What does it mean to be a praying people? How do Tolkien's writings relate to prayer? On this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Ashish Varma dive into Ashish's essay titled "A Home Among the Trees: Prayer from the Heart of the Earth," which was published in A Praying People, a new book that James and Ashish co-edited. They also discuss some of the work he is doing with Princeton Theololigcal Seminary's Center for Asian American Christianity.  

A Praying People: Essays Inspired by Dwight L. Moody is available on amazon.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Praying-People-Essays-Inspired-Dwight/dp/1666765694

Read more from Ashish Varma at: https://caac.ptsem.edu/even-in-the-dark-reflections-on-diwali-and-the-stars-in-the-sky/

What does it mean to be a praying people? How do Tolkien's writings relate to prayer? On this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Ashish Varma dive into Ashish's essay titled "A Home Among the Trees: Prayer from the Heart of the Earth," which was published in A Praying People, a new book that James and Ashish co-edited. They also discuss some of the work he is doing with Princeton Theololigcal Seminary's Center for Asian American Christianity.  
A Praying People: Essays Inspired by Dwight L. Moody is available on amazon.com.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Praying-People-Essays-Inspired-Dwight/dp/1666765694">https://www.amazon.com/Praying-People-Essays-Inspired-Dwight/dp/1666765694</a>
Read more from Ashish Varma at: <a href="https://caac.ptsem.edu/even-in-the-dark-reflections-on-diwali-and-the-stars-in-the-sky/">https://caac.ptsem.edu/even-in-the-dark-reflections-on-diwali-and-the-stars-in-the-sky/</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>

Tolkien, Prayer, and Doing Theology with Ashish Varma

When faith leaders gathered at the White House for an Easter luncheon, the prayers offered weren't just politically awkward — they were theologically problematic. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move past the headlines to examine the deeper issues: What happens when national identity absorbs Christian identity? What does the Bible actually say about kings, suffering, and God's purposes for nations? And what does faithful Christian engagement with political power look like?

Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, the book of Esther, 1 Samuel, and the theology of Paul, Spencer and Varma assess the remarks of Paula White Cane, Franklin Graham, and Robert Jeffress — and explain why the problems run deeper than bad word choices. They also highlight what faithful public prayer can look like, pointing to Bishop Barron's remarks as a constructive contrast.

If you've been unsettled by the merger of Christian language and political power, this episode gives you the theological framework to understand why — and what to do with it.

Read James's Article on christianity.com (available 4/14).

Purchase Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on Amazon.com

See Ashish's Articles on providence at the Barth Center.

Get early access and a bonus with aPatreon membership.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

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

#ThinkingChristian #Theology #ModernTheology #ChurchHistory #ChristianScholarship #FaithAndReason #RogerOlson #IntellectualFaith

When faith leaders gathered at the White House for an Easter luncheon, the prayers offered weren't just politically awkward &mdash; they were theologically problematic. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move past the headlines to examine the deeper issues: What happens when national identity absorbs Christian identity? What does the Bible actually say about kings, suffering, and God's purposes for nations? And what does faithful Christian engagement with political power look like?
Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, the book of Esther, 1 Samuel, and the theology of Paul, Spencer and Varma assess the remarks of Paula White Cane, Franklin Graham, and Robert Jeffress &mdash; and explain why the problems run deeper than bad word choices. They also highlight what faithful public prayer can look like, pointing to Bishop Barron's remarks as a constructive contrast.
If you've been unsettled by the merger of Christian language and political power, this episode gives you the theological framework to understand why &mdash; and what to do with it.
Read James's Article on <a href="https://www.christianity.com/author/james-spencer/">christianity.com</a> (available 4/14).
Purchase Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on <a href="https://amzn.to/3PTebK5">Amazon.com</a>
See Ashish's Articles on providence at the <a href="https://barthcenter.substack.com/p/divine-providence-and-meaning-part">Barth Center</a>.
Get early access and a bonus with a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/thinkingchristian/membership">Patreon membership</a>.
Subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Useful_toGod">YouTube channel</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!
#ThinkingChristian #Theology #ModernTheology #ChurchHistory #ChristianScholarship #FaithAndReason #RogerOlson #IntellectualFaith

A King Like the Nations: The Easter Luncheon and the Theology Behind the Prayers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/0cf229d7-46bc-4874-ad13-b42801500594/transcript

Welcome to Thinking Christian

Introducing Dr. Christa McGirkland

The Personal Journey into Studying Authority

Richard De George's Framework for Authority

Adapting Philosophical Concepts for Christian

Executive and Non-Executive Authorities

Biblical Examples of Different Types of

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Authority

Reinterpreting 1 Timothy 2:12

The Complexities of 1 Timothy 2:12

Challenging Assumptions About Authority

The Importance of Community and Learning

The Dangers of Over-Interpretation

The Challenges of Biblical Interpretation

Embracing Epistemic Humility

The Clearer Path: Romans 12:10

Closing Thoughts and Book Promotion

Life Audio Partnership

Is the way we view church leadership actually doing more harm than good?  In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Christa L. McKirland—Dean of Faculty at Carey Baptist College and author of A Theology of Authority—to dismantle the "CEO model" of ministry and rediscover a biblical, communal framework for the Body of Christ. 



Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:


Beyond "Because I Said So": Discover why imperative authority—the power to command and compel consequences—is actually the lowest form of motivation and often misplaced in the church.


The Four Faces of Authority: Dr. McKirland breaks down the essential differences between Executive (positional) and Non-Executive (knowledge and character-based) authority.


Ending Pastoral Burnout: Learn how a "passive body" that expects to be spoon-fed creates a two-tiered hierarchy that exhausts leaders and robs congregants of their spiritual dignity.


Equipping the Saints: Explore the concept of "Equipping Performative Authority," where the leader's primary role is to empower the community for ministry, not do the ministry for them.


Navigating "Hard" Texts: A deep dive into the context of 1 Timothy 2 and why we often read universal prescriptions into specific historical prohibitions.

Key Takeaways for Your Walk: * 🛡️ Language of Resistance: How to use "Epistemic Authority" (knowledge) to fact-check teaching and protect your community from misinformation. 




🤝 The Sibling Paradigm: Why shifting from "Father" or "CEO" titles to "Brother and Sister" creates a culture of mutual submission and Christ-centered honor.


📖 Christocracy over Democracy: Moving past majority rule to a space where the community listens for the Spirit's voice together.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Christa L. McKirland is the Dean of Faculty and Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Carey Baptist College in New Zealand. She specializes in analytic and exegetical theology, bringing a "fine-tooth comb" approach to the concepts that shape our faith. 



Check out her book:A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church (Baker Academic).

Get early access and a bonus with aPatreon membership.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

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

 #ChurchLeadership #Theology #ChristianPodcast #Discipleship #SpiritualAuthority #EquippingTheSaints #BiblicalEquality #ThinkingChristian 🌟📖⛪

Is the way we view church leadership actually doing more harm than good? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Christa L. McKirland&mdash;Dean of Faculty at Carey Baptist College and author of A Theology of Authority&mdash;to dismantle the "CEO model" of ministry and rediscover a biblical, communal framework for the Body of Christ. 

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:
<ul data-path-to-node="3">
<li>
Beyond "Because I Said So": Discover why imperative authority&mdash;the power to command and compel consequences&mdash;is actually the lowest form of motivation and often misplaced in the church.
</li>
<li>
The Four Faces of Authority: Dr. McKirland breaks down the essential differences between Executive (positional) and Non-Executive (knowledge and character-based) authority.
</li>
<li>
Ending Pastoral Burnout: Learn how a "passive body" that expects to be spoon-fed creates a two-tiered hierarchy that exhausts leaders and robs congregants of their spiritual dignity.
</li>
<li>
Equipping the Saints: Explore the concept of "Equipping Performative Authority," where the leader's primary role is to empower the community for ministry, not do the ministry for them.
</li>
<li>
Navigating "Hard" Texts: A deep dive into the context of 1 Timothy 2 and why we often read universal prescriptions into specific historical prohibitions.
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Your Walk: * 🛡️ Language of Resistance: How to use "Epistemic Authority" (knowledge) to fact-check teaching and protect your community from misinformation. 

<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
🤝 The Sibling Paradigm: Why shifting from "Father" or "CEO" titles to "Brother and Sister" creates a culture of mutual submission and Christ-centered honor.
</li>
<li>
📖&nbsp;Christocracy over Democracy: Moving past majority rule to a space where the community listens for the Spirit's voice together.
</li>
</ul>
About Our Guest:
Dr. Christa L. McKirland is the Dean of Faculty and Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Carey Baptist College in New Zealand. She specializes in analytic and exegetical theology, bringing a "fine-tooth comb" approach to the concepts that shape our faith. 

Check out her book: <a href="https://amzn.to/4bvNjGX">A Theology of Authority:</a> Rethinking Leadership in the Church (Baker Academic).
Get early access and a bonus with a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/thinkingchristian/membership">Patreon membership</a>.
Subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Useful_toGod">YouTube channel</a>
To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on <a href="https://www.christianity.com/author/james-spencer/">Christianity.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!
&nbsp;#ChurchLeadership #Theology #ChristianPodcast #Discipleship #SpiritualAuthority #EquippingTheSaints #BiblicalEquality #ThinkingChristian 🌟📖⛪

🎙️ Rethinking Authority: From Control to Community with Dr. Christa L. McKirland

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/030b9db0-aaba-4df6-99d1-b41f008b99fc/transcript

How can local churches maintain a historic Christian sexual ethic while still being a place where anyone can belong, ask tough questions, and encounter Jesus? 



In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Pieter Valk, a licensed clinical counselor and the director of Equip. Together, they tackle the practical, often messy realities that local churches face today when navigating LGBTQ+ topics. Rather than sticking our heads in the sand, Pieter advocates for a framework built on clarity, consistency, and active discipleship.



They dive deep into the distinction between representational leadership roles and low-barrier opportunities for community service, exploring how churches can offer authentic belonging without compromising their theological convictions. Pieter also shares a vital reminder: the most critical LGBTQ+ ministry a church can do is care for the youth already sitting in their pews.



Whether you are a pastor, a church elder, or a believer looking to love your neighbors winsomely, this conversation offers a refreshing, grounded blueprint for building a healthy, thriving church community.



🔍 In this episode, you’ll discover:
The Power of Clarity: Why outlining expectations for mutual accountability prevents a "bait-and-switch" experience for visitors.
Serving vs. Representing: How to distinguish between general service and roles that represent the church's leadership and vision.
The "Belong, Believe, Become" Paradigm: A helpful framework for answering cultural critics while remaining faithful to the scriptures.
Pew-Side Ministry: Why proactive, compassionate discipleship for youth in the church is the most important step leaders can take

Get early access and a bonus with aPatreon membership.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

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

How can local churches maintain a historic Christian sexual ethic while still being a place where anyone can belong, ask tough questions, and encounter Jesus? 

In this episode of&nbsp;Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Pieter Valk, a licensed clinical counselor and the director of Equip. Together, they tackle the practical, often messy realities that local churches face today when navigating LGBTQ+ topics. Rather than sticking our heads in the sand, Pieter advocates for a framework built on clarity, consistency, and active discipleship.

They dive deep into the distinction between representational leadership roles and low-barrier opportunities for community service, exploring how churches can offer authentic belonging without compromising their theological convictions. Pieter also shares a vital reminder: the most critical LGBTQ+ ministry a church can do is care for the youth already sitting in their pews.

Whether you are a pastor, a church elder, or a believer looking to love your neighbors winsomely, this conversation offers a refreshing, grounded blueprint for building a healthy, thriving church community.

🔍 In this episode, you&rsquo;ll discover:
<ul>
<li data-path-to-node="12,0,1">The Power of Clarity: Why outlining expectations for mutual accountability prevents a "bait-and-switch" experience for visitors.</li>
<li>Serving vs. Representing: How to distinguish between general service and roles that represent the church's leadership and vision.</li>
<li>The "Belong, Believe, Become" Paradigm: A helpful framework for answering cultural critics while remaining faithful to the scriptures.</li>
<li>Pew-Side Ministry: Why proactive, compassionate discipleship for youth in the church is the most important step leaders can take</li>
</ul>
Get early access and a bonus with a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/thinkingchristian/membership">Patreon membership</a>.
Subscribe to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Useful_toGod">YouTube channel</a>
To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on <a href="https://www.christianity.com/author/james-spencer/">Christianity.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!

Belonging vs. Leading: Navigating LGBTQ+ Conversations in the Local Church

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/f14dfa42-decc-4ab6-8815-b41700aec37e/transcript

Tolkien, Prayer, and Doing Theology with Ashish Varma

In 1 playlist(s)

Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips