.&nbsp;
🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com">www.usefultogod.com</a>
📖 Purchase DEI Exposed at&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3H3SphX">amazon.com</a>
📢 Stay Connected &amp; Keep Growing!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!
For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com/">Useful to God</a>&mdash;where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.
&nbsp;

How Should Christian Think About Belonging- A Conversation wtih Sarah E. Westfall

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